{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/05/01/buchanan-ross-reintroduce-bipartisan-petfax-act-to-increase-transparency-in-pet-sales/", "title": "Buchanan, Ross Reintroduce Bipartisan Petfax Act to Increase Transparency in Pet Sales", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Families Across America Deserve Transparency When Bringing a New Pet into Their Home, And Breeders Should Be Held to a Basic Standard of Accountability.”\n\nLegislation Empowers Consumers and Cracks Down on Unregulated Puppy and Kitten Mills\n\nWASHINGTON — Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, recently joined Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) to reintroduce the Petfax Act. The legislation would improve transparency in pet sales by giving families the information they need to identify whether an animal came from a high-volume breeder, problematic dealer or puppy or kitten mill-type supply chain.\n\nThe Petfax Act would require that pet purchasers be provided with a “Petfax” report detailing the conditions in which the animal was bred and raised. The bill would also establish stricter criteria for obtaining and maintaining licenses to sell pets, helping to ensure that only legitimate and responsible sellers are allowed to operate in the industry.\n\n“When you buy a car, you get a Carfax report detailing its full history. Adopting a pet should be no different,” said Buchanan. “Families across America deserve transparency when bringing a new pet into their home, and breeders should be held to a basic standard of accountability. The Petfax Act gives consumers the facts they need to make informed decisions and cracks down on inhumane puppy and kitten mills. As co-chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to once again partner with Congresswoman Ross on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.”\n\n“Dog lovers across the country are unknowingly subsidizing bad breeders who mistreat animals because they don’t have access to the basic facts they need to make informed decisions,” said Ross. “Congress needs to step in to ensure that adopters aren’t kept in the dark about the history and breeding of their animals. The Petfax Act will require that prospective pet owners receive essential information about their new family members, a step that will promote greater transparency and more responsible practices in the industry. As a proud dog owner, I remain committed to creating a future where every pet finds a loving home through ethical and informed choices.”\n\nExperts estimate there are at least 10,000 puppy mills operating in the United States, the vast majority of which are unregulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These inhumane commercial breeding facilities often sell animals in pet stores or online without disclosing key information about an animal’s history or health problems to potential adopters. By requiring disclosure of the history and health of animals to buyers, the Petfax Act will enforce transparency and accountability among breeders and sellers, and promote better treatment and breeding practices\n\nBuchanan, who co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress, is a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty, introducing and co-sponsoring dozens of important animal measures. He is also a two-time recipient of the Humane Society’s “Legislator of the Year” award, winning the award in 2015 and 2020.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=16463", "title": "Carter secures $53 million for Garden City terminal", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "buddycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "buddycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001103", "name": "Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SAVANNAH, GA — Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) this week secured $53 million in Port Infrastructure Development Grants for the Georgia Ports Authority’s Lay Berth and Supply Chain Optimization Project in Garden City, Georgia.\n\nFunding from the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration will support a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation and the construction of one lay berth capable of accommodating large container vessels. In addition, the project includes funding for NEPA-related planning for two additional lay berths to be developed in a future funding phase. The project will support critical port expansion and modernization efforts within Georgia’s First Congressional District, enhancing the efficiency and capacity of one of the nation’s key maritime logistics hubs.\n\n“I am proud to have helped secure $53 million for Georgia’s First, continuing President Donald Trump’s ongoing commitment to strengthening America’s domestic supply chain infrastructure and supporting economic growth through modernized port facilities. The Georgia Ports are the economic engine of the Southeast, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and adding billions of dollars to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP),” said Rep. Carter. “This investment in critical infrastructure will help Georgia continue its 12-year streak as the best state in which to do business.”\n\n“Vessel sailing schedule reliability is one of the most important performance metrics for ocean carriers. This lay berth project will enable us to significantly improve our berth utilization and productivity in the Port of Savannah,” said Griff Lynch, President and CEO, Georgia Ports Authority. “We are grateful for the continued support from Congressman Carter, Senator Warnock and Senator Ossoff.”\n\nRead letter of support here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415577", "title": "Christianity Daily article on Smith's TLHRC hearing'U.S. Congressional Hearing Highlights Crisis in North Korean Human Rights Movement'", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Christianity Daily\n\nPublished April 30, 2026 at 4:34 EDT\n\nCo-chaired by Smith and McGovern; testimony from Tara Oh and Suzanne Scholte highlights restrictions on information flow into North Korea and limits on defector-led activities\n\nThe Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan human rights body under the U.S. Congress, held a hearing on North Korean human rights at 12:30 p.m. on the 28th at the Rayburn House Office Building near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., focusing on the importance of the flow of external information to North Korean citizens and the human rights movement led by North Korean defectors.\n\nThe official theme of this hearing was “North Korean Human Rights Movement: Current Prospects and Obstacles.” The hearing was co-chaired by Republican Congressman Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) and Democratic Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA). The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission lists both lawmakers as co-chairs; Representative Smith represents New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District, and Representative McGovern represents Massachusetts’ 2nd Congressional District.\n\nDr. Tara O and Ms. Suzanne Scholte, President of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, testified at the hearing. According to the committee’s announcement, Dr. O was introduced as the author of “The Collapse of North Korea: Challenges, Planning, and Geopolitics of Unification” and a member of the Academic Committee of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, while Ms. Scholte was introduced as the chair of the North Korea Freedom Coalition and Free North Korea Radio.\n\nOn the third day of the 23rd North Korea Freedom Week, a North Korean human rights hearing hosted by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission is underway. Dr. Tara O (right) is delivering remarks, while Suzanne Scholte (left), chair of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, also testified at the hearing. | Photo credit: Christian Daily\n\n“Information from the outside is getting into even the closed-off North Korea”\n\nThe hearing began by examining the North Korean regime’s information blockade and control mechanisms. In its announcement, the committee described North Korea’s human rights situation as among the most severe and repressive in the world, noting that the regime strictly restricts freedom of expression, movement, and access to outside information. It also stated that reports continue to indicate that North Korean authorities have further intensified their efforts to block outside information and control ideology since the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Rep. Chris Smith said the North Korean regime denies freedom of expression, religion, and movement, and places particular emphasis on blocking citizens’ access to outside information, while noting that even within such a closed system, external information and ideas continue to seep in and become more valuable and powerful as the regime attempts to suppress them.\n\nCongressman Smith explained the significance of the flow of information by citing testimonies from North Korean defectors, noting that a written testimony from a defector leader stated that everything changes when North Korean citizens come to understand the rights God has given them. He also mentioned another defector’s experience of listening to the radio, explaining that banned radio signals served as the first window through which they encountered freedom and hope. He further emphasized that the most powerful force capable of changing North Korea is not military might but information, adding that information changes people, and changed people ultimately change society.\n\n“Policies that block the flow of information are not neutral measures”\n\nCongressman Smith also directly addressed the changing environment in South Korea surrounding the North Korean human rights movement. He noted that while the U.S. Congress and government have long regarded South Korea as an ally of liberal democracy and a partner in promoting human rights, concerns regarding the North Korean human rights movement have recently been raised.\n\nHe specifically highlighted restrictions on activities aimed at introducing information into North Korea, stating that policies that suppress the flow of information into North Korea or punish those seeking to reveal the truth are not neutral acts. He further emphasized that such policies affect whether North Korean citizens can hear alternative voices, whether defectors can continue their work, and whether the cause of human rights will advance or retreat.\n\nWhile noting that peace on the Korean Peninsula is necessary, Congresswoman Smith pointed out that North Korea cannot be deterred by suppressing the voices of freedom or restricting basic freedoms in the South. Referring to the North Korea Human Rights Act and bipartisan congressional engagement, he stated that the defense of human dignity and human rights is also a central issue in confronting the Kim regime’s nuclear threats.\n\nTara Oh Warns Shrinking Freedom in South Korea Undermines North Korean Human Rights Movement\n\nDr. Tara Oh, the first witness to testify, is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel who has served as a researcher at the Institute for Korean-American Studies and a visiting scholar at the Pacific Forum. She majored in public policy and earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis, a master’s degree from Princeton University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas. Her major publication is “The Collapse of North Korea”.\n\nDr. Oh linked the issue of human rights in North Korea to the state of liberal democracy in South Korea. She argued that while North Korean defectors are recognized as citizens of the Republic of Korea upon arriving in South Korea, that space of freedom is being lost. He continued by stating that restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of religion are increasing in South Korea, and that measures that suppress freedom are being codified into law.\n\nReferring to the South Korean Constitution and the liberal democratic order, Dr. Oh raised issues including recent discussions of constitutional amendments, controversies over freedom of expression, debates over election fairness, and the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. She argued that while it may appear to be a subtle change in wording on the surface, it is a matter that alters the very foundation of the political and economic system, adding that we must be wary of the trend toward shifting from a liberal democratic and market economy to a socialist order.\n\nShe also cited the law penalizing the distortion of history regarding the May 18th Democratization Movement, as well as investigations into anti-China remarks and allegations of election fraud, noting that there is a growing trend of framing critical remarks as hate speech and subjecting them to investigation. This point reflects Dr. Oh’s arguments and concerns and is a matter of significant political and legal debate within South Korea as well.\n\n“Issues of Freedom of Expression and Religious Freedom Are Linked to the Flow of Information into North Korea”\n\nDr. Oh also addressed the issue of religious freedom separately. She claimed that some pastors have faced investigations, lawsuits, and pressure to be detained due to political statements, participation in rallies, or invited speeches within churches. She continued by noting that South Korea is one of the countries in Asia where Christianity plays a significant role, and that it is a serious contradiction for legal attempts to suppress religious freedom to emerge in a country where the Constituent Assembly began with prayer.\n\nShe believed that if the space for civil society, churches, and North Korean defector organizations to operate within South Korea were to shrink, efforts to send information to North Korean residents would inevitably be affected. Dr. Oh stated that blocking the flow of information into North Korea is not simply a matter of one or two activists, but a matter of blocking the channels through which North Korean residents can access the outside world.\n\nSuzanne Scholte Says North Korean Human Rights Movement Faces Most Difficult Period in Its History\n\nA delegation of North Korean defectors from South Korea, who attended for this year’s North Korea Freedom Week events, were also present at the hearing. | Photo credit: Christian Daily\n\nSuzanne Scholte, who testified as the second witness, assessed that the North Korean human rights movement is facing an extremely difficult phase. She stated that they are currently facing the most challenging period in the history of the North Korean human rights movement, citing two reasons. First, she argued that for decades, the international community has not listened sufficiently to the voices of those who know North Korea best—namely, North Korean defectors. Second, she claimed that the South Korean government is neglecting its constitutional duty regarding North Korean human rights and the dissemination of information into North Korea.\n\nRegarding the nature of the North Korean regime, Scholte pointed out that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear weapons and that the dictatorship is concerned only with its own survival, not its people. She continued by emphasizing that human rights are the Achilles’ heel of the North Korean regime, adding that everything will change when North Koreans realize they were not born as slaves to the Kim family, but as beings endowed by God with the right to freedom.\n\nShe raised issues regarding the South Korean government’s suspension of broadcasts to North Korea, the cessation of support for defector organizations, and the enforcement of the law banning leaflets to North Korea, asserting that for the first time South Korea has ended all radio broadcasts to North Korea and, for the first time, it has ended all support for defector organizations. She also stated that they are actively enforcing the law banning leaflets to North Korea, which has been ruled unconstitutional, adding that this criminalizes activities aimed at securing the freedom and human rights of North Korean citizens.\n\n“North Korean defectors are the witnesses who know the reality of North Korea best”\n\nThroughout her testimony, Scholte emphasized the role of North Korean defectors, describing them as the people who know the reality of North Korea best and urging the U.S. Congress, South Korea, and the White House to listen to their voices.\n\nCiting the example of Radio Free North Korea, she shared the memory of a North Korean defector who secretly listened to foreign radio broadcasts in North Korea at the age of 13. The defector testified that he first encountered freedom and hope through that broadcast, and that it became a turning point in his life. Referring to this, Scholte stated that the most powerful force for changing North Korea is not military power but information, adding that information changes people and that changed people ultimately change society.\n\nIn the same vein, Congressman Smith remarked that North Korean defectors are the most reliable witnesses to what human dignity means and what is at stake between North Korea’s nuclear threats and the free world, adding that they are the agents of change who strengthen and educate the hearts of North Korean citizens. He continued by stating that both the U.S. government and South Korea must help ensure their voices are heard more widely within North Korea, adding that, as one defector testified, what the North Korean regime fears most is information from the outside.\n\n“Operation Truth”… “Delivering Truth, Hope, and the Gospel”\n\nRep. Chris Smith (second from right) presides over the hearing. | Photo credit: Christian Daily\n\nScholte described the effort to send information to North Korean citizens as Operation Truth. She stated that their goal is to reach North Korean citizens by land, sea, and air, adding that this effort is not merely about sending supplies, but about delivering truth, hope, food, and the Gospel.\n\nShe explained that various items—including USB drives, small radios, medicines, $1 bills, and leaflets—have been delivered to North Korean residents, noting that these efforts have served as a channel to break through the North Korean regime’s information blockade. She specifically mentioned a case from May 2023 of a family that defected via the West Sea, noting that the family had been exposed to leaflets since childhood and, as adults, viewed them as a sign that the outside world has not forgotten them.\n\nHowever, Scholte claimed that South Korean authorities have recently taken measures to block such activities, including deploying police, designating certain areas as danger zones, and encouraging the reporting of activists. She emphasized that North Korean residents cannot listen freely nor know freely, adding that Operation Truth is about delivering truth and hope to break down the walls of oppression.\n\nIssues of Forced Repatriation and North Korean POWs Also Raised\n\nThe hearing also addressed the issue of the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors in China and the deployment of North Korean troops to the war in Ukraine. Scholte pointed out that North Korean defectors detained in China face a high risk of torture and punishment if repatriated to North Korea, urging the U.S. and the international community to take stronger action to halt China’s forced repatriations.\n\nShe also mentioned the issue of North Korean soldiers being deployed to the front lines in Ukraine to support Russia, arguing that North Korean soldiers who have been taken prisoner must not be sent back to North Korea. She stated that repatriation to North Korea means torture and retaliation, adding that the international community must respond responsibly so that these individuals can start new lives in a free and safe environment.\n\nQ&A Session Addresses Controversies Over Chinese Influence in South Korea and Election Fairness\n\nFollowing the two witnesses’ presentations, the Q&A session covered issues such as the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in South Korea, controversies over election fairness, and the direction of U.S. human rights policy toward North Korea.\n\nCongressman Smith asked about the possibility of the Chinese Communist Party influencing public opinion, elections, and policy directions in South Korea. Dr. Oh expressed concern, citing the size of the Chinese resident population in South Korea, the issue of voting rights in local elections, and instances of election campaigning in Chinese in some regions. Regarding the election management system, she also argued that while there are calls from citizens for an investigation, the structure makes it difficult to address this through institutional channels.\n\nIn response, Rep. Smith stated that the concerns of the South Korean people must not be overshadowed by other international issues, indicating his intention to convey the testimony to the State Department and other relevant agencies. He emphasized that even when discussing nuclear issues, human rights must be at the forefront of the agenda from the very beginning, adding that North Korean human rights issues must not be pushed to the sidelines.\n\nScholte stated that the U.S. administration must once again speak out strongly on North Korean human rights issues. Recalling that President Donald Trump had specifically mentioned North Korea’s political prison camps, human trafficking, and religious persecution in a past address to the South Korean National Assembly, she expressed his hope that the United States would return to its position as a strong advocate for human rights.\n\n“Juche Ideology Is a System of Religious Worship”… Christian Persecution Also Mentioned\n\nIn the latter part of the hearing, the significance of Juche ideology in understanding the North Korean regime was also discussed. Scholte pointed out that Juche ideology should be viewed not merely as a political ideology but as a system of religious worship. She explained that the cult of personality surrounding the Kim Il-sung family has distorted and appropriated Christian language and symbols, adding that this is why the North Korean regime fears Christianity so intensely.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415580", "title": "The abortion pill is extremely dangerous to womenSmith applauds federal appeals court’s ruling in Louisiana v. FDA to pause the Biden FDA’s mail-order abortion drug scheme", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and leader of a congressional amicus brief in support of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, issued the following statement in response to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in The State of Louisiana v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which halted the Biden Administration’s dangerous mail-order abortion pill policy while litigation continues:\n\n“Today’s ruling, which takes effect nationwide, underscores the extreme dangers posed to women by the Biden FDA’s 2023 decision to eliminate the longstanding in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.\n\n“Mifepristone—the baby poison pill—barbarically starves unborn babies to death and is extremely harmful to women. A historic report released by the Ethics and Public Policy Center found that more than one out of ten (10.93%) women who take this dangerous pill experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or another serious adverse event within 45 days.\n\n“‘Abortion President’ Joe Biden’s FDA negligently and inexcusably allowed mifepristone to be easily ordered online and delivered through the mail, all without any in-person medical visits. The FDA’s reckless policy has endangered the lives of mothers and their unborn babies and prevented medical professionals from screening for contraindications, coercion, or other major health concerns.\n\n“Putting a pause on the egregious practice of mail-order abortion will help save countless lives, as the fight to remove mifepristone from the market continues.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-protests-call-redistricting", "title": "Congressman Cohen Protests Call for Redistricting", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), who has represented a majority-Black district in Congress since 2007, responded to state Republican lawmakers’ call for a special legislative session to consider redistricting, and made the following statement:\n\n“This transparent effort to create a seat for a member of Congress who will rubber stamp Trump’s increasingly bizarre and dangerous agenda will also dilute the Black vote in Tennessee to the point of irrelevance.\n\n“I have been consulting with voting rights lawyers and other experts to fight this move with every option available, political and legal. The filing deadline for candidates for the 120th Congress has passed. Were the General Assembly to change the district maps, candidates already seeking office in one district could find themselves in the absurd situation of running in another – a wholesale injustice to voters and a mockery of democracy.\n\n“Republican state lawmakers clearly have the votes to make this Machiavellian move. I hope fairness is part of their consideration and that they abandon it.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-bergman-lead-call-to-expedite-review-of-psychedelic-therapy", "title": "CORREA, BERGMAN LEAD CALL TO EXPEDITE REVIEW OF PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SANTA ANA, CA — Today, U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and General Jack Bergman (MI-01), co-chairs of the Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus (PATH), led a bipartisan letter of 30 members of Congress sent to 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. The letter follows the executive order that President Donald Trump signed on April 18 to increase research into psychedelic-assisted therapy, which has been a top priority of Rep. Correa.\n\n“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 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pending FDA approval,” the members said. “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.”\n\nMillions 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.\n\n“We remain committed to ensuring that Veterans and others living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions have access to safe, evidence-based care,” the members added. “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.”\n\nRep. Correa co-founded the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus with Rep. Bergman to address ways to alleviate the national mental health crisis through psychedelic science and research, which currently has 12 members. Representatives Correa and Bergman also led efforts in Congress to promote psychedelic treatments for veterans suffering PTSD, through advocating for more research funding and eventual inclusion of approved psychedelic therapies into veterans' VA care options once it is approved by the FDA.\n\nRead the letter here\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-calls-out-illegal-iran-war", "title": "CORREA CALLS OUT ILLEGAL IRAN WAR", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement after Congress failed to address the 60-day deadline required by the War Powers Resolution of 1973 regarding the administration’s military efforts in Iran:\n\n“I have been outspoken in my criticism of how the White House disregarded the Constitution by conducting the Iranian war without justifying its case to Congress and seeking our approval. Current law requires Congress to declare or authorize force within 60 days of military action. That deadline passed today after Congress left Washington without addressing the issue further.\n\n“Regardless of a ceasefire, this conflict has dragged out long enough without a proper justification. It has cost the lives of U.S. soldiers and Americans billions of dollars, not only through their taxpayer money but also the gas pump. The President needs to justify this war to Congress and to the American people. Better yet, let’s end this war now.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6825", "title": "Dingell, Stevens Introduce Vehicle Innovation Act", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) introduced the Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 to promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies to increase fuel efficiency, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our supply chains, and support American auto manufacturers and supplies.\n\n“Innovation has always defined the American auto industry, and that must remain the case as we confront the climate crisis. The Vehicle Innovation Act invests in the research and development needed to improve vehicle efficiency, strengthen domestic supply chains, and produce cutting-edge clean vehicle technology. This legislation empowers American workers, companies, and inventors, and will help ensure that Michigan and the United States continue to lead the world in automotive innovation,” said Congresswoman Dingell.\n\n“Michigan researchers and manufacturers are leading the charge to make our vehicles and our roads safer. I am proud to join Congresswoman Dingell in introducing our Vehicle Innovation Act, which will invest in critical research and development, strengthen American supply chains, and create good-paying jobs right here in Michigan,” said Congresswoman Stevens.\n\n“Auto Innovators thanks Reps. Dingell and Stevens for their leadership in introducing the Vehicle Innovation Act,” said John Bozzella, President & CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation. “Automakers are committed to a cleaner, safer, smarter transportation future, including major investments that have improved vehicle efficiency and advanced new safety technologies. This important legislation will support critical research and development programs needed to advance those goals while ensuring the United States remains a global leader in automotive innovation.”\n\nThe Vehicle Innovation Act reauthorizes the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, which works with manufacturers and suppliers to research, develop and deploy advanced vehicle technologies that improve energy efficiency. The bill also provides the Department of Energy with clear direction to build on successful research programs and encourages the development of a wide array of technologies that have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.\n\nExamples of potential fuel-saving technologies include vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communications, mild hybrid, engine down speeding, power pack modeling and testing, advanced boosting systems, new vehicle sensing and communication, hydrogen and natural gas refueling and electric vehicle charging technology.\n\nA copy of the legislation can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6845", "title": "Dingell, Colleagues Slam Administration for Funding Cuts to Home Care for Seniors", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and five of her House Democratic colleagues called out the Trump Administration for threatening to restrict Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) that provide support to older Americans and people with disabilities, providing a less expensive option for both families and the federal government. In a letter to Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the lawmakers stressed that millions of Americans rely on HCBS, and that cuts to these services would threaten access to necessary care.\n\n“More than 8.4 million people with disabilities and older adults rely on HCBS to live and age independently in their homes and communities, and they — along with their families and workers that make care possible — cannot afford cuts, reductions, or frozen funding to these life-saving services,” the lawmakers said.\n\nCongresswoman Dingell and the lawmakers rejected any implication that increased demand for HCBS constituted evidence of fraud. They also underscored how recent CMS actions to withhold and defer billions of dollars in Medicaid to fund tax cuts for big corporations is straining state budgets.\n\n“Growth in Medicaid spending reflects the needs of a rapidly growing population that requires care, and decades of progress to ensure people can live, age, and work with dignity in their homes and communities,” they said. “Cuts to Medicaid harm people with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers, and workers which Medicaid is intended to support.”\n\nIn addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the effort is supported by U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Nanette Barragan (D-CA-44)\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Administrator Oz:\n\nThis letter is regarding the actions being taken by this Administration that threaten to restrict Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS), which will ultimately harm people with disabilities and older adults. More than 8.4 million people with disabilities and older adults rely on HCBS to live and age independently in their homes and communities, and they — along with their families and workers that make care possible — cannot afford cuts, reductions, or frozen funding to these life-saving services.\n\nWe are concerned by continued attacks on Medicaid, including actions by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that undermine HCBS. We reject the implication that increased demand for HCBS, including behavioral health services and other integral services for people with disabilities, or the growth in the number of direct care workers is evidence of fraud.\n\nHCBS are essential supports that help older adults and people with disabilities with day-to-day activities such as bathing, dressing, managing medication, and participation in employment. More than one in four people in the U.S. have disabilities, and across the country, more than one in five adults receive ongoing support with everyday functional needs for aging and disability care. Family caregivers and direct care workers are also supported through Medicaid to provide life-saving, essential care. Growth in Medicaid spending reflects the needs of a rapidly growing population that requires care, and decades of progress to ensure people can live, age, and work with dignity in their homes and communities- which they often prefer- rather than costly institutional settings, often saving the government money.\n\nCuts to Medicaid harm people with disabilities, older adults, family caregivers, and workers which Medicaid is intended to support. States are already facing difficult decisions as they face more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other public services to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest and big corporations. At least 10 states — including Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, and Washington — have proposed eliminating or reducing some HCBS funding as they grapple with increasingly constrained budgets. Recent CMS actions to withhold and defer billions of dollars in Medicaid funds from Minnesota, including HCBS, further strain state budgets and threaten access to care.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2110", "title": "Ezell Applauds Federal Grant Award to Port of Gulfport to Strengthen Infrastructure and Supply Chains", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "ezell.house.gov", "scraper": "ezell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000235", "name": "Mike Ezell", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) announced that the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport has been awarded $11.25 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to support critical infrastructure improvements at the Port of Gulfport.\n\nThe funding will support the Gulfport Strategic Seaport Infrastructure Improvement Project, a key initiative aimed at enhancing the Port’s ability to efficiently move both commercial and military cargo.\n\n“This is a major win for Mississippi and for our nation’s supply chain,” Ezell said. “The Port of Gulfport plays a vital role in supporting our economy and our national defense. This investment will strengthen its capabilities, improve efficiency, and ensure it remains a critical asset for years to come. I was proud to support this application and advocate for these resources. This investment will deliver long-term benefits for our military, our businesses, and our local communities.”\n\n“Securing this award required strong partnership at every level,” Jon Nass, CEO and executive director of the Port of Gulfport said. “We are grateful to Congressman Ezell for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the Port in Washington to advance the Port’s growth.”\n\nThe project includes significant rail improvements on the West Pier to expand capacity and increase operational efficiency, as well as the development of a new east-west rail connection to reduce congestion along U.S. 90. In addition, the Port will receive upgraded cargo handling equipment and infrastructure enhancements designed to improve resilience and reliability.\n\nAs one of the nation’s designated Strategic Seaports, the Port of Gulfport is essential to both military readiness and commercial operations along the Gulf Coast. The improvements funded through this grant will help reduce freight bottlenecks, improve public safety, and enhance the overall efficiency of the region’s transportation network.\n\nThe project is also expected to leverage significant private investment, further amplifying its economic impact and reinforcing the Port’s role as a key driver of growth in Mississippi’s Fourth District.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://gimenez.house.gov/2026/5/congressman-carlos-a-gimenez-backs-executive-order-imposing-sanctions-on-cuban-regime-officials", "title": "CONGRESSMAN CARLOS A. GIMENEZ BACKS EXECUTIVE ORDER IMPOSING SANCTIONS ON CUBAN REGIME OFFICIALS", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gimenez.house.gov", "scraper": "gimenez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000593", "name": "Carlos A. Gimenez", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MIAMI, FL - Today Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez issued the following statement in support of President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order, Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy:\n\nCongressman Carlos A. Gimenez said, \"The newly implemented sanctions against the Cuban regime are necessary to target its security apparatus—the machine that jails political prisoners and oppresses its people.\n\n\"Anyone who props up this tyranny will face serious consequences.\n\n\"We must end this repressive regime that continues to pose a significant threat to our national security. The days of impunity are over. Freedom and our security are not negotiable.\"\n\nRead President Trump's Executive Order HERE.\n\nRead the White House Fact Sheet HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-joins-healthcare-providers-advocates-to-spotlight-dangerous-gop-cuts-to-medicaid", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Joins Healthcare Providers, Advocates to Spotlight Dangerous GOP Cuts to Medicaid", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva recently joined Protect Our Care Arizona to mark the ninth annual Medicaid Awareness Month and hold Donald Trump and Republicans accountable for slashing over $1 trillion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to fund and major corporations. Medicaid is the largest health insurance provider in the country, covering over , including 1,565,458 Arizonans, and Republicans pulled the rug out from under the program. Children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families who rely on Medicaid are already facing the fallout of this Republican-manufactured health care crisis, as over 108,824 Arizonans have already lost their coverage.\n\nThese cuts put hospitals, nursing homes, maternity wards, and critical providers across the state at risk of closing their doors, creating health care deserts and forcing rural communities to travel hours for essential care. So far, eight Arizona hospitals and clinics have closed, risk closure or have announced budget cuts, which will send shockwaves throughout the entire state while also taking away health care workers’ jobs. Panelists discussed the consequences of gutting Medicaid, and held Trump and Republicans accountable for their decision to put tax breaks for billionaires ahead of health care for families.\n\n“They are literally trading the health of our neighbors for the profits of a few,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Medicaid is the largest health insurance provider in this country, covering 68 million Americans. Here in Arizona, it is a lifeline for more than 1.5 million people. These are our children, our seniors, and our families who work multiple jobs just to keep the lights on.”\n\n“Republicans pretend to be ‘anti-bureaucracy’ – yet they pass laws that are designed to bury Arizonans in red tape and prevent them from getting Medicaid coverage. This will cause an to lose health care coverage. Meanwhile almost already because Republicans refused to extend Affordable Care Act premium assistance.\n\nThis isn’t just about insurance coverage; it’s about the very infrastructure of our state. When you gut Medicaid, you also gut our hospitals. In our rural communities—places like Nogales and Bisbee—this is a matter of survival. Rural hospitals rely on Medicaid to keep their doors open. showed that multiple hospitals across the state are at risk of closing due to Medicaid cuts.”\n\n“I'm a primary care provider and I am on the front lines witnessing something I could have never imagined I would see in this country,” said Joy Maines, PA-C MMS. “The unraveling of care, compassion and the basic solidarity that wants to find us as a nation. It's happening now. It's real and it's frightening. $900 billion dollars or almost a trillion, but I'll say $900 billion dollars in Medicaid cuts, it may sound like a statistic, but statistics don't sit in waiting rooms. Statistics don't receive life altering diagnoses. Statistics don't lose their jobs, their homes or their hope. People do. Our neighbors, our co-workers, the very individuals who hold our communities together.”\n\n“And it's also important for everyone to realize that people that are on Medicaid, they're not poor, they're not lazy, they're not trying to scam the system,” said Chris Fells, Tucson mother and advocate. “People are working and still need to be on Medicaid because they don't have another health insurance option. People on disability go through an extremely difficult process before that is approved. So, I think this stigma that some of our Republican leadership tries to portray, that everyone is out scamming the system and abusing it for Medicaid, is just a ridiculous concept that is so untrue and has to be really focused on so we take that stigma away from people that are on Medicaid and that truly need that.”\n\nYou can watch the full event .\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-leads-effort-to-rein-in-for-profit-charter-schools-with-new-bill", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Leads Effort to Rein in For-Profit Charter Schools With New Bill", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHARTER Act would ensure every charter school follows federal law\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva joined Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici in co-leading the Championing Honest and Responsible Transparency in Education Reform (CHARTER) Act, legislation that would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure funds made available under these Acts are not awarded to charter schools that enter into contracts with a for-profit entity for operating, overseeing, or managing the charter school.\n\n“For too long, for-profit companies in Arizona and across the country have exploited loopholes to cash in on our public education system — putting profits ahead of students and operating with little accountability,” said Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. \"That’s unacceptable. Every dollar meant for our kids should be going into classrooms, teachers, and resources — not into corporate pockets. I'm grateful to join Congresswoman DeLauro in introducing the CHARTER Act so that we can make clear that our children are not a business model to be profited off of.\"\n\n“For-profit companies are disguising themselves as schools, trading in taxpayer funds for boosted profits at the expense of our children’s learning,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. \"For-profits, unlike non-profit organizations, are responsible for maximizing profit for their owners and investors, and that creates tension between what is best for students and what is best for profiteers. The CHARTER Act would reaffirm federal law and ensure that for-profit education management organizations can no longer exploit loopholes that have given them access to funding intended for non-profit entities. Education empowers the American Dream, and every child deserves access to a quality education that puts them first— not profits for owners and investors.”\n\n“Profit should never be a driving force in public education, and charter schools should not be exploited to siphon federal funding into for-profit schemes,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I’m grateful to be leading this initiative with Rep. DeLauro to keep student funding in public schools where it belongs.”\n\nIn 2006, the United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit Court in Arizona State Board v. United States Department of Education found that the terms ‘‘elementary school’’ and ‘‘secondary school’’ in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) were limited to nonprofit entities, holding that for-profit charter schools were ineligible for Federal funds under the ESEA and the IDEA. In response to the decision, many for-profit charter schools reorganized as for-profit operators of nonprofit organizations, enabling them to continue to receive federal funds under the ESEA and the IDEA. Using this loophole, charter schools run by for-profit education management organizations (EMOs) or other charter school “operators” receive federal funds only to have their schools run by low-quality, for-profit companies determined to extract taxpayer dollars with little to no public transparency.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-statement-on-bulldozing-of-1000-year-old-cultural-site-during-border-wall-construction-on-the-tohono-o-odham-nation", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Statement on Bulldozing of 1,000 Year-Old Cultural Site During Border Wall Construction on the Tohono O’odham Nation", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after a Department of Homeland Security contractor damaged a 1,000-year-old cultural site, the Las Playas Intaglio, during border wall construction on the Tohono O’odham Nation. This is not the first instance a cultural site on the Tohono O’odham Nation has been damaged.\n\n“Bulldozing a 1,000-year-old sacred site is not an accident – it’s the predictable result of rushing forward with a (second) wasteful border wall. It is a blatant act of disrespect and an unacceptable violation of tribal sovereignty, traditions, and the ancestry of the O’odham people,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This is not just temporary damage to land – it is irreparable destruction of a sacred place tied to the O’odham people’s history, identity, and spiritual practices, passed down across generations. Unfortunately, this is not the first time a sacred site has been desecrated by border wall construction – and it will not be the last until the federal government takes its legal obligation to tribal consultation and following environmental laws seriously.”\n\n“The Tohono O’odham Nation has been clear: these walls divide their communities, desecrate sacred land, and do nothing to make us safer. DHS must immediately halt construction, fully investigate this incident, and be held accountable for the damage already done. Instead of wasting $46 billion on a harmful and useless second border wall, this Administration should be investing in real solutions that strengthen our communities.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=844", "title": "U.S. Senate Unanimously Approves Congressman Hamadeh’s Effort to Preserve F-14 Tomcat Legacy", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the companion bill to Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s Maverick Act of 2026. Congressman Hamadeh’s bill will preserve the last three F-14 Tomcats for public display and educational purposes.\n\nThe Maverick Act of 2026 creates a narrow exception to the post-retirement restrictions that have destroyed nearly all F-14s, ensuring that its legacy is preserved. The Maverick Act allows three of the world’s final Tomcats to be demilitarized and transferred for public display and education under strict national security safeguards. It does not restore combat capability or reopen foreign transfer.\n\n“I want to thank Senator Sheehy and his colleagues for passing this legislation aimed at preserving for history one of the most iconic aircraft ever flown,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As a former U.S. Army officer, I know that many of the men and women I served with felt the same way. That is why I proudly introduced this legislation.”\n\n“I am also grateful to the cosponsors of the bill in the House, who have already offered their enthusiastic support,” stated Congressman Hamadeh.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of Congressman Hamadeh’s bill include Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA), Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), and Congressman James Moylan (R-GU).\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn an amendment to the FY26 defense bill signed into law by President Trump, Congressman Hamadeh also secured five T-37 jet trainer aircraft from Tucson’s boneyard, saving them from final destruction. These jets trained aces, astronauts, and our first female aviators and now, the Arizona Aviation Historical Group will bring one back to its former glory, promoting historical preservation, STEM, aviation education, and recruitment.\n\nFrom Naval History and Heritage Command:\n\nThe F-14, a carrier-based aircraft, entered the U.S. Navy inventory in 1972 and retired in September 1996.\n\nKnown for its AIM-54 Phoenix missile system and its portrayal in Top Gun, it saw extensive service in the Gulf War, the Balkans, and Iraq.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-03T06:07:11Z"}
{"url": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases/comisionado-residente-al-puertorriqueno-no-le-importan-las-peleas-internas-le", "title": "Comisionado Residente: “Al puertorriqueño no le importan las peleas internas; le importa su bolsillo”", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "hernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001103", "name": "Pablo José Hernández", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "RÍO GRANDE, Puerto Rico — El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Pablo José Hernández, afirmó que Puerto Rico tiene una oportunidad concreta de atraer mayor inversión en manufactura en la agenda federal, y subrayó que capitalizar dependerá de una mayor alineación entre el sector público y privado.\n\nDurante la Convención de la Asociación de Industriales de Puerto Rico, y en el marco del foro “Puerto Rico en la agenda federal: Agilidad, política y oportunidades de desarrollo,” el Comisionado destacó medidas como el Supply Chain Security and Growth Act (H.R. 3128), del cual es coauspiciante, dirigidas a posicionar a Puerto Rico como un destino estratégico para manufactura dentro de cadenas de suministro críticas en Estados Unidos.\n\n“Puerto Rico tiene con qué competir, pero tenemos que estar listos para aprovechar las oportunidades que se están abriendo en Washington.” expresó el Comisionado.\n\nEl Comisionado explicó que el entorno actual está redefiniendo dónde se invierte y se produce, creando un escenario competitivo donde Puerto Rico puede avanzar si actúa con enfoque y coordinación. En ese contexto, reafirmó la importancia de fortalecer factores clave para la competitividad, incluyendo un sistema energético confiable y costo-efectivo, con mayor supervisión, inversión en la red eléctrica y resiliencia ante desastres.\n\nA la vez, subrayó que la estabilidad económica también requiere fortalecer el sistema de salud, señalando que asegurar la continuidad de fondos de Medicaid y atender las disparidades en Medicare es fundamental para sostener el crecimiento.\n\n“Cuando ustedes hablan de Medicaid, son la base económica de Puerto Rico explicando lo que pasa si colapsa nuestro sistema de salud… Esto no es caridad. Es estabilidad económica,” expresó.\n\nEl Comisionado instó a trascender diferencias partidistas y a que el sector privado se inserte activamente en Washington, enfatizando que atender los retos estructurales del país y capitalizar las oportunidades federales requiere un esfuerzo conjunto. “Las metas comunes deben trascender la política partidista,” puntualizó.\n\nLa participación del Comisionado Residente forma parte de una estrategia más amplia para alinear al sector público y privado en torno a una agenda federal que promueva crecimiento económico, estabilidad institucional y mejores condiciones de vida para Puerto Rico.\n\nPara ver la transcripción completa de sus expresiones, accede AQUÍ.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9981", "title": "RELEASE: HILL STAFFER AWARDED WCSA OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today announced that Savannah Berryman, his Director of Operations, was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Operational Excellence Award by the Women’s Congressional Staff Association (WCSA).\n\nThe Operational Excellence Award recognizes a scheduler or operations professional whose organization, coordination, and execution are essential to the success of a congressional office. Ms. Berryman was nominated by other Hill staffers in recognition of her exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to serving Arkansas’s Second Congressional District.\n\nRep. Hill said, “Savannah is the backbone of this office. She ensures that central Arkansans have every opportunity to meet with my team and me, and she keeps my days on schedule, all while making sure the office runs smoothly. This award is well-earned. I couldn’t be prouder of her, and I’m deeply grateful to have such an outstanding performer on my team.”\n\nMs. Berryman has been with Congressman Hill’s office for nearly 3 years.\n\nThe award was presented on Friday, April 17 at the WCSA Awards Celebration, where Berryman was honored alongside other outstanding congressional staff on Capitol Hill.\n\nThe Women's Congressional Staff Association is a bipartisan organization dedicated to fostering professional development and strengthening support systems for women staffers on Capitol Hill, regardless of party affiliation, background, or job title.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyer-statement-passage-fy26-department-homeland-security-funding-bill", "title": "Hoyer Statement on Passage of  FY26 Department of Homeland Security Funding Bill", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyer.house.gov/media", "domain": "hoyer.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000874", "name": "Steny H. Hoyer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement on the passage of a bill to fund all agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), except Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):\n\n\"On February 11th, 2026, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro and I introduced a bill that would fund the law-abiding agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, excluding ICE and CBP. House Republicans rejected this legislation, and DHS shut down 3 days later. On March 27th, 2026, the Senate passed essentially the same bill by unanimous consent, which, again, House Republicans rejected. On April 30th, 2026, the House passed legislation that accomplishes the very objective that Democrats have been pushing for since February 11th – 78 days later.\n\n\"After passage of the bill, Speaker Johnson immediately went on to say that every Democrat is against immigration enforcement and border security. That is false. Democrats are against the lawlessness that has resulted in the death and illegal incarceration of U.S. citizens and other individuals. These continued attempts to flip the narrative and avoid accountability for holding this critical funding hostage are shameful. House Republicans kept DHS shut down for over 70 days due to their unwillingness to work across the aisle and find common-sense reforms that protect the American people from the criminal and unconstitutional conduct of ICE and CBP.\n\n\"Moving forward, I encourage my Republican colleagues to abandon their partisan agenda and work with Democrats to create substantial reforms to our country’s immigration enforcement.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-17T06:10:29Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-17T06:12:11Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2529", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Secures Major Wins for TX-13 in the 2026 Farm Bill", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) is proud to have secured major wins for TX-13 farmers, ranchers, and producers with passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in the House. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration and marks an important step toward strengthening America’s agricultural economy, food supply, and rural communities.\n\n“This legislation delivers certainty for our agricultural producers, strengthens our food supply chain, and ensures the viability of our rural communities,” said Rep. Jackson. “At a time when our farmers and ranchers are facing increased production challenges, moving this bill forward is a critical step towards keeping U.S. agriculture competitive, resilient, and secure.”\n\nRep. Ronny Jackson’s Included Provisions:\n\nFeral Swine Eradication and Control Program Coordination with Land Grant Universities: Directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to partner with qualified land grant universities, like Texas A&M, to strengthen feral swine control, eradication, and land remediation efforts\n\nDietary Guidelines Reform Act: Codifies the Trump administration’s evidence-based reforms to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and removes the Biden administration’s weaponization that promoted radical environmental policies and attacked conventional protein sources\n\nRural Health Care Technical Assistance Program Act: Codifies and expands USDA’s Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program, helping to enhance financial and operational capabilities for critical health care facilities in rural America\n\nPilot Program to Review Effectiveness of Coverage Penalty: Establishes a USDA pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of crop insurance coverage penalties for late-planted crops in the Texas Panhandle\n\nAgriculture Infrastructure Stability Act: Directs the USDA Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to develop a crop insurance policy to help cotton producers manage increased risks associated with harvesting crops that were failed in the early growing season, ensuring additional cotton bales are processed throughout the cotton industry supply chain\n\nEnhanced Biosecurity During a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak: Strengthens USDA’s foreign animal disease preparedness and response capabilities by explicitly including biosecurity assistance and the costs of enhanced biosecurity measures in producer support programs\n\nLamb Industry Insurance Policy Study: Requires the USDA to conduct a study evaluating the feasibility and design of a federal insurance program for the domestic lamb industry, assessing options to provide sheep producers with risk management tools comparable to those available in other livestock sectors\n\nAdverse Weather Exemption for Livestock Risk Protection Insurance: Directs the USDA to evaluate the potential for additional flexibilities under the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program that would allow feeder cattle producers impacted by adverse weather events, including wildfires, to sell covered livestock outside the current 60-day marketing window without losing insurance coverage\n\n15% Cap for Administrative Fees on USDA Animal Disease Program: Ensures more federal funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program is used by eligible entities to conduct critical animal disease surveillance, prevention, and diagnostic work that keep America’s livestock producers safe by capping eligible entities’ administrative costs at no more than 15%\n\nTopline Wins:\n\nCredit:\n\nUpdates and modernizes USDA farm loan limits to reflect real-world land values and rising input costs, increasing Guaranteed Operating Loans to $3 million and Guaranteed Ownership Loans to $3.5 million\n\nAllows distressed guaranteed loans to be refinanced into direct loans, helping family farmers and ranchers navigate high-interest-rate environments and volatile commodity markets while maintaining operational stability\n\nStreamlines experience requirements for beginning farmers and ranchers to expand access to credit for new agricultural producers\n\nEstablishes a pre-approval pilot program for ownership and operating loans to streamline producer’s access to capital\n\nStrengthens the Farm Credit System and expands partnership flexibility with community lenders to finance essential rural facilities, including health care, childcare, and emergency services infrastructure\n\nConservation:\n\nIntegrates precision agriculture technologies into Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), expanding cost-share support for water conservation, irrigation efficiency, and innovative soil health practices\n\nMaintains the statutory 50% livestock allocation within EQIP, ensuring cattle producers in the Texas Panhandle remain prioritized under working lands conservation programs\n\nRural Development:\n\nInvests in rural water and wastewater infrastructure through zero- and low-interest loans, principal forgiveness for distressed systems, emergency assistance grants, and codification of the Circuit Rider Program\n\nReauthorizes and strengthens rural broadband programs, raises minimum speed standards, prioritizes truly unserved areas, and limits overbuilding to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while expanding high-speed connectivity across rural America", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1295", "title": "John James votes to strip pesticide liability shield out of farm bill", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "james.house.gov", "scraper": "james", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000307", "name": "John James", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman John James (R-Shelby Township, MI-10) issued the following statement after voting for the farm bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday:\n\n“This is the biggest win for clean food that we’ve had in my lifetime. I’m pumped about this.\n\n“I voted to strip legal protection from companies that make pesticides and give it back to you. Cancer is on the rise in the Midwest and in much younger people as well. There are serious questions about what pesticides are doing to our bodies, and courts across the country have been ruling against these corporations for years. They’ve been sprayed on food that our kids are eating and for far too long, companies have avoided accountability while Americans pay with our lives. Not anymore. This is the biggest MAHA win yet.\n\n“I also voted to ban foreign governments like China from buying American farmland. It’s our soil, our food supply, and our national security is not for sale.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-47-members-demand-transparency-on-migrant-facility-housing-pregnant-girls/", "title": "Brownley, 47 Members Demand Transparency on Migrant Facility Housing Pregnant Girls", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "juliabrownley.house.gov", "scraper": "juliabrownley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001285", "name": "Julia Brownley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) and 47 Members of Congress sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding transparency on its alleged policy of detaining girls, including pregnant girls, at the Urban Strategies San Benito (USSB) ORR facility in Texas. In the letter, the members condemned the Trump administration for violating established legal precedent requiring unaccompanied minors have access to all reproductive healthcare options and requested information regarding their care.\n\nThe Members requested transparency on HHS’s practice of housing pregnant girls in Texas, a state without access to abortions, writing, “We write to confirm your agency’s alleged practice of placing all pregnant unaccompanied children in the care of a single Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) shelter in San Benito, Texas. If so, this policy would contradict your agency’s Field Guidance #21, which requires ORR to place unaccompanied pregnant minors in states that provide access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options.”\n\nThe members continued, writing, “These children have survived extraordinary hardship to arrive in the United States. All are entitled to the full range of medical care, including reproductive health care, as required by ORR’s own regulations. Deliberately placing them in a medically inadequate facility in a state that bans abortion over the objections of the agency’s own health officials is a political decision, not based on the welfare of children.”\n\nCongressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) led the letter. Other members who signed the letter include: Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-TX), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Judy Chu (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Darren Soto (D-FL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Deborah K. Ross (D-NC), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Greg Casar (D-TX), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA).\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2426", "title": "With Nearly 200 Prescription Drugs Facing Shortages, Kennedy Delivers $338,000 to D’Youville University School of Pharmacy for New Drug Compounding Space", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "New, Secure, and Regulated Space will Feature Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding, Promoting Research and Innovation\n\nEnsuring the Availability of Hazardous Compounding Services is Vital for Treatment of Conditions Such as Cancer\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy visited D’Youville University today to announce he secured $338,000 in federal funding for DYU’s School of Pharmacy’s drug compounding space. The project will transform the facility into a secure, regulated space featuring sterile and non-sterile compounding services. The project will promote research and innovation at DYU while addressing critical service gaps in Western New York. Ensuring the availability of hazardous compounding services is crucial given their vital role in treating conditions such as cancer.\n\n“Modern healthcare professionals need access to modern medicine,” said Congressman Kennedy. “D’Youville University’s School of Pharmacy plays a key role in filling the need for highly-trained pharmacists. With this funding, we’re ensuring students have real hands-on experience with the latest cutting-edge technologies, while simultaneously providing access to lifesaving drugs for Western New Yorkers who are facing shortages. As a D’Youville alumnus, I’m incredibly proud to see my alma mater continue to lead the way in innovation and public service.”\n\n“This investment strengthens pharmacy education while directly expanding access to critical healthcare services in our community,” said D’Youville University President Lorrie Clemo, PhD. “By modernizing our compounding facilities, we are better preparing students for high-demand careers and addressing a significant gap in access to complex medications for patients across Buffalo and Western New York.”\n\nNew York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, \"Healthcare access remains a challenge in many communities throughout Western New York, so any investments to help bridge that gap are critical. I'm grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing this funding, which will expand access to life-saving treatments and create new opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare.\"\n\n“I commend Tim Kennedy for securing this funding,” said New York State Senator Jeremy Zellner. “D’Youville University is quickly emerging as a healthcare hub for Western New York, and this investment strengthens both access to care and the workforce pipeline we urgently need. At a time when drug shortages are already impacting patients, expanding safe, regulated compounding capacity locally isn’t optional — it’s necessary.”\n\nDeputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera said, “At a time when drug shortages are impacting communities across the country, this investment at D’Youville is an important step forward for Erie County. Expanding compounding capacity means patients, especially those undergoing critical treatments like cancer care, can access the medications they need, when they need them. I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for his tireless advocacy and for being a strong partner in delivering resources that strengthen public health across our community.”\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “This investment in D’Youville University’s School of Pharmacy is a major step forward for both healthcare access and innovation in Western New York. By expanding sterile and hazardous compounding capabilities, this project will help ensure that patients, especially those undergoing complex treatments like cancer care, can receive the medications they need close to home. I thank Congressman Kennedy for delivering this critical funding, which will strengthen our local healthcare infrastructure, support cutting-edge research, and make high-quality, affordable care more accessible for families across the Buffalo community.”\n\n“Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Timothy Kennedy, this investment in D’Youville University will expand access to critical healthcare services and help ensure patients in Buffalo can receive essential treatments closer to home,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “D’Youville has long been a leader in advancing healthcare access for underserved communities on the West Side, and this project builds on that legacy while making care more accessible and equitable for all.”\n\nThe ability to offer hazardous compounding services will allow critical treatments to seamlessly integrate into the local healthcare landscape, promoting convenience, accessibility, and affordability for community members. This project will also enable DYU's School of Pharmacy to meet critical industry standards, which provide for the safe handling of hazardous drugs and compounding quality nonsterile preparations. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 14,000 job openings for pharmacists each year for the next decade, the need to prepare students to meet the needs of patients has never been greater. Additionally, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists reports that there are currently 189 drugs in a state of shortage, further underscoring the need for expanded compounding services to help bridge that gap.\n\nCurrently, the nearest sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding provider is approximately 15 miles away, creating transportation and access challenges for many patients, particularly those requiring complex therapies such as genetic, oncology, and research treatments.\n\nRep. Kennedy is a D’Youville graduate, having earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in occupational therapy. Prior to entering public service, Kennedy actively practiced as an OT for more than a decade.\n\nAbout D’Youville University\n\nD’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/143k-wildlife-conservation", "title": "$143K for Wildlife Conservation", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Commonwealth’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will receive $143,053, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday. This funding is part of $57 million in State Wildlife Grants apportioned for fiscal year 2026 to states and territories nationwide. The award will support conservation efforts for species of greatest conservation need, as identified in the CNMI’s State Wildlife Action Plan. Eligible projects include research, restoration, monitoring, habitat management, and other proactive measures to protect and sustain these species. Congratulations to DFW on t\n\nhis investment in conservation.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/airport-and-road-recovery", "title": "The Airport and the Road to Recovery", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Having served as Chairwoman of the Commonwealth Ports Authority, it was difficult to see the damage at the Saipan International Airport after the super typhoon. I toured the facility on Friday with CPA Executive Director Esther Ada and her team to assess the extent of the impact. The airport took a significant hit. Rebuilding homes and communities is a major task, but restoring our economy is just as important. The airport is central to that. It is how supplies come in, how relief reaches us, and how we reconnect to the outside world. I am grateful to the CPA team for keeping operations moving, supporting incoming relief flights, and working toward restoring full access as part of our recovery.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/assessing-sinlakus-impact-tinians-power-plant", "title": "Assessing Sinlaku’s Impact on Tinian’s Power Plant", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Tuesday, we toured the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation power plant in Tinian to assess firsthand the damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. We met with CUC Tinian Resident Manager Evelyn Manglona and her dedicated staff who have been working tirelessly to restore essential services in the aftermath of the storm. I was joined by Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan and Chief of Staff Allen Perez as we discussed immediate recovery needs, long-term resiliency improvements, and the federal support necessary to strengthen our islands against future disasters.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/getting-updates-ground-4", "title": "Getting Updates on the Ground", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "We wrapped up the day at the Commonwealth Health Center, where we met with volunteers and staff from Samaritan's Purse providing free medical services to our community. Alongside CHCC CEO Esther Muna and her awesome team, we toured the hospital to assess the strain this disaster is placing on its capacity and operations. Thank you to the CHCC team and all the volunteers stepping in to make sure care remains available during this time.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/ground-mayor-rb", "title": "On the Ground with Mayor RB", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Mayor RB Camacho and the Saipan Mayor’s Office team have been out in the field since before the all clear was declared. You have seen them on the roads and in our villages, clearing debris, reopening access, and checking in on neighbors. In the middle of a busy schedule, Mayor RB took the time to drive me through some of the hardest hit areas. We talked through the realities of response, the needs of his team, and where additional federal support can make a difference. Thank you, Mayor RB, and to the entire Mayor’s Office team for the work you are doing across our island.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/ground-tinian-mayors-office", "title": "On the Ground in Tinian with the Mayor’s Office", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I made my way to Tinian to see the impact of the storm on my home island and started with a visit to Mayor Edwin Aldan and his team. We talked through the extent of the damage, how this compares to the effects of Super Typhoon Yutu, and the work ahead to rebuild. It is clear the Mayor and his team know what needs to be done. The focus now is making sure their needs are clearly communicated and that the resources are there to support the work. Thank you, Mayor, and to your team for leading from the front.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/improving-care-marianas-veterans", "title": "Improving Care for Marianas Veterans", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Right before Super Typhoon Sinlaku reached our islands, staff from the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee traveled to Saipan. I invited the Committee to the Northern Marianas to begin earnestly advancing the establishment of a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in the CNMI. Every state and territory already has a CBOC. The CNMI remains the only exception, an unacceptable gap that continues to disadvantage veterans who have served our nation with honor. No veteran should have to board a plane or travel thousands of miles to access necessary medical care. They deserve dependable, local access to the services they’ve earned. This visit marks an important first step, and I want to thank the Committee staff for making the long journey to see firsthand the challenges our veterans face. Establishing our CBOC will take time, but I am committed to seeing it through and ensuring that our vets receive the care and services they deserve.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/meeting-world-central-kitchen-volunteers-tinian", "title": "Meeting with World Central Kitchen Volunteers in Tinian", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "During my visit to Tinian, we had the opportunity to spend time with local residents who volunteered with World Central Kitchen to provide free meals to residents impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. We are very grateful for their compassion and swift action, as well as the spirit of service they bring to our islands. It is refreshing to see a new generation of Tinian residents take part in the immediate relief and long-term recovery work for the people of Tinian and the CNMI!", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/neighbors-showing-neighbors", "title": "Neighbors Showing Up for Neighbors", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Our community continues to lead in taking care of one another. On Thursday, I stopped by the volunteer and donation distribution center set up by Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster and the many local partners and volunteers working alongside them. The team was already hard at work preparing to move relief goods out into the community. What stands out is how quickly people have stepped in to help, organizing, showing up, and making sure support reaches those who need it. If you are looking for a way to get involved, there are opportunities to volunteer and be part of this effort. Take a look at this link for more information.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/rota-manamko-center", "title": "Rota Manamko Center", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In Rota, I also toured the Rota Aging Center to see how it was utilized as a shelter during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. I was encouraged to see the facility in good condition and functioning as an important place of safety for residents during the storm. I met with Valerie Apatang, who manages the center, and expressed my appreciation for her leadership and the care provided to our elders and community members. Facilities like this play a critical role in serving our seniors day-to-day, and also in providing refuge when emergencies arise.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/rota-mayor", "title": "Rota Mayor", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Tuesday, I met with Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog and her cabinet to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Our conversation focused on the immediate needs of the community, the status of critical services and infrastructure, and the support required to help families and businesses get back on their feet. While Rota was not hit as hard as Tinian and Saipan, the storm still impacted the community, and it is important that recovery efforts continue without delay.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/saw-you-news-21", "title": "SAW YOU IN THE NEWS", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In the wake of the recent typhoon and the challenges our islands continue to face, stories like this remind us of the strength and promise of our people. We are proud to congratulate Dr. Aliah Kei Hocog Manglona of Rota on earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, becoming the first woman from Rota to achieve this milestone. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, family support, and a deep commitment to serving others. As she begins her medical residency, Dr. Manglona carries with her a vision of one day returning home to care for our community. At a time when access to healthcare remains a critical need in the CNMI, her dedication offers hope for a stronger, healthier future for our islands.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/tinian-chcc", "title": "Tinian CHCC", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "While on Tinian, I toured the Tinian Health Center to assess the damage wrought by Super Typhoon Sinlaku and hear directly from the healthcare professionals serving our community. They provided care under extremely challenging conditions, and continue to work to recover from the storm’s impact on their facility. As recovery efforts move forward, I remain focused on ensuring our healthcare system in Tinian has the support and resources it needs to rebuild stronger and continue delivering quality care to our residents.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/wck-showing-our-community-san-antonio", "title": "WCK Showing Up for Our Community in San Antonio", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I stopped by the food distribution point in San Antonio supported by World Central Kitchen, where teams have been on the ground since soon after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Across the island, many have seen their presence. The focus has been simple and steady, making sure people have access to food as recovery continues. What stood out during the visit was the level of organization and care in how they are operating. Just as important, they are sourcing food and supplies locally, which keeps that support moving through our own economy. Thank you to World Central Kitchen for being here and for the work you are doing for our community.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-presents-harper-college-765k-he-secured-quantum-science", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Presents Harper College with $765K He Secured for Quantum Science Education, Joins Roundtable on Quantum Program", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PALATINE, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, today visited Harper College to present $765,000 in federal funding he secured to modernize science lab infrastructure and expand access to quantum science education.\n\n“Quantum technology is already transforming our economy by revolutionizing industries like cybersecurity, healthcare, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing,” said Krishnamoorthi. “The funding I secured will help ensure students in our community have real access to this field—not just in theory, but through hands-on learning that leads to good-paying jobs. By building a stronger pipeline from the classroom to careers, we’re strengthening our workforce and keeping Illinois competitive. The future of this technology should be built here at home.”\n\n“We are grateful to Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his ongoing support of Harper College, our students and our state,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper president. “As a member of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Harper has embraced what’s possible with quantum science and is committed to bringing those opportunities to our community. This funding will allow us to expand connections with our K-12 partners and introduce students to a field that is no longer theoretical, but full of real-world applications and career pathways.”\n\nThe funding will support hands-on learning opportunities that introduce students—from middle school through community college—to careers in quantum science and technology, including interactive demonstrations, classroom-based tools, and educator training. During the visit, Krishnamoorthi joined Harper College leadership, educators, and quantum industry partners for a roundtable discussion on the college’s quantum program and the growing demand for skilled workers. He also participated in a check presentation and met with students.\n\nQuantum science focuses on how matter and energy behave at the smallest scales, enabling breakthroughs in fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. As these technologies move from research to real-world application, demand for talent is accelerating—quantum job postings have increased by roughly 180 percent in recent years, with only about one qualified worker for every three open roles. These high-paying careers, averaging more than $130,000 annually, are driving innovation across the economy and highlight why investments like this are critical to ensuring our communities can compete for the jobs of the future.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://massie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395822", "title": "Representatives Massie and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Capital Gains Taxes on Family Farms", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://massie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "massie.house.gov", "scraper": "massie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001184", "name": "Thomas Massie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release\n\nContact:\n\nJohn Kennedy, 202-225-3645 (Rep. Massie)\n\nVince Morris, 202-225-3536 (Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez)\n\nWashington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces the introduction of H.R. 8591, the No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act. The bill removes capital gains on the sale or exchange of a farm between family members (including children, siblings, cousins, and their spouses). Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) is the co-lead on the legislation.\n\n\"This bill will allow farmers to sell their land to family members without being forced to pay punitive capital gains taxes,\" said Rep. Massie. \"This change to the tax law will help sustain America's multi-generational family farms by reducing the financial pressure on landowners to sell productive farmland to real estate developers and data center operators.\"\n\n“The wealth and health of our nation is married to the soil health and vitality of our farms-this bill recognizes that we need to change financial structures to advance the generational work of good farming,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “When a loved one dies and ag land is split up for taxation, it disrupts the generational work that it takes to build healthy soil. By its very nature, the work of building healthy soil can’t be done on the same cycle as a 30-year mortgage. We can’t treat land like any other financial asset, as though we’re just dividing nickels and dimes, and expect good results. Current tax policy breaks up generations of work and planning. The end result of that approach is an erosion of national health- I’m glad to work with my colleague on a solid step towards keeping farmland together and working.”\n\nUnder current law, if a farmer were to sell their land to a child and retire, the transfer would incur steep capital gains taxes. The No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act changes this by allowing qualifying family-to-family transfers to happen without incurring capital gains tax. Under the terms of the legislation, gains from the sale of qualified farm property are excluded from gross income.\n\nTo discourage the immediate resale of farmland to property developers, the farm recipient retains the original basis of the property for a 10-year holding period. After that period, the basis steps up to the fair market value at the time of transfer, encouraging long-term family ownership while deterring short-term speculation.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of H.R. 8591 include Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX).\n\nThe text of the No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act is available at this link.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://maxmiller.house.gov/posts/congressman-max-miller-introduces-china-africa-mining-transparency-act", "title": "Congressman Max Miller Introduces China-Africa Mining Transparency Act", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://maxmiller.house.gov/press", "domain": "maxmiller.house.gov", "scraper": "maxmiller", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001222", "name": "Max L. Miller", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07), alongside Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), today introduced the China-Africa Mining Transparency Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at exposing human rights abuses and environmental harm linked to Chinese-operated mining operations across Africa.\n\nThe legislation responds to growing concerns over the Chinese Communist Party’s role in exploitative mining practices tied to the global supply chain for critical minerals, including cobalt, gold, and iron.\n\n“The United States cannot turn a blind eye while the Chinese Communist Party and its affiliated entities profit from forced labor, child labor, and environmental devastation,” said Congressman Max Miller. “This bill is about accountability, transparency, and ensuring American companies and consumers are not unknowingly supporting abusive mining operations abroad.”\n\n“When America steps back, China steps forward, and nowhere is that more evident than in Africa. From labor abuses to environmental harm, vulnerable communities have been left worse off because of the unfair practices of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz. “It’s not right, and the United States cannot be complicit in it. I’m proud to work with Rep. Miller on this important legislation to shine a light on these horrific practices and ensure accountability where it’s long overdue. We cannot let exploitation define the global market. It’s time we hold these bad actors accountable and bring transparency back to our supply chains.”\n\n“Nowhere are the costs of China’s mining practices more evident than in sub-Saharan Africa. From environmental degradation to labor abuses, Chinese firms have too often left communities worse off,” said Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. “I commend Rep. Miller for leading the effort to shine a light on these practices and hold bad actors accountable.”\n\nBill text available here.\n\nOne-pager here.\n\nEditor’s note regarding Congressman Miller:\n\nCongressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District, which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Republican sophomore members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Main Street Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit https://maxmiller.house.gov for more information.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405679", "title": "Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 5.1.26", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Supporting Parental Rights\n\nAs the father of three children, I understand the role the parent plays in supporting their child’s growth in education, athletics and health.\n\nI believe the parent is a fundamental partner in nurturing the child’s growth. But this development is usually impacted by public schools.\n\nAll three of my children attended public schools for their K-12 education.\n\nLike many parents in Virginia, I remember how concerned I was about critical race theory and gender ideology in 2021 when these issues came to people’s attention, primarily in Northern Virginia.\n\nSome local Virginia public schools adopted policies that seemingly embraced these beliefs. Such misguided policies allowed boys in girls’ sports and locker rooms. Unfortunately, these ideas became a part of some classroom studies.\n\nYou may remember the infamous debate between then-gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin and Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe.\n\nIn that debate, McAuliffe showed his deference to critical race theory and gender ideology: “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.”\n\nAnd just like that, his comments sparked national attention on the issues of critical race theory and gender ideology.\n\nYoungkin capitalized on these comments and Democrats’ standing on these issues. His 2021 upset victory was fueled in part from these issues.\n\nIn 2024, Trump also capitalized on these issues during his winning campaign.\n\nFollowing Trump’s election, his Administration has worked to root out radical critical race theory and gender ideology in the federal government.\n\nOn Day One, Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”\n\nThis Executive Order defined the federal policy of recognizing two sexes, male and female.\n\nAs a result, federal agencies removed any language from agency communications, statements, policies, etc. that promote gender ideology. Among documents removed included the “White House Toolkit on Transgender Equality.”\n\nThe Order also barred federal funds from promoting “gender ideology.”\n\nHe also signed another Executive Order, entitled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.”\n\nThe radical left’s push to indoctrinate children so that they can change their sex via so-called “gender-affirming care” has had profound consequences on American children.\n\nTroubled minors that undergo such dangerous procedures subject their bodies to irreversible harms. Those who later regret mutilating themselves have no way to reverse the damage and conceive children.\n\nTrump’s Executive Order cracks down on these life-altering procedures.\n\nIn response to Trump’s Order, numerous U.S. health systems stopped or downsized their sex change programs for minors.\n\nIn Virginia, the VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond suspended gender-affirming medication and gender-affirming surgical procedures.\n\nBefore Trump’s election and his Orders, House Republicans including me set in motion ideas to support pro-parent and pro-children policies.\n\nRepublicans’ push against gender ideology culminated in the Parents Bill of Rights Act.\n\nThis bill strengthened parents’ access to education curriculum and budget materials.\n\nThe then-Democratic majority in the Senate refused to stand with parents and blocked the Parents Bill of Rights Act.\n\nThis did not deter House Republicans, as we continue to work to codify the Trump Orders into law.\n\nIn the 119th Congress, I voted with House Republicans to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.\n\nThis legislation protects the integrity of female athletics and ensures that only biological women are allowed to participate in women’s sports programs.\n\nUnfortunately, all House Democrats opposed this legislation. And sadly, the Senate has yet to act on the bill due to Democrats’ use of the modern filibuster.\n\nLater in this Congress, I spoke on the House floor in support of the Protect Children’s Innocence Act.\n\nWhile managing the procedural rule on this bill, I went toe-to-toe with Democrats in debate to speak in favor of this bill that protects minors from dangerous and permanent life-altering medical procedures.\n\nThe bill prohibits federal Medicaid dollars from funding gender transition procedures.\n\nI will also be voting for the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act when it gets to the floor.\n\nThis bill strengthens parental consent in situations where a school is attempting to change a minor student’s gender markers, preferred name, and sex-based accommodations.\n\nRadical gender ideology has no business in the classroom, in the locker room or on the ball field.\n\nI will continue to fight the radical left’s anti-parent ideas, vote to protect children from dangerous life-altering procedures and advocate for American families.\n\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405680", "title": "Griffith Announces $983,749 in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two grants that total $983,749. The breakdown for the grants includes:\n\n$564,763 for Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health on parent-infant interactions\n\n$418,986 for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research on the hypothalamus and its interactions with other organs\n\nIn response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Innovative research is fundamental to exploring improvements in human health.\n\n“These HHS grants, which total nearly $1 million, help support Virginia Tech’s research.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397498", "title": "Nadler, 47 Members Demand Transparency on Migrant Facility Housing Pregnant Girls", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and 47 Members of Congress sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding transparency on its alleged policy of detaining girls, including pregnant girls, at the Urban Strategies San Benito (USSB) ORR facility in Texas. In the letter, the members condemned the Trump Administration for violating established legal precedent requiring unaccompanied minors have access to all reproductive healthcare options and requested information regarding their care.\n\nThe Members requested transparency on HHS’s practice of housing pregnant girls in Texas, a state without access to abortions, writing, “We write to confirm your agency’s alleged practice of placing all pregnant unaccompanied children in the care of a single Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) shelter in San Benito, Texas. If so, this policy would contradict your agency’s Field Guidance #21, which requires ORR to place unaccompanied pregnant minors in states that provide access to the full range of reproductive healthcare options.”\n\nThe members continued, writing, “These children have survived extraordinary hardship to arrive in the United States. All are entitled to the full range of medical care, including reproductive health care, as required by ORR's own regulations. Deliberately placing them in a medically inadequate facility in a state that bans abortion over the objections of the agency's own health officials is a political decision, not based on the welfare of children.”\n\nCongressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) led the letter. Other members who signed the letter include: Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA), Sara Jacobs (D-TX), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Judy Chu (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Darren Soto (D-FL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Deborah K. Ross (D-NC), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Greg Casar (D-TX), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA).", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/05/01/neal-statement-on-latest-trump-data-exposure/", "title": "Neal Statement on Latest Trump Data Exposure", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, MA—Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Washington Post discovered the Trump Administration exposed Social Security numbers in a new Medicare database:\n\n“Enough is enough. The more we learn about how the Trump Administration handles the people’s most sensitive data, the clearer their incompetence becomes. Ways and Means Democrats have been sounding the alarm for well over a year, only to be ignored and utterly dismissed by House Republicans. Now, we learn the Trump Administration didn’t even realize it was advertising the Social Security numbers of Medicare providers in their latest half-baked database until they were told by the Washington Post. If that’s not enough to compel House Republicans to investigate, what will it take? Do House Republicans need to see their own data exposed before they do right by their constituents and act?\n\n“The people need answers, and we won’t stop fighting until we get them.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-panetta-and-colleagues-lay-out-national-security-approach-restore-americas", "title": "Rep. Panetta and Colleagues Lay Out National Security Approach to Restore America’s Strength, Security, and Status", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://panetta.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "panetta.house.gov", "scraper": "panetta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000613", "name": "Jimmy Panetta", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Monterey, CA — Just ahead of the 60-day mark in the war with Iran, U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and the rest of the New Democrat Coalition National Security Working Group urged President Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to make an “immediate course correction” on the Administration’s national security approach.\n\n“As Members of the New Democrat Coalition National Security Working Group, we write in opposition to the Administration’s approach to national security and to urge an immediate course correction. At a moment of profound global instability, the U.S. needs a strategy that advances our national interests,” wrote Rep. Panetta and the lawmakers. “Instead, the Administration’s current approach–marked by a reckless and open-ended conflict in Iran, chaos within the Department of Defense, and the alienation of our allies–has already resulted in the loss of U.S. servicemembers and continues to place Americans and our global and domestic security at risk.”\n\n“Over the past year, this Administration has treated national security as a partisan political matter, rather than a shared national responsibility, and has failed to provide Congress with timely and transparent information on key national security decisions,” continued the lawmakers. “The result of these actions is a national security posture that is neither principled nor sustainable. There is no doubt that our defense is strongest when it is supported by a bipartisan coalition and grounded in our country’s democratic values.”\n\nThe letter argues that the Administration’s chaotic and reckless approach has endangered both domestic and global security by waging open-ended conflicts without legal justification or clear objectives, alienating our closest allies, emboldening our greatest adversaries, and severely damaging our military readiness.\n\nIn contrast to the chaos of the Trump Administration’s current posture, the National Security Working Group Members lay out a new direction for American national security that would instead center the path forward around four commonsense priorities:\n\nReversing the damage caused by the alienation of our allies and strengthening the tools that allow the U.S. to counter adversarial influence.\n\nRealigning defense planning to focus on the People’s Republic of China, the most serious strategic threat we face today.\n\nReaffirming the military's apolitical nature and ensuring resources are used to support servicemembers.\n\nRequiring the Administration to work in good faith with Congress and commit to respecting and restoring institutional checks and balances, especially in matters of war.\n\nIn addition to Rep. Panetta, the signees include all other Members of the New Dem National Security Working Group, including:\n\nChair Gil Cisneros (CA-31)\n\nDefense Task Force Chair Ed Case (HI-01)\n\nDiplomacy Task Force Chair Eugene Vindman (VA-07)\n\nVeterans Task Force Chair Herb Conaway (NJ-03)\n\nRep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)\n\nRep. Susie Lee (NV-03)\n\nRep. Ami Bera (CA-06)\n\nRep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04)\n\nRep. Rick Larsen (WA-02)\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nAs Members of the New Democrat Coalition National Security Working Group, we write in opposition to the Administration’s approach to national security and to urge an immediate course correction. At a moment of profound global instability, the U.S. needs a strategy that advances our national interests. Instead, the Administration’s current approach–marked by a reckless and open-ended conflict in Iran, chaos within the Department of Defense, and the alienation of our allies–has already resulted in the loss of U.S. servicemembers and continues to place Americans and our global and domestic security at risk.\n\nOver the past year, this Administration has treated national security as a partisan political matter, rather than a shared national responsibility, and has failed to provide Congress with timely and transparent information on key national security decisions. The result of these actions is a national security posture that is neither principled nor sustainable. There is no doubt that our defense is strongest when it is supported by a bipartisan coalition and grounded in our country’s democratic values.\n\nMembers of the New Democrat Coalition National Security Working Group believe that there is a better path forward. We urge the Administration to halt the current course and adopt a strategy centered around the following priorities:\n\n1. Reverse the damage caused by the alienation of our allies and strengthen the tools that allow the U.S. to counter adversarial influence.\n\nOn the campaign trail, President Trump repeatedly promised an “America First” approach, but the actions of this Administration are best described as an “America Alone” strategy. The Administration’s reckless tariff policy has strained relationships with some of our key allies and sent a chilling message that the U.S. is an unreliable economic and strategic partner, which has already pushed several of our allies to align more closely with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). At the end of January 2026, a delegation of Canadian and European leaders traveled to China seeking to deepen their economic ties, which marked the first time a British official visited China since 2018 and Canada’s first visit to the country in over a decade. This is not American strength; it is self-inflicted erosion of U.S. leadership that weakens our leverage and makes it harder to compete with our adversaries.\n\nIf we are to face today’s global challenges effectively, we must do so in collaboration with our partners, including NATO, European allies, and Indo-Pacific partners through frameworks like Five Eyes, the Quad, and AUKUS. We must be unequivocal in rejecting any alignment with Russia’s war of aggression, ensuring that Ukraine has the support it needs to win the ongoing war with Russia. Otherwise, we risk emboldening an aggressive authoritarian regime and setting a dangerous precedent for dictators around the world to follow. In addition, the U.S. must reinvest in American soft power by restoring programs at the United States Agency for International Development and the United States Agency for Global Media that help build strong public health systems and support resilient democracies worldwide. This reinvestment will ensure we are better able to curb authoritarian and adversarial influence and prevent conflicts and humanitarian disasters before they even begin.\n\n2. Realign defense planning to reflect today’s most serious strategic threat: the People’s Republic of China.\n\nThis Administration’s escalation of the Iran conflict is fiscally irresponsible. The Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates that the first 32 days of the Iran conflict cost $27-28 billion. In the meantime, Americans continue to suffer the consequences, with gas prices reaching over $4/gallon and unlikely to drop for months. The conflict with Iran has also highlighted the fragility of our defense supply chains and the need to address munitions shortages, which have been further depleted by various campaigns the Administration has carried out, including in Venezuela and Iran. This is a failure of strategy and a costly pattern of engaging in conflicts without a plan, placing American lives and taxpayer resources at risk.\n\nU.S. defense planning should prioritize deterring and strategically competing with the PRC. In order to meet this challenge, we need to invest in strengthening the defense industrial base through modernization and innovation efforts, enhancing domestic production capacity, replenishing critical weapons and munitions inventory, and streamlining the acquisition process that’s often too slow and rigid for today’s security environment. In addition, we must encourage small businesses to build, test, and scale new products and technologies by removing barriers to participation and expanding access to land for testing purposes.\n\n3. Reaffirm the military’s apolitical nature and ensure resources are used to support servicemembers.\n\nThe Administration’s increasing politicization of the military creates serious dangers for servicemembers. The apolitical nature of the military ensures that its loyalty rests solely with the Constitution, not any party or individual. However, the Administration continues to undermine this nonpartisan institution by firing top generals, using uniformed servicemembers as a backdrop for partisan messaging, and deploying national guard members into U.S. cities for political theater. Speaking at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico in September 2025, President Trump suggested he intends to use U.S. cities as “training grounds for our military” to target “the enemy from within.” Using armed forces to advance partisan messaging and domestic political narratives is corrosive to civil-military norms and exposes servicemembers to unnecessary harm.\n\nThe Administration must take concrete steps to reaffirm the professionalism and apolitical nature of the U.S. military. This includes ensuring servicemembers are never given unlawful orders that could place them in ethical or legal jeopardy and preventing the use of the military against U.S. citizens for political purposes. Just as important is the need to ensure that we are investing our resources to help U.S. servicemembers and their families have the quality of life that they deserve instead of wasting valuable resources on meaningless changes in Department names. The Administration must take steps to address the lack of affordable housing for servicemembers, increase access to childcare, provide support for military spouses, and invest in mental health and primary prevention initiatives. In addition, we need to seriously invest in resources to help servicemembers leaving uniformed service find meaningful civilian employment and skill-matching opportunities.\n\n4. The Administration must work in good faith with Congress and commit to respecting and restoring institutional checks and balances, especially in matters of war.\n\nAfter declaring \"Operation Midnight Hammer” a success and affirming that Iran’s nuclear program “was obliterated” in June, Americans awoke on February 28, 2026 to the news that our nation is at war with Iran. Polls show that 63% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s war of choice, a clear reflection of how disconnected this escalation is from the main issues facing Americans today. The Administration has failed to provide a clear objective or end state for this operation. If the goal is deterrence, Iran continues to strike U.S. bases in the region, risking a broader regional war. If the goal is regime change, which the National Defense Strategy explicitly states was not a priority of this Administration, history has already taught us a lesson. The U.S. pursued this goal in Iraq at extraordinary costs: thousands of American lives, billions of dollars, regional instability, and a power vacuum that empowered both adversaries and extremist groups. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake.\n\nThe war has also cost us the lives of at least thirteen servicemembers, and the Administration failed to evacuate U.S. embassies before launching the strikes, putting Americans in the region at high risk. When President Trump was asked about the lives lost in the early days of the conflict, he stated, “There will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is.” American lives are not expendable, and entering another conflict in the Middle East risks enabling another generation of instability and extremism.\n\nThe Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war, allowing Congress to prevent open-ended conflicts and ensure that any use of force remains lawful and tied to a clear objective. The alternative would be a great disservice to our national security.\n\nOur national security is strongest when it’s both principled and lawful and reflects our values and interests. The Trump Administration’s current approach fails on all counts. At a time when we are facing multiple threats on the global stage, we cannot afford to adopt a strategy that undermines our democracy, alienates our allies, and risks entangling our nation in conflicts without a clear end goal that advances the interests of all Americans. We call on the Administration to halt its current approach to national security, adopt this alternative framework, and return to a bipartisan commitment to our national security.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-backs-bills-to-improve-and-strengthen-child-care", "title": "Pappas Backs Bills to Improve and Strengthen Child Care", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Continuing his work to address New Hampshire families’ child care needs, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is backing several pieces of legislation to improve access to child care and strengthen services.\n\nAffordable, accessible child care is essential to children’s development and learning, and parents’ ability to go to work. In New Hampshire, the average cost of child care is now $14,870 per year, and the cost of child care for two children exceeds both median rent and in-state university tuition. Nearly half of Granite Staters live in a child care desert, and it’s estimated that New Hampshire businesses lose $56 million annually due to the lack of available licensed child care slots.\n\nIn February, Pappas helped introduce the bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act, which would improve access to affordable child care for parents working nontraditional hours. Last week he introduced the Rural Child Care Access Act, legislation to help child care providers serving small and rural areas upgrade existing facilities or construct new ones and strengthen services by creating a new grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. He is also announcing his support for:\n\nthe Child Care for Working Families Act, which would ensure families can afford the child care they need, expand access to more high-quality options, stabilize the child care sector, and help ensure child care workers taking care of our nation’s kids are paid livable wages. It would also dramatically expand access to pre-K and support full-day, full-year Head Start programs and increase wages for Head Start workers.\n\nthe Child Care Infrastructure Act, which would construct new or renovate existing child care facilities to increase child care capacity and ensure safe early learning facilities for children.\n\nthe Helping Ensure Reliable Opportunities (HERO) for Child Care Act, which would improve access to reliable, high-quality childcare for military families by increasing hiring flexibility at Child Development Centers (CDC).\n\ntheProviding Child Care for Police Officers Act, which would help local police departments establish and expand child care options for their officers and address the nationwide police staffing shortages by making it easier for parents to enter and stay in the field.\n\n“Child care must be a national priority to support families and our economic future, and we need a comprehensive, all-of-the-above approach to address it. I’m backing legislation to help families afford child care, support providers and staff, strengthen early education, and improve access for military families, law enforcement officers, and parents who work nontraditional hours,” said Congressman Pappas. “I will continue working to ensure we have strong child care services that support providers and staff and enable kids to learn and parents to have peace of mind.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Child Care for Working Families Act would expand and enhance the Child Care and Development Block Grants (CCDBG) through the creation of three key programs: the Birth Through Five Child Care and Early Learning Entitlement Program, the Building an Affordable System for Early Education (BASE) Grants, and the Universal Preschool Program.\n\nThe Child Care Infrastructure Act would establish a grant program at HHS to award grants to states for the purpose of constructing new or renovating existing child care facilities to help build child care capacity and ensure safe early learning facilities for children. The bill also requires a needs assessment of the condition of child care facilities throughout the U.S. financial institutions or other organizations that have demonstrated experience in developing or financing early care and learning facilities.\n\nThe Helping Ensure Reliable Opportunities (HERO) for Child Care Act would improve Child Development Centers (CDC) on military bases by establishing a Department of Defense-wide Childcare Readiness Data System that tracks capacity, staffing levels, vacancies, turnover, compensation ranges, and waitlists by installation and region. The bill would modernize hiring and staffing processes for CDC and authorize partnerships with national service volunteers trained in education services.\n\nThe Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act would establish a pilot program under the Administration for Children and Families to supply grants to law enforcement agencies to provide child care benefits to their officers. This bill would authorize $24 million in funding for each of the next five fiscal years for law enforcement agencies to construct or operate new centers for police departments’ exclusive use, offer scholarships to subsidize the cost of care, and provide assistance for care for children with disabilities. It would set aside 20% of the total grant funding for police departments employing fewer than 200 officers and require HHS to report to Congress on the operating status of grant recipients, employee retention and recruitment data, if needs have been met, and any unmet child care needs of other first responder sectors.\n\nPappas continues to advocate for investments in child care to be made in New Hampshire, including $1 million in federal dollars he secured through the Congressional appropriations process to make enhancements to the Child Study and Development Center at UNH, help create an Early Child Institute for Excellence, and improve child care and education in New Hampshire. He has heldroundtable conversations with child care workers and New Hampshire families about the urgent need to address rising costs for families by making child care more affordable.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2955", "title": "Congressman Pfluger Announces Town Hall in Robert Lee", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ROBERT LEE, TX—U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) is excited to announce a community town hall in Robert Lee. The event is open to the public and all members of the media.\n\nWHAT: Robert Lee Town Hall Meeting\n\nWHO: U.S. Rep. August Pfluger\n\nWHEN: Monday, May 4, 2026, from 10:00— 11:00 am CT\n\nWHERE: Coke County Courthouse, District Courtroom, 2nd Floor\n\n13 E. 7th Street, Robert Lee, TX 76945", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2957", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Announces San Saba Senior as the 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SAN SABA, TX— Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced Ms. Judy Aguado Mendoza as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Texas's 11th Congressional District. Ms. Mendoza is a Senior at San Saba High School. This year's theme was'Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary,' and the winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for the next year.\n\n\"I was completely blown away by the talent and creativity of so many art submissions from students across TX-11 again. This year's theme was especially inspiring as the students used their creativity to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and express their love of country. While it was extremely difficult to select a winner from all the incredible entries, the committee ultimately chose Ms. Judy Aguado Mendoza's piece, \"Torch of Independence\", in a blind selection process. Its impressive artistic composition, beautiful depiction of an American icon, and bold coloring made her piece stand out. Congratulations, Judy! Your artistic skill is highly impressive, and I know you will do great things to make San Saba proud in your future endeavors,\" said Rep. Pfluger.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2959", "title": "Rep. Pfluger, Administrator Zeldin Discuss Commonsense EPA Reforms to Protect Health, Power Growth, and Restore Accountability", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Read Rep. Pfluger's exchange with EPA Administrator Zeldin below:\n\nRep. Pfluger: Director, thank you for being here. Thank you for your service in riding the ship. My colleagues across the aisle claim that this EPA deregulatory actions are killing Americans. Couldn't be more false. The truth is actually the opposite, and what kills Americans is unaffordable energy in an unreliable electric grid, and that's exactly what the previous administration's EPA was delivering. The Biden EPA imposed trillions of dollars in regulatory costs and based on widely-inflated benefit calculations, assigning speculative dollar values to statistical lives while ignoring the real-world consequences of making energy unaffordable. 25 million American households have reported going without food or medicine to pay their energy bills. That is the human cost of regulatory excess. This EPA is doing what the agency is supposed to: rigorous, honest cost-benefit analysis, not rubber-stamping regulations that strangle reliable energy production while claiming to save lives on a spreadsheet. Affordable, reliable energy is the foundation of American health and safety, and Administrator Zeldin, your reforms are protecting Americans not by speculating about benefits, but by delivering them. And I'll get to Loper Bright. It's shameful that some of our colleagues have no idea what Loper Bright actually is and what it does. Thank you for the words that you had yesterday at a hearing here on Capitol Hill, and Loper Bright happened because of left-wing EPA overreach. That's exactly why we are here. And I'd like to ask you, how do you respond to the claim that faithfully reading the Clean Air Act as written somehow harms public health, and what actual authorities did Congress provide that this administration is now properly executing to benefit health?\n\nAdministrator Zeldin: Thank you for asking. For a long time, that Chevron Doctrine was in place. This got challenged. For those who aren't familiar with the Chevron Doctrine, basically, agency heads were looking at federal statute and would get creative. The statute wouldn't say that an agency head can't do something. So they'd say, Well, I guess that means that we can. We saw that used inside of the 2009 Endangerment Finding. If you read the Endangerment Finding throughout it, you'll see that discretion is being used just because it doesn't say we can't. Well, I guess that means we can. Well, the Supreme Court weighed in on Loper Bright and said, You can't do that anymore, that you have to follow the best reading of statute, the Major Questions Doctrine, which was also put forth by the Supreme Court in recent years in their cases, also says that an agency can impose trillions of dollars of regulation on their own. That's something that should have a debate and a vote in Congress. And what does that all mean when a member might be upset that we repeal the 2009 Endangerment Finding? Well, if you want an agency like the EPA to impose trillions of dollars of regulations and regulate the heck out of greenhouse gas emissions, it's really simple. Introduce a bill, debate it, get it passed, change the law, and we'll follow the law. The commitment that I made when I was nominated, the commitment that I reiterate here today, is that I will follow the best reading of the law, period.\n\nRep. Pfluger: Thank you for that. And I'll ask, can you provide an update regarding what actions the EPA is considering on the reconsideration of Quad Ob and c, which cost hundreds of billions of dollars in excess, and is another example of left-wing overreach?\n\nAdministrator Zeldin: Absolutely, this has been a multiple-phased process. We delayed a compliance deadline to allow us to fix the flaws with the OOOOb and OOOOc regulations. We just announced the second phase of the reconsideration. We're about to announce a third phase as soon as this week. We'll be putting out updated guidance to make sure that those who look at OOOOb, OOOOc, and have to comply with OOOOb understand exactly what that rule means and how the agency interprets it. This is a really important topic for a lot of our country, a lot of our economy. We want more reliable base load power. We want to unleash energy dominance. And OOOOb and OOOOc is a vehicle that was used to cause a lot of harm to much of this country, including a lot of Texas.\n\nRep. Pfluger: And it ignores the facts that between 2011 and 2020, methane emission intensity has dropped 70% just in the Permian Basin, while production of oil and gas has increased 320%. So it ignores those facts. I appreciate the work you've done, Administrator, to revisit and improve certain aspects of the AMAC implementation, and I've heard constructive feedback from stakeholders in Texas on those efforts. And at the same time, some have raised concerns about the HFC Management Rule, particularly in compliance challenges that it creates for refrigeration in grocery stores and other places. Can you give us whether the agent, can you give us an idea whether the agency is considering near-term reconsideration or adjustments of the HFC Management Rule? I'm sorry, I only have 10 seconds left.\n\nAdministrator Zeldin: So, on April 17, EPA sent over a proposal to the OMB. We are continuing to work on fixing the Technology Transition Rule. The impacts will be fixed by addressing this, the negative impacts of the Technology Transition Rule on grocery stores, on the semiconducting industry, on residents, and on residents across our country. We are going to fix it to the maximum extent allowed under the law.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6046", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT’S STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF FARM BILL", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps\n\nMay 1, 2026 202-813-2793\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT’S STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF FARM BILL\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.\n\n\"The Farm Bill is an opportunity to stand with farmers and families who are struggling under the weight of rising input costs, skyrocketing grocery prices, reckless tariffs, and the economic strain the ongoing war. Unfortunately, the bill passed by House Republicans chose instead to cement the largest cuts to SNAP in history — $187 billion stripped from food assistance in H.R. 1 — while offering nothing to reverse the devastation already underway. More than 40 million Americans will see their benefits reduced or eliminated: 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 1.2 million veterans, and 4 million people with disabilities. Virgin Islanders who rely on SNAP – our children, elders, veterans and hard-working families will feel these cuts. This is not a policy choice. It is a moral failure.\n\n\"Rather than making food more affordable for working families, Republicans used the Farm Bill to override the will of voters by preempting state food production standards that were approved at the ballot box and upheld by the Supreme Court. And they gutted nearly $800 million from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program — one of the most essential tools farmers rely on to protect their land and manage rising costs.\n\n\"This bill also fails rural communities. It fails beginning farmers and farmers of color, key groups necessary for the future of farming in the Virgin Islands. It provides no new or additional funding for rural small business programs, strips legal set-asides for beginning farmers in USDA lending, and weakens the 2501 Program — the only USDA program specifically focused on supporting farmers of color. At a time when farm bankruptcies have surged 46 percent and USDA projects farm income to continue falling, this bill turns its back on the very people it claims to serve.\n\n\"For the U.S. Virgin Islands and the territories, I fought to deliver meaningful provisions to this bill. I am proud that included in the bill was my amendment which requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study identifying suitable locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam for the development of aquaculture small businesses, including assessments of water quality, coastal access, infrastructure needs, and applicable regulatory requirements. This support from the Department of Agriculture to the Virgin Islands aquaculture development will provide substantive support to the development of this industry. Aquaculture represents a real opportunity for economic growth and food security in the territories, and I will continue to push for these investments.\n\n\"But make no mistake — a Farm Bill that does not support to farmers of color (who have been disproportionately impacted by prior discriminatory policy) or programs which provide resources to new and emerging farmers does not deserve our support. Republicans have openly stated their intent to come back for even more SNAP cuts through future reconciliation packages. We cannot accept a bill that treats food assistance as an afterthought while families are paying $310 more for groceries than they were just a year ago, and fruit and vegetable prices have risen over five percent,” continued Congresswoman Plaskett.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett added, \"I urge my colleagues in the Senate to develop a better, bipartisan farm bill — one that provides real relief to farmers crushed by falling incomes and rising costs, restores food assistance protections for millions of vulnerable Americans, invests in our rural and territorial communities, and is worthy of the American people's trust.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/01/icymi-pressley-touts-spark-act-urges-more-financial-investment-in-small-minority-owned-businesses/", "title": "ICYMI: Pressley Touts SPARK Act, Urges More Financial Investment in Small, Minority-Owned Businesses", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Touts SPARK Act, Urges More Financial Investment in Small, Minority-Owned Businesses\n\nHouse Financial Services Committee\n\nApril 28, 2026\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’ll state the obvious to everyone, apparently, but the Trump Administration. We’re in an affordability crisis, and while minority-owned small businesses in Massachusetts generated two and a half billion dollars in revenue in 2023, many of these small businesses, our minority owned small businesses remain underserved by our financial system. I’m talking about their ability to access equitably loans, credit and other supports from our financial system.\n\nIn fact, I know many experienced a disparate impact from the pandemic and never recovered. I represent the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, and more recently, we have seen a number of our minority owned small businesses close to or forced to shutter their doors, having never recovered from the pandemic. A legacy business, Final Touch Boutique in Roxbury, is one of those such businesses.\n\nMr. Baer, during the pandemic, do you know how small, minority owned businesses were impacted compared to other businesses? Can you speak to that?\n\nMR. BAER: I mean, Congresswoman, I don’t have statistics on that. I presume, I think, as you suggested, that they did worse, probably because they had less capital built up and were less resilient and were smaller, and that was a tough thing to be, even with, you know, PPP aid and things like that.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Fair enough. Well, in fact, one Federal Reserve research paper found that Black owned businesses went out of business at twice the rate of white owned businesses, and saw cash decline at nine times the level.\n\nMr. Baer, when bank capital requirements are lowered, like under Trump’s Basel III proposals, do you have data on how much of that extra money actually goes back into communities for local small business loans?\n\nMR. BAER: Well, I mean, it’s difficult to predict, as the rules are not final, so we would have to wait a year or two and see what the results are. So I can’t give you any kind of accurate estimate on how much that would increase, any type of lending, whether that’s mortgage or securities intermediation or loans to small minority businesses.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Well, some of what I’ve found is that larger banks are not necessarily reinvesting these dollars into underserved communities or lending more if they don’t have to. So in fact, much of the research, what it bears out is that increasing bank capital requirements can actually increase bank lending and resilience, and in 2023 we saw what the SVB bank collapse almost did to small businesses in districts like mine, the in MA-7th and around the country. So we need banks that lend more but also protect people’s money.\n\nMs. Valladares, would rolling back bank capital requirements through these proposals help or hurt small, minority owned businesses?\n\nMS. VALLADARES: I think unfortunately, the data and the history would show that it’s very much likely to hurt them. If you see what happened during the financial crisis, about 50% of Hispanic Americans lost jobs and suffered. About 25% African Americans suffered, and about 10% of the white population suffered.\n\nNot only are there issues with discrimination, but as one of my fellow panelists described, yeah, there’s issues with their access to capital, with their experience in taking out loans, all of the you know, these are, these are complex issues. So there’s a lot of things, but and especially under this administration, I personally see no signs that they would be focused on helping underserved communities. None whatsoever.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Thank you, you know. And in fact, these businesses are vital to the ecosystem of our communities, social and economic anchors, and they provide mobility as well, they provide jobs and services that meet local needs and help keep our city strong in times of economic downturn.\n\nThat’s why I introduced the SPARK Act, along with Senator Markey and others, to ensure that small businesses are invested in and supported through grants and business loans. If Republicans were really serious about improving Main Street and economic growth, they will protect people’s money and pass bills that invest dollars directly into the community.\n\nThat is actually a policy choice we can make right now and improve the lives of the American people. And I just want to say to my constituents, while some may have forgotten how the 2008 global financial crisis impacted you, or how the COVID-19 pandemic and SVB bank collapse impacted you, or even how the history of slavery and racial discrimination have continued to impact you, I want you to know that your Congresswoman has not forgotten you and will not stop fighting to make sure we repair past harm and prevent future harm to our businesses, communities, and families.\n\nI yield back.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/01/pressley-tlaib-reintroduce-bill-to-boost-housing-access-for-folks-with-criminal-records/", "title": "Pressley, Tlaib Reintroduce Bill to Boost Housing Access for Folks with Criminal Records", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bill Promotes Housing Justice by Removing Barries to Housing for People Formerly Incarcerated, Helps Disrupt Prison-to-Homelessness Pipeline\n\nBill Text | Bill Summary | Hearing Video\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, during Fair Housing and Second Chance Month, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) reintroduced the Housing for Formerly Incarcerated Reentry and Stable Tenancy (Housing FIRST) Act of 2026, bold legislation to help people who are formerly incarcerated and those with criminal histories access safe and stable housing. The bill would advance housing justice and help disrupt the prison-to-homelessness pipeline by removing unjust barriers to housing and limit tenant screening criteria for criminal records in background checks.\n\nThe Housing FIRST Act is informed by Rep. Pressley’s People’s Justice Guarantee, her bold vision for transforming the American criminal legal system into one that centers the dignity and humanity of all people.\n\n“Safe, affordable housing is fundamental human right, but for too long, discrimination against folks with criminal records has served as a barrier to housing access, economic stability, and public safety,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “Our bill seeks to change that by removing the systemic barriers that have worsened the prison-to-homelessness pipeline, exacerbated mass incarceration, and denied housing to people who need it most. As someone whose own family has been impacted by mass incarceration, I’m proud to reintroduce this bill and grateful to Congresswoman Tlaib and our colleagues for their ongoing partnership.”\n\n“From Detroit to Boston, every human being deserves access to safe, affordable housing, including people who were formerly incarcerated,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “We must prioritize restorative justice, lead with compassion, and recognize the human dignity of our neighbors as we work to end mass incarceration and housing discrimination. This legislation addresses barriers to stable housing returning citizens face every day as they begin to rebuild their lives in our communities.”\n\nCongresswoman Pressley discussed the bill in a House Financial Services Committee hearing. Watch it here.\n\nSystemic discrimination against people with criminal records in tenant screening is a persistent barrier to housing access, economic stability, and public safety, and contributes to the prison-to-homelessness pipeline. Landlords’ refusal to rent to individuals with a criminal record impacts more than 70 million people in the United States—nearly 1 in 3 adults—with Black and brown folks having the highest rates of housing denials due to disparate treatment by the criminal legal system. Additionally, people who are formerly incarcerated are almost 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public.\n\nThe Housing FIRST Act would address these systemic barriers by:\n\nProhibiting a consumer reporting agency from furnishing a consumer report, for tenant screening purposes, that includes information related to an individual’s criminal background;\n\nRequiring consumer reporting agencies to disclose to the consumer, upon request, any person from whom the consumer reporting agency received information pertaining to a consumer’s file;\n\nRequiring a person who denies rental housing to or takes adverse action against a consumer to provide to the consumer the specific reasons for the denial or adverse action;\n\nCreating national standard for criminal record information excluded from consumer reports;\n\nExcluding records of convictions of crimes older than seven years from consumer reports for tenant screening purposes; and\n\nCodifying existing judicial interpretations that a consumer reporting agency must disclose the identities of people or vendors who gathered information on their behalf.\n\nFor bill text of the Housing FIRST Act, click here.\n\nThe Housing First Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Rashida Tlaib, James P. McGovern, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lateefah Simon, Delia Ramírez, Jan Schakowsky, Hank Johnson, Maxwell Frost, Summer Lee, Nikema Williams, LaMonica McIver, Yvette Clarke, Troy Carter, Robin Kelly, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Ilhan Omar, Greg Casar, Jimmy Gomez, and Eleanor Holmes Norton.\n\nThe legislation is supported by: Justice 4 Housing, National Consumer Law Center, JustLeadershipUSA, Prison Policy Initiative, Center for Popular Democracy, National Housing Law Project, National Council for Incarcerated & Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, National Low Income Housing Coalition, and Vera Institute.\n\n“Justice for Housing, Inc supports the reintroduction of the Housing FIRST Act as a critical step toward addressing the structural barriers that limit housing access for justice-involved individuals. Research continues to show that incarceration significantly impacts credit, with Black households affected by incarceration experiencing dramatically lower credit scores—often by more than 200 points—further widening the racial wealth gap. Policies that center housing stability without over-reliance on credit history are essential to advancing equitable access to housing and long-term economic mobility.”\n\n“A place to call home is a basic human need for all members of our community, including those with a conviction history. For too long, individuals seeking safe, affordable housing have been locked out by exclusions fueled by background checking. The Housing FIRST Act makes critically important changes to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and limits the way in which an individual’s past can be used to carve them out of housing access. These carve outs and exclusions affect both the impacted housing applicant, as well as their families, and are a direct contributor to the data showing that people reentering are ten times more likely to be homeless than other applicants. The Housing FIRST Act will also bring much needed clarity to how consumer reporting agencies handle the data requests for individuals who have received a clemency or had a record sealed, expunged, or vacated. Stable housing is the bedrock of successful reentry; passing this Act means we are choosing to invest in stronger families and safer neighborhoods rather than perpetual cycles of displacement. We urge Congress to act and to take the next step in turning the page from exclusion to true reintegration.” – JustLeadershipUSA\n\nIn April 2023, Rep. Pressley joined Justice 4 Housing, New England Culinary Arts Training, and housing advocates to tour their cutting-edge coworking space and discuss the organizations’ transformative work in support of Formerly Incarcerated People. Photos from the visit are available here.\n\nAs a Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the House Financial Services Committee (FSC), Rep. Pressley has consistently advocated for policies that affirm housing as a human right and center the dignity and humanity of all people, including individuals who are formerly incarcerated.\n\nIn April 2026, Rep. Pressley introduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act, much needed legislation to provide support to those facing eviction.\n\nIn March 2026, Rep. Pressley joined Financial Services Committee Democrats in a comment letter condemning HUD’s proposed mixed-status families rule, which would increase evictions, separate families, and increase homelessness across the country.\n\nIn December 2025, Rep. Pressley convened local advocates and community partners to sound the alarm on the housing crisis created by Donald Trump.\n\nIn December 2025, Rep. Pressley underscored the need to support grandfamily and kinship households, which are vital to preventing homelessness and keeping families and communities whole.\n\nIn November 2025, Rep. Pressley joined House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (CA-35) and 52 colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, calling on him to rescind a recent HUD decision to slash essential Continuum of Care (CoC) program funding.\n\nIn November 2025, Rep. Pressley introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, legislation to promote equity and combat systemic bias in the home appraisal process that has disadvantaged many current and aspiring homeowners—especially homeowners of color.\n\nIn May 2025, Rep, Pressley, along with Representatives Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Greg Casar (TX-35), reintroduced the Tenants’ Right to Organize Act, legislation to protect the power of tenants, including those with federal vouchers, to organize.\n\nIn June 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), re-introduced the Tenant Empowerment Act, bold legislation to strengthen HUD tenant protections and provide renters with the tools necessary to improve the quality of their homes.\n\nIn March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Mayor Wu, visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.\n\nIn March 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Senators Warren and Markey, applauded the final passage of $850,000 in federal community project funding for The Pryde, an affordable housing development for LGBTQ+ seniors in Hyde Park.\n\nIn March 2024, Rep. Pressley urged Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to cut interest rates to boost home affordability and construction of affordable housing.\n\nIn January 2024, Rep. Pressley, during a House Financial Services Committee Hearing, highlighted the growing housing crisis and how appraisal bias and discriminatory tenant screening practices exacerbate the racial wealth and homeownership gaps, especially for Black communities.\n\nIn January 2024, Rep. Pressley celebrated the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood in Somerville.\n\nIn December 2023, Rep. Pressley requested the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide data on housing needs for Medicaid beneficiaries and feedback on challenges the agency is having in covering housing support for people requiring home and community-based services (HCBS).\n\nIn July 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), reintroduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act, critical legislation to provide much-needed assistance to those facing eviction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nIn September 2021, Rep. Pressley joined Rep. Bush and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the Keeping Renters Safe Act of 2021 to enact an urgently needed nationwide eviction moratorium.\n\nOn July 2021, ahead of the expiration of the previous CDC eviction moratorium, Reps. Pressley, Bush, Gomez and their progressive colleagues sent a letter renewing their calls for President Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to extend the federal eviction moratorium and prevent the historic and deadly wave of evictions that would occur if the government failed to do so.\n\nOn July 30, 2021, Rep. Pressley joined House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) in introducing the Protecting Renters from Evictions Act of 2021, legislation to extend the eviction moratorium through the end of the year.\n\nIn June 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Gomez and Bush, led over 40 of their colleagues on a letter urging President Biden and CDC Director Walensky to extend and strengthen the moratorium for the duration of the public health crisis.\n\nIn June 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), re-introduced the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nOn May 18, 2021, Reps. Bush and Pressley sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calling on the CDC to strengthen and extend the federal moratorium on evictions, ensuring families can remain safely in their homes for the duration of the COVID-19 global health emergency.\n\nOn July 28, 2020, Rep. Pressley, Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Harris introduced the Housing Emergencies Lifeline Program (HELP) Act to provide much-needed, layered assistance to those facing eviction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nOn July 24, 2020, in a Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley discussed the unprecedented financial cliff facing millions of renters and homeowners, the economic consequences of millions losing their homes, including the ability to return to work, and why funding for legal representation is so critical.\n\nOn May 11, 2020, Reps. Tlaib, and Joe Neguse (D-CO) urge House and Senate leadership to include $11.5 billion in funding for Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) in the next relief package to aid the nation’s homeless population who are experiencing heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nOn April 10, 2020, Rep. Pressley urged Congressional leadership to prioritize recurring monthly cash payments to those most at-risk during the COVID-19 crisis. This funding would allow people to cover all their bills, including rent.\n\nOn April 17, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and colleagues introduce the Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act, a bill to institute a nationwide cancellation of rents and home mortgage payments through the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nOn March 23, 2020, Reps. Pressley and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced the Public Health Emergency Shelter Act of 2020, legislation to provide critical funding to states and local governments responding to the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. This legislation was included and passed through the HEROES Act and H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020.\n\nOn March 19, 2020, Rep. Pressley, along with progressive lawmakers and organizations, introduced the Housing is a Human Right Act to authorize more than $200 billion in federal spending over 10 years for crucial housing infrastructure and reduce homelessness.\n\nOn March 18, 2020, Reps. Pressley, Katie Porter (D-CA) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) wrote to HUD calling for a moratorium on evicting renters during the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nIn July 2019, Rep. Pressley announced legislation that would prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology in most public and assisted housing units funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), protecting tenants from biased surveillance technology.\n\nIn November 2019, Rep. Pressley and Rep. Tlaib wrote to HUD blasting the agency for ignoring low-income tenants seeking to save their homes.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://riley.house.gov/2026/05/01/riley-votes-yes-on-farm-bill-delivering-major-wins-for-upstate-farmers-and-rural-communities/", "title": "RILEY VOTES YES ON FARM BILL, DELIVERING MAJOR WINS FOR UPSTATE FARMERS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "riley.house.gov", "scraper": "riley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000622", "name": "Josh Riley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Upstate Farms and groups praise Riley’s vote to support local agriculture\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Riley today Thursday in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act on the House Floor, helping pass critical legislation that delivers major victories for Upstate New York’s farmers, rural families, and local economies.\n\n“Our farmers are the heart and soul of Upstate New York. They work harder than anybody on earth, and all they ask for is a fair shot. Today, we delivered,” said Rep. Josh Riley. “This Farm Bill strengthens family farms, protects American farmland, lowers costs, supports dairy, invests in rural communities, and gives our farmers more certainty in uncertain times. It’s not perfect, and there’s more work ahead, but this is a major step forward for Upstate New York and rural America.”\n\nRepresenting 4,547 farms across nearly one million acres, Riley helped secure numerous provisions in the bill aimed directly at supporting family-owned farms, improving safety, protecting domestic agriculture, expanding local markets, and investing in the future of rural communities.\n\nRILEY-SECURED WINS IN THE FARM BILL INCLUDE:\n\nProtecting Farmland: Strengthened oversight and transparency on foreign purchases of U.S. farmland.\n\nSaving Farmers’ Lives: Reauthorized a USDA rebate program for tractor rollover protection systems (ROPS).\n\nSupporting Dairy: Expanded dairy nutrition programs, including a Riley amendment to include yogurt, and improved dairy market transparency.\n\nAiding Specialty & Organic Producers: Expanded crop insurance, enhanced disaster relief, and strengthened organic integrity protections.\n\nStrengthening Local Food Systems: Expanded programs connecting local farmers directly to schools, food banks, and community markets.\n\nInvesting in Rural Communities: Increased rural broadband investments, expanded support for beginning and veteran farmers, and strengthened rural health and cooperative development programs.\n\nWHAT FARM LEADERS ARE SAYING:\n\nAshley Sardo (Oeser), Manager of National Affairs, New York Farm Bureau: “Today, the House of Representatives passed a Farm Bill that will help provide stability for New York farmers. Many New York Farm Bureau priorities are included in the bill, such as improved dairy risk management tools; greater access to crop insurance for specialty crops; enhancement of disaster programs, particularly for specialty crop producers; increased support for new, young, beginning, and veteran farmers transitioning to farming; strengthened rural broadband provisions; and reauthorization of forestry programs that support wood products.\n\n“We appreciate all those who supported this bill, particularly our New York representatives who voted yes. That includes Rep. Josh Riley (D, NY-19), who joined New York Republican Representatives Nick LaLota (R, NY-1), Nick Langworthy (R, NY-23), Mike Lawler (R, NY-17), Nicole Malliotakis (R, NY-11), Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21), and Claudia Tenney (R, NY-24) to help pass the bill. But our work is not done until the Farm Bill passes both houses. We urge the Senate to pass the Farm Bill as soon as possible.”\n\nEric Ooms, A. Ooms & Sons Dairy:\n\n“Josh has shown his commitment to farm families like mine by voting for the Farm Bill. In a time where it would be easy to just point out what’s missing, he’s clearly trying to accomplish positive things for our rural communities. While not getting everything we would want, the certainty for farms and our partners in research definitely feel this is a step in the right direction.”\n\nTodd M. Erling, Executive Director, Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp:\n\n“The passage of the Farm Bill is one important factor moving toward creating some stability for our farmers and regional food system partners who are under such pressure at this time, facing economic uncertainty, labor challenges, rising fuel and input costs, and potential weather-related crop losses already this season.”\n\nJohn Kelder, Kelder’s Farm, Kerhonkson\n\n“We greatly appreciate Congressman Riley’s support on this Farm Bill. Passage of this Farm Bill is critical for farmers across New York. There are many provisions within this legislation that would bolster farms of all sizes, including greater dairy risk management tools, expanding eligibility for specialty crops as it relates to disaster programs, creating support for new, young, beginning and veteran farmers, and expanding access to crop insurance for specialty crops. Congressman Riley continues to be a champion for programs in Farm Bill that are important to farmers, such as creating a Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program for SNAP recipients and establishing the National ROPS Rebate Program within the USDA. We cannot thank Congressman Riley enough for his work on this Farm Bill. We look forward to the Senate passing this legislation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2011", "title": "Congresswoman Scanlon Introduces Legislation to Help Americans Fight Back Against Corporate Price Fixing", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) this week introduced the Competitive Prices Act, legislation that would make it easier to hold companies accountable for illegally raising prices, restricting wages, or creating artificial shortages of goods and services. The bill works to remedy the impact of misguided court decisions over the past 20 years, which have undermined the ability of both federal enforcement agencies and private parties to sue corporations for violating antitrust laws.\n\nRep. Scanlon has been a staunch advocate for legislative reform to address predatory business practices that boost corporate profits at the expense of consumers. Proving illegal collusion between corporations historically required evidence that two or more firms had explicitly agreed to coordinate price changes. However, with more industries becoming dominated by just a few firms, companies are able to coordinate price increases to match those of their competitors without the presence of an explicit agreement.\n\n“Americans already struggle to afford groceries, rent, and home appliances. While the President’s disastrous economic policies are partially to blame, corporate greed and price fixing are also central to the growing cost of living crisis Americans face,” said Rep. Scanlon. “Limited competition allows big business to informally conspire to raise prices on consumers. Congress must use its power to correct caselaw that has prevented effective antitrust enforcement that would stop this illegal behavior. The Competitive Prices Act would increase accountability for companies that manipulate markets to soak consumers.”\n\n\"When the entire marketplace is rigged to allow competitors to charge the same inflated price, that's not competition. That's coordination,\" said Lee Hepner, Senior Legal Counsel at the American Economic Liberties Project. \"What the law used to condemn as illegal price fixing has been supplanted by covert data exchanges and shared pricing algorithms that conceal rather than expose the root cause of higher prices and artificial shortages. The Competitive Prices Act re-establishes guardrails to prevent a culture of casual collusion. Americans shouldn't need a smoking-gun email to prove they're being ripped off.\"\n\n\"This is about whether families have a fair shot, either in the marketplace itself or in court,\" Hepner continued. \"When companies can coordinate to raise the price of putting food on your table or keeping a roof over your head, and the law says there's nothing anyone can do about it, something is broken. This bill starts to fix it.\"\n\n\"All too often, complaints alleging price fixing are dismissed prematurely. Decades of harmful caselaw has allowed anticompetitive behavior to go unchecked, raising prices for consumers and stifling entrepreneurship in consolidated markets,” said Deborah Elman, President of the Committee to Support the Antitrust Laws. “We applaud Representative Scanlon for introducing the Competitive Prices Act, which will further empower public and private enforcers to bring cases against illegal price fixing and make markets fairer for consumers and small businesses.\"\n\nAs pricing algorithms continue to proliferate at grocery stores, e-commerce websites, and among landlords, the Competitive Prices Act takes an important step to undo the harmful precedent of BellAtlantic Corp. v. Twombly, removing legal barriers that block meritorious lawsuits by DOJ, FTC, and American consumers affected by artificially high prices.\n\nFind the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/5/rep-sewell-statement-on-announcement-of-special-session-of-alabama-legislature", "title": "Rep. Sewell Statement on Announcement of Special Session of Alabama Legislature", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Birmingham, AL — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding Governor Kay Ivey's announcement of a special session of the Alabama Legislature to dilute the voting power of African American voters:\n\n\"Alabama Republicans are wasting no time eliminating representation for African Americans in our state. Despite Black voters making up nearly one-third of Alabama’s electorate, Republican state leaders are desperate to revert us back to a map that silences our voices, dilutes our power, and denies us a fair seat at the table.\n\n\"This corrupt move runs counter to everything John Lewis and civil rights leaders marched, fought, and bled for. It threatens to roll back centuries of hard-fought progress and demonstrates exactly why the protections of the Voting Rights Act were needed in the first place.\n\n\"The court order barring Alabama from redrawing its map still stands, and our litigating partners are ready to vigorously defend it. We will not take this sitting down. Our communities are prepared to organize, mobilize, and demand the fair representation that we as Alabama voters deserve.\n\n\"Bring it on.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/5/ranking-member-stanton-launches-investigation-after-reported-diversion-of-fema-resources-to-support-immigration-enforcement", "title": "Ranking Member Stanton Launches Investigation After Reported Diversion of FEMA Resources to Support Immigration Enforcement", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Ranking Member of the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee that oversees FEMA in Congress, announced a formal investigation into reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel and resources to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a critical hurricane season, potentially violating federal law enacted after Hurricane Katrina.\n\nIn August 2025, FEMA whistleblowers reported that roughly 100 human resources employees were reassigned to support ICE recruitment efforts to meet its goal of hiring 10,000 new agents. The move came just weeks after the July 4 flash floods in Texas that killed 120 people, and while FEMA was already operating with reduced staffing due to widespread departures related to hiring freezes, canceled contracts, and incentivized departures.\n\nWhistleblowers reported that employees were threatened with termination if they refused reassignment. They also reported that additional federal employees, including from the Department of Defense, were solicited for ICE assignments routed through FEMA.\n\nFollowing FEMA's failures during Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA), establishing critical safeguards to ensure FEMA can operate independently within DHS and remain focused on its core mission to support Americans during times of crisis. PKEMRA explicitly prohibits the DHS Secretary from taking any resources that reduce the emergency management agency's authorities, responsibilities, or functions.\n\nIn a series of letters, Stanton is demanding answers from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FEMA Acting Administrator Karen Evans, and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons by May 8, 2026. Additionally, in a letter directed to the DHS Inspector General, Stanton requests that the agency open an immediate investigation and requests the Government Accountability Office (GAO) assist in transmitting data on the impact of the reassignments to Congress.\n\n“I am concerned that DHS’s reported use of FEMA personnel to support immigration enforcement activities may violate these statutory protections and compromise FEMA’s ability to fulfill its mission,” Ranking Member Stanton states in the letter directed to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.\n\nStanton's letter also requests detailed information on questions, including:\n\nWho within DHS issued the order directing FEMA to provide personnel for immigration enforcement missions?\n\nWhat methodology did DHS use to determine that FEMA’s Human Resources personnel should be assigned to assist ICE in meeting its goal of recruiting 10,000 new agents?\n\nExactly what immigration enforcement missions are FEMA personnel currently supporting?\n\nHas any funding been transferred or reprogrammed from FEMA to ICE to support immigration enforcement activities?\n\nLetter sent to DHS HERE.\n\nLetter sent to ICE HERE.\n\nLetter sent to FEMA HERE.\n\nLetter sent to DHS Inspector General HERE.\n\nLetter sent to Government Accountability Office HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stevens-tours-webasto-plymouth-plant-highlights-high-skilled-jobs-and", "title": "Rep. Stevens Tours Webasto Plymouth Plant; Highlights High-Skilled Jobs and Michigan Innovation", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Plymouth, MI — Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens toured the Webasto Plymouth Plant, meeting with workers and highlighting her ongoing push to strengthen Michigan’s domestic supply chains. During the visit, she emphasized the importance of investing in local innovation and high-tech workforce training to keep Michigan at the forefront of automotive and precision manufacturing.\n\nWebasto is a global leader in the production of automotive roofs, batteries, and heating and cooling systems, helping to build the next generation of cars right here in Michigan.\n\n“Michigan workers are building the next generation of vehicles right here at home,” said Rep. Stevens. “By investing in advanced manufacturing and our skilled workforce, we’re making sure the future of automotive innovation is designed, tested, and built in Michigan.”\n\n“We appreciate Congresswoman Stevens taking the time to tour our manufacturing facility today,” said Brad Ring, CEO of the Americas region for Webasto. “We valued the opportunity to highlight our Webasto Plymouth team’s manufacturing capabilities and contributions to innovation in the region.”\n\nSince first taking office, Congresswoman Stevens has visited hundreds of manufacturers across the state, and her tour of Webasto showcases Michigan’s role at the center of global automotive and clean energy innovation. She serves as the top Democrat on the Research and Technology Subcommittee of the Science, Space, & Technology Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://strickland.house.gov/2026/05/01/strickland-introduces-childcare-access-bill/", "title": "Strickland Introduces Childcare Access Bill", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "strickland.house.gov", "scraper": "strickland", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001159", "name": "Marilyn Strickland", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bill Expands Access to Childcare for Parenting Students\n\nWashington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Childcare Access for all Recognized Education for Parenting Students Act (CARE for Parenting Students Act). The bill will expand access to federal childcare assistance for parenting students, regardless of the type of education or workforce training they are pursuing.\n\n“Parents participating in job training programs or apprenticeships deserve access to federal childcare assistance,” said Strickland. “Clarifying and expanding the range of education programs that qualify means more families will have access to childcare while they strengthen their job skills and expertise.”\n\n“Parents who are training to be a nurse, working on a college degree, or earning a commercial driving license need to know their kids are in safe, nurturing childcare. Rep. Strickland’s bill sets eligible student parents up to further their careers while helping children in Washington thrive through access to safe, quality childcare,” said Rob Colombini, CEO of Child Care Aware of Washington\n\n“Becoming a parent shouldn’t stop you from pursuing an education,” said Whitney Pesek, Senior Director of Federal Child Care Policy at the National Women’s Law Center. “Representative Strickland’s legislation would provide additional funding and ensure equitable access to CCDBG subsidies for student parents to help them afford childcare and pursue their education and training. We urge Congress to pass this commonsense legislation that strengthens support for student parents and bolsters women’s economic security.”\n\nThe legislation ensures equitable access to Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) subsidies. The law requires those receiving CCDBG subsidies to be employed, enrolled in an educational program, or participating in job training. The lack of a clear definition of educational programs has created inconsistency across states of who is eligible in receiving this federal assistance.\n\nThe bill provides an additional $850 million in annual authorization for CCDBG, and clarifies that eligible parental activities can include:\n\nEnrollment in a State labor agency-registered apprenticeship\n\nEnrollment in a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship\n\nEnrolment in a State health agency-approved CNA program\n\nEnrollment in a program accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education\n\nEnrollment in a program accredited by an institution of higher education\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and Child Care Aware of Washington.\n\nRead the full bill text here\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-president-trump-has-now-exceeded-60-day-limit-for-iran-war-without-congressional-approval", "title": "Rep. Sykes: President Trump Has Now Exceeded 60-Day Limit for Iran War Without Congressional Approval", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump has now surpassed the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act after initiating an unnecessary war with Iran without authorization from Congress. This raises urgent constitutional and accountability concerns. Legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have pointed to the milestone as a key threshold requiring congressional action or an end to unauthorized military operations.\n\nU.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) said Congress cannot allow any president to ignore the law and continue an open-ended war without the consent of the American people through their elected representatives.\n\n“The conflict has already resulted in the deaths of 14 American servicemembers, hundreds more injured, and there’s no clear exit strategy,” said Rep. Sykes. “Families back home are paying more every day. We can’t keep writing a blank check for this conflict while costs skyrocket and accountability disappears.”\n\nRep. Sykes called on House Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately bring forward legislation implementing the War Powers Resolution, restore congressional oversight, and reaffirm that decisions of war and peace belong to the people’s representatives.\n\nRep. Sykes will continue pushing for accountability, supporting servicemembers and their families, and ensuring Congress meets its constitutional responsibilities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2036", "title": "Congressman Van Drew: $400 Million Coast Guard Contract Officially Awarded, Project Moves into Design-Build Phase", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that the United States Coast Guard has officially awarded the $400 million contract to design and construct the new barracks and training facilities at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. The contract moves the project into the design-build phase, bringing it one step closer to construction and giving a clearer picture of what these modernized facilities will look like once complete.\n\n\"This is the single largest federal investment in the history of South Jersey, and we are finally seeing it come to life,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"The contract is awarded, the design is moving forward, and this is where it starts to become real. Almost every enlisted member of the Coast Guard begins their service in Cape May, and these young men and women deserve modern, reliable facilities from day one. That is exactly what this project is going to deliver.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/01/vindman-introduces-bill-to-keep-working-families-from-footing-the-bill-for-billionaires-private-jets/", "title": "Vindman Introduces Bill to Keep Working Families from Footing the Bill for Billionaire’s Private Jets", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.-08), and Greg Landsman (Ohio-01) introduced legislation to put taxpayers first by closing an unfair loophole that shifts the cost of private jets onto working families.\n\nThe Stop Subsidizing Private Jets Act would close tax loopholes that allow ultra-wealthy private jet owners and corporations to write off the cost of luxury aircraft and related expenses, while preserving targeted protections for small businesses, farmers, charter and rental operators, and emergency responders who rely on aviation for legitimate purposes.\n\n“Working families shouldn’t be footing the bill so billionaires can write off private jets,” said Vindman. “Right now, the tax code allows those buying private jets worth tens of millions of dollars to receive enormous write-offs, while middle-class families do not get deductions for basics like gas or groceries. That is wrong. My bill is a commonsense fix that ends these unfair giveaways while protecting farmers, small businesses, and emergency responders who depend on aviation for real business and community needs.”\n\n“It’s ridiculous and unfair that the ultra-wealthy get million-dollar tax breaks for their private jets while working families are seeing their health care and food assistance cut,” said McDonald Rivet. “We need to get rid of this insane loophole, because if you can afford a private jet, you can afford to pay your fair share in taxes.”\n\n“The fact that our tax dollars are still funding tax breaks for someone’s private jet is insane,” said Landsman. “We have to fix the tax code so the super-wealthy stop getting special treatment, and our small businesses and farmers can actually get ahead.”\n\nUnder current tax law, ultra-wealthy jet owners and corporations can write off the full cost of private jets, some valued at more than $100 million, along with related expenses like fuel, pilots, décor, and in-flight services. In the first year of bonus depreciation alone, a $100 million jet can generate a tax benefit of roughly $21 million.\n\nWhile the tax code already limits deductions for luxury vehicles, private jets remain fully subsidized.\n\nThe Stop Subsidizing Private Jets Act would:\n\nEnd full-cost write-offs for private jets and related luxury expenses; and\n\nPreserve targeted exemptions for farmers, small businesses, aircraft charter and rental companies, and emergency responders who use aviation for legitimate business and essential services.\n\nThe legislation is designed to make the tax code fairer by eliminating subsidies for luxury air travel while protecting those who genuinely rely on aviation to serve their communities, run their businesses, and respond to emergencies.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=533", "title": "National Capital Region Democrats’ Statement on Relocation of USDA’s Food Assistance Employees", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Don Beyer (VA-08), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a reorganization that would move most employees who work in food assistance and nutrition programs out of the National Capital Region (NCR):\n\n“With only 30 days notice, the Trump Administration decided to attack federal employees, their families, and make it harder to administer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food assistance programs. To be clear: this is a mass layoff and illegal reorganization under the guise of a relocation.\n\nThis administration is also intentionally forcing hardworking and experienced USDA employees to choose between losing their careers in the midst of mass federal layoffs or moving their entire family across the country during the school year and uprooting their lives at a time of rising inflation.\n\nIn one swift move, the Administration is undercutting food assistance, food safety, and farmers. This will make every single American less healthy and less safe. It will also increase food and healthcare costs on every single American.\n\nWe saw this exact move before in 2019 with other USDA offices, and it was a disaster. It resulted in serious brain drain, reduced morale, and draconian cuts to programs that the American people rely on.\n\nIt's clear this is also another targeted and cynical Republican attack on SNAP from millions of Americans. Make no mistake – this is not about government efficiency, it is not about optimizing services for the American people, and it is not about maximizing the use of taxpayer dollars. It is the latest in a long series of attempts by this administration to break the spirits of federal public servants and disrupt the delivery of crucial services to the American people.\n\nIn short, this move will be a disaster. We will do everything we can to fight it and eventually reverse it.”\n\nOn April 30, 2026, USDA announced the relocations of SNAP to Indianapolis, the Child Nutrition Programs to Dallas, the Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs to Kansas City, research programs to Raleigh, Emergency Management and Continuity of Operations to Denver, and retailer operations and compliance will spread across offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York City.\n\nThese changes are part of a larger USDA reorganization plan announced in July 2025 that would move most of the Department’s NCR staff to five regional hubs. In the announcement, USDA stated that they expected to move 2,300 USDA jobs out of the NCR. Other affected agencies include the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service.\n\nDuring the first Trump administration, the USDA relocated both the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of these relocations found that they had significant impacts on both agencies’ staffing and productivity, including:\n\nThe loss of over a third of each agency’s permanent full-time staff following the announcement of the relocation in 2018.\n\nA significant loss of experience, with staff with more than two years of experience declining from 83% of both agencies’ combined workforces in 2018 to 27% in 2021.\n\nDeclines in productivity, with ERS issuing fewer key reports and NIFA taking over a month longer to process and fund competitive grants in 2019.\n\nGAO also found that USDA did not follow many leading practices for agency relocations, including a failure to consult with its employees at any point during the process and the exclusion of several key variables, including employee attrition, in its economic analysis to support the relocations. Both agencies made positive improvements in these areas under the Biden administration, but the damage had already been done and many experienced, dedicated federal workers were essentially removed from their jobs.\n\nIn March 2025, the members introduced the Cost of Relocations Act, led by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), to fight back against President Trump’s relentless effort to relocate federal agencies and decimate their workforces. The legislation would require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress in order to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agency’s mission.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3490", "title": "Wasserman Schultz Stands With TPS Recipients, Advocates to Call on Supreme Court to Defend TPS", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Plantation, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), joined Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients and immigration advocates to call on the U.S. Supreme Court to defend TPS after the court heard arguments in Miot v. Trump, a consolidated case challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria. This case also has significant implications for 1.3 million TPS holders of several nationalities across the country.\n\nWatch the full press conference here.\n\n“TPS holders earn work permits, pay taxes, and get zero government welfare. They pay into Medicare and Social Security and get nothing in return,” said Wasserman Schultz. “It does nobody any good to take good people out of the workforce, people who just came here to make a better life for their families.”\n\n“These are families who are contributing to our workforce, caring for our elderly, supporting our local economies, and raising the next generation of Americans,” said Denise Brown, CEO of LifeNet4Families. “The question before us is simple: Do we continue to leave these families in limbo, or do we recognize their humanity, their contributions, and their right to stability?”\n\n“Venezuelans have been living under the consequences of a decision from the Trump Administration that was abrupt, political, and disconnected from reality,” said Adelys Ferro, Venezuelan American Caucus Executive Director. “A decision that ignored a humanitarian crisis that has lasted over a decade. A decision that ignored the fact that Venezuela remains under a dictatorship where repression, corruption, persecution, and fear are still very much in place.”\n\n“This Administration professes to uphold the rule of law. Few people symbolize respect for the rule of law more than TPS beneficiaries. Those who have been on TPS since 2010, it’s akin to being on probation for fifteen years and never violating it,” said Frandley Julien, an immigration attorney. “So those people, when you think of them, are law-abiding citizens. We cannot let the Administration commit such injustice against hard-working, law-abiding citizens.”\n\n“Everything that I’ve known – all of my family, all of my relations – are in the United States,” said Nora Massenat, a Haitian TPS recipient. “I don’t want to end up uprooting all of the relationships and all of the things that I’ve built in the United States – that I’ve come to know and to love – to move to a country that is unsafe and uncertain, where I don’t have my family there.”\n\nWasserman Schultz led more than 180 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of the plaintiffs in this case. The brief urges the Court to preserve TPS protections, emphasizing the bipartisan support for TPS and the immense public interest served by TPS holders in Florida and across the United States. The brief also highlights how the TPS statute was intended to provide a safe haven for those who are fleeing violence abroad. The full amicus brief can be found here.\n\nWasserman Schultz is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 and has led several previous amicus briefs in support of Venezuelan and Haitian TPS recipients. She has also signed discharge petitions to force a vote on restoring TPS for Venezuelans and for Haitians, the latter of which, led by Rep. Pressley, secured the requisite 218 signatures and passed the House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6917", "title": "Wittman Convenes Defense Leaders to Accelerate Military Capability and Strengthen Industrial Base", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Williamsburg, VA – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) convened senior defense leaders and industry executives alongside Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, Michael Duffey, for a roundtable discussion focused on Virginia’s role in America’s defense, strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base, and accelerating the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter.\n\nThe discussion brought together leaders from across the defense ecosystem, including shipbuilding, advanced weapons systems, autonomy, and defense services, to address key challenges facing the nation’s military readiness.\n\nParticipants highlighted several urgent priorities, including:\n\nExpanding production capacity to meet growing demand\n\nAccelerating acquisition timelines to keep pace with evolving threats\n\nImproving the transition of emerging technologies into operational use\n\nStrengthening workforce and supply chain resilience\n\n“What we heard today was clear: America has the innovation and industrial strength to lead, but our processes and bureaucracy continue to hamper progress,” said Rep. Wittman. “Ensuring our warfighters have the capabilities they need requires a stronger, more responsive industrial base and a procurement system that can keep pace with evolving threats. The greatest risk is not a lack of capability — it is the pace at which we deliver it. I will continue working with the Department of War and our industry partners to remove barriers and deliver results.”\n\nUnder Secretary Duffey emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Department of War and industry partners to improve acquisition outcomes and ensure timely delivery of capabilities.\n\nThe discussion underscored broad alignment among participants that speed, scale, and innovation must be prioritized to maintain U.S. military advantage in an increasingly complex global environment.\n\nCongressman Wittman will continue to work with Department of War leadership and industry stakeholders to advance policies that strengthen the defense industrial base, improve the efficiency of the acquisition process, and leverage the contributions of Virginia to our nation’s defense. In fiscal year 2024 alone, defense spending accounted for 10% of Virginia’s GDP, the second highest of any state in the nation.\n\nParticipating Organizations Included:", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410768", "title": "From the Front: May 1, 2026", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "From the Front Newsletters\nFrom the Front: May 1, 2026\nShare on Facebook\nShare on X\nPrint this Page\nShare by Email\nWashington,\r\n      May 1, 2026\nClick here to read this edition.\nRead more.\nJOIN MY EMAIL LIST\nSUBSCRIBE", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-sullivan-urge-trump-admin-to-implement-law-they-wrote-to-increase-support-for-veterans", "title": "Baldwin, Sullivan Urge Trump Admin to Implement Law They Wrote to Increase Support for Veterans", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) urged the Trump Administration to quickly implement their Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 2025 to support County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO). CVSOs are the community-based employees who work directly with veterans to inform them of eligibility for Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services, file pension and compensation claims, and help them enroll in job, housing, disability, and education benefits. On Thursday, Senator Baldwin also questioned VA Secretary Doug Collins during a Senate hearing, securing commitments on funding for this program and VA’s timeline for implementation.\n\n“The clear intent of the law is to empower local agencies with the funding and training necessary to meet rising demand, as well as increase the number of CVSOs to meet the needs of our veterans and ensure they have access to all of their earned benefits,” wrote Baldwin and Sullivan in a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins. “At the same time, $2 million has been made available for Fiscal Year 2026. It is imperative that the Department of Veterans Affairs move this process forward quickly and make funding available as soon as possible.”\n\nOut of the estimated 19 million veterans in the United States, only a small fraction are aware of and utilize the care and benefits they have earned from the VA. CVSOs are local county employees who are nationally accredited by the VA and are often the first to inform veterans about their eligibility for VA programs and services. They also help enroll veterans into the Veterans Health Administration and provide assistance on a range of benefits, including service-connected disability compensation, VA home loans, education benefits, and job placement assistance.\n\nBaldwin and Sullivan’s?Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act?authorized $10 million each for Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027 to expand and support CVSOs or similar local entities. The VA will award competitive grants to states in order to improve outreach to veterans and enhance the ability of states to develop and submit claims on behalf of veterans, and increase the number of county and tribal service officers serving in the state by hiring new officers.\n\nBy increasing the number of CVSOs, states will be better able to leverage their local and federal resources to serve our veterans.\n\n“Timely action will not only honor our commitment to those who wore the uniform but also help advance the broader goals of improving access and ensuring that every veteran, regardless of ZIP code, can get the care and benefits they deserve,” wrote Baldwin and Sullivan.\n\nA full version of this letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Collins,\n\nWe write to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to act without delay to fully implement the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) grant program, carried out through the Dole State and Tribal Outreach Grant Program as authorized by the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act and Section 302 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.\n\nCVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families seeking assistance with accessing benefits, health care, and other critical services. They play an essential role in ensuring that no veteran is left behind simply because they live in an underserved county or rural community.\n\nCongress passed our bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act as part of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (P.L. 118-210) to provide targeted resources to states and tribes to strengthen this network of CVSOs and address shortcomings that too often prevent veterans from securing the support they have earned through their service. The clear intent of the law is to empower local agencies with the funding and training necessary to meet rising demand, as well as increase the number of CVSOs to meet the needs of our veterans and ensure they have access to all of their earned benefits.\n\nAt the same time, $2 million has been made available for Fiscal Year 2026. It is imperative that the Department of Veterans Affairs move this process forward quickly and make funding available as soon as possible.\n\nTimely action will not only honor our commitment to those who wore the uniform but also help advance the broader goals of improving access and ensuring that every veteran, regardless of ZIP code, can get the care and benefits they deserve.\n\nThank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to working together to fulfill our shared responsibility to those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/01/bennet-grassley-colleagues-lead-bipartisan-legislation-to-extend-rural-hospital-program/", "title": "Bennet, Grassley, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration provides lifeline to rural communities\n\nWashington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another 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.\n\nCurrently, there are four Colorado hospitals participating in RCHD: Delta Health, Valley View Medical Center, Montrose Regional Health, and San Luis Valley Health.\n\n“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,” said Bennet. “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.”\n\n“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,” Grassley said.\n\nThe RCHD is specifically designed to boost the viability of rural hospitals. RCHD has helped more than 50 rural hospitals keep their doors open for acute inpatient care close to home.\n\nThe most recent performance data found that new 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. Today, all 30 spots are being used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).\n\n“We appreciate Senator Bennet’s leadership in supporting policies that recognize the challenges facing rural hospitals. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program provides a practical, proven approach to sustaining access to care by aligning Medicare payment with the real costs of providing services in rural communities. This program is about keeping care local, to ensure Colorado residents can receive timely, high-quality care, close to home,” said Jeff Tieman, Colorado Hospital Association’s President and Chief Executive Officer.\n\n“Montrose Regional Health is proud to support Senator Bennet’s leadership in advancing a five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program. This program is critical to sustaining access to high-quality care in rural communities like ours. It provides the stability and flexibility needed to navigate the unique financial and operational challenges we face, while continuing to invest in services that keep care close to home. We appreciate Senator Bennet’s ongoing commitment to strengthening rural healthcare across Colorado,” said Jeff Mengenhausen, Montrose Regional Health’s Chief Executive Officer\n\n“As a rural health system serving the San Luis Valley, we are already seeing the benefits of participating in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program,” said Konnie Martin, San Luis Valley Health’s Chief Executive Officer. “This program is helping us strengthen our financial footing and bring in the resources we need to preserve critical services for our community. As the only provider of Level III trauma and obstetric care within a 120-mile radius, our ability to remain open and fully operational is essential. The care we provide is not only vital to the health of our region, but also to its economic stability as the largest employer in the San Luis Valley. Senator Bennet’s legislation to extend this program will help ensure rural hospitals like ours can continue to serve our communities for years to come.”\n\n“Rural hospitals like Delta Health operate on incredibly thin margins while serving vulnerable patient populations across Delta County,” said Nick Colleran, Delta Health’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. “The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has been a lifeline for our rural hospital, providing the stable, predictable reimbursement we need to keep our doors open and continue delivering essential services, such as oncology care, to our community. At a time when we are facing mounting financial challenges such as our 2025 Medicare loss on charges of $45,161,765.00, as well the loss of critical resources and increasing administrative burdens, this program offers real, immediate support – not theoretical funding. Senator Bennet’s legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program is exactly the kind of commonsense solution rural providers need. It will help ensure that hospitals like Delta Health can continue to care for patients in the Western Slope for the next 100 years.”\n\n“Valley View has participated in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program since 2017. The program has provided crucial support that allows Medicare patients to receive high quality care close to home. Continued participation in the program is essential to preserving critical services, maintaining staffing stability, and ensuring that rural Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive high quality care in their own communities. Without this support, access to vital inpatient, specialty, and outreach services would be at risk for the residents who rely on us most,” said Brian Murphy, Valley View Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.\n\n“Many rural hospitals face financial uncertainty from low patient volumes, sicker patient populations, a challenging payer mix, geographic isolation, and shifts in care delivery. The Rural Community Hospital (RCH) Demonstration Extension Act allows hospitals to continue providing essential care in their communities by supporting the financial stability of participating rural hospitals. Hospitals with 50 beds or less are some of the most vulnerable to closure and the RCH demo offers an important model to maintain access in rural communities around the country. The AHA thanks Senator Grassley and Senator Bennet for their strong leadership to support America’s rural hospitals,” said Lisa Kidder Hrobsky, American Hospital Association’s Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Political Affairs.\n\n“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is grateful to see the introduction of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) Reauthorization Act, led by Senator Grassley and Senator Bennet. This bill would provide a 5-year extension of the RCHD Program, which offers much-needed support for small rural hospitals through enhanced Medicare reimbursement. The RCHD Program has demonstrated improvement in Medicare inpatient margins for participating rural hospitals and has been crucial in helping rural hospital leaders maintain rural hospital viability,” said Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association.\n\nBennet remains committed to ensuring that Coloradans in rural areas have access to the best health care available. In March, Bennet joined U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to introduce the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, which would provide zero-interest loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Community Facilities Program to qualifying hospitals for new construction or renovation of existing hospital facilities. In February, Bennet celebrated the passage of six of his health care bills: the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act, REAL Health Providers Act, Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, Give Kids a Chance Act, PREEMIE Act Reauthorization, and Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act.\n\nIn November 2025, Bennet joined Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in designating November 20, 2025, as National Rural Health Day. In July 2025, Bennet and Barrasso introduced the Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees Act, bipartisan legislation to increase access and coverage to behavioral, psychological, and mental health services in rural areas. In April 2025, Bennet and Representative Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) held a roundtable discussion with rural health providers on the Western Slope to discuss challenges to providing high-quality care in Colorado’s rural communities.\n\nBennet has also been a longtime champion for the RCHD program, having led the most recent reauthorization. In May 2020, Bennet joined U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) to introduce legislation to extend the RCHD Program for an additional five years, ensuring these essential hospitals do not face further budget instability during such challenging times.\n\nIn addition to Grassley and Bennet, 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.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), 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.) cosponsored this legislation.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/technology/blackburn-klobuchar-sound-the-alarm-on-meta-removing-ads-for-social-media-addiction-litigation-from-its-platforms", "title": "Blackburn, Klobuchar Sound the Alarm on Meta Removing Ads for Social Media Addiction Litigation from Its Platforms", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“In the wake of landmark verdicts handed down last month that found Meta liable for negligence in its platform’s design, it was reported that Meta began removing advertisements from attorneys seeking clients who allege that they were harmed by your platform while they were minors. It is unfortunate that rather than addressing the dangerous design of its platforms, Meta is instead attempting to dodge additional accountability for its failure to protect children online. Specifically, over a dozen advertisements that ran on Facebook and Instagram were deactivated, including one ad that read ‘Anxiety. Depression. Withdrawal. Self-harm. These aren’t just teenage phases—they’re symptoms linked to social media addiction in children. Platforms knew this and kept targeting kids anyway.’ Meta’s own internal research has confirmed exactly what the ad conveyed—that Meta’s social media platforms cause increased anxiety, depression, and self-harm. And these ads did not violate Meta’s Advertising Standards. Their removal is nothing more than an attempt to preserve a harmful business model at all costs—one that actively profits off the addiction of this nation’s youth—and reduce financial exposure for the harm Meta has caused to minors across the country.”\n\nAny Assertion Meta Removed These Ads to Protect Users Is a Lie", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-4/24/2026-5/1/2026", "title": "Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 4/24/2026-5/1/2026", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Grilling Secretary Hegseth on the Cost of War\n\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – At a Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) questioned Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth about the Trump Administration’s commitment to doing right by our nation’s veterans with the Major Richard Star Act, bipartisan legislation to fix an injustice preventing combat-injured veterans from receiving their full military benefits. Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their DoD retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments—leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees.\n\nHegseth pledged the Department’s support for the legislation following pressure from Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. This bipartisan legislation has been blocked twice in the last year by Senate Republican leadership.\n\n“I want to talk about the cost of war. The cost of war includes caring for our veterans,” Blumenthal said.\n\n“We had an estimate from Mr. Hurst yesterday that the cost to date in dollars for this war has been $25 billion…But we also know that about 400 service members have been wounded as a result of this war. When they retire, when they come home, their retirement pay will be docked dollar for dollar for every disability benefit dollar they receive.”\n\n“Secretary Hegseth, I’d like your commitment that you will support the Major Richard Star Act. It will eliminate this wounded warrior tax. I am sure you are familiar with it. Tens of thousands of servicemen and women now are reduced in their retirement pay, literally, for every dollar of disability benefits they receive.”\n\n“As I have said in the past to other organizations, we support the Richard Star Act,” replied Hegseth.\n\nLater in the hearing, Blumenthal emphasized the need to get the legislation across the finish line by Veterans Day to Hegseth and noted he will look to the Secretary to ensure the legislation becomes law.\n\nA video of Blumenthal’s remarks regarding the Major Richard Star Act are available here.\n\nBlumenthal further called for support for the Major Richard Star Act on Twitter/X.\n\n“The costs of war include caring for our veterans. I pushed Sec. Hegseth to pledge his support for the Major Richard Star Act—vital legislation to eliminate the wounded warrior tax,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal also pressed Hegseth on the Trump Administration’s response to the war in Ukraine, calling for more support for the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia’s invasion.\n\n“Let me ask you, the President said that Ukraine has been ‘militarily defeated.’ I assume you don't agree with that assessment?” said Blumenthal. “I would submit, based on my nine trips to Ukraine, that is a false narrative that the President is buying from Vladimir Putin. I hope that you will dispute it because it is the people of Ukraine who are fighting for their survival, with no help from the Administration. And they are bravely fighting our fight—and that is the reason that I am pursuing the Russian sanctions bill.”\n\nVideo of Blumenthal’s remarks regarding Ukraine are available here.\n\nBlumenthal joined MS NOW to share his reactions to Hegseth’s performance during the Hearing—citing his inability to provide clear, meaningful answers.\n\n“I think the most generous thing I can say about is performance today was that it verged on incompetence,” Blumenthal said about Hegseth’s appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee. “His response to perfectly proper questions about the amounts of the costs, the impact on our economy, was to lash out at the questioners. He called us defeatist, he said the press was incompetent, he blamed a lot on Biden, and he refused—absolutely refused—to answer with what the costs are. They’re either hiding what they know, or they don’t know. And I would say both are totally unacceptable for the Secretary of Defense.”\n\nVideo of Blumenthal’s full interview is available here.\n\nProtecting Children from Abusive AI Chatbots\n\nYesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved bipartisan legislation authored by Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) to protect children from AI chatbots. This legislation would ban AI companions for minors, mandate AI chatbots disclose their non-human status, and create new crimes for companies who make sexually explicit AI chatbots, or AI chatbots that coerce young people to take their own lives or commit other kinds of violence.\n\n“We’ve learned a lesson we can’t rely on social media to regulate itself, “trust us, trust us,” I’m done with “trust us,” We can’t trust the Big Tech companies or AI enterprises to have a conscience and follow the dictates of that conscience,” said Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee, at today’s markup.\n\n“This issue is a matter of life or death and I want to join in thanking the parents who are here today, but literally many, many others who have demonstrated the kind of leadership and bravery to take some good from the pain that they have suffered.”\n\nThe full video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here.\n\nBlumenthal further called for improved protections for children online with his GUARD Act on Twitter/X.\n\n“AI companies are using our kids as guinea pigs to pad their bottom line. Senator Hawley & I have heard from countless parents & children who were victimized by chatbots that became manipulative & predatory, abusing young users. The time is now to pass the GUARD Act. I am proud that today, the Senate Judiciary Committee took a critical step forward in putting up some overdue safeguards & moving this bill to the floor.My message to AI CEOs is this: you promised that you would work with us on guardrails for your technology, & now is the time to put your money where your mouth is & help us get this bill signed into law,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal also shared a piece on his Substack highlighting the need for legislation to bolster children’s online safety and calling out Big Tech’s role in harming our nation’s children.\n\n“One of the biggest dangers facing kids today is Big Tech’s exploitative, addictive algorithms, working to keep kids scrolling, clicking ads, and sharing every detail of their lives. Big Tech prioritizes profits over safety and refuses to protect our children—so it’s time for action,” wrote Blumenthal. “As lawmakers, there is nothing more fundamental than protecting our children. They’re our future. I may be a United States Senator, but my main accomplishment in life is that I am a father. There is nothing partisan about protecting children from gut-wrenching harms caused by Big Tech’s exploitation.\n\nSubscribe to Blumenthal’s Substack here.\n\nOn the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee\n\nAt a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing this week to consider pending legislation, Ranking Member Blumenthal pressed VA Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits Margarita Devlin for greater transparency surrounding the Department’s decision to expand or remove benefits for toxic exposure-related conditions. Previous reporting revealed the Trump Administration secretly rolled back benefits for a presumptive condition established under the landmark PACT Act for toxic-exposed veterans.\n\n“Ms. Devlin, my Presumptive CLARITY Act requires the VA to publish information about conditions and cohorts it is considering for the purpose of removing toxic exposure-related benefits. It requires VA to educate veterans on how to participate in the PACT Act, which I found is desperately necessary, because not enough veterans are aware of it. Do you agree that the VA should provide transparent and proactive notification when it makes significant changes to presumptive benefits and notify more veterans about the PACT Act?”\n\nWhen Devlin responded that VA already publishes these changes in the Federal Register, Blumenthal quipped: “With all due respect, I don't know too many veterans who read the Federal Register on a regular basis. Can’t more be done?”\n\nWitnesses from the second panel also shared their support for the Senator’s Presumptive CLARITY Act. Jennifer Goodale, Director of Government Relations for Veteran and Retired Affairs at Military Officers Association of America, built off Blumenthal’s earlier comments and emphasized the need for greater transparency: “…[T]here are not a lot of veterans that are consistently check the federal register. We agree there has got to be a better way to share a very clear outlook of what’s being considered, what cohorts and conditions, when it comes to presumptives.”\n\nBlumenthal introduced the Presumptive CLARITY Act in November to require VA to establish a public-facing website to educate toxic-exposed veterans on the processes it uses to determine which conditions are related to military toxic exposures. This would ensure veterans know if VA plans to add or remove their exposure or condition as a presumptive and instruct veterans on how they can provide input. Currently, VA lacks a consolidated website where veterans can access this information.\n\nA video of Blumenthal’s remarks is available here.\n\nBlumenthal further called for transparency over the PACT Act presumptive process on Twitter/X.\n\n“There has to be a better way than the Federal Register to let veterans know they are eligible for PACT Act benefits. I pressed the VA to urgently provide more proactive outreach to veterans,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.\n\nSlamming the Trump Administration’s Corruption of Science\n\nBlumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered an opening statement at a Subcommittee hearing about vaccine research. The hearing, convened by PSI Republicans, comes after the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Acting Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya interfered with the publication of a study demonstrating that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the likelihood of hospitalization and emergency room visits during the most recent respiratory virus season.\n\n“Everything that’s been said, I think we ought to remember what it was like during the height of the COVID pandemic. Literally the fear, the death, the loss, and then the relief as a result of Operation Warp Speed, which President Trump ordered in having a vaccine that gave people hope. And many people life. At the same time, none of the relief or hope enabled loved ones to come back. They lost lives, and families had their lives upended,” Blumenthal said during the hearing.\n\nThe hearing featured testimony from Maria Young, a Maryland resident who contracted COVID-19 in October 2020 before vaccines were available.\n\n“We are fortunate to have with us, Maria Young. Thank you for coming here today, who spent many days in a hospital, close to 70 days in intensive care. Most lives were forever changed as a result, but the vaccine offered a path forward for so many people, and we should be thankful for Operation Warp Speed,” Blumenthal said.\n\nBlumenthal underscored the ways in which the Trump Administration has politicized science and undermined public health, “There is also a really deep irony in the Majority’s argument, given the current Administration’s overt efforts to skew science and undermine public health. Last week, I wrote to the acting CDC director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, about reports that he has blocked publication of a recent study showing that COVID-19 vaccines were extremely effective at preventing hospitalizations last winter.”\n\n“I fear that this Administration’s actions to politicize science, to slash scientific funding, and to expel talented scientists are doing irreparable harm to our nation’s ability to counter the next pandemic. The threat remains real and present, and we must respect science and encourage our scientists to continue to do their work,” Blumenthal concluded.\n\nA video of Blumenthal’s opening statement is available here. A video of Maria Young’s testimony is available here.\n\nBlumenthal further amplified Maria Young’s story on Twitter/X.\n\n“Maria Young shares her story of strength regaining her life after battling COVID-19, spending over 4 months in the hospital—before we had life-saving vaccines & treatments,” wrote Blumenthal with an accompanying video on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal Bulletin\n\nBlumenthal reacted to King Charles’s speech to Congress.\n\nBlumenthal called out Trump’s judicial nominees for their answers disregarding the violent January 6 attack on the Capitol and their inability to say President Biden won the 2020 election.\n\nBlumenthal joined CNN to discuss President Trump’s foreign policy strategy that’s dangerously driven by vengeance and vanity.\n\nBlumenthal slammed the Supreme Court’s decision eviscerating safeguards against voter suppression and decimating the Voting Rights Act.\n\nBlumenthal led a group of 29 Senators calling on the Trump Administration to halt the removal of Afghan allies to the Democratic Republic of Congo.\n\nBlumenthal introduced legislation protecting children harmed by ICE actions against their parents.\n\nBlumenthal shared the story of Zahra, calling for support for our country’s Afghan allies by passing his Afghan Adjustment Act.\n\nBlumenthal joined Morning Joe on Monday to discuss the swift response by law enforcement at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and updates on the war in Iran.\n\nBlumenthal investigated Hegseth’s failure to protect troops in the Middle East after a fatal attack.\n\nBlumenthal renewed a push to support survivors of disasters as the Trump Administration abandons disaster-stricken communities.\n\nBlumenthal slammed skyrocketing gas prices in Hartford and across Connecticut.\n\nBlumenthal joined the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at Yale Law School, announcing a lawsuit challenging the denial of VA benefits to children of male Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-renewed-push-to-establish-safety-standards-for-firearms-in-effort-to-save-lives", "title": "Booker Leads Colleagues in Renewed Push to Establish Safety Standards for Firearms in Effort to Save Lives", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is leading a renewed effort to confront the gun violence epidemic plaguing communities across the United States. In a push to address this public health crisis—now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States—Booker, along with Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), reintroduced legislation that would empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) with the authority to establish safetystandards for firearms and ammunition. This legislation would remove a decades-old exemption that prohibits the CPSC from exercising jurisdiction over firearms, allowing the agency to address risks the same way it does for all other consumer products.\n\n“Every year, hundreds of Americans lose their lives because of defective firearms, yet there is still no comprehensive system to recall weapons with known hazards,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Decades ago, firearms became the only consumer product in the country exempt from federal safety oversight, and today they are the leading cause of death for children and teens. This is long overdue. Congress has a responsibility to put public safety first and finally close this loophole so firearms are treated like every other consumer product.”\n\n“This makes no sense. After decades of lobbying by gun manufacturers, toy guns are subject to stricter safety standards than real ones. It’s long past time to stop the special favors and stand up to the gun lobby to protect Americans,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.\n\n“As we continue working to end the scourge of gun violence in this country and better protect our communities, we must address the safety standards to which firearms are held to,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “Firearms and their manufacturers should not be excluded from critical standards that help to protect consumers from dangerous and defective products. This commonsense legislation will help to protect our communities by establishing safety standards to monitor firearms for safety risks, enable the collection of data on gun-related incidents, require warnings, and recall defective firearms.”\n\n“There is a gun violence epidemic in this country, but the powerful firearm lobby continues to shield gun manufacturers from CPSC‘s regulatory authority. It is high time Congress allows CPSC to set minimum safety standards for firearms,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “I am joining Senator Booker in introducing the Firearm Safety Act of 2026 to strengthen our gun safety regulations and prevent the incalculable harm caused each year from gun violence.”\n\n“Gun manufacturers are the only industry in America exempt from even minimal federal consumer safety oversight, free to sell defective products with no mandatory recall requirements and no federal accountability. The Firearm Safety Act would finally close this loophole, giving the Consumer Product Safety Commission the authority to set safety standards and recall dangerous firearms — the same basic protections Americans already expect from their cars, cribs, and lawn mowers,” said Senator Alex Padilla.\n\nThe Firearm Safety Act would correct a gap created when the Consumer Product Safety Act was first passed in 1972 and firearms were excluded from the commission's authority. By eliminating that exemption, the bill would allow the CPSC to apply the same oversight to firearms that it already uses for other consumer products, with the goal of reducing preventable injuries and deaths.\n\nBy allowing the CPSC to regulate firearms, they will be able to:\n\nRecall defective firearms;\n\nSet minimum safety standards for firearms and ammunition;\n\nCollect data on gun-related deaths and injuries; and\n\nRequire warning labels on firearms and ammunition.\n\nThe Firearm Safety Act is endorsed by Brady United, Everytown, GIFFORDS, Newtown Action Alliance, and Community Justice.\n\n“For over 50 years, the CPSC has been tasked with regulating and addressing unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. Yet, the firearms industry has successfully kept American-made firearms out of their purview, making guns the only consumer product in the country that is not subject to federal health and safety regulations. The Firearm Safety Act will allow the CPSC to create safety standards for gun industry products, monitor firearms for safety risks, and oversee product recalls — protecting consumers from dangerous and defective products. Brady is grateful to Senator Booker and Representative Kelly for championing this commonsense legislation and for their leadership in the fight against gun violence,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A09C4E2E-D197-45A4-BE7D-2DC78B45F553", "title": "Boozman Encouraged with Progress on VA Electronic Health Records Rollout, Urges Continued Prioritization of Key Suicide Prevention Effort", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) welcomed an update on the successful recent deployment of the Electronic Health Record Management (EHRM) system and urged Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to continue supporting a Boozman-authored suicide prevention initiative at a hearing examining the department’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.\n\nBoozman thanked Sec. Collins for sharing the positive feedback on the EHRM launch at four hospitals in Michigan earlier this month.\n\n“I am really pleased with the results that we’re getting in Michigan. It’s a great start, and especially to hear from our colleague in Michigan to back that up. Many administrations – this is not a Democrat or Republican thing – [have wrestled with this] over the past couple of decades. [This successful rollout] will make us a lot more efficient,” Boozman said.\n\n“We have put the Electronic Health Record Modernization effort back on track, starting with our successful deployments in Michigan a few weeks ago. We are no longer accepting indefinite delays in this critical initiative,” Collins said in his opening statement. “A modern record system means fewer repeated tests, improved availability of health data, and smoother coordination across providers—reducing frustration and improving continuity of care at every point of contact.”\n\nCongress has appropriated over $16 billion to deliver this necessary capability to the VA to support record management with non-VA providers. The VA will next deploy this system to four Ohio hospitals in June. Its FY27 budget request will support 26 new deployments in 2027 and sustain 45 live sites.\n\nBoozman also asked Collins to share why extending the Fox Grant Program, a critical component veteran suicide prevention, was a priority and discuss the impact it has for veterans struggling with their mental health.\n\n“According to the VA’s December 2025 report, 22 percent of the veterans supported by this grant were new to VA services, and 80 percent of veterans within the program have shown a decreased risk of suicide,” Boozman said. “This is another thing that we’ve worked so hard for so many years to get a handle on, to reverse some of the negative trends that we’ve seen.”\n\n“The death by suicide issue, with these Fox Grants, really go after [and is] targeted toward those unreached. Remember, 60 percent of veterans who have death by suicide are not in the VA system. Since January, we’ve added over 125,000 new veterans who were not in the system just in this year,” Collins said.\n\nThe Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was signed into law as a provision of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. The senator, also a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, continues to push for its renewal and expansion.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-applauds-trump-administrations-cfpbs-rollback-of-disastrous-1071-rule/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Applauds Trump Administration’s CFPB’s Rollback of Disastrous 1071 Rule", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today applauded the Trump Administration’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalizing a rule which will roll back the Biden Administration’s misguided 1071 Small Business Lending Data Collection rule.\n\n“I fought for years against the Biden Administration’s 1071 rule, including through my PROTECTED Act, because it was far-reaching, imposed significant costs, and unfairly hurt our smallest community banks that serve rural and underserved communities. This new rule ensures small lenders can continue to meet the needs of Main Street businesses, and I’m proud to be a strong supporter. I will always advocate for small businesses across Alabama and our nation—they’re the backbone of our country and what make our communities so unique—and our community banks play a pivotal role in providing these businesses with vital access to capital,” said Senator Britt.\n\nSenators Britt and John Boozman (R-Ark.) lead the Preventing Regulatory Overreach to Empower Communities to Thrive and Ensure Data privacy (PROTECTED) Act, which aims to shield our smallest financial institutions and Main Street businesses from regulatory overreach and excessive compliance costs and standards, particularly in the absence of a full repeal of the CFPB’s final rule for Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The bill would also limit the number of small businesses impacted, and significantly reduce the amount of data required to be collected and reported, to ensure consumers’ privacy is protected.\n\nSenator Britt has long been an outspoken opponent of the CFPB’s misguided 1071 rule. In October 2024, American Banker published a column written by the Senator warning of the increasing politicization and regulatory overreach at the CFPB. “Take, for instance, the CFPB’s 1071 small business lending rule, a far-reaching regulation that imposes significant costs to our smallest community banks. This unnecessary regulatory expansion undermines the relationship banking model of small financial institutions, while allowing the CFPB to collect, store, and create a public registry of personal data on business owners and consumers in our communities,” she wrote.\n\nIn a December 2024 hearing with then-Director Rohit Chopra, Senator Britt criticized the small business lending rule and the damage it would pose to community banks and their ability to provide credit and services to Main Street. “The compliance costs alone are literally putting at risk community banks in a multitude of ways . . . I want to make sure the agency continues to look at cumulative impacts and how rules like this hurt the most vulnerable,” Senator Britt stated.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/05/01/budd-cortez-masto-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-veterans-from-criminal-fraud-schemes/", "title": "Budd, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans from Criminal Fraud Schemes", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the bipartisan Veterans Protection from Fraud Act to establish a sentencing enhancement of up to ten years in prison for anyone convicted of committing or conspiring to commit fraud that targets a veteran. U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.-02) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n“Our nation’s veterans, who bravely served our country in defense of our freedoms, have become the primary targets of criminal fraud schemes. Those who attempt to defraud our service members must face strict criminal penalties for their actions. I am proud to join Senator Cortez Masto to ensure these criminals are held accountable under federal law,” said Senator Budd.\n\n“Every day, our service members risk everything to protect our homeland and defend our freedoms. The least we can do when these brave men and women come home is ensure that we protect their financial wellbeing from those bad actors who target them because of their service. With this bill, we can crack down on the fraudsters who try to scam our veterans,” said Senator Cortez Masto.\n\n“Veterans put their lives on the line for us at home and abroad. Our duty is to protect them when they return. I am proud to have introduced this legislation in the House, and I appreciate Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Budd for protecting our veterans in the Senate,” said Representative Burchett.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn 2023, our nation’s veterans, service members, and their families had $477 million stolen due to fraud schemes. Federal law already includes a sentencing enhancement for fraud crimes targeting senior citizens, but there are no similar criminal penalties for fraudsters who target veterans.\n\nVeterans Protection from Fraud Act:\n\n• Deters criminals from defrauding veterans by increasing penalties to up to ten years in prison.\n\n• Applies sentencing enhancements to fraud offenses, including false document fraud, device fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, broad fraudulent schemes, bank fraud, and health care fraud.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/as-gas-prices-spike-cantwell-introduces-bill-to-target-petroleum-market-manipulators-and-protect-consumers-at-the-pump", "title": "As Gas Prices Spike, Cantwell Introduces Bill to Target Petroleum Market Manipulators & Protect Consumers at the Pump", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "As Gas Prices Spike, Cantwell Introduces Bill to Target Petroleum Market Manipulators & Protect Consumers at the Pump\n\nGas prices hit $5.57 in Washington, the highest average price ever; Puget Sound diesel prices are over $7 a gallon; Act would monitor fuel market anomalies that hurt consumers; bad actors would face up to $2 million per day in fines\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act.\n\nThe bill would create a new Transportation Fuel Monitoring and Enforcement Unit at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) dedicated to proactively monitoring and preventing fraud or manipulation that may be artificially inflating pump prices, increasing price transparency in transportation fuel markets, and increasing penalties for bad actors. In the past, unscrupulous oil traders have taken advantage of volatility and supply disruptions to profit at the expense of consumers.\n\n“This legislation couldn’t come at a more needed time as drivers in Washington and all across the country face record breaking pump prices,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Protecting American households and businesses requires forcing the same level of transparency in fuel markets that we successfully fought to secure in other energy markets. This legislation will put a full-time policeman on the beat able to shine a bright light on the mysterious middle of gas markets and go after any bad actors that are exploiting consumers.”\n\nToday, gas prices in Washington state hit $5.57 per gallon – the highest in state history.\n\nREAD MORE:\n\nKOMO 4 SEATTLE: State gas prices hit record average of $5.57 a gallon, squeezing drivers’ budgets\n\nThe New York Times: Oil Hits Wartime High Above $120 a Barrel as Standoff Shows No End in Sight\n\nThe bill was co-introduced by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA).\n\nThe Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act:\n\nStrengthens Oversight. Enhances the FTC’s 2007 authority to go after false market information designed to artificially inflate transportation fuel prices, including data submitted to private-sector price reporting agencies. The legislation broadens the FTC’s oversight authority to cover the full range of transportation fuels, including biofuels.\n\nEnsures Dedicated Market Monitoring. Establishes a new Transportation Fuel Monitoring and Enforcement Unit at the FTC devoted to protecting the public interest by continuously and comprehensively monitoring and analyzing crude oil, gasoline, diesel, home heating oil, and other petroleum distillate markets in order to facilitate transparent and competitive market practices.\n\nTargets Bad Actors. The new unit at the FTC is also charged with identifying any manipulation, reporting of false information, use of market power or any other unfair method of competition employed to distort transportation fuel markets to accrue illegal profits, and advising the full Commission whether to go after the perpetrators and impose relevant penalties.\n\nIncreases Penalties. Doubles the maximum penalty for manipulating wholesale oil markets to $2,000,000 a day for each violation.\n\nImproves Market Transparency and Competition. Directs the Energy Information Administration to collect, analyze, and publish more detailed information related to the quantity and pricing of transportation fuels in order to facilitate price transparency, fair competition, and compliance with relevant international sanctions. This data may also be used to facilitate enhanced FTC efforts to police the transportation fuel markets.\n\nA one-page summary of the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act is available HERE.\n\nThe full bill text is available HERE.\n\nAs Chair of the Committee, Sen. Cantwell led the initial introduction of this legislation in the 117th Congress, and it passed out of the Commerce Committee in May 2022. In April 2022, Sen. Cantwell held a hearing that revealed how a lack of oversight and visibility into petroleum trades affects prices at the gas pump. The bill was also introduced in the 118th Congress.\n\nSen. Cantwell has long sought to protect consumers from unjustified energy prices. In the aftermath of Enron’s energy trading schemes, she authored an amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that strengthened the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) authority to investigate and punish market manipulation in the electricity and natural gas markets.\n\nSince then, FERC has built a permanent cadre of internal energy experts that continually monitor and investigate anomalous market trends and suspicious behavior. In the wake of the 2008 Financial Crisis, Sen. Cantwell authored legislation that gave the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) similar anti-market manipulation authority and responsibilities in financially-settled energy commodity derivatives markets.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-democratic-colleagues-in-demanding-dhs-and-ssa-uphold-federal-law-rather-than-president-trumps-illegal-executive-order-to-limit-voting", "title": "Cantwell Joins Democratic Colleagues in Demanding DHS and SSA Uphold Federal Law Rather Than President Trump’s Illegal Executive Order to Limit Voting", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Joins Democratic Colleagues in Demanding DHS and SSA Uphold Federal Law Rather Than President Trump’s Illegal Executive Order to Limit Voting\n\nThis week, Schumer tapped Cantwell to join a Democratic Senate task force to defend ballot access and voter rights in November\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 27 of her colleagues in demanding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) follow existing federal law rather than the March 31 Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump, which violates the Constitution and risks disenfranchising eligible voters.\n\nPresident Trump’s directive, which has been challenged in the courts, would require DHS to create eligible voter lists – which the federal government does not have the authority to do. Under the order, DHS is required to use data from the Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program that incorporates incorrect and incomplete, out-of-date citizenship information from SSA, which DHS has acknowledged may produce inaccurate citizenship verification results. If the President’s executive order is implemented in place of current federal law, it will prevent many eligible voters from exercising their fundamental right to vote.\n\nIn their letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the senators wrote: “The foreseeable result is that tens of thousands of eligible U.S. citizen voters will discover on Election Day that they are barred from voting because they have been incorrectly removed from voter rolls. Indeed, reports have already confirmed that eligible Americans are being targeted for removal from voter rolls after being erroneously flagged as non-citizens by the SAVE program. As state and local election officials have stated, the SAVE program’s expanded use for voter roll maintenance would likely lead to even greater wrongful disenfranchisement.”\n\n“The Department should immediately discontinue the SAVE program’s use for these illegal and non-statutory purposes and take no steps pursuant to the Executive Order that violate the law and risk disenfranchising eligible voters,” the senators concluded.\n\nIn their letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano, the senators wrote, “SSA data is already at the core of the overhauled SAVE program at DHS, which continues to have serious accuracy and reliability concerns. State and local elections officials, nonpartisan voter advocacy organizations, federal agencies, and courts have made clear that the SAVE program is not appropriate for voter roll maintenance because incorrect and out-of-date citizenship information in the databases it queries, including SSA databases, leads to eligible voters often being incorrectly flagged as non-citizens.”\n\n“Given that SSA is an unreliable source for information on U.S. citizenship, that recent DOGE activities at SSA put the American public’s data at risk, and that federal interference in state-run elections is a clear violation of the Constitution’s Elections Clause, SSA should immediately discontinue its data sharing activities and take no steps pursuant to the Executive Order that violate the law and risk disenfranchising eligible voters,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letters were led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).\n\nRead the full letter to DHS Secretary Mullin HERE.\n\nRead the full letter to SSA Commissioner Bisignano HERE.\n\nOn Wednesday, Sen. Cantwell was tapped by Sen. Schumer to join a task force of senators fighting back against the Trump administration’s illegal overreach into free and fair elections.\n\n“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, so I'm glad to join Senator Schumer's task force on elections to make sure that this year we fight in the United States of America to preserve that right,” Sen. Cantwell said during a press gathering ahead of a meeting of the group Wednesday.\n\nVideo of the press gathering is HERE; a transcript of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks is HERE.\n\nOn March 31, President Donald Trump issued an illegal executive order that would direct his administration to compile lists of eligible voters in each state and direct the USPS to mail ballots only to those voters who meet that criteria – a clear violation of the Constitution, which delegates authority to oversee elections to the states.\n\nLast week, Senate Republicans failed to pass the SAVE America Act, a disastrous voter suppression bill that would disproportionately harm women who change their name upon marriage and rural voters – many of whom make up their own base.\n\nREAD MORE:\n\nThe Seattle Times: Trump’s attacks on mail-in voting may hurt his own supporters in WA\n\nThe Spokesman Review: SAVE America Act would require Washingtonians to mail photocopies of official IDs with ballot to vote\n\nIn the 2024 election, nearly 48 million people – almost a third of all voters – cast their ballots by mail. All states offer registered voters the opportunity to vote by mail in federal general elections and 12 states, including Washington – an early pioneer in expanding by-mail voting – conducted their 2024 elections entirely by mail. Washington state started vote-by-mail in 1983, adopted optional vote-by-mail in 2005, and enacted universal vote-by-mail in 2011.\n\nSen. Cantwell has been a stalwart defender against overreach of the Trump administration into our elections:", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-responds-to-climate-change-denial-on-senate-floor-we-cannot-bury-our-heads-in-the-sand", "title": "Cantwell Responds to Climate Change Denial on Senate Floor: “[We] Cannot Bury Our Heads in the Sand.”", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Responds to Climate Change Denial on Senate Floor: “[We] Cannot Bury Our Heads in the Sand.”\n\n“I hope that some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle…will talk to our colleague from Wisconsin,” urges Cantwell after Sen. Johnson of landlocked state spikes resolution to simply acknowledge the existence of human-caused sea-level rise\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, urged her colleagues to take sea-level rise seriously in remarks on the Senate floor.\n\n“[We] cannot bury our heads in the sand while climate change and sea level rise put billions of dollars of infrastructure and millions of Americans at risk,” Sen. Cantwell said. “If we want to protect our economy and these communities, we need the data and the science to understand the problem. We need to take the necessary steps to protect our communities and our infrastructure and our economy.”\n\nSen. Cantwell’s remarks came immediately after the failure of Senate Resolution 551, which sought to resolve: “That the Senate recognizes the reality of anthropogenic climate change and the role it plays in dangerously raising sea levels.” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), who introduced the measure, asked for unanimous consent that it be adopted. But Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) objected, saying “The simple truth is, there's no climate emergency.”\n\nIn her remarks, Sen. Cantwell urged Republican colleagues to try to change Sen. Johnson’s mind. “I hope that some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle that represent coastal states will talk to our colleague from Wisconsin and encourage him to instead support this legislation,” she said.\n\nAs evidence, Sen. Cantwell shared examples from Washington state of how sea level rise is already creating problems.\n\n“Twice right outside of Bellingham, … I-5 has been closed. Okay, why is I-5 closing? Because we've had so much rain and we have so much impact [from] a changing environment that we basically have had to have I-5 shut twice just to clean up from the mudslide.”\n\n“Our Amtrak service that runs all the way from California up to British Columbia, [has] also been impacted by huge slides after rain and after these swollen rivers.”\n\n“Rising [sea levels make] wastewater [more of] an issue. So treatment facilities around Puget Sound and Elliot Bay are increasingly vulnerable to flooding and overflow, threatening the release of bacteria, toxic chemicals and other pollutants into our waterways and our drinking water.”\n\n“Tribes like the Hoh Indian Tribe, the Quinault Indian Tribe, the Quileute Tribe, the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, are all located along the Pacific coast, and the threat of sea level rise has forced them to take aggressive, unprecedented actions to move parts of their reservation to higher land.”\n\nSen. Cantwell also cited a recent Seattle Times article describing work to understand threats to Chinook salmon on the Stillaguamish River.\n\n“In this river alone, Chinook populations are down to roughly 10 percent of their historic levels,” said Sen. Cantwell. “So this is really important to us as a state. We want salmon. We want to understand rising sea levels. We want to understand what flooding is going to do to create damage. When are those spawning grounds going to be lost, and when are Chinook survival rates going to continue to drop? We want to know.”\n\nSen. Cantwell noted her bipartisan push to identify how climate change threatens federal government infrastructure. In September 2024, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a new report requested by Sen. Cantwell and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), on the economic impacts of climate change to the federal government. This report built on an October 2017 GAO report requested by Senators Cantwell and Collins on the same topic.\n\nThe report, titled Climate Resilience: Congressional Action Needed to Enhance Climate Economics Information and to Limit Federal Fiscal Exposure, warned that “Available estimates indicate significant projected costs to the economy and the federal government as a result of climate change,” and that “the federal government is currently not well-organized to manage this reality.”\n\nGAO’s work on costs to the federal government followed eye-opening analysis in the Fifth National Climate Assessment that found the cost of climate damages to the entire U.S. economy from extreme weather events is already $1.5 trillion per decade.\n\n“So literally, you're costing taxpayers a trillion dollars because you don't want to adapt or mitigate those impacts,” Sen. Cantwell warned.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-justice-celebrate-senate-passage-of-nps-cbp-land-swap-at-harpers-ferry", "title": "Capito, Justice Celebrate Senate Passage of NPS-CBP Land Swap at Harpers Ferry", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) released the following statements after the Senate unanimously passed the National Park Service (NPS) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) land swap at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in West Virginia.\n\n“The passage of this bill is welcome news as it will benefit not only West Virginia, but our nation’s security as well. By allowing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Advanced Training Center in Harpers Ferry to expand, we are ensuring our hardworking Border Patrol agents and federal law enforcement officers have access to the world-class training facilities they need to do their jobs safely and effectively and continues my long-standing support for this world class facility. I’m also glad this land swap will allow us to preserve a historic battlefield, honoring the rich heritage of our state,” Senator Capito said.\n\n“This is a major win for West Virginia and a perfect example of common sense in action. By bringing this historic land into the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, we are ensuring that our state’s incredible heritage is preserved. At the same time, providing the CBP Advanced Training Center with the space they need to grow ensures that the brave men and women who protect our borders have the best possible facilities. I am proud to see the Senate act unanimously to support our National Parks and our national security in one fell swoop,” Senator Justice said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThis land swap authorizes a transfer of 71.51 acres in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, from CBP to become part of NPS and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. Additionally, it transfers around 25 acres of Federal land at Harpers Ferry from NPS to CBP.\n\nThe proposed land transfer to NPS would add a site of exceptional historical significance to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.\n\nCBP’s reception of 25 acres that border its Advanced Training Center would allow the agency to expand its training capabilities.\n\nAlthough CBP and NPS have delegated authority to acquire interests in real estate under certain circumstances, neither agency had the authority to affect a transfer of the specific parcels at issue. Therefore, an Act of Congress was required to authorize the transfers.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-hosts-nih-nia-director-at-wvu-rockefeller-neuroscience-institute", "title": "PHOTOS: Capito Hosts NIH NIA Director at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), visited West Virginia University’s (WVU) Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) in Morgantown, W.Va. with Dr. Richard Hodes, Director of the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIH NIA). During the visit, Senator Capito and Dr. Hodes receives updates from medical leaders like RNI Director Dr. Ali Rezai on key research related to Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s-related dementias as well as a tour of the facility.\n\n“I appreciated the opportunity to host Dr. Hodes today at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in Morgantown and hear directly from leaders like Dr. Rezai and others about their groundbreaking work on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” Senator Capito said. “The progress being made here in West Virginia is both encouraging and impactful, and it’s clear this research has the potential to improve lives across our state and beyond.”\n\n“Addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias requires bold, multidisciplinary approaches that span fundamental biology, early detection, and innovative interventions. The work underway in West Virginia at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute reflects this integrated strategy, advancing areas such as neuromodulation and blood-brain barrier technologies to accelerate progress against complex neurodegenerative diseases. NIH, including the National Institute on Aging, supports research that deepens our understanding of these conditions and moves us toward more effective strategies for dementia prevention and treatment,” Dr. Hodes said.\n\n“We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Dr. Richard Hodes ,” Dr.Rezai, executive chair of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, said. “This kind of collaboration is what drives meaningful change, accelerating research breakthroughs into care for patients facing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and others.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS Subcommittee, Senator Capito has been a long-time supporter of efforts to advance medical innovation and improve health outcomes for West Virginians, including through RNI, which is a national leader in the study and treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions, combining cutting-edge research with patient-centered care.\n\nSenator Capito has worked alongside federal, state, and local partners to help strengthen resources for groundbreaking initiatives at RNI, with a focus on addressing critical challenges such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, and other complex brain disorders. In February of 2026, Senator Capito secured a $11.9 million CDS allocation to support construction of the Center for Neuromodulation and Brain Therapeutics. Additionally, Senator Capito reintroduced bipartisan legislation in March of 2026 that bolsters training for primary care providers so they can better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementia and deliver high-quality, person-centered care in community-based settings.\n\nSenator Capito’s efforts reflect a broad commitment to fostering collaboration, supporting scientific discovery, and ensuring that West Virginia remains at the forefront of transformative health care solutions.\n\nIn August 2022, Senator Capito and Dr. Rezai joined Hoppy Kercheval, former host of MetroNews Talkline, for a special interview on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. During the interview, Senator Capito shared her personal experience as a caretaker for her parents who struggled with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as her continued efforts to assist families in West Virginia going through similar circumstances. Click here to watch the interview.\n\nPhotos from today’s event are included below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in Morgantown, W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in Morgantown, W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in Morgantown, W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-hosts-roundtable-with-ondcp-director-in-charleston", "title": "PHOTOS: Capito Hosts Roundtable with ONDCP Director in Charleston", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Appropriations Committee, hosted a roundtable on drug enforcement and prevention with Sara Carter, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The discussion included a wide range of law enforcement and recovery partners from across the state, including both of West Virginia’s U.S. Attorney’s.\n\n“It was great to have Director Carter join us today in Charleston,” Senator Capito said. “West Virginia has faced the devastating impacts of the drug epidemic for far too long, and conversations like these are critical to strengthening our response. By bringing together federal, state, and local partners, we can continue working toward effective solutions that support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across our communities.”\n\n“It was an honor to join Senator Capito as we work to defeat the drug crisis in West Virginia. I am grateful we could be joined by state and local law enforcement partners, including those from the Appalachia HIDTA, who work tirelessly to keep drugs off our streets, as well as our Drug-Free Communities coalitions who are educating and empowering West Virginian children to live happy and healthy lives,” ONDCP Director Carter said.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nFor years, West Virginia has been considered “ground zero” for the opioid epidemic, with communities across the state experiencing some of the highest rates of overdose deaths and substance use disorder in the nation. Families have been deeply affected, and the crisis has placed a significant strain on local health care systems and law enforcement. While meaningful progress has been made through increased access to treatment, prevention initiatives, and recovery support, challenges remain—particularly with the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Nearly 76% of all overdoses in West Virginia in 2021 were fentanyl related deaths.\n\nSince then, West Virginia’s overdose deaths have significantly decreased. The latest data from 2024 showed that West Virginia overdose deaths were at 46.3 per 100,000 – which was a 53% decrease. While these statistics are promising, the state’s overall rate was significantly higher than the national average of 24.3 overdose deaths per 100,000.\n\nPhotos from today’s event are included below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits with guests at a roundtable with Sara Carter, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in Charleston W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a roundtable with Sara Carter, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in Charleston W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a roundtable with Sara Carter, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in Charleston W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-help-louisiana-forest-landowners-recover-after-natural-disasters/", "title": "Cassidy Introduces Bill to Help Louisiana Forest Landowners Recover After Natural Disasters", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters. The Save America’s Family Forests Act amends and makes improvements to the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct more reforestation expenses caused by a natural disaster.\n\n“Thousands of Louisianians rely on our forest industries for work,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Supporting our forest landowners as they rebuild is the right thing to do.”\n\nThe Save America’s Family Forests Act is supported by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the Louisiana Forestry Association, the Forest Landowners Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Association of Consulting Foresters, and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.\n\n“Louisiana’s forestry producers have faced repeated setbacks from hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters that can wipe out decades of investment overnight. Recovery depends on the ability to reinvest quickly, and current tax policy slows that process down. The Save America’s Family Forests Act helps address that by allowing landowners to expense reforestation costs when they are incurred, improving cash flow and speeding up recovery. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation supports this commonsense approach to keeping working forests productive and supporting the rural communities that depend on them,” said the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.\n\n“Louisiana’s forest landowners know firsthand how difficult recovery can be after major disruptions like Hurricane Ida and the 2023 wildfires that impacted more than 60,000 acres across the state. Long timelines for cost recovery only add to that burden. By allowing faster reinvestment in reforestation, the Save America’s Family Forests Act supports landowners in restoring their forests, sustaining forest-based jobs, and keeping Louisiana’s working forests healthy and productive over the long term,” said the Louisiana Forestry Association.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA-1), Aaron Bean (R-FL-4), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Greg Murphy (R-NC-3), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1), Terri Sewell (D-AL-7), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-4). Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in introducing the legislation in the Senate.\n\nBackground\n\nLouisiana timberland plays a critical role in the state’s economy, communities, and environment. According to the Forest Landowners Association, they provide an impact of $13 billion on the Louisiana economy. 48,000 Louisiana jobs are supported by forestry providing $1 billion in salaries and wages and $328 million in state taxes.\n\nTax deductions for crop losses provide much-needed relief for agriculture crops and farmers after a disaster. However, they do not provide any economic relief for landowners whose timber crops were destroyed. The legislation allows landowners to immediately deduct more of the cost of replacing timber destroyed during disaster events.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-meets-with-business-community-leaders-from-one-acadiana/", "title": "Cassidy Meets with Business, Community Leaders from One Acadiana", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LAFAYETTE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today visited Lafayette, where he met with Ambassadors for One Acadiana, the chamber of commerce for Lafayette and Acadiana’s leading economic development organization. He discussed his work to create jobs, support local businesses, and make life more affordable for Louisianans.\n\n“We’re building a Louisiana where Acadiana’s next generation wants to stay and raise a family,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’ve cut taxes, secured funding for roads, bridges, and local airports, and strengthened public safety to do just that.\n\nCassidy has taken steps to support Lafayette’s workers and business owners, including by supporting President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut bill. The legislation, which was passed into law last year, eliminated taxes on tips and overtime work and extended the Child Tax Credit. Cassidy also included provisions to expand access to workforce training and require the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to expand offshore lease sales for oil and gas.\n\nLafayette Parish has also benefitted from Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That includes millions for roads and bridges, including $163 million for the Atchafalaya Basin, $59 million for the Lafayette Regional Airport’s terminal and safety projects, $30 million for a Cameron Parish Crown Substation to help it withstand flooding and wind, and $4 million for the St. Landry and St. Martin airports for runway signage, airfield lighting, and runway markings. Additionally on Wednesday, Cassidy unveiled a comprehensive plan to bring energy costs down, cut permitting delays, and end unnecessary restrictions on domestic energy production.\n\nOne Acadiana’s Ambassadors meet monthly to discuss regional initiatives, chamber member recruitment and retention, and opportunities for community involvement with the chamber. They also support local businesses by attending ribbon cutting celebrations, grand openings, and other community events. Cassidy was thanked by Troy Wayman, President and CEO of One Acadiana, for speaking with them.\n\n“We appreciate Senator Cassidy joining our 1A Ambassador meeting and engaging directly with members of Acadiana’s business community,” said Mr. Wayman. “It was a valuable opportunity to hear about current priorities in the Senate, issues relevant to both our state and region, and how his office can serve as a resource for local businesses.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-150m-for-i-10-calcasieu-river-bridge-celebrates-groundbreaking/", "title": "Cassidy Secures $150M for I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, Celebrates Groundbreaking", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement following the groundbreaking ceremony for the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provided $150 million in funding for replacing the bridge.\n\n“This new bridge means more jobs and safer roads for Lake Charles,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It is great to see the $150 million I secured for this much-needed project in action.”\n\nThe new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge will improve public safety by providing a wider roadway for commuters with six lanes in total, shoulders and central barriers, updated interchanges, lower inclines, and increased overhead clearance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/funding-for-maine-infrastructure-flood-mitigation-projects-secured-by-senator-collins", "title": "Funding for Maine Infrastructure, Flood Mitigation Projects Secured by Senator Collins", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured Congressionally Directed Spending for two critical infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, has been signed into law by the President.\n\n“Upgrades to Maine’s infrastructure are essential for the economic and environmental health of communities across the state,” said Senator Collins. “This funding will help limit future flood risks and damages, while improving public safety. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this important funding.”\n\nFunding secured by Senator Collins for Maine in the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill is as follows:\n\nHendricks Head Infrastructure Improvements\n\nRecipient: Town of Southport\n\nProject Location: Southport, ME\n\nAmount Requested: $1,165,000\n\nProject Purpose: To support critical infrastructure improvements in the Town of Southport.\n\nYork County Flood Protection\n\nRecipient: York County Emergency Management Agency\n\nProject Location: York County, ME\n\nAmount Requested: $1,762,000\n\nProject Purpose: To support flood protection and mitigation in York County.\n\nIn 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured nearly $1.5 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY 2026. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-visits-community-development-projects-across-york-county", "title": "Senator Collins Visits Community Development Projects Across York County", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ALFRED, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited three community development projects across York County that were supported by a combined $7,368,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) she secured in the past five years through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee. These projects include a substance abuse recovery center and first responder training facility in Alfred and a municipal building in Hollis.\n\nSince 2021, Senator Collins has secured nearly $1.5 billion for 672 targeted community development projects across each of Maine’s 16 counties.\n\n“Days like today are a terrific reminder of all the good that is possible for our state when seniority on the Appropriations Committee is used to deliver targeted funding for tangible, lasting improvements in communities where they would otherwise be out of reach,” said Senator Collins. “With these three projects, York County communities will have expanded access to substance use disorder treatment to address the negative impacts of the opioid and fentanyl crises, a dedicated facility to train more first responders to better keep our communities safe, and a new municipal building to better serve residents of Hollis and give the town a beautiful central gathering space. These projects are great examples of the federal government working for Maine people, and I am glad I was able to secure this funding to help make them a reality.”\n\nClick HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nSenator Collins began the day with a tour of the York County Regional Substance Abuse Recovery Center, which is currently under construction. She secured nearly $2 million in CDS to support construction of the center and the purchase of equipment for the facility, which will serve 29 cities and towns and include 60 beds and provide a “one roof” model of care offering observation beds, detox beds, and residential and outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and other mental health conditions.\n\nClick HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nSenator Collins then delivered remarks at the grand opening of the York County Regional Training Center. More than 100 Mainers attended the event, including local first responders, fire and police chiefs, York County officials, York County Community College leadership, and public safety instructors and students. Senator Collins secured $3.4 million in CDS for the construction of the facility and the purchase of EMS, fire, and police training equipment. The center will serve as a central hub for coordinated training and education for first responders across York County. Senator Collins also had the chance to tour the new facility prior to the ceremony.\n\nClick HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nSenator Collins concluded her day with a visit to Hollis to tour the newly completed municipal building alongside Town Manager Richard Morin, Select Board members, and other local officials involved in the construction project. She secured $2 million in CDS for the construction of the new, handicapped-accessible facility, which houses town offices and community meeting space.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-ricketts-14-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-highlighting-chinese-threat-to-americas-strategic-interests/", "title": "Senators Coons, Ricketts, 14 colleagues introduce bipartisan resolution highlighting Chinese threat to America’s strategic interests", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) led a resolution affirming bipartisan concern over the growing threat China poses to America’s national security and economic prosperity at a pivotal moment for U.S.-Chinese relations. The resolution calls for a continued and steady focus on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, protecting American workers and businesses from unfair economic practices, maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, supporting allies and partners, preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and advancing human rights and democratic values.\n\n“In the run-up to next month’s U.S.-China summit, the United States Senate is sending a clear message: remember who Xi Jinping and the PRC are,” said Senator Coons. “Beijing is trying to create a more aggressive, coercive, and lawless international landscape that harms the American people, and the United States cannot give away the store in negotiations in exchange for fig leaves. We must stand with our allies and partners and work with every tool of the U.S. government to combat these aggressive practices.”\n\n“Communist China is the greatest threat to the American way of life,” said Senator Ricketts. “Communist China actively threatens the rules-based system that has maintained peace and prosperity for over 80 years. We must deter Communist China. We must stand with our partners and allies that Beijing threatens.”\n\nIn addition to Senators Coons and Ricketts, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nThe resolution states that the United States should address the security, economic, technological, diplomatic, and strategic threats posed by China as a top foreign policy priority. It also calls for the United States to:\n\nSustain and strengthen deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific\n\nProtect U.S. economic interests against predatory trade practices\n\nMaintain American leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other foundational technologies\n\nReaffirm U.S. commitments to allies, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines\n\nPreserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait\n\nStrengthen support for partners facing military, economic, and gray zone coercion\n\nCounter China’s influence in multilateral organizations and standards-setting bodies\n\nAdvance democratic norms, human rights, openness, and civil society in the Indo-Pacific and beyond", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-budd-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-veterans-from-fraud-2/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Budd Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans from Fraud", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced bipartisan legislation to go after fraudsters who target veterans. The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act would establish a sentencing enhancement of up to ten years in prison for someone convicted of committing or conspiracy to commit fraud that purposefully targeted a veteran.\n\n“Every day, our service members risk everything to protect our homeland and defend our freedoms,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The least we can do when these brave men and women come home is ensure that we protect their financial wellbeing from those bad actors who target them because of their service. With this bill, we can crack down on the fraudsters who try to scam our veterans.”\n\n“Our nation’s veterans, who bravely served our country in defense of our freedoms, have become the primary targets of criminal fraud schemes. Those who attempt to defraud our service members must face strict criminal penalties for their actions. I am proud to join Senator Cortez Masto to ensure these criminals are held accountable under federal law,” said Senator Budd.\n\nFraud cost veterans, service members, and their families $477 million in 2023. Federal law already includes a sentencing enhancement for fraud crimes targeting seniors, but no similar enhancement exists for fraudsters who target veterans. The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act would deter criminals from attempting to defraud veterans by strengthening penalties for these crimes. This bill’s sentencing enhancement would cover fraud related to false documents, fraudulent devices, wire fraud, mail fraud, general fraudulent schemes, bank fraud, and health care fraud.\n\nRepresentative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.-02) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n“Veterans put their lives on the line for us at home and abroad. Our duty is to protect them when they return,” said Congressman Burchett. “I am proud to have introduced this legislation in the House, and I appreciate Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Budd for protecting our veterans in the Senate.”\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a consistent champion for Nevada’s service members and veterans. She recently introduced sweeping legislation to improve health care for veterans. Cortez Masto helped pass the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a 3.8 percent pay raise for veterans. She has worked to support veterans exposed to toxins while serving at the Nevada Test and Training Range. Cortez Masto successfully pushed the Biden administration to approve a new veterans cemetery in Elko, Nevada, and has been continually pushing the VA for transparency in the timeline of its construction. She has fought back against the Navy Federal Credit Union for overcharging service members.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/two-cortez-masto-bills-to-protect-nevadans-clear-key-hurdle/", "title": "Two Cortez Masto Bills to Protect Nevadans Clear Key Hurdle", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Two bills cosponsored by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) to keep Nevada families safe were passed out of the Judiciary Committee, clearing the way for a vote before the full Senate. The Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue (GUARD) Act would protect children from AI chatbots, and the Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act would update federal law so prosecutors can more easily go after violent carjackers.\n\n“My priority is always to ensure Nevada families are protected, whether that’s from violent criminals or the dangers of AI,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to see that two of the bills I support that will keep Nevadans safe have been passed out of committee, and I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to ensure they become law.”\n\nThe GUARD Act, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), would ban AI companions for minors and impose criminal penalties on companies whose AI chatbots encourage minors to commit self-harm or violence.\n\nThe Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act, introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), would clarify the standard federal prosecutors have to meet in order to prosecute carjackers. Federal law currently requires prosecutors to prove that a perpetrator intended to kill or seriously harm the victim during a carjacking – an unnecessarily high threshold that has allowed violent criminals to slip through the cracks.\n\nAs the former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto has been a leading advocate for protecting American families. She has secured historic funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. She helped pass the Kids Online Safety Act through the Senate, and her federal legislation to help train law enforcement to identify and prevent child trafficking and to combat human trafficking activity on social media was signed into law.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-hhs-awards-more-than-12-million-for-initiatives-across-north-dakota", "title": "Sen. Cramer: HHS Awards More Than $12 Million for Initiatives Across North Dakota", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an award of $12,014,482 for the following programs and initiatives across North Dakota:\n\n$4,562,442 to Minot Public School District 1 to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs.\n\n$3,777,040 to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs.\n\n$3,675,000 to the University of North Dakota to provide technical assistance, information, and resources to improve healthcare in rural areas.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-raises-alarm-on-undersea-cable-threats-pushes-for-stronger-u-s-action", "title": "Curtis Raises Alarm on Undersea Cable Threats, Pushes for Stronger U.S. Action", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Curtis also highlighted bipartisan legislation he is leading with Senator Jacky Rosen, which would mandate the establishment of an initiative, led by the Secretary of State and in coordination with other agencies, to prioritize the protection and resilience of undersea cables near Taiwan.\n\nThe full transcript of the exchange is below, and video can be found here.\n\nSenator Curtis: This Committee recently passed a bill that I have with Senator Rosen, the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resiliency Act. The bill contains an initiative to harden and monitor Taiwan’s undersea cables and proposes new sanctions. I was in Taiwan with the Ranking Member just a couple of weeks ago. We visited one of the factories that actually produces the cable. We were all very curious about what they were doing to prevent breaks, whether it’s undersea monitoring or cameras, and what we found is zero motivation because they produce cables. Their answer was just lay more cables.\n\nAnd I’m curious what your experience is. Do we have a motivation problem here, and it just feels like there was very little effort to put in equipment that could monitor and see a problem coming before it got there. What’s your experience?\n\nDr. Benjamin Schmitt: So, this is an energy security question for Taiwan as well as these cables connect to their offshore wind and can interconnect to their outlying islands. One of the things that is this is more from a physics standpoint. If you put a fiber optic cable on the seabed, you can start to monitor the vibro-acoustic environment, the vibrations of subsea vessels, sea surface vessels and things like this around it.\n\nAnd so, this is actually what happened in the case of the Chunghwa Telecoms line, when last year the Hong Thai 58, this vessel from China, cut the cable. The Taiwanese coast guard was alerted by Chunghwa Telecom right before that cable cut took place because they knew this vessel was sitting there. And then they acted just a few hours later when they got their armada together to seize this vessel.\n\nAnd what they found, this was an empty Chinese vessel that was a bulk carrier that had no bulk on it. Its cargo doors were actually rusted shut so that it couldn’t be used for that. So, it was only used as a sabotage vessel. And the prosecutor that I talked to likened it to a ‘pawn sacrifice’ from the PRC.\n\nIn other words, he is sending out a vessel that he doesn’t care if he loses. I wanted to see that vessel, but it’s already been deconstructed and scrapped.\n\nCurtis: If there’s major disruption to Taiwan with both cables, What’s the impact militarily and economically that potentially could happen?\n\nSchmitt: There was often a discussion that Taiwan does have redundancy—something like 14 cables connecting out to the global internet. There’s also cables to the Penghu Islands, Matsu Islands, Kinmen, others like this. I’ve often been asked, you know, well, we have this redundancy. So, China couldn’t possibly cut all 14 cables. I said, you’ve got another thing coming because guess what? If they can cut 1 or 2 cables by dragging an anchor pretty easily, in an all-out military assault or invasion or even a blockade or a quarantine, those can be cut pretty quickly. What that will have is immediate impact on the global economy.\n\nIt’s kind of like the Strait of Hormuz closure by the IRGC for the internet, and it means that all of our economic trade with Taiwan, which is significant, will be cut off not just for us, but for our partners and allies. And I’ll tell you, it will make military coordination more difficult. It won’t stop it because there is satellite backup, but it is something that we really need to think of. And I’ve talked with folks in Taiwan that are in the military. I think that it needs to be part of the military’s doctrine in Taiwan, that rapid cable repair under fire is important as well to deter this.\n\nCurtis: So, another question. We’ve learned a lot from Taiwan, and what’s happening there. What lessons can be applied to the Baltic and what should we be doing in the Baltic that we’ve learned from the Indo-Pacific?\n\nSchmitt: I think that one of the biggest things is, again, repair capabilities. We need more repair capabilities in Europe. We need a legal system that allows for attribution and jurisdictional questions, we’ve mentioned already in this hearing. Again, just like in Taiwan where they’re aware of this, we need European democracies to be ready to act and, and have that capability through NATO to do so.\n\nThe Honorable James O’Brien: I will just add, Senator, and thank you for your bill. The motivation problem, I think, is, with the U.S. government, all of the undersea infrastructure, separate companies, others, they’re all doing their work. It’s unrealistic to expect them to monitor the activities of a predatory superpower. Same thing with middle powers. They don’t have the ability to stand up. So, this is for the U.S. government to say the future of our economy depends on this infrastructure.\n\nWe have to make sure that we have enough of it and that we can repair it, but that we can protect it. And that involves both more robust sanctions program, I think, more physical presence and coordinating with others who are affected so that they’re able to operate effectively.\n\nCurtis: It feels to me like the technology is not that difficult. It’s the will. You mentioned the one incident in Taiwan where they were able to find the actor. How prepared are we to find the bad actors? Just generally speaking.\n\nSchmitt: I mean, we’re prepared. I think U.S., you know, geospatial intelligence is strong. I think we need more commercial data to make sure that satellite data can be released quickly so that these sort of indictments can happen rapidly. But the other thing I want to point out, and we’re going to want to bring it back to the Nord Stream case really briefly and say we need to listen not only to policymakers, no offense, but technical experts like those that work in the industry, people that build the cables, people that are captains of these ships, people that actually dive to the bottom of the seabed.\n\nWe talked with many of these experts, and they said that the idea that using a rental sailboat to blow up Nord Stream is not technically impossible, but that it would never be used in this way, and they said that it’s an insufficient platform. It would have a large radar profile to begin with because of the sail, obviously.\n\nAnd that you would use a cheap drone, and I’ll tell you what, there’s a lot of media that have gone out there and put a drone on the seabed and looked at the damage site, and they’ve proven you can put a drone down there. You can put one down there with a camera, you can put it down there with explosives.\n\nI went out and actually got seabed sonar data at the Nord Stream two blast site, and you can just go out there. So again, listening to the experts in a way that is integrated not only into our policy but our media and discussions of these, because it takes so long for attribution that disinformation can be sowed. And obviously, in the case of Nord Stream, Russia pointed the finger at the UK, Poland, the United States, of course, and all these different directions, so chaos right after this, this happened again, a disinformation campaign that seems kind of precooked to me.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-grills-hegseth-caine-over-lack-of-strategy-in-trumps-illegal-spiraling-war-of-choice", "title": "Duckworth Grills Hegseth, Caine Over Lack of Strategy in Trump’s Illegal, Spiraling War of Choice", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman to the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine on the Administration’s horrific lack of strategy and continued recklessness in Donald Trump’s unjustified war of choice in Iran that has resulted in higher costs, left 14 servicemembers dead and hundreds more wounded. During the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, Duckworth grilled Hegseth and Caine for creating and bungling the crisis of Iran’s entirely predictable closure of the Strait of Hormuz—which has raised the average price of a gallon of gas for American families by more than a dollar. Video of the Senator’s full remarks can be found on her YouTube.\n\n“I have no doubt that competent planners in the Pentagon raised their concerns about a quagmire in the Strait to leadership—the question is why their leadership did not pay attention to this sound advice,” said Duckworth. “Hubris is not strategy. In war, it can cost lives. Even if the Strait re-opens, this Administration has created a new, less safe world by bungling this crisis. Iran has now learned they can charge $1 million per ship, creating a new funding line for their malicious activity against Americans for decades to come.”\n\nThe Senator also highlighted that this Administration’s incompetent strategic planning affects our military’s readiness for any other crises or conflicts, especially in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n“There are very real ways that a crisis in any one of dozens of flashpoints in the Pacific could be devastating for our servicemembers, Americans in the region and our economy—and yet, this Administration keeps diminishing DoD’s abilities to prepare for them,” continued Duckworth. “As many as one-third of the assets in the Middle East right now are originally meant to be in the Pacific. This war of choice is draining our military resources, and we need leaders who will ensure our warfighters only fight when they have to—not because of one man’s whims and a lack of bravery among the ‘yes men’ he surrounds himself with.”\n\nDuckworth has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s illegal, needless war in Iran since it began. She is one of the Senate Six—the original group of Senators who have been forcing votes on War Powers Resolutions that would cease hostilities in Iran, which Republicans have shamefully blocked now seven times. Ahead of the Senate’s vote on her own War Powers resolution two weeks ago, Duckworth gave impassioned remarks drawing on her personal experience serving in our nation’s last war of choice in the Middle East, imploring Republicans to remember their oaths and vote to help rein in this unhinged President—which they did not.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-celebrates-opening-of-new-forrestal-elementary-school-at-naval-station-great-lakes", "title": "Durbin Celebrates Opening Of New Forrestal Elementary School At Naval Station Great Lakes", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NORTH CHICAGO — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited North Chicago School District 187 to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the new Forrestal Elementary School.\n\nDurbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) helped secure a $57 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense in 2024 for the new school. With this grant, Forrestal Elementary will be able to expand through fifth grade and serve 580 students, increasing the total population of military-connected students.\n\n“When we invest in education, we help provide students with the tools they need to succeed both in and outside of the classroom,” said Durbin. “I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of Forrestal Elementary today and I will continue to support our exemplary military families at Naval Station Great Lakes and their access to quality education.”\n\n“At Forrestal, the school is more than a place for learning; it is a stabilizing force for students and families,” said Dr. John Price, Superintendent of North Chicago School District 187. “This building reflects our commitment to supporting the whole child and creating an environment where every student can thrive.”\n\nThe new school will serve generations of students, many of whom come from military families navigating frequent relocations, parental deployments, and the emotional impact of global events. Designed with these realities in mind, Forrestal Elementary provides a consistent, welcoming environment where students and families can build community and feel a sense of belonging.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-sham-doj-investigation-into-illinois-school-districts", "title": "Durbin Statement On Sham DOJ Investigation Into Illinois School Districts", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) sham investigation into 36 Illinois public school districts:\n\n“I can save DOJ some time. Their investigators will find 36 Illinois school districts dedicated to providing their students with a good, well-rounded education.\n\n“If the Trump Administration truly cared about supporting Illinois students and their education, it would reverse the decision to dismantle the Department of Education, finally support Head Start programs, and stop attacking Title I funding and the rights of LGBTQ+ students.\n\n“Instead, this President is once again weaponizing DOJ to carry out a sham investigation against a state that did not vote for him in the 2024 election.”\n\nAccording to DOJ, the following Illinois school districts will be investigated:\n\nAtwood Heights School District 125\n\nBloomington Public Schools District 87\n\nBluford Unit School District 318\n\nBuncombe Consolidated School District 43\n\nCenter Cass School District 66\n\nCentral School District 104\n\nCommunity High School District 155\n\nCountry Club Hills School District 160\n\nCrete-Monee School District 201-U\n\nDeKalb Community Unit School District 428\n\nEast Dubuque Unit School District 119\n\nElmwood Park Community Unit School District 401\n\nFreeport School District 145\n\nGalena Unit School District 120\n\nGillespie Community Unit School District 7\n\nIroquois County Community Unit School District 9\n\nLeyden Community High School District 212\n\nLick Creek Community Consolidated School District 16\n\nLyons School District 103\n\nMartinsville Community Unit School District C3\n\nMeridian Community Unit School District 223\n\nNoble Network of Charter Schools\n\nNorth Chicago Community Unit School District 187\n\nNorth Palos School District 117\n\nNorwood Elementary School District 63\n\nO’Fallon Community Consolidated School District No. 90\n\nOak Lawn-Hometown School District 123\n\nOdin Public School District 722\n\nOregon Community Unit School District 220\n\nPembroke Community Consolidated School District 259\n\nReavis Township High School District 220\n\nRidgeview Community Unit School District 19\n\nStockton Community Unit School District 206\n\nTamaroa School District 5\n\nThornton Fractional Township High School District 215\n\nWill County School District 92\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-recognition-of-his-advocacy-for-medical-research-durbin-presented-with-inaugural-canning-leadership-award", "title": "In Recognition Of His Advocacy For Medical Research, Durbin Presented With Inaugural Canning Leadership Award", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today was presented with the Inaugural John and Rita Canning Leadership Award from the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Board.\n\n“I am honored to accept the Inaugural John and Rita Canning Leadership Award from Northwestern Memorial today. Throughout my time in the Senate, making sure families have affordable health insurance and high quality care has remained on my heart and mind, as has ensuring federal funding for the medical research that makes new cures and treatments possible,” said Durbin.\n\nJohn and Rita Canning are Chicago philanthropists who provide over 100 scholarships a year to students from low-income Chicago neighborhoods. The Cannings also are committed to WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) which provides over 40,000 nights of shelter and other comprehensive services to abused women and their children. At Northwestern, they funded the creation of the Canning Thoracic Institute (CTI), investing in the fields of thoracic surgery and respiratory medicine to meet the growing patient demand for lung care. This award recognizes their contributions to the city of Chicago, and Durbin is its first recipient.\n\nDurbin has continuously fought for affordable, quality health care and medical research. Some of his career achievements for health care include creating the Chicago HEAL Initiative, and continuously increasing funding for the National Institutes of Health. Over the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $48 billion today.\n\nPhotos can be found here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-democrats-push-back-on-trumps-executive-order-attacking-vote-by-mail", "title": "Senate Democrats Push Back On Trump’s Executive Order Attacking Vote-By-Mail", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In letter to Acting AG Blanche, Sens. Durbin, Padilla, Peters, Schumer lead Democrats in encouraging DOJ to refocus on protecting voters and access to ballot box, as well as requesting production of any opinions, correspondence, or documents related to Trump’s latest EO\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led a group of 24 Senate Democrats in pushing back on President Trump’s executive order attacking vote-by-mail.\n\nThe March 31 Executive Order (EO) titled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections” has been widely condemned as unconstitutional, and voting rights organizations filed a lawsuit challenging it on April 2. If the President’s executive order is implemented in place of current federal law, it will prevent eligible voters from exercising their fundamental right to vote.\n\nIn a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators wrote: “[This EO] is another attempt by the President to exceed the constitutional authorities granted to the Executive Branch concerning federal elections. Given the clearly unconstitutional nature of this EO, the Department of Justice (DOJ) should take no steps pursuant to the EO that violate the law and risk disenfranchising eligible voters. We further request that DOJ provide us with all legal opinions drafted by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), and any other DOJ correspondence or documents concerning any claims regarding the legality of the EO, including any communications between senior DOJ officials and the Department of Commerce.”\n\nThe Senators continued, citing Trump’s own use of vote-by-mail: “For over a decade, the President has sought to sow doubt in our electoral system, baselessly attempting to make the case that the only secure elections are those that he wins. This behavior is not only unbefitting of his office, but also hypocritical.”\n\nThe Senators further wrote, citing the EO’s unconstitutionality and vulnerabilities: “Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution clearly indicates that states have the primary authority over election administration. Nonetheless, President Trump has repeatedly sought to restrict access to the ballot under the guise of election security… Taken together, the foreseeable result of these directives is that tens of thousands of eligible U.S. citizen voters will be disenfranchised.”\n\nThe Senators highlighted the disruption this would cause not only to voters, but also the ongoing gutting of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division: “Besides the disruption it would cause for mail-in voters, the President’s order would also further corrupt the mission of the DOJ Civil Rights Division to protect civil rights and ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote. Since January 2025, DOJ has been gutted—morally and physically. Within one year, the Civil Rights Division lost 75 percent of its attorneys, and it has been reported that 55 major civil rights cases concerning racial gerrymandering and police misconduct were closed as the Division prioritized Second Amendment and anti-trans cases. More broadly, DOJ seems wholly disinterested in enforcing the law, dropping an estimated 23,000 criminal investigations in the first six months of President Trump’s second Administration to focus on immigration enforcement.”\n\nThe Senators concluded with a condemnation of this effort before making a request for document production: “DOJ should reprioritize protecting the ability of all eligible voters to fairly and accessibly exercise their fundamental right to vote. Protecting civil rights was a foundational purpose for establishing DOJ, and ensuring legal access to voting remains a key responsibility of DOJ leadership. As such, we urge you to ensure that the Department does not implement this unlawful executive order.”\n\nIn addition to Durbin, Padilla, Peters, and Schumer, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThis week, Senate Democrats launched an elections task force aimed at examining threats that Republicans and adversaries could launch against American democracy and mobilizing the Senate and other bodies to mitigate them. The task force also includes top election law officials, like former AG Eric Holder and Marc Elias of the Elias Law Group, and will meet over the coming months to ensure U.S. elections remain free and fair.\n\nPeters, Padilla, Durbin, and Schumer previously led their Democratic colleagues in demanding the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) follow existing federal law over the March 31 Executive Order signed by President Trump, which violates the Constitution and risks disenfranchising eligible voters. The executive order, which has been challenged in the courts, would require DHS to create eligible voter lists, which the federal government does not have the authority to do, and would turn the Postal Service into an election administrator and regulator, when it is supposed to be a nonpartisan agency whose only priority is to deliver the mail.\n\nFor a PDF of the letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, click here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-gillibrand-aim-to-eliminate-federal-pensions-for-sex-offenders", "title": "Ernst, Gillibrand Aim to Eliminate Federal Pensions for Sex Offenders", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are working together to end taxpayer-funded pensions for convicted sex offenders.\n\nUnder current law, federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including against children, remain eligible to collect their pensions, even from a jail cell. The senators introduced new legislation to ensure the federal government is a place where sexual predators are shut out, not shielded.\n\n“There should be absolutely no room for the tolerance of egregious sex crimes,” said Senator Ernst, a survivor of sexual assault. “Allowing proven predators to continue collecting their pensions on the taxpayer’s dime only serves to greenlight unacceptable behavior, and I won’t stand for it. My commonsense, bipartisan bill imposes consequences for sex offenders, prevents abuse in the workplace, and safeguards taxpayer dollars.”\n\n“It’s outrageous that federal employees convicted of sex crimes are eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The bipartisan No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act ensures that no hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent supporting criminal sex offenders. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill that will provide much-needed accountability.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-in-the-new-york-post-ernst-harrigan-call-on-congress-to-stand-up-for-us-allied-warriors", "title": "ICYMI in the New York Post: Ernst, Harrigan Call on Congress to Stand Up for U.S.-Allied Warriors", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – As King Charles III visited the United States this week, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), who both served in combat, penned an op-ed announcing their resolution that recognizes the longstanding contributions of allied Special Operations Forces and condemns any political weaponization against the service of those who had the backs of our men and women in uniform.\n\nNew York Post | Stand up for US-allied warriors against political lawfare from their own governments\n\nBy: Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Pat Harrigan\n\nAustralian authorities this month arrested Ben Roberts-Smith, the most decorated soldier in his country’s history.\n\nThey accused him of war crimes tied to special operations he conducted in Afghanistan 15 or more years ago — charges he has repeatedly, consistently denied.\n\nMeanwhile, Britain’s elite Special Air Service is being dragged through a parallel process of government-commissioned inquiries and retrospective legal proceedings that its members never could have imagined when they volunteered to serve.\n\nTogether, these cases reveal a pattern that’s spreading through the special operations forces of America’s closest allies.\n\nIt’s hollowing out the very units that fought beside ours for more than two decades — and Washington has been far too quiet about it.\n\nWe have both served in combat, and we understand the importance of special operations forces, elite units trained and equipped to execute the toughest missions on our nation’s behalf.\n\nThat’s why we’re calling on Congress to acknowledge that what’s now happening to our allied warriors is as much a concern to the United States as protecting soldiers’ lives on an active battlefield.\n\nThe United Kingdom lost 457 personnel in Afghanistan, while Australia lost 41.\n\nThe special forces of both nations executed the hardest missions of that war at America’s request — under shared doctrine, against shared enemies.\n\nOf necessity, they often operated in conditions where the margin between a lawful kill and a catastrophic mistake came down to incomplete intelligence and a fraction of a second.\n\nWhat those men could not have anticipated is that their governments would later construct elaborate legal architectures to second-guess those decisions, with the benefit of years of hindsight and in the comfort of a hearing room.\n\nWe wouldn’t stand for this kind of weaponization against our own forces, so we shouldn’t stand mute as our allies prosecute the warriors who had our soldiers’ backs on the battlefield.\n\nThere’s an important distinction to draw here, and we want to draw it carefully: Accountability matters, and no uniform places a soldier above the law.\n\nBut what we’re seeing today in both the United Kingdom and Australia is retroactive prosecution driven by domestic political pressure rather than by evidence, applied to men who acted in good faith under the rules their own governments established.\n\nThese politicized legal proceedings risk corroding something that takes generations to build, and the confidence of allied forces that their countries will stand behind them.\n\nNow that confidence can be destroyed in a single political cycle.\n\nThat corrosion is already showing up in the ranks.\n\nElite units in both countries are quietly losing experienced operators who have weighed their options and decided the system will not protect them.\n\nEvery departure sends the same message to whoever is still considering service: Your government will send you into the hardest fights, place you in legal grey zones of its own design, but abandon you to shifting political winds a decade down the line.\n\nRecruitment suffers, retention suffers, and so does the willingness to make the hard calls that difficult operations demand.\n\nThat’s unacceptable.\n\nOur resolution asks Congress to go on the record, formally, and declare that politically motivated and retrospective prosecutions of allied special operators damage the trust and interoperability that coalition warfare depends on.\n\nIt also urges the Departments of Defense and State to engage London and Canberra directly to protect these processes from political interference.\n\nAlongside it, we are pursuing legislation to ensure American special operators cannot be subjected to the same treatment — because nothing in current US law forecloses it.\n\nKing Charles III is visiting the United States this week to help celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, demonstrating to the world that alliances are strongest when they’re based on a shared understanding that runs deeper than any treaty.\n\nPart of this understanding recognizes that when soldiers fight side by side, their countries continue to support them long after the shooting stops.\n\nOur allies’ warriors have earned that from us — and, on behalf of the men and women who have backed our own soldiers on the battlefield, we owe them more than silence.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-at-the-atlantic-council-the-future-of-latin-america-is-going-to-be-pivoting-on-colombia/", "title": "Gallego at the Atlantic Council: “The Future of Latin America is Going to be Pivoting on Colombia”", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Speaks on U.S.-Colombia Relations Weeks Before Their Presidential Election\n\nWASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), one of the first Colombian-Americans ever elected to the U.S. Senate, joined the Atlantic Council for a fireside chat on the importance of a strong U.S.-Colombia partnership and Colombia’s upcoming presidential election.\n\nLast August, Senator Gallego traveled to Colombia as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation trip, and he also met with President Petro earlier this year. At the Munich Security Conference, Senator Gallego spoke on a panel on Western Hemisphere security about his vision for the Americas.\n\nWatch Senator Gallego’s conversation HERE and read excerpts below:\n\nOn the May 31st Colombian Presidential election given instability in Venezuela:\n\n“The future of Latin America is going to be pivoting on Colombia. And not just as a Colombian, because I’m very proud of my heritage, but its geography, its distance, its relationship to the United States in terms of our international security arrangements. If we don’t have a good partner to work with Colombia, that means we’re not going to have a good partner to work in Latin America.”\n\n“What Colombia has done under the last couple of presidents—both from the left, from the right, and from the center—to be able to be even a very good neighbor to Venezuela when Venezuela is going through some horrible times, is bring in somewhere between two to three million refugees and give them full status as Colombian citizens and full rights.”\n\nOn what can be done to prevent escalation of violence in Colombia given recent attacks in the Southwest:\n\n“This is one of those areas where the United States can be a really good partner, especially when it comes to our use of intelligence, use of military equipment. […] This is what we have been doing with Colombia for decades: training them, giving them the lift, capability to do it, because most of it is going to involve intelligence and everything else like that. But what we need to do beyond that is that we need to make sure that we help […] those parts of Colombia feel that there’s actually a state to answer to […] If we can help Colombia to deliver societal goods– justice, education, roads or trade–then those [militant] organizations end up being less and less important.”\n\nOn safety and security in Colombia’s upcoming presidential election:\n\n“The one area I think the United States could have been more helpful and still can is that we should be offering whatever we can in terms of our support, our intelligence, [or] if we can actually provide anything in terms of manpower, staff power. […] We should offer it to all the parties involved, so that way people don’t feel like we’re taking one side or the other. Election security matters.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-lead-bronx-congressional-delegation-in-call-for-trump-administration-to-release-156-5-million-in-bronx-stations-accessibility-upgrade-funding/", "title": "Gillibrand, Schumer Lead Bronx Congressional Delegation In Call For Trump Administration To Release $156.5 Million In Bronx Stations Accessibility Upgrade Funding", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, along with Senator Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, and Congressman Ritchie Torres called on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy to swiftly complete the agency’s review for an All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) grant that the MTA was selected for to improve accessibility in Bronx subway stations so individuals can continue to safely use New York’s world-class public transportation system. The MTA was selected for the grant nearly two years ago and remains the only grant awardee that has yet to receive the funds.\n\nIn the letter to Secretary Duffy, the members underscored the critical importance of releasing the ASAP grant funding, “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public transportation be accessible to people with disabilities. However, infrastructure built before the passage of the ADA in 1990, like much of the New York City subway system, must be retrofitted to be fully accessible to people with disabilities.” The ASAP grant’s central purpose is to fund state and local capital projects to meet or exceed ADA accessibility standards at train stations, which remain low in New York City with only 32% of train stations being fully accessible.\n\nWhile this grant for $156.5 million was announced nearly two years ago, the money “remains unobligated and in limbo under the new internal grant review process DOT imposed upon itself at the start of this Administration to review already announced and awarded, but not yet obligated, grants to ensure compliance with its new policies and executive orders,” the members wrote.\n\nThe members closed by urging a swift review of the grant, underscored by the fact that DOT recently issued a third Notice of Funding Availability (NOFO) for ASAP, making $686 million in FY 2025 and FY 2026 IIJA advance appropriations funding available. The NOFO states that ‘if more funding becomes available for the program before projects are selected, FTA may add it to the total funding available for award under this NOFO.’ We are concerned this caveat leaves the door open for DOT to cancel the FY 2024 award MTA successfully competed for and provide it to another recipient applying for the new NOFO.”\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-the-60-day-mark-of-president-trumps-unauthorized-war-in-iran/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On The 60-Day Mark Of President Trump’s Unauthorized War In Iran", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, on the 60-day mark of President Trump’s unauthorized war in Iran, which has caused costs to soar for American families and spiked gas prices at unprecedented levels compared to the last four years, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement:\n\n“Today marks 60 days of President Trump’s illegal war with Iran– and it is no coincidence that it also marks the day Americans are feeling the sharpest pain at the pump and at the store. Gas has hit the highest prices in four years, up more than $1.30 a gallon since the president launched the war,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Every trip to the grocery store, every commute to work, every school drop-off costs more because of a war that American families never asked for. As I told Secretary Hegseth yesterday, a majority of Americans disapprove of the war, evidence he quickly dismissed by continuing to cover for President Trump. The American people never asked for this war. 60 days in, the administration owes them a straight answer: what are we doing in Iran, and when does it end?”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/on-may-day-senator-gillibrand-stands-with-labor-across-new-york-state/", "title": "On May Day: Senator Gillibrand Stands With Labor Across New York State", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Gillibrand Stands with Teamsters Local 118, IBEW Local 43, and NYSUT in Union Visits\n\nNew York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, stood with labor leaders and advocates at the Teamsters Local 118 in Rochester, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 43 in Syracuse, and the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) conference in Albany.\n\nDuring the visits to Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany, Gillibrand urged the swift passage of the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would require employers to come to the negotiating table quickly and ensure that they engage in good faith negotiations with unions.\n\n“Everything from groceries to gas costs more now than it did before President Trump took office, and American workers are feeling the pinch,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Instead of focusing on lowering costs and helping people get ahead, President Trump has spent his time launching a full-frontal assault on organized labor. In the face of these attacks, we must not back down, which is why the passage of the Faster Labor Contracts Act is so critical. Every step forward for the American worker – from every weekend off to every safe workplace and every living wage – came because workers showed up, fought back, and refused to be silent.”\n\nTeamsters Local 118 is a Rochester, New York-based labor union representing approximately 4,300 members in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Its members work across various industries critical to the region’s supply chains and public infrastructure, including transportation, warehousing, food production, and public sector jobs.\n\nIBEW Local 43 in Syracuse represents more than 1,500 skilled and trained electricians, apprentices and technicians throughout Central New York, including Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and parts of Cayuga, Chenango, Otsego, Tompkins and Wayne counties. Gillibrand visited their Central New York Technical Alliance training center, which offers an apprenticeship program for the next generation of electricians.\n\nNYSUT is a federation of more than 1,200 local unions representing nearly 700,000 classroom teachers, teaching assistants and aides, custodians, nurses, bus drivers, and professional staff who work in, or are retired from, New York schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities. Today, Gillibrand spoke at their Representative Assembly, NYSUT’s annual policy convention.\n\n“On behalf of IBEW Local 43, I thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for visiting today and for her strong support of the Faster Labor Contracts Act. This common-sense legislation protects workers’ right to not only organize, but to secure a first contract in a timely manner,” said IBEW Local 43 Business Manager & Financial Secretary Alan Marzullo. “We appreciate Senator Gillibrand’s leadership and remain committed to working together to strengthen the middle class across our region.”\n\n“As NYS Assembly Labor Chair, I am proud to stand in solidarity with Senator Gillibrand, Teamsters Local 118 and labor leaders to echo the call for passing the Faster Labor Contracts Act. This act is necessary not only to protect hardworking Americans from Trump’s attacks on organized labor, but to provide meaningful recourse when employers refuse to negotiate in good faith,” said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. “At a time when the cost of living is out of control, the collective voice of workers ensures middle-class wages and benefits so people can make ends meet. Let’s pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act so every worker, in every workplace has equitable opportunity to fight for the rights they deserve.”\n\n“As a former union president, I’ve sat across the table and fought for every dollar, every benefit, and every protection working people deserve,” said NYS Senator Chris Ryan. “I know firsthand that the hardest part isn’t just forming a union—it’s securing that first contract. This legislation is about making sure workers aren’t left waiting while employers drag their feet. I’m grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her leadership and for fighting on behalf of Central New York workers to move this forward. When people stand together to demand fairness, the law should stand with them—and the Faster Labor Contracts Act helps ensure that the promise of collective bargaining becomes a reality, not a delay.”\n\nSenator Gillibrand has had a longstanding partnership with organized labor. As a champion of bills such as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, Gillibrand has been a leader in the Senate, urging her colleagues to pass bipartisan legislation that would bolster and protect New York State workers.\n\nThis week, Senator Gillibrand sent a letter to the Department of Defense condemning the termination of collective bargaining agreements for American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) members at Fort Drum and the Defense Finance Accounting Services (DFAS) in Rome. While this administration continues to actively work against unions, Senator Gillibrand is continuing to fight for them.\n\nHer legislative priorities remain focused on:\n\nStrengthening collective bargaining and ensuring workers have a seat at the table without fear of retaliation;\n\nProtecting federal funding and ensuring the long-term solvency of the WTCHP and VCF for 9/11 first responders and survivors;\n\nSafeguarding union jobs and supporting the development of pathways to economic mobility, including through pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs;\n\nAnd advocating for paid family leave and affordable child care, longtime priorities that have both New York State and New York City governmental support.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-5-01-26", "title": "Capitol Hill Report, 5-01-26", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Audio from this morning’s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: the national debt, the Farm Bill, the SAVE America Act, E15, Iran and rural healthcare.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-banks-press-american-ai-companies-on-chinese-espionage-safeguards", "title": "Grassley, Banks Press American AI Companies on Chinese Espionage Safeguards", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and U.S. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) wrote to nine artificial intelligence (AI) companies regarding the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) targeting of American AI technologies, which are critical to U.S. national security and economic leadership, through state-backed programs, corporate infiltration and coercive tactics.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has an extensive track record of conducting espionage on U.S. companies in critical sectors… Protecting AI technology from PRC espionage is of paramount importance, especially as these systems become more powerful,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nIn their letters to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google LLC, x.AI Corp., Meta Platforms, Inc., Microsoft, Amazon, Safe Superintelligence Inc. and Thinking Machines Lab, Grassley and Banks called on each company to describe their efforts to detect and guard against Chinese espionage, manage insider threats posed by the PRC, secure sensitive AI model information and notify the U.S. government in the event of a security threat.\n\nRead Grassley and Banks’ full letters below:\n\nOpenAI\n\nAnthropic\n\nGoogle LLC\n\nx.AI Corp.\n\nMeta Platforms, Inc.\n\nMicrosoft\n\nAmazon\n\nSafe Superintelligence Inc.\n\nThinking Machines Lab", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-salute-to-small-business", "title": "Q&A: Salute to Small Business", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Q: How did the Working Families Tax Cuts Act boost small business?\n\nA: This tax season delivered welcome news to small businesses across the country. Here in Iowa, small businesses make up more than 99% of businesses in our local communities and employ nearly half of our workforce. From construction to manufacturing, retail, finance, service industries and more, I’m proud to say entrepreneurism is thriving across Iowa from one generation to the next. From the policymaking tables, I work to keep the economic environment running on all cylinders. That’s why I helped lead the charge for historic tax relief signed into law last summer by President Trump.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts Act helps small businesses by fueling America’s economic engine, the primary job creators who strengthen economic and social vitality in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. Here’s how:\n\nPermanent full expensing for new capital investments and equipment and domestic research expenses. This locks in certainty and opens up cash flow for small businesses to expand, hire and raise wages.\n\nPermanent 20% small business deduction creates a welcome financial cushion for small businesses and empowers decision-making to add jobs to their payroll. That puts more paycheck purchasing power directly into the local community, boosting other businesses on Main Street and helping families make ends meet.\n\nBig boost to employer-provided child care tax credit – $600,000 for small businesses – helps them cover more of their employees’ child care costs. That’s a win for families, workers and employers.\n\n12 million small business owners across the country benefited from an average tax reduction of nearly $7,000 thanks to the new tax law.\n\nQ: What’s your message to small businesses in Iowa?\n\nA: As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, one of the cornerstones of freedom in America is economic freedom. In our free marketplace, the American people create jobs and drive economic growth, not the government. Robust competition is the elixir to the U.S. economy, driving innovation, empowering ingenuity and delivering high-quality products at the most affordable cost to the consumer.\n\nWhen I visit high schools during my annual 99 county meetings, I encourage students to dream big, work hard and go after economic opportunity. The promise of prosperity is part of our American heritage. One of America’s acclaimed inventors and business people, Thomas Edison, delivered many inspiring quotes, including: “We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Our state has a leg up on opportunity, because Iowans aren’t afraid to work.\n\nAt my annual Q&A meetings across the state, I learn what’s on the minds of Iowans on the shop floor of local manufacturing businesses and while enjoying the food and hospitality at our cafes and restaurants. Hearing from local employers and workers informs my work on behalf of Iowans. From tax relief to common sense regulatory policies, I also work to strengthen fairness in the marketplace. For example, I’ve introduced the Short on Competition Act to address anticompetitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry and lower prescription drug prices for consumers. I’ve also called upon the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to renew enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act, an antitrust tool that prohibits price discrimination and unfair trading practices. Small business owners and their employees work their tails off every day to earn a living and serve their communities. Stacking the deck and discriminating against small businesses – from local grocers to independent pharmacies and meat lockers – unfairly bend the rules to get ahead. I’ll continue working to root out anticompetitive practices that undercut small businesses and harm local shoppers.\n\nI joined Sen. Joni Ernst, chair of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, in a bipartisan resolution to celebrate Small Business Week and salute the men and women who work day in and day out to build a business and foster economic vitality in their communities. I appreciate their civic leadership and congratulate the 2026 Iowa Small Business Person of the Year. The U.S. Small Business Administration named Sierra Elbert, entrepreneur and founder of Groom Curriculum in Emmetsburg. The small business offers a workforce curriculum and pathway to a skilled trade in the pet business, a fast-growing sector of the economy.\n\nNational Small Business Week is May 3-May 9, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/eande-news-democrats-look-to-shield-public-lands-from-reconciliation", "title": "E&E News: Democrats look to shield public lands from reconciliation", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senate Democrats on Thursday unveiled their plan to block future attempts to sell off federal lands via the budget reconciliation process, vowing to prevent a repeat of Republican proposals to dispose of up to 3 million acres of public lands last year.\n\nSens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the \"Public Lands Integrity Act,\" which would designate the sale or disposal of public lands as \"extraneous\" under the so-called Byrd Rule. Heinrich is top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.\n\nThat rule — named after former Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd — bars the inclusion of nonbudgetary items from reconciliation bills, which pass under a simple majority in the chamber.\n\n\"Congress must never use fast-tracked Senate procedure to sell Americans’ public lands to fund short-term partisan spending. Not now, not ever,\" Bennet said in a statement.\n\nThe legislation comes in response to Utah Sen. Mike Lee's proposal in 2025 to sell off federal lands as part of what became the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That language was ultimately removed from the package in response to bipartisan objections from lawmakers, as well as conservation and hunting and fishing groups. Lee chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.\n\n“This bill would help keep public lands in public hands by closing arcane loopholes that allow Republicans to carry out their fantasies of selling our beloved forests and lands off to billionaires,\" Wyden said.\n\nThe proposal garnered immediate support from environmentalists, state officials and tribal nations worried about a future budget reconciliation bill reviving the land sales idea.\n\n“Public lands throughout the United States should never be sold simply to reconcile the federal budget,” Chair Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe said in a statement.\n\nRyan Callaghan, CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, said: \"It shows the American people that they were heard last summer, that public lands are valued treasures, and that under no circumstances should they be disposed of in any amount without going through the proper public process.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-presses-secretary-burgum-on-staffing-cuts-at-interior-slow-walking-of-permits-for-clean-energy-projects", "title": "Heinrich Presses Secretary Burgum on Staffing Cuts at Interior, Slow-Walking of Permits for Clean Energy Projects", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the Trump administration’s Budget Request for the Department of the Interior (DOI) Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Committee’s Ranking Member, questioned DOI Secretary Doug Burgum on the administration’s staffing cuts at the Interior and the slow-walking of clean energy projects.\n\nNotably, Heinrich warned Burgum that there would not be bipartisan permitting reform if the administration continues to block clean energy projects from coming online.\n\nVIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) questions Interior Secretary Wright on draconian cuts to the Department and slow-walking clean energy project permits before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, April 29, 2026.\n\nOn Cutting Nearly 20% of Staff at DOI\n\nHeinrich began, “I am concerned that over the last year, we have seen a hollowing out of the Department of Interior. Nearly 20 percent of Department of Interior staff have been either pushed out or have left or have retired, and yet, the Department recently offered another round of deferred resignations. And I hear from my state, on the ground, about not being able to get messages returned, phone calls back, permits approved. So why is the Department continuing to offer buyouts and deferred resignations when that only deepens our ability to actively manage these landscapes?”\n\nBurgum answered, “Well, first of all, I would just say that I reject the overall thesis that somehow we have, well, we haven’t... No one's been pushed out. The only way people have left is with voluntary retirement programs.”\n\nHeinrich interjected, “I have personal friends who feel pushed out.”\n\nBurgum answered, “I understand people may feel that way, but the fact is that...”\n\nHeinrich continued, “When they got the Fork in the Road email, and I know that didn't come from you, it came from someone who's not even in the government anymore. People got the message.”\n\nBurgum responded, “And all of those, all of those initial DOGE things from old, from the initial first weeks of the thing, those were all stopped by unions and courts, and they were all offered their jobs back, so us rehashing...”\n\nHeinrich interjected, “But they got the message that they weren't welcome. And many of those people just moved on. And they were some of our most experienced folks.”\n\nBurgum answered, “Well, it is true that across the federal government, that the federal government employees today, like they are in many state governments have a massive number of people that are at or above retirement age, and so that's just, that's a case, when people have taken the voluntary retirement. We've got an organization, when you've got that many people stacked at the top, it doesn't create a lot of opportunity for young people moving up. So there's a flip side, is [that] people are saying, ‘hey, now I've got an opportunity to stay and have a long career in this agency.’ To your specific question about the recent thing. There [were] groups of people last year that did not have the opportunity to take the voluntary retirement. That was a small group. We started with 65,000 people, the group that was offered, and then considered this round were about 1,500 people that were never offered the opportunity, last year. Of those that accepted it, we rejected over 500 of those because we have the ability to say, yeah, if you take it, but we determined, with a park superintendent that you're essential. Sorry, you can't take the early voluntary retirement. But a number of those folks were working in areas like communications, like human resources, where we were substantially overstaffed. When I cut in, we couldn't even find out how many people worked in HR, how many people worked in comms, how many people actually worked in a park? There [were] no IT systems. Turns out, we had over 2,000 people working in HR For 65,000 people, that's one HR person for every 30 team members. You know, that's off by a ratio of three to four versus a private sector company the same size. And I don't blame them. I blame the fact that we have underfunded... We’ve underfunded [the Department of the Interior] so badly that people don't even have the tools to do their job. But we're working to fix that as well. And so this is the last round of voluntary [resignations] that we're doing. In this group, there'll be about 1,000 people that will take early retirement, but none of those are related to frontline jobs in parks. We will end up with more people working...”\n\nOn Purposefully Slow-Walking Clean Energy Project Permits\n\nHeinrich began, “Last week, a federal judge determined that wind and solar companies are likely to prevail in their lawsuit against the Trump administration's policies blocking those energy projects. The judge placed a preliminary injunction on your department, implementing policies designed to block new energy projects coming online. Will you comply with that judge's order?”\n\nBurgum answered, “First of all, we disagree vehemently with a District D.C. judge's view, that somehow having appropriate reviews of energy projects on our internal procedures is...”\n\nHeinrich interjected, “Well, appropriate reviews are one thing, but the Chairman used the phrase permits were ‘slow-walked.’ We're not seeing permits move off your desk. Permits are being slow-walked, so there was an injunction. Are you going to comply with that judge's order?”\n\nBurgum answered, “The Solicitor's Department will respond to any active litigation. But as I said, we disagree with this.”\n\nHeinrich followed, “I'll just be very blunt: if permitting reform is a priority, the permitting system has to work. And if you want members of my Caucus to support permitting reform, we have to know that balls and strikes are going to be called — that there is not a thumb on the scale of this system. That confidence does not exist right now, Secretary.”\n\nBurgum answered, “Well, I would say I would be thrilled if, if there was going to be unanimity about not having the thumb on the scale, because we just came out of four...”\n\nHeinrich interjected, “So let’s do that together.”\n\nBurgum continued, “We came out of four years of that, and we're in as we try to get back to a balance...”\n\nHeinrich continued, “Both sides are likely to say, like, their side had the thumb on the scale here, our side had the thumb on the scale there. Let's make this a system where you can't do that.”\n\nBurgum answered, “I think that would be fantastic — love to have, love to have your support to do that. To be clear on this court order, it's absurd to me that a court would say that we can't review projects. That's basically what it says, and that's an internal executive branch element...”\n\nHeinrich concluded, “You can review projects, but at some point, you have to make a decision. We've got six projects that have gone through the entire review. They have EISs and EAS that are ready to go. They're all just lacking your signature. That's not review. That is, by definition, slow-walking.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-meng-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-may-as-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month", "title": "Hirono, Meng Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hirono.senate.gov", "scraper": "hirono", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001042", "name": "Mazie K. Hirono", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), led their colleagues in introducing a resolution marking May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This resolution celebrates the many contributions AANHPI communities have made to the nation. As the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans continue to cut initiatives designed to support minorities in the name of “combatting discrimination,” this resolution emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity.\n\n“Every May, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander communities come together to remember the challenges we have overcome and our many contributions that have shaped our country. Despite the Trump regime’s relentless attacks on the AANHPI community, they cannot erase the truth. Our communities have been part of our country’s story since its founding, fighting for the same fundamental promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Senator Hirono. “This resolution celebrates the persevering spirit of our communities and reminds us all to continue fighting for a more inclusive future.”\n\n“May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor our communities’ immeasurable contributions to our nation’s history, culture, and prosperity,” said Representative Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “Whether your family passed through Ellis Island, immigrated to work on the sugarcane plantations of Hawai?i or fled war-torn areas as refugees, our stories are part of the American story and deserve to be told for generations to come. I am proud to co-lead this resolution with Senator Hirono to ensure our communities’ achievements are formally recognized in the halls of Congress, especially as we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States this year.”\n\nThe resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortes Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng (D-NY).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\nSenator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono hosted a press conference demanding federal funding be restored to Minority Serving Institutions, including Asian American Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and Alaska Native Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs). Last year, she also introduced the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act, bicameral legislation to promote the teaching of Asian American, AANHPI history in schools across the country. Since 2023, Senator Hirono has introduced a resolution marking May 10, as AANHPI Mental Health Day. In 2022, Senator Hirono’s legislation establishing a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture was signed into law by President Biden. To address the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and violence during the heart of the pandemic, Senator Hirono introduced the COVID-19 Hates Crimes Act which was signed into law by President Biden on May 20, 2021.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-makes-the-case-for-crack-the-code-2-0-with-interior-secretary-burgum-at-senate-energy-hearing", "title": "Hoeven Makes the Case for “Crack the Code 2.0” with Interior Secretary Burgum at Senate Energy Hearing", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – At a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing examining the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the Department of the Interior, Senator John Hoeven and Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum discussed advancing the Senator’s “Crack the Code 2.0” initiative to expand enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the Bakken while extending the life of North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants.\n\nHoeven is working to finalize $36 million in Department of Energy (DOE) funding for a $157 million large-scale demonstration project, including $76 million in private investment and $45 million from the state of North Dakota.\n\n“We believe that this project will double the life of our coal fired electric industry, double the life and probably more than double the amount of oil and gas we produce… we’ve produced about 6 billion barrels of oil… but that number is going down… we need to use enhanced oil recovery to start increasing that number… we only produce about 10 to 12% of the oil that’s in the shale… so we’ve put together… a large scale demonstration project… to take CO2 from our coal fired electric plants and to not only double their life, but to double production in the Bakken,” said Hoeven.\n\n“I would support it… there’s a big opportunity here for not only to increase production, but to take care of the concerns that some have about emissions. Your crack the code 2.0 does both of those things simultaneously… it’s important, because… when we find ourselves dependent on those that are waging war against us… the U.S. is in a position today to sell energy to our friends and allies, so they don’t have to buy it from people that are waging war and terrorism against us,” said Secretary Burgum.\n\nCrack the Code 2.0 is further supported by a policy Hoeven worked to secure in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3), also known as the Working Families Tax Cut Act, to properly align the 45Q tax credit to incentivize the use of CO2 for EOR. Doing so supports coal producers’ continued operations by providing access to a new revenue stream through selling CO2 to oil producers, while providing a strong, long-term incentive for EOR, making it the clear, commercially viable choice to improve oil recovery in the Bakken.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-statement-on-epa-guidance-providing-clarity-on-oil-natural-gas-flaring", "title": "Hoeven Statement on EPA Guidance Providing Clarity on Oil & Natural Gas Flaring", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance clarifying that oil and gas producers can continue routine flaring at new oil wells in some circumstances after the May 7, 2026 phase out deadline. EPA issued the guidance in response to concerns from oil and gas operators that the flaring phase out, put in place by the Biden administration, would force them to halt production when scenarios outside their control require flaring.\n\n“We need to produce more energy here at home, not only to lower prices for consumers but because energy security is national security,” said Hoeven. “We appreciate the Trump administration for providing this much-needed clarity for producers, including those in the Bakken, that will enable them to continue their operations.”\n\nIn 2023, Hoeven and the North Dakota delegation worked to stop the Biden administration’s duplicative methane rule that put in place the phase out deadline.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-joins-bill-to-help-americans-plan-for-retirement/", "title": "Husted joins bill to help Americans plan for retirement", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“This bill would fix outdated language, help clear up confusion for older Ohioans and ensure they have what they need to plan effectively.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Chris Coons’ (D-Del.) Claiming Age Clarity Act. This bipartisan bill would modernize outdated language used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help people better understand the timing of their decisions to claim retirement benefits.\n\nOne of the key financial decisions facing Americans is when to claim Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security benefits are available to Americans who are as young as age 62, but those who choose to claim their benefits later receive higher monthly payments, with the maximum benefits available to those who claim at age 70 or older.\n\n“Americans have worked their entire lives to earn their Social Security benefits. They should have all the necessary information to make the best decisions for their futures. This bill would fix outdated language, help clear up confusion for older Ohioans and ensure they have what they need to plan effectively,” said Husted.\n\n“Americans have earned their benefits. When planning for retirement, let’s make sure they have the best information available and receive what they deserve,” said Cassidy.\n\nThe American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) supports the bill.\n\n“AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans aged 50 and over, is pleased to endorse S.1504, the Claiming Age Clarity Act, which would improve the terminology the Social Security Administration uses in relation to retirement benefit claiming ages. Your bipartisan bill will provide American workers with better and more understandable information about the impact claiming age has on their earned benefits, helping them make more informed choices about when to start collecting Social Security,” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP.\n\nThe Claiming Age Clarity Act would make the following changes to terminology used by the SSA to provide greater clarity to seniors:\n\n“Early Eligibility Age” would become “Minimum Benefit Age” – This is age 62, the earliest age at which someone can begin receiving retirement benefits. However, doing so comes with a permanent reduction—up to 30% less than the standard benefit.\n\n“Full Retirement Age” would become “Standard Benefit Age” – This is age 66-67 depending on an individual’s birth year.\n\n“Delayed Retirement Age” would become “Maximum Benefit Age” – This is age 70, the latest age at which someone can begin receiving retirement benefits. Doing so comes with an 8% increase in benefits per year—up to 24% more than the standard benefit.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-durbin-introduce-resolution-to-repeal-dangerous-doj-rule-that-guts-meaningful-immigration-appeals-process", "title": "Kaine & Durbin Introduce Resolution to Repeal Dangerous DOJ Rule That Guts Meaningful Immigration Appeals Process", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn an interim final rule by the Trump-Vance Administration’s Department of Justice that makes major changes to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) process to weaken due process and effectively eliminate meaningful immigration appeals. Asylum seekers fleeing persecution, families fighting separation, Afghan allies, and individuals with limited or no access to legal representation would be particularly affected by the rule.\n\nThe resolution is privileged—meaning any one senator can call it up for a vote—within 60 session days from when the Senate received the rule. It needs a simple majority to pass.\n\n“Our founders etched the right to due process into our Constitution because they believed in creating a government that treats people fairly and safeguarding against tyranny,” said Kaine. “The Trump-Vance Administration is so dead-set on meeting arbitrary deportation quotas that it is willing to shred that fundamental principle. But Congress has the power to stop that from happening and ensure that everyone gets their fair shake in court, including access to a meaningful appeals process to rectify legal or factual errors that could result in their deportation and separation from their loved ones. That’s what this resolution is about, and we encourage all of our colleagues to put our Constitution above political convenience by voting for it.”\n\n“Although framed as an efficiency measure, this rule makes dramatic changes to the Board of Immigration Appeals within the Department of Justice, severely limiting access to appellate review and making summary dismissal the default outcome in most cases, instead of the exception,” said Durbin. “I urge my colleagues to support our resolution to overturn this rule, which calls into serious question the integrity of our immigration court system and guts due process rights for immigrants.”\n\nSpecifically, the rule would slash time to file an appeal from 30 days to 10 days; vastly expand the BIA’s authority to summarily dismiss appeals without reviewing the cases’ merits; prevent most cases from even being briefed; thereby limiting meaningful review; and leave individuals with only one remaining option for recourse—a federal court review—which will overwhelm the federal courts of appeals with unreviewed immigration cases.\n\nFull text of the senators’ resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-administration-claiming-hostilities-in-iran-have-concluded", "title": "Kaine Statement on Administration Claiming Hostilities in Iran Have Concluded", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after President Donald Trump sent a letter to Congress asserting that the ‘hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated’:\n\n“The Administration claims it’s in a ceasefire with Iran even though the U.S. military is actively blockading Iranian ports and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz. And while this ‘ceasefire’ supposedly started on April 7, the U.S. Navy fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged vessel on April 19. If any other country did all of this to the U.S., we would consider it an act of war. The Trump-Vance Administration isn’t fooling anyone, and the American people are smart enough to see through the lies and chaos. This is further proof that the Administration will make every excuse they can to avoid explaining to the American people why they started a war of choice against Iran when there was no imminent nuclear threat. This war has already cost billions of dollars, raised gas prices, and killed and injured servicemembers, and Americans deserve real answers. I will keep pushing the Administration to come to Congress and do everything I can to end this war.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-introduces-bill-to-protect-federal-workers-credit-during-government-shutdowns/", "title": "Kelly Introduces Bill to Protect Federal Workers’ Credit During Government Shutdowns", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Kelly and Senate Democrats have repeatedly voted to fund TSA workers\n\nRead ABC 15 exclusive: Senator Mark Kelly introduces bill to protect federal workers’ credit during government shutdowns\n\nToday, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced legislation to protect federal workers’ credit histories during a government shutdown. The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would prevent harm to credit ratings because of missed or delayed payments when federal workers aren’t getting paychecks, helping ensure federal workers are not financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.\n\n“Federal workers shouldn’t be punished by a government shutdown that isn’t their fault,” said Senator Kelly. “Earlier this month, I met with Phoenix TSA officers working without pay. They shared how the financial strain they were dealing with—including missed payments—hurt their credit scores. That kind of damage can follow you for years. I’m taking action to make sure the people who keep our country running aren’t hurt by Washington’s dysfunction.”\n\n“Our patriotic civil servants should not have to suffer during federal government shutdowns. House Republicans refused to advance a plan that would have ended the shutdown a month ago – insisting instead on holding the financial security of federal workers hostage. It’s just common sense that we pass legislation protecting civil servants from evictions, foreclosure, loan defaults, and credit damage during these disastrous shutdowns. While this Administration keeps up its witch hunt of federal workers, I will keep fighting to protect the federal workers in my state and across the country,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“In the past six months, Republicans have forced two of the longest government shutdowns in history. At a time when Americans are already struggling with rising costs, federal workers shouldn’t have to worry about their credit taking a hit because they’re not getting paid,” said Senator Gallego. “This bill protects hardworking public service workers from long-term financial damage during shutdowns they didn’t cause.”\n\n“While I helped pass legislation to ensure hundreds of thousands of civil servants and military personnel receive backpay after the government reopens, I know it isn’t the same as getting a paycheck on time when the mortgage and bills are due,” said Senator Kaine. “This legislation helps protect federal workers’ credit and ensure they aren’t penalized for missed payments during a shutdown.”\n\n“Our dedicated federal employees provide essential services for the American people, and they should not suffer during government shutdowns that are entirely beyond their control. This legislation ensures that the risk of credit damage isn’t an added burden on these civil servants while they are going without pay and helps them get back on their feet when shutdowns end,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“Virginia’s federal workers are the backbone of the services Americans depend on. Our public servants credit reports shouldn’t be negatively affected because of a shutdown they did not cause. This legislation would help ease the pain of a government shutdown by giving federal employees time to catch up when the government reopens,” said Senator Warner.\n\n“AFGE is profoundly grateful to Sen. Mark Kelly for introducing the Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026, a much-needed bill to temporarily protect the credit ratings of federal employees during government shutdowns. The sad reality is that all-too-frequent agency funding lapses can permanently harm federal workers, long after the government eventually reopens. Simply giving people backpay, as current law requires, does nothing to undo the undeserved damage to their credit ratings, their good name, and their dignity. Senator Kelly’s bill hits pause on negative credit information during periods when feds are still working hard for the American people while drawing zero-dollar paychecks. We urge swift Congressional passage of the bill,” said Dr. Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE).\n\n“Federal workers work hard to keep this country running and they’re still being punished because of government shutdowns that aren’t their fault. For them, falling behind on bills because their paycheck stopped shouldn’t hurt their credit standings, sometimes for years after a shutdown ends. We appreciate Senator Kelly for listening to NFFE members and taking a commonsense step to protect workers from lasting financial damage, and we’re proud to support it,” said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).\n\n“We have been showing up to work since November without a paycheck, then only partial checks and it has taken a real toll,” said Pascual Contreras, a TSA officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “I am three months behind on rent, and my credit score has dropped by more than 200 points. That has put our plans to buy a home out of reach. It’s not fair that something out of our control can impact our financial future like this. I’m grateful to Senator Kelly for listening and working on a solution.”\n\nBackground:\n\nA month after the Senate passed funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and more components at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the House finally passed the same bill and ended the DHS shutdown.\n\nFor 76 days, thousands of federal workers missed paychecks, putting them at risk of missing payments on mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit cards, and more. Even a single missed payment can significantly lower a consumer’s credit score, leading to higher interest rates, reduced access to credit, and long-term financial strain.\n\nThe Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would allow federal workers who have been without pay during a shutdown to protect their credit. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProhibit consumer reporting agencies from reporting adverse information on the credit report of federal workers during a government shutdown and for 30 days after the end of a shutdown as workers’ pay is restored;\n\nRequire the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to notify consumer reporting agencies when federal agencies enter and exit shutdown status;\n\nAllow federal workers to correct adverse information already on their credit report.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-sasc-hearing-kelly-challenges-hegseth-on-munitions-burn-rate-no-quarter-comment-and-massive-defense-budget-proposal/", "title": "WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Challenges Hegseth on Munitions Burn Rate, “No Quarter” Comment, and Massive Defense Budget Proposal", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“So, we fired years’ worth of munitions… But, Mr. Secretary, this war is stuck.”\n\nThis week, during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing on the annual defense budget, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly (D-AZ) pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on how this administration justifies burning through America’s critical munitions stockpiles in a war that is not achieving its objectives while driving up costs for Americans.\n\nKelly also gave Hegseth a chance to clarify his “no quarter” comment from March and questioned the Department of Defense’s staggering $1.5 trillion budget request.\n\nKelly pressed Hegseth on thecost of the ongoing Iran operation: “The questions we should be asking and answering are: What does this cost us and what does it achieve for the American people? Many of these strikes use our best weapons, and we’re using a lot of them, and a lot of interceptors. […] We can’t make these munitions overnight and it’s clear from your budget requests that you know that.”\n\nHegseth acknowledged to Kelly it would take years to replenish America’s stockpiles.\n\nKelly continued, “But, Mr. Secretary, this war is stuck. The Strait of Hormuz is closed. The Iranian regime is in place. The nuclear material still in their hands. Americans are being crushed by higher costs. And it’s not clear to them, at all, what the goal of this war is.”\n\nKelly also confronted Hegseth directly over his recent “no quarter” comment, demanding clarity on whether the Secretary of Defense understands the term’s meaning under the laws of war: “I saw your hearing yesterday, and I’m going to give you one more chance to address a question here. It’s my understanding that the definition of no quarter is ‘that legitimate offers of surrender will be refused or that detainees will be executed.’ Is that your understanding of the definition?”\n\nWhen Hegseth declined to clarify, Kelly was direct: “The things you say matter. Your response here right now makes it clear to the American people exactly why you are not right for this job.”\n\nSen. Kelly questions Secretary Hegseth during a SASC hearing.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s remarks. See the transcript below:\n\nRound1\n\nSen. Kelly: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, thank you for being here, Secretary Hegseth. Safe to say that our weapons, like SM-3’s, Tomahawks, Patriot missiles, have capabilities that are unmatched. That’s why they cost a lot. Take a long time to produce. Your budget requests $31.8 billion to expand production capacity for critical missile stockpiles. Is that correct, 31.8?\n\nSecretary Pete Hegseth: I’m looking at $53 billion for munitions acceleration over 14 critical munitions, of which the ones you listed are a part.\n\nKelly: Okay, 53.\n\nHegseth: Yes, sir.\n\nKelly: More than $20 billion more. So, we’ve been working together to grow the industrial base, because we’re all worried about how our stockpiles would hold up in a conflict against China. Since the start of this war, you’ve made it a point to highlight the number of strikes the U.S. military is carrying out, citing that more than 13,000 targets had been struck as of April 8th. On March 2nd, you said, and this is a quote, ‘This was a massive, overwhelming attack across all domains of warfare, striking more than a thousand targets in the first 24 hours.’ On March 10th, you said, ‘Yet again our most intense day of strikes inside of Iran’. On April 6th, you said, and this is another quote, ‘The largest volume of strikes since day one of this operation’. Your department has released video after video of things blowing up. None of us doubt the strength of the U.S. military and their ability to do hard things. I understand that better than anybody. The questions we should be asking and answering are what does this cost us and what does it achieve for the American people? Many of these strikes use our best weapons, and we’re using a lot of them, and a lot of interceptors. Open-source reporting has estimated that the military has used an outrageous number of Patriots. I’m not going to say the numbers, but a lot of Patriots, a lot of THAAD rounds, JASSM-ERs, Tomahawks. Very expensive. Exquisite. We can’t make these munitions overnight and it’s clear from your budget requests that you know that. Can you tell us how many years, specifically, is it going to take to replace these systems?\n\nHegseth: Senator, thank you for the question. I would defer to the comptroller on the amount because I think it’s a lot higher than 53. If you look at long range fires, JASSMs, LRASMs, Tomahawks, we’re looking at $238 [billion]. About $40 billion for hypersonic. So, I actually think it’s closer to $330 billion in munitions.\n\nKelly: Okay, how many years to replenish. That’s the question.\n\nHegseth: I think that’s exactly the right question to ask, senator, because the timeframe we were existing under was unacceptable. What this budget does, I mean, months and years.\n\nKelly: Years.\n\nHegseth: Fast. I mean, we’re building new plants in real time.\n\nKelly: So just to replace what we have expended?\n\nHegseth: I said months.\n\nKelly: And then you said years.\n\nHegseth: But, it depends on the weapon system. But 2 to 3, 4x of what we have today. So yes, we’re dealing with the reality under the previous administration of what they sent to Ukraine and what they allocated elsewhere—\n\nKelly: Ok, I got it. So, we fired years worth of munitions. And it is clear that these are being expended to try to achieve some objectives. That was the plan. But, Mr. Secretary, this war is stuck. The Strait of Hormuz is closed. The Iranian regime is in place. The nuclear material still in their hands. Americans are being crushed by higher costs. And it’s not clear to them, at all what the goal of this war is.\n\nSo, I’ve got about a minute, and I want to go to another topic. I saw your hearing yesterday, and I’m going to give you one more chance to address a question here. It’s my understanding that the definition of no quarter is ‘that legitimate offers of surrender will be refused or that detainees will be executed.’ Is that your understanding of the definition?\n\nHegseth: The only entity that would kill detainees or target civilians is the Iranians, and they’re the ones being crushed. So, Iranian military and their military capability. I disagree completely with the articulation.\n\nKelly: The question is do you understand the definition that I just read you? Because that’s the definition from your Department’s Law of War manual. Is that your understanding? And I’m going to just get to the point here.\n\nHegseth: We fight to win and we follow the law, Senator.\n\nKelly: Okay so your quote was, ‘We will keep pushing, keeping advancing. No quarter, no mercy for our enemies.’ And yesterday you did not clarify whether you stand by this statement. So, I’m going to give you another opportunity to clarify if that is what you meant. Do you stand by that statement you made on March 13th?\n\nHegseth: We have untied the hands of our warfighters. We fight to win and we follow the law.\n\nKelly: Okay, so you’re not clarifying, so you stand by that statement. So, you’re the Secretary of Defense. The things you say matter. And your response here right now makes it clear to the American people exactly why you are not right for this job.\n\nHegseth: It makes it clear to our enemies, Senator.\n\nKelly: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nRound 2\n\nKelly: Mr. Secretary, so $1.5 trillion. 1.5 [trillion] is a very round number. If you’re putting together a budget, you’d come up with, ‘these are the problems we’re trying to solve. This is the capability we need. These are the systems we have to buy.’ And at the end of the day, it would spit out a number. And it’s probably not $1.5 trillion. So, to me, it feels like that number was just kind of pulled out of thin air. I took a look recently and it seems that the defense budget of the rest of the world; I’m talking China, Russia, India, every Asian country, every European country, South America. Everybody else is in the neighborhood, it looked like $1.7 [trillion] to $1.8 [trillion]. So, your request is approaching all defense spending from everybody else, with the exception of us. That is a huge amount of money. When I got here, you know, just five years ago, it was almost half of that. Through budget reconciliation, you’ve received a bunch of money to buy things. Some of the weapons systems to resupply what we need. I’m just trying to understand, where is all this money going to go? And if you’ve figured out ahead of time, what do you want to spend this on? And by the way, there are systems the president wants. He saw last summer how effective Iron Dome and David Sling were. And because of that, the president decided we’re going to build our own version. We’re going to call it Golden Dome because the president likes the color gold. We’ve seen that. Seen it in the Oval Office. We’re going to call it Golden Dome, and it might cost somewhere between $500 billion and $1 trillion. I’ve heard those estimates. By the way, on that problem, I know a little bit about intercepting stuff in space. It’s really hard. And the physics on this favors the offense. There’s some things in that program that I think is really important that we do and try to figure it out. But space-based interceptors to hit multiple targets. And by the way, it’s important how you size the system. So, I’m trying to understand, Mr. Secretary, what kind of detail did you guys did you work out like a detailed plan? And at the end of the day, it came out. Oh, it just happens to come out to be $1.5 trillion.\n\nHegseth: Senator, the exact amount is actually $1.535 trillion and it was a product of a highly rigorous process throughout our department, from COCOMM commanders to the services, with our comptroller, with our deputy Secretary, with the Chairman and myself to ensure the budget reflects the realities of the world we live in and the capabilities we’re going to need, and that’s why there’s $65 billion for shipbuilding. $120 billion for the defense industrial base, $331 billion for munitions, $44 billion for quality of life, $71 billion on our nuclear dib. You name it, we’re investing in it. And the biggest reason for it is the underinvestment of the Biden administration. I mean, what they spent on defense, the continuing resolutions and others, undercut the buildup that the President Trump had created. So, yes, we’re doing a lot of deferred maintenance here around the world and in our department. And this budget reflects it. And it’s a commitment, a generational commitment to the security of the American people. And if the rest of the world won’t spend on their defense, that’s their fault. The American Department of War will invest properly to defend the people. Ans that’s what this budget stands for.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-puzzled-by-massive-cuts-to-national-parks-budget", "title": "King Critical of Massive Cuts to National Parks Budget", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) and Ranking Member of the National Parks Subcommittee, criticized the Administration for drastic cuts to the National Park Service’s budget. In an ENR committee hearing this week, King questioned Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on the rationale behind cutting the chronically-underfunded park service funding by a third when there is a history of a deferred maintenance backlog.\n\n“Let's talk about the National Park Service. You and I talked about this before. [The] National Park Service budget is cut by one third. About $1 billion, which is one day of the Iran war just to put it in context. I don't understand why. In terms of the overall budget, in terms of what is being proposed for expenditures in many other areas, why are we cutting the most popular program the federal government runs? I understand there's always room for rightsizing and analysis of staffing and those kinds of things, but this is not a gotcha question. I'm puzzled why the administration would cut by one third the funding of one of the most important agencies that we have in terms of direct interface with the public? It’s not just about people at the parks. They need the backup from the rest of the organization. Why such a major cut?” asked Senator King.\n\nSecretary Burgum replied, “You said a number of things that were qualifying in there, but I think there is a belief that we can deliver the services that people desire and the outcomes people are looking for. One thing I found as governor and I’m finding in this role is there is a high degree of interest in inputs and less interest in outcomes. If you said ‘the goal is, Secretary, please deliver higher customer satisfaction at all of your parks. Go get it done as efficiently as you can, we want to have citizens very satisfied.’ But it’s never about satisfaction. It’s always about the spending like a bigger input somehow implies a better outcome. I just don’t believe that.”\n\nSenator King replied, “I would understand that, but has been an outside consultant's study of the staff size or internal study? If there has been such, I would certainly like to see it. You probably knew I was going to bring this chart. This is FTEs in the National Park Service going back 10 or 15 years. Here's where we are now. We were understaffed back then. The number we were working from was 23,000 and now we are down to about 15,000 I think. So this is where we are going. Again, if there is a study or a rational basis for the cuts being made, I just don't see it.\".\n\nLater in the exchange, Senator King raised concerns about massive staffing cuts and how those, coupled with the budget cuts, could harm visitor satisfaction in the future.\n\nAs a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for our national parks. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation that included the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). Because of his work, in 2020, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation (NPF) “Hero” Award. Since the creation of the LRF, Senator King has pushed park leaders to discuss funding maintenance efforts, maintaining a sufficient NPS workforce, and managing growing park visitation. Senator King’s work on the National Parks Subcommittee is the culmination of more than four decades of work on land conservation efforts in Maine, including helping to establish the Land for Maine’s Future program in 1987 and supporting extensive conservation projects during his time as Governor.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-to-hegseth_-why-are-we-abandoning-ukraine", "title": "King to Hegseth - “Why Are We Abandoning Ukraine?”", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today raised concerns regarding the administration’s decision to abandon Ukraine by zeroing out military and humanitarian support in this year’s Department of Defense (DoD) budget despite widespread American support for continued financial and military assistance. In the annual SASC committee hearing on the DoD’s fiscal year 2027 budget, King pressed the Under Secretary of Defense and Comptroller Jules Hurst, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, on the complete lack of resources being provided to Ukraine as the countrycontinues to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked and bloody aggression. The small democratic nation has defended itself over the course of the four year war with the help of American equipment, training, and funding.\n\n“One of the factors of this budget that has not gotten any publicity is there is zero funding for Ukraine. That is correct, Mr. Hurst?”asked Senator King.\n\nMr. Hurst replied, “That is correct. There is no USAI funding in this budget.”\n\n“There was $400 million appropriated last year by a bipartisan bicameral act of Congress. What has become of that money? My understanding is not a dollar of it has been dispersed,” Senator King questioned.\n\n“It was released very recently. We got these funds, I believe, in March. It takes time for the funds to flow through department, but it’s going to be put to work very shortly. We are going to work with the UCOM to make sure we use these funds in the most appropriate way possible,” Mr. Hurst answered..\n\n“This [chart] indicates what has happened to our support for Ukraine over the years. The orange bars are US support; the blue is Europe. As you can see, Europe is 99% in the year 2026, same thing with humanitarian and other aid to Ukraine,”Senator King continued. “And yet, this is, I believe, an existential struggle for the future of democracy where we had an aggressive country invade a neighboring country without any justification whatsoever. By the way, that invading country is the major winner so far of the war in Iran. Estimates are [Russia has] gotten $40 to $80 billion of additional revenues from oil and the relief of sanctions as a result of the war in Iran. Secretary Hegseth, why are we abandoning Ukraine?”\n\n“If you would hold that chart back up, I think that is a beautiful chart. That's exactly what we want. We want Europe stepping up and shouldering the burden. They are rich countries worth $20 trillion versus an economy of $2 trillion. Europe can step up, and they have through our [Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL)] initiative and European command. That's exactly what the American people want to see, other countries stepping up. If that is that important to Europe, which I understand why it is, and the incursion of Russia and the bravery of the Ukrainians, then European countries should pay for it. That is exactly what that chart says, and that is the Administration policy,” Secretary Hegseth answered.\n\n“We don't have any interest in what happens in Ukraine, is what you’re saying? It’s only the Europeans?” asked Senator King.\n\nSecretary Hegseth replied, “I’m saying the threat is far closer to rich and capable countries in Europe and they should step up to lead the charge; and that is why that chart is a good thing to see.”\n\n“They have stepped up. But I think the American people should understand that we have stepped back,” Senator King finished.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. Senator King has been a vocal supporter for Ukraine, voting in support of bipartisan legislation that would help Ukraine defend itself. In the days prior to that vote, he spoke on the Senate floor to his colleague that Ukraine’s fight is a “battle for the soul of Democracy in the world.” In January 2023, Senator King travelled with Armed Services Chairmen Jack Reed (D-R) in a visit to meet Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskyy in Kiev.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-blackburn-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-carjacking-passes-senate-judiciary-committee/", "title": "Luján, Blackburn Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Carjacking Passes Senate Judiciary Committee", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statements after their Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation would make a long overdue fix to the federal carjacking statute, empowering prosecutors to hold more offenders accountable.\n\n“The Albuquerque area continues to rank among the top cities for carjackings. This is unacceptable and puts people’s lives and livelihoods at risk,” said Senator Luján. “It is a positive step that legislation to give prosecutors the tools they need to hold carjackers accountable and keep our communities safe has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I’m committed to advancing this legislation and ensuring law enforcement has the resources they need to protect our communities.”\n\n“We need to make it easier for federal prosecutors to combat and prevent carjackings,” said Senator Blackburn. “My Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act would make our streets safer for Tennesseans and all Americans by fixing a broken statute that has hindered federal prosecutors from holding carjacking offenders accountable. I am pleased that this important legislation is one step closer to becoming a law.”\n\nThe current federal carjacking statute requires prosecutors to prove defendants had an “intent to cause death or bodily harm,” which has made it harder to bring federal carjacking prosecutions and accounts for the decrease in federal carjacking prosecutions in certain parts of the country. The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act would fix this drafting error by requiring prosecutors only have to prove the knowing taking of a motor vehicle. In cases in which death results following a carjacking, the bill would maintain the higher “intent to cause death or bodily harm” requirement.\n\nThe Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Association of Police Organizations, National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.\n\nThis legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Barry Moore (R-Ala.).\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-praises-dha-decision-to-maintain-services-at-fort-rileys-irwin-army-community-hospital/", "title": "Senator Marshall Praises DHA Decision to Maintain Services at Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pittsburg – On Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released the following statement after the Defense Health Agency (DHA) confirmed that Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) is not included on the agency’s Service Change Request list and will not face downgrades or reductions at this time:\n\n“I’m glad to see that Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital will continue serving our soldiers, military families, and the surrounding Kansas communities without disruption,” said Senator Marshall. “IACH plays a vital role in supporting readiness and ensuring access to quality care in the Flint Hills region, and this is welcome news for everyone who depends on it.”\n\nThroughout 2025 and into 2026, Senator Marshall engaged directly with the Department of War, DHA leadership, and Fort Riley officials to ensure Kansas voices were heard. These efforts included securing an on-site DHA assessment, advocating for expanded care access, and advancing provisions in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to strengthen coordination between the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve access for veterans to be seen at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs).\n\nDuring a visit to Fort Riley, DHA leadership reinforced the importance of maintaining and growing IACH’s capabilities. “My goal is to figure out how I can make IACH even more successful,” said Dr. Stephen Ferrara, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.“To me, the definition of success for a hospital is a busy hospital doing high volume, high complexity care.”\n\nBackground:\n\nSince early 2025, Senator Marshall has engaged with the Department of Defense and DHA leadership regarding the status of Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley:\n\nJanuary 10, 2025: Sent a letter to the Defense Health Agency demanding answers after reports that Irwin Army Community Hospital could be downgraded to an acute care clinic.\n\nApril 7, 2025: Raised concerns directly with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and received assurances regarding Fort Riley’s hospital mission.\n\nMay 9, 2025: Met with Fort Riley’s Commanding General, who emphasized the hospital was the installation’s top concern.\n\nMay 14, 2025: Spoke with Acting DHA Director Dr. Stephen Ferrara, resulting in DHA agreeing to conduct an on-site assessment.\n\nJune 4, 2025: DHA staff conducted a pre-visit assessment and concluded that the North Central Flint Hills region has fewer care options than expected.\n\nJune 30, 2025: DHA and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs visited Fort Riley and provided preliminary guidance supporting full emergency, surgical, and maternity services. DHA also acknowledged staffing shortages and discussed potential partnerships with the VA to expand access and strengthen services.\n\nJuly 9, 2025: Met with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to reinforce Kansas’s need for a fully operational hospital at Fort Riley.\n\nDecember 18, 2025: Secured provisions in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to requires the Pentagon and the VA to establish action plans to improve access for veterans to be seen in Military Treatment Facilities, such as IACH.\n\nJanuary 9, 2026: Visited Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH) at Fort Riley to reiterate his support for the facility.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/kiggans-and-merkley-continue-to-support-our-nursing-workforce-in-light-of-the-recent-department-of-education-rise-committee-final-rule/", "title": "Kiggans and Merkley Continue to Support our Nursing Workforce in Light of the Recent Department of Education RISE Committee Final Rule", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) expressed concern following the Department of Education’s release of its final rule defining which healthcare professions qualify as “professional degrees.” The rule, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, excludes post-baccalaureate nursing programs from this designation. As a result, individuals pursuing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees will face lower federal borrowing limits for student loans, creating additional barriers to entering the profession. The final rule comes after more than six months of sustained, bipartisan, and bicameral advocacy led by Rep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley, who repeatedly raised concerns about the exclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing programs.\n\nRep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley remain committed to working together to introduce legislation that addresses this issue and ensure post-baccalaureate nursing degrees are included on the list of designated professional degrees.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans said, “The RISE Committee’s final rule to exclude advanced practice nurses from its definition of professional degrees is incredibly frustrating and disenfranchises these men and women that are on the front lines of healthcare every day. As a Nurse Practitioner, I know the value and impact advanced practice nurses bring to our communities’ health and wellbeing. As our nation continues to grapple with a healthcare workforce shortage, this decision will increase-out-pocket costs and create an inequitable financial structure compared to other clinical programs. This disincentivizes talented young students from entering the field at a time when we need them most.”\n\n“As the Representative of Virginia’s Second Congressional District, it is my responsibility to help grow our healthcare workforce and expand access to quality care across Coastal Virginia. I am proud to continue this work with Senator Merkley to get nurses onto the Professional Degree list,” she concluded.\n\n“America is facing a dire shortage of health care workers, but the Trump Administration would rather stick its head in the sand than support nurses being able to afford post-baccalaureate programs,” said Merkley. “Our simple, bipartisan fix ensures that nurses are able to access the loans they need to earn their professional degrees.”\n\n“Recognizing nursing as a professional degree is essential to sustaining pathways to advanced nursing education and, ultimately, safeguarding the nation’s health,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. “The academic nursing community applauds our Congressional champions for working on a legislative response that will strengthen the capacity of nursing schools in every state to educate the next generation of advanced practice nurses, researchers, scientists, faculty, and healthcare leaders.”\n\n“Patients across the country rely on nurse practitioners (NPs) for access to care, from rural communities to major metropolitan areas. The Department of Education’s decision to exclude NPs and other post-baccalaureate nursing programs from the definition of a professional degree for federal student loans will make it harder for future NPs to pursue their education, ultimately worsening the nursing and primary care shortages facing our nation,” said American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP. “On behalf of AANP and the more than 461,000 NPs nationwide, we commend Representative Kiggans and Senator Merkley for their leadership and continued support of the nursing profession. We look forward to the introduction of their legislation and urge all Members of Congress to support the passage of this legislation to send it to the President for his signature.”\n\n“It’s ironic that we find ourselves here just one week before National Nurses Week, a time when we are meant to celebrate and honor the very people who keep our health system running. And yet, this 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 Senator Merkley and Representative Kiggans for their commitment to writing legislation that will fix this easily avoidable disaster for the nursing profession and patients. Make no mistake, this is not a technicality or a footnote. This rule will be felt in real communities, for example, in rural areas where nurse practitioners, midwives, and nurse anesthesiologists are often the only providers of core care services.”\n\n“The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners applauds Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Kiggans for their leadership in introducing legislation to correct the Department of Education’s student loan rule,” National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) president Dr. Felesia Bowen said. “This misguided decision has significant implications that impact an already strained health care workforce. Most importantly, it creates additional financial barriers for nurses pursuing advanced education at a time when access to care for children and families depends on a strong, well-prepared workforce. NAPNAP looks forward to working with Congresswoman Kiggans, Senator Merkley, and other members of Congress to ensure that students are able to pursue careers in advanced pediatric nursing practice.”\n\n“Boards of nursing are charged with protecting the public which includes ensuring patients and students have access to safe nursing care and quality nursing education,” said Phyllis Polk Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, NCSBN Board of Directors President. “By restricting access to federal student loan support for advanced nursing education, the Department’s policy is misaligned with that mandate. We thank Representative Kiggans and Senator Merkley for their leadership and urge Congress to act promptly to correct this misalignment and ensure federal student loan programs fully support the advanced nursing clinicians and nurse faculty essential to meeting the nation’s health care needs.”\n\nIn the next few weeks, Rep. Kiggans and Sen. Merkley plan to introduce a bipartisan and bicameral piece of legislation that would officially add post-baccalaureate nurses to the professional degree definition. Full-time professional students that are receiving degrees under the Professional Degree list may borrow up to $50,000 annually with a $200,000 limit. Adding advanced practice nurses to the definition will increase the amount of federal student loans they can receive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-hoyle-bynum-salinas-announce-over-7-5-million-to-strengthen-and-defend-oregon-communities-facing-wildfire-threats/", "title": "Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Bynum, Salinas Announce Over $7.5 Million to Strengthen and Defend Oregon Communities Facing Wildfire Threats", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), announced $7,538,176 is coming to four projects in Oregon to help make communities more resilient to severe wildfires. These investments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will support disaster relief efforts and mitigate wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Oregon.\n\nFor years, the Oregon congressional delegation has worked to secure federal resources for Oregonians affected by wildfires. In the wake of the catastrophic wildfires that broke out over Labor Day weekend in 2020, Merkley and Wyden led the charge to push for the rapid approval of the request for federal disaster relief, which was granted, and also successfully urged the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to expedite the initiation and completion of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program for wildfires in Oregon.\n\n“Communities that were devastated by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires must have the resources they need to increase their resilience to future fires. The federal government must do all it can to assist Oregon families and businesses with those efforts,” said Merkley. “You can’t get ready after the fire starts, and Congress needs to ensure our communities can access all possible federal resources to prepare for and mitigate wildfires. As climate chaos fuels longer and fiercer fire seasons, I’ll keep fighting to make sure Oregonians get the support they need to take on devastating wildfires in every corner of the state.”\n\n“Oregonians who worked hard to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after the devastating Labor Day fires need and deserve these federal investments to protect their homes and small businesses going forward,” Wyden said. “I’m glad the teamwork with my colleagues has delivered these resources, and I’ll keep battling for similar funds that support wildfire resilience in communities statewide.”\n\n“As we head into a severe wildfire season, these investments are critical to regional connectivity in times of emergency,” said Rep. Hoyle. “It shouldn’t take this long to find the money to get people’s lives back on track and rebuild smarter. Keeping our Douglas County communications infrastructure strong is a step in the right direction and can make a huge difference in response time and survival rates.”\n\n“Too many Oregonians suffer every year from preventable wildfires,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding ensures that our communities are equipped with all of the resources they need to minimize fire destructions, protect Oregonians, and keep our environment safe.\n\n“Oregonians know how devastating wildfires can be for our communities, families, and local economies,” said Rep. Salinas. “These investments will help us better prepare for future disasters by strengthening critical infrastructure, improving emergency response, and reducing wildfire risk before it turns into tragedy. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to secure these federal resources and will keep fighting to ensure Oregon communities have the support they need to stay safe, resilient, and ready.”\n\nThis funding for the grants announced today comes from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which supports state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments developing hazard mitigation plans and rebuilding in ways that reduce or mitigate future disaster losses in their communities following a Presidentially declared disaster. The four Oregon projects funded are as follows:\n\n$3,955,430 for Consumers Power, Inc. for Connected System Protection for Wildfire Mitigation. This project will fund 239 hydraulic reclosers and 10 weather stations throughout Consumers Power, Inc. distribution system to reduce the time and extent of outages. This will enhance the resilience of the community and ensure that access to power will be restored faster during a wildfire event.\n\n$3,186,000 for Douglas County Public Works’ Hazardous Fuels Reduction. This project will fund the upgrade of the existing emergency radio system infrastructure supporting the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications for Douglas County Public Safety, Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. The proposed upgrade will allow each radio tower to continue to function independently, even if unable to communicate to other towers or the mothership, allowing emergency responders in the vicinity of a tower to continue to communicate and respond during emergencies. This project increases resilience and reduces the risk of injuries, life loss, and property damage and destruction, including critical services and facilities.\n\n$219,746 for Consumer Powers, Inc. for Connected System Protection for Wildfire Mitigation. This project will fund the subrecipient, Consumers Power, Inc., management costs to reduce the amount of time in which residents are without power.\n\n$177,000 for Douglas County Radio Infrastructure and Improvement. This project will fund the subrecipient’s (Douglas County) management costs to upgrade the existing emergency radio system infrastructure supporting the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications for Douglas County Public Safety, Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services.\n\n“CPI’s recloser upgrade project will enhance electric reliability across six counties in western Oregon. The project will modernize our system to reduce outage durations and minimize the impacts of winter storms and wildfires. These upgrades will also improve system visibility, enabling faster, more informed response when outages occur. This project would not have been possible without FEMA’s support, and our partnership with FEMA is critical to keeping electricity reliable and affordable for our members,” said James Ramseyer, President/CEO of Consumers Power, Inc.\n\n“Douglas County extends its sincere thanks to Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, and Representative Val Hoyle for their support in securing the final portion of our approved FEMA funding for the Douglas County Radio Infrastructure and Improvement Project. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us strengthen critical communications systems that support public safety across our region,” said Tom Kress, Chair, and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/oregon-airports-to-receive-more-than-3-million-in-federal-investment/", "title": "Oregon Airports to Receive More Than $3 Million in Federal Investment", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Airports receiving federal funds include those in McMinnville, Burns, Florence, Troutdale, Ontario, Corvallis, Lexington, Newport, Tillamook and Gold Beach\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced that 10 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $3.1 million to improve their infrastructure.\n\n“Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.”\n\n“Investing in critical airport improvements such as taxiways, helipads, hangars, and more increases safety and strengthens infrastructure across our state,” said Merkley. “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”\n\n“Regional airports are critical to keeping Oregon connected,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In rural communities like Tillamook, investments in transportation infrastructure give small businesses access to markets and make communities more resilient in the event of a disaster. I’m grateful that this funding will support work at the Port of Tillamook Bay.”\n\n“Small airports are vital for rural Oregonians,” said Rep. Salinas. “They support local businesses and enable emergency responses when our communities need them most. This $1 million investment in McMinnville Municipal Airport will replace aging infrastructure and improve safety for everyone who uses it. I’m proud to help deliver these federal dollars to the airports that keep Oregon connected, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure rural communities keep getting the federal investment they deserve.”\n\n“These infrastructure investments across our regional airports in Corvallis, Florence, Gold Beach and Newport are a win for the economic growth of our rural and coastal communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “We rely on these federal dollars to build up our airports’ resilience in the face of worsening wildfire seasons.”\n\n“Making it easier to get where you need to go keeps our economy strong and makes everyday life more convenient,” said Rep. Bynum. “Regional airports connect our communities, small businesses, and ensure Oregonians don’t have to drive hours just to access reliable transportation. I am proud to work with my colleagues to secure this critical funding for Oregon.”\n\n“Investments in small airports are invaluable and will pay dividends for Oregonians in the years to come,” said Rep. Dexter. “This funding will support critical improvements to the Troutdale Airport, a key hub for the Port of Portland and our regional economy. I will keep working to bring federal dollars into high-value projects in our community.”\n\nThe awards totaling $3.14 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:\n\n$1 million to the city of McMinnville for McMinnville Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone to help pilots; to build 12,500 feet of perimeter fencing and 10 gates.\n\n$417,996 to the city of Burns for Burns Municipal Airport to builda new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building\n\n$400,338 to the city of Florence for the Florence Municipal Airport toacquire and install a new wind cone and segmented circle navigational aid for pilots\n\n$289,000 to the Port of Portland for Troutdale Airport to reseal 13,000 feet of existing taxiways and joints\n\n$274,708 to the city of Ontario for Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad\n\n$245,950 to the city of Corvallis for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,300-foot north taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area\n\n$160,332 to Morrow County for the Lexington Airport to replace the precision approach path indicator for a runway; to replace and relocate the existing precision approach path indicator for another runway\n\n$137,000 to the city of Newport for the Newport Airport to build a new 5,250-square-foot non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage\n\n$137,000 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for the Tillamook Airport to build a new fuel farm by adding two fuel tanks and two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type\n\n$78,063 to the Port of Gold Beach for Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement; to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement\n\n“The City of McMinnville greatly appreciates the continued federal financial support of safety and security improvements at the McMinnville Municipal Airport,” said airport manager John Paskell. “This important project provides for a significant security upgrade by adding nearly three miles of perimeter security fencing and adds an additional level of safety for pilots by installing a supplement wind cone on the Runway 4 end of the airport’s primary runway. As a developing regional general aviation airport, and as a significant economic asset and job creator in the community, continued federal infrastructure investment in airports is critical in ensuring their viability well into the future, particularly for airports in smaller communities like McMinnville. Those airport improvement dollars go a long way and help protect and preserve the airport’s financial self-sufficiency while also improving the facility.”\n\n“This federal investment is crucial as it ensures our airport infrastructure remains fully functional year-round, which is vital for emergency response and general aviation access in Eastern Oregon,” said Burns City Manager Brenda Engebretson.\n\n“The City of Florence is excited to receive this FAA funding to support the Beacon & Wind Cone Replacement Project at the Florence Municipal Airport,” the city said in a statement. “This project will help to improve essential airport safety infrastructure, as well as support safe and reliable aviation facilities that serve local and regional users. The Florence Municipal Airport is an economic driver for our area that provides a valuable space for commerce, emergency response, and recreational uses. The City of Florence is grateful for the continued support of this regional asset. “\n\n“Ensuring safe and efficient operations is the Port’s top priority, and this federal investment will help to maintain taxiways at Troutdale Airport,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We are grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued support for our projects to meet the diverse transportation needs of our region.”\n\n“The recent FAA award for the Lexington Airport to upgrade our precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), is a major win for a small regional airport like ours,” said Morrow County Commissioner Gus Peterson. “This system will allow us to continue to serve our users with improved safety and efficiency as well as allow us to be able to potentially expand in the future. Morrow County is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve our small but important regional airport.”\n\n“Securing funding for a new hangar is significant investment in the future of Newport Municipal Airport,” said Lance Vanderbeck, Newport Municipal Airport Director. “This project will enhance our ability to serve pilots, aircrafts, and improve overall efficiency and safety. Through this funding, we’re better positioned to meet demand and ensure the airport remains a reliable asset for our community.”\n\n“As Mayor of Gold Beach, I know the port is critical for emergency services and is an economic development engine,” said Gold Beach Mayor Tamie Kaufman. “This work helps make sure the port can continue being an asset to our community,”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-and-president-trump-tout-recent-policy-wins-in-the-villages/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody and President Trump Tout Recent Policy Wins in The Villages", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "THE VILLAGES, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody is working to take the Florida blueprint for success nationwide. Standing with President Donald Trump today in The Villages, Senator Moody highlighted recent policy wins.\n\n“Florida has set the blueprint for the rest of the nation—we’ve shown what happens when you keep taxes low, support law enforcement, empower families, and get government out of the way. Now, we’re taking that blueprint nationwide. It’s a privilege to stand with President Trump in The Villages today and share how we’re working for all Americans,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody discussed the savings secured for Floridians through the Working Families Tax Cut package passed last year. According to recent reports, Florida claimed the top spot for the largest federal tax refunds in the U.S.—bringing home an average refund of around $4,500.\n\nSenator Moody also highlighted President Trump’s historic efforts to secure the border, in contrast to the chaos and dangerous policies enacted under the Biden administration, and President Trump’s quick action to name drug cartels terrorist organizations.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-fifth-circuit-ruling-to-harshly-limit-access-to-medication-abortion-nationwide/", "title": "Senator Murray Statement on Fifth Circuit Ruling to Harshly Limit Access to Medication Abortion Nationwide", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Fifth Circuit ruling that, as of now, has resulted in requiring patients nationwide to fill mifepristone prescriptions in-person at a health center:\n\n“Mifepristone is safe and effective—millions of women have used this medication since the FDA approved it over 25 years ago. The only reason mifepristone is regulated as heavily as it already is, is because of anti-abortion politics, not because of science. Yet Republican anti-abortion extremists will stop at nothing to rip this basic health care away from women in America. Let’s be clear about what just happened: three judges on the most extreme appeals court in the country sided with anti-abortion politicians over the FDA’s career scientists, over a quarter-century of safety data, over millions of American women who have safely used mifepristone, and over practically every major medical association in the United States.\n\n“The real-world consequences of this decision are devastating and immediate—and it is beyond infuriating and infantilizing what these judges are forcing women to do. A patient in rural Washington who was going to receive her medication by mail, now has to find a clinic, take time off work, arrange childcare, and travel—sometimes hours—for a pill she could have safely taken at home. A woman managing a miscarriage will be forced to make that same trip in the middle of one of the worst weeks of her life.\n\n“This should not be a country where women’s access to health care is determined by the whims of a few zealous anti-abortion judges with zero medical or scientific training—do Americans really want a country where a panel of judges get to decide what medicine we can or can’t take? What’s next: cancer drugs? HIV medication? Let’s be eyes wide open that Republicans will accept nothing short of a national abortion ban—I will be fighting to ensure access to medication abortion every single way possible and to restore the right to abortion in every state for every woman.”\n\nTwo-thirds of U.S. adults oppose banning medication abortion. The overwhelming majority of Americans don’t want abortion legislated at all.\n\nSenator Murray leads the Democratic caucus on reproductive health care issues, and she has led the fight in Congress to protect and expand access to mifepristone. Senator Murray led the Congressional response to FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a lawsuit brought by Republican anti-abortion extremists trying to rip away access to mifepristone—Murray led multiple amicus briefs, organized her colleagues, and raised the alarm at every turn. In June 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed the case on standing, but Murray made clear that “the nationwide threat to medication abortion has not gone away—far from it. If Donald Trump and his anti-abortion allies return to power, they will do everything they can to rip away access to mifepristone and ban abortion nationwide.”\n\nSenator Murray has grilled Trump’s FDA Commissioner, Marty Makary, on access to mifepristone at every opportunity she’s had—including at a HELP Committee hearing on his nomination in March, and an Appropriations Agriculture-FDA subcommittee hearing in May. In 2023, Senator Murray pressed national pharmacies including Costco to ensure access to mifepristone, and in August, when Costco announced it would no longer sell mifepristone at its stores, Murray spoke out to demand they reverse course.\n\nIn November of 2025, Senator Murray led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Makary expressing alarm over the Trump administration’s plans to conduct “its own review of the evidence” on the safety and effectiveness of mifepristone. Murray’s letter laid into the recent junk science “report” on mifepristone put out by the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC)—an avowedly anti-abortion think tank—that appears to be the basis for the Trump administration’s announced review of mifepristone. “By elevating the sham EPPC report as rationale for restricting access to mifepristone, HHS is blatantly undermining well-established science and weaponizing disinformation to fit the Trump administration’s clear agenda to cut off abortion access in any way possible,” Murray and the senators wrote.\n\nMost recently, at the start of this year, Murray blasted her Republican counterparts on the Senate HELP Committee for holding a sham hearing to discredit medication abortion.\n\nThroughout her career, Murray has beat back countless Republican attacks on reproductive care and other family planning services—and she is widely credited with successfully pushing the Bush administration’s FDA to follow the science and make Plan B available over the counter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-delivering-resources-to-help-veterans-find-jobs-after-leaving-armed-forces/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Delivering Resources to Help Veterans Find Jobs After Leaving Armed Forces", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warner Robins, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering new resources to help veterans find jobs after they leave the Armed Forces.\n\nSen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to support organizations across Georgia that help veterans find jobs once they leave the Armed Forces.\n\n“I have secured the bipartisan support in the Senate to help veterans across the State of Georgia find employment in the civilian workforce,” Sen. Ossoff said.\n\nSen. Ossoff is delivering funding for the projects through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on February 3.\n\nPlease find a summary of projects for which Sen. Ossoff is delivering funding below:\n\nWARNER ROBINS: Central Georgia Technical College and the Georgia VECTR Center ($300,000): Central Georgia Technical College, in partnership with the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center, will use the Federal funding to enhance access to workforce training and postsecondary education for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The project will fund workforce development training, including direct training, career coaching, resume and interview preparation, and student supplies such as books, certifications, and more.\n\nSANDY SPRINGS: ATLVets, Inc ($223,000): ATLVets will use the Federal funding to provide training and support for veterans transitioning from service to running businesses. These resources will help expand training sessions and workshops for this program, covering topics such as business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies. The program also provides mentorship opportunities, pairing veterans with experienced professionals who offer guidance and support to help veterans navigate their transition to entrepreneurship.\n\nJONESBORO: Library Foundation of Clayton County, Inc. ($300,000): The Library Foundation of Clayton County will use the Federal funding to provide training sessions to help veterans start and grow small businesses by offering instruction, training, and support with a strong focus on veterans transitioning into civilian life. These resources will allow the Library Foundation to expand their reach to even more veterans and offer more resources and workshops.\n\n“On behalf of the Central Georgia Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees and Central Georgia Technical College, we are honored to receive this Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant through Senator Ossoff’s office to support Georgia’s veterans through workforce training and job readiness programs at CGTC’s VECTR Center,” said Tonya L. McClure, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “This investment will provide life-changing opportunities through career training and employment services, helping veterans regain stability and build a secure future. We are grateful for the Senator’s leadership, as well as that of our entire legislative delegation, as we partner to strengthen our veteran community.”\n\n“Veterans don’t retire — they redeploy. This funding gives ATLVets the resources to meet them where they are and help them channel that same mission-driven discipline into building businesses that strengthen our community. We’re grateful for Senator Ossoff’s leadership in making this happen for Georgia’s veterans,” said Zack Knight, Founder, ATLVets, Inc.\n\n“We extend our profound gratitude to Senator Jon Ossoff for securing $300,000 to support veteran small businesses and entrepreneurs through the Clayton County Library Foundation. These critical resources will empower the brave men and women who have served our nation to pursue entrepreneurship in Clayton County…Where the World Lands and Opportunities take off,” said Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry, Chairwoman Clayton County Board of Commissioners.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-la-times-op-ed-padilla-lemek-trump-votes-by-mail-he-just-doesnt-want-you-to/", "title": "ICYMI: LA Times Op-Ed – Padilla, Lemek: “Trump votes by mail. He just doesn’t want you to”", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, and Brian Lemek, Executive Director of Defend the Vote, penned an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times condemning President Trump’s threats to restrict voter access and urging Congressional action to protect mail-in and absentee voting.\n\nIn the op-ed, Padilla and Lemek criticized Trump’s recent Executive Order that aims to illegally re-write federal election administration rules, explicitly attacking vote-by-mail. In addition to the Executive Order, they discussed the Trump Administration’s efforts to limit voter access through efforts like the SAVE Act, while inflicting unnecessary challenges to voter registration and absentee voting. Padilla and Lemek also emphasized the extreme impact the vote-by-mail restrictions would have on democratic participation across our country.\n\n“Under this order, if states don’t comply with Trump’s demands, the USPS won’t deliver absentee ballots of eligible voters in that state — meaning legally cast votes could go undelivered and uncounted. Not only is that dangerous and unconstitutional, it is profoundly un-American,” said Senator Padilla and Lemek.\n\nThey further outline how Congress can confront Trump’s illegal election takeover, through Padilla’s Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, which would nullify Trump’s Executive Order and limit the administration’s attempts to implement any unlawful voter restrictions. This bill safeguards mail-in and absentee voting, ensuring registered voters can cast their ballot safely and accounted for.\n\nRead the op-ed here and below:\n\n“Trump votes by mail. He just doesn’t want you to”\n\nBy Alex Padilla and Brian Lemek, Guest Contributors\n\nMore than 158 million Americans cast a ballot in the 2024 election, and nearly one in three did so by mail.\n\nNothing about that should be controversial because voting by mail is safe, secure and deeply rooted in American history. Generations of voters have relied on absentee and mail-in ballots to make their voices heard — from Union soldiers during the Civil War, to Japanese Americans held in detention camps during the Second World War, to astronauts in space, to seniors, rural Americans, working parents and people with disabilities. And California — the first state in the nation to allow any registered voter who chooses to vote by mail without needing to provide a reason — has allowed voters to cast their ballots absentee since 1978.\n\nNow that right is under attack.\n\nOn March 31, just days after casting his own ballot by mail in a Florida special election, President Trump signed an executive order attacking vote by mail and absentee voting nationwide.\n\nThe president’s order also attempts to create federal lists of who his administration considers “eligible voters,” which will be given to states and enforced by the U.S. Postal Service, weaponizing the USPS in ways that would interfere with the delivery of eligible Americans’ ballots. That’s right. Under this order, if states don’t comply with Trump’s demands, the USPS won’t deliver absentee ballots of eligible voters in that state — meaning legally cast votes could go undelivered and uncounted.\n\nNot only is that dangerous and unconstitutional, it is profoundly un-American.\n\nImmediately after Trump’s executive order was announced, more than 20 states and multiple organizations challenged it in court. They are right to do so, and we believe these states will prevail for the same reason the courts rejected the president’s earlier attempts to seize authority over our elections. Because the Constitution is clear: States and Congress set the rules for federal elections — not the president.\n\nBut Americans should not have to rely solely on the courts to protect their right to vote from a reckless president — especially with primaries and special elections already underway ahead of November’s midterms. Congress must do the right thing and act now to protect Americans’ fundamental right to vote.\n\nOne way to do that would be through the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act. This is a bill that will negate Trump’s executive order and any similar actions, ensuring eligible voters can continue to cast their ballots safely and securely through the mail, free from political interference.\n\nIt’s important to recognize, though, that this latest executive order did not come out of thin air. It is part of a broader campaign to undermine confidence in our elections and restrict access to the ballot box.\n\nWe have all heard ad nauseum the false claims and “the Big Lie” surrounding the 2020 election. The same claims that Trump’s FBI used to justify the seizure of ballots in Fulton County, Ga., and that the Justice Department is now using in Wayne County, Mich. Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for governor in California, also called on “the Big Lie” as a basis for his illegal seizure of ballots from Riverside County. We have also watched repeated efforts to pressure states, purge voter rolls, impose unnecessary barriers to registration and make it harder for eligible citizens to vote through efforts like the so-called SAVE America Act.\n\nNow the target is absentee voting and vote by mail — one of the most successful and widely used tools for democratic participation in modern America.\n\nThe irony is impossible to ignore: It’s very popular among Republicans in Florida and elsewhere, and Trump has repeatedly voted by mail himself. It’s good enough and safe enough for him, but not for the rest of America. He trusts the system when it serves him but attacks it when millions of others might use it to threaten his power.\n\nHistory teaches us something important about these efforts.\n\nThroughout our nation’s history, each generation has fought to expand the franchise — from women’s suffrage to the Voting Rights Act to the National Voter Registration Act. Again and again, Americans have rejected attempts to limit participation and silence voters.\n\nAnd that lesson of resistance is universal. In fact, we just saw it in Hungary’s national election when voters turned out in overwhelming numbers after 16 years of eroding democratic norms to remove an autocratic leader and his party from power.\n\nWhen people sense their rights are threatened, they organize. They speak out. And they vote.\n\nThat is exactly why attacks on vote by mail are so misguided. Trump can spread distrust. Trump can sign executive orders. Trump can try to rig the rules in your favor. But he cannot stop Americans from participating in their democracy.\n\nVoting by mail is not a loophole. It is not a vulnerability. It is a strength — one that has allowed millions of Americans to participate in our democracy who otherwise might not be able to.\n\nAnd Congress needs to do everything in its power to protect it.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-durbin-peters-schumer-lead-senate-colleagues-in-pushing-back-on-trumps-executive-order-attacking-vote-by-mail/", "title": "Padilla, Durbin, Peters, Schumer Lead Senate Colleagues in Pushing Back on Trump’s Executive Order Attacking Vote-By-Mail", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and former California Secretary of State, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), led a group of 20 Senate Democrats in pushing back on President Trump’s Executive Order attacking vote-by-mail.\n\nIn a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Senators encouraged the DOJ to refocus on protecting voters and access to ballot box, as well as requested production of any opinions, correspondence, or documents related to Trump’s latest Executive Order.\n\n“[This EO] is another attempt by the President to exceed the constitutional authorities granted to the Executive Branch concerning federal elections,” the Senators wrote. “Given the clearly unconstitutional nature of this EO, the Department of Justice (DOJ) should take no steps pursuant to the EO that violate the law and risk disenfranchising eligible voters. We further request that DOJ provide us with all legal opinions drafted by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), and any other DOJ correspondence or documents concerning any claims regarding the legality of the EO, including any communications between senior DOJ officials and the Department of Commerce.\n\n“For over a decade, the President has sought to sow doubt in our electoral system, baselessly attempting to make the case that the only secure elections are those that he wins. This behavior is not only unbefitting of his office, but also hypocritical,” the Senators continued, citing Trump’s own use of vote-by-mail.\n\n“Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution clearly indicates that states have the primary authority over election administration. Nonetheless, President Trump has repeatedly sought to restrict access to the ballot under the guise of election security… Taken together, the foreseeable result of these directives is that tens of thousands of eligible U.S. citizen voters will be disenfranchised,” the Senators further wrote, citing the EO’s unconstitutionality and vulnerabilities.\n\nThe Senators highlighted the disruption this would cause not only to voters, but also the ongoing gutting of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division,“Besides the disruption it would cause for mail-in voters, the President’s order would also further corrupt the mission of the DOJ Civil Rights Division to protect civil rights and ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote. Since January 2025, DOJ has been gutted—morally and physically. Within one year, the Civil Rights Division lost 75 percent of its attorneys, and it has been reported that 55 major civil rights cases concerning racial gerrymandering and police misconduct were closed as the Division prioritized Second Amendment and anti-trans cases. More broadly, DOJ seems wholly disinterested in enforcing the law, dropping an estimated 23,000 criminal investigations in the first six months of President Trump’s second Administration to focus on immigration enforcement.\n\n“DOJ should reprioritize protecting the ability of all eligible voters to fairly and accessibly exercise their fundamental right to vote. Protecting civil rights was a foundational purpose for establishing DOJ, and ensuring legal access to voting remains a key responsibility of DOJ leadership,” the Senators concluded, condemning this effort before making a request for document production. “As such, we urge you to ensure that the Department does not implement this unlawful executive order.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Durbin, Peters, and Schumer, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Kristin Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeffrey Merkley (D-Ore.), Angus King (D-Maine), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, Padilla has consistently challenged Trump’s illegal efforts in attacking the right to vote, especially through vote-by-mail. In response to Trump’s unlawful Executive Order, Padilla introduced Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, which would nullify Trump’s EO and place restrictions on the administration’s attempts to implement any unlawful voter restrictions. Padilla also took to the Senate floor four times as a leader in the Democratic opposition to the anti-voter SAVE Act. In April, Padilla and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), led six Senators in expressing serious concerns about the harmful impacts to American voters of the Trump Administration’s plans to privatize the United States Postal Service (USPS) and move it under the control of the Department of Commerce.\n\nIn January, Padilla and Senator Merkley led their Senate colleagues in a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner, opposing the postmark policy under the Trump Administration that would make it harder for Americans to vote-by-mail. The USPS decision to delay postmarks would significantly increase voter disenfranchisement, as many states rely on postmarks to determine ballot eligibility.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nOn March 31, President Trump signed an executive order (EO), entitled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” which is another attempt by the President to exceed the constitutional authorities granted to the Executive Branch concerning federal elections.1 Given the clearly unconstitutional nature of this EO, the Department of Justice (DOJ) should take no steps pursuant to the EO that violate the law and risk disenfranchising eligible voters. We further request that DOJ provide us with all legal opinions drafted by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), and any other DOJ correspondence or documents concerning any claims regarding the legality of the EO, including any communications between senior DOJ officials and the Department of Commerce.\n\nFor over a decade, the President has sought to sow doubt in our electoral system, baselessly attempting to make the case that the only secure elections are those that he wins. This behavior is not only unbefitting of his office, but also hypocritical. For example, while the President has condemned the practice of voting by mail, he still mailed in his own ballot during a recent special election in Florida.2 Notwithstanding the wild fabrications about widespread voter fraud coming from the White House, it is imperative that, as our nation’s chief law enforcement official, you uphold the rule of law and not implement this unlawful executive order and its enforcement provisions.\n\nArticle I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution clearly indicates that states have the primary authority over election administration.3 Nonetheless, President Trump has repeatedly sought to restrict access to the ballot under the guise of election security. The recent EO disregards federalism and the constitutional right to vote and instead deems the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) arbiters of citizenship using data that even DHS itself has admitted contains numerous errors, empowering them to compile a list of approved voters with scarcely any oversight.4 The EO also tasks the United States Postal Service (USPS) with only delivering ballots from voters to election officials that are on the Administration’s approved list of voters and directs the Attorney General to prioritize investigating and prosecuting a wide variety of actors involved in activities as innocuous as printing a ballot that is distributed to individuals the Administration determines are not eligible to vote. Furthermore, the printing, sending, and returning of mail and absentee ballots by voters for federal primary and special elections has been ongoing across the country for months prior to the general election in just over six months. Taken together, the foreseeable result of these directives is that tens of thousands of eligible U.S. citizen voters will be disenfranchised.\n\nContrary to President Trump’s erroneous claims, state and local election officials already have measures in place to ensure that only registered voters are able to vote. In fact, noncitizens rarely successfully cast ballots in U.S. elections. A Bipartisan Policy Center analysis of the Heritage Foundation’s Election Fraud Database only found 77 such instances from 1999 to 2023 out of hundreds of millions of votes.5 And nonpartisan experts concluded that only 0.000043 percent of mail-in ballots cast in federal general elections from 2016 to 2022 were fraudulent.6 That is only four cases out of every 10 million votes cast through the mail.\n\nIn addition to the obvious constitutional issues presented by the executive order, Section 2 is especially concerning, as it directs you to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of election officials if ineligible voters receive—not cast—ballots. As a result, the EO risks imposing criminal liability on election administrators, even absent clear evidence of intent to enable illegal voting. Additionally, Section 5 directs you to withhold federal funds from states and localities that fail to comply with the order. While the text does not specify which provisions are at issue, federal courts have repeatedly rejected as unlawful the practice of defunding localities simply because of policy differences.7\n\nBesides the disruption it would cause for mail-in voters, the President’s order would also further corrupt the mission of the DOJ Civil Rights Division to protect civil rights and ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote. Since January 2025, DOJ has been gutted— morally and physically. Within one year, the Civil Rights Division lost 75 percent of its attorneys, and it has been reported that 55 major civil rights cases concerning racial gerrymandering and police misconduct were closed as the Division prioritized Second Amendment and anti-trans cases.8 More broadly, DOJ seems wholly disinterested in enforcing the law, dropping an estimated 23,000 criminal investigations in the first six months of President Trump’s second Administration to focus on immigration enforcement.9\n\nAs Acting Attorney General, you have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution. This EO is clearly at odds with that responsibility. New polling shows that 58 percent of Americans believe that many people will be told they are ineligible to vote when they arrive to the polls this November.10 This 16-point rise from January 2020 is alarming but entirely predictable, given the President’s concerted misinformation campaign regarding voter fraud.\n\nDOJ should reprioritize protecting the ability of all eligible voters to fairly and accessibly exercise their fundamental right to vote. Protecting civil rights was a foundational purpose for establishing DOJ, and ensuring legal access to voting remains a key responsibility of DOJ leadership. As such, we urge you to ensure that the Department does not implement this unlawful executive order.\n\nIt is imperative that we understand the Department’s role in justifying this unlawful order. Through the Office of Legal Counsel, the Department of Justice reviews all executive orders “proposed to be issued by the President … for form and legality.”11 Please provide any DOJ or OLC opinions, correspondence, or other documents related to DOJ’s evaluation of the legality of this EO; communications between senior DOJ officials, including Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and Acting Voting Section Chief Eric Neff, with the Department of Commerce, including Secretary Howard Lutnick’s office; and, if none exist, please explain why this is the case. We request that you comply with this request no later than May 15.\n\nWe look forward to your prompt response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-trump-withdrawing-troops-from-germany", "title": "Reed Statement on Trump Withdrawing Troops from Germany", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC—Today, after the Department of Defense announced that President Trump had ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n“President Trump should immediately reverse this foolish decision. Withdrawing thousands of American troops from one of our most important strategic positions in the middle of a war is a serious mistake that will reverberate well beyond this moment. Weakening our military footprint in Europe at a time when Russian forces continue to mercilessly attack Ukraine and harass our NATO allies is a priceless gift to Vladimir Putin and suggests American commitments to our allies are dependent on the president’s mood. The president should immediately cease this reckless action before he causes irreversible consequences for our alliances and long-term national security.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-designates-may-as-beef-month/", "title": "Ricketts Designates May as Beef Month", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced a resolution to designate May 2026 as Beef Month in America. Ricketts is a longtime champion — and enjoyer — of Nebraska beef. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) cosponsored this resolution.\n\n“Nebraska is the beef state. Last year, we led the nation with over $1.75 billion in beef exports. We lead the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with over 6 million head. We have the top three beef-producing counties in the nation,” said Senator Ricketts. “Nebraska’s ranchers are the best in the world. They’ve shown it this year in response to this spring’s devastating fires across the state. I’m confident they will rebuild and I’m grateful to honor them in the month of May.”\n\n“Minnesota cattle producers are vital for our agricultural economy, putting food on tables across our state and nationwide,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Officially designating May as National Beef Month is a well-earned recognition of their hard work and dedication.”\n\n“Anyone who knows beef knows the best comes from Nebraska,” said Senator Fischer. “Beef production is the largest part of our agriculture economy, and we lead the nation in every step from feeding to processing. I’m proud to join Senator Ricketts on this resolution to give our ranchers the recognition they deserve for putting high-quality beef on the table.”\n\n“We salute the American beef producers who persevere through any hardship, from high input costs to global competition, to supply families with high-quality beef. We also recognize the historic and ongoing importance of the cattle industry to our nation’s development and economy,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I’m also proud of Mississippi cattle growers and all they contribute to the wellbeing of my state.”\n\n“Beef is not just a staple on our tables, it is a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s economy and way of life,”said Senator Lankford. “Our cattle producers work day in and day out to feed families across the country and keep rural communities strong. Recognizing National Beef Month is a chance to highlight their hard work, but it is also a reminder that we need policies that support them, not hold them back.”\n\n“Growing up a 5th-generation farm kid, I know firsthand that nobody raises better beef than Kansas,”said Senator Marshall. “Our ranchers work hard to provide delicious, nutritious beef to American families. I’m proud to celebrate them this month.”\n\n“The Livestock Marketing Association appreciates Senator Ricketts for recognizing National Beef Month by highlighting the important role that the cattle industry plays in rural communities, the national economy, and our food supply,” said Lucas Simmer, Director of Government and Industry Affairs, Livestock Marketing Association.\n\n“Nebraska’s ranchers show up rain or shine—whether in the middle of a blizzard, during the heat of a drought, or the under the threat of wildfires. We don’t just protect our herds, we feed the world,” said Craig Uden, President, Nebraska Cattlemen. “We thank Senator Ricketts for recognizing our cattle producers and ensuring the world knows the true value of American beef.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-on-combatting-communist-china-protecting-nebraska-ag-land/", "title": "Ricketts on Combatting Communist China, Protecting Nebraska Ag Land", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the need to combat Communist China’s spying. This follows the filing of charges against a Chinese national for photographing Offutt Air Force Base.\n\n“Last week, we learned of an incident at Offutt Air Force Base,” said Ricketts. “A Chinese national was arrested and charged with illegally photographing the military installation. He photographed sensitive aircraft like the RC-135 and the E-4B. This action puts Nebraska airmen and national security at risk. It threatens Offutt’s critical mission. It threatens our nation.”\n\nRicketts also highlighted his efforts to restrict ownership of ag land by foreign adversaries, including the AFIDA Improvements Act and PLOT Act.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party also has a policy of strategically buying ag land,” said Ricketts. “As of 2023, Communist China owned more than 277,000 acres of farmland. But it’s not just about the number of acres that they own. They have targeted sensitive sites surrounding Army bases and airfields such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. These aren’t minor intrusions. This is a serious national security threat.”\n\nWatch the video here.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: “Last week, we learned of an incident at Offutt Air Force Base.\n\n“A Chinese national was arrested and charged with illegally photographing the military installation.\n\n“He photographed sensitive aircraft like the RC-135 and the E-4B.\n\n“This action puts Nebraska airmen and national security at risk.\n\n“It threatens Offutt’s critical mission.\n\n“It threatens our nation.\n\n“This is a continuing pattern of malicious behavior by Communist China.\n\n“I see this firsthand as chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy.\n\n“We know that Chinese nationals have tried to steal our agriculture biotechnology.\n\n“One Chinese national was sentenced to three years in prison and forfeited farms he had purchased for long-term theft of valuable corn seed in Iowa and Illinois.\n\n“Two Chinese Communist agents were arrested at the University of Michigan last year for smuggling dangerous biological pathogens into the U.S. that could attack our crops.\n\n“Supposed Chinese tourists have been flying drones around bases.\n\n“In 2023, a Chinese national was arrested in California for running an illegal bio lab.\n\n“He was already a wanted fugitive for stealing American intellectual property.\n\n“He has since been linked to further illegal bio labs, including one in Las Vegas, where authorities found samples of HIV and malaria.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party also has a policy of strategically buying ag land.\n\n“As of 2023, Communist China owned more than 277,000 acres of farmland.\n\n“But it’s not just about the number of acres that they own.\n\n“They have targeted sensitive sites surrounding Army bases and airfields such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.\n\n“These aren’t minor intrusions.\n\n“This is a serious national security threat.\n\n“I’m leading efforts to restrict foreign ownership of ag land by foreign adversaries.\n\n“The U.S. Department of Agriculture is responsible for overseeing the foreign purchase of ag land.\n\n“This authority comes from the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, or AFIDA.\n\n“I introduced the bipartisan AFIDA Improvements Act to strengthen this foreign ag land reporting process.\n\n“It increases transparency and information sharing.\n\n“It would also require an online reporting portal for USDA.\n\n“These provisions were included in the House Ag Committee’s Farm Bill.\n\n“I also introduced the Property Location Oversight and Transparency, or PLOT Act.\n\n“The PLOT Act increases USDA oversight of foreign purchases of American farmland.\n\n“The PLOT Act would lower reporting thresholds to capture smaller foreign ownership stakes that currently go unreported.\n\n“The PLOT Act would also require foreign purchasers to provide detailed digital maps of ag land purchases.\n\n“These maps would be available to USDA, local governments, and the public.\n\n“That way, every Nebraskan knows where foreign adversaries are purchasing farmland.\n\n“Communist China is the greatest threat to the American way of life.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party wants to replace the United States as the sole global power.\n\n“Dictator Xi Jinping has no problem hurting Americans or Nebraskans in this pursuit.\n\n“In the Senate, I’m fighting to combat Communist China’s malign influence.\n\n“We will not permit their spying.\n\n“We will not accept their aggression.\n\n“On a separate note, congratulations to the city council of Lexington for taking the next step to acquire Tyson properties.\n\n“That includes ag land, a wastewater treatment plant, and a railroad link.\n\n“This will provide the opportunity for future jobs and investment in Lexington.\n\n“I await further announcements from the city.\n\n“I will also continue to work with Lexington city officials.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-discusses-wins-for-biofuels-rural-nebraska-under-rfs/", "title": "VIDEO: Ricketts Discusses Wins for Biofuels, Rural Nebraska under RFS", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) participated in a Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Ricketts asked for updates on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s support for year-round E15 and highlighted how the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) strengthens rural economies.\n\n“The EPA has done a lot for biofuels, and we have a lot of biofuel wins from your agency,” said Ricketts. “I commend the EPA for your historic 2026 and 2027 RVOs, and for putting forward the highest biomass diesel volumes the program has ever seen. Second, thank you for issuing the temporary emergency waiver to allow for the sale of E15 all year round. And your support for that is evident.”\n\n“After years of uncertainty, it’s encouraging to see an administration that understands what the RFS was designed to support: which is the rural economy. That supports American manufacturing and strengthens American energy dominance in Nebraska,” said Ricketts. “It supports good jobs and the farmers who are the backbone of rural America.”\n\nWatch the video here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-on-combatting-communist-chinas-aggression-protecting-undersea-cables/", "title": "VIDEO: Ricketts on Combatting Communist China’s Aggression, Protecting Undersea Cables", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) participated in a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing where he discussed his work to combat the illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities of Communist China in the Indo-Pacific. Ricketts highlighted how Communist China’s maritime militia threatens undersea, critical infrastructure of regional allies.\n\n“Russian research vessels and tankers [are] coincidentally stopping over critical infrastructure right as it fails. The Indo-Pacific has this problem, only it’s magnified,” said Ricketts. “You’re not just seeing the actions of a few rogue ships, but you’ve got the Chinese maritime militia, which has a fleet of thousands of civilian fishing vessels that are just CCP proxies.”\n\n“These dual-use vessels provide Beijing with a perfect screen for their ICAD activities — illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive operations that target subsea cables and threaten the digital lifeblood of regional countries like Taiwan, which we’ve already talked about, but also Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore,” said Ricketts.\n\nWatch the video here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-questions-sec-hegseth-general-caine-in-senate-armed-services-committee-hearing", "title": "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Questions Sec. Hegseth, General Caine in Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott questioned top defense officials at a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing on the Department of War budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 27) and the Future Years Defense Program.\n\nYou can watch his questions for the witnesses, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth; Under Secretary of War and Chief Financial Officer Jules W. Hurst III; and General J. Daniel Caine, USAF, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by clicking HERE or on the image below.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS FROM SENATOR SCOTT’S QUESTIONS:\n\nON DEPARTMENT OF WAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:\n\nSEC. HEGSETH: “What I’m most proud of is the incredible men and women who serve our nation in uniform and what they are capable of and when they’re given a clear mission and unleashed to it”\n\n“Men and women [are] more inspired to serve in the military than they have been in a generation, and you see that in the young Americans who are rushing to recruiting stations at historic numbers, 30-year highs across the force. We’re hitting our recruiting numbers halfway through the year. Why is that? Because the American people look at what we’re doing at the War Department by getting back to basics and they’re attracted to that.”\n\nON FOREIGN MILITARY SALES:\n\nSEC. HEGSETH: “The America First Arms Strategy prioritizes what we sell and to whom. A catalog approach. Foreign military sales are critical to our own defense industrial base. It’s more customers for our companies that employ more American workers to ensure our allies are properly armed the fights and they can stand alongside us.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/sen-rick-scott-in-wall-street-journal-your-taxes-shouldn-t-help-platform-hasan-piker", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott in Wall Street Journal: Your Taxes Shouldn’t Help Platform Hasan Piker", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NAPLES, Fla. — This week, the Wall Street Journal published a letter to the editor by Senator Rick Scott responding to its earlier editorial about the decline of Yale University, which culminated in Yale hosting Hasan Piker, a left-wing socialist podcaster who has publicly called for the murder of Senator Scott and others.\n\nSenator Scott said, “America is $39 trillion in debt. Yale has a $44 billion endowment and is tax-exempt. The annual cost of attending Yale is roughly $94,000. Half of Americans earn less than $45,000 per year. You don’t need an Ivy League degree to do that math. Why make Americans subsidize a wealthy private school that invites antisemitic socialists who advocate violence?”\n\nThe letter can be found HERE or below:\n\nLast week, your editorial “Yale Takes Itself to Reform School” (April 20) said the university isn’t what it once was. No kidding. Two weeks ago, Yale University hosted a debate with Hasan Piker—a socialist podcaster who sees successful entrepreneurs as a problem for which the solution is to take their money and kill them (in no particular order).\n\nWhere socialism creeps in, decline always follows. Mr. Piker has said I should be killed. He has said America deserved 9/11. He wishes for the fall of the “American empire.” Different views ought to be welcomed on university campuses, but is that the high-level thought of the supposed intellectual titans known to attend Yale? I hope not. These are the ravings of an America-hating, terrorist-supporting lunatic.\n\nWhile I’m glad the university at least acknowledged its academic decline in its recent report, failure demands accountability. The Florida taxpayer shouldn’t have to foot the bill for any of it.\n\nThat’s why I’m calling on Congress to deny Yale federal funding.\n\nAmerica is $39 trillion in debt. Yale has a $44 billion endowment and is tax-exempt. The annual cost of attending Yale is roughly $94,000. Half of Americans earn less than $45,000 per year.\n\nYou don’t need an Ivy League degree to do that math. Why make Americans subsidize a wealthy private school that invites antisemitic socialists who advocate violence?\n\nIf Yale wants to host “intellectuals” who call for the murder of their political opponents, that’s their choice. They just have no business receiving any of your tax dollars.\n\nSen. Rick Scott (R.)\n\nNaples, Fla.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/5/video-release-sen-johnson-holds-hearing-on-biden-health-officials-failure-to-detect-covid-19-vaccine-safety-signals", "title": "***VIDEO RELEASE*** Sen. Johnson Holds Hearing on Biden Health Officials’ Failure to Detect COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Signals", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", "scraper": "ronjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000293", "name": "Ron Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, held a hearing titled, “Unmasked: How Biden Health Officials Purposely Turned a Blind Eye Toward COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Signals.”\n\nIn conjunction with the hearing, the chairman released an interim Majority Staff Report, along with approximately 600 pages of records detailing how beginning in early 2021, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials became aware of a new, “state of the art” data mining method that could better detect statistically significant safety signals for adverse events associated with the COVID-19 vaccines. Rather than adopt the “state of the art” method, Biden health officials continued to employ their older data mining method with known limitations that prevented FDA from detecting adverse events.\n\n“Peter Marks, with the knowledge that he was treating vaccine injuries, and they weren’t mild injuries. These were life-threatening injuries. These are total disability–type of injuries. So, he knew it. He was treating them. He knew that his safety surveillance system was masking these signals .... They were pleading with the officials at FDA, NIH, that knew they were severely injured by the vaccine, counting on them to make that public, to study their results so that others could get treated. To this day, they have not done that,” Sen. Johnson said.\n\n“We've got a real big problem in this country about vaccine-injury deniers. Again, these vaccine injuries are real, but it’s being denied. And you know, Mr. Science himself, accused a lot of people of being science deniers. I’ll accuse people of being vaccine-injury deniers,” Sen. Johnson continued.\n\n“Nobody that pushed these things wants to admit they’re wrong. The advice they gave might have resulted in somebody’s death or permanent disability. That’s what we’re faced with. That’s why we have this massive vaccine- and injection-injury denying going on in this country. And I can tell you, from my standpoint, I’m not giving up … I’m not caving to the ridicule and vilification,” Sen. Johnson concluded.\n\nWatch the full video of the hearing here.\n\nThe interim PSI Majority Staff Report can be found here.\n\nThe records the senator released contain minimal redactions for personally identifiable information which was one of the categories of redactions requested by HHS. The records are linked below:\n\nPart 1\n\nPart 2\n\nPart 3\n\nExcel Documents\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/01/icymi-rosen-calls-out-defense-secretary-hegseth-over-use-of-antisemitic-trope/", "title": "ICYMI: Rosen Calls Out Defense Secretary Hegseth Over Use of Antisemitic Trope", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Senator Rosen called out Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over his use of an antisemitic trope against the media and Democrats. Hegseth has repeatedly used the term “Pharisees,” a deeply problematic term that has been used historically to depict Jewish communities as hypocritical or morally corrupt.\n\nAs co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, Senator Rosen has made it her priority to fight antisemitism, wherever and whenever it happens. She 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.” She also introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen Holocaust education at public schools and increase awareness of Holocaust educational resources available to local communities. Recently, Senator Rosen demanded that the Senate take swift action on proposals that would help address the rising growth of antisemitism across the U.S.\n\nMS Now: “I found it actually pretty offensive…It goes hand in hand with the oddness of his rhetoric”\n\nChris Hayes: “The Pharisees thing is very weird. Obviously, it’s a biblical reference to a sort of a sectarian division that existed at Jesus’s time in the New Testament…but often has been appropriated later by basically Christian antisemites. It has a long history of being deployed in that way. And he was using it also. He was calling like senators, which I found actually pretty offensive. I mean, I’m not Jewish, but so maybe I’m not the one taking the offense. But he called Richard Blumenthal this and then he went back and forth with Senator Jacky Rosen. I want to just play that sound because it is odd. And it ‘s. It goes hand in hand with the, I think, the oddness of his rhetoric, which would be the most charitable way to describe it. Take a listen“\n\nCNN: Hegseth Defends the use of Pharisees to Attack Media and Democrats\n\nSen Rosen: “You keep doubling down on this phrase, Mr. Secretary. You compare journalists, you compare us, you compare so many to Pharisees. Pharisees, It’s a problematic and historically weaponized term that casts Jewish communities as hypocritical or morally corrupt, you doubled down again and said it. Words matter. Words matter. What you choose to say. How we choose to say it. How do you justify using this language as Secretary of Defense? Words matter if they hurt.\n\n“Historically hurtful term, why do you continue to use it? And what actions are you taking to prevent rhetoric like this from permeating throughout the department that is going to target specific groups or individuals of people based on their religion?”\n\nHegseth: “Senator, I feel like it’s a pretty accurate term for folks who don’t see the plank in their own eye and always want to see what’s wrong with an operation, as opposed to the historic success of preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. So I stand by it.”\n\nSen Rosen: “You stand by calling people Pharisees? Sir, I cannot, I cannot stand for that. That is wrong. It is not respectful to people, and I expect anyone who is in leadership in our country to be respectful and use respectful terms and not be an anti-semite.”\n\nNew York Times:Here are the takeaways from Hegseth’s Senate testimony on the Iran war\n\nHegseth was accused of using antisemitic language.\n\nSenator Jacky Rosen, Democrat of Nevada, accused Mr. Hegseth of using antisemitic language when he compared members of Congress and the news media to the Pharisees who criticized Jesus of Nazareth for performing miracles.\n\n“It’s a problematic and weaponized term that casts Jewish communities as hypocritical or morally corrupt,” Ms. Rosen said of the defense secretary’s use of the term Pharisee.\n\n“Words matter — what you say, how we choose to say it,” she said. “How do you justify using this language as secretary of defense?”\n\n“I feel like it’s a pretty accurate term for folks who don’t see the plank in their own eye and always want to see what’s wrong with an operation,” the defense secretary said. “As opposed to the historic success of preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapons.”\n\n“So I stand by it,” he added.\n\nThe Independent: Nevada senator accuses Hegseth of being ‘antisemite’ in Iran-heavy budget hearing — and he doesn’t refute it\n\nNevada Sen. Jacky Rosen labeled the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, an “antisemite” during a charged hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday that saw the former Fox News chief spar with senators over allegations of spreading a Christian nationalist agenda and leading America into an unpopular conflict with Iran.\n\nThe moment came after Hegseth remarked to another senator that he sometimes referred to members of the press as “Pharisees”, a term referring to a sect of Jewish thought active thousands of years ago that has come to be used occasionally by non-Jews as a kind of slur meant to describe someone as hypocritical or litigious. During the 2020 presidential campaign, Pete Buttigieg faced criticism from some Jewish figures for using the term.\n\nHegseth remarked to a senator during the hearing, “I looked out at our press corps at the Pentagon and called them the Pharisees in the press, because they look for every problem.”\n\nNew York Times’ The Daily: Hegseth in the Hot Seat\n\nMichael Barbaro: “Finally, there’s a really important exchange about the very idea of dissent and the growing sense, which, Eric, you had mentioned in the beginning of our conversation when it comes to how Hegseth has treated the media, that this Secretary of Defense is not really open to dissent, not really interested in being challenged, whether that’s from the news media or even from Congress.”\n\nEric Schmitt: “You’re right. And he is definitely in the camp of either you’re with us or you’re against us. There’s no gray area in the middle here, where it’s like, we can agree to disagree on these kind of issues.\n\nSenator Rosen: “You keep doubling down on this phrase…You compare journalists, you compare us, you compare so many to Pharisees.”\n\nEric Schmitt: “Pharisees in the New Testament, who criticized Jesus of Nazareth for performing miracles.”\n\nSenator Rosen: “It’s problematic and historically weaponized term that casts Jewish communities as hypocritical and morally corrupt. You doubled down again and said it.”\n\nEric Schmitt: “And she’s just taken aback by this.”\n\nSenator Rosen: “How do you justify using this language as Secretary of Defense? Words matter. It’s a historically hurtful term.”\n\nPete Hegseth: “Senator, I feel like it’s a pretty accurate term for folks who don’t see the plank in their own eye and always want to see what’s wrong with an operation, as opposed to the historic success of preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. So I stand by it.”\n\nSenator Rosen: “You stand by calling people Pharisees? Sir, I cannot, I cannot stand for that. That is wrong. It is not respectful to people. And I expect anyone who is in leadership in our country to be respectful and use respectful terms and not be an antisemite.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/01/rosen-cortez-masto-curtis-kelly-create-national-dark-sky-week/", "title": "Rosen, Cortez Masto, Curtis, Kelly Create National Dark Sky Week", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV.), John Curtis (R-UT), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) recognizing the week of April 20th, 2026, as National Dark Sky Week passed the Senate unanimously. The resolution honors the places across the United States, including Great Basin National Park, where the lack of light pollution creates a dark night sky prime for stargazing.\n\n“Nevada is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, which can be seen from the Great Basin Star Train out of Ely and Great Basin National Park, giving us a glimpse into the depths of our galaxy,” said Senator Rosen. “I am proud to join Senator Cortez Masto in proclaiming National Dark Skies week, highlighting one of the many wonders that Nevada has to offer and promoting conservation so the views can be enjoyed by generations to come.”\n\n“The record-breaking Artemis II mission has renewed the sense of wonder many Americans feel when looking up at the night sky,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Dark sky places, including Nevada’s very own Great Basin National Park, are the ideal destinations for stargazers searching for the best views of faraway constellations and even the Milky Way. My resolution honors these sites and urges their conservation for future generations.”\n\n“As we commit our physical and intellectual resources to exploring space and the stars through programs like Artemis, we should also ensure that every American can connect with our fascinating universe from here on Earth,” said Senator Curtis. “By marking National Dark Sky Week, our resolution provides us a moment to renew our curiosity, celebrate the beauty beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, and work together to reduce light pollution.”\n\n“I’ve seen the stars from orbit, but you don’t have to be an astronaut to look up and feel that same curiosity. There’s nothing quite like a clear night sky, and Arizona has some of the best in the country,” said Senator Kelly. “Dark skies inspire kids to study science, brings economic development to our rural communities, and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. That’s worth protecting.”\n\n“With the rise of private space travel, rare celestial events like the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, and the recent Artemis II space mission, curiosity about the skies has never been greater. And Nevada is the perfect destination to explore it, for everyone from beginners to expert stargazers,” said Rafael Villanueva, Chief Executive Officer of Travel Nevada. “Nevada provides a front-row seat to the most spectacular stargazing that awaits visitors to our rural communities. We’re excited for Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan resolution to proclaim National Dark Skies Week, bringing rightful attention to our stargazing opportunities.”\n\n“Friends of Nevada Wilderness wants to thank Senator Cortez Masto for recognizing National Dark Sky Week and for her longtime support of Nevada’s incredible starry skies,” said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness. “Dark sky tourism has become so important for our rural counties and Nevada is fortunate to have some of the darkest skies in the country. Let’s keep them that way.”\n\n“The ability to see pristine dark skies is becoming inaccessible for billions of people around the world, but fortunately, Nevada’s wide open landscape is a huge asset and offers astronomy related pursuits in every corner of the state for first time stargazers to professional astrophotographers. Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan resolution to proclaim National Dark Skies Week will help more people enjoy the awe and wonder of unpolluted starry skies and support Nevada small businesses like mine that rely on tourism,” said Liz Woolsey, owner of the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store in Baker, Nevada.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-discusses-eliminating-the-department-of-education-with-secretary-mcmahon", "title": "Rounds Discusses Eliminating the Department of Education with Secretary McMahon", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.rounds.senate.gov", "scraper": "rounds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000605", "name": "Mike Rounds", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently discussed plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education with Secretary Linda McMahon at a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.\n\n“I am concerned, as most of the people on this committee are, with regards to the direction that education has been going nationally since the creation of the Education Department,” said Rounds. “The latest scores from the National Assessment for Educational Progress, they're really kind of a national embarrassment. Two thirds of our nation's fourth graders can't read proficiently. Even worse, one-third of eighth graders scored below basic, the highest percentage ever recorded. That means these kids can't identify basic literary elements in a text. In math, the gap between high and low performing students is the widest it's ever been. The Department of Education was originally created to collect education data and advise state and local organizations on best practices, but it's really become a place, until you came into the picture, where it was a top-down direction-giving program. I like the approach that you're taking in returning it back to the states.”\n\n“Well, to your point, sir, in this proposed budget is $2 billion that would go as a block grant to states through a formula that'll be worked on,” said McMahon. “What this will allow states to do that don't always participate in grant making because they maybe don't have enough money to hire grant writers, etc. But now all states will participate in money coming from this $2 billion. And then governors, state superintendents, state school boards will decide how this money should be spent in their state, where the greatest needs are, whether that's in rural communities. Whatever those programs are, they will be deciding how to spend that money.”\n\nRounds has long been pushing to dissolve the Department of Education and return critical programs back to other agencies. He first introduced the Returning Education to Our States Act in November 2024 and reintroduced it for the 119th Congress in April 2025. Rounds has met with McMahon multiple times to discuss this legislation, which aligns with the Secretary’s plans for the Department.\n\nWatch the exchange HERE. Read a transcript of the exchange below.\n\n+++\n\nRounds: Madam Secretary, welcome. Let me just begin by saying thank you for taking the time to visit South Dakota and to talk about the goals moving forward with regard to the planning that you’ve got to deliver education decision making back to the states. Before I really get into that portion of it, I’d like to kind of share some concerns as well with regard to the TRIO program. I think this is one that a lot of folks have got some concerns with. And I would just ask that with the amount of attention you’ve seen here in this committee, if you would just commit to us that you would do the follow ups with it on some of the concerns that have been expressed about the loss or the changes to the TRIO program and that it is a sensitive area.\n\nMcMahon: Certainly will do that.\n\nRounds: Thank you Madam Secretary. I've appreciated your willingness to visit the issue of bringing the decisions for education back to the states, and your Returning Education to the States tour I thought was a really good idea. I like the idea that those decisions should be made at the local level. I think there's a number of areas within the Department of Education that we've been working on, through legislation, trying to divvy back out again to the departments that they were in before the Department was ever created. I like the fact that you've been working very hard at doing agreements with other agencies, in which you would take something which is currently with the Department of Education, and moving it back over to where it was before 1980. I like those ideas. We've introduced legislation that would do something similar and work our way back through, providing more block grant opportunities to the states with money, but then looking at specific areas such as impact aid and IDEA and so forth. Not block granting those things, but keeping those areas together in an office and the money with it. So, I just appreciate the way that you've focused on this.\n\nI am concerned, as most of the people on this committee are, with regards to the direction that education has been going nationally since the creation of the Education department. The latest scores from the National Assessment for Educational Progress, they're really kind of a national embarrassment. Two thirds of our nation's fourth graders can't read proficiently. Even worse, one-third of eighth graders scored below basic, the highest percentage ever recorded. That means these kids can't identify basic literary elements in a text. In math, the gap between high and low performing students is the widest it's ever been. The Department of Education was originally created to collect education data and advise state and local organizations on best practices, but it's really become a place, until you came into the picture, where it was a top-down direction-giving program. I like the approach that you're taking in returning it back to the states.\n\nCan you just, in a broad sense, would you like to share a little bit about what your vision is in terms of what the Department of Education should be like, as opposed to what it was when you found it, in terms of listening to the states and empowering the states, but not necessarily telling the states what they're supposed to do in a one-size-fits-all model?\n\nMcMahon: Well, to your point, sir, in this proposed budget is $2 billion that would go as a block grant to states through a formula that'll be worked on. What this will allow states to do that don't always participate in grant making because they maybe don't have enough money to hire grant writers, etc. But now all states will participate in money coming from this $2 billion. And then governors, state superintendents, state school boards will decide how this money should be spent in their state, where the greatest needs are, whether that's in rural communities. Whatever those programs are, they will be deciding how to spend that money.\n\nIt is a reduction in the total amount of dollars that are going. There are some programs that the Department has looked at that we have eliminated. We've also condensed about 17 programs into this block process. So, I think there is opportunity for states, you know, to take on this responsibility. And as a reminder, as you're aware, states provide about 93% of their own education budget. So, the amount that comes from, you know, the federal government is small by total comparison of the money that is spent in each state, you know, for its education process. So, I think the government wants to continue through Title 1A funding. We're recommending that's level funded. IDEA, we have, through our budget, proposed the greatest increase in a long time, a half a billion dollars for IDEA funding, and that includes $50 million for infants and children in their programs so that they're ready to accept these children who might have disabilities at birth or very early on. So I think that you know, the administration is showing that we're very concerned about our children and about education across the board.\n\nRounds: I appreciate your comments on it. I'm going to run out of time, but I did want to I just identify one more item on and that's Impact Aid. It's really important because that's the money that comes back to the states to replace what would otherwise have been property tax dollars and so forth that were found for like an area where on a Native American reservation or in an air force base, where it's the assistance to an area that may have federal lands that otherwise aren't taxed. And Impact Aid is really important to some of our more rural states like South Dakota. And I think one of the questions had been if it was to be delivered back out, would you keep it with a particular other department in terms of an agreement or an operational plan? Do you know where Impact Aid might end up or would you keep it within the Department of Education?\n\nMcMahon: We haven't determined that. Happy to get back to you on that. However, I want you to know that the Impact Aid dollars are going out on time where they're supposed to go.\n\nRounds: Excellent. Excellent. That takes a load off of a lot of these smaller school districts that really rely on that Impact Aid. Yes. I thank you for the attention to that matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senate-unanimously-approves-schiff-padilla-resolution-honoring-ucla-womens-basketball-teams-national-championship-win/", "title": "NEWS: Senate Unanimously Approves Schiff-Padilla Resolution Honoring UCLA Women’s Basketball Team’s National Championship Win", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate unanimously approved a resolution from U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) congratulating the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins women’s basketball team, who won their program’s first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) title on April 5.\n\nThe resolution honors Head Coach Cori Close, who led the team to a 37–1 record, as well as seniors Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic, Gianna Kneepkens, and Charlisse Leger-Walker, who scored every point for the Bruins during the championship game.\n\n“I am thrilled to congratulate the UCLA women’s basketball team on their remarkable run this season, capped off by a history-making win,” said Senator Schiff. “The dedication and tenacity of these young athletes is an inspiration to all of us. Go Bruins!”\n\n“In a season defined by grit and determination, the Bruins captured their first-ever NCAA championship—a historic win that reflects the very best of Los Angeles as a city of champions. Congratulations to Coach Close, her staff, and the outstanding UCLA women’s basketball student-athletes whose dominant performance made this a season UCLA and LA will celebrate for years to come,” said Senator Padilla.\n\nThe Senate approved the resolution by a unanimous voice vote.\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-on-trump-administrations-new-letter-claiming-iran-war-is-terminated/", "title": "STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff on Trump Administration’s New Letter Claiming Iran War is ‘Terminated’", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump notified Congress that the war in Iran has been “terminated.”\n\nThis comes after Senator Schiff forced a vote on his War Powers Resolution to withdraw U.S. forces as the statutory clock ran out on the President’s use of military force, consistent with the 60-day mark laid out in War Powers Act of 1973.\n\nThe War Powers Act clearly states: “Within 60 calendar days after a report is submitted…the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces…”\n\n“For 60 days, the President has used American military forces without the authorization of Congress, and now, in violation of the War Powers Act.\n\n“He has bombed Iran. He has blockaded their ports and international waterways. He has threatened annihilation of an entire civilization. He has driven up costs for every single American household. And he continues to do so.\n\n“This notification does nothing to negate the requirements of the War Powers Act that the President “shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces.” Nor does the ceasefire, since the Navy is still being used to blockade Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Although the President may wish the law was otherwise, “any” means “any” and “shall” means “shall.” He started a war of choice and deployed thousands of servicemembers without approval of Congress nor the American people. And as those servicemembers remain overseas, we will continue to push the President to end this unconstitutional and unlawful use of our armed forces.\n\n“The letter of the law of the War Powers Act is clear. Our troops must come home. This war must end, and this letter changes nothing.”\n\nBackground: Yesterday, Senator Schiff forced a vote in the Senate on his War Powers Resolution, asserting the statutory clock had ended on the President’s ongoing use of military force, consistent with the 60 days since the President notified Congress that we were war with Iran. Ahead of the vote, Schiff laid out the importance of the War Powers Act’s 60-day mark on the Senate floor. The vote failed.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/following-schmitts-request-doj-commits-to-ending-all-districts-drawn-based-on-race/", "title": "Following Schmitt’s Request, DOJ Commits to Ending All Districts Drawn Based on Race", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schmitt Sent a Letter Calling for Nationwide Enforcement of Louisiana v. Callais Ruling\n\nU.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon calling for both a full review of all pending redistricting litigation and an examination of all districts created due to prior misinterpretation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais. After sending the letter, Assistant Attorney General Dhillon confirmed the Department of Justice (DOJ) will conduct a full review of all potentially racially gerrymandered districts drawn under prior misinterpretations of Section 2 of the VRA prior to Callais.\n\n“The Department should not wait for private litigants to identify every race-based district one by one. The Civil Rights Division has participated in, monitored, or influenced redistricting litigation for years. It should therefore identify the universe of districts created, preserved, or defended under the old Section 2 regime and determine whether they survive Callais.\n\n“The Department should act swiftly with urgency: issue guidance implementing Callais, review every pending and prior, yet still in effect, Section 2 redistricting matter, and use its authority to stop the VRA from continuing to be used as a pretext for continued unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. I look forward to working with you to ensure the Civil Rights Division enforces Section 2 as an anti-discrimination law—not as a racial districting mandate,” wrote Senator Schmitt.\n\nRead Senator Schmitt’s letter HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/additional-pair-of-bipartisan-senators-back-shaheen-led-insulin-act-to-cap-monthly-out-of-pocket-costs-at-35-bringing-total-to-14-co-sponsors", "title": "Additional Pair of Bipartisan Senators Back Shaheen-Led INSULIN Act to Cap Monthly Out-of-Pocket Costs at $35, Bringing Total to 14 Co-Sponsors", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**7 Senators from each party now back the bipartisan legislation to make insulin more affordable**\n\n(Washington, DC) – Two new Senators—one from each party—have signed onto the bipartisan INSULIN Act that would make life-saving insulin more affordable for Americans living with diabetes. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Chris Coons (D-DE) are backing the bipartisan bill, led by Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and John Kennedy (R-LA).\n\nThe Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act would cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month for Americans on private and employer insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. In addition to Shaheen, Collins, Warnock, Kennedy, Coons and Wicker, the legislation is supported by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Katie Britt (R-AL).\n\nThe push to cap the monthly cost of insulin comes as the cost of health care continues to top Americans’ affordability concerns.\n\nClick HERE to view bill text.\n\nINSULIN Act in the news:\n\nSemafor: Senators reach deal on capping insulin costs at $35\n\nUnion Leader: Shaheen bill would extend $35 monthly insulin cap to private/employer health care plans\n\nThe Hill: Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs\n\nFox News: Bipartisan Senate bill to cap insulin for Americans at $35 has new momentum\n\nPolitico: Bipartisan bill seeks to cap insulin costs for private insurance\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sheehy-coons-introduce-bill-to-expose-chinese-forced-labor-and-environmental-abuses-in-africa/", "title": "Sheehy, Coons Introduce Bill to Expose Chinese Forced Labor and Environmental Abuses in Africa", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sheehy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sheehy.senate.gov", "scraper": "sheehy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001232", "name": "Tim Sheehy", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE – Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the China-Africa Mining Transparency Act of 2026 to unmask China’s use of forced labor, child labor, and environmental abuse to mine critical minerals in Africa. The bill underscores the cost of reliance on rogue states like China to supply the minerals necessary for national security and economic prosperity.\n\n“As we restore American energy dominance and onshore critical mineral production, it is imperative that we expose the reality behind China’s grip on critical minerals: forced labor, child exploitation, and environmental destruction. The United States cannot afford to rely on opaque and abusive supply chains for the resources that power our national security, and this bipartisan bill will bring long-overdue transparency and accountability,” said Senator Sheehy.\n\n“Chinese companies should not be profiting off forced labor and environmental destruction in other countries. This bipartisan bill will make it harder for them to do just that, protecting children and the environment across the globe and our future here at home,” said Senator Coons\n\nReports have documented China operating their mines in violation of labor standards and in a manner that causes environmental harm in Africa. This legislation pulls back the curtain on Chinese mining by directing the Secretary of State, in consultation with other agencies and their foreign counterparts, to develop a publicly available annual list of each People’s Republic of China (PRC) entity that is mining critical minerals in Africa using forced labor, child labor, or in a manner that causes environmental harm.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\n“When it comes to protecting workers and the environment while responsibly producing the minerals we all need, the American mining industry does it best. Documenting the practices of overseas operations that are owned or controlled by Chinese Communist Party entities highlights the urgent need to secure our supply chains by emphasizing domestic mineral production.” – Mark Compton, Executive Director, American Exploration & Mining Association\n\n“The International Conservation Caucus Foundation wishes to thank Senators Sheehy and Coons for their efforts to reinforce American leadership in the global mining sector, particularly in Africa, where critical mineral development intersects directly with national security, economic stability, and environmental stewardship. The United States has a strategic interest and a moral responsibility to promote lawful, environmentally responsible mining practices that uphold labor standards and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Countering the influence of the CCP and its exploitative practices in mineral supply chains is essential to securing the materials that power our modern economy and ensure that resource development does not fuel instability, corruption, or environmental degradation.” – International Conservation Caucus Foundation\n\nBackground:\n\nPeople’s Republic of China (PRC) firms are some of the largest investors in the mining industry in Africa. The Chinese government finances or outright owns many of these firms. Since 2006, China has invested more than\n\n$39 billion in mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. China is involved in the traditional large-scale mining (LSM) sector and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector – a more rudimentary, labor intensive and generally unregulated or illegal mining which poses a significant risk for employing child labor.\n\nReports have documented China operating their mines in violation of labor standards and in a manner that causes environmental harm in Africa. A 2021 report noted that employees for Chinese mining firms in the DRC were subjected to physical violence and withholding of wages. A 2023 study found that 78 percent of employed cobalt workers in the DRC experience forced labor and indicated the use of child labor at LSM and ASM sites. In February of 2025, a Chinese firm in Zambia dumped approximately 50 million liters of mining waste into the Kafue River when a tailings dam failed, threatening protected areas in the country.\n\nThe China-Africa Mining Transparency Act directs the Secretary of State – in consultation with other heads of Federal departments and agencies, and the foreign country counterparts of such individuals, as applicable – to develop a publicly available annual list of each PRC entity that the Secretary reasonably assesses is carrying out mining of critical minerals, gold, or iron in the DRC, Nigeria, Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe using forced labor or forced child labor, or in a manner that causes environmental harm to a protected area in the country concerned. The Secretary is also directed to identify each mine, mining zone, or concession at which such mining is carried out.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-kelly-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-federal-workers-credit-during-government-shutdowns", "title": "Van Hollen Joins Kelly, Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Protect Federal Workers’ Credit During Government Shutdowns", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) in introducing legislation to protect federal workers’ credit histories during a government shutdown. The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would prevent harm to credit ratings because of missed or delayed payments when federal workers aren’t getting paychecks, helping ensure federal workers are not financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.\n\n“Our dedicated federal employees provide essential services for the American people, and they should not suffer during government shutdowns that are entirely beyond their control. This legislation ensures that the risk of credit damage isn’t an added burden on these civil servants while they are going without pay and helps them get back on their feet when shutdowns end,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“Federal workers shouldn’t be punished by a government shutdown that isn’t their fault,” said Senator Kelly. “Earlier this month, I met with Phoenix TSA officers working without pay. They shared how the financial strain they were dealing with—including missed payments—hurt their credit scores. That kind of damage can follow you for years. I’m taking action to make sure the people who keep our country running aren’t hurt by Washington’s dysfunction.”\n\n“Our patriotic civil servants should not have to suffer during federal government shutdowns. House Republicans refused to advance a plan that would have ended the shutdown a month ago – insisting instead on holding the financial security of federal workers hostage. It’s just common sense that we pass legislation protecting civil servants from evictions, foreclosure, loan defaults, and credit damage during these disastrous shutdowns. While this Administration keeps up its witch hunt of federal workers, I will keep fighting to protect the federal workers in my state and across the country,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“In the past six months, Republicans have forced two of the longest government shutdowns in history. At a time when Americans are already struggling with rising costs, federal workers shouldn’t have to worry about their credit taking a hit because they’re not getting paid,” said Senator Gallego. “This bill protects hardworking public service workers from long-term financial damage during shutdowns they didn’t cause.”\n\n“While I helped pass legislation to ensure hundreds of thousands of civil servants and military personnel receive backpay after the government reopens, I know it isn’t the same as getting a paycheck on time when the mortgage and bills are due,” said Senator Kaine. “This legislation helps protect federal workers’ credit and ensure they aren’t penalized for missed payments during a shutdown.”\n\n“Virginia’s federal workers are the backbone of the services Americans depend on. Our public servants credit reports shouldn’t be negatively affected because of a shutdown they did not cause. This legislation would help ease the pain of a government shutdown by giving federal employees time to catch up when the government reopens,” said Senator Warner.\n\n“AFGE is profoundly grateful to Sen. Mark Kelly for introducing the Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026, a much-needed bill to temporarily protect the credit ratings of federal employees during government shutdowns. The sad reality is that all-too-frequent agency funding lapses can permanently harm federal workers, long after the government eventually reopens. Simply giving people backpay, as current law requires, does nothing to undo the undeserved damage to their credit ratings, their good name, and their dignity. Senator Kelly’s bill hits pause on negative credit information during periods when feds are still working hard for the American people while drawing zero-dollar paychecks. We urge swift Congressional passage of the bill,” said Dr. Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE).\n\n“Federal workers work hard to keep this country running and they’re still being punished because of government shutdowns that aren’t their fault. For them, falling behind on bills because their paycheck stopped shouldn’t hurt their credit standings, sometimes for years after a shutdown ends. We appreciate Senator Kelly for listening to NFFE members and taking a commonsense step to protect workers from lasting financial damage, and we’re proud to support it,” said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).\n\n“We have been showing up to work since November without a paycheck, then only partial checks and it has taken a real toll,” said Pascual Contreras, a TSA officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “I am three months behind on rent, and my credit score has dropped by more than 200 points. That has put our plans to buy a home out of reach. It’s not fair that something out of our control can impact our financial future like this. I’m grateful to Senator Kelly for listening and working on a solution.”\n\nBackground:\n\nA month after the Senate passed funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and more components at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the House finally passed the same bill and ended the DHS shutdown.\n\nFor 76 days, thousands of federal workers missed paychecks, putting them at risk of missing payments on mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit cards, and more. Even a single missed payment can significantly lower a consumer’s credit score, leading to higher interest rates, reduced access to credit, and long-term financial strain.\n\nThe Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would allow federal workers who have been without pay during a shutdown to protect their credit. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProhibit consumer reporting agencies from reporting adverse information on the credit report of federal workers during a government shutdown and for 30 days after the end of a shutdown as workers’ pay is restored;\n\nRequire the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to notify consumer reporting agencies when federal agencies enter and exit shutdown status;\n\nAllow federal workers to correct adverse information already on their credit report.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/next-week-welch-to-discuss-skyrocketing-food-prices-election-integrity-host-common-grounds-listening-session-in-addison-county/", "title": "MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch to Discuss Skyrocketing Food Prices, Election Integrity; Host Common Grounds Listening Session in Addison County", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "10:00 a.m. Welch to Host Common Grounds Listening Sessions in Addison County\n\nMIDDLEBURY, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will travel to Middlebury next week as part of his ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session series. Senator Welch invites Vermonters to get a cup of coffee and discuss how Washington can work better for the Green Mountain State. The Senator will host ‘Common Grounds’ listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026.\n\nLOGISTICS:\n\nWHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.)\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 a.m.\n\nWHERE: Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society (CVUUS) 2 Duane Ct., Middlebury, VT 05753\n\nPARKING: There is limited parking on site, with some reserved for those with limited mobility. Additional parking is available at Middlebury Union High School, Main Street downtown lots, or Kinney’s.\n\nRSVP: Vermonters can RSVP HERE for Senator Welch’s ‘Common Grounds’ Listening Session in Middlebury.\n\nMEDIA RSVP: Media are kindly asked to RSVP to Elisabeth St. Onge: Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov 1:00 p.m. Welch to Speak at HOPE Food Shelf on How Vermonters are Hurt by Rising Food Costs and Trump’s Economic Policies\n\nMIDDLEBURY, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, will visit with nutrition advocates to discuss how President Trump’s economic policies are hurting Vermont families’ ability to put food on the table.\n\nSenator Welch will highlight new data on how the Trump Administration’s trade and tariff policies, reckless war in Iran, and tax bill has caused inflation to soar in President Trump’s second term.\n\nLOGISTICS:\n\nWHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.)\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, May 6th at 1:00 p.m.\n\nWHERE: HOPE Food Shelf; 282 Boardman St, Middlebury, VT 05753\n\nMEDIA RSVP: Media are kindly asked to RSVP to Elisabeth St. Onge: Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov 2:00 p.m. Welch to Visit Nitty Gritty Grain Co. in Charlotte to Discuss How Trump’s Economic Policies and War in Iran Are Raising Costs for Farmers and Grain Producers\n\nCHARLOTTE, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, will visit Nitty Gritty Grain Co. in Charlotte, where he will meet with farmers and producers to discuss rising food productions costs and the harmful impacts of President Trump’s policies on farm communities.\n\nNitty Gritty Grain Co. produces organic, small batch grains for restaurants and bakeries across Vermont. They are owned and operated by a 7th generation farming family.\n\nThe Senator will also be joined by O Bread Bakery.\n\nLOGISTICS:\n\nWHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.); Nitty Gritty Grain Co.; O Bread Bakery; Farmers and Producers in Vermont\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, May 6th at 2:00 p.m.\n\nWHERE: Nitty Gritty Grain Co.; 4458 Lake Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445\n\nMEDIA RSVP: Media are kindly asked to RSVP to Elisabeth St. Onge: Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-announces-release-of-1-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-eight-rural-development-projects-in-vermonts-nek/", "title": "Welch Announces Release of $1 Million in Federal Funding to Support Eight Rural Development Projects in Vermont’s NEK", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today announced the delivery of more than $1 million in federal funding, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Rural Development (RD), to support Vermont farmers and small businesses. This announcement follows a months-long effort by the Senator and partners to release the federal funds.\n\nThe funding, provided through USDA-RD’s Rural Business Development Grants, will support eight projects in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (NEK) and deliver technical assistance and counseling to small businesses, farmers, and agricultural producers, in addition to creating 120 new jobs.\n\n“President Trump’s disastrous economic agenda has put rural communities in a tailspin—everyday Americans are struggling to stay afloat, and Vermont is no exception,” said Senator Welch. “Vermonters have been waiting on this funding for months. Now that it’s finally here, it will make a world of difference and open doors for farmers and small businesses in Vermont’s NEK by providing assistance and counseling–not to mention creating over 120 new jobs. I’ll continue fighting to bring federal dollars back to Vermont to boost job creation and economic development in every corner of our state.”\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) USDA RD Rural Business Development Grants include:\n\n$200,000 for the Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) in Caledonia County to provide technical assistance for the benefit of small businesses in the NEK, including supporting financial management, legal assistance, feasibility studies, and more.\n\n$199,966 for The Center For An Agricultural Economy in Caledonia County to sustain technical assistance activities, including supporting consultation and strategic guidance for small and emerging farms and food businesses in the NEK.\n\n$131,350 for the Newport City Renaissance Corporation in Orleans County to explore the feasibility of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District in downtown Newport. TIF designations help stimulate the economy in underserved areas by providing incentives for developers and funding institutions to supply capital for major infrastructural improvements and projects that draw businesses, residents, and tourists to the area.\n\n$125,000 for the Brighton Community Forum in Essex County to expand its reach and visitor numbers through technical assistance. The funding will support new event creation, establish a steady income stream from implementing performance fees, and create print and digital marketing campaigns in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (NEK).\n\n$116,284 for Vermont Farm-to-School in Orleans County to provide technical assistance for agricultural producers in the NEK. The funding will address truck routing and on-farm pick-up options, leading to added inventory capacity and expanded opportunities to sell projects to wholesale and institutional markets.\n\n$99,942 to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board to provide tailored, one-on-one business coaching and technical assistance to working lands businesses in the NEK. This funding will help small business focused on working lands receive guidance on marketing, administrative and capacity planning to establish and sustain their operations.\n\n$99,725 for the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative in Caledonia County to build business and workforce resilience in the NEK. This funding will enable the NEK Collaborative to plan, promote, and execute its annual NEK summit.\n\n$73,353 for Saint Johnsbury Works! in Caledonia County to provide technical assistance in the NEK, including supporting activities that increase the organizational capacity of small area enterprises.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-bynum-salinas-announce-over-75-million-to-strengthen-and-defend-oregon-communities-facing-wildfire-threats", "title": "Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle, Bynum, Salinas Announce Over $7.5 Million to Strengthen and Defend Oregon Communities Facing Wildfire Threats", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), announced $7,538,176 is coming to four projects in Oregon to help make communities more resilient to severe wildfires. These investments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will support disaster relief efforts and mitigate wildfire risk, protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Oregon.\n\nFor years, the Oregon congressional delegation has worked to secure federal resources for Oregonians affected by wildfires. In the wake of the catastrophic wildfires that broke out over Labor Day weekend in 2020, Merkley and Wyden led the charge to push for the rapid approval of the request for federal disaster relief, which was granted, and also successfully urged the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior to expedite the initiation and completion of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program for wildfires in Oregon.\n\n“Communities that were devastated by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires must have the resources they need to increase their resilience to future fires. The federal government must do all it can to assist Oregon families and businesses with those efforts,” said Merkley. “You can’t get ready after the fire starts, and Congress needs to ensure our communities can access all possible federal resources to prepare for and mitigate wildfires. As climate chaos fuels longer and fiercer fire seasons, I’ll keep fighting to make sure Oregonians get the support they need to take on devastating wildfires in every corner of the state.”\n\n“Oregonians who worked hard to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after the devastating Labor Day fires need and deserve these federal investments to protect their homes and small businesses going forward,” Wyden said. “I’m glad the teamwork with my colleagues has delivered these resources, and I’ll keep battling for similar funds that support wildfire resilience in communities statewide.”\n\n“As we head into a severe wildfire season, these investments are critical to regional connectivity in times of emergency,” said Rep. Hoyle. “It shouldn’t take this long to find the money to get people’s lives back on track and rebuild smarter. Keeping our Douglas County communications infrastructure strong is a step in the right direction and can make a huge difference in response time and survival rates.”\n\n“Too many Oregonians suffer every year from preventable wildfires,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding ensures that our communities are equipped with all of the resources they need to minimize fire destructions, protect Oregonians, and keep our environment safe.\n\n“Oregonians know how devastating wildfires can be for our communities, families, and local economies,” said Rep. Salinas. “These investments will help us better prepare for future disasters by strengthening critical infrastructure, improving emergency response, and reducing wildfire risk before it turns into tragedy. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to secure these federal resources and will keep fighting to ensure Oregon communities have the support they need to stay safe, resilient, and ready.”\n\nThis funding for the grants announced today comes from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which supports state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments developing hazard mitigation plans and rebuilding in ways that reduce or mitigate future disaster losses in their communities following a Presidentially declared disaster. The four Oregon projects funded are as follows:\n\n$3,955,430 for Consumers Power, Inc. for Connected System Protection for Wildfire Mitigation. This project will fund 239 hydraulic reclosers and 10 weather stations throughout Consumers Power, Inc. distribution system to reduce the time and extent of outages. This will enhance the resilience of the community and ensure that access to power will be restored faster during a wildfire event.\n\n$3,186,000 for Douglas County Public Works’ Hazardous Fuels Reduction. This project will fund the upgrade of the existing emergency radio system infrastructure supporting the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications for Douglas County Public Safety, Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. The proposed upgrade will allow each radio tower to continue to function independently, even if unable to communicate to other towers or the mothership, allowing emergency responders in the vicinity of a tower to continue to communicate and respond during emergencies. This project increases resilience and reduces the risk of injuries, life loss, and property damage and destruction, including critical services and facilities.\n\n$219,746 for Consumer Powers, Inc. for Connected System Protection for Wildfire Mitigation. This project will fund the subrecipient, Consumers Power, Inc., management costs to reduce the amount of time in which residents are without power.\n\n$177,000 for Douglas County Radio Infrastructure and Improvement. This project will fund the subrecipient’s (Douglas County) management costs to upgrade the existing emergency radio system infrastructure supporting the Sheriff’s Office and 911 communications for Douglas County Public Safety, Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services.\n\n“CPI’s recloser upgrade project will enhance electric reliability across six counties in western Oregon. The project will modernize our system to reduce outage durations and minimize the impacts of winter storms and wildfires. These upgrades will also improve system visibility, enabling faster, more informed response when outages occur. This project would not have been possible without FEMA’s support, and our partnership with FEMA is critical to keeping electricity reliable and affordable for our members,” said James Ramseyer, President/CEO of Consumers Power, Inc.\n\n“Douglas County extends its sincere thanks to Senator Jeff Merkley, Senator Ron Wyden, and Representative Val Hoyle for their support in securing the final portion of our approved FEMA funding for the Douglas County Radio Infrastructure and Improvement Project. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us strengthen critical communications systems that support public safety across our region,” said Tom Kress, Chair, and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oregon-airports-to-receive-more-than-3-million-in-federal-investment", "title": "Oregon Airports to Receive More Than $3 Million in Federal Investment", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Airports receiving federal funds include those in McMinnville, Burns, Florence, Troutdale, Ontario, Corvallis, Lexington, Newport, Tillamook and Gold Beach\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced that 10 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $3.1 million to improve their infrastructure.\n\n“Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.”\n\n“Investing in critical airport improvements such as taxiways, helipads, hangars, and more increases safety and strengthens infrastructure across our state,” said Merkley. “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”\n\n“Regional airports are critical to keeping Oregon connected,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In rural communities like Tillamook, investments in transportation infrastructure give small businesses access to markets and make communities more resilient in the event of a disaster. I'm grateful that this funding will support work at the Port of Tillamook Bay.”\n\n\"Small airports are vital for rural Oregonians,” said Rep. Salinas. “They support local businesses and enable emergency responses when our communities need them most. This $1 million investment in McMinnville Municipal Airport will replace aging infrastructure and improve safety for everyone who uses it. I'm proud to help deliver these federal dollars to the airports that keep Oregon connected, and I'll keep pushing to make sure rural communities keep getting the federal investment they deserve.”\n\n\"These infrastructure investments across our regional airports in Corvallis, Florence, Gold Beach and Newport are a win for the economic growth of our rural and coastal communities,” said Rep. Hoyle. “We rely on these federal dollars to build up our airports' resilience in the face of worsening wildfire seasons.\"\n\n“Making it easier to get where you need to go keeps our economy strong and makes everyday life more convenient,” said Rep. Bynum. “Regional airports connect our communities, small businesses, and ensure Oregonians don’t have to drive hours just to access reliable transportation. I am proud to work with my colleagues to secure this critical funding for Oregon.”\n\n“Investments in small airports are invaluable and will pay dividends for Oregonians in the years to come,” said Rep. Dexter. “This funding will support critical improvements to the Troutdale Airport, a key hub for the Port of Portland and our regional economy. I will keep working to bring federal dollars into high-value projects in our community.”\n\nThe awards totaling $3.14 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:\n\n$1 million to the city of McMinnville for McMinnville Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone to help pilots; to build 12,500 feet of perimeter fencing and 10 gates.\n\n$417,996 to the city of Burns for Burns Municipal Airport to build a new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building\n\n$400,338 to the city of Florence for the Florence Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone and segmented circle navigational aid for pilots\n\n$289,000 to the Port of Portland for Troutdale Airport to reseal 13,000 feet of existing taxiways and joints\n\n$274,708 to the city of Ontario for Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad\n\n$245,950 to the city of Corvallis for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,300-foot north taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area\n\n$160,332 to Morrow County for the Lexington Airport to replace the precision approach path indicator for a runway; to replace and relocate the existing precision approach path indicator for another runway\n\n$137,000 to the city of Newport for the Newport Airport to build a new 5,250-square-foot non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage\n\n$137,000 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for the Tillamook Airport to build a new fuel farm by adding two fuel tanks and two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type\n\n$78,063 to the Port of Gold Beach for Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement; to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement\n\n“The City of McMinnville greatly appreciates the continued federal financial support of safety and security improvements at the McMinnville Municipal Airport,” said airport manager John Paskell. “This important project provides for a significant security upgrade by adding nearly three miles of perimeter security fencing and adds an additional level of safety for pilots by installing a supplement wind cone on the Runway 4 end of the airport’s primary runway. As a developing regional general aviation airport, and as a significant economic asset and job creator in the community, continued federal infrastructure investment in airports is critical in ensuring their viability well into the future, particularly for airports in smaller communities like McMinnville. Those airport improvement dollars go a long way and help protect and preserve the airport’s financial self-sufficiency while also improving the facility.”\n\n“This federal investment is crucial as it ensures our airport infrastructure remains fully functional year-round, which is vital for emergency response and general aviation access in Eastern Oregon,” said Burns City Manager Brenda Engebretson.\n\n“The City of Florence is excited to receive this FAA funding to support the Beacon & Wind Cone Replacement Project at the Florence Municipal Airport,” the city said in a statement. “This project will help to improve essential airport safety infrastructure, as well as support safe and reliable aviation facilities that serve local and regional users. The Florence Municipal Airport is an economic driver for our area that provides a valuable space for commerce, emergency response, and recreational uses. The City of Florence is grateful for the continued support of this regional asset. “\n\n“Ensuring safe and efficient operations is the Port’s top priority, and this federal investment will help to maintain taxiways at Troutdale Airport,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We are grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued support for our projects to meet the diverse transportation needs of our region.”\n\n\"The recent FAA award for the Lexington Airport to upgrade our precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), is a major win for a small regional airport like ours,” said Morrow County Commissioner Gus Peterson. “This system will allow us to continue to serve our users with improved safety and efficiency as well as allow us to be able to potentially expand in the future. Morrow County is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve our small but important regional airport.\"\n\n\"We’re grateful to see this investment in Morrow County,\" said Morrow County Commissioner David Sykes. \"Upgrading the lighting systems at the airport is a common-sense move that keeps our pilots safe and ensures one of our important local assets stays in good condition.\"\n\n“Securing funding for a new hangar is significant investment in the future of Newport Municipal Airport,” said Lance Vanderbeck, Newport Municipal Airport Director. “This project will enhance our ability to serve pilots, aircrafts, and improve overall efficiency and safety. Through this funding, we’re better positioned to meet demand and ensure the airport remains a reliable asset for our community.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reverse-decision-to-block-funding-for-fentanyl-detection-strips", "title": "Wyden, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Decision to Block Funding for Fentanyl Detection Strips", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter follows HHS guidance blocking use of federal funds for harm reduction tools\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today led 10 of his Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump administration to reverse new guidance issued this week that ends the ability of federal grant recipients under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to use federal funding for test strips that detect fentanyl and other illicit drugs and help reduce overdoses and drug-related deaths.\n\n“Your actions will directly undermine the work of law enforcement and put lives at risk,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Doing away with this mainstay of overdose prevention runs directly counter to this administration’s own promises to crack down on the addiction epidemic in the United States. We demand that you reinstate this funding before American lives are lost as a direct result.”\n\nBecause of the efficacy of fentanyl test strips, many state and county health authorities and law enforcement entities nationwide rely on them for counter-fentanyl strategies. In addition to fentanyl test strips, the Trump administration also ended funding for test strips that detect xylazine and medetomidine, both powerful veterinary sedatives, which are increasingly found in illicit fentanyl and contributing to overdose deaths.\n\nIn their letter, the senators further noted that less than five months ago, Donald Trump signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act into law with strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate, which expressly provides that federal grant funding be used for harm-reduction tools like test strips.\n\nJoining Wyden in sending the letter were Senators Chris Coons, D-Del., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Ed Markey, D-Mass., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Tina Smith, D-Minn.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-secures-commitment-to-release-classified-surveillance-opinion-before-fisa-702-debate", "title": "Wyden Secures Commitment to Release Classified Surveillance Opinion Before FISA 702 Debate", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., secured a commitment today from the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee to declassify a crucial opinion by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court regarding violations of Americans’ constitutional rights.\n\n“Today the Senate proved that security and liberty aren’t mutually exclusive. I secured a commitment from the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee to ensure the declassification of a FISA court opinion revealing abuses of Americans' rights,” Wyden said. “The more Americans know about these abuses, the more they demand real reforms. I’ll be using the next 45 days to put on a full-court press for real safeguards for Americans’ rights.”\n\nThe text of the letter from Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., to the Director of National Intelligence and Acting Attorney General is below:\n\n“Earlier this month, the Department of Justice delivered to Congress a classified Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) opinion and order dated March 17, 2026.\n\nUnder the law, your offices are currently conducting a declassification review for the purposes of making this FISC opinion and order publicly available, consistent with the protection of sources and methods, as soon as practicable. In order to inform the Senate debate on reauthorization of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, we expect that this declassification review will be completed, and the FISC opinion released publicly, within 15 days.”\n\nVideo of Wyden reading the text of the letter into the Congressional Record is here.\n\nSection 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows government surveillance of intelligence targets overseas, but also scoops up vast quantities of Americans’ communications in the process. The NSA, FBI and other federal agencies can then end-run the Fourth Amendment and read those communications without a warrant or any court order whatsoever.", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-introduce-resolution-highlighting-chinese-threat-to-americas-strategic-interests/", "title": "Young, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Highlighting Chinese Threat to America’s Strategic Interests", "date": "2026-05-01", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing a resolution affirming concern over the growing threat China poses to America’s national security and economic prosperity at a pivotal moment for U.S.-Chinese relations. The resolution calls for a continued and steady focus on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, protecting American workers and businesses from unfair economic practices, maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, supporting allies and partners, preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and advancing human rights and democratic values.\n\nIn addition to Young, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also introduced the resolution.\n\nThe resolution states that the United States should address the security, economic, technological, diplomatic, and strategic threats posed by China as a top foreign policy priority. It also calls for the United States to:\n\nSustain and strengthen deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific\n\nProtect U.S. economic interests against predatory trade practices\n\nMaintain American leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other foundational technologies\n\nReaffirm U.S. commitments to allies, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines\n\nPreserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait\n\nStrengthen support for partners facing military, economic, and gray zone coercion\n\nCounter China’s influence in multilateral organizations and standards-setting bodies\n\nAdvance democratic norms, human rights, openness, and civil society in the Indo-Pacific and beyond", "collected_at": "2026-05-02T05:53:08Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-02T05:54:44Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/statement-gottheimer-statement-on-courts-extremist-attack-on-womens-health-care-access", "title": "STATEMENT: Gottheimer Statement on Court’s Extremist Attack on Women’s Health Care Access", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 2, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:\n\n“The Fifth Circuit’s reckless decision to block the mailing of mifepristone, a safe, FDA-approved medication that millions of women rely on, has turned back the clock on progress and ripped away the rights of millions across the country to make personal and private medical decisions. This ruling ignores decades of science and will force women, especially those in underserved and rural communities, to travel long distances or go without care altogether.\n\nLet’s be clear: without access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare, women will die. I will always oppose any attempt by those sitting on the bench or sitting in Washington who want to roll back the clock on the right to choose and stand between a woman, her doctor, and her faith when making personal healthcare decisions. We need to stop the far-right extremist war on women’s healthcare and protect access to safe, legal reproductive care, no matter where someone lives. As a proud member of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to ensure every woman has the freedom to make her own health care decisions without government overreach.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-03T06:05:54Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-03T06:07:11Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/02/leader-jeffries-on-ms-now-we-will-stop-the-maga-power-grab-and-push-back-against-their-efforts-to-rig-the-midterm-elections/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES ON MS NOW: “WE WILL STOP THE MAGA POWER GRAB AND PUSH BACK AGAINST THEIR EFFORTS TO RIG THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS”", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s PoliticsNation, where he emphasized that Democrats will continue to fight back against Republican attempts to decimate Black and Latino representation in Congress as part of their effort to rig the 2026 elections.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: We start off with the Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives, the Honorable Hakeem Jeffries. Leader Jeffries, thank you for coming on and starting this special session of PoliticsNation. Let’s start with context tonight. With this week’s Supreme Court ruling, what changed for Black and minority voters in states with histories of voter discrimination, like of course, Louisiana?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, great to be with you, Rev. It was a very unfortunate decision, to say the least, in terms of this Supreme Court conservative right-wing majority detonating the Voting Rights Act, which is going to make it more difficult, particularly in states in the Deep South, for African American communities to elect the candidate of their choice. The notion that this Supreme Court majority concluded that we don’t have to worry about racial discrimination any longer and that partisan gerrymandering is of more important value than making sure that we actually protect communities from racial gerrymandering is extreme. And so we’re going to work hard to do what we have to do, one, to make sure we take back control of the House along with the Senate and then to aggressively move toward dismantling the right-wing attack on our democracy, beginning with passing the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Now, several House seats held by Democrats were already in danger due to recent gerrymanders at Trump’s demand. Congressmembers Don Davis in North Carolina and Vicente Gonzalez in Texas have been listed among the most vulnerable because of new, more Republican-tilted maps. And just since the Court’s decision this week, Louisiana has suspended its House primaries to give Republicans the time to redraw a new map. In Florida, Republicans just passed a new map that creates up to four more GOP seats. And the Governors of both Tennessee and Alabama have called special legislative sessions next week to fast-track redistricting. Leader Jeffries, what’s being done to ensure that Black and Latino representation, specifically in the form of Confederacy, doesn’t just disappear because of this rule?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, important to note that every single one of the seats that Republicans have targeted to date before the Callais decision have been seats held by Black or Latino representatives in Congress. The five seats in Texas that were targeted were held by three Latinos, Vicente Gonzalez, Henry Cuellar and Greg Casar, and two African Americans, Marc Veasey and Al Green. Then, of course, they’ve targeted one seat in Missouri, the seat currently held by Reverend Congressman Emanuel Cleaver—we’re going to make sure he’s reelected. They’ve also targeted, in North Carolina, as you indicated, the seat held by Don Davis, another African American. We’re going to make sure that he is reelected as well. And then, in Florida, a handful of the seats that they’re targeting are currently represented by an African American in South Florida and a Latino in Central Florida. And so, they’re not even trying to hide the fact that, in addition to trying to rig the midterm elections, they want to decimate Black and Latino representation in Congress. We’re going to battle them politically. And we’re also going to make sure, as we’ve done in places like California and Utah and most recently in Virginia, that we push back aggressively so that republicans can’t create a numerical advantage for themselves in order to artificially hold on to power in the aftermath of the midterm elections.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Now, for months, you pressed blue states to respond to Republicans’ redistricting push. California, of course, responded to the opening shot from Texas last year. Virginia responded last month. And this week, you said Democrats will now be prepared to respond in states even like New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ll now push ahead with redistricting. You added Illinois, Maryland and Colorado will be in play as well. November is very close, Leader Jeffries. Are you confident what’s happening can be counted in time for your Caucus to retake the House?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we’re going to take back control of the House. And understand, Rev., as you know, we’re only three seats short. That’s a historically close margin. When we took the House back in 2018, we were 24 seats short. And of course, in that cycle, we were able to flip a total of 40 seats. This time around, we only have to net three, which is why Republicans are panicking right now because they failed the American people on the economy, on healthcare, on this reckless and costly war of choice. And Democrats have been making clear to the American people we are the party that’s going to focus on driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption wherever it’s found in the Congress, in this Supreme Court and certainly as it relates to this administration. Now, a large part of the battle that needs to be fought is going to be post-2026 because this Supreme Court decision, as wrong-headed and awful as it is, came late in the cycle. And so, the Republicans are limited in the damage that they can do effective 2026. However, we’ve got to make sure that we’re prepared to push back aggressively as we approach 2028, which is why, as you’ve indicated, we’re ready to go in New York, in New Jersey perhaps, in Colorado, certainly in places like Illinois and Maryland and in Washington State. Those are going to be the opportunities that we will have to once again ensure that we stop the MAGA power grab and push back against their efforts to rig the midterm elections this time around, which we’ve done, and push back against any efforts into the future, which we’ll have to do in connection with 2028.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: And I might add that they’re underestimating that many of our Black representatives are in districts where many whites have voted for them. We’re not dealing with a constituency that whites have not supported the best candidate Black or white. We’re talking about where they’ve tried to eliminate the possibility of Black representation. But, I must bring this up—\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Absolutely. Right, right. Go ahead, Rev., sorry.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Last night—I have to bring this up—last night, the President posted a year-old image of you holding a baseball bat, writing on his Truth Social platform, quote, ‘Low IQ Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is nothing but a thug and he is a danger to our country.’ End of quote. Now, that follows these comments from Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, where he uses what seems like a very specific cadence to mock you in the midst of this redistricting fight. Take a listen.\n\nRECORDING OF RON DESANTIS: We gonna do maximum warfare against Republicans. Florida Republicans, you F around, you gonna find out, all this stuff. And you know, what I said was, listen, and he’s like, oh, if you do the redistricting, we’re gonna take out all your Members, we’re going to do all this stuff. And what I’ve said was go ahead, make my day.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: Leader Jeffries, what message are these, in my opinion, openly racist attacks sending, coming from the very same GOP leaders attacking every aspect of Black representation right now?\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Well, their responses certainly speak for themselves in terms of the moral depravity of it all. And listen, they fail. Ron DeSantis is a failed Governor, failed presidential candidate. He’s a disaster. The cost of living is skyrocketing out of control in Florida. Nobody can get homeowners insurance. And gasoline, because of Trump’s war, is through the roof. And so, you know, these people have decided that they want to launch ad hominem attacks now. Of course, Donald Trump probably doesn’t even know what that means. But the reality of it is they cannot distract from the fact that they’ve just failed. And the American people, I’m confident, are going to make a decision not based on personal attacks against me or other Members of Congress. They’re going to make a decisions based on who actually is ready to do the job to make their life better. And as far as I’m concerned, the voters will have the last laugh in November and then we’re going to get to work. And we certainly are going to hold these extremists accountable. And, you know, Ron DeSantis sounded like a fool. He’s embarrassing himself, Rev. I mean, that’s not a Brooklyn accent. I don’t know what kind of accent that was, but at the end of the day, we’ll keep the pressure on them. They’re just big mad because they never thought we would forcefully respond to their efforts to rig the midterm elections by gerrymandering maps all across the country. We responded forcefully, immediately, strongly and, as a result, they now found themselves down, not up, as it relates to a redistricting battle that they once thought was going to net them ten, twelve or fifteen seats. We’ve completely wiped that off the map.\n\nREV. AL SHARPTON: All right, many thanks for kicking us off in this special PoliticsNation tonight. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, thank you again.\n\nFull interview can be watched here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-statement-on-republican-farm-bill", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ Statement on Republican Farm Bill", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) released the following statement in regards to voting NO to the Republican-led Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567):\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams said:\n\n“The Republican Farm Bill ignores the millions of working families struggling to keep food on the table—the kids going to school hungry and the parents skipping meals to afford healthcare. It also leaves our 1890 land-grant HBCUs stuck with stagnant funding, even as inflation drives up costs and demand for their services grows. These institutions are pillars of education, research, and opportunity in our communities, and they deserve real investment—not neglect. As Trump’s trade war, tariffs, and inaction on affordability strain family budgets, Republicans are choosing to cut SNAP benefits that keep people fed while shortchanging the very institutions that help communities build a path forward.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-03T06:05:54Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-03T06:07:11Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2037", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Responds to Spirit Airlines Shutdown, Applauds Relief Efforts, Highlights Atlantic City Airport Readiness", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after the sudden shutdown of Spirit Airlines and the announcement of federal relief measures to assist impacted passengers and employees.\n\n\"The Department of Transportation is working with major airlines to cap fares and help stranded passengers get where they need to go, while also opening doors for Spirit employees to find new opportunities across the aviation industry,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"That is the right approach to stabilize things quickly and protect people caught in the middle of this situation. Here at home, we are prepared. Atlantic City International Airport is in a strong position, and I want to recognize the South Jersey Transportation Authority for doing the work ahead of time to handle challenges like this. Allegiant and Breeze are already positioned at Atlantic City and ready to step up and expand services where needed. I will do anything I can to help. My office is in contact with stakeholders, and we are focused on making sure South Jersey families and workers are supported every step of the way.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-03T06:05:54Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-03T06:07:11Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-introduce-bill-to-protect-federal-workers-credit-during-government-shutdowns/", "title": "Gallego, Kelly Introduce Bill to Protect Federal Workers’ Credit During Government Shutdowns", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced legislation to protect federal workers’ credit histories during a government shutdown. The Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would prevent harm to credit ratings because of missed or delayed payments when federal workers aren’t getting paychecks, helping ensure federal workers are not financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.\n\n“In the past six months, Republicans have forced two of the longest government shutdowns in history. At a time when Americans are already struggling with rising costs, federal workers shouldn’t have to worry about their credit taking a hit because they’re not getting paid,” said Senator Gallego. “This bill protects hardworking public service workers from long-term financial damage during shutdowns they didn’t cause.”\n\n“Federal workers shouldn’t be punished by a government shutdown that isn’t their fault,” said Senator Kelly. “Earlier this month, I met with Phoenix TSA officers working without pay. They shared how the financial strain they were dealing with—including missed payments—hurt their credit scores. That kind of damage can follow you for years. I’m taking action to make sure the people who keep our country running aren’t hurt by Washington’s dysfunction.”\n\n“AFGE is profoundly grateful to Sen. Mark Kelly for introducing the Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026, a much-needed bill to temporarily protect the credit ratings of federal employees during government shutdowns. The sad reality is that all-too-frequent agency funding lapses can permanently harm federal workers, long after the government eventually reopens. Simply giving people backpay, as current law requires, does nothing to undo the undeserved damage to their credit ratings, their good name, and their dignity. Senator Kelly’s bill hits pause on negative credit information during periods when feds are still working hard for the American people while drawing zero-dollar paychecks. We urge swift Congressional passage of the bill,” said Dr. Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE).\n\n“Federal workers work hard to keep this country running and they’re still being punished because of government shutdowns that aren’t their fault. For them, falling behind on bills because their paycheck stopped shouldn’t hurt their credit standings, sometimes for years after a shutdown ends. We appreciate Senator Kelly for listening to NFFE members and taking a commonsense step to protect workers from lasting financial damage, and we’re proud to support it,” said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).\n\n“We have been showing up to work since November without a paycheck, then only partial checks and it has taken a real toll,” said Pascual Contreras, a TSA officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “I am three months behind on rent, and my credit score has dropped by more than 200 points. That has put our plans to buy a home out of reach. It’s not fair that something out of our control can impact our financial future like this. I’m grateful to Senator Kelly for listening and working on a solution.”\n\nA month after the Senate passed funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and more components at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the House finally passed the same bill and ended the DHS shutdown.\n\nFor 76 days, thousands of federal workers missed paychecks, putting them at risk of missing payments on mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit cards, and more. Even a single missed payment can significantly lower a consumer’s credit score, leading to higher interest rates, reduced access to credit, and long-term financial strain.\n\nThe Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would allow federal workers who have been without pay during a shutdown to protect their credit. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProhibit consumer reporting agencies from reporting adverse information on the credit report of federal workers during a government shutdown and for 30 days after the end of a shutdown as workers’ pay is restored;\n\nRequire the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to notify consumer reporting agencies when federal agencies enter and exit shutdown status;\n\nAllow federal workers to correct adverse information already on their credit report.", "collected_at": "2026-05-03T06:05:54Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-03T06:07:11Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/cnn-we-are-killing-them-all-over-again-critics-say-history-is-being-erased-as-trump-reshapes-narratives-at-national-parks", "title": "CNN: ‘We are killing them all over again’: Critics say history is being erased as Trump reshapes narratives at national parks", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "When tourists see a statue of Gustavus Cheyney Doane, a 19th-century explorer, at a Grand Teton National Park visitor center this spring, a marker beneath it that used to be there will now be missing.\n\nIt had asked visitors: “How do we acknowledge the good and bad of a figure?” pointing out that Doane’s expedition led to the designation of the first national park – but also that he helped lead a massacre of at least 173 members of the Piegan Blackfeet – an act he bragged about throughout his life.\n\nIts removal was cited in a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior, which manages the country’s national parks, as one of many changes wrought by President Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order directing the agency to “take action” against public content that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”\n\nThe Trump administration argues the order ensures that American history is portrayed in a positive light. But critics say it is erasing elements of the nation’s past.\n\n“We are killing them all over again,” said Tom Rodgers, a member of the Blackfeet Nation who is known as One Who Rides His Horse East, referring to victims of the massacre, which he called one of the “most despicable historical experiences” for Native Americans.\n\n“I think we’re at a point in our country where people think that if you tell half the truth, you’ve told all the truth, and that in itself, is a lie,” he said. “It’s Orwellian.”\n\nAs the country heads into peak tourist season, evidence of the administration’s unprecedented cultural overhaul will be on display at national parks around the country. The removal of the words at Grand Teton is one of at least 45 changes that were carried out under the executive order, according to Save Our Signs, an advocacy group that tracks changes to National Park Service displays.\n\nFor example, in California’s Muir Woods National Monument, signs on the contributions of Native Americans and women have been removed, including a note informing visitors that John Muir once referred to indigenous people using racist language in his diaries and ignored “the genocide they survived.”\n\n“This contributes to an idea that indigenous people don’t belong in parks,” the sign once said.\n\nThe administration has also taken aim at warnings about climate change, a factor that impacts monuments placed in natural landscapes.\n\nAt South Carolina’s Fort Sumter National Monument, a sign that included details on the looming impacts of climate change, including information on how “rising seas could inundate most of the fort’s walls and flood the historic parade ground” has been removed in its entirety.\n\nThe Interior Department told CNN that at Fort Sumter, it “acted to replace materials that were not grounded in real science with information that is accurate, evidence-based, and aligned with how the world actually works.”\n\nMeanwhile, in Washington, DC, a display on George Mason, a founding father, has removed references to him “paradoxically” owning slaves despite being a champion of “individual rights.”\n\nThe removals come as America enters a moment replete with opportunity to reflect upon its history, with celebrations to commemorate its 250th birthday throughout this year.\n\nThe Trump administration’s efforts have drawn backlash from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, including the February lawsuit from a coalition of conservationists and advocates citing the Doane and other sign removals. It accused the administration of “mounting a sustained campaign to erase history and undermine science.” The case in Massachusetts is still pending.\n\nThe Interior Department told CNN: “This effort is not about removing history. It is about ensuring taxpayer-funded displays present history in a balanced, factual and appropriate manner that reflects America’s full story, including its extraordinary achievements and its challenges.”\n\nExperts and local park leaders were consulted “as appropriate” for removal decisions, it said, and argued that the directive “strengthens public trust and helps visitors better understand the complexity of America’s story.”\n\nWidespread removal\n\nFollowing Trump’s executive order, the Interior Department ordered a review of content such as exhibits, films, pamphlets and signs at national parks.\n\nThe department also directed NPS to encourage national park visitors to submit comments on signs, including whether they notice any “negative” messaging about “either past or living Americans.”\n\nIf an item was deemed to be “inconsistent” with Trump’s executive order, it could be removed or replaced.\n\nAccording to an internal NPS database seen by CNN, hundreds of displays were flagged for review.\n\nThe array of content flagged included a diverse set of items deemed as potentially disparaging to Americans “past or living.”\n\nItems marked for review include books for sale about slavery, displays about the forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and a film about 19th century mill workers in Massachusetts.\n\nWhile it does not say which were removed, it contains notes that reflect how widely department guidance was interpreted.\n\nOne flagged display recalled abolitionist Elijah Parish Lovejoy’s killing. “This document states a ‘mob murders’ an abolitionist. Does this denigrate the murderers?” the comment asks. It suggests rewording the inscription to “Abolitionist editor Elijah Lovejoy is murdered for his views.”\n\nA panel at a National Park in St. Croix is flagged with a note saying it “discusses the slave trade and its connection to the sugar industry which some may find disparaging or inappropriate.”\n\nThe sign below Doane’s statue was flagged with a comment noting that it was “temporary” and could be removed “as necessary.”\n\nThe Interior Department contended that the database was “edited before being inappropriately and illegally released to the media in ways that misrepresented the status of this effort,” but did not specify what was changed.\n\n“Employees who altered internal records and leaked in an effort to hurt the Trump administration will be held accountable,” the agency said in a statement.\n\nA source familiar with the database confirmed the accuracy of its contents to CNN, and that the changes were only in formatting.\n\nKym Hall, a former NPS regional director who retired in October 2024, told CNN that she has heard from current agency staff that they are burned out and demoralized after being required to carry out sign changes and removals.\n\n“That’s the recurring theme … ‘This isn’t what I signed up for because this isn’t who we are as an organization,’” Hall said of her conversations with friends and former colleagues.\n\nAdvocates push back\n\nSince the removals began last summer, several national park advocates have been pushing back against the administration’s claims that it is restoring the truth.\n\n“We do great damage to ourselves, our own souls when we seek to control a narrative that is not true,” Rodgers told CNN.\n\nRodgers — who was part of the effort that renamed Mount Doane in Yellowstone National Park to First Peoples Mountain — accused the administration of attempting to “spin” Doane’s legacy with the sign removal at Grand Teton.\n\nThe administration is “erasing half of the narrative” Elizabeth Villano, a co-creator of the Muir Woods sign, wrote in a LinkedIn post in response to the sign changes there.\n\nPushback has brought mixed success.\n\nLast month, a federal court blocked the NPS from going forward with plans to replace slavery-related exhibits at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia. Critics said that the new panels sanitized the exhibition, which was erected to recognize individuals enslaved by George Washington.\n\nDemocrats in the House and Senate have sent letters to Interior Department leadership as recently as April, asking for further clarity about the agency’s review.\n\nThe Interior Department has not responded to letters from Democrats in Congress, according to the offices of Sen. Martin Heinrich and Reps. Sharice Davids and Jared Huffman.\n\nThe meaning of history\n\nHuffman also expressed alarm at the cultural overhaul taking place just months ahead of the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. “Actual history is getting whitewashed and censored from national parks and museums,” Huffman said at a February hearing, “We should honor the 250th anniversary of America by telling the truth.”\n\nAlan Spears, a senior director at the National Parks Conservation Association, told CNN: “This notion of needing to restore truth and sanity to American history is one of the largest red herrings in American history. It’s trying to resolve a problem that doesn’t really exist, that never really existed.”\n\nThe White House defended the removals. In a statement, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told CNN that Trump “is honoring our country’s extraordinary heritage and restoring a sense of national pride.”\n\n“The President has put an end to the radical left’s divisive and inaccurate characterization of our nation’s history, which infiltrated our national parks and museums, and is restoring truth and sanity,” she said.\n\nBut the course of history changes, Rodgers, the Blackfeet Nation member, noted: Those in charge now won’t be in power forever, “and there will be a time and a place of our choosing to rectify this,” he said.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-advances-caregiving-mission-during-visits-to-middlesex-county/", "title": "Senator Kim Advances Caregiving Mission During Visits to Middlesex County", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Today, Senator Kim spent time in Middlesex County, visiting Menlo Park, Edison, and New Brunswick to meet with some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities including seniors, Veterans, and people with disabilities and their caregivers. Senator Kim used the day to hear from Middlesex residents, business owners, and local leaders on how he can best support their needs at a federal level and used this trip to advance his caregiving mission to bring care to all.\n\n“Being on the ground in Middlesex today gave me an opportunity to have face-to-face conversations to help me better fight for seniors, Veterans, and the disability community to get the care they need,” said Senator Kim. “It was exciting to see so many ready to join me in this fight to bring care to all, and I look forward to coming back to Middlesex to continue the work.”\n\nSenator Kim started his morning by touring the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, a center in Edison that received $2.9 million dollars in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) this year after Senator Kim successfully secured the federal funding in coordination with Congressman Frank Pallone. Throughout the tour he learned more about their senior recreation programs, social services, and classes, and discussed ways this center will use the CDS funding to better the lives of Edison seniors.\n\nSenator Kim then traveled to the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home, a dedicated nursing home for the Veteran community that provides 24/7 quality healthcare. Joined by New Jersey’s first Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, Vincent Solomeno, Senator Kim toured the facility and spoke with residents.\n\n“Every day, the team at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park demonstrates an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to the Veterans, Veteran spouses, and Gold Star family members who call our facility home,” said Vincent Solomeno, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. “Ours is a five-star facility, among the best in the state, and we are grateful to the frontline healthcare heroes, residents, and volunteers who make this such a special place.”\n\nIn the afternoon, Senator Kim spent time at the Abilities Expo at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center to meet withpeople with disabilities, caregivers, and advocates from across the state. An annual event, Senator Kim also met with disability groups including the New Jersey Council on Development Disability, Disability Rights New Jersey, NJ Statewide Independent Living Council, and the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.\n\n“Abilities Expo is dedicated to advancing independence by connecting the disability community with leading-edge products, services and education. It’s a powerful platform for discovery, learning and access to solutions that improve quality of life,” said Katy Roberts, Managing Director of Abilities Expo.\n\nTo mark the start of Small Business Week, Senator Kim ended his day with a small business roundtable discussion in New Brunswick. Senator Kim heard about the impacts and specific challenges minority small business owners have faced during President Trump’s second term, including how Trump’s tariff policy has impacted their ability to source products, keep competitive pricing, and hire staff.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/5/chairmen-of-the-senate-and-house-armed-services-committees-release-statement-on-u-s-troop-withdrawal-from-germany", "title": "Chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees Release Statement on U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Germany", "date": "2026-05-02", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, R-Ala., Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n“We are very concerned by the decision to withdraw a U.S. brigade from Germany. Germany has stepped up in response to President Trump’s call for greater burden sharing, significantly increasing defense spending and providing seamless access, basing, and overflight for U.S. forces in support of Operation Epic Fury.\n\nThe reality remains even as allies move toward spending 5% of GDP on defense, translating that investment into the military capability needed to assume primary responsibility for conventional deterrence will take time. Prematurely reducing America’s forward presence in Europe before those capabilities are fully realized risks undermining deterrence and sending the wrong signal to Vladimir Putin.\n\nRather than withdrawing forces from the continent altogether, it is in the US interest to maintain a strong deterrent in Europe by moving these 5,000 US forces to the east. Those allies there have made substantial investments to host U.S. troops, reducing costs for the U.S. taxpayer while strengthening NATO’s front line to help deter a far more costly conflict from ever beginning.", "collected_at": "2026-05-03T06:05:54Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-03T06:07:11Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-statement-on-dhs-funding-vote", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Statement on DHS Funding Vote", "date": "2026-05-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, Congress ended the longest shutdown of any federal agency in our nation’s 250-year history. It accomplished nothing it set out to accomplish, and Americans deserve a clear account of why.\n\nIn July 2025, Republicans used their monopoly control of Washington to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which gave ICE roughly $75 billion and CBP roughly $65 billion through reconciliation, outside the normal appropriations process, with funding available for four years. I vehemently opposed that bill. Walling off that much money from annual oversight was a grave mistake, and the consequences were predictable: masked federal agents, needless deaths of American citizens, and shockingly aggressive removals of non-criminal illegal aliens.\n\nIn January, I voted for a bipartisan DHS funding package that included real reforms and guardrails on ICE. It was not perfect, but it was the last real chance Congress had to attach accountability to this agency before the next election. My Democratic colleagues in both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees supported this negotiated bill before rescinding that support.\n\nCongressional Democrats rejected that deal and refused to fund DHS, demanding a broad list of reforms and accountability for ICE. The Administration countered with five reforms, including body-worn cameras, limiting civil immigration enforcement at sensitive sites and enforcing visible officer identification – but Democratic leadership refused.\n\nThat bet did not pay off, and it was never going to. ICE and CBP were already funded for years through the Big Beautiful Bill. Withholding annual appropriations was never going to constrain their behavior. What it did do was burn the only leverage we had to write guardrails into law.\n\nRepublicans will now use another partisan procedural move to pre-fund ICE and CBP for the remainder of the President’s term, with none of the reforms that were on the table in January. Funding will again sit outside the annual appropriations process, which means Congress will have less oversight of immigration enforcement, not more, through the end of this administration.\n\nWe cannot become blind to the balance sheet of what we win and what we lose in any given fight.\n\nI voted to restore DHS funding more than once. I value the work the men and women of that department do. I do not believe walking away from a deal with guardrails, in pursuit of a better deal that was never coming, is how you protect the communities most affected by ICE’s behavior. It is how you lose them.\n\nI held this position through death threats, threats against my family, and threats against our livelihood. I would hold it again. A glass half full is better than an empty one.\n\nIt is a charming lie, a seductive lie, that a broken thing is below our dignity to fight for or fix. But I strongly affirm that fighting to fix a broken thing is not a flaw of Congress – it’s the whole damn point.", "collected_at": "2026-05-04T06:06:40Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-04T06:07:53Z"}
{"url": "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/05/03/smith-applauds-280-million-in-fema-relief-for-missouri-hospitals/", "title": "Smith Applauds $280 Million in FEMA Relief for Missouri Hospitals", "date": "2026-05-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "jasonsmith.house.gov", "scraper": "jasonsmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001195", "name": "Jason Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) today celebrated the announcement of $280 million in FEMA Public Assistance grants to Missouri hospitals for increased costs they endured during COVID-19. Among the recipients are two cornerstone health facilities in Southeast Missouri — Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston and Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau — receiving roughly $2 million and $3.5 million, respectively.\n\nCongressman Smith said, “Missouri hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and took on enormous costs to keep their communities safe and healthy. Requests for this public assistance were slow-walked under the Biden Administration, but the Trump Administration and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin delivered for Missouri hospitals and those who depend on them. Missouri Delta Medical Center and Southeast Hospital are lifelines for rural communities across Southeast Missouri, and this funding will provide meaningful relief to offset the increased costs they absorbed. I’m proud to see this relief finally reach the hands of the hospitals that earned it.”\n\nMissouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston serves as a critical access point for health care across the Bootheel, a region with some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the state. Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau is the largest hospital in the region and a vital resource for patients across Southeast and South Central Missouri. Both facilities shouldered significant financial burdens during COVID-19 while continuing to provide essential care to their communities. These funds will provide relief for the additional costs incurred during that time and allow these hospitals to get back to a better place financially.", "collected_at": "2026-05-04T06:06:40Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-04T06:07:53Z"}
{"url": "https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406773", "title": "Latta Recognizes Students Accepted to Military Service Academies at the 180th Fighter Wing", "date": "2026-05-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://latta.house.gov/news", "domain": "latta.house.gov", "scraper": "latta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000566", "name": "Robert E. Latta", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) recognized students from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District who have been accepted to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies during a ceremony at the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard. Each student was nominated by Congressman Latta and has received an appointment to the Class of 2030 at their respective academy.\n\n“It was an honor to nominate these students to our nation’s service academies. I was privileged to spend the afternoon celebrating Adam, Jack, Michele, and Eli as they begin this new chapter in their lives. I thank each of these students for their commitment to serve our great nation, and I am confident they will thrive at their respective academies,” said Latta.\n\nStudents honored at today’s event and their respective appointments:\n\nAdam Buell, U.S. Military Academy\n\nPandora Gilboa High School\n\nJack Buell, U.S. Military Academy\n\nPandora Gilboa High School\n\nMichele Smith, U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nAvon High School\n\nEli Chevalier, U.S. Naval Academy\n\nMohawk High School", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-leads-group-of-9-senators-in-introducing-resolution-commemorating-world-press-freedom-day", "title": "Schatz Leads Group of 9 Senators In Introducing Resolution Commemorating World Press Freedom Day", "date": "2026-05-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a group of nine senators in introducing a resolution recognizing growing threats to freedom of the press around the world and reaffirming the vital role of independent journalism in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.\n\n“A free press is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy – and it’s vital that we protect and defend it, at home and abroad,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The growing attacks on independent journalism are alarming, particularly given the many crises and conflicts happening globally. People rely on journalists to understand what’s happening in their own communities and make sense of the world. In turn, journalists go to extraordinary lengths, often at great personal risk, to report the truth. Unfortunately, we continue to see journalists lose their lives, be thrown in jail, or be threatened with lawsuits just for doing their jobs. Suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists is the oldest trick in the authoritarian playbook. Anyone who believes in democracy and freedom ought to be unreserved and unequivocal in our support for the free press.”\n\nSchatz’s resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). The resolution is supported by PEN America.\n\n“Being a journalist is more dangerous today than at any time in history. World Press Freedom Day is not only a celebration of the world’s intrepid journalists, but a reminder that journalists—and the free press at large—are under attack,” said Senator Welch. “We’re calling on Congress to remember the lives of journalists killed while reporting, and recommit to defending press freedom in our own country and around the world.”\n\n“On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the journalists who go to extraordinary lengths to bring the truth to light,” said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “As democratic values and institutions are being threatened around the world, I’m proud to join my colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the freedom of the press.”\n\n“A free and independent press is the bedrock of our democracy, and an essential feature of democracies around the world. Editors and journalists risk threats, detention, and even death to keep citizens informed and hold public officials to account,” said Senator Bennet. “Now more than ever, we recognize and celebrate their contributions to maintaining our system of government, and their efforts to extend the same freedoms we enjoy at home to those still denied them abroad.”\n\nPress freedom has faced a staggering global decline in recent years, and Senator Schatz has led bipartisan efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists worldwide.\n\nA copy of the bill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-sen-schiff-debunks-trumps-claim-that-iran-war-is-over-slams-administrations-weaponization-of-the-u-s-justice-system-on-nbcs-meet-the-press/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Schiff Debunks Trump’s Claim that Iran War is Over, Slams Administration’s Weaponization of the U.S. Justice System on NBC’s Meet the Press", "date": "2026-05-03", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to debunk President Trump’s false claim that his Iran War is consistent with the War Powers Act and not a violation of the Constitution, while laying out the price the American people have paid for the war at the gas pump and in the lives of U.S. service members.\n\nSchiff also slammed the Trump administration’s continued weaponization of the Justice Department under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, deriding the “seashells case” brought against former FBI Director James Comey as evidence of Blanche’s attempts to win Trump’s favor and nomination.\n\nIn addition, the Senator said that Democrats need to fight fire with fire on redistricting while reiterating his commitment to seeing Democrats pass a national ban on gerrymandering in the wake a Supreme Court decision this week that gutted the Voting Rights Act and resulted in calls by Republican state legislatures to embark on a new round of partisan redistricting.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn the unconstitutional Iran War and Trump’s claim it is over for purposes of the War Powers Act:\n\n[…] This war was unlawful and unconstitutional from the start. We didn’t have to wait 60 days to reach that conclusion, because under the Constitution, only Congress can initiate a war or authorize a war or declare war. The only exceptions are if the United States is attacked or there’s an imminent threat of attack, then the president can take action in the near term. That’s when the 60-day clock begins if there’s a legitimate reason to begin the war at the start. And there wasn’t here. This is a war of choice, which has now brought a terrible cost in 13 service members who lost their lives, scores of others injured, many seriously injured. Highest gas prices now in years. It’s pushed inflation up to a high in several years. And of course, the opportunity cost is that we can’t invest in hospitals and health care and things that would improve the quality of life for Americans.\n\nOn Trump’s weaponization of the Justice Department:\n\n[…] I was a prosecutor for almost six years. I never saw such a weak case. And I think Kristen in the future in the Department of Justice, if anyone ever suggests bringing a case this weak, there will be a new name for it. They will be called seashells cases. Are you telling me we should bring another seashells case? I think this case is likely to be thrown out even before it goes to a jury. It will absolutely be thrown out by the jury. But the fact that we’re spending time on a seashells case, and the top leadership of the Justice Department is so focused on it means they’re not focused on violent crime cases. They’re not focused on rape cases and child trafficking, their focus no, on James Comey and seashells. And it’s the American public that suffers.\n\nOn the priorities of the Blanche Justice Department:\n\n[…] We’re seeing indictments, as we saw in New York, dismissed against a corrupt mayor or mayor facing corruption cases or allegations because he’s willing to help the president on an unrelated issue, like immigration. I’m talking about the former mayor of New York here. These kinds of abuses mean that the department isn’t going after oil companies that are price gouging. It’s not going after companies that are abusing consumers. It’s not protecting us from monopolistic conduct in the market. It is instead focused on the president’s agenda of retribution, and that’s a terrible use of resources and a terrible precedent to set.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-04T06:06:40Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-04T06:07:53Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/05/04/rep-aguilar-delivers-1-million-to-modernize-redlands-park-improving-safety-and-accessibility/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Delivers $1 Million to Modernize Redlands Park, Improving Safety and Accessibility", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Delivers $1 Million to Modernize Redlands Park, Improving Safety and Accessibility\n\nUpgrading the recreational park will benefit the surrounding neighborhoods and the larger community by expanding and improving outdoor resources and facilities\n\nREDLANDS, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,000,000 in community project funding for the City of Redlands’ Texonia Park Modernization Renovations project. The grant funding will support much-needed renovations to the amenities in the widely used Texonia Park, improving community safety and accessibility.\n\nOnce complete, renovations will include a new off-street parking lot, all-inclusive playground structure, restroom facilities, park lighting, new walking paths, sports fields, an updated picnic area and group reservation spaces. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here.\n\n“Whether it’s on the playground, the soccer field, or the jogging path, Inland Empire families need a safe and fun place to spend time outdoors and enjoy our beautiful state,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m proud to deliver this funding for Redlands to upgrade Texonia Park’s amenities and ensure that people in our community can enjoy them for years to come. I will keep working in Congress to deliver resources that make our region an even better place to live and raise a family.”\n\n“The addition of $1 million from the congressional Community Project Funding, thanks to the efforts of Congressman Aguilar’s office, will go towards the development of a new inclusive playground, that will provide a space designed for children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, to play, explore and interact,” said Mayor Mario Saucedo, City of Redlands. “This was a project that former Mayor Aguilar initially championed when he was a member of the Redlands City Council from 2006 to 2014.”\n\nAs 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/05/04/rep-aguilar-requests-nearly-50-million-in-funding-for-20-community-projects-in-the-inland-empire/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Requests Nearly $50 Million in Funding for 20 Community Projects in the Inland Empire", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Requests Nearly $50 Million in Funding for 20 Community Projects in the Inland Empire\n\nThe 20 projects help tackle pressing issues like affordable housing, public safety, job training and healthcare\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced 20 Community Project Funding requests for the Inland Empire totaling $49,739,093 that were submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations, on which Rep. Aguilar serves. If approved, this funding would directly fund local efforts to create job training and research programs, strengthen water and flood infrastructure, improve public safety, reduce crime, increase affordable housing, upgrade roadways and transportation and expand healthcare services.\n\n“One of my top priorities is delivering federal resources to help Inland Empire families thrive,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “That’s why I requested nearly $50 million to improve our region’s safety, healthcare and affordable housing options. I am proud to advocate for these initiatives on behalf of San Bernardino County residents and I will continue working tirelessly to lower costs and make life better for the people in our community.”\n\nIn February 2026, Rep. Aguilar began accepting applications for Community Project Funding for up to 20 projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding.\n\nThe following Inland Empire projects are included in Rep. Aguilar’s FY 2027 requests:\n\nCommerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)\n\nProject Name: Loma Linda University Community-Based Interdisciplinary Education, Research and Service-Learning Center\n\nProject Requestor: Loma Linda University\n\nRequested Amount: $1,250,000\n\nSummary: The funding will develop a Community-Based Center for Interdisciplinary Education, Research, and Service Learning, providing students with state-of-the-art simulation, community research and service-learning experiences to help meet community healthcare needs.\n\nProject Name: San Bernardino Mobile Command Post\n\nProject Requestor: City of San Bernardino\n\nRequested Amount: $1,950,000\n\nSummary: The funding will support the purchase of a modern, technologically-advanced mobile command post to reduce crime and improve the city’s safety and emergency response.\n\nProject Name: AI-Enhanced Geospatial and Architectural Modeling Lab for Community Hazard Resilience\n\nProject Requestor: University of Redlands\n\nRequested Amount: $1,248,600\n\nSummary: This funding will create a Community Resilience Digital Modeling Lab to train city planners and emergency responders to better prepare for and respond to natural disasters using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology.\n\nProject Name: City of Redlands Body-Worn Camera Modernization and Replacement Initiative\n\nProject Requestor: Redlands Police Department\n\nRequested Amount: $2,835,863\n\nSummary: This funding will enhance the Redlands Police Department’s body-worn camera and drone programs and create a system to manage digital evidence and share data with justice partners, strengthening efficiency, transparency and public trust.\n\nProject Name: Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy’s Youth Justice Resilience and Reentry Initiative\n\nProject Requestor: Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy\n\nRequested Amount: $1,000,000\n\nSummary: The funding will provide supportive services to incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated youth aimed at improving public safety, treating trauma and reducing recidivism rates for gang involvement, substance abuse and other crimes.\n\nProject Name: Colton Police Department Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) Project\n\nProject Requestor: Colton Police Department\n\nRequested Amount: $700,000\n\nSummary: This funding will create a Computer‑Aided Dispatch and Records Management System to strengthen community safety and emergency response by streamlining call handling, improving police response and providing real-time situational updates.\n\nProject Name: Health Workforce Training Center: AI-Powered Language Proficiency Program\n\nProject Requestor: California University of Science and Medicine\n\nRequested Amount: $1,000,000\n\nSummary: This funding will establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Health Workforce Training Center to provide scalable clinical communication and language proficiency training for healthcare workers across the Inland Empire.\n\nInterior, Environment, and Related Agencies\n\nProject Name: City of Rialto’s City Well 3A Arsenic Treatment Facility Project\n\nProject Requestor: City of Rialto\n\nRequested Amount: $4,110,208\n\nSummary: This funding will support the construction of an arsenic treatment facility to restore a critical local drinking water supply for Rialto residents and meet federal drinking water standards.\n\nProject Name: Mill Creek Groundwater Recharge Facility Overflow Upgrades Project\n\nProject Requestor: San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District\n\nRequested Amount: $2,720,000\n\nSummary: This project will increase groundwater storage of the San Bernardino Basin to improve local water sustainability, support economic stability and growth and enhance public access and safety at the Mill Creek Groundwater Recharge Facility.\n\nProject Name: Wastewater Lift Station SCADA Modernization and Improvement Project\n\nProject Requestor: City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department\n\nRequested Amount: $1,700,000\n\nSummary: This funding will upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure and address technology vulnerabilities by integrating SBMWD’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, helping to prevent costly environmental or public health issues.\n\nLabor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS)\n\nProject Name: Expansion of Dental Access Project\n\nProject Requestor: SAC Health\n\nRequested Amount: $6,000,000\n\nSummary: This funding will support the purchase of dental equipment and expand dental services at SAC Health’s Brier Campus, strengthening the Inland Empire’s healthcare infrastructure and improving access to oral health services for underserved communities.\n\nProject Name: Bloomington Community Health Campus Improvement Project\n\nProject Requestor: Community Health Systems, Inc.\n\nRequested Amount: $2,625,225\n\nSummary: This funding will renovate and expand the Bloomington Family Wellness Center to provide behavioral health and substance use disorder services, enhancing community access to quality healthcare and reducing emergency room visits.\n\nHomeland Security\n\nProject Name: Rialto Channel Improvements Project\n\nProject Requestor: San Bernardino County\n\nRequested Amount: $5,000,000\n\nSummary: This funding will improve the Rialto Channel’s stormwater capacity and reduce flood risk in Downtown Rialto, protecting homes, businesses, public facilities, and transportation corridors from damage during major storms.\n\nTransportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD)\n\nProject Name: Arrowhead Grove 132 Units of Affordable Housing Redevelopment Project\n\nProject Requestor: Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino\n\nRequested Amount: $4,000,000\n\nSummary: This funding will renovate and build 132 new affordable and workforce rental housing units in one of San Bernardino’s most chronically impoverished neighborhoods.\n\nProject Name: Renovation for Workforce Development and Business Incubator Project\n\nProject Requestor: City of Rancho Cucamonga\n\nRequested Amount: $4,000,000\n\nSummary: This funding will transform the historic d’Ellena Winery into a training center for hospitality jobs, creating career pathways for in-demand hospitality, food and beverage and event management jobs.\n\nProject Name: Commerce Way – De Berry Street Gateway Connector Project\n\nProject Requestor: City of Grand Terrace\n\nRequested Amount: $4,500,000\n\nSummary: This funding will build a road connecting Commerce Way to De Berry Street and linking to Taylor Street, enhancing roadway safety and improving access to Interstate 215, local businesses and nearby housing developments.\n\nProject Name: San Bernardino International Airport City Creek Bypass Channel Drainage Improvements Project\n\nProject Requestor: San Bernardino International Airport Authority\n\nRequested Amount: $2,469,997\n\nSummary: This funding will construct a new channel design between Victoria Avenue and the Twin Creek channel to permanently reduce flood risks, improve public safety and protect critical infrastructure and downstream communities.\n\nProject Name: SBVC Legacy Village – Phase 1 Student & Workforce Housing Infrastructure Project\n\nProject Requestor: San Bernardino Community College District\n\nRequested Amount: $1,200,000\n\nSummary: This funding will help build Legacy Village, a student success and workforce preparation hub with 500 housing units, improving housing stability and education access in the Inland Empire.\n\nProject Name: San Bernardino Street Lighting and Public Safety Improvement Project\n\nProject Requestor: City of San Bernardino\n\nRequested Amount: $2,000,000\n\nSummary: This funding will replace about 3,000 wired LED streetlights with off-grid streetlights across the city, improving safety and reducing costs by eliminating the need for emergency repairs.\n\nProject Name: Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line Operational Reliability and Safety Improvements Metrolink Project\n\nProject Requestor: Southern California Regional Rail Authority\n\nRequested Amount: $679,200\n\nSummary: This funding will upgrade technology along the Metrolink San Bernardino Line to improve system safety and reliability and provide riders traveling to and from San Bernardino with real-time service information.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2560", "title": "Congressman Baird Congratulates 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "baird.house.gov", "scraper": "baird", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001307", "name": "James R. Baird", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after announcing Bristol Presley, a student at Crawfordsville High School, won the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District. Her painting, Grandma and Grandpa’s Road, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.\n\n“I am pleased to congratulate Bristol on winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Baird. “Her painting showcases the beauty of Indiana’s rich agricultural landscape, and she should be incredibly proud of her work. Every year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition that showcases outstanding artistic talent that exists in our district, and this year was no exception. I also want to thank every student who participated in this year’s competition, and I encourage all eligible students to participate next year.”\n\nWinner: Bristol Presley\n\nSchool: Crawfordsville High School\n\nArtwork Title: Grandma and Grandpa’s Road\n\nType: Acrylic Painting\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=16469", "title": "Carter successfully fights to extend red snapper season", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "buddycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "buddycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001103", "name": "Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) released the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries issuance of four exempted fishing permits (EFPs) to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.\n\nAccording to the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, red snapper populations are the healthiest in history, rendering the current burdensome and overreaching federal policy severely restricting recreational fishing unnecessary. Georgia’s recreational fishing industry has long struggled under federal fisheries data that limit access and impose heavy-handed restrictions, often set by bureaucrats far removed from our coastal communities. State management is a common-sense approach that allows tailored conservation and fishing policies to fit local needs.\n\nGeorgia's red snapper season will now be from July 1st to August 31st.\n\n“As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I’m proud to have tirelessly advocated for this win and am thrilled to bring home a proper red snapper fishing season to Georgia’s outdoorsmen and women,” said Rep. Carter. “Representing over 100 miles of pristine coastline, I grew up understanding that Georgia's anglers are the experts best equipped to set conservation and fishing policies that protect fish stocks and our way of life, not Washington bureaucrats. I applaud President Trump and his use of common-sense governing, protecting anglers’ right to reasonably harvest and properly manage our resources.”\n\n“Friday’s announcement is a significant and long-overdue victory for Florida’s anglers,” said Rep. John H. Rutherford (R-FL). “For too long, overly restrictive federal management and flawed data has limited access to a healthy and abundant fishery. This expanded recreational red snapper season reflects a data-driven approach that recognizes both the strength of the red snapper population and its importance to Florida's economy and our way of life. As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I look forward to continuing to work with Governor DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to fight for recreational anglers in Northeast Florida and Make Fishing Great Again.”\n\n“As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I applaud the decision by President Trump and his administration to approve all South Atlantic state permits for the 2026 Red Snapper season. This marks a major step forward for North Carolina’s fishermen and coastal businesses,” said Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC). “For years, rigid federal rules have meant one- or two-day red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic even as they are plentiful in our waters. That makes no sense for our coastal economy or for conservation. Following the decision, we can use up-to-date, local data to protect the red snapper population while allowing anglers in the South Atlantic more predictable and responsible fishing opportunities.”\n\n“This announcement marks a huge, long-overdue win for South Carolina’s fishermen and coastal communities,” said Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC). “I appreciate President Trump for putting commonsense back into red snapper management after years of federal mismanagement that sidelined our fishermen and hurt our coast. As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I’ve been fighting for state-led management, better data, more access, and longer seasons, and now we’re finally seeing results. This is a major step forward for every coastal community in South Carolina.”\n\n“This is an exciting time for Georgia anglers and a major step forward. For years, access to red snapper has been extremely limited. This EFP gives anglers a real opportunity—two full months, to enjoy red snapper fishing. However, this opportunity comes with a responsibility, if anglers want longer, more reliable seasons, we need better data—and that comes directly from them. Reporting through an electronic app is how anglers can help shape the future of red snapper fishing. While we acknowledge the anticipation, the rollout of the Georgia Red Snapper Project will come in phases. Look for a detailed website to go live May 15th. Georgia DNR encourages all offshore anglers planning to harvest Red Snapper in 2026 to stay tuned,” said Doug Haymans, Director of GADNR’s Coastal Resources Division.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/champaign-budzinski-hosts-roundtable-with-immigration-groups-and-local-leaders", "title": "CHAMPAIGN: Budzinski Hosts Roundtable With Immigration Groups and Local Leaders", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHAMPAIGN, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened her third roundtable discussion with local leaders and immigration nonprofit and advocacy organizations. The conversation focused on immigration enforcement activity across Central and Southern Illinois and how elected officials, community organizations, and local leaders can work together to better support affected residents.\n\n“Today was an important opportunity to come together as a community and learn how we can protect our immigrant neighbors. We heard powerful stories from people directly impacted, from organizations doing this work every day, and from local leaders ready to take action,” said Budzinski. “We also discussed the harsh realities inside detention centers across the country and the reforms I’m pushing for – mandatory in-person medical evaluations, stronger sanitation standards, unannounced inspections, and more – to ensure people are treated with dignity.”\n\nThe conversation included representatives from the following organizations: Ashrei Foundation, Community Legal Access Workshops, Congolese Community of Champaign County, Hoyleton Youth & Family Services, Immigrant Services CU, Immigration Action Committee for League of Women Voters, Immigration Legal Clinic from Western Illinois Dreamers, Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services, Migrant & Immigrant Community Action Project (MICA), New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA, The Immigration Project, and The Refugee Center.\n\nBudzinski has continued to advocate for common-sense reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. Most recently, she became a cosponsor of the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act, legislation aimed at strengthening oversight and improving conditions for individuals held in federal immigration custody.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415594", "title": "The New York Sun article on Smith's TLHRC hearing'Free Speech on the Brink as South Korean Government Suppresses Criticism of Pyongyang'", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Donald Kirk\n\nPublished May 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM ET\n\nFree speech is in jeopardy in South Korea under the left-leaning government that took power in Seoul nearly a year ago. A former American air force intelligence officer and a member of the academic council of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, Tara O, described the loss of freedom in Korea at a congressional hearing recently conducted by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on rights in both North and South Korea.\n\n“There are more and more restrictions on freedom in the Republic of Korea — restrictions on freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and other freedoms,” Ms. O told the commission. Increasingly, Ms. O said, “the measures to suppress freedom are being codified into laws, and now they are even trying to change the constitution.”\n\nMs. O’s comments reflected the widespread impression that the left-leaning president, Lee Jae-myung, who took over in a snap election a year ago after the impeachment, ouster, and jailing of his conservative predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, has infringed on the rights of individuals who oppose concessions or dialogue with North Korea.\n\nSouth Korea's president, Lee Jae-myung, campaigning at Seoul, on May 1, 2025. Suh Myung-geon/Yonhap via AP\n\n“And who are the people so focused on eroding freedom in South Korea?” Ms. O asked, rhetorically. “They are pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP), pro-Korean Workers’ Party (in North Korea), anti-ROK, anti-U.S. and anti-Japan. They now control the majority of the levers of power in South Korea.”\n\nMs. O had the support of Representative Chris Smith, co-chairman of the Lantos Commission, named for the late congressman Tom Lantos, a Hungarian who survived the Holocaust and founded the congressional human rights caucus, which was named after him after he died in 2008.\n\nMr. Smith accused Mr. Lee’s government of taking “steps that have had the effect of constraining human rights advocacy related to North Korea.” Among them, he said, were “halting government-sponsored broadcasts into North Korea” and “supporting legislation that allows police to block activists from sending information such as leaflets and digital media into North Korea.”\n\nSuch actions, Mr. Smith said, “directly affect the ability of civil society – especially defector-led organizations to carry out one of the most effective forms of engagement within the North Korean people: the transmission of information.”\n\nNo one feels these views more passionately than the president of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, Suzanne Scholte, who for more than 30 years has been waging what appears to be a losing struggle on behalf of human rights in North Korea.\n\nNow is “the most challenging time in the history of the North Korean human rights movement,” she said at the hearing and then again at a confab at Washington in which North Korean defectors described the horrors they endured before getting out of North Korea.\n\nIn Seoul, Koreans repeatedly say that the South Korean regime is probably less willing to confront North Korea on human rights than at any time in recent years. Newspapers rarely report on the issue while refraining from direct criticism of Mr. Lee and members of his government.\n\nMs. Scholte remained optimistic, noting that the government at least has not stopped defectors from broadcasting for two hours each day from Seoul into North Korea on Free North Korea Radio, One defector, Park Sang-hak, conceded he’s not able to send balloons over North Korea, dropping leaflets exposing the cruelty of the regime as he did before the rise of the Lee government.\n\nThese days, defectors and their advocates have almost as much trouble being heard in South Korea as in North Korea. Conservative newspapers that once criticized ruling officials and their policies are afraid to speak up while the government pleads for dialogue with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un.\n\n“To help understand the scope of the problem,” Ms. O observed at the hearing, “it’s useful to point out that the major media in South Korea do not report in the news on massive rallies where people call for defending South Korea or a strong alliance with the U.S.”\n\nSigns saying “CCP Out,” calling for the Chinese Communist Party to cease its covert activities and get out of South Korea, appear at rallies but not in the newspapers. Charges of election fraud are constantly heard in Seoul but not reported.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2026/05/04/higgins-introduces-legislation-to-close-made-in-america-loophole-in-law-enforcement-body-armor/", "title": "Higgins Introduces Legislation to Close “Made in America” Loophole in Law Enforcement Body Armor", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "clayhiggins.house.gov", "scraper": "clayhiggins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001077", "name": "Clay Higgins", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC) today introduced the Ballistic Armor Made in America Act, legislation that ensures body armor sold to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as “Made in America” actually contains domestically produced ballistic fibers.\n\nUnder current law, armor containing foreign-made fibers can be marketed and sold to law enforcement as “Made in America” without agencies and police departments knowing the difference. While the Department of War (DOW) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already prohibit the use of foreign fibers for warfighters and front-line personnel, the bill would extend those same protections to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and state and local law enforcement. Read the text here.\n\nRep. Higgins said, “Federal law enforcement should wear ballistic armor made in America, not China. This is a national security issue, as well as a matter of integrity in government procurement. As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, I will continue to stand with the Thin Blue Line.”\n\nRep. Harrigan said, “Law enforcement officers are buying body armor they believe is made in America, and in too many cases, they are wrong. Chinese fibers are being woven into these products, stamped with a Made in America label, and sold to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. That is a national security risk, and a betrayal of the people protecting this country. This bill ends it. Full transparency on where these fibers come from, and not a single federal dollar going to armor that does not meet the standard.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/release-congressman-cloud-reintroduces-the-you-own-the-data-act-yoda", "title": "RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Reintroduces the You Own the Data Act (YODA)", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 4th, Congressman Michael Cloud reintroduced the You Own the Data Act (YODA), reaffirming personal ownership of user data, prohibiting companies from collecting and selling private data without consent, and giving Americans tools to protect their privacy.\n\nBig Tech has commodified personal data as a product to be sold for profit. YODA prohibits companies from requiring users to surrender their data as a condition of service, limits data collection to what is reasonably necessary to provide the requested service, and bans tracking cookies without explicit user authorization.\n\nTo give the law teeth, YODA empowers both the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorneys General to pursue enforcement action. It also creates a private right of action, allowing any individual to bring a civil suit against companies with annual gross revenues of $50 million or more.\n\n“The Constitution protects Americans’ right to private property and privacy from unwarranted searches and seizures. That principle doesn’t disappear the moment you open a browser,” said Rep. Cloud.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3567", "title": "Rep. Clyde Congratulates JCHS Twins on U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointments", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "clyde.house.gov", "scraper": "clyde", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001116", "name": "Andrew S. Clyde", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GAINESVILLE, GA — Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored Jackson County High School seniors Colton and Mattox Couch during a signing ceremony celebrating their appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Rep. Clyde proudly nominated the Couch twins for the prestigious appointments.\n\nOn Friday, Jackson County High School hosted family, classmates, friends, and school leaders to recognize Colton and Mattox Couch’s achievements and commitment to military service. After delivering remarks highlighting their accomplishments, Congressman Clyde presented Colton and Mattox with Congressional Certificates of Congratulations and Pledges of Commitment for signature.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=633", "title": "Leger Fernández, Newhouse Introduce Resolution Designating National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced a resolution to designate May 5, 2026, as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.\n\n\"The U.S. can no longer look away from the pain and injustice endured by Indigenous families whose mothers, daughters, sisters, and relatives have gone missing or been murdered,\" said Rep. Leger Fernández. \"Honoring the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is one way to bring national attention to this issue. This crisis exists because we have not created or enforced the laws to protect Indigenous women and children from predators. As a nation, we have a moral responsibility to invest in services for Indian Country so there are no more stolen sisters and no more stolen joy.\"\n\n“Indigenous women and girls continue to face heightened violence that is tearing families and communities apart,\" said Rep. Newhouse.\n\n\"In Washington State alone, there are dozens of open cases of Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, while many of these crimes go under reported or un-reported nationwide. Recognizing May 5, 2026, as a National Day of Awareness shines a light on this epidemic and serves as a reminder to Congress that we must support our threatened native communities and better equip them to solve these heinous crimes. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me in raising awareness to this critical issue.\"\n\nLeger Fernández and Newhouse were joined by Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Ed Case (D-HI), Julie Fedorchak (R-SD), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Andy Biggs (R-AZ) and Eli Crane (R-AZ).\n\nThe resolution is also supported by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, Yakama Nation, Seattle Indian Health Board, Urban Indian Health Institute, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, and Muscogee (Creek) Nation.\n\nHazen Shopbell, Chair of the Tulalip Tribes said, “The Tulalip Tribes stand in solidarity with Tribal Nations across the country in recognizing May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We thank Congressman Dan Newhouse for his continued leadership in bringing national attention to this crisis and for introducing this important resolution. The epidemic of violence against our Native women, girls, and relatives continues to impact every Tribal community and demands sustained, meaningful action. We call on Congress to uphold its trust responsibility by strengthening Tribal sovereignty, fully recognizing Tribal jurisdiction, and ensuring Tribes have the resources needed to protect our people. Today, and every day, we honor the lives taken too soon, stand with the families who continue to seek justice, and renew our commitment to building a future where our communities are safe—where there are no more stolen sisters.”\n\nDustin Klatush, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation said, \"The resolution shines a necessary light on a crisis that our tribal communities have endured for decades. The Chehalis Tribe is hopeful that the federal government can prioritize the deployment of resources to tribal communities to resolve cases of missing and murdered women and girls. The Chehalis Tribe appreciates Congressman Newhouse's attention to and efforts to change federal policy to improve tribal law enforcement.\"\n\nJarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation said,\"The Colville Tribes appreciates and supports the continued efforts of Rep. Dan Newhouse to keep attention focused on the problem of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. The Colville Tribes supports the designation of a ‘National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ and continues to support a federal MMIW law enforcement presence specifically dedicated to serve the Pacific Northwest.\"\n\nShannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians said, “The continued disappearance and murder of Indigenous women and girls is a national failure that demands more than symbolism—it demands action. I strongly commend Congressman Newhouse for reintroducing this resolution to designate May 5, 2026, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This crisis reflects a continued failure to fully uphold the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations. While laws such as Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act were critical steps forward, awareness must now translate into accountability, coordination across jurisdictions, and sustained action to protect Indigenous women and girls.”\n\nGerald Lewis, Chairman, Yakama Nation Tribal Council said, \"The Yakama Nation appreciates Congressman Newhouse’s steadfast commitment to acknowledging and addressing the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous people throughout Indian Country. The burden of having missing and murdered relatives at such distressingly high rates causes immense pain for the people of the Yakama Nation and other tribal nations with large land bases – as we lack the resources to adequately patrol our vast territories. There are many actions that could assist in combating this issue that continues to engrain generational trauma into our people – and progress is being made. To accomplish this, support must be provided to tribal nations' public safety, law enforcement, and justice systems through legislative action and collaboration from all governing bodies; regardless of whether they are at the local, state or federal level. Together we can work to bring our people home and ensure justice.\"\n\nBazil-Lu Windy Boy, Yakama Nation Tribal Council, Chair for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Committee said, \"Indian Country has dealt with unacceptably high levels of crime and harm against our people for far too long. Too many families grieve the loss of a loved one, with no justice or closure to comfort them, because of shortfalls that obstruct initiatives that could combat this crisis. I’ve seen this pain first hand from my time as a tribal police officer and as a member of the Not Invisible Act Commission which developed recommendations on actions the federal government can take to help combat violent crime against Native people and within Indian lands, and to address the MMIP epidemic. The Yakama Nation and tribes across the United States are in immediate need of resources for safety measures and justice services to protect our communities. We appreciate Congressman Newhouse's ongoing work to address the obstacles to Tribal sovereignty and public safety improvements we face today. We must continue working to make our communities safer for current and future generations and ensure that our loved ones and neighbors return home safely every night.”\n\nLucy R. Simpson, CEO, National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) said, \"The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) honors all American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and relatives who have been abducted, murdered, or have gone missing,” said Lucy R. Simpson, CEO, National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC). “This day provides a space for families and communities to raise awareness, seek justice, heal, and advocate for lasting change and accountability. NIWRC strongly supports the designation of May 5, 2026 as the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG.\"\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/5/fitzpatrick-hoyer-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-honor-america-s-public-servants", "title": "Fitzpatrick, Hoyer Lead Bipartisan Effort to Honor America’s Public Servants", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating Public Service Recognition Week, observed from May 3 through May 9, 2026. The bipartisan measure honors the dedication, professionalism, and patriotism of America’s public servants, affirms the essential role they play in serving communities across the country, and calls on Americans to recognize the men and women who carry out this work on their behalf at every level of government.\n\n“A nation is only as strong as the people entrusted to serve it,” said Fitzpatrick. “America’s public servants shoulder responsibilities that touch nearly every part of our national life — from public safety and veterans services to infrastructure, research, national security, and the protection of constitutional rights. Their work is demanding, often unseen, and essential to a government that is accountable, capable, and worthy of the people it serves. As a former federal law enforcement officer, I have seen the discipline, integrity, and sense of duty this work requires. I am grateful to join Congressman Hoyer in honoring the Americans who choose public service as their mission and carry it out every day with professionalism, purpose, and devotion to country.”\n\n\"During Public Service Recognition Week, we highlight the dedication and commitment of the public employees who make a difference in the lives of Americans every day and keep our country moving forward,\" said Hoyer. \"They have continued to show up and use their voices despite the threats to their careers and livelihoods over this past year - and with little recognition or reward. It is critical that Congress continues to ensure that they receive the support and appreciation they deserve. That's why I'm proud to join Rep. Fitzpatrick in introducing a bipartisan resolution to honor Public Service Recognition Week. I hope that everyone will take this week to thank public employees for their contributions and their commitment, and those of us who appreciate all they do will continue our fight to protect them.\"\n\n\"IFPTE thanks Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick for sponsoring this bipartisan resolution honoring Public Service Recognition Week. As a Union representing tens of thousands of government workers at all levels of government, it is critically important that lawmakers from across the political spectrum show their support and appreciation for the vital services that our government employees provide. This is as needed now more than ever as the careers and rights of federal workers, including collective bargaining rights, are under assault. We applaud our friends in Congress for supporting this resolution and continue to appreciate their support for government workers,” said President Matthew Biggs, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).\n\n“Public Service Recognition Week is a time to celebrate and honor our nation's public servants who go to work each day on behalf of their communities and our country. I applaud Representatives Fitzpatrick and Hoyer for leading the House resolution honoring our nation's public servants, and I encourage every lawmaker to take a moment this week to recognize those workers at the federal, state, county, local and tribal government levels who keep our nation moving forward,” said Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.\n\n“Federal employees work every day with dedication and skill, despite the blatant attacks on their jobs, pay, benefits, and workplace rights. I want to thank Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick for leading the effort during Public Service Recognition Week to pay tribute to and thank federal workers for their service and commitment to improving the lives of all Americans,” said NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald.\n\n\"Public Service Recognition Week serves as an opportunity to give thanks to the front-line heroes who keep our communities strong, safe and healthy. Whether they're keeping our streets clean, taking kids to school, or caring for us when we're sick, public service workers show up every single day because they are committed to helping others. When they have a voice on the job, they use that voice to strengthen the public services our communities depend on, strengthening our economy and providing relief to working families. As we pause to honor them this week, let's recommit to supporting their service by investing in them and their life-saving work,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.\n\n“Public service employees represent the best of this country. They are people who choose service over self-interest and put the public good ahead of profit. As we recognize them this week, we should be clear about the alternative: a system driven solely by private interests, where public assets are stripped for profit and accountability disappears. That’s not just unsustainable; it’s dangerous. Thank you to the members of Congress standing up for public service and supporting this resolution. This year, more than ever, that leadership is needed,” said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400175", "title": "Foxx, Scott Introduce Transparency in Billing Act", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "foxx.house.gov", "scraper": "foxx", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000450", "name": "Virginia Foxx", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement on her introduction of the Transparency in Billing Act alongside Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA).\n\n“Patients should always have the information they need to make informed health care decisions – this includes understanding the true costs associated with care. Far too often, many are hit with hidden upcharges and extraneous fees without even knowing it – this is an issue that should be rectified immediately,” said Representative Foxx. “I’m proud to put forward this bipartisan solution with Representative Scott to increase transparency and provide a positive course correction that puts patients first.”\n\n\"We are seeing a growing trend of hospitals acquiring independent physician offices and then charging patients higher prices even if the care they receive is essentially identical to what they received before the hospitals acquired the office. The Transparency in Billing Act prohibits hospitals from billing consumers or private health plans unless they provide sufficient information to allow payers to determine the site at which the care is provided. The American people deserve to know the full picture of the prices they are asked to pay. This bill will help ensure that health care costs are driven by those who provide the highest-quality services—not by those with the most market power,” said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5007", "title": "Frankel: Airport Naming Decisions Should Be Made Locally", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "frankel.house.gov", "scraper": "frankel", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000462", "name": "Lois Frankel", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "West Palm Beach, FL — Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement ahead of the Palm Beach County Commission’s meeting to approve a trademark agreement with the Trump Organization in a step toward renaming Palm Beach International Airport.\n\n“Airports named after presidents have traditionally been designated once they leave office and through decisions made by local communities and local authorities—not imposed from above,” said Rep. Frankel.\n\n“While the County has to comply with State law, what we are seeing is a clear overreach by the State Legislature that forced through this change without meaningful input from the people who actually live here, work here, and rely on Palm Beach International Airport every day.\n\nNaming a major public asset should reflect community consensus and respect local voices. That is not happening here.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-fights-to-protect-washington-state-mail-in-ballot-access", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Fights to Protect Washington State Mail-in Ballot Access ", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez recently pushed the House Appropriations Committee to respect and preserve Washington state’s widely used and secure vote-by-mail system.\n\nDuring a heated debate in the Committee, the Congresswoman encouraged her colleagues to support her amendment to the Financial Services and General Government spending bill, which would prohibit funds from being used by the federal government to restrict access to mail-in voting for any eligible citizen.\n\n“Washington state has been using mail ballots for decades for safe and secure election administration,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Mail-in voting ensures that all Americans, whether working shift jobs, raising young children, or living in rural areas, have their ballots counted. Working people don’t have the time to wait all day in line to vote.”\n\nShe added: “I want to recognize that mail ballots are the gold standard for having a full, auditable paper trail of election records, which aligns with the Election Assistance Commission’s guidance for secure elections.”\n\nFollowing debate in the committee, her amendment was voted down.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez offered a similar amendment in last year’s bill that was also rejected. Recently, she signed a letter with her colleagues calling on the President to revoke his recent executive order restricting access to mail-in voting.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-fedorchak-introduce-legislation-to-protect-access-to-national-memorials-on-federal-property/", "title": "Goodlander, Fedorchak Introduce Legislation to Protect Access to National Memorials on Federal Property", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Concord, N.H. – Last week, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL) introduced legislation to ensure that national memorials located on federal property remain accessible to the public during a government shutdown, particularly for families honoring loved ones who gave their lives in service.\n\n“Memorials are sacred spaces where families from every corner of our country come together to grieve, honor, and remember. No person, no family in America should ever be turned away from the very place that honors the service and sacrifice of a loved one,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Our commonsense, bipartisan legislation will ensure that can never happen again. We owe these families so much more than our gratitude — we owe them dignity, respect, and peace.”\n\n“I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander on this bipartisan effort to make sure families are never denied access to the memorials that honor their loved ones’ service and sacrifice,” said Congresswoman Fedorchak. “These spaces mean so much to those who have given everything for our country, and this legislation helps guarantee they remain open and accessible.”\n\nCongresswoman Goodlander introduced the legislation following outreach from New Hampshire firefighter Chris Wyman, who raised concerns after being unable to visit the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial due to restricted access during a lapse in funding at the Department of Homeland Security. While access to the memorial has since been restored, this legislation seeks to ensure that families are never again denied the opportunity to pay their respects.\n\n“I’m grateful for the effort that Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander has put into ensuring that our nation’s firefighters that we’ve lost in the line of duty are continually honored and their families are supported. This bill strengthens the promise that Congress made many years ago when the National Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial was dedicated, and that the families, friends, and co-workers will always have access to the place where their legacy resides,” said Chris Wyman.\n\nThe National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located on the campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is maintained by the nonprofit National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, not the federal government, yet its location on federal property left it inaccessible during the funding lapse. Unlike memorials in Washington, D.C., which are typically open to the public at all times, this closure prevented grieving families from visiting the site, including those whose loved ones were being honored for the first time.\n\nCongresswoman Goodlander’s legislation would allow continued public access to memorials on federal property during a government shutdown, provided that the memorial is not funded by the federal government and is otherwise open to the public through a federal facility. The bill provides a clear, commonsense fix to prevent unnecessary closures of memorials that rely on nonfederal support.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nThe legislation builds on Congresswoman Goodlander’s broader efforts to protect essential services and prevent the harmful impacts of government shutdowns, ensuring that even in moments of political uncertainty, Americans can continue to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Congresswoman Goodlander has been a strong advocate for firefighters and first responders, including her support for the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure families of fallen firefighters receive the benefits they have earned.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/oregon-airports-to-receive-more-than-3-million-in-federal-investment", "title": "OREGON AIRPORTS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL INVESTMENT", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced that 10 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $3.1 million to improve their infrastructure.\n\n“Small airports throughout our state need and deserve federal investments so Oregonians can count on them for small business support, emergency response, secure travel and more,” Wyden said. “These federal resources advance those key objectives statewide, and I’ll keep battling for similar infrastructure investments to make all airports in Oregon better and safer.”\n\n“Investing in critical airport improvements such as taxiways, helipads, hangars, and more increases safety and strengthens infrastructure across our state,” said Merkley. “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”\n\n“Regional airports are critical to keeping Oregon connected,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In rural communities like Tillamook, investments in transportation infrastructure give small businesses access to markets and make communities more resilient in the event of a disaster. I'm grateful that this funding will support work at the Port of Tillamook Bay.”\n\n\"Small airports are vital for rural Oregonians,” said Rep. Salinas. “They support local businesses and enable emergency responses when our communities need them most. This $1 million investment in McMinnville Municipal Airport will replace aging infrastructure and improve safety for everyone who uses it. I'm proud to help deliver these federal dollars to the airports that keep Oregon connected, and I'll keep pushing to make sure rural communities keep getting the federal investment they deserve.”\n\n\"These infrastructure investments across our regional airports in Corvallis, Florence, Gold Beach and Newport are a win for the economic growth of our rural and coastal communities,”said Rep. Hoyle. “We rely on these federal dollars to build up our airports' resilience in the face of worsening wildfire seasons.\"\n\n“Making it easier to get where you need to go keeps our economy strong and makes everyday life more convenient,” said Rep. Bynum. “Regional airports connect our communities, small businesses, and ensure Oregonians don’t have to drive hours just to access reliable transportation. I am proud to work with my colleagues to secure this critical funding for Oregon.”\n\n“Investments in small airports are invaluable and will pay dividends for Oregonians in the years to come,” said Rep. Dexter. “This funding will support critical improvements to the Troutdale Airport, a key hub for the Port of Portland and our regional economy. I will keep working to bring federal dollars into high-value projects in our community.”\n\nThe awards totaling $3.14 million from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:\n\n$1 million to the city of McMinnville for McMinnville Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone to help pilots; to build 12,500 feet of perimeter fencing and 10 gates.\n\n$417,996 to the city of Burns for Burns Municipal Airport to build a new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building\n\n$400,338 to the city of Florence for the Florence Municipal Airport to acquire and install a new wind cone and segmented circle navigational aid for pilots\n\n$289,000 to the Port of Portland for Troutdale Airport to reseal 13,000 feet of existing taxiways and joints\n\n$274,708 to the city of Ontario for Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad\n\n$245,950 to the city of Corvallis for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,300-foot north taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area\n\n$160,332 to Morrow County for the Lexington Airport to replace the precision approach path indicator for a runway; to replace and relocate the existing precision approach path indicator for another runway\n\n$137,000 to the city of Newport for the Newport Airport to build a new 5,250-square-foot non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage\n\n$137,000 to the Port of Tillamook Bay for the Tillamook Airport to build a new fuel farm by adding two fuel tanks and two self-service pumps and associated apron pavement for a new fuel type\n\n$78,063 to the Port of Gold Beach for Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement; to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement\n\n“The City of McMinnville greatly appreciates the continued federal financial support of safety and security improvements at the McMinnville Municipal Airport,” said airport manager John Paskell. “This important project provides for a significant security upgrade by adding nearly three miles of perimeter security fencing and adds an additional level of safety for pilots by installing a supplement wind cone on the Runway 4 end of the airport’s primary runway. As a developing regional general aviation airport, and as a significant economic asset and job creator in the community, continued federal infrastructure investment in airports is critical in ensuring their viability well into the future, particularly for airports in smaller communities like McMinnville. Those airport improvement dollars go a long way and help protect and preserve the airport’s financial self-sufficiency while also improving the facility.”\n\n“This federal investment is crucial as it ensures our airport infrastructure remains fully functional year-round, which is vital for emergency response and general aviation access in Eastern Oregon,” said Burns City Manager Brenda Engebretson.\n\n“The City of Florence is excited to receive this FAA funding to support the Beacon & Wind Cone Replacement Project at the Florence Municipal Airport,” the city said in a statement. “This project will help to improve essential airport safety infrastructure, as well as support safe and reliable aviation facilities that serve local and regional users. The Florence Municipal Airport is an economic driver for our area that provides a valuable space for commerce, emergency response, and recreational uses. The City of Florence is grateful for the continued support of this regional asset. “\n\n“Ensuring safe and efficient operations is the Port’s top priority, and this federal investment will help to maintain taxiways at Troutdale Airport,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We are grateful for the Oregon delegation’s continued support for our projects to meet the diverse transportation needs of our region.”\n\n\"The recent FAA award for the Lexington Airport to upgrade our precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), is a major win for a small regional airport like ours,” said Morrow County Commissioner Gus Peterson. “This system will allow us to continue to serve our users with improved safety and efficiency as well as allow us to be able to potentially expand in the future. Morrow County is grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve our small but important regional airport.\"\n\n\"We’re grateful to see this investment in Morrow County,\" said Morrow County Commissioner David Sykes. \"Upgrading the lighting systems at the airport is a common-sense move that keeps our pilots safe and ensures one of our important local assets stays in good condition.\"\n\n“Securing funding for a new hangar is significant investment in the future of Newport Municipal Airport,” said Lance Vanderbeck, Newport Municipal Airport Director. “This project will enhance our ability to serve pilots, aircrafts, and improve overall efficiency and safety. Through this funding, we’re better positioned to meet demand and ensure the airport remains a reliable asset for our community.\"\n\n\"As Mayor of Gold Beach, I know the port is critical for emergency services and is an economic development engine,” said Gold Beach Mayor Tamie Kaufman. “This work helps make sure the port can continue being an asset to our community.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2533", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Announces Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AMARILLO, Texas – Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District. This annual nationwide competition invites high school students to showcase their artistic talents, with winning pieces displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.\n\nThis year’s theme, America 250, celebrates 250 years of American freedom, liberty, and the enduring spirit that has shaped our nation.\n\nShae Crawford of Denton, Texas, a student at Ryan High School, earned top honors for her oil pastel of an American Flag titled Still Waving. Her piece represents the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who have fought for generations to secure our freedoms and build this great nation.\n\n“Congratulations to Shae on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “I thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition, including the teachers who helped make the contest possible, and I’m excited to see Shea’s work displayed in our Nation’s Capitol.”\n\nSince its establishment in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has recognized and encouraged the artistic talents of high school students nationwide. This year’s competition drew dozens of entries from students across the district, representing a wide range of mediums including photography, drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and mixed media.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/05/04/smith-congratulates-southeast-missouri-students-accepted-to-service-academies-2/", "title": "Smith Congratulates Southeast Missouri Students Accepted to Service Academies", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "jasonsmith.house.gov", "scraper": "jasonsmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001195", "name": "Jason Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) congratulated students from the 8th Congressional District who accepted appointments to attend U.S. service academies. Five students nominated by Smith received appointments: Christopher Bell of Festus will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lily Coy of Jackson will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Eli Edgy of Piedmont will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, Grayson Maurer of Cape Girardeau will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Bruce Miller of Cape Girardeau will attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Smith released the following statement:\n\n“Congratulations to Christopher Bell, Lily Coy, Eli Edgy, Grayson Maurer, and Bruce Miller on this well-deserved honor,” said Congressman Smith. “Being nominated to a service academy is one of the highest distinctions a young person can receive, and each of these students has earned it through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves.\n\n“Our service academies are some of the top institutions in the world and will certainly challenge these students, but I have no doubt they will take the challenge head on and dutifully prepare for their careers in military service. I can’t wait to see what their future holds and all that they accomplish in this next season of their lives.”\n\nOn Sunday, April 26, Congressman Smith hosted the appointees and their families for a celebratory dinner in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri\n\nChristopher Bell, Festus High School, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nLily Coy, Notre Dame High School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and run cross country.\n\nEli Edgy, a home-schooled student from Piedmont, will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nGrayson Maurer, Notre Dame High School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and run track.\n\nBruce Miller, Cape Central High School, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy.\n\nApplicants are considered on the basis of leadership skills, academic success, physical ability, and extracurricular activities. A committee of community leaders and academy graduates, handpicked by Congressman Smith, review each application, interview the students and make nomination recommendations to Smith.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/04/joint-statement-from-leader-jeffries-ranking-member-morelle-on-new-york-redistricting/", "title": "JOINT STATEMENT FROM LEADER JEFFRIES, RANKING MEMBER MORELLE ON NEW YORK REDISTRICTING", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle released a statement announcing a redistricting initiative, the New York Democracy Project.\n\n“House Republicans have failed and the American people know it,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “That is why GOP extremists have concluded the only way to win in November is to rig the national congressional map, beginning with Texas. Democrats fought back. We have thwarted Donald Trump’s desperate scheme through Prop 50 in California, a referendum in Virginia, regaining a seat in Utah, pushing the extremists back in Ohio and stopping Republicans in Indiana, New Hampshire, Kansas and Nebraska.”\n\nLeader Jeffries added: “While far-right extremists on the Supreme Court have twice recklessly cleared the path for partisan gerrymandering, Democrats refuse to unilaterally disarm. Today, I have asked Ranking Member Morelle, the former Majority Leader in the New York State Assembly, to travel to Albany to meet with State leaders tomorrow on redrawing New York’s congressional districts for the balance of the decade in response to the Callais decision and the recent action in Florida.”\n\n“This is just the beginning. Across the nation, we will sue, we will redraw and we will win. House Democrats will not allow a MAGA majority to be built on rigged maps and the dilution of Black voting strength. Ultimately, this will end poorly for Republican extremists. It’s the American people who get to decide who wins the majority in Congress, not Donald Trump.”\n\n“The Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling is the latest civil rights and democratic disaster,” said Ranking Member Joe Morelle. “As Donald Trump and his Republican allies intensify extreme partisan redistricting efforts, I am proud to be entrusted by Leader Jeffries to work with partners in New York to explore every option to protect voters in 2026, 2028, and beyond. We will not allow these efforts to silence communities or undermine fair representation. We will fight, we will win, and we will protect the voters’ voice.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais represents a further escalation in the Court’s narrowing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and arrives as Republican-led states move aggressively to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections. In states including Louisiana and Florida, recent and ongoing map-drawing efforts have underscored how these legal shifts are being used to advance partisan advantage, including through the reduction or reconfiguration of majority-Black districts. These developments, aligned with broader Republican redistricting strategies and backed by allies of President Trump, have raised significant concerns about the erosion of fair representation just as the 2026 cycle begins to take shape.\n\nIn response, Leader Hakeem Jeffries is working with partners across the nation to assess all lawful options to protect voters and ensure that representation remains responsive to communities rather than engineered political outcomes.\n\nAs a part of the Leader’s efforts, Ranking Member Joe Morelle will meet with Governor Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris to discuss a cohesive state response. Ranking Member Morelle will encourage New York leaders to consider:\n\nA legal and constitutional review of New York’s strongest tools to protect voting rights.\n\nA 2027 state constitutional change, potentially in line with Sen. Gianaris’ proposed bill, if determined to be the strongest path.\n\nState-level safeguards against voter suppression and discriminatory election rules.\n\nStrong protections for election workers, local election officials and election infrastructure.\n\nPublic education and rapid response to misinformation and voter intimidation.\n\nCoordination with national democracy, civil rights and legal organizations on additional safeguards.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-release-purported-epstein-suicide-note-presses-doj", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Demands Release of Purported Epstein Suicide Note, Presses DOJ on Previously Unreported, Sealed Document", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, today sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche demanding the Department of Justice work with a federal judge to unseal, review, and publicly release a purported suicide note attributed to Jeffrey Epstein that has reportedly remained sealed since 2019.\n\nIn the letter, Krishnamoorthi calls on DOJ to work with U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas to obtain and unseal the document, citing reporting that the note was discovered by Epstein’s cellmate, provided to defense counsel, and later sealed in unrelated federal proceedings—without public release and potentially outside prior federal investigative or disclosure efforts.\n\n“I write to demand that the Department of Justice work with U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas to unseal a purported suicide note attributed to Jeffrey Epstein. This note must be immediately reviewed and publicly released to aid federal officials who are investigating Jeffrey Epstein and the circumstances around his death,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.\n\n“The Department of Justice has yet to make any arrests other than Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, despite the existence of millions of documents that suggest a vast network of sex traffickers, including many high-profile individuals at the center,” he continued. “It is critical that the Department avoid the appearance of covering up for criminals simply because of a person’s status and resources.”\n\nKrishnamoorthi requested answers by May 18, 2026, to the following questions:\n\nHas the Department of Justice or any of its components—including the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the Department’s Office of Inspector General—ever obtained, reviewed, or sought access to this purported note? If not, when and how did the Department first become aware of its existence?\n\nDid the Department consider this document within the scope of materials relevant to its prior investigative or disclosure efforts related to Mr. Epstein?\n\nWhat steps, if any, has the Department taken to verify the existence and authenticity of this document?\n\nDoes the Department intend to seek unsealing of this note or otherwise facilitate its public release? If not, why not?\n\nAre there additional Epstein-related materials known to exist that were not included in prior Department reviews or disclosures?", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/rep-lucas-applauds-house-passage-of-2026-farm-bill", "title": "Rep. Lucas Applauds House Passage of 2026 Farm Bill", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": null, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) applauded House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.\n\n“I’m pleased to see, after years of hard work, the 2026 Farm Bill pass the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Congressman Lucas. “This bill reauthorizes a suite of critical research, rural development, and credit programs that will invest into our communities and create rural resiliency for decades to come. It also focuses on expanding and investing into market access programs abroad, and it ensures that voluntary conservation programs continue to reflect the needs of producers. As former Chairman of the House Ag Committee, I have experienced firsthand what it takes to pass a comprehensive farm bill, and I commend everyone that worked so hard to get this over the finish line. I look forward to building on this success to help create a final product for President Trump to sign into law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/rep-lucas-delivers-opening-remarks-at-house-financial-services-task-force-hearing", "title": "Rep. Lucas Delivers Opening Remarks at House Financial Services Task Force Hearing", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": null, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03), Chairman of the House Financial Services Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity, delivered opening remarks at a hearing examining derivatives’ role in the Treasury market.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nWelcome to today’s Task Force hearing examining derivatives’ role in the Treasury market. Thank you to our witnesses for providing their invaluable expertise.\n\nThe Treasury market is the deepest, most liquid, most important market in the world. Today we’re discussing an aspect of the Treasury market that continues to grow in popularity and raises important questions ahead of anticipated market structure changes and capital rulemaking.\n\nPart of the depth and liquidity of the Treasury market is driven by trading on swaps, options, and futures on the underlying cash Treasury.\n\nThese derivatives markets are key to managing risk. They allow market participants to hedge their exposures, creating demand for Treasuries, increasing market liquidity, and supporting price discovery and health of the broader Treasury market.\n\nAs a recent paper from the Chicago Fed has pointed out: “enhanced liquidity in the derivatives market strengthens the functioning of the cash market” and “the enhanced liquidity supports more stable, lower-cost public financing.”\n\nIt’s important that Congress continues to support the resilience of the Treasury derivatives markets as these instruments are so closely linked to the bedrock of the global financial system.\n\nWe must especially pay attention now as the industry undergoes a fundamental market structure shift with the looming deadlines for central clearing of Treasury cash and repo in December and next June, respectively.\n\nThe SEC, under the leadership of Chairman Atkins, has been responsive to industry comments and proposals to make sure the transition to mandatory clearing causes no disruptions in the Treasury market. A recent example includes the approval of two additional CCPs, increasing customer choice and competition while reducing concentration risk.\n\nDemand for Treasury derivatives is rising and with it demand for cash and for clearing. It is absolutely critical that our capacity for clearing these transactions rises in kind.\n\nLast week the SEC and CFTC also granted exemptive relief to allow customer cross-margining of off-setting exposures of cash and futures positions for Treasuries.\n\nThis is a welcome step to ease the transition to mandatory clearing, and as witness testimony has pointed out, will allow the redeployment of capital back into our Treasury markets.\n\nI’m hopeful that all this risk-reducing activity will be fully recognized in the capital rules proposed by the bank regulators as we discussed yesterday in the full committee hearing on the topic.\n\nWe have substantial data and experience on the benefits of clearing from a risk management and margin efficiency standpoint due to its use in derivatives markets, but getting the transition right to the broader Treasury market will take Congress, the regulators, and the industry working in lock step together.\n\nI look forward to our discussion today.\n\nI yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://lucas.house.gov/posts/rep-lucas-implores-colleagues-to-support-the-2026-farm-bill", "title": "Rep. Lucas Implores Colleagues to Support the 2026 Farm Bill", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lucas.house.gov/press", "domain": "lucas.house.gov", "scraper": "lucas", "member": null, "text": "Washington, DC – Yesterday, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) delivered remarks on the House floor advocating for farmers by imploring his colleagues to vote in support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker.\n\nI’m pleased to stand here today to offer my enthusiastic support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.\n\nAs the former Chairman of this committee, I have been down this road before and while passing a comprehensive farm bill is never easy, the rewards can be seen in tangible ways in every facet of our communities.\n\nThey can be seen not just on the farm, but in the grocery stores, universities, fire stations, community facilities, and rural hospitals across our country.\n\nTo my colleagues who will cast their vote tomorrow, whether you represent a top agriculture district, small towns, or a booming metropolis, the policies in this bill affect you.\n\nThis bill will ensure that American farmers can continue to raise the food and fiber that ultimately finds its way into your home, and it will ensure that the next generation can continue that legacy.\n\nI urge my colleagues to vote yes with me on final passage, and I want to thank Chairman Thompson for bringing forth this bill today.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5C1B217F-9070-4C22-A9E1-4B50D892C913", "title": "McBath Announces Winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcbath.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mcbath.house.gov", "scraper": "mcbath", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001208", "name": "Lucy McBath", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Atlanta, GA — This weekend, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) hosted students and their families at the Cultural Arts Council Douglasville for her 2026 Sixth District Congressional Art Competition reception and awards ceremony. During the event, she announced the top 3 winners for this year’s competition.\n\n“I am so proud of how well-represented our entire district was in this competition,” McBath said. “It is a joy each year to celebrate the talent and creativity on display by young people in our community. I give thanks to their parents and teachers who helped inspire a love of the arts at such a young age. Congratulations to our winners and to all our competing students!”\n\nThis year’s competition received 25 submissions from 10 high schools across Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District. Schools represented in the competition were Atlanta Classical Academy, Atlanta International School, Chapel Hill High School, Creekside High School, Douglas County High School, The Galloway School, McEachern High School, New Manchester High School, North Atlanta High School, and Woodward Academy. A digital gallery of all 25 submissions can be viewed on McBath’s website at https://mcbath.house.gov/art-competition.\n\nThe winners of the Sixth District 2026 Congressional Art Competition are:\n\nThird Place: Amya Newell, Crossandra (McEachern High School)\n\nSecond Place: Tim Wang, Still Face (Woodward Academy)\n\nFirst Place: Sarah Vinnik, Out of The Moment (North Atlanta High School)\n\nPictured above: Rep. McBath with competing students at Saturday’s competition\n\nPictured above from left to right: Amya Newell, Rep. McBath, Tim Wang, and Sarah Vinnik\n\nThe first-place winner of the competition will have their work displayed in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol. The second-place winner will have their work displayed in Rep. McBath’s Washington, D.C. office. The third-place winner will have their work displayed in Rep. McBath’s Atlanta district office.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405681", "title": "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for May", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of May.\n\nMay 12, 2026\n\nTazewell County (Richlands): 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nTown of Richlands Offices\n\n200 Washington Sq\n\nRichlands, VA 24641\n\nBuchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm\n\nTown of Grundy Offices\n\n1185 Plaza Dr.\n\nGrundy, VA 24614\n\nMay 13, 2026\n\nScott County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCounty Administrator’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n190 Beech Street\n\nGate City, VA 24251\n\nLee County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nLee County Sheriff’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n33640 Main Street\n\nJonesville, VA 24263\n\nWise County (Big Stone Gap): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nBig Stone Gap Municipal Complex\n\n216 Wood Ave. E\n\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219\n\nMay 14, 2026\n\nGiles County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nTown of Pearisburg Offices\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n112 Tazewell Street\n\nPearisburg, VA 24134\n\nBland County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nBland County Courthouse\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n612 Main Street\n\nBland, VA 24315\n\nWythe County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nWythe County Sheriff’s Office\n\nConference Room\n\n245 South 4th Street\n\nWytheville, VA 24382\n\nRadford: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nRadford Recreation Building\n\n200 George Street\n\nRadford, VA 24141\n\nSmyth County: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm\n\nSmyth County Administrator’s Office\n\nConference Room, Suite 100\n\n121 Bagley Circle\n\nMarion, VA 24354\n\nPulaski County: 2:30 pm – 4:00pm\n\nPulaski County Administration Building\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n143 3rd Street NW\n\nPulaski, VA 24301\n\nMay 19, 2026\n\nCraig County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCraig County Courthouse\n\n108 Court Street\n\nNew Castle, VA 24127\n\nRoanoke County: 11:30am – 1:00pm\n\nSouth County Library\n\nMeeting Room\n\n6303 Merriman Road\n\nRoanoke, VA 24018\n\nMay 20, 2026\n\nCarroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am\n\nCarroll County Administration Building\n\nCounty Administrator’s Office, Conference Room\n\n605 – 1 Pine Street\n\nHillsville, VA 24343\n\nGalax: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n\nGalax Municipal Building\n\nConference Room\n\n111 E. Grayson Street\n\nGalax, VA 24333\n\nGrayson County: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nGrayson County Administration Building\n\nBoard of Supervisors Room\n\n129 Davis Street\n\nIndependence, VA 24348\n\nMay 21, 2026\n\nTazewell County (Tazewell): 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nAmerican Legion Building\n\n226 Central Avenue\n\nTazewell, VA 24651\n\nRussell County: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm\n\nTown of Lebanon Government Offices\n\n72 Gibson Street\n\nLebanon, VA 24266\n\nMay 26, 2026\n\nDickenson County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nCenter for Education & Research\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room #155\n\n818 Happy Valley Drive\n\nClintwood, VA 24228\n\nNorton: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nHigh Knob Destination Center, Conference Room\n\n1147 Laurel Ave SW\n\nNorton, VA 24273\n\nWise County (Wise): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm\n\nWise County Courthouse\n\nLaw Library, Second Floor\n\n206 E. Main Street\n\nWise, VA 24293\n\nMay 27, 2026\n\nHenry County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am\n\nHenry County Administration Building\n\nSummerlin Room - Board of Supervisors Meeting Chambers\n\n3300 Kings Mountain Rd\n\nMartinsville, VA 24112\n\nPatrick County: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm\n\nPatrick County Administration Building\n\nConference Room\n\n106 Rucker Street\n\nStuart, VA 24171\n\nFloyd County: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm\n\nTown of Floyd Government Offices\n\nCommunity Room\n\n203 East Oxford St\n\nFloyd, VA 24091\n\nMay 28, 2026\n\nBedford County: 9:00am – 10:30am\n\nTown of Bedford Municipal Building\n\nFirst Floor Conference Room\n\n215 E. Main Street\n\nBedford, VA 24523\n\nFranklin County: 12:00pm – 1:30pm\n\nFranklin County Government Center\n\nConference Room B-23\n\n1255 Franklin Street\n\nRocky Mount, VA 24151\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-condemns-the-prosecution-of-southern-poverty-law-center", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams Condemns the Prosecution of Southern Poverty Law Center", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led 16 other members of Congress in condemning the Department of Justice for its prosecution efforts of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).\n\nOn Tuesday, April 21, the Department of Justice sought and obtained an indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center on 11 counts of wire and bank fraud. The indictment that the Department of Justice sought was a troubling escalation of the attacks on non-profits, educational institutions and law firms, an ever expanding enemies list.\n\nThe Members wrote:\n\n“The prosecution efforts of your Justice Department are troubling, sinister, and suspect. We condemn these efforts in the strongest possible terms and will not allow the Department of Justice to dismantle civil rights organizations while simultaneously abdicating your civil rights responsibilities.”\n\n“The Department of Justice is weaponizing its powers to weaken the Southern Poverty Law Center and the entire infrastructure of civil rights advocacy. Your attack on the Southern Poverty Law Center began last year when the Department of Justice completely severed its relationship with the Southern Poverty Law Center, a relationship going back decades. Now, your indictment represents a dangerous departure from anti-white supremacist work that Department of Justice has pursued for decades and that Southern Poverty Law Center conducts to protect our communities.”\n\n“This indictment not only impacts the efficacy and operation of the Southern Poverty Law Center; it also sends a chilling message to other civil rights organizations. As the Trump Administration continues to implement policies which limit and curtail the fundamental rights of Americans. The message is clear:if you stand up against your administration’s civil rights abuses, then you will endanger your tax-exempt status, and come under legal fire.”\n\nIn addition, the Members demanded answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat is the history and practice of the FBI using paid informants in its investigations?\n\nWhich official from the Trump Administration ordered this investigation and pursuit of the subsequent indictment?\n\nWhat data do you have to prove that the use of paid informants “manufactures the extremism” of the white supremacist groups the Southern Poverty Law Center was investigating?\n\nAre there any other organizations on your list that you plan to indict for similar charges?\n\nIf so, which groups are under investigation for similar charges, and what evidence do you have to show that these organizations criminally misused funds?\n\nThe letter was signed by: Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Rep. Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02), Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. André Carson (IN-07), Rep. Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL)", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winners-hosts-reception-for-nh-student-artists", "title": "Pappas Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners, Hosts Reception for NH Student Artists", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) hosted high school artists from across the First District, their families, and community leaders for a reception at the Currier Museum of Art as part of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Congressman Pappas presented this year’s first-place award to Julia Thomas, a student at Raymond High School. Second and third-place recognition was awarded to Sophie Roux, a student at Manchester Central High School, and Chrystiana Badoian, a student at Bedford High School, respectively.\n\nThe panel of judges also awarded honorable mentions to Nathan St. Louis from Goffstown High School, Daniel Kim from Phillips Exeter Academy, Lora Kotlyarsky from Pinkerton Academy, Sam Pearson from Pinkerton Academy, and Leelabari Adumene from Manchester Memorial High School.\n\n“With the Congressional Art Competition, we remember to recognize and celebrate how important arts education is to our young people and uplift young talent. This year, we received 56 excellent submissions from student artists across the First District this year. Their paintings, photographs, and other media showcase everything from New Hampshire’s beautiful landscapes and incredible works of self-reflection and family,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m glad to be able to celebrate all of these impressive, thoughtful, and creative works of art, and I thank each student who shared their skill and passion with us.”\n\nEach spring Congressman Pappas has hosted the First District’s art contest as part of a nationwide high school arts competition sponsored by Members of Congress in collaboration with the Congressional Institute. The competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in New Hampshire.\n\nHigh school students who attend schools in or live in New Hampshire's First Congressional District are eligible to participate. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol as part of an exhibit with winners from around the country.\n\n2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners in New Hampshire's First Congressional District:\n\nFirst Place: Julia Thomas, Raymond High School, “Keeping the Fire”\n\nSecond Place:, Sophie Roux, Manchester Central High School, “The Dreamer”\n\nThird Place:, Chrystiana Badoian, Bedford High School, “Unapologetically Flo: Florynce Kennedy”\n\nHonorable Mentions:\n\nNathan St. Louis, Goffstown High School, “Beach”\n\nDaniel Kim, Phillips Exeter Academy, “Silent Reflection”\n\nLora Kotlyarsky, Pinkerton Academy, “From the Waters”\n\nSam Pearson, Pinkerton Academy, “Splash”\n\nLeelabari Adumene, Manchester Memorial High School, “Roots”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-goodlander-raise-concerns-over-forest-service-reorganization-call-for-efforts-to-be-halted", "title": "Pappas, Goodlander Raise Concerns Over Forest Service Reorganization, Call for Efforts to be Halted", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pappas.house.gov", "scraper": "pappas", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000614", "name": "Chris Pappas", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined 60 of their colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service opposing the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service. This would close New Hampshire’s Bartlett Experimental Forest and put other facilities, including those at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, at risk.\n\nThe members wrote: “We write to express our strong opposition to the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service announced by the Department of Agriculture on March 31, 2026. The Forest Service manages more than 193 million acres of public lands across our nation, making it the federal government’s second-largest public lands agency. The decision to relocate the agency’s headquarters and eliminate its world-class research program undermines our efforts to confront the dual crises of climate change and catastrophic wildfires while worsening the already severe loss of staff and expertise since the start of President Trump’s second term.”\n\nThey continued: “This reorganization proposal would close 57 of the agency’s 77 research stations across 31 states, including stations that study wildfire, drought, pests, and climate change—all of which pose immediate and growing threats to our national forests and nearby communities—and threaten to take decades of staff expertise with them. Already, this administration’s efforts to dismantle the Forest Service have led to a nearly 40 percent reduction in hazardous fuels work, leaving forests, public lands, and surrounding communities vulnerable, and the proposed reorganization threatens to make that damage even worse.”\n\nThey concluded: “We therefore ask that you provide Congress with the details of any consultations, comment opportunities, analysis, and decision-making processes related to this proposal so that Congress can fully evaluate it and represent the interests of our constituents and the American people, who have a direct stake in keeping Forest Service lands public, accessible, and healthy.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6769", "title": "‘Outrageous and Needlessly Cruel’: Pingree Statement on Kennedy Center Firing Union Members", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "pingree.house.gov", "scraper": "pingree", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000597", "name": "Chellie Pingree", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the Kennedy Center, released the following statement after the Center reportedly fired staff who are members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union:\n\nAs Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Pingree successfully removed language from the 2026 Appropriations bill that would have renamed the Opera House after Melania Trump.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-75th-national-day-prayer", "title": "Amata Highlights 75th National Day of Prayer", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in honor and observance of the 75th National Day of Prayer:\n\nAmerican Samoa's firefighters in prayer\n\n“The National Day of Prayer is a meaningful continuous 75-year tradition, with instances of proclaimed days of prayer before that. This year’s theme is Glorify God Among the Nations - Seeking Him in All Generations, which is based on I Chronicles 16:24. This verse states, ‘Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.’\n\n“Since 1952, the National Day of Prayer has been designated yearly by Congress, now observed consistently the first Thursday of May, and marked annually by a presidential proclamation. It is a special call to pray in unity for the country’s future, for peace, while expressing gratitude to God for our freedoms and blessings.\n\n“In American Samoa, we are always a people of prayer and faith. On Thursday, we gladly join millions across the United States in refreshing our prayers and uniting our hearts in seeking God in our generation, and God’s glory among the nations.\n\n“As we voice our own prayers and thankfulness, shaped by diverse lives, families, and churches, we can come together in prayers for God’s care in our nation and world, wisdom for leaders, peace for our young people’s lives, along with freedom, joy, and purpose.\n\n“We pray for our own people of American Samoa, our decisions here, and especially the safety of our men and women in the Armed Forces. As we observe the 2026 National Day of Prayer, may God bless American Samoa and the United States.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-18T06:31:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-18T06:33:05Z"}
{"url": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-teacher-appreciation-week-2", "title": "Amata Highlights Teacher Appreciation Week", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "radewagen.house.gov", "scraper": "radewagen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000600", "name": "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "party": "Republican", "state": "AS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is thanking teachers at the start of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, and released the following statement.\n\nCongresswoman Amata with 2025 Teacher of the Year Mikaela Saelua and her parents Rep Fiu and Catherine Saelua (002)\n\n“Thank you so much to all our dedicated teachers. I am usually able to attend most of our graduations, and I’m always so appreciative of everyone that makes those joyful days possible for our students and parents each year. Many of us can look to back to an excellent teacher who made a difference in our lives, and the teacher often does not even realize the potentially life-changing impact they are making at the time. Teaching can often be a calling or a life’s work, and the best teachers have a special ability to explain their topic, recognize the efforts of young people, and often keep a lifelong youthful sense of humor or zeal from spending days around our youth.\n\n“I will always support federal investment in education, school infrastructure, and technology. Our students deserve the best start in life we can give them and then opportunities to consider higher education possibilities. The Members of Congress from the Pacific territories have a bill to establish in-state tuition opportunities for islanders going to universities, and here at home, I’ve obtained a $3 million designation for ASCC with the increases to the ASG/OIA operations fund. The 2027 appropriations process has just begun and I will keep you informed on the next round of funding.\n\n“This week, we want our teachers to know our respect, appreciation, and love!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-18T06:31:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-18T06:33:05Z"}
{"url": "https://rulli.house.gov/2026/05/04/rulli-condemns-uk-speech-laws-amid-royal-visit/", "title": "Rulli Condemns UK Speech Laws Amid Royal Visit", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rulli.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "rulli.house.gov", "scraper": "rulli", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000619", "name": "Michael A. Rulli", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as King Charles III visits the United States, Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-6) introduced a resolution expressing support for the citizens of the United Kingdom as they continue to face assaults on their rights to free speech and freedom of expression.\n\nThis resolution condemns the ongoing assault on freedom of speech and expression by officials of the United Kingdom, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Other officials of the United Kingdom have sought to extradite Elon Musk and other Americans for exercising their rights to free speech and expression.\n\n“During this 250th year of American independence from the United Kingdom, we renew our call to the British government to respect the fundamental freedoms of our cousins across the ocean,” said Congressman Rulli. “Our Founding Fathers made clear that the right to speak freely and to criticize one’s government without fear of punishment is a cornerstone of any free society. Yet today, those principles are being chipped away. Prime Minister Starmer’s continued erosion of these values are spiraling the United Kingdom toward a dystopian future.”\n\nRulli continued, “It is essential that we stand with nations that uphold and defend these shared principles and condemn those that do not. We must never forget that our country was founded on the courage to challenge oppression and the unwavering belief in individual liberty.”\n\nThis resolution also reaffirms that the Constitution reigns supreme over any comments or actions by officials of the United Kingdom and urges the Trump Administration to disavow any laws or orders of the United Kingdom that infringe upon freedom of speech or expression.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401962", "title": "Rep. Simpson Cosponsors DAIRY PRIDE Act", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 8414, the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday or DAIRY PRIDE Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring the accurate labeling of dairy products and protecting consumers from misleading marketing. This legislation is sponsored by Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and Josh Riley (D-NY).\n\n“Milk comes from a cow—not an almond or coconut or anything plant-based,” said Rep. Simpson. “As we strive to Make America Healthy Again, consumers must be provided with honest nutritional labeling. I represent one of the most dairy-productive districts in the nation, and I remain committed to being a voice for dairy in Congress. I’m proud to cosponsor this common sense measure once again.”\n\nCongressman Simpson has long supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act and efforts to prevent milk alternatives or plant-based products from being marketed or misbranded using terms commonly associated with dairy products.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-stevens-introduces-release-your-taxes-act", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Stevens Introduces “Release Your Taxes Act”", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "stevens.house.gov", "scraper": "stevens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001215", "name": "Haley M. Stevens", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "May 4, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. – In case you missed it, last week Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens introduced the Release Your Taxes Act. After leading by example and releasing her own 2025 tax returns, Rep. Stevens is now calling on her fellow Members of Congress and congressional candidates to do the same. This legislation is designed to force federal lawmakers to meet the public’s demand for transparency and ensure that those in power are held to the same financial standards as hard-working Michiganders. By mandating total disclosure, Rep. Stevens is working to eliminate financial secrecy in Washington and prove that public service is about serving the people, not getting rich in office.\n\nHere’s what Michiganders are seeing about Rep. Haley Stevens pushing to make sure Congress puts constituents first not personal profit:\n\nMichigan Advance: Haley Stevens introduces bill calling on all members of Congress to release their tax returns\n\nBy: Ben Solis\n\nStevens’ “Release Your Taxes Act” would require all congressional lawmakers in both chambers — as well as candidates for Congress — to disclose their tax returns each year.\n\n“There are already too many millionaires in Congress,” Stevens said in a statement. “Americans agree, and they deserve to know who they are voting for each election.”\n\nMembers and candidates who do not comply with disclosure requirements will have their names listed on the public database until they comply, or for six years after the date on which the individual is no longer a member or a candidate.\n\n“I’m not a millionaire, and at a time when Michiganders are sick and tired of politicians running for office to get rich, we owe the public the transparency they deserve,” Stevens added. “This bill would make every Member of Congress and candidate to do the same.”\n\nWashington Post: Early Brief – What We’re Watching\n\nBy: Matthew Choi & Dan Merica\n\nRep. Haley Stevens…is introducing a bill today that would require all members of and candidates for Congress to disclose their tax returns in a publicly searchable database. Those who did not would be named and shamed on the database for up to six years.\n\n“Trust has really broken down,” Stevens told us. “Trust in our government institutions and government officials — a president who would never release his tax returns.”\n\n“I recently took the step and released my tax returns, in part because of the cost-increasing measures that have just whacked Michiganders, and because I’m not a millionaire,” Stevens told us.\n\nWLNS: Stevens introduces bill requiring members of Congress to publicly release tax returns\n\nBy Brad LaPlante\n\nU.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, introduced legislation Thursday that would require all members of Congress and congressional candidates to publicly disclose their federal tax returns each year.\n\nStevens says it’s a challenge to a culture of financial secrecy in Washington.\n\nThe bill comes days after Stevens voluntarily released her tax return ahead of Tax Day. Her return showed an adjusted gross income of $169,970, a standard deduction of $22,272, and a total tax liability of $28,249. The return showed that she earned no income outside her congressional salary.\n\n“I’m not a millionaire, and at a time when Michiganders are sick and tired of politicians running for office to get rich, we owe the public the transparency they deserve,” Stevens said, announcing the legislation.\n\nEarlier this year, Stevens also introduced a bill that would prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks, though several other efforts to rein in stock trading by Congress are underway.\n\nWJR:\n\n“It became apparent to me, that as we run for office and serve in federal office, we do financial disclosures. But why not just release tax returns and actually just show your standing?”\n\n“I, unlike many people, maybe some in our White House, I haven't been using my position in elected office to get rich. Actually, far from it. And so voters in these times of high distrust. What they feel as though is corruption, and in some cases, it obviously is.”\n\n“You know, I've also written legislation to ban stock trading, not only for elected officials, but also their spouses and their children, and extend that over to the president and vice president and candidates for those offices. Why not take the step of seeing tax returns come forward?”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3755", "title": "Congressman Valadao Announces the Winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement announcing the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in California’s 22nd Congressional District. The winning entry, titled July 7, 2012, is a mixed-media piece created by Emily Romero, an 11th-grade student at Hanford High School. Last week, Congressman Valadao called Emily to congratulate her on her achievement.\n\n“Congratulations to Emily Romero of Hanford High School on her winning entry, and thank you to all the talented students across California’s 22nd Congressional District who shared their artwork,” said Congressman Valadao. “Emily’s piece, July 7, 2012, beautifully captures the spirit of a local county fair while celebrating the enduring traditions of classic Americana, which are especially meaningful as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. I look forward to seeing her work each time I walk through the U.S. Capitol.”\n\nThe winning entry, July 7, 2012, by Emily Romero of Hanford High School, is a mixed media piece utilizing colored pencil and marker depicting a child riding the merry-go-round at the fair. This piece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from congressional districts across the country for one year. Emily will also be invited to visit Washington, D.C. to attend a reception sponsored by the Congressional Institute, which hosts the annual competition.\n\nThe People’s Choice winner, selected by popular vote, is Elidia, a black-and-white photograph by Albert Garcia, a 12th-grade student at Del Oro High School in Bakersfield. The image portrays Albert’s abuela, Elidia, capturing a quiet Christmas Eve moment as she shares a story in the warmth of their home. Behind her, photographs of La Virgen and her husband add context to the memory and personal history reflected in the scene.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2038", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Slams Big Oil for Profiting While Americans Pay More at the Pump", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew criticized major oil companies as gas prices remain high and continue to strain American families.\n\n\"These companies are taking advantage of the situation, plain and simple,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"What is happening in the Middle East is being used as an excuse to maximize profits while hardworking Americans are stuck paying absurd prices. We have strong production here in the United States. We have supply. Prices should not be this high without companies doing everything they can to bring some relief to the people. These are American companies, and they should act like it. Put the American people and our own economy first. We can and should do better.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/04/vindman-leads-bipartisan-effort-to-ban-u-s-service-members-from-using-prediction-markets-to-bet-on-national-security-matters/", "title": "Vindman Leads Bipartisan Effort to Ban U.S. Service Members from Using Prediction Markets to Bet on National Security Matters", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman’s Effort Follows the Arrest of a U.S. Special Operations Soldier Charged with Using Classified Information to Place Bets on Polymarket\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) today led 15 Members of Congress in sending a bipartisan letter to Secretary Pete Hegseth urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to issue a general order prohibiting military personnel from using prediction markets to bet on national security-related events.\n\nThe request follows the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charging an active-duty Special Operations soldier with using classified information tied to the raid that captured Nicolás Maduro to place bets on Polymarket, profiting more than $400,000.\n\nPrediction market contracts have increasingly tracked sensitive military developments, including active bets tied to operations near Kharg Island and past contracts related to the rescue of downed U.S. pilots.\n\nPlatforms like Polymarket allow users to wager on geopolitical and military outcomes, raising serious legal and ethical concerns when insiders may have access to classified, nonpublic information. These activities risk operational security, undermine mission integrity, and open the door to exploitation by those with privileged information.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers call on Secretary Hegseth to issue a department-wide order or regulation banning such activity and urge clear guardrails for those entrusted with access to sensitive national security information. It also asks that service members who violate this order be held accountable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.\n\nIn addition to Vindman, the letter is signed by U.S. Representatives Troy Downing (R-Mont.-02), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.-06), Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.-18), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.-06), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Wesley Bell (D-Mo.-01), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.-02), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.-01), George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.-02), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), and Herb Conaway (D-N.J.-03).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found below, and a copy of the letter with the appendix and signatures can be found here.\n\n—\n\nSecretary Hegseth,\n\nOn April 23, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) charged an active duty, special operations U.S. Army soldier with using classified information to place bets on the prediction market Polymarket. DOJ alleges the soldier, who participated in the raid that captured Nicolas Maduro, wagered on both the timing and outcome of the operation and profited over $400,000 on those bets. If these allegations are proven true, this conduct is a profound betrayal of the soldier’s oath and an outrageous breach of the trust placed in those to uphold our national security, to guard our nation’s most sensitive secrets, and an unconscionable affront to his fellow soldiers.\n\nWe are certain you have seen additional reporting explaining the troubling and illegal use of prediction markets to profit on other bets regarding U.S. military action in places like Iran and Venezuela. Despite assurances from the prediction market industry that they do not issue contracts related to terrorism, assassination, and war, federally registered exchanges continue to post contracts on American military operations. For example, as of April 24, 2026, there were active bets on Polymarket about whether or when U.S. forces would wrest control of Kharg Island (see appendix A). Before DoD rescued the pilots shot down over Iran, there was a bet about whether DoD would successfully rescue those pilots (see appendix B).\n\nWithout question, these contracts, along with the numerous offerings like them attached in Appendix below, threaten our national security (see appendix C). The pattern of likely government insiders or military personnel using classified, military information to place bets on these contacts risks the lives of our servicemembers and compromises operations. Indeed, the perverse incentives inherent in conflict-related contracts could prompt leaders to prioritize personal profit over mission success. Further, such bets, especially in the hours proceeding a military action, can alert our adversaries of American intent and risk servicemember lives and the mission. Given the pattern of bets placed close to such actions, whether in Venezuela or Iran, it is highly likely that individuals charged with keeping our country safe have chosen personal profit rather than upholding their oaths to the Nation. This is immoral, unethical, illegal, and corrosive to good order and discipline.\n\nWe urge you to issue a general order or regulation to prohibit all military and civilian personnel from utilizing prediction markets to place bets on any national security related topic. Our intent is not to ban prediction markets. However, contracts that implicate U.S. national security should remain out of bounds. To the extent that any individual, from a private to a general, violates this order, they should be held accountable in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this urgent national security issue and look forward to your response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3491", "title": "Wasserman Schultz Convenes Housing Affordability Roundtable", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Dania Beach, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local elected leaders, housing advocates and residents facing skyrocketing housing costs to discuss possible solutions and reforms the affordability problem confronting nearly all Floridians when it comes to keeping a roof over their head.\n\nWatch the full press conference here.\n\nIn Florida, the housing affordability crisis is driven primarily by an extreme shortage of homes, specifically the availability of affordable homes for renters at the lowest end of the income scale. For every 100 rental homes in the state, only 26 are both affordable and available on the market for low-income households.\n\n“Too many families are one hospital visit from bankruptcy and view the American dream as unattainable. Affordable housing is critical to achieving that dream,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Working people need an affordable place to settle down to raise a family. I want to make Florida that place once again. I’ll take what I heard here back to Washington and use them to help fight for solutions.”\n\nWasserman Schultz is a member of the New Democrats Coalition, which has put forward a set of 14 bills that would address the housing crisis with a focus on boosting supply, incentivizing development, and positioning the government as a partner to put land to good use. It also includes financial products and incentives families can use to buy a home, not just to benefit investors.\n\nWasserman Schultz was joined by Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, Dania Beach Commissioner Lori Lewellen, Broward County Housing Authority CEO Parnell Joyce, Broward County Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Ralph Stone, Broward Legal Aid Director Jeff Hittleman, Dania Beach Housing Board Member Doug Hasty, Housing Foundation of America Chair Chester Bishop, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, and LifeNet4Families client Freddy Bonilla.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-introduces-ai-overwatch-act/", "title": "Banks Introduces AI OVERWATCH Act", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the AI OVERWATCH Act. This bill ensures that the chips powering the next generation of AI fuel American innovation and American national security, not the military and surveillance apparatus of the Chinese Communist Party. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Warren (D-MA), Cotton (R-AR), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ricketts (R-NE), and Shaheen (D-NH).\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “We are in an AI arms race with the Chinese Communist Party that’s powered by advanced chips and the winner will determine the future of global military superiority. I’m leading the AI OVERWATCH Act to bolster President Trump’s national security strategy and ensure continued American AI dominance.”\n\nSenator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.): “Selling advanced chips to China is bad in the short run and worse in the long run. We’ve seen this playbook before — we export our technology, and then China uses it, copies it, and puts us out of business. We can’t afford to keep exporting our most advanced technology to China. It’s time to get this done.”\n\nSenator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.): “Our most advanced AI technologies must be kept out of the hands of adversaries like Communist China. Congress should ensure that America keeps our edge in the AI race.”\n\nKey Provisions of AI OVERWATCH Act:\n\nCodifies into law President Trump’s prohibition on exports of the most capable AI chips to foreign adversaries, ensuring the systems that will define the future of warfare and intelligence are not handed to America’s adversaries under any circumstances.\n\nRequires the Commerce Department to certify that the end user of advanced chips will not support the military, intelligence, surveillance, and cyber-enabled capabilities of foreign adversaries and that the export of these chips to adversaries will not adversely impact U.S. advantage in technology leadership.\n\nFast tracks AI exports to allies and partners for trusted U.S. companies meeting strong security and ownership standards, consistent with the call from the White House AI Action Plan to “export American AI to allies and partners.”\n\nEnsures that allies access top-tier AI capabilities, while the ownership, oversight, and strategic leverage of these critical technologies remain permanently with the United States.\n\nFull bill text can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/04/bennet-neguse-press-trump-officials-on-plans-for-wildfire-response-and-preparedness-in-colorado-ahead-of-fire-season/", "title": "Bennet, Neguse Press Trump Officials on Plans for Wildfire Response and Preparedness in Colorado Ahead of Fire Season", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse pressed the Departments of Agriculture and Interior for answers regarding their agencies’ efforts to ensure the federal government is ready to prepare for and respond to wildfire in the face of record-high temperatures, devastating drought conditions, and heightened risk.\n\nAccording to experts, 2026 has been the worst year for Colorado’s snowpack in recorded history. Communities across the state and the nation are also already in the throes of a historic wildfire season. As of late April, more than 22,000 fires have burned nearly 2 million acres this year alone – more than two and a half times the 10-year average (2016–2025).\n\nThese conditions, coupled with staff vacancies across the Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) due to President Donald Trump’s mass terminations and forced staffing reductions, have created extremely dangerous circumstances across the West.\n\n“We write today regarding the dire wildfire and drought conditions currently facing the Western United States. […] As we approach the summer months, we write to express our deep concerns about these conditions and respectfully implore your agencies to take immediate actions to better prepare for unprecedented wildfire risks,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\n“As snowpack worsens and the number of high-severity wildfires increases, these conditions will require continued partnership and quick action from all levels of government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) are integral partners, along with state, local, and tribal governments, in mitigating, monitoring, and responding to wildfires. In light of the increased risk of wildfire and resulting resource needs this year, rapid, responsive coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal partners will be critically important,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nBennet and Neguse called on Administration officials to get serious about advancing a comprehensive federal approach to addressing the wildfire crisis, urging them to take immediate action to increase preparedness and cooperation with state and local agencies to tackle the problem.\n\nThe Colorado lawmakers closed by imploring the agencies to provide a status update on a series of actions, including current staffing levels and the effects the planned reorganization of the USDA and DOI could have on wildfire preparedness and response.\n\n“We urge you to take immediate steps to maximize early detection of wildland fires and reduce any delays to ensure that federal resources are prepared to respond efficiently,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn March, Bennet urged U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to prioritize proactive wildfire mitigation efforts in the West, which faces historically low mountain snowpack and heightened wildfire risk this season. In December 2025, Bennet urged Schultz to address persistent staffing shortages and mounting setbacks to wildfire risk reduction efforts across the West and the country. In September 2025, Bennet welcomed over $26 million in funding to reduce wildfire risk and protect vulnerable communities across Colorado. In response to last year’s Lee and Elk wildfires, Bennet urged President Donald Trump for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for Rio Blanco County. In May 2025, Bennet urged former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reconsider plans to gut FEMA ahead of the 2025 wildfire season. In February 2025, Bennet reintroduced the Protect the West Act, legislation to combat intensifying wildfires and drought across the West.\n\nIn February 2024, Bennet introduced the Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act to help communities protect their water resources after wildfires. In June 2023, Bennet introduced the Cleaner Air Spaces Act to reduce the negative public health effects of wildfire smoke for vulnerable communities. In March 2023, Bennet reintroduced the bipartisan Making Access to Cleanup Happen Act, legislation to expedite disaster cleanup, save taxpayers money, and prevent further disasters. In February 2023, Bennet introduced the Protect the West Act to make a $60 billion investment in our forests to reduce wildfire risk, restore our watersheds, and protect our communities.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Burgum and Secretary Rollins:\n\nWe write today regarding the dire wildfire and drought conditions currently facing the Western United States. As you know, record-high temperatures and drought conditions have resulted in historic snowpack deficits across the Western United States. As we approach the summer months, we write to express our deep concerns about these conditions and respectfully implore your agencies to take immediate actions to better prepare for unprecedented wildfire risks.\n\nEvery major river basin in the West experienced one of the warmest winters on record in 2025-2026, in addition to nearly every basin experiencing below-average snowpack, or snow water equivalent, levels. The Colorado River Basin, for example, reported record-low snow water equivalent, and the majority of the Western United States is currently under 50 percent of the median snowpack for this point in the year.\n\nThese record-low levels of snowpack and moisture, coupled with high winter temperatures, have significantly increased wildfire risk throughout the West as temperatures continue to rise heading into the summer months, threatening to overwhelm federal, state, local, and tribal firefighting resources. We have already seen fires burning throughout the winter months, as nearly 13,000 fires have already burned 1.5 million acres in 2026 – a 20-year high. As snowpack worsens and the number of high-severity wildfires increases, these conditions will require continued partnership and quick action from all levels of government.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) are integral partners, along with state, local, and tribal governments, in mitigating, monitoring, and responding to wildfires. In light of the increased risk of wildfire and resulting resource needs this year, rapid, responsive coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal partners will be critically important. We urge you to take immediate steps to maximize early detection of wildland fires and reduce any delays to ensure that federal resources are prepared to respond efficiently.\n\nTherefore, we request that you take the following actions and provide our offices with a briefing on their status by May 1, 2026:\n\nTake steps to convene additional cooperative preparedness efforts with local, state, and tribal governments and across all federal agencies to increase preparedness and rapid response capabilities. Quick, collaborative coordination across all levels of government will be critical to addressing and responding to wildfires, particularly during this heightened risk.\n\nWork to pre-position assets and resources across the West in areas of highest risk before a fire breaks out, using qualified and capable state and local agencies to strengthen response capacity. This includes partnering with willing local fire departments to participate in severity assignments throughout the duration of the spring and summer and fire season, including engine, crew, and overhead supports. Early partnerships with local and state fire departments will strengthen response capabilities in the areas of highest risk– decreasing costs, improving efficiency, and utilizing local knowledge of terrain, vegetation, and geography.\n\nContinue with planning and implementation of wildfire mitigation projects—including the use of hazardous fuels reduction, actions to increase defensible space, and in areas that contribute to Potential Operational Delineation (POD) management strategies and adjacent to private lands—to the extent possible. This includes providing flexibility for pre-positioned federal fire crews to address wildfire mitigation needs where practical.\n\nExtend the duration of exclusive-use federal contracts for wildfire resources this year so that they are available throughout the season. This includes beginning aviation contracts earlier in the spring and extending them throughout the entirety of this high-risk period, to ensure that needed resources are available early and late into the year as needed.\n\nProvide an update on the planned reorganization of the USDA and DOI, and how this reorganization will impact wildfire preparedness and response capabilities for 2026.\n\nPublicly release DOI and USFS staffing levels for 2026, including the number of federal wildland firefighters that have been hired and the number of Red-Card-holding staff that will be available to assist with wildfire suppression and response efforts.\n\nSuspend existing hiring freezes and promotion prohibitions for all open positions in areas that are experiencing Moderate to Exceptional Drought (D1-D4), per the U.S. Drought Monitor.\n\nWe thank you for your attention to this urgent need across the Western United States and your swift actions to increase and accelerate wildfire preparedness well in advance of the summer months.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/04/bennet-smith-cortez-masto-introduce-legislation-protecting-children-harmed-by-ice-actions-against-their-parents/", "title": "Bennet, Smith, Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation Protecting Children Harmed by ICE Actions Against Their Parents", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) to introduce the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act. The legislation would protect children affected by immigration enforcement actions or proceedings against their parents. According to a 2019 analysis, there are 7.2 million children of noncitizen parents in the United States.\n\n“Coloradans must be assured that ICE is subject to the same common-sense practices we expect from well-functioning local law enforcement, especially when it comes to the best interests of children,” said Bennet. “The HELP for Separated Children Act will bring dignity back to families and help ensure proper safeguards are in place to hold ICE accountable. We cannot allow the Trump Administration to tear families apart.”\n\n“The images of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos in his bunny hat after preschool are seared into the minds of Minnesotans. Using children as pawns to detain their parents is morally repugnant,” said Smith. “This bill would put common-sense moral safeguards in place to protect children from ICE agents’ brutal tactics. Children are our most precious gift and needlessly traumatizing them in service of this Administration’s mass deportation campaign is beneath this nation’s morals.”\n\n“President Trump promised to go after the worst of the worst, but his immigration agenda is targeting hardworking immigrants instead,” said Cortez Masto. “Innocent kids across the United States have been caught in the crossfire as their parents become targets of his Administration’s cruel immigration enforcement efforts. We must pass the HELP for Separated Children Act to require immigrant families be treated with dignity and to protect the rights of the most vulnerable among us.”\n\nSince the Trump Administration began its mass-deportation operations, families and children have been deeply affected by ICE’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. Families with young children have been violently targeted by ICE officers, children have been unjustly detained alongside their parents, and ICE agents have used kids to bait parents into cooperating with immigration enforcement. These actions by the Trump Administration have violated ICE’s own Detained Parents Directive.\n\nThe HELP for Separated Children Act would protect children caught up in immigration enforcement actions or proceedings against their parents. Specifically, the bill:\n\nAllows parents to make calls and arrange for the care of their children and ensures that children can regularly call and visit their parents while they are detained;\n\nProhibits Federal personnel from using excessive force in the arrest or apprehension of individuals while children are present, including but not limited to drawing weapons or throwing individuals to the ground, and from deceiving a child for the purposes of immigration enforcement of their parents or family members;\n\nAllows parents to participate in family court proceedings affecting their children;\n\nProtects children from being compelled to serve as translators for their parents in immigration enforcement actions;\n\nEnsures that parents can coordinate their departures with their children;\n\nRequires ICE to consider the best interests of children in detention, release, and transfer decisions affecting their parents; and\n\nEstablishes a National Coordinator who serves as the primary point-of-contact and subject-matter expert for ICE personnel regarding child welfare and guardianship.\n\n“All children and families deserve safety and stability in their communities,” said Shaina Simenas, Co-Director, Technical Assistance Program at the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. “Yet too often, relentless and aggressive immigration enforcement actions are fueling fear and family separation in places where children should feel most secure — at home, at school, and with their caregivers. The HELP Separated Children Act would help to advance protections for children and enhance parents’ ability to make care arrangements; Congress must pass it without delay.”\n\n“Family unity has been the bedrock of our immigration system for decades,” said Zain Lakhani, Director of Migrant Rights and Justice at the Women’s Refugee Commission. “But that principle is consistently violated, leaving parents and children in limbo without vital protections. WRC has documented systemic violations of ICE policies to prevent family separation, leaving parents and children traumatized and with few options for relief. The HELP Separated Children Act is essential legislation that would codify these protections and help give parents a path towards reunification.”\n\n“A parent’s right to make decisions about the care of their child is sacred. Right now, immigrant parents who are detained are being cut off from the courts, agencies, and information they need to determine future care for their children,” said Keeli Sorensen, Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Justice in Motion. “The HELP Separated Children Act is a critical step towards addressing these grave injustices, codifying essential rights and liberties, and minimizing trauma for parents and children.”\n\nIn January 2026, Bennet announced he is developing legislation to impose new guardrails and accountability measures for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Also in January 2026, Bennet condemned DHS’s cruel and unconscionable policies on the Senate floor. In December 2025, Bennet joined his colleagues to introduce the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act, legislation to reverse the provisions in Republicans’ so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” that harm children seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. In March 2025, Bennet joined his colleagues to introduce the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, legislation that provides unaccompanied children with legal representation for immigration proceedings.\n\nThe HELP for Separated Children Act is endorsed by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Women’s Refugee Commission, Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, Justice in Motion, Child Welfare League of America, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), National Immigration Project, Together and Free, Center for the Study of Social Policy, MomsRising, Acacia Center for Justice, Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), First Focus Campaign for Children, National Association of Social Workers, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Education Association and Coalition on Human Needs.\n\nIn addition to Bennet, Smith, and Cortez Masto, U.S. Senators Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Baldwin (D-Wis.), Warren (D-Mass.), Welch (D-Vt.), Sanders (I-Vt.), Kaine (D-Va.), Murray (D-Wash.), Markey (D-Mass.), Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kim (D-N.J.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Rosen (D-Nev.) cosponsored this bill.\n\nThe text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-questions-massive-no-bid-contract-awarded-to-trumps-ballroom-construction-firm", "title": "Blumenthal Questions Massive No-Bid Contract Awarded to Trump's Ballroom Construction Firm", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), wrote Clark Construction CEO Robert Moser and the National Park Service (NPS) regarding a no-bid contract awarded to Clark Construction to make repairs to public fountains in Lafayette Square, across the street from the White House – which occurred just a few months after President Donald Trump chose the company to build his ballroom. According to new reporting in the New York Times, the previous administration estimated the work on the Lafayette Square project to cost $3.3 million; documents show that a new contract with Clark Construction has ballooned to $17.4 million in taxpayer dollars.\n\n“The federal government’s ballooning payments to Clark Construction and the circumstances of its recent contract to renovate Lafayette Park raise troubling questions about whether excess taxpayer dollars are being diverted to Clark Construction, and whether its unilateral selection may constitute an undisclosed reward for its central role in President Trump’s preferred vanity project,” Blumenthal wrote.\n\nIn October, Blumenthal wrote Clark Construction requesting information regarding its selection as the builder of President Trump’s ballroom. Clark Construction’s response shared no details on how the firm was selected to build the ballroom nor the terms of its agreement with the Trump White House.\n\nAs Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the use of private donations to fund President Trump’s $300 million ballroom and has repeatedly raised concerns about donors that have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Trump Administration.\n\nIn December, Blumenthal wrote several individuals, including Roblox CEO David Baszucki, demanding answers about their reported contribution to the ballroom following an October 15, 2025 dinner that raised for the project. As part of his inquiry, Blumenthal also wrote to Shalom Baranes Associates Architects, which has taken on the project following President Trump’s clash with the previous architect.\n\nBlumenthal has also written to each of the reported donors to the White House ballroom project as well as donors previously kept secret by the White House to seek information about the terms of their donations and any potential deals made in exchange for contributions.\n\nThe full text of today’s letter to Clark Construction is available here and copied below. The full text of today’s letter to NPS is available here.\n\nDear Mr. Moser:\n\nI write regarding troubling new reports concerning a no-bid contract awarded to Clark Construction Group, LLC to conduct restoration work and repair two water fountains at Lafayette Park, located across the street from the White House. These reports are even more alarming in light of Clark Construction’s recent selection as the lead builder of President Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom, a role that involves a contract of undisclosed, yet presumably lucrative, value.[1] The federal government’s ballooning payments to Clark Construction and the circumstances of its recent contract to renovate Lafayette Park raise troubling questions about whether excess taxpayer dollars are being diverted to Clark Construction, and whether its unilateral selection may constitute an undisclosed reward for its central role in President Trump’s preferred vanity project.\n\nIn 2022, the National Park Service estimated that work to repair two ornamental fountains in Lafayette Park would cost approximately $3.3 million.[2] Yet, earlier this year, the Trump Administration reportedly agreed to pay Clark Construction $11.9 million to perform that same work, and made iterative increases in the scope of the project resulting in a total award of more than $17 million.[3] The National Parks Service assigned the contract to Clark Construction without opening it to competitive bidding as required by federal procurement law, invoking an “urgency” exception intended to be used in the event of wars and natural disasters.[4]\n\nClark Construction’s apparent receipt of a contract of excessively inflated value is troubling on its own. But these reports are even more alarming in light of Clark Construction’s lack of transparency concerning its role in building the White House ballroom. On October 28, 2025, I wrote to Clark Construction requesting information regarding its selection as the builder of President Trump’s ballroom.[5] Clark Construction’s November 12, 2025 response was entirely inadequate, providing no details on how the firm was selected to build the ballroom nor the terms of its agreement with the Trump White House. Clark Construction’s conduct and failure to respond adequately to my prior request raises questions as to whether it should remain “on a pre-approved list of contractors for projects on the White House grounds,” a role that Clark Construction highlighted in its response to the Subcommittee.[6]\n\nThe American people deserve to know whether excess taxpayer dollars are being used—without the authorization of Congress—to reward the President’s preferred partners. To assist the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in its inquiry, please preserve all documents, records,[7] and communications[8] related to your firm’s participation in the renovation of Lafayette Park, and please provide specific responses to the following questions by May 15, 2026:\n\nHave you entered into any agreement, formal or informal, to receive work from the federal government at above market prices in exchange for a reduced fee for the construction of the Trump ballroom?\n\nHow did you become aware of the opportunity to participate in the renovation of Lafayette Park?\n\nDid you participate in a competitive or otherwise open bidding process prior to being selected for the renovation in Lafayette Park? Please describe the nature of this process.\n\nDid you submit any materials as a part of the bidding process or prior to being selected to participate in the renovation of Lafayette Park? Please provide all materials that you submitted.\n\nWhat are the terms of the agreement(s) you entered into regarding the renovation of Lafayette Park? Please provide a copy of any and all agreements you have entered into with the National Park Service, the White House, or any other federal government entity as part of your work on the renovation of Lafayette Park.\n\nPlease produce all cost estimates for the renovation of Lafayette Park prepared to date. To the extent that cost projections change over time, please provide updates on a monthly basis through completion of the project.\n\nWhen were the initial plans for the renovation of Lafayette Park submitted and approved?\n\nSince 2010, have you and/or any of your subsidiaries or affiliates participated in the construction of any properties owned or licensed by The Trump Organization, Inc., or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries, or do you have plans to bid on or otherwise participate in the construction of any Trump-affiliated properties?\n\nIf so, please list each project and include your company’s role, the date or estimated date of completion, and how much your company was or will be compensated in total for its participation.\n\nPlease contact the Subcommittee if you have any questions about responding to these requests.\n\n-30-\n\n[1] David A. Fahrenthold, Luke Broadwater, and Andrea Fuller, Firm Building Trump’s Ballroom Got a Secret No-Bid Contract for a Nearby Job, New York Times (Apr. 25, 2026) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/25/us/politics/lafayette-park-fountains-trump-contract.html.\n\n[2] Id.\n\n[3] Id.; Press Release, White House, The White House Announces White House Ballroom Construction to Begin (Jul. 31, 2025), https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/07/the-white-house-announces-white-house-ballroom-construction-to-begin/.\n\n[4] David A. Fahrenthold, Luke Broadwater, and Andrea Fuller, Firm Building Trump’s Ballroom Got a Secret No-Bid Contract for a Nearby Job, New York Times (Apr. 25, 2026) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/25/us/politics/lafayette-park-fountains-trump-contract.html.\n\n[5] Letter from the Hon. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, S. Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations to Robert D. Moser, CEO, Clark Construction (Oct. 8, 2025) www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-10-28-Letter-from-Blumenthal-to-Clark-Construction.pdf.\n\n[6] Letter from Grey Callaham, SVP, Legal, Clark Construction Group, LLC to Hon. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, S. Permanent Subcomm. on Investigations (Nov. 12, 2025) (see attachment).\n\n[7] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).\n\n[8] For purposes of this request, “communications” include any records, as defined above, transmitted in any way between two or more individuals or entities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-dave-mccormick-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-extend-the-terrorism-risk-insurance-program-for-seven-years/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Dave McCormick, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for Seven Years", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) and 22 fellow senators in introducing the bipartisan Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026. The bill would extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for seven years, ensuring businesses do not face a lapse in terrorism risk coverage.\n\n“For more than two decades, Congress has recognized the need for the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program. While making sure American businesses have access to this protection is an unfortunate necessity in today’s world, it’s critical that Congress extend the program,” said Senator Britt.\n\nIn 2002, Congress first passed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) to make sure that commercial policyholders could obtain terrorism risk coverage in the wake of the September 11 attacks.\n\nThe business community has relied on TRIA for years, with the program only briefly lapsing in 2014. During this short lapse, terrorism coverage effectively became unavailable. Today’s threat landscape clearly demonstrates that Congress cannot allow further lapses in this program. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 would extend TRIA by seven years. Acting before the program expiration date of December 31, 2027, provides long-term market certainty and prevents future gaps in coverage.\n\n“State sponsors of terror pose a persistent threat to the United States, and we must be prepared,” said Senator McCormick. “Reauthorizing TRIA ensures businesses and workers in Pennsylvania will be supported in the event of a terror attack.”\n\nSenators Britt and McCormick were joined by Senators John Kennedy (R-La.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ruben Gallego (R-Ariz.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.).\n\nThe Terrorism Risk Insurance Act is backed by the following: American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, Independent Insurance, Agents & Brokers of America, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Reinsurance Association of America, Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism, Nareit, Real Estate Roundtable, Commercial Real Estate Finance Council.\n\nYou can read the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-cantwell-secures-funding-to-modernize-vital-infrastructure-in-4-wa-communities", "title": "Cantwell Secures Funding to Modernize Vital Infrastructure in 4 WA Communities", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Secures Funding to Modernize Vital Infrastructure in 4 WA Communities\n\n$5.3 million in new infrastructure investments include a new seawall in Seattle, upgraded electric grid in Cowlitz Co., modernized water lines in Sammamish, and new emergency operation center in Yakima\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, announced that federal grants to help upgrade crucial infrastructure for four communities across Washington state were included in the final version of the bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. President Donald Trump signed the funding bill into law last week, after House Republicans finally agreed to pass the bill, nearly a month after the Senate passed it unanimously.\n\n“After a month, House Republicans finally agreed to the DHS funding bill the Senate passed. I’m glad the good work being done at the Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA, and other agencies will be funded again,” Sen. Cantwell said.\n\nIn total, Sen. Cantwell helped secure $5,368,288 for infrastructure in the State of Washington.\n\nDescriptions of each grant are below.\n\nSammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District will receive $1,125,000 for the Well 9 Seismic Resiliency Water Transmission Main Design project. This project will design a redundant water transmission, allowing the water district to continue to deliver water to customers in the event of a catastrophic seismic event.\n\nYakima Valley Emergency Management will receive $1,953,000 to establish and construct an Emergency Operation Center in Yakima County. U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) also supported the project.\n\nThe City of Seattle will receive $1,145,144 to plan for the second phase of replacing the Seattle Waterfront Elliot Bay Seawall, a vulnerable seawall in downtown Seattle. U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) also supported the project.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-introduces-resolution-raising-awareness-for-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women", "title": "Cantwell Introduces Resolution Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Introduces Resolution Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, joined U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) in introducing a resolution commemorating May 5th, 2026, as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.\n\n\"Indigenous people – especially women and girls – are being murdered or going missing at horrific and unacceptable rates. On May 5th, we remember the victims of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and recognize the suffering of families and Native communities. We must demand justice and continue our work to get more law enforcement resources for tribes,” Sen. Cantwell said.\n\nSen. Cantwell is a strong advocate for increasing the presence of tribal law enforcement officers on reservations to help combat the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) crisis among Native communities. In 2023 and 2025, she introduced the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would help tribal police departments hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by providing access to federal retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits on par with law enforcement officers from non-tribal jurisdictions. In 2023, she called on then-President Joe Biden to work to secure additional Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) agents for the State of Washington.\n\nFollowing Sen. Cantwell’s urging, in June 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach Program, which dedicated five Assistant U.S. Attorneys and five coordinators to the task of resolving the cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. This included dedicated personnel based in Eastern Washington.\n\nIn 2020, the Sen. Cantwell-championed Savanna’s Act was signed into law. The law helps federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies better respond to cases of missing and murdered indigenous women and people by improving coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increasing data collection and information sharing, and providing tribal governments with vital resources.\n\nSen. Cantwell has also helped secure public safety funding specifically for tribal communities. In the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act, Sen. Cantwell fought to include strong tribal policies including: allowing tribes to continue to have jurisdiction over dating violence and domestic violence crimes and violations of tribal protection orders, restoring tribal jurisdiction over violent and dangerous crimes such as child and sexual abuse, sex trafficking and stalking, and providing tribes with more resources to improve and build public safety programs within their communities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-celebrates-addition-of-two-marion-county-high-schools-to-the-gamechanger-program", "title": "Capito Celebrates Addition of Two Marion County High Schools to the GameChanger Program", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrated the addition of two West Virginia high schools, Fairmont Senior and East Fairmont High Schools, to the GameChanger Prevention Education Program. Senator Capito has long been a supporter of GameChanger, which was founded in 2018 to empower young West Virginians to lead healthy, drug free lifestyles as they prepare to be the leaders of tomorrow.\n\n“GameChanger, a program designed by and for West Virginians, is not only a success story, but is a model for the rest of the country. I was proud to join students, teachers, and parents today to celebrate the addition of Fairmont Senior and East Fairmont High Schools to the program,” Senator Capito said.“The work the GameChanger program is doing to find creative solutions to the drug crisis is incredible. With organizations like GameChanger leading the way, we can envision a future without addiction.”\n\n“It is with great pride that out students, counselors, coaches, principals and families of Marion County Schools continue to see the student mentorship, positive messaging and awareness of addiction and prevention through this collaboration with GameChanger, especially as we launch into this expansion of the programming, the soon-to-be launched GameChanger University and student-driven change in Marion County,” Donna Heston, Marion County Superintendent of Schools, said.\n\n“This is just another shining example of what can happen when our educators, our government and our communities come together for the good of our youth and teens. Senator Capito’s continued support and the support today from the Marion County Commission enables GameChanger to provide the very best Evidence-Based and Evidenced Informed Prevention Education Programs not just in Marion County but throughout the State of West Virginia,” Joe Boczek, GameChanger Executive Director, said.\n\nPhotos from the event are below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at a GameChangers event in Fairmont, W.Va. on Monday, May 4, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at a GameChangers event in Fairmont, W.Va. on Monday, May 4, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hosts-veterans-town-hall-in-baton-rouge/", "title": "Cassidy Hosts Veterans Town Hall in Baton Rouge", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BATON ROUGE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted a veterans town hall at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Zachary Taylor Post in Baton Rouge, where they discussed Cassidy’s work to ensure veterans have access to the health care and benefits they need.\n\n“Louisiana veterans deserve a system that works for them,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Through discussions like these, I can better serve them in Washington and ensure they get the benefits they’ve earned.”\n\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Cassidy is taking a leading role in shaping legislation that will benefit veterans. He recently passed through the Senate the Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC) Act, which will facilitate a transparent, expert-driven review process for the Veterans Health Administration’s operations, including their delivery of care at VA hospitals. He also added a provision in the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act that will ensure benefits for disabled veterans don’t count against them when applying for housing assistance.\n\nCassidy recently announced that the VA has awarded a lease for a new community-based outpatient clinic in St. George, which will serve veterans throughout the Capital Region. Also, Cassidy’s casework team based in Baton Rouge regularly advocates for Louisiana veterans and their families before the VA. If a veteran or spouse of a veteran has an issue with the VA, they can call (225) 929-7711 for assistance.\n\nCassidy was thanked in advance by Mr. Jason Sedotal, Commander of Chapter 177 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, whose chapter hosted the town hall.\n\n“We appreciate Senator Cassidy visiting with our members and other veterans to discuss what he’s doing to ensure we have access to quality health care and benefits,” said Mr. Sedotal. “We also thank him for honoring the sacrifice we made as veterans by advocating for us in Washington.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-visits-mid-maine-technical-center", "title": "Senator Collins Visits Mid-Maine Technical Center", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nWATERVILLE, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited the Mid-Maine Technical Center (MMTC) in Waterville, where she met with students and faculty and toured several of the center’s programs. She also saw firsthand MMTC’s new engineering and manufacturing program that is supported by federal funding she secured through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee. The center serves students from Waterville, Winslow, and Messalonskee high schools.\n\n“It was great to visit MMTC today to meet with students and instructors and to see several of the center’s programs in action, including the new engineering and manufacturing program that is supported by federal funding I secured through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee,” said Senator Collins. “Seeing students work directly with advanced equipment and apply what they’re learning in real time shows how this kind of training helps prepare them well for careers in high-skilled, competitive fields. I was also impressed to meet students in the nursing program who are on track to earn their certified nursing assistant credentials before graduating, helping meet the pressing needs of Maine’s workforce.”\n\nIn 2024, Senator Collins secured $718,000 to support MMTC’s purchase and installation of machine tooling, 3D metal printing, and other equipment. Since 2021, Senator Collins has secured nearly $1.5 billion to support 672 projects across Maine’s 16 counties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-sheehy-introduce-bill-to-expose-chinese-forced-labor-and-environmental-abuses-in-africa/", "title": "Senators Coons, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Expose Chinese Forced Labor and Environmental Abuses in Africa", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the China-Africa Mining Transparency Act of 2026 to unmask China’s use of forced labor, child labor, and environmental abuse to mine critical minerals in Africa. The bill underscores the cost of reliance on rogue states like China to supply the minerals necessary for national security and economic prosperity.\n\nPeople’s Republic of China (PRC) firms are some of the largest investors in the mining industry in Africa. The Chinese government finances or outright owns many of these firms. Since 2006, China has invested more than $39 billion in mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. China is involved in the traditional large-scale mining sector and the artisanal and small-scale mining sector – a more rudimentary, labor intensive and generally unregulated or illegal form of mining which poses a significant risk of employing child labor.\n\nReports have documented China operating their mines in violation of labor standards and in a manner that causes environmental harm in Africa. This legislation pulls back the curtain on Chinese mining by directing the Secretary of State, in consultation with other agencies and their foreign counterparts, to develop a publicly available annual list of each PRC entity that is mining critical minerals in Africa using forced labor, child labor, or in a manner that causes environmental harm.\n\nThe China-Africa Mining Transparency Act directs the Secretary of State – in consultation with other heads of federal departments and agencies, and the foreign country counterparts of such individuals, as applicable – to develop a publicly available annual list of each PRC entity that the Secretary reasonably assesses is carrying out mining of critical minerals, gold, or iron in the DRC, Nigeria, Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe using forced labor or forced child labor, or in a manner that causes environmental harm to a protected area in the country concerned. The Secretary is also directed to identify each mine, mining zone, or concession at which such mining is carried out.\n\n“Chinese companies should not be profiting off forced labor and environmental destruction in other countries. This bipartisan bill will make it harder for them to do just that, protecting children and the environment across the globe and our future here at home,” said Senator Coons.\n\n“As we restore American energy dominance and onshore critical mineral production, it is imperative that we expose the reality behind China’s grip on critical minerals: forced labor, child exploitation, and environmental destruction. The United States cannot afford to rely on opaque and abusive supply chains for the resources that power our national security, and this bipartisan bill will bring long-overdue transparency and accountability,” said Senator Sheehy.\n\n“When it comes to protecting workers and the environment while responsibly producing the minerals we all need, the American mining industry does it best. Documenting the practices of overseas operations that are owned or controlled by Chinese Communist Party entities highlights the urgent need to secure our supply chains by emphasizing domestic mineral production,” said Mark Compton, Executive Director, American Exploration & Mining Association.\n\n“The International Conservation Caucus Foundation wishes to thank Senators Sheehy and Coons for their efforts to reinforce American leadership in the global mining sector, particularly in Africa, where critical mineral development intersects directly with national security, economic stability, and environmental stewardship. The United States has a strategic interest and a moral responsibility to promote lawful, environmentally responsible mining practices that uphold labor standards and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Countering the influence of the CCP and its exploitative practices in mineral supply chains is essential to securing the materials that power our modern economy and ensure that resource development does not fuel instability, corruption, or environmental degradation,” said a representative of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation.\n\nRead more on the bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-rosen-deliver-over-600000-they-secured-to-improve-water-infrastructure-in-carlin/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Rosen Deliver Over $600,000 They Secured to Improve Water Infrastructure in Carlin", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) delivered $602,000 in community projects funding 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nSpecifically, 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.\n\nSenators Cortez Masto and Rosen 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 for government services like law enforcement and public education in rural counties. Cortez Masto and Rosen have fought to protect the livelihoods of Nevada’s ranchers. They have secured millions to ensure access to clean drinking water throughout Nevada and fought to protect Southern Nevada’s groundbreaking water conservation projects.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-rosen-urge-u-s-international-trade-commission-to-not-excessively-tax-nevada-quartz-businesses-homebuyers/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Rosen Urge U.S. International Trade Commission to Not Excessively Tax Nevada Quartz Businesses, Homebuyers", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) wrote a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) urging them against recommending overly burdensome tariffs on quartz imports. Quartz fabricators, many of which are based in Nevada, rely on imported and domestic quartz to provide American households with quartz products like countertops. The 50 percent tariff considered by the ITC could raise the cost of a quartz countertop an extra $504-$1,036 per kitchen, pricing out more than 150,000 American households from buying a home.\n\n“The domestic quartz fabricator industry includes more than 10,000 mostly small, hometown American businesses who employ about 100,000 workers fabricating quartz. These businesses take both domestic and imported quartz slabs and use complex machinery, laser measurements, software, and highly skilled craftsmanship to make high-quality products in their communities. More than 1,000 of them submitted declarations to the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) in its investigation opposing the imposition of a safeguard because trade restrictions risk hurting, rather than protecting, the profitability and employment of the industry,” wrote the Senators.\n\nEconomic modeling has shown that a 50 percent tariff on quartz imports would kill approximately 6,400 jobs in the domestic quartz industry, while a 25 percent tariff would result in 4,400 lost jobs. Even an 8 percent tariff would eliminate the jobs of nearly 1,800 Americans and cause the profits of domestic fabricators to decline by $161.4 million.\n\n“An overly aggressive remedy is likely to cause more harm to our domestic industries than it is to help, not to mention its impact on consumers and housing supply. We urge the Commission to take a light touch approach and recommend a remedy with the last restrictive measures possible,” concluded the Senators.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families and Nevada businesses, including Nevada coffee shops. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed USTR Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to publicly investigate how Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada would impact the American people.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/working-families-tax-cuts-create-stability-for-small-business", "title": "Working Families Tax Cuts Create Stability for Small Business", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—National Small Business Week celebrates the millions of entrepreneurs who turn their ideas and hard work into the products, services and jobs that lift up communities. In Idaho, over 200,000 small businesses employ over 56 percent of workers, forming the backbone of the state’s economy. Those businesses can now operate and plan with new confidence, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts law championed by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). The law restores and makes permanent a variety of policies that support job creators, workers and their families.\n\n“Tens of millions of businesses rely on the pro-growth policies built into the Working Families Tax Cuts,” said Crapo. “Now, with these enhanced provisions permanently added to the tax code, small businesses can focus on serving their communities instead of costly and time-consuming planning and compliance tasks.”\n\nKey wins:\n\nMakes permanent the 20 percent small business deduction, increasing confidence for over 25 million small businesses\n\nThe deduction is expected to create 1.2 million jobs annually and boost small-business GDP by $750 billion over the next decade\n\nDoubles Section 179 expensing, used to make capital investments, and raises the phase-out threshold\n\nRestores full expensing for domestic research and development, freeing up $100 billion of research expenses for tens of thousands of small businesses\n\nMakes permanent the expanded Opportunity Zone program and incentivizes investment in rural areas\n\nPermanently doubles the death tax exemption, sparing family-run businesses from costly planning and tax burdens that make it difficult to pass operations from one generation to the next\n\nIncreases the 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC reporting thresholds, reducing paperwork burdens for job creators and workers\n\nWhat they are saying:\n\n“Of all the great provisions in the WFTC, the policies created and extended to help small businesses are the most forward thinking and bring the biggest bang for the taxpayer’s buck. When we see strong economic growth in the next few years, be sure to look back at this law fondly, as it provided the foundation for a strong American economy for years to come.” – National Taxpayers Union Senior Policy Manager David Timmons\n\n“78% of small businesses are already benefiting from at least one provision in the law, and an overwhelming 92% describe their current condition as stable or growing. This is what pro-growth tax policy is supposed to achieve.” – Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council President & CEO Karen Kerrigan\n\nClick HERE to learn more about how the Working Families Tax Cuts set up small businesses for success.\n\nClick HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-highlighting-chinese-threat-to-american-strategic-interests", "title": "Curtis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Highlighting Chinese Threat to American Strategic Interests", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined a bipartisan resolution affirming concern over the growing threat China poses to America’s national security and economic prosperity at a pivotal moment for U.S.-China relations. The resolution calls for a continued and steady focus on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, protecting American workers and businesses from unfair economic practices, maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, supporting allies and partners, preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and advancing human rights and democratic values.\n\n“At this pivotal moment in U.S.-China relations, we must approach the future with clear eyes and steady resolve,” said Senator Curtis. “China’s actions demand a coordinated and bipartisan response. This resolution reinforces our commitment to strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, standing with our allies, and ensuring American workers and innovators can compete on a level playing field. The United States must lead with both strength and principle to safeguard our security, our prosperity, and the values that define us.”\n\nThe resolution was led by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). Joining Senator Curtis as cosponsors were Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jim Banks (R-IN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\n\n“In the run-up to next month’s U.S.-China summit, the United States Senate is sending a clear message: remember who Xi Jinping and the PRC are,” said Senator Coons. “Beijing is trying to create a more aggressive, coercive, and lawless international landscape that harms the American people, and the United States cannot give away the store in negotiations in exchange for fig leaves. We must stand with our allies and partners and work with every tool of the U.S. government to combat these aggressive practices.”\n\n“Communist China is the greatest threat to the American way of life,” said Senator Ricketts. “Communist China actively threatens the rules-based system that has maintained peace and prosperity for over 80 years. We must deter Communist China. We must stand with our partners and allies that Beijing threatens.”\n\nThe resolution states that the United States should address the security, economic, technological, diplomatic, and strategic threats posed by China as a top foreign policy priority. It also calls for the United States to:\n\nSustain and strengthen deterrence against China in the Indo-Pacific\n\nProtect U.S. economic interests against predatory trade practices\n\nMaintain American leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other foundational technologies\n\nReaffirm U.S. commitments to allies, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines\n\nPreserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait\n\nStrengthen support for partners facing military, economic, and gray zone coercion\n\nCounter China’s influence in multilateral organizations and standards-setting bodies\n\nAdvance democratic norms, human rights, openness, and civil society in the Indo-Pacific and beyon", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-improve-education-transparency-at-community-colleges", "title": "Curtis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Improve Education Transparency at Community Colleges", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) cosponsored legislation that would improve education transparency by ensuring that reported graduation rates accurately reflect the success of community colleges. The Time for Completion Act requires colleges and universities to report graduation and completion rates for a broader range of students, including non-first-time and part-time students.\n\nThe bill was introduced by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), and is also co-sponsored by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Ted Budd (R-NC).\n\n“Often having to balance work, family, and school, many of Utah’s community and technical college students’ success frequently isn’t counted in current graduation metrics,” said Senator Curtis. “The Time for Completion Act brings greater transparency and fairness to our education system, giving students and families the tools they need to make good decisions while ensuring our institutions are recognized for the full impact they have on our workforce.”\n\n“Wyoming is fortunate to have eight wonderful community colleges. These schools represent the future of Wyoming’s workforce. They deserve to have all of their students accurately accounted for in graduation rates,” said Senator Barrasso. “Current reporting requirements do not reflect the unique background of community college students. The Time for Completion Act will make sure prospective students have the most accurate information about graduation rates so they can choose the best school for them.”\n\n“Wyoming’s colleges are training the next generation of skilled workers our state depends on, and they deserve credit for every student they help succeed,” said Senator Lummis. “Far too often the workers earning degrees and certificates while holding down jobs or raising families go uncounted, and that shortchanges both the institutions and the students themselves. This legislation offers a long overdue fix in federal reporting and gives prospective students the honest picture they need to plan for their future.”\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder current Higher Education Act (HEA) requirements, institutions receiving federal student aid must report graduation and completion rates only for full time, first time, certificate- or degree-seeking undergraduates who start and finish at the same institution. This excludes millions of nontraditional students, such as part-time, transfer, and returning students, from being reflected in this data.\n\nAs a result, publicly available graduation rates can significantly underestimate student success and mask gaps across different types of learners. These rates inform state performance-based funding and are required disclosures for institutions receiving federal student aid. They also guide institutional benchmarking, and students and families rely on this data to assess institutional quality and value.\n\nThe Time for Completion Act would provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of institutional performance by counting a wider range of students in graduation and completion metrics. The bill expands disclosure requirements to include the completion or graduation rates of non-first-time and half-time, certificate- or degree-seeking undergraduates. It also amends the HEA so that part-time and other nontraditional students are included in federally reported graduation rate calculations.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/04/daines-leads-delegation-of-u-s-senators-to-china/", "title": "Daines Leads Delegation of U.S. Senators to China", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trip will focus on Chinese Technology and Domestic Innovation\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced today he is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation of five senators on a visit to China this week. The delegation will visit various tech businesses in Shanghai and Beijing and meet with Chinese officials.\n\n“In order to effectively compete with China, we need to understand China’s innovation ecosystem, which is why I am glad to be here with my colleagues. With the United States and China making up 40 percent of the total world economy, engaging the Chinese is vital to maintaining U.S. competitiveness globally,” said Daines.\n\nThis is Daines’ seventh trip to China since being elected to Congress. He spent thirteen years in a management role for Procter & Gamble, the last six in China launching American brands to compete against Chinese companies.\n\nThe delegation also includes Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-interpower-corporation", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Interpower Corporation", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – To celebrate National Small Business Week, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Interpower Corporation of Mahaska County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\n“Since 1975, Interpower Corporation has been conducting business as a premium supplier of power systems for customers around the world,” said Chair Ernst. “Bob and his team have been powering up the Mahaska County community with speed and attention to safety, exceeding customer needs and exemplifying the American entrepreneurial spirit.”\n\nBob Wersen founded Interpower Corporation as Panel Components Corporation in 1975 specializing in supplying power systems. In 1993, Bob moved the business to Iowa and has since expanded with locations in Oskaloosa, Lamoni, and Ames. Today, Interpower Corporation continues supplying high-quality, American-made power cord systems locally and internationally, cementing their reputation as the premier supplier of power system components for worldwide markets.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-gallego-speaks-at-mccain-institutes-sedona-forum/", "title": "Senator Gallego Speaks at McCain Institute’s Sedona Forum", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SEDONA – On Saturday, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spoke on a panel titled “Standing with Ukraine: Policy, Politics, and War” at the McCain Institute’s Sedona Forum.\n\n“Ukraine can win, Ukraine is winning right now, and our government should make decisions to make sure that happens. Let’s arm them, let’s give them intelligence they need, let’s give them capabilities to reach deep into Russia,” said Senator Gallego. “It’s in our national interest, our joint interests with NATO and Ukraine, to destroy military capability of Russia, and we have to make a decision to do it. We want Ukraine to win. Ukraine destroying Russia is good for world stability, and we should make that investment to do it as fast as possible.”\n\nWatch the full panel here.\n\nSenator Gallego has been a leading voice in the Senate supporting Ukraine and pushing back on the Trump administration’s decisions to ease pressure on Russia. Recently, he introduced the bipartisan No Oil Profits for Enemies (NOPE) Act and led colleagues in calling on the administration to impose further sanctions on Russia.\n\nSee below for media coverage highlights:\n\nArizona Republic\n\n“’I think there was a problem in the Biden administration where they didn’t know if Ukraine could win and what a victory would look like,’ said Gallego, who was a member of the House Armed Services Committee before joining the Senate in 2025. […]\n\nGallego said he is troubled that the Trump administration is applying pressure to Ukraine to accept what he called ‘a bad peace deal.’\n\nThat, he predicted, would not be honored by Russia and ‘would really cause the collapse of American leadership around the world.’\n\nTaiwan, Gallego said, would feel pressure to strike some type of deal with mainland China after seeing the U.S. allow Kiev to bend to Moscow. Closer to Ukraine, Moldova and the Baltic states could be the next targets of Russian aggression, he said.”\n\nFOX10\n\nGallego: “This is why it is important. You know, you know, I do this that we go to the Munich Security Conference, that we are the different voice than the administration. I’ll be going to the Black Sea Conference in Odessa, Ukraine, this summer to make sure that people understand, like, yes, this administration may be antagonistic to the idea of Ukraine sovereignty, but there are many, many supermajority of senators, supermajority of members of Congress that do not have that same point of view. And we will fight for your freedom and for your sovereignty.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-announce-plan-to-accelerate-tree-planting-in-underserved-communities/", "title": "Gillibrand, Colleagues Announce Plan To Accelerate Tree Planting In Underserved Communities", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Neighborhood Tree Act would authorize $2 billion for urban tree-planting programs\n\nU.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), announced the Neighborhood Tree Act, legislation to provide federal funds for tree-planting programs in urban and underserved communities.\n\nThe Neighborhood Tree Act would establish the Neighborhood Tree Fund at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and authorize $2 billion in federal grants for tree-planting programs nationwide. According to the EPA, trees and vegetation in urban areas can offset heat island effects, reduce energy use, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance quality of life. Recent polling indicates that 73% of Americans wish their neighborhood had more trees.\n\n“New York families deserve clean air, access to green space, and lower energy bills,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the price of fuel rises for working Americans, the Neighborhood Tree Act would bring shade and reduced energy needs through expanded tree-planting programs in New York and across the county. I am proud to be introducing this important piece of legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed.”\n\nThe bill is endorsed by American Forests, Holden Forests & Gardens, the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, the Trust for Public Land, and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.\n\nThe Neighborhood Tree Act would:\n\nEstablish the Neighborhood Tree Fund and authorize $2 billion in federal grants\n\nThe Neighborhood Tree Fund would be administered by the USDA.\n\nEligible grantees would be: states, tribal governments, local governments, and local community tree and volunteer organizations\n\nThe Secretary of Agriculture would give priority to entities that propose projects that:\n\nServe low-income areas or communities with a lower tree canopy percentage and higher temperatures than surrounding areas;\n\nSupport climate mitigation and resilience;\n\nAdvance community-led urban forestry, tree-based local food production, reduce urban heat, and improve public health and environmental outcomes.\n\nThe bill would also expand the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council from 15 to 16 members and require that one member of the council be a resident of a low-income community.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Ed Markey (D-MA) and Representatives Shontel Brown (D-OH), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV) and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).\n\nFull text of the Neighborhood Tree Act can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-releases-senate-judiciary-title-of-reconciliation-bill-to-fund-law-enforcement-safeguard-american-communities", "title": "Grassley Releases Senate Judiciary Title of Reconciliation Bill to Fund Law Enforcement, Safeguard American Communities", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), in conjunction with the administration, Senate leadership and colleagues, today released the Senate Judiciary Committee title of Republicans’ targeted reconciliation bill to invest in federal law enforcement and border security measures. The legislation allocates funds to the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security (DHS) through Fiscal Year 2029.\n\n“Democrats set the wrong kind of record by shutting down DHS for a historic 76 days, forcing brave law enforcement officers and their families to miss multiple paychecks. Sadly, Democrats’ irresponsible DHS shutdown proved they’re still the party of open borders and ‘defund the police.’\n\n“Republicans won’t allow our country to be dragged backwards by Democrats’ radical, anti-law enforcement agenda. The Senate Judiciary Committee is taking action to help provide certainty for federal law enforcement and safer streets for American families. We will work to ensure this critical funding gets signed into law without unnecessary delay,” Grassley said.\n\nDownload text of the Judiciary title HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/05/04/icymi-hagerty-joins-fox-friends-on-fox-news-to-discuss-irans-economic-crisis-us-china-talks/", "title": "ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Fox & Friends on Fox News to Discuss Iran’s Economic Crisis, US-China Talks", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NEW YORK—On Friday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Fox & Friends on Fox News to discuss Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s clash with Senate Democrats, the latest on the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, and President Trump’s upcoming visit to China.\n\n*Click the photo above or here to watch*\n\nPartial Transcript\n\nHagerty on Hegseth’s committee dispute with Senate Democrats: “It’s as if you’re listening to someone from the Ayatollah [Mojtaba Khamenei]’s own cabinet speak when you hear the Democrat side make these accusations. It’s as if they’re trying to talk the economy into the tank, and they’re trying to talk the American public into thinking this is some sort of vast defeat when that is absolutely not the case.”\n\nHagerty on further military intervention in Iran: “The options are considerable, and if you think about the authority that we have right now in the region—the carrier strike groups that are there—we are fully armed and ready to go. Time is on our side in this one. The Iranians had an opportunity with the ceasefire. They’ve been in complete catastrophe, evidently, from their political navigation. But we’re ready to see this come to an end. President [Donald] Trump has been very clear: There will not be a nuclear weapon, and a nuclear-armed Iran. We’re not going to allow them to continue this. And we’re not going to allow them to continue to hold the entire world’s economy hostage either.”\n\nHagerty on Russian involvement in Iran and the war in Ukraine: “Any sort of assistance with targeting [U.S. military bases] is an action that should never be tolerated. I think [Trump] is telling [Russia] that Iran is going to be over soon, and Russia better get in line as well. It really is amazing to see the agility of the Ukrainian army and, frankly, the toughness of the Ukrainian army.”\n\nHagerty on the president’s upcoming visit to China: “I think the tables have turned significantly in the president’s favor. The Venezuelan oil that the Chinese were buying was deeply discounted on the market; it’s under our control right now. I certainly think that the timeline is such that we could have the Iranian situation under control at that point, too. America will be speaking from a position of strength this time, very different from when President Trump had to go in the wake of the Biden failures and basically plead with the Chinese to ease off on the critical mineral sanctions and choke point.”\n\nHagerty on China threatening Panamanian ships: “I think the Chinese are trying to reset the leverage as well. They also denied Meta a merger; they have blocked that because they don’t want us to succeed in AI. This is a competition on global scale, and the Chinese are again trying to position [themselves] for this very meeting between [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] and President Trump. We’ll have a much better hand when we walk into that meeting this time. We need to stop every ship, and that’s the goal. Ships are not moving out of the Strait of Hormuz with oil in them going to China.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-tax-relief-delivering-real-results-for-hundreds-of-thousands-of-north-dakota-taxpayers", "title": "Hoeven: Tax Relief Delivering Real Results for Hundreds of Thousands of North Dakota Taxpayers", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MANDAN, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today outlined the benefits of tax relief passed as part of the Working Families Tax Cut Act (WFTCA), also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, for families and small businesses in North Dakota. Hoeven made the remarks as part of a roundtable with Representative Julie Fedorchak and members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Hoeven highlighted how, with tax season now complete, North Dakotans are seeing firsthand how the legislation puts more money in their pockets, supporting families’ livelihoods and empowering businesses to invest more in their operations. Combined, the bill’s provisions preserve $4 trillion in tax relief, the majority of which benefit those earning under $400,000 per year, while preventing a $1,700 tax hike on the average family of four.\n\nFor Families and Individuals:\n\nPermanently extends individual tax rates and bracket changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\n\nThe bill also further increases the standard deduction, which benefits and helps simplify income taxes for the vast majority of taxpayers.\n\nAs a result of enhancements in the WFTCA, more than 345,000 families in North Dakota saw their standard deduction increase by $1,500.\n\nEliminates taxes on tips and overtime for millions of American workers.\n\nSupports families by increasing and making permanent the enhanced child tax credit at $2,200, with $1,700 of that amount being refundable, adjusted for inflation.\n\nThis benefits more than 87,000 families in the state.\n\nProvides permanent relief from the death tax by setting the exemption to $15 million or $30 million for those married filing jointly, adjusted for inflation.\n\nEstablishes savings accounts for newborns to help build financial security.\n\nCreates a new $6,000 tax deduction for millions of low- and middle-income seniors.\n\nCombined with other deductions, this will result in the average beneficiary paying zero taxes on Social Security.\n\nFor Small Businesses:\n\nPermanently extends the Section 199A pass-through deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers, including the Section 199A(g) deduction used by agricultural cooperatives.\n\nThis benefits nearly 72,000 small business owners in North Dakota.\n\nIncreases the Section 179 expensing to $2.5 million and increases the phaseout for qualified property at $4 million.\n\nEstablishes a 100 percent accelerated depreciation for new industrial and manufacturing facilities that begin construction between 2025-2028.\n\nMakes permanent the 30 percent interest expense allowance.\n\nPermanently extends the 100 percent research and development deduction.\n\nMakes permanent 100 percent bonus depreciation.\n\n“Hundreds of thousands of North Dakotans are paying lower taxes today because of the Working Families Tax Cut Act. That means our people are keeping more of their hard-earned money, have greater financial stability and can increase their standard of living, while our small businesses have more capital on hand to invest in the growth of their operations,” said Hoeven. “That’s a recipe for a strong and growing economy. Like we saw with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which we passed during President Trump’s first term, economic growth generates more government revenue over the long-term so we can fund our priorities and reduce the debt and deficit. This pro-growth approach, whether from tax relief, reducing the regulatory burden or advancing U.S. energy dominance, is the right path forward for our nation.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-leads-resolution-highlighting-childrens-mental-health-awareness/", "title": "Husted leads resolution highlighting children’s mental health awareness", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“This resolution recognizes the need for prevention, early intervention and treatment while applauding those working every day to improve the well-being of our kids.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sens. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) introduced a resolution to support the designation of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.\n\n“As the youth mental health crisis continues to grow across our country and in Ohio, it is critical that we highlight the importance of supporting our children. This resolution recognizes the need for prevention, early intervention and treatment while applauding those working every day to improve the well-being of our kids,” said Husted.\n\nIn recent years, rates of mental health conditions have increased among Ohio children and youth.\n\nThe resolution:\n\nSupports the designation of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness of children’s mental health and the importance of early detection, treatment, intervention and prevention strategies;\n\nRecognizes the relationship between children’s mental well-being and ample outdoor recreation, a healthy diet, regular socialization with peers and adequate sleep;\n\nUrges that youth mental health be categorized as a national priority and calls for the continued promotion of mental health in schools and communities;\n\nApplauds the collaboration of local, state and federal organizations in promoting awareness of youth mental health and providing support for those in need;\n\nAdvocates for individuals, families and communities to participate in activities surrounding Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to promote mental well-being initiatives, reduce stigma and facilitate access to essential services and resources; and\n\nReaffirms the importance of mental health as a necessary aspect of overall well-being and urges continued efforts to facilitate access to mental health care for American children.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-fetterman-celebrate-public-service-recognition-week/", "title": "Lankford, Fetterman Celebrate Public Service Recognition Week", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Oklahoma City, OK – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced a resolution ahead of Public Service Recognition Week, May 3rd through 9th, to honor employees of federal, state, and local governments and members of the uniformed services. The resolution commends public servants for their dedication, professionalism, and patriotism, recognizes their indispensable role in strengthening the economy, protecting public safety, and sustaining democratic self-governance, and calls upon the people of the United States to observe Public Service Recognition Week with appropriate programs and activities.\n\n“Public Service Recognition Week gives our country an opportunity to pause and thank the many government workers across Oklahoma and the nation for their commitment to serving others,” said Lankford. “Civil servants support our military, provide essential care for veterans, keep our airports safe and running smoothly, along with many other important jobs that help our nation function daily. Today and every day we are grateful for the way they serve each and every one of us.”\n\n“Public servants keep this country running in many different ways—all contributing significantly to the greatest country in the world. It’s more important than ever that we show up for them,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’m proud to join Senator Lankford in introducing this resolution for Public Service Recognition Week. No matter what level of government they serve at or what uniform they wear, I commend and am grateful for these men and women, their dedication, and their patriotism—not just this week, but always.”\n\nAs Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs, Lankford leads efforts to make the federal government more efficient and effective. This includes supporting the federal workforce. The resolution recognizes that “public service is a noble calling involving a variety of challenging and rewarding professions and highly skilled and trained individuals offering their knowledge, effort, and skills in support of the public.”\n\nLankford has served as chairman of the HSGAC subcommittee since 2015. During his time as chairman, he has focused on improving the federal workforce, reducing government waste and duplication, and removing regulatory burdens to encourage economic growth. The resolution calls upon the people of the United States to “observe Public Service Recognition Week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor and acknowledge the service of those who work on their behalf.”\n\nRead the full resolution HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-warren-blumenthal-demand-gun-manufacturer-halt-marketing-campaigns-of-assault-style-weapons-to-minors", "title": "Senators Markey, Warren, Blumenthal Demand Gun Manufacturer Halt Marketing Campaigns of Assault-Style Weapons to Minors", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nBoston (May 4, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today wrote to Eric Schmid, owner of Mountain Billy Gun Lab—formerly Wee1 Tactical—demanding the company cease all marketing of assault-style weapons directed at minors, withdraw related advertisements, and halt the sale of products promoted in campaigns. Although Wee1 Tactical rebranded as Mountain Billy Gun Lab in mid-2024, the underlying business model and marketing strategy appear substantively unchanged.\n\nAn investigation by The Smoking Gun reveals that Mountain Billy Gun Lab continues to promote scaled-down AR-15 style weapons—now branded as “GOAT-15”—using images and social-media content that depict children firing these weapons. The rebranding appears designed to deflect negative attention rather than to substantively alter the company’s approach to products and audiences.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “According to The Smoking Gun, Mountain Billy Gun Lab’s website and social-media accounts portray the GOAT-15 series as suitable for training new shooters and ‘family range days,’ with explicit visual depictions of children using the rifles in Instagram videos and posts. These include videos showing a young girl loading and firing a short-barreled GOAT-15, children assisted by adults while firing rifles, and captions referencing family and youth shooting contexts. These visuals and captions strongly suggest that Mountain Billy Gun Lab’s promotional outreach continues to appeal to minors—a practice that, whether intentional or not, raises serious questions about consumer safety and lawful marketing.”\n\nThe lawmakers requested responses to the following by May 18, 2026:\n\nFor each product sold or marketed since the rebrand, identify the intended and actual target markets, including any age-specific consumer research.\n\nProvide copies of all internal safety evaluations or age-appropriateness assessments for products designed or marketed for “new shooters” that could reasonably include minors.\n\nList all marketing personnel, agencies, or consultants responsible for approving social media content directed at or likely to reach minors.\n\nProvide all social-media content, postings, and campaign analytics for Mountain Billy Gun Lab accounts since the rebranding.\n\nDescribe any internal policies governing age-targeting on marketing platforms used by the company.\n\nThe lawmakers’ letter follows a letter from Senators Markey, Warren, Blumenthal, and others to the FTC, urging it to investigate Wee1 Tactical (the predecessor to Mountain Billy Gun Lab) for its promotion of the “JR-15,” a .22-caliber AR-15 style rifle scaled down for children.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-highlights-firefighter-appreciation-day/", "title": "Senator Marshall Highlights Firefighter Appreciation Day", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Great Bend – Today, as the nation recognizes National Firefighter Appreciation Day, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) is honoring the brave men and women across Kansas who run toward danger so the rest of us don’t have to. From the volunteer departments in Western Kansas to the crews serving Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas firefighters exemplify the courage, sacrifice, and community spirit that define our state.\n\n“As a doctor, I’ve seen firsthand what happens in those critical minutes before a firefighter or first responder arrives on scene — and I know that lives hang in the balance,” said Senator Marshall. “These men and women don’t clock in for the paycheck — they do it because they love their neighbors and their communities. Kansas is full of that kind of character, and I’m proud to go to bat for them every single day in the United States Senate.”\n\nKansas is home to hundreds of fire departments — the vast majority of them volunteer — protecting communities that stretch across nearly 82,000 square miles. In rural Kansas, a volunteer firefighter will drive across the county to reach a wildfire, and departments often operate on shoestring budgets, relying on aging equipment and the generosity of local donors. Senator Marshall has consistently advocated in Congress for robust federal funding to ensure no Kansas firefighter is left without the tools they need to do their job safely.\n\nAs part of the annual federal appropriations process, Senator Marshall has submitted the following funding requests on behalf of Kansas fire and emergency management. These requests reflect conversations with fire chiefs, union leaders, emergency managers, and community members across all 105 Kansas counties:\n\nThe Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program at FEMA helps fire departments obtain the equipment, protective gear, vehicles, and training necessary to protect the public\n\nThe Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program at FEMA ensures fire departments have the staffing levels necessary to make it home safe\n\nThe National Firefighter Registry for Cancer at the CDC: the nation’s largest firefighter cancer registry that helps better understand and reduce the link between firefighting and cancer\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-statement-on-republicans-bill-gifting-ice-border-patrol-billions-while-ignoring-middle-class-families/", "title": "Merkley Statement on Republicans’ Bill Gifting ICE, Border Patrol Billions While Ignoring Middle Class Families", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the below statement after Senate Republicans released bill text that will gift the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) nearly $70 billion in new spending.\n\n“Now that Republicans have unveiled their bill gifting ICE and Border Patrol nearly $70 billion to continue propping up Trump’s rogue police and wreaking havoc across American communities, Senate Democrats are prepared to review this bill line by line and vigorously challenge any provision that violates the Byrd Rule.\n\n“At a time when gas prices are rising every day due to Trump’s war of choice with Iran and families continue to struggle to buy groceries, Republicans are ignoring the needs of middle-class America and instead funneling money into Trump’s ballroom and throwing billions at two lawless agencies—agencies that are already sitting on over $100 billion in unspent funds.\n\n“Throughout this process, Democrats will continue to show the American people that we are for bringing down costs, making it easier to get ahead, and building an economy where families thrive and billionaires pay their fair share. It is clear that the country has had enough of the Republican ‘families lose, billionaires win’ agenda,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley.\n\nLast month, Merkley released an analysis of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) SF-133 reports showing that, as of the end of March, these two agencies are sitting on more than $103 billion in unobligated funding from the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that Republicans enacted last July.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-announce-nearly-1-1-million-for-oregon-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-efforts/", "title": "Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $1.1 Million for Oregon Fish and Wildlife Conservation Efforts", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a total of $1,059,961 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to support state fish and wildlife agencies. This funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) State Wildlife Grant program, which supports state agencies’ conservation efforts.\n\n“Our state’s lands and waters are integral to the futures of countless fish and wildlife, as well as many Oregonians’ quality of life and livelihoods,” said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat overseeing funding for the USFWS. “This new federal funding will strengthen conservation efforts and local restoration work, ensuring that Oregon’s ecosystems are protected for generations to come.”\n\n“Oregonians’ enjoyment of the outdoors is in our DNA, and protecting the state’s fish and wildlife is essential to ensuring our special relationship with nature continues now — and in the future,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these federal investments are coming to our state, and I’ll keep battling to secure similar resources for lands and water in Oregon.”\n\nThe State Wildlife Grant program funds local fish and wildlife agencies to protect and manage species, promote the recovery of wildlife, and conserve habitats across the country. Since 2000, over $1.4 billion from the program has been distributed nationwide.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-protections-for-dogs-under-the-care-of-breeders/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Dogs Under the Care of Breeders", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Puppy Protection Act aims to end cruel, mass breed practices by improving care standards for dogs\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined colleagues in introducing legislation that would strengthen protections for dogs under the care of breeders by ensuring they live in a safe environment, have access to outdoor spaces, and can regularly interact with other dogs and humans.\n\n“As the saying goes, ‘dogs are man’s best friend.’ Yet, too many are living in small spaces without enough food or water before they find their forever home,” Wyden said. “Puppies deserve to be born into a world where they can romp around on grass, play with their furry friends, and curl up in a comfortable, safe environment. This bill raises the standards of care for dogs so they can live a happy and healthy life from the get-go.”\n\n“Our canine companions deserve to be treated with basic dignity and care at all stages of their lives. We must hold irresponsible breeders accountable and make sure puppies are raised with the care, safety, and humane treatment they deserve,” said Merkley.\n\nThe Puppy Protection Act would create stronger standards for dogs in relation to their veterinary care, housing, and breeders through the following solutions:\n\nCaging and space requirements: Expand enclosure requirements to allow dogs to stand on their hind legs without touching the top of their enclosure and increase the number of square feet of their enclosure based on the dog’s size. Enclosures also could not be stacked on top of one another.\n\nExercise: Offer dogs over the age of 12 weeks unrestricted access from their primary enclosures to a ground-level, enclosed outdoor exercise area.\n\nSocialization: Set a 30 minute requirement per day for dogs to socialize with humans and compatible dogs outside of the time spent in veterinary care.\n\nBreeding: Require a screening by a veterinarian prior to each attempt to breed and prohibit breeding of two litters in any 18-month period or more than six litters in a dog’s lifetime. Breeders must also find a humane placement for retired breeding dogs, such as with adoptive families or rescue organizations.\n\nIn addition to Wyden and Merkley, other co-sponsors of the bill led by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) are U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-sponsors-press-act-to-stop-drug-cartels-from-manufacturing-murder-pills-to-kill-americans/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Sponsors PRESS Act to Stop Drug Cartels from Manufacturing Murder Pills to Kill Americans", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch full press conference here.\n\nMIAMI, Fla.—Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl continue to kill thousands of Americans every year. To stop the manufacturing of these murder pills, Senator Ashley Moody is targeting the equipment used by drug cartels to create them. Today joined by law enforcement and local officials in Miami, Senator Moody announced the introduction of the PRESS Act. The act criminalizes the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs. Rep. Addison McDowell introduced an identical measure in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“We are turning the corner in the fight to end the opioid crisis. Overdose deaths are on the decline and President Trump closed the border—making it more difficult for cartels to smuggle drugs into our country. However, thousands of Americans continue to die from opioid poisoning and counterfeit pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl play a major role in overall deaths,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “To stop the manufacturing of these murder pills, I am sponsoring the PRESS Act. My bill will outlaw the importation of this pharmaceutical equipment by anyone who intends to create counterfeit pills.”\n\n“Having lost my little brother to a counterfeit pill likely produced using precursors smuggled across the border from China, it has been my top priority in Congress to combat the fentanyl crisis and make sure our law enforcement has the tools and resources they need to bring this crisis to a halt,” Rep. Addison McDowell said. “I commend Sen. Moody’s leadership on bringing up the PRESS Act in the Senate, and I look forward to seeing this legislation make it to the President’s desk.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nPill press machines are often imported into the country by drug cartels piecemeal and then assembled domestically to produce counterfeit pills that are then sold to Americans and often laced with deadly fentanyl.\n\nThe PRESS Act gives federal prosecutors the tools needed to charge foreign entities who import unlisted precursor chemicals and pill press machines with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nThe bill adds criminal penalties for the unlawful importation of pill presses:\n\nNo more than eight years for the illicit manufacturing or distribution of a tableting machine, encapsulating machine, press punch, die system, gelatin capsule, or related equipment and unlisted precursor chemical;\n\nNot more than 15 years for violations involving more than 1,000 kilograms.\n\nIn 2025, the DEA seized more than 45 million fentanyl pills, and more than 9,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, removing at least an estimated 347 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl from our communities.\n\nDEA intelligence indicates a shift in cartel operations, with increased trafficking of fentanyl powder and domestic production of fentanyl pills.\n\nCounterfeit pills are pressed to look like legitimate prescription opioids using imported tableting machines, punches, and die-molds. These table-top pill press machines can produce up to 5,000 pills per hour, with larger floor models producing 15,000 pills per hour.\n\nChina and Central American cartels skillfully smuggle pill press parts through U.S. ports and customs, often labeling them as “furniture parts” or “machine spare parts.” These parts are then reassembled as unregistered pill presses and used to mass produce counterfeit pills.\n\nAs Florida’s Attorney General, Senator Moody issued many warnings and public awareness materials about the dangers of using counterfeit pills.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-and-wyden-target-billionaire-trusts-introduce-landmark-legislation-to-close-loopholes-sheltering-potentially-trillions-in-untaxed-wealth/", "title": "Murray and Wyden Target Billionaire Trusts, Introduce Landmark Legislation to Close Loopholes Sheltering Potentially Trillions in Untaxed Wealth", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Fair Trusts for Fiscal Responsibility Act cracks down on tax avoidance and ensures that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share\n\nA conservative estimate projects Murray’s bill would generate $675 billion over ten years\n\nSenator Murray: “The revenue from this bill alone could extend the ACA tax credits AND provide high quality child care for every working family in America.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, introduced the Fair Trusts for Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2026 to close tax loopholes used by the wealthiest Americans to avoid paying taxes through complicated trust arrangements. The legislation is co-led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee.\n\n“Firefighters and nurses don’t get to hide their money in a trust fund and skip out on paying their taxes—billionaires shouldn’t get to either,” said Senator Murray. “The very wealthiest Americans hide their fortunes in a trust for generations and call it tax planning—that is absurd and those are dollars that should be going to our schools, infrastructure, and health care. In America, if you earn a paycheck, you are paying taxes—it’s time to close the loophole that lets individuals with armies of lawyers stash away billions without paying taxes. This Republican Congress has bent over backwards to rig the system for billionaires. I am simply proposing that the ultra-wealthy—people with more than $50 million sitting in a trust—finally pay what they owe and contribute their fair share back to the country that made their success possible. I’ll bet that most Americans would prefer we fund child care and pre-k for every working family in this country rather than let billionaires get a free ride on their taxes. The revenue from this bill alone could extend the ACA tax credits AND provide high quality child care for every working family in America. If you don’t have more than $50 million laying around in a trust, you don’t have to worry about this bill resulting in anything other than better funded roads and public schools.”\n\n“We cannot allow there to be ultra-wealthy dynasties in this country hoarding all the money and power for generations on end, and we cannot have a tax system that encourages it,” said Senator Wyden. “Our budgets suffer and economic opportunity bleeds away when the ultra-wealthy dodge taxes in America, so this bill is a smart way of ensuring the highest earners are paying a fair share just like nearly everybody else.”\n\nMost Americans will not receive an inheritance, and for those that do, only those with assets exceeding $30 million—for a married couple—are required to contribute a portion through taxes, and even then, only on amounts over that substantial exemption. Fewer than 0.1% of Americans pay estate tax at all. These funds provide revenue that can be used for essential investments in our country, like schools or critical infrastructure. Yet many of the very wealthiest Americans use special trusts to delay, minimize, and avoid paying taxes. Experts estimate that hundreds of billions of dollars and potentially trillions of dollars are held in generation-skipping transfer tax exempt trusts that are not subject to the rule against perpetuities.\n\nThe Fair Trusts for Fiscal Responsibility Act addresses tax avoidance head on by applying a 1 percent rate on trust assets between $50 million and $100 million, 1.5 percent between $100 million and $250 million, 2 percent between $250 million and $1 billion, and 3 percent on assets above $1 billion. To ensure fairness, the bill provides full refundability of the withholding against estate tax liability so that only those actively avoiding transfer taxes face increased burdens, while also capping total withholding so it does not exceed estate tax owed. The legislation further strengthens compliance through new reporting requirements and penalties for noncompliance, while exempting charitable trusts, ERISA-qualified employee benefit trusts, and other trusts not typically used in estate planning.\n\nA conservative estimate of a similar proposal indicates that Murray’s legislation would raise approximately $675 billion over ten years, noting, “even based on our low-end estimate of $4.5 trillion in GST-exempt trusts today, if those trusts face an average annual tax of 1.5% under the withholding tax, that is approximately $675 billion over ten years.” This could fund free school lunch for every kid in America, child care for every working family, and the replacement of every lead pipe in America; alternatively, the revenue could fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for decades, or extend the enhanced premium ACA tax credits nearly twice over.\n\nIn addition to Senators Murray and Wyden, the bill is also co-sponsored by Senators Van Hollen, Booker, and Alsobrooks.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by Americans for Tax Fairness, Patriotic Millionaires, Public Citizen, Groundwork, Economic Security Project Action, NETWORK Lobby, National Women’s Law Center, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and United for a Fair Economy.\n\n“A tax system that favors the rich makes America a poorer country for everyone, including the rich themselves. Working Americans can’t wait until later to pay taxes,” said Bob Lord,Senior Vice President for Tax Policy, Patriotic Millionaires. “Taxes are withheld from every one of their paychecks. So when ultra-rich Americans use trusts to delay paying estate tax for 50 years on billion-dollar fortunes left for their grandchildren, average Americans feel cheated. Sen. Murray’s Fair Trusts for Fiscal Responsibility Act would end this outrageous preferential treatment and restore a feeling of fairness to our tax system. Ultra-rich families wouldn’t make more tax payments. They’d just make more timely tax payments, like the rest of America does.”\n\n“ATF applauds Senator Murray for introducing the Fair Trusts for Fiscal Responsibility Act,” said David Kass, Executive Director of Americans for Tax Fairness. “For decades, the wealthy have been able to hoard massive amounts of wealth and pass it down to future generations through key loopholes. The existing estate-tax exemption is so high ($30M for married couples) that only the wealthiest 0.1% of estates owe any tax. Yet wealthy families can further reduce what they pay through strategies like GRATs and dynasty trusts, leading to losses in revenue for public investments in education, healthcare, and more. This legislation would make key reforms to curb these abuses and rein in dynastic wealth in our country.”\n\nSenator Murray is fighting for tax fairness and closing loopholes on Wall Street. Last month, at a Senate Budget Committee hearing on Social Security, Senator Murray slammed the Trump administration for gutting the Social Security Administration (SSA) and questioned witnesses on the fact that the very wealthiest Americans have the smallest effective payroll tax rate. Murray made clear that when it comes to addressing SSA solvency, there is no reason for working people to face drastic benefit cuts when the very wealthiest could simply pay their fair share.\n\nIn 2025, Senator Murray helped introduce the Carried Interest Fairness Act to eliminate a tax loophole that benefits wealthy money managers on Wall Street. The current carried interest loophole allows investment managers to often pay almost half the tax rate compared to most other Washington workers. Over the course of her career, Murray has long championed a fair tax system—rejecting Republican efforts to cut benefits for working people and repeatedly pushing for reforms to ensure the very wealthiest Americans simply pay their fair share. Murray has always recognized that the national debt and deficits pose real challenges; however, it has been her longstanding belief that America can reduce budget deficits while still investing in national priorities that support economic growth.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is HERE.\n\nA one pager is HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-working-to-crack-down-on-corporate-price-gouging-to-lower-grocery-prices/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Working to Crack Down on Corporate Price Gouging to Lower Grocery Prices", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to crack down on corporate price gouging to lower grocery prices.\n\nSen. Ossoff is cosponsoring the Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026 to stop big corporations from taking advantage of consumers by unfairly overcharging for groceries.\n\nThe bill, first introduced by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), would prohibit the use of surveillance-based price setting practices, where corporations use a person’s precise location, browser history, or surveillance to charge people different prices for the same goods and services.\n\n“Georgia families are paying too much for groceries. This bill will crack down on corporate price gouging to lower costs for Georgia families,” Sen. Ossoff said.\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to lower prices for Georgia families.\n\nIn December, Sen. Ossoff urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to reinstate Federal grant funding through the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission’s Childcare Access and Nutrition Systems (CANS) Program to help reduce food insecurity.\n\nLast April, Sen. Ossoff joined a group of Senators calling out Congressional Republicans’ budget proposal, which proposed cutting billions of dollars from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and have devastating consequences for Georgia veterans, seniors, children, and farmers.\n\nLast February, Sen. Ossoff and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), alongside other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation, urged Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to reverse course and apply for the summer EBT program after Governor Kemp refused tens of millions of dollars in Federal funding to help Georgia children afford lunch during the summer months.\n\nIn 2024, Sen. Ossoff introduced the Fresh Food Act of 2024 to address food insecurity across Georgia by helping attract more grocery stores to Georgia communities with limited access to fresh foods, and to help support Georgia farmers.\n\nClick here to read the Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-gas-prices-surge-in-rochester-finger-lakes-schumer-demands-an-end-to-trumps-reckless-iran-war-announces-he-will-force-weekly-votes-to-end-war-and-calls-on-ny-house-republicans-to-stand-up-for-families-paying-the-price-for-trumps-war", "title": "AS GAS PRICES SURGE IN ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES, SCHUMER DEMANDS AN END TO TRUMP’S RECKLESS IRAN WAR, ANNOUNCES HE WILL FORCE WEEKLY VOTES TO END WAR, AND CALLS ON NY HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO STAND UP FOR...", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "As Gas Skyrockets Over $4, And American Troops Remain In Harm’s Way, NY House Republicans Refuse To Check Trump’s Reckless War of Choice – Schumer, Standing With Local Vets And Families Struggling From Gas Prices, Says Enough Is Enough And Vows To Force Votes Every Week To End The War\n\nNew Report Shows American Families Have Paid $16 Billion More For Gas Since Trump Started War In Iran, Including $517+ Million In NY Alone\n\nSchumer: Iran War Has Cost NYers Half A Billion At The Gas Pump – This Must Stop\n\nOver 60 days into Trump’s reckless war with Iran, with no end in sight, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stood outside a gas station with Rochester-Finger Lakes families, veterans, and farmers slammed by higher prices to say enough is enough and demand an end to Trump’s reckless and damaging war of choice. As the average price of gas surges to over $4 despite Trump’s promise to lower costs, Schumer vowed to force votes every single week to stop the war and called on NY House Republicans to stand up for NY families paying the price for Trump’s disastrous Iran war.\n\n“As Trump continues his reckless war of choice in Iran, families here in the Rochester-Finger Lakes are paying the price at the gas pump and beyond. Gas prices just reached new highs and families are seeing no relief in sight, but Trump and Congressional Republicans don’t seem to care about the pain American families are feeling at the pump,” said Senator Schumer. “With gas costing over $4 a gallon, inflation climbing, tariffs hammering consumers with higher prices, and mortgage rates going up, the American people cannot afford Trump’s disastrous war. Congress cannot simply sit on the sidelines while our brave servicemembers are risking their lives on the front lines and American taxpayers are shelling out tens of billions of dollars for an unnecessary foreign war. We will continue to force votes on our War Powers Resolution week after week after week to show the American people what side their representatives are on.”\n\nA new report from the Joint Economic Committee found that families in every state spent millions more on gasoline over the past month. In the first two months of the war, New Yorkers paid $517,229,794 more for gasoline compared to prices before the war. Trump originally campaigned on the promise to get the price of gasoline under $2 a gallon; instead, he has chosen to enter the U.S. into a conflict that is dramatically spiking costs, causing the average gas price in New York state to rise to more than $4 a gallon. Meanwhile, across America, cost inflation is ticking back up, and mortgage rates are rising again.\n\nThis is on top of the billions the war in Iran has already cost American taxpayers. In the first six days alone, the war cost American taxpayers $11.3 billion. The Pentagon estimates the war has cost $25 billion so far. The Trump administration has also requested the largest increase in defense spending since World War II, while gutting programs that American families rely on to care for their children, put food on the table, access healthcare, and more.\n\nSchumer says American families are paying the price for a war they didn’t choose—while Republicans refuse to lift a finger to stop it. And on the front lines, American servicemembers are being asked to risk their lives without a clear objective, without transparency, and without the backing of Congress. Schumer said that is not strength or leadership, that’s a failure of responsibility.\n\nSchumer vowed he will force a vote every week on a War Powers Resolution to rein in Trump’s reckless military actions until the war ends. The senator said no president should take the country to war alone, and Congressional Republicans need to stand up to Trump and reassert Congress’s authority on matters of war.\n\nSchumer continued, “No president should ever take this country to war alone. Republicans know Trump’s handling of this war has been a disaster. They see how much the American people are hurting right now. NY House Republicans need to do their jobs, stand up to Trump and stand up for their constituents who are paying the price for his war.”\n\nAccording to the report, families across the country are spending 37% more at the pump than they did since February 28, an increase by 2% in the past month, with the average price to fill up one tank reaching $146.74 for the top-selling pickup truck, $59.10 for the top-selling SUV, and $52.99 for the top-selling sedan. Overall, families across America are paying $16 billion more for gasoline compared to prices before Trump’s war on Iran.\n\nCharles Hippert, Air Force Veteran from Ontario County, said, “Veterans like me took an oath of office to serve and defend the Constitution, which rests the powers to make war with Congress – the branch of government closest to the American people – because nothing is more serious than sending Americans into war. That seriousness demands careful thought and planning, otherwise lives are placed at unnecessary risk on the battlefield, and Americans at home are left to deal with the financial toll of war, including at the gas pump. I appreciate Senator Schumer’s efforts today on behalf of our troops and our community here at home.”\n\nAmanda Krenning, New York Farm Bureau Manager of County Farm Bureau Relations and Development said, “The higher fuel costs are creating a ripple effect across the farming community. It’s costing more to gas up equipment to run local farms and dairies, and it’s driving up the cost of fertilizer and thus the cost to produce our food and dairy. It’s also creating a lot of future uncertainty and volatility that makes it difficult to absorb the unexpected spike in fuel costs that’s now hitting right at the start of the growing season. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s support to help address this uncertainty.”\n\nLocal resident Rachel Brill said, “I have been negatively impacted by the increase in gas prices. I live in Rochester so I can be close to my family and commute 23 miles one way, 46 round trip, each day to work in Canandaigua. I have to fill up my tank every week, and the price has gone up over $10 per tank - now more, after this last 40¢ jump. Over the course of the month, this is more than $40 - previously another week's worth of gas. Along with the increased home heating prices, and grocery prices, I am less financially stable than I expected when I took this, my first professional job in my field, which requires a Master's degree.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-southern-tier-sees-record-high-grocery-costs-schumer-announces-landmark-legislation-to-break-up-the-meatpacking-monopolies-help-farmers-and-drive-down-cost-of-meat-for-families", "title": "AS SOUTHERN TIER SEES RECORD HIGH GROCERY COSTS, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BREAK UP THE MEATPACKING MONOPOLIES, HELP FARMERS, AND DRIVE DOWN COST OF MEAT FOR FAMILIES", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schumer Says Four Corporate Giants Dominate Meat Market, Squeezing Farmers And Ranchers Who Keep Just 16 Cents Of Every Dollar Spent On Food And Rigging The System Against Southern Tier Families\n\nNew Schumer Bill Will Break Up Big Monopolies In Meat Packing That Lead To Higher Prices For Consumers & Hurt Farmers And Restore Real Competition To Help Farmers And Smaller Meat Producers While Lowering Prices\n\nSchumer: New Bill Will Bring Down Costs For Families At The Grocery Store\n\nAs Southern Tier families face the rising cost of groceries, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood with Southern Tier farmers and families at Chemung County Cornell Cooperative Extension to introduce the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act. The Senator’s new landmark legislation would break up the big meat monopolies, boost farmers Upstate, and lower grocery costs for families.\n\n“The meatpacking monopoly is driving up costs for New Yorkers in the Southern Tier at the grocery store and rigging the game against local farmers. Corporate giants dominate the meat market and set prices sky-high for families, all while squeezing profits from farmers by eliminating competition, and it needs to end,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing legislation – the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act – to break up the monopoly and lower costs. This bill is centered around making groceries more affordable, making farmers more profitable, and putting the needs of working middle-class people ahead of the interests of powerful corporations. Local businesses are the backbone of communities; they love their customers and want prices to be affordable, and they get hurt by big corporations and suppliers rigging the game against consumers. America’s economy and our Main Streets are stronger when costs are lower, and we have true competition, and this bill will do exactly that.”\n\nAccording to analysis from the Urban Institute, New York’s 23th Congressional District – which covers Chemung, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Tioga Counties as well as parts of Schuyler, Steuben, Erie, and Niagara Counties – has experienced an increase in the average monthly cost of groceries. In the past five years, monthly grocery prices for a family of four have increased from $870 to $1,110 each month, a whopping nearly 30% increase.\n\nSchumer explained that a major driver of high meat prices is a food system rigged in favor of corporate monopolies. Four companies, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef, control 85% of the beef market, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of the chicken market.\n\nSchumer’s Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is a competition-driven, pro-farmer, pro-rancher, pro-worker, pro-consumer, cost-of-living bill that breaks up dominant meatpackers and uses all available tools to stop unfair pricing that drives up grocery bills for American families. The bill would force the biggest meatpackers to choose a line of business instead of dominating beef, pork, and chicken all at once, and aims to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small businesses that seek to acquire, operate, or expand meatpacking plants or facilities, helping make more local supply chains to lower costs. In addition, to directing the FTC to go after foreign-controlled conglomerates that squeeze American producers and distort U.S. markets.\n\n\"CCE Chemung is grateful for Senator Schumer's long-standing interest in agriculture and food affordability,” said Michell Podolec, Executive Director of Chemung County Cornell Cooperative Extension. “I appreciate his continued attention to supporting our farmers and maintaining strong local food systems.\"\n\n“I’m excited about this legislation because it will help my farm, and other local Southern Tier livestock farmers,” said Ike Mallula, Owner and Farmer at Red House Ranch. “This bill is encouraging growth in the meat packing and processing sector.”\n\n“We love serving our community, but the current agriculture landscape has made it incredibly difficult,” said Mike Sullivan Owner of Hilltop Inn in Elmira. “The cattle inventory hasn’t been this low since the 1950s, which has driven our own beef procurement costs up by over 60% in the last few years. As a restaurant, our priority is maintaining the high-quality our guests expect without making dining out a luxury they have to cut back on.”\n\n“We have struggled with profitability, as costs have increased just as quickly as we could ramp up revenue,” said Greg and Lily DeForest-Campbell, owners of 1897 Beekman House Bed and Breakfast. “High energy and fuel bills have certainly played a part, but grocery prices have had one of the most significant factors in our struggle to stay afloat. Consolidation in the grocery and meat packing industries have clearly played a strong role in these rising costs, with an accompanying decline in quality and availability here in rural New York. New Yorkers shouldn't have to work sixteen hour days, day in and day out, just to worry about keeping grocery bags full. We thank Senator Schumer for the introduction of this bill, and for his efforts to help hard-working New Yorkers stay afloat in these increasingly expensive times.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-western-ny-sees-record-high-grocery-costs-schumer-announces-landmark-legislation-to-break-up-the-meatpacking-monopolies-help-farmers-and-drive-down-cost-of-meat-for-families", "title": "AS WESTERN NY SEES RECORD HIGH GROCERY COSTS, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO BREAK UP THE MEATPACKING MONOPOLIES, HELP FARMERS, AND DRIVE DOWN COST OF MEAT FOR FAMILIES", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schumer Says Four Corporate Giants Dominate Meat Market, Squeezing Farmers And Ranchers Who Keep Just 16 Cents Of Every Dollar Spent On Food, And Rigging The System Against WNY Families\n\nNew Schumer Bill Will Break Up Big Monopolies In Meat Packing That Lead To Higher Prices And Restore Real Competition To Lowering Costs\n\nSchumer: New Bill Will Bring Down Costs For Families At The Grocery Store\n\nAs Western New Yorkers face some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood with Western New York farmers and families at the beloved Niagara Sausage Company to introduce the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act. The Senator’s new landmark legislation would break up the big meat monopolies, boost farmers Upstate, and lower grocery costs for families.\n\n“The meatpacking monopoly is driving up costs for Western New Yorkers at the grocery store and rigging the game against local farmers. Corporate giants dominate the meat market and set prices sky-high for families, all while squeezing profits from farmers by eliminating competition, and it needs to end,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m introducing legislation – the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act – to break up the monopoly and lower costs. This bill is centered around making groceries more affordable, making farmers more profitable, and putting the needs of working middle-class people ahead of the interests of powerful corporations. Local businesses like Niagara Sausage Company are the backbone of communities; they love their customers and want prices to be affordable, and they get hurt by big corporations and suppliers rigging the game against consumers. America’s economy and our Main Streets are stronger when costs are lower and we have true competition, and this bill will do exactly that.”\n\nRecent reporting shows that families in the Buffalo area are spending some of the most on groceries in the country. Families in Buffalo spend the eighth largest percentage of their income on groceries in an analysis of 100 of the largest American cities. According to analysis from the Urban Institute, New York’s 26th Congressional District, which covers parts of Erie and Niagara Counties, has experienced some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country in the past ten years. Grocery prices have increased from $758.95 to $1,149.02 each month, a whopping more than 50% increase.\n\nSchumer explained that a major driver of high meat prices is a food system rigged in favor of corporate monopolies. Four companies, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef, control 85% of the beef market, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of the chicken market.\n\nSchumer’s Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act is a competition-driven, pro-farmer, pro-rancher, pro-worker, pro-consumer, cost-of-living bill that breaks up dominant meatpackers and uses all available tools to stop unfair pricing that drives up grocery bills for American families. The bill would force the biggest meatpackers to choose a line of business instead of dominating beef, pork, and chicken all at once, and aims to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers’ cooperatives and small businesses that seek to acquire, operate, or expand meatpacking plants or facilities, helping make more local supply chains to lower costs. In addition, to directing the FTC to go after foreign-controlled conglomerates that squeeze American producers and distort U.S. markets.\n\n“We appreciate Senator Schumer’s relentless advocacy as it pertains to affordability, especially for many hard-working residents in the City of Niagara Falls who are trying to make ends meet at a time when costs for everything seemingly continues to increase with no end in sight,” said Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino. “At the same time, the agricultural sector is vital to the economic well-being of Niagara County and it’s important that the City demonstrates its support on issues that bolster and protect our rural communities from economic harm.”\n\nNiagara Sausage Company owner Mike Greenawalt said, “At Niagara Sausage Company, we live the reality behind rising grocery prices every single day—both as a small business and as members of this community. The cost of meat, spices, packaging, utilities, and transportation has increased significantly over the past few years. These aren’t abstract numbers to us—they directly impact how we operate and what we’re able to offer our customers. For our customers, higher grocery prices are not a “hoax.” They’re a real and daily concern. We see it in conversations at the counter, in families making tougher choices, and in our own efforts to keep prices as fair and accessible as possible without compromising quality. As a small, local shop, we don’t have the buying power of large corporate chains. Every increase from suppliers forces difficult decisions. We’ve worked hard to absorb as much of these costs as we can, because we know our customers depend on us for quality products at honest prices. We believe it’s important to acknowledge what people are experiencing. Food affordability matters. Supporting local businesses matters. And having honest conversations about the challenges facing both consumers and small businesses matters. We remain committed to serving our community with transparency, quality, and integrity—and we thank our customers for continuing to support local.”\n\n“We have known for years that the number and capacity of slaughter facilities has been a significant bottleneck to the emerging livestock businesses across New York. It’s incredibly encouraging to see Senator Schumer showcase leadership on this issue. Anything that can increase competition, streamline regulatory burdens, and improve availability will really drive growth, as well as consumer value for local protein,” said Mark Russell, President of Niagara County Farm Bureau\n\n“Every day at Community Missions, we see the impact of the food insecurity that Western New Yorkers are experiencing, “ said Robyn L. Krueger, President & CEO Community Missions. “We are grateful of Senator Schumer’s action in introducing the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act. Increasing grocery prices is a concern for all of us, and especially for everyone that our organization serves. We appreciate that Sen. Schumer is fighting for the thousands of individuals that we serve, while also working to strengthen our local agricultural economy.”\n\n“At Becken Farms in Sanborn, we have seen firsthand how consolidation in the meatpacking industry has made it harder for small, family-run farms to compete and get a fair price for our cattle,” said owner William Ziemendorf. “When only a few buyers show up at auction, competition dries up, which hurts farmers as much as it drives up prices for consumers at the grocery store. At the same time, the shortage of USDA certified processing facilities in our region makes it difficult to meet growing demand for customers who want to buy local. For that reason, we are grateful to Sen. Schumer for leading the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act. By investing in local processing capacity, encouraging competition, and helping level the playing field, this legislation has the potential to strengthen farms like Becken, support local butchers, and deliver real relief for families across Western New York.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-delivering-nearly-5-million-in-fed-funding-cuts-ribbon-on-cortland-countys-new-mental-health-facility-to-boost-care-for-central-ny-families", "title": "SCHUMER, AFTER DELIVERING NEARLY $5 MILLION IN FED FUNDING, CUTS RIBBON ON CORTLAND COUNTY’S NEW MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY TO BOOST CARE FOR CENTRAL NY FAMILIES", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schumer Delivered Major Fed $$ To Transform A Vacant Building In Downtown Cortland Into One-Stop Shop For Mental Healthcare And Long-Term Home For Mental Health Department\n\nCortland County Mental Health Department Is Major Rural Behavioral Healthcare Provider In CNY That Treats More Than 1,000 Patients Every Year\n\nSchumer: New Mental Health Building Will Help Cortland Meet Growing Demand For Mental Health Services\n\nAfter launching his push to deliver federal funding four years ago, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer returned to Cortland to cut the ribbon for the new Cortland County Mental Health Department building. The building, located in downtown Cortland, was previously vacant, but the County was able to revitalize it and bring it back to productive use thanks to the funding Schumer secured. Schumer celebrated the opening of the new facility and promised to fight for federal resources to continue delivering support for rural mental health.\n\n“For families and farmers in Cortland County and Central NY, distance and lack of resources should never be a barrier to getting the mental healthcare you need. When local leaders came to me four years ago asking for help to transform a vacant building into a site of new hope, I promised I wouldn’t stop fighting until they got every penny they needed to build the mental health facility Cortland deserves. I am proud today that a promise made becomes a promise kept,” said Senator Schumer. “Today, we don’t just cut a ribbon; we open a door for so many in Cortland that should have been here long ago to ensure they do not fight mental health challenges alone. I will always fight to give New York’s rural communities the resources they need to address health care needs.”\n\nThe senator has worked relentlessly over the past four years to deliver nearly $5 million in federal funding to transform this once vacant building downtown into a one-stop shop for mental health services and a long-term home for the department.\n\nSchumer explained that Cortland County’s mental health department was previously housed in a severely outdated building, which lacked modern necessities like sufficient high-speed internet access, critical disability accommodations, and the physical space to provide residents with the number of programs they need.\n\nThe new facility nearly doubles the space for the county’s mental health treatment plans and made upgrades like an ADA-compliant elevator and high-speed internet access that significantly boosted the quality of both their in-person and telehealth treatment options. The new facility’s location is a significant upgrade from its previous site, situated directly along a CENTRO bus route and centrally located within the city, making it easier for patients to walk to appointments.\n\nWith more than 1,000 patients treated every year, the new building contains space to continue offering three NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) licensed outpatient treatment programs: Clinic, Adult Day Treatment, and Children’s Mental Health Rehabilitation Services. The building also allows Cortland County's Mental Health Department to expand its Children’s Mental Health Rehabilitation Services and group therapy programming.\n\nSchumer explained that as author of the American Rescue Plan to jumpstart our nation’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, he made sure the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds were flexible to address the long-term health and economic needs of communities. Thanks to Senator Schumer’s efforts, Cortland County received over $9 million, of which $2 million in federal funding was allocated to help improve the county’s mental health services. Schumer then in December 2022 stood in Cortland to successfully push for $2,955,000 in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education budget bill to get this project over the finish line and give Central New York rural residents the healthcare facility they have long needed.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/05/04/slotkin-fetterman-reintroduce-legislation-to-support-urban-and-innovative-farming-across-michigan/", "title": "Slotkin, Fetterman Reintroduce Legislation to Support Urban and Innovative Farming Across Michigan", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Ahead of Armed Services Hearing, A Review of Hegseth’s Answers to Slotkin on Illegal Orders and Use of the Military Against Americans\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), member of the Senate Armed Services...\n\nSlotkin, Moreno Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles to Protect National and Economic Security\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced the Connected...\n\nPeters, Slotkin, Walberg, and Huizenga Call on Small Business Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration to Assist Communities Impacted by Southwest Michigan Tornadoes\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental...\n\nICYMI: In Detroit’s Road & Track Magazine Slotkin Raises Alarm Over Trump Administration’s Soft Stance on the Chinese Auto Industry\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Detroit's Road & Track Magazine recently highlighted U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin’s...\n\nSlotkin Statement on Vote to Block Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin released the following statement after voting...\n\nSlotkin Statement on President Trump’s Threat of U.S. Military Escalation against Iran\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released...\n\nSlotkin, Schumer, Baldwin Demand Trump Take Action Against Chinese Automakers, American Workers and National Security at Risk\n\nThis action comes after President Trump encouraged Chinese companies to expand manufacturing and selling in the...\n\nSlotkin, Peters, Walberg and Huizenga Call on President Trump to Deliver Aid to Michigan Communities Impacted by Deadly Tornadoes\n\nWASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI), along...\n\nSlotkin Joins Colleagues in Raising Concerns to the USDA on Reliability of Data Reports\n\nWASHINGTON – Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined 10 Democrats on the Senate Agriculture Committee in raising...\n\nSlotkin Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Outdoor Rehabilitation for Veterans\n\nWASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and...\n\nSlotkin, Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Decision to Ease Russia and Iran Sanctions\n\nWASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joined 24 Senate colleagues...", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-in-response-to-van-hollen-questions-usfs-chief-maintains-forest-research-will-remain-in-baltimore-area", "title": "VIDEO: In Response to Van Hollen Questions, USFS Chief Maintains Forest Research Will Remain in Baltimore Area", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Thursday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, questioned U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz during a subcommittee hearing regarding the proposed closure of the USFS Baltimore Urban Field Station, who maintained that the facility’s research and staff will remain in the Baltimore area. The Senator’s hearing questioning on this matter followed an April 24 letter that he and members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation sent to USFS Chief Schultz outlining their concerns with the proposed closure of the field station.\n\nVideo of the Senator’s questioning is available here and a transcript is available below:\n\nSENATOR CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D-Md.): Chief Schultz, it’s good to see you again.\n\nI think we talked last year about Maryland forests and the Chesapeake Bay. We, of course, have a beautifully geographically diverse country, and the challenges we face with forests are different from the West Coast to the East Coast, and Maryland.\n\nIn Maryland, 40 percent of our state is forested. Three-quarters of that forest land is privately owned. So, for us, being able to support private forest owners in being good stewards of their lands and making sure that owning forest lands remains profitable for them is key to sustaining the state’s forestry economy, the health of our forests, and the protection of the Bay watershed. And the Forest Research Service work has been essential to Maryland and surrounding states – creating innovative wood products that generates new jobs, addressing invasive diseases, diseases like the emerald ash borer and the beech leaf disease, that have been decimating eastern forests, and importantly guiding decisions to help protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed.\n\nAnd last year we discussed this, and you agreed that we should have a strong partnership between the Forest Service and Maryland, especially in these key areas.\n\nSo, I will say I'm, I'm disappointed to see that once again, the budget zeroes out the state and private forestry and the forest and rangeland research accounts that fund this important work in Maryland. I do hope to work on a bipartisan basis in this committee to reverse that decision.\n\nI’m also very concerned, Chief, about the Forest Service proposal, at least reports of the proposal, to close the Forest Service’s Baltimore Urban Field Station. That station has operated for more than 20 years now with the University of Maryland Baltimore County. It’s allowed the Field Station to develop very important work related to the Baltimore area community and partnerships, but also important regional and national work – including inventing high-resolution land cover mapping that’s been used for urban and community forest management across the country, and leading the Forest Service’s Wildland Urban Interface Program to reduce the impact of forest fires. It also has done other important work in health and safety and, as I mentioned, very important work to protect the Bay.\n\nSo last week, the Maryland Congressional Delegation sent you a letter with a series of questions on this important topic. And let me just ask you straight out, I mean, are you currently planning to close this office?\n\nU.S. FOREST SERVICE CHIEF TOM SCHULTZ: Mr. Chairman, Senator Van Hollen, we are evaluating that building right now, but we are not planning necessarily one way – we’re just evaluating it.\n\nVAN HOLLEN: I appreciate that. If you could, we sent you the letter Friday – so I understand not a lot of time. We’d hoped to get written answers before the hearing, but if you could just commit to getting us answers to that letter in the next week, is that fair?\n\nSCHULTZ: Yes sir, it is. What I will tell you, though, real quick on that. You’re right, that is a program that has been in place, but it has not always been at the same facility. We actually used to have some folks that were in Annapolis. So, what I’ll commit to you is that we’re going to continue – no different than my response to Senator Merkley – we’re looking at all of our facilities, and we’re looking at retaining the research and the researchers, and there might be other facilities. So USGS actually has a facility right across the street from the UMBC facility that we’re currently in. It may be a more cost-effective facility.\n\nThe intent is not to reduce the research that we’re doing or the people that are doing the research. It’s to evaluate the facilities, given this facility cliff that we have – in terms of our ability with our current budgets to pay for that.\n\nSo, the research will remain intact. It may be at a different location, but that’s what we’re evaluating. We will definitely keep you in the loop on that. Yes, sir.\n\nVAN HOLLEN: No, I appreciate that. That is reassuring. So, you intend, number one, to keep the research going and number two, to keep the people doing that research in place.\n\nSCHULTZ: Yes, sir. In place, not maybe in the same physical spot they’re in today, but in place and doing the research. It could be across the street at the USGS building. It could be at another facility. We're just evaluating it. I guess we’re paying about 100 –\n\nVAN HOLLEN: But we would be talking about at least broader Baltimore area?\n\nSCHULTZ: Yes, yes sir.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-responses-from-education-treasury-departments-reveal-trump-admin-cannot-justify-attempts-to-dismantle-education-department", "title": "New Responses from Education, Treasury Departments Reveal Trump Admin Cannot Justify Attempts to Dismantle Education Department", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New Responses from Education, Treasury Departments Reveal Trump Admin Cannot Justify Attempts to Dismantle Education Department\n\nResponse from ED (PDF) | Response from Treasury (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, released new responses from the Department of Education (ED) and the Treasury Department (Treasury) demonstrating that the agencies cannot articulate a clear purpose or plan for implementing their illegal interagency agreement (IAA) transferring the administration of federal student loans to Treasury.\n\nThe responses were in reply to Senator Warren’s April 2nd letter with Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), pressing Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to rescind the IAA.\n\nIn new responses to the senators, the agencies failed to provide basic details about the implementation of the agreement, including timing, cost, and Treasury’s plans for forced collections, or concretely explain how the agreement will help borrowers and families.\n\nTreasury also confirmed that while ED is transferring staff to Treasury to execute the IAA, Treasury is also transferring staff to ED, raising further concerns that the arrangement is wasting staff and resources.\n\nPrevious IAAs have cost ED over $1 million in extra program costs and resulted in weeks-long delays in grant disbursements that students and schools rely upon.\n\nWhile ED and Treasury again insisted in the new responses that their IAA is legal, Secretary McMahon admitted to Senator Warren last year that she understands she has no authority to move the statutory responsibilities of the Department of Education to other agencies without Congress passing legislation first.\n\n“The Trump administration has no explanation for how this latest attempt to dismantle the Education Department is helping anyone — because it isn’t,” said Senator Warren. “The truth is that Trump is jacking up costs for borrowers and wasting resources. This illegal agreement is bad for students and families, and I'll do everything I can to fight back.\"\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to make our higher education system more affordable, cancel student loan debt, and hold student loan servicers accountable for incompetence and malfeasance. She launched the Save Our Schools campaign in a coordinated effort to fight back against President Trump’s attempts to abolish the Department of Education.\n\nOn April 28, 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pressed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new Student Loan Ombudsman, Geoffrey Gradler, on his plan to protect student loan borrowers, especially given his past censorship of a key student loan report at the CFPB and his background as a lobbyist for lenders. The senators also asked him to recuse himself from past clients’ matters that might come before his office at the CFPB.\n\nOn April 2, 2026, Senators Warren, Sanders, Wyden, Murray, and Baldwin—all top Democrats on influential education committees—pressed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to rescind their plans to move the administration of federal student loans to the Treasury Department, the latest move in the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education.\n\nOn February 23, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, along with Representative Ayanna Pressley, released a response from the Department of Education to their November letter regarding a potential sale of the federal student debt portfolio. In the response, ED confirms for the first time publicly that they are weighing a sale of the federal student loan portfolio.\n\nOn February 19, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) pushed Education Secretary Linda McMahon on concerns that the U.S. Department of Education is apparently obstructing Congressional efforts to hold federal student loan servicers accountable for underperformance.\n\nOn February 2, 2026, Senator Warren released a new report revealing the findings of their investigation into how private student loan lenders will reap the benefits from cuts to federal student loan access enacted in Republicans’ Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBBA). The report is the first Congressional analysis of the impacts of the OBBBA’s student loan restrictions on the private lending market.\n\nOn January 22, 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) led their Senate colleagues in demanding answers from Trump Education Secretary Linda McMahon about the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate affordable student loan repayment options for millions of Americans.\n\nOn December 8, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in writing to the federal student loan servicers to ensure they are providing borrowers with the customer service they deserve in the wake of the Trump administration’s student loan policy whiplash. The senators sent letters to MOHELA, Nelnet, EdFinancial, Maximus, and CRI.\n\nOn December 1, 2025, Senator Warren published an op-ed in USA Today calling for Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to resign following the recent news that President Trump and Secretary McMahon plan to further dismantle the Department of Education (ED).\n\nOn November 17, 2025, Senator Warren led over 40 of her colleagues in a letter urging Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent to immediately end any plans to sell or transfer the federal student loan portfolio to the private market.\n\nOn November 10, 2025, Senator Warren led her colleagues in a letter urging the Trump administration to use the IRS’s existing legal authorities to stop the looming “tax bomb” facing borrowers who obtain income-driven repayment (IDR) discharges of their student loan debt.\n\nOn October 15, 2025, Senator Warren and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) led 70 members of Congress in a letter calling on the Trump administration to address the ongoing and unprecedented wave of student loan delinquencies and defaults, which threatens the financial stability of millions of people and could have disastrous effects on the American economy.\n\nOn September 19, 2025, following a push by Senator Warren and nine other senators, the Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education agreed to open an investigation into DOGE’s infiltration of internal systems, including the scope of its access to sensitive student loan borrower information and its impact on borrowers’ rights and privacy.\n\nOn August 26, 2025, Senator Warren led colleagues in sending a follow-up letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon condemning the Department of Education for deliberately hiding the “Submit a Complaint” button on the Office of Federal Student Aid’s website, firing employees responsible for providing customer service to borrowers and families and misleading Congress about the scope of these firings.\n\nOn August 4, 2025, Senator Warren led eight Senators in pressing major private student loan lenders on their plans to serve the incoming surge of borrowers who will be pushed to the industry because of Republicans’ recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill.”\n\nOn July 17, 2025, Senator Warren released a new 23-page report, “Education At Risk: Frontline Impacts of Trump’s War on Students,” highlighting warnings from 11 major national education and civil rights organizations on the impact of the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education (ED), slashing support to millions of American students, primary and secondary school teachers, administrators, parents, and student loan borrowers.\n\nOn July 15, 2025, Senators Warren and Sanders, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, urging her to reverse the interest hike on student loan borrowers in the SAVE forbearance.\n\n###\n\nPrevious Article", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-commemorates-world-press-freedom-day-calls-for-the-united-states-to-renew-commitment-to-freedom-of-the-press-at-home-and-around-the-world/", "title": "Welch Commemorates World Press Freedom Day, Calls for the United States to Renew Commitment to Freedom of the Press at Home and Around the World", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following Statement for the Congressional Record commemorating World Press Freedom Day, which is celebrated annually on May 3. In his statement, Senator Welch underscored the growing dangers facing journalists worldwide, demanded accountability for the targeted killing of reporters in the Middle East, and urged Congress to recommit to defending press freedom both at home and around the world. The Senator also joined his colleagues in cosponsoring a resolution commemorating World Press Freedom Day.\n\nWorld Press Freedom Day’s global conference takes place today in Lusaka, Zambia.\n\nRead the full statement below:\n\nStatement of Senator Peter Welch\n\nCommemorating World Press Freedom Day\n\nApril 30, 2026\n\nWorld Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, is not only a celebration of the world’s intrepid journalists, but a reminder that journalists, and the free press at large, are under attack. In 2025, a record number of journalists and media workers were killed, a somber milestone.\n\nInternational humanitarian law provides clear protection for journalists and civilians, including protection from direct attack and the indiscriminate use of force. International law requires that those engaged in conflict take precautions to verify that targets are lawful, avoid attacks in areas where civilians are present, and facilitate the rapid provision of medical care to the wounded.\n\nTwo-thirds of the journalists who died last year were killed by Israeli security forces. As of April 23, 2026, at least 258 journalists had been killed by Israeli security forces since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, journalists have been killed by Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iran.\n\nIsrael’s pattern of targeted killings is not new or unique to Palestinian and Lebanese journalists. Shireen Abu Akleh was a Palestinian American correspondent for Al-Jazeera. She was fatally shot in the head on May 11, 2022, while covering an Israeli army operation in the West Bank. Multiple investigations concluded that she was killed by a member of the Israeli Defense Forces. Shortly after, the State Department called for an immediate and thorough investigation in addition to full accountability. To date, there has been no such evidence of an investigation and no accountability.\n\nThroughout the war in Gaza, Palestinian journalists have been killed with impunity—207 Palestinian journalists killed, to date. The world witnessed the shocking strikes at Nasser Hospital on August 28, 2025, which claimed the lives of 22 people, including five journalists, and drew global condemnation. The attack was three successive strikes—a tank shell hit the hospital, killing a Reuters cameraman and others. Nine minutes later, as health workers and journalists came to the aid of the injured, Israeli forces fired two more times.\n\nIsraeli forces have been accused of war crimes for utilizing double-tap strikes, which target first responders and journalists. On October 13, 2023, Dylan Collins, an AFP video journalist from Vermont, was fired on by Israeli soldiers in a deadly double-tap attack, despite wearing clear press insignia. The attack killed Reuters journalists Issam Abdallah and wounded several others in the group. Despite repeated efforts by myself and my Senate and House colleagues there has been no credible investigation or accountability for Dylan or his colleagues.\n\nJust last week, Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil was killed by an Israeli strike. She, too, was clearly identifiable as a member of the press. She died after seven hours of being trapped under rubble. Ambulances attempting to deliver medical care were also fired upon. Her case reflects a pattern and practice of the use of force that disregards the rights and lives of journalists protected under international law.\n\nMr. President, these are only a select few of the tragic stories of journalists killed for simply doing their jobs. While the number of journalists killed in Gaza over the past two and a half years is overwhelming, journalists have been threatened, imprisoned, tortured, and killed in many countries, including in our own hemisphere.\n\nPress freedom is fragile abroad, and fragile here at home. President Trump’s rhetoric and attacks on the press must be condemned. Journalists in the United States have been threatened, attacked, and targeted by their own government for doing their jobs—reporting the truth.\n\nWe take pride in the First Amendment, and the United States has long been seen as a global defender of freedom of expression. But the situation is becoming worse, not better. The very concept of independence of the media is being challenged. Journalists are regularly subjected to ridicule and denied access to the White House and the Defense Department for merely asking hard questions.\n\nBeing a journalist is more dangerous today than at any time in history. In recognition of World Press Freedom Day, Congress should pause to remember the lives of journalists killed while reporting, and recommit to defending press freedom in our own country and around the world.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-nearly-11-million-for-oregon-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-efforts", "title": "Merkley, Wyden Announce Nearly $1.1 Million for Oregon Fish and Wildlife Conservation Efforts", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced a total of $1,059,961 in federal funding is coming to Oregon to support state fish and wildlife agencies. This funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) State Wildlife Grant program, which supports state agencies’ conservation efforts.\n\n“Our state’s lands and waters are integral to the futures of countless fish and wildlife, as well as many Oregonians’ quality of life and livelihoods,” said Merkley, who serves as the top Democrat overseeing funding for the USFWS. “This new federal funding will strengthen conservation efforts and local restoration work, ensuring that Oregon’s ecosystems are protected for generations to come.”\n\n“Oregonians’ enjoyment of the outdoors is in our DNA, and protecting the state’s fish and wildlife is essential to ensuring our special relationship with nature continues now — and in the future,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these federal investments are coming to our state, and I’ll keep battling to secure similar resources for lands and water in Oregon.”\n\nThe State Wildlife Grant program funds local fish and wildlife agencies to protect and manage species, promote the recovery of wildlife, and conserve habitats across the country. Since 2000, over $1.4 billion from the program has been distributed nationwide.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-champions-bill-defending-the-us-kombucha-industry", "title": "Wyden Champions Bill Defending the U.S. Kombucha Industry", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The legislation would update outdated laws that unfairly tax non-intoxicating kombucha the same as beer\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), said today that he, along with Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), have introduced a bill that would exempt kombucha from taxes intended for beverages with much higher alcohol content.\n\n“A serving of kombucha contains about as much alcohol as an overripe banana, so there’s no reason to tax it like it’s a full-on alcoholic beverage,” Wyden said. “It’s past time to sober up our tax code and give kombucha producers a fair shake, and that’s what our bill is all about.”\n\n“Kombucha isn’t comparable to traditional alcoholic beverages like beer, and taxing it as if it were doesn’t make sense,” Salinas said. “We need to modernize the tax code so this industry isn’t unfairly burdened. Our KOMBUCHA Act will level the playing field and unlock new opportunities for local businesses in Oregon.”\n\n“Real, raw kombucha supports healthier outcomes for consumers, but current regulations have encouraged a market of less-healthy beverages that compromise quality to meet outdated laws,” said Jared Englund, Founder and CEO of Lion Heart Kombucha in Portland. “Senator Wyden’s advancement of the Kombucha Act would bring U.S. policy in line with other countries and allow a kombucha microbrew industry to flourish. I've been a commercial kombucha producer for 15 years and passage of the Kombucha Act would allow me and other brands to provide consumers with tastier, healthier products.”\n\n\"Better Beverages supports the leadership of Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Adrian Smith, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas in advancing the KOMBUCHA Act,” said Better Beverages. “The current federal definition, rooted in outdated Prohibition-era standards, does not reflect modern fermentation practices and creates unnecessary barriers for responsible producers. Updating this framework will better align regulation with today's industry, support small businesses, and expand consumer access to safe, innovative products.”\n\n“We at Spring Branch Kombucha, a small, family-run business in the Missouri Ozarks, greatly appreciate the efforts of Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Adrian Smith, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas for advancing the Kombucha Act,” said Spring Branch Kombucha. “The existing federal definition, based on outdated Prohibition-era standards, creates unnecessary obstacles that disproportionately affect small producers like us. Updating this policy is critical to supporting small business innovation, strengthening our community, and ensuring consumers continue to have access to the diverse and growing kombucha market.”\n\n“We appreciate the efforts of Senator Ron Wyden for advancing the Kombucha Act,” said Kendra Sepulveda, Director of KBI. “The existing federal definition, based on outdated Prohibition-era standards, is no longer aligned with the modern kombucha industry and creates unnecessary obstacles for consumers and producers alike. Updating this policy will support innovation, strengthen businesses, please consumers, and contribute to a more dynamic and growing economy.”\n\n“Bruja Sana Kombucha supports the leadership of Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Adrian Smith, and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas in advancing the Kombucha Act,” said Daniela Guilbert, CEO of Bruja Sana Kombucha. “As an international producer, we recognize that the current federal definition, rooted in outdated standards, does not fully reflect the living nature of kombucha or the realities of modern fermentation. Updating this framework will not only benefit U.S. producers, but also help strengthen the global kombucha community, support small businesses, and encourage continued innovation and growth across markets.”\n\nKombucha only has trace amounts of alcohol, usually less than 0.5%, compared to the 4-7% in beer. A person would have to consume between five and ten bottles of kombucha to equal the alcohol content in one beer. However, because of the natural fermentation process, the alcohol percentage in kombucha can occasionally increase slightly above 0.5%, especially during transportation, triggering taxes that cover alcoholic beverages. The KOMBUCHA Act would increase the applicable alcohol-by-volume limit for kombucha from 0.5 percent to 1.25 percent, eliminating the tax and regulatory burdens on kombucha producers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-protections-for-dogs-under-the-care-of-breeders", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Dogs Under the Care of Breeders", "date": "2026-05-04", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Puppy Protection Act aims to end cruel, mass breed practices by improving care standards for dogs\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined colleagues in introducing legislation that would strengthen protections for dogs under the care of breeders by ensuring they live in a safe environment, have access to outdoor spaces, and can regularly interact with other dogs and humans.\n\n“As the saying goes, ‘dogs are man's best friend.’ Yet, too many are living in small spaces without enough food or water before they find their forever home,” Wyden said. “Puppies deserve to be born into a world where they can romp around on grass, play with their furry friends, and curl up in a comfortable, safe environment. This bill raises the standards of care for dogs so they can live a happy and healthy life from the get-go.”\n\n“Our canine companions deserve to be treated with basic dignity and care at all stages of their lives. We must hold irresponsible breeders accountable and make sure puppies are raised with the care, safety, and humane treatment they deserve,” said Merkley.\n\nThe Puppy Protection Act would create stronger standards for dogs in relation to their veterinary care, housing, and breeders through the following solutions:\n\nCaging and space requirements: Expand enclosure requirements to allow dogs to stand on their hind legs without touching the top of their enclosure and increase the number of square feet of their enclosure based on the dog’s size. Enclosures also could not be stacked on top of one another.\n\nExercise: Offer dogs over the age of 12 weeks unrestricted access from their primary enclosures to a ground-level, enclosed outdoor exercise area.\n\nSocialization: Set a 30 minute requirement per day for dogs to socialize with humans and compatible dogs outside of the time spent in veterinary care.\n\nBreeding: Require a screening by a veterinarian prior to each attempt to breed and prohibit breeding of two litters in any 18-month period or more than six litters in a dog’s lifetime. Breeders must also find a humane placement for retired breeding dogs, such as with adoptive families or rescue organizations.\n\nIn addition to Wyden and Merkley, other co-sponsors of the bill led by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) are U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).", "collected_at": "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5021", "title": "Rep. Houlahan, Sens. Ossoff, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Support Servicemembers’ Transition Out of the Armed Forces", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act to smooth servicemembers’ transition into civilian life, or the reserves, and ensure they get the support they and their families need.\n\nSens. Ossoff and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.\n\nThe new bill would designate a senior Department of Defense (DoD) official to serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense overseeing all programs and activities related to transitioning servicemembers. The official would also work in close coordination with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Labor, and Education, as well as state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve transition programs and support services.\n\n\"As our men and women in uniform reenter civilian life and try to secure housing, find work, and get the healthcare they need, we owe them our support. But too often, servicemembers are falling through the gaps,\" said Rep. Houlahan. \"I'm proud to introduce the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act to bridge these gaps, making VA transition support services more effective and easier for servicemembers to access.\"\n\n“Our servicemembers make tremendous sacrifices to keep our families safe. We owe it to them to ensure they are well-equipped and supported as they transition back to civilian life,” said Sen. Ossoff. “My new legislation with Senator Duckworth will help servicemembers access resources they’ve earned and help make their transition smoother for themselves and their families.”\n\n“As our servicemembers hang up their uniform, they deserve comprehensive support in helping them transition back into civilian life,” said Sen. Duckworth. “Too often, DoD’s transition programs fall short of the standard our Veterans deserve before they are handed off to the VA. Our commonsense bill would make necessary improvements and streamline coordination within DoD of these critical services. It’s the least we can do to help our heroes when they return home.”\n\nThe Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act is backed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans Education Success, Vietnam Veterans of America, and With Honor Action.\n\n“Each year, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian life—a critical juncture that can shape their future success or lead to serious challenges if not properly managed. Transition is the final warfighting mission, and like any successful operation, it demands unity of command and strategic coordination. The VFW strongly supports the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act, which would designate a senior DOD official to oversee all transition programs, including the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), and provide essential support to our reserve components. This role is vital to improving TAP attendance accountability, strengthening interagency coordination, and ensuring that transitioning service members and their families receive the support they’ve earned. We thank Senators Ossoff and Duckworth for introducing this important legislation and urge its swift passage,” said Carol Whitmore, Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.\n\n“On behalf of the Fleet Reserve Association, we proudly endorse the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act, introduced by Senators Jon Ossoff and Tammy Duckworth, and express our deep gratitude for their leadership in championing this critical legislation. The transition from military to civilian life is a defining moment for servicemembers, often fraught with challenges due to the lack of structure in the civilian world. This bill’s provisions, designating a Senior DoD Official to oversee all military-to-civilian transition programs, including for the reserve component, ensuring centralized accountability for initiatives like TAP and SkillBridge, fostering enhanced coordination with agencies such as the VA, Department of Labor, Education, and SBA, and mandating a congressional briefing within 90 days to detail implementation, provide vital support during the critical early days, weeks, and months of this transition. These measures strengthen the foundation for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ongoing efforts, ensuring our servicemembers receive the comprehensive assistance they need to succeed in civilian life,\" said the Fleet Reserve Association.\n\n“IAVA strongly supports the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act. This is an essential piece of legislation that will help to ensure a smooth transition from active-duty service into the civilian world. By designating a senior official to oversee and strengthen transition programs, this bill ensures accountability, coordination, and a higher standard of care for those who have served. Too often, servicemembers and their families face unnecessary challenges as they move from military service into civilian life or the reserve force. Our veterans deserve a seamless and well-supported transition, and this legislation is a critical step toward making that a reality,\" said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.\n\n“Vietnam veterans were forced to navigate a system that was unprepared, fragmented, and at times indifferent to their needs. We learned the hard way what happens when a nation fails to properly receive its warriors. This legislation is about correcting those failures ensuring that today’s and future veterans are met with dignity, structure, and real support. Honoring Vietnam veterans is not just about remembering their service; it is about building a system worthy of every generation that follows. Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another,” said James L. McCormick II, Captain, USA (Ret.), Executive Director of Government Affairs at Vietnam Veterans of America.\n\n“The transition from military to civilian life is a critical point in a service member’s journey. Centralizing oversight of transition programs and streamlining collaboration between agencies and departments ensures that service members enter their next chapter with the essential tools to succeed. With Honor Action is proud to endorse this legislation that elevates the importance of the military-to-civilian transition and puts our veterans first,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action.\n\nClick here to read the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1586", "title": "Reps. Alford, Graves, Cleaver, Bell Introduce Resolution Honoring America’s Teachers", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO), Sam Graves (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Mark Alford (R-MO) and Wesley Bell (D-MO) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the lasting impact of America’s teachers. This bipartisan resolution highlights the critical role that teachers play in preparing the next generation, and encourages every American to show appreciation for the teachers and education staff in their life.\n\n“Thank you to Missouri’s hard-working teachers who go above and beyond every day to shape and inspire our future generations while instilling valuable knowledge in our students. I’m grateful for their dedication to our children in the fourth district and across the Show Me State. Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize their critical role in preparing the next generation for success. I’m proud to join my Missouri colleagues in this bipartisan resolution honoring the lasting impact of America’s teachers,” said Congressman Alford.\n\n“Thank you to America’s teachers who are committed to ensuring that our students get the quality education they deserve,” said Congressman Graves. “Their tireless efforts and dedication ensures that our students can learn and succeed. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many great teachers, as have my kids and grandkids. Teacher Appreciation Week is a great opportunity to thank our teachers and I’m proud to join with my colleagues from across Missouri to recognize the critical role they play in our great state and across the country. ”\n\n“America’s teachers are the bedrock of our education system, providing the wisdom and care needed to shape our children into the bright, honest, and moral individuals that make our communities strong,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Every American remembers a handful of teachers that left a lasting impact on their life, and today’s resolution is a small gesture demonstrating our appreciation for everything they have done, and will continue to do, to improve the lives of students nationwide.”\n\n“I can’t say enough about how important teachers are to the fabric of our country. Every day, teachers inspire generations of students, instilling a desire for knowledge and a determination to make a change in the world around them. I was lucky enough to learn from some wonderful teachers growing up, and was able to pour back those lessons into my own students. I’m proud to join my Missouri colleagues in recognizing the importance of teachers in America, who deserve to be celebrated not only on Teacher Appreciation Week, but all the time,” said Congressman Bell.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=708", "title": "Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on House Farm Bill, Citing Cuts to Nutrition Assistance and Missed Opportunities for Rural Housing and Working Families", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) voted against a partisan Farm Bill that fails to meet the needs of rural communities and working families. Rep. Balint offered two amendments related to affordable housing and both were rejected by House Republicans.\n\nEvery five years, Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill, which impacts both farmers and families across the country. But the bill passed by House Republicans last week locks in cuts to SNAP that take food assistance away from millions, while failing to deliver meaningful relief for small and midsize farmers facing rising costs. It also cuts conservation funding and undermines investments in rural communities.\n\n“As written, this bill did not meet the moment,” said Rep. Balint. “It weakens food assistance at a time when too many families are already struggling with the cost of groceries, and it falls short in addressing the long-term challenges facing rural communities. We should be lowering costs, strengthening local agriculture, and expanding opportunity—not moving in the opposite direction.”\n\nRep. Balint offered two amendments to the bill that would have advanced investments in rural housing stability and homeownership opportunities that are urgently needed in Vermont and across the country. Republicans rejected the amendments.\n\nHer proposals included:\n\nBalint Amendment 199 - which would have strengthened pathways to homeownership by investing in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) homeownership program and the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program, helping renters and rural residents build long-term housing stability and equity.\n\nBalint Amendment 203 - which would have permanently authorized the USDA Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) program to protect and preserve affordable rural rental housing, while also addressing the growing crisis of expiring USDA rental assistance contracts that put low-income residents at risk of displacement.\n\nRep. Balint is commitment to advancing legislation that better supports farmers of all sizes, protects nutrition assistance, strengthens conservation programs, and invests in the long-term stability of rural communities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-moore-kiggans-introduce-state-boating-act-to-protect-states-authority-to-fund-waterway-safety-and-conservation-programs", "title": "Representatives Moore, Kiggans Introduce State Boating Act to Protect States’ Authority to Fund Waterway Safety and Conservation Programs", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "blakemoore.house.gov", "scraper": "blakemoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001213", "name": "Blake D. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Blake Moore (UT-01) and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the State Boating Act, a bill to clarify a state’s authority to collect boating-related vessel registration fees to support search and rescue, boating safety, and protection of waterways. This bill safeguards states’ ability to collect and use these funds for aquatic invasive species prevention and public safety programs, while providing much-needed certainty for state agencies and the communities they serve.\n\n“In Utah and across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies work tirelessly to improve boater experience and safety,” Rep. Moore said. \"In many cases, those activities are directly funded by state boating fees. By taking away this funding stream, the federal government is hindering the important work these state agencies do to improve boater programs, conduct search and rescue operations, and protect waterways from invasive species. I’m glad to work with my colleagues to right this wrong and provide our states access to the funding they need to do their jobs.\n\n“Virginia’s waterways, from the Chesapeake Bay to our inland rivers, are vital to our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” Rep. Kiggans said. \"The State Boating Act ensures that states can continue to fund critical programs like search and rescue, boating safety, and waterway protection without unnecessary federal interference. This commonsense legislation provides certainty for states and helps keep our waterways safe, accessible, and well-maintained for everyone who depends on them.”\n\n\"In Utah, we know firsthand how important it is for state fish and wildlife agencies to have the resources they need to prevent, detect, and respond to aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels,\" said Director Riley Peck, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. \"And this benefits not just that state, but also others that share those water bodies. I commend Utah Congressman Moore, Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA), and Congresswoman Balint (D-VT) for introducing the State Boating Act (H.R.8550), which will ensure states can continue to fund their aquatic invasive species programs via the boat registration process without jeopardizing the boating safety grants they receive from the federal government.\"\n\n“ConservAmerica supports the State Boating Act and appreciates Congresswoman Kiggans’ leadership on this commonsense legislation. By empowering state fish and wildlife agencies to address aquatic invasive species, strengthen boating safety, and keep our waterways accessible for recreation, this bill helps protect America’s natural resources while supporting outdoor traditions and local economies,” said Jason Solomon, head of government affairs, ConservAmerica.\n\n“The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) fully endorses Representative Kiggans’ and Representative Moore’s State Boating Act. Aquatic invasive species, such as blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay, act as some of the biggest roadblocks to our rebuilding of important fisheries. This bill would streamline the pathway for states to collect additional resources to address predation and habitat loss from aquatic invasive species, and support programs to keep fishery participants safe. This bill would help ensure the long-term sustainability of iconic fisheries for generations to come.”\n\n\"State fish and wildlife agencies are committed to delivering high quality angling and boating opportunities,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “To do that, many agencies support boater safety, expand boating access, and address aquatic invasive species through targeted programs. By safeguarding the authority of states to collect critical funding during registration, the State Boating Act maintains both program revenue and a seamless user experience. We thank Representative Kiggans for working to reduce administrative barriers so states can offer better boating and fishing opportunities and remain eligible for vital recreational boating safety grants.\"\n\nThis bill is endorsed by ConservAmerica, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies\n\nRead the one-pager here.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3464", "title": "Carbajal Hosts Town Hall in Grover Beach", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) hosted a town hall at the Grover Beach Community Center, taking questions and offering updates on the war in Iran, recent congressional actions, and his ongoing work to address the cost-of-living crisis.\n\nDownload photos here.\n\n“I want to thank everyone who joined me at the Grover Beach Community Center to share their perspective,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I appreciated the honest stories and questions I heard last night, whether about the recent cuts to SNAP, ICE raids, or holding Trump accountable for his abuses of power. These conversations are exactly what inform my work and ensure that the priorities of our community drive the debate in Washington.”\n\nOver the course of the town hall, Carbajal discussed the need to bring down the cost of essentials such as housing, groceries, gas, and more. He also spoke about the need for stronger guardrails on the Trump administration, including stopping the war in Iran and holding administration officials accountable for the brutal ICE raids on the Central Coast and beyond.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-castro-leads-group-of-30-lawmakers-in-demanding-end-to-ambiguity-in-israels-nuclear-capabilities", "title": "Congressman Castro Leads Group of 30 Lawmakers in Demanding End to Ambiguity in Israel’s Nuclear Capabilities", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, led a group of 30 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\nThe 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.”\n\nMembers 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), John Garamendi (D-CA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415591", "title": "60 NJ-04 high school students from Ocean, Monmouth counties participated in contestRep. Smith announces 2026 high school winners of his Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Smith stands with the winners of his 2026 Congressional Art Competition. From left to right: Kiley Knueppel of Wall High School; Aaron Hajart, MS, ATC, FACHE, President and CEO of Community Medical Center; Clarisa Herrera of Wall High School; Hazel Stockton of Wall High School; Alivia Czerwinski of Wall High School; Megan Farrell of Wall High School; Julia Ahlfeld of Wall High School; Luna Montague of Red Bank Regional High School; Abigail Buechler of Wall High School; Danice Alameda-Munoz of The Rugby School; Jill Alexander, Art Teacher at Wall High School; and Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester).\n\nAt an award ceremony held at the Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health (RWJBH) Medical Center in Toms River, NJ, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced the winners of his 2026 Congressional Art Competition, which drew submissions from 60 high school students across New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District.\n\n“Thank you to all the students participating in the art show. Your commitment, discipline and creative talent have produced impressive works of art, that over the past several weeks, have been marveled at and enjoyed by thousands of people—including patients, doctors, nurses, hospital staff and visitors,” Smith told guests at Friday’s reception.\n\nSince during first term in Congress in 1982, Smith has held the annual contest, which recognizes, fosters, and celebrates the artistic talent of local high school students. Visit Smith’s 2026 Virtual Art Gallery to view all entries for this year, or here to view the judges’ 2026 top selections.\n\n“This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, we rely upon artistic depictions of the time to understand and appreciate the sacrifices made to establish the United States of America,” Smith continued.\n\n“George Washington would certainly have approved of the congressional art show. He once said, ‘To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.’”\n\nAaron F. Hajart, MS, ATC, FACHE, President and CEO of Community Medical Center, also spoke at the reception and joined Smith to present the winners with their ribbons and congressional certificates.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) with Julia Ahlfeld of Wall High School, the \"Best in Show\" winner, and Aaron Hajart, MS, ATC, FACHE, President and CEO of Community Medical Center.\n\n“We were honored to once again host the annual Congressional Art Competition and exhibition,” said President and CEO Hajart.\n\n“Hospital staff, patients, and visitors have greatly enjoyed seeing artwork from these talented local high school students within our medical center. We thank Representative Chris Smith and his team for sharing this opportunity to connect with our community members in this creative way.”\n\nThroughout the award ceremony, Smith congratulated all of the student artists, especially and including “Best in Show” winner Julia Ahlfeld of Wall High School for her painting, “End of an Era,” completed in oil on Masonite, which will be displayed within the U.S. Capitol over the next.\n\nAll artwork submitted to the competition had been on display at RWJBH Community Medical Center since April 2, culminating in this past weekend’s award ceremony. The complete list of winners selected by Smith’s panel of judges—comprised of local artists Debbie Jencsik, Jim Inzero and Rich Thompson—includes:\n\nBest in Show: Julia Ahlfeld’s “End of an Era,” done in oil on Masonite, from Wall High School (Grade 12);\n\nFirst Place Runner-up: Megan Farrell’s “Puppy in Contrast,” done in charcoal, from Wall High School (Garde 11);\n\nSecond Place Runner-up: Hazel Stockton’s “Barefoot Summer Nights,” done in charcoal on black paper, from Wall High School (Grade 11);\n\nThird Place Runner-up: Clarisa Herrera’s “Heart String,” done in colored pencil, from Wall High School (Grade 12);\n\nFourth Place Runner-up: Abigail Buechler’s “The Silent Goodbye,” done in colored pencil, from Wall High School (Grade 12);\n\nFifth Place Runner-up: Danice Alameda-Munoz’s “Education is Everything,” done with Computer Graphics, from The Rugby School (Grade 11);\n\nHonorable Mention: Anthony Garcia’s “Kenny the Frog,” done in Acrylic Paint, from Ocean Academy Charter High School (Grade 10);\n\nHonorable Mention: Kiley Knueppel’s “Tamed, not Changed,” done in colored pencil, from Wall High School (Grade 12);\n\nHonorable Mention: Luna Montague’s “Double Trouble,” done in ebony pencil, from Red Bank Regional High School (Grade 11); and\n\nHonorable Mention: Alivia Czerwinski’s “Winter Watcher,” done in oil on Masonite, from Wall High School (Grade 12).\n\nClosing out his remarks, Smith said, “Although only one artwork can be selected by our judges to hang in the U.S. Capitol—where it will be seen along with submissions from every participating congressional district in America, by an estimated half-million people—I thank each of you for taking the time and the effort to share with us your inspiring creations.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415592", "title": "EWTN article on Smith's new anti-human trafficking bill, HR 1144'Bishops offer firm support for legislation to combat human trafficking'", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Tessa Gervasini\n\nPublished May 5, 2026 at 6:00 AM ET\n\nThe U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stated its unwavering support for legislation that advances “our nation’s commitment to eradicating the sin of human trafficking.\"\n\nIn an April letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Archbishop Shelton Fabre of Louisville, Kentucky, and Bishop Brendan Cahill of Victoria, Texas, expressed their support for the legislation (S. 2241 / H.R. 4307) on behalf of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Committee on Migration.\n\nThe bill, which the House passed in March, would require the Department of Labor to train its employees to detect human trafficking, identify suspected victims, and refer potential cases to the Department of Justice or other appropriate authorities.\n\nU.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Tanarch/Shutterstock\n\n“The Catholic Church is a steadfast voice against human trafficking and other forms of exploitation, as well as a longtime provider of services and pastoral care to victims of these crimes,” the bishops wrote.\n\nUnder the bill sponsored by Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, the Labor secretary would tailor training for the departmentʼs Wage and Hour Division by taking into account the needs of those operating in states where oppressive child labor has recently surged. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, who is Catholic, introduced the Senate version of the measure with one cosponsor, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan. No committee action is scheduled.\n\n“We urge the committee to report the bill favorably to the full Senate and for the chamber to join with the House in passing this measure to bolster the U.S. Department of Labor’s important role in combatting human trafficking,” the bishops said.\n\n“We appreciate the bill’s specific mention of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division, which plays such an instrumental role in detection and thwarting labor exploitation by unscrupulous employers, especially for children,” the bishops said.\n\nAs Congress has begun the appropriations process for fiscal 2027 and funding for the Department of Labor, “we renew our previous calls for the long underfunded agency to receive increased support to address its pervasive staffing and resource shortages, particularly given its role in thwarting child labor exploitation, as S. 2241 acknowledges,” they wrote.\n\nFurther support\n\nThe bishops also recently voiced support for H.R. 1144, a bill introduced by Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, that would reauthorize a 2000 anti-trafficking bill.\n\n“This is another important, bipartisan anti-trafficking measure that warrants immediate action as a further step to counter the scourge of human trafficking in our country and beyond,” the bishops wrote in a March letter to U.S. representatives.\n\nThe bill would update elements of the federal framework to prevent international trafficking, and establish and reauthorize anti-trafficking programs across the State Department, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).\n\nAmong other actions, the bill would authorize HHS to carry out a program to help victims of trafficking integrate or reintegrate into society. It also would require the Department of Stateʼs Trafficking in Persons Report to include information about trafficking for the purposes of organ removal.\n\n“I … want to recognize and thank the amazing, heroic, and extraordinarily compassionate survivor-leaders who helped write this bill,” Smith said at a press conference on April 23. “Their courage, strength, tenacity, wisdom, and, above all, their love for the vulnerable not only inspires but helped us get it right.”\n\n“This legislation is of, by, and for them — to help heal, restore, and empower,” said Smith, who is Catholic.\n\nReauthorizing the bill “is essential to sustaining a comprehensive, prevention-focused response to human trafficking,” Katie Boller Gosewisch, executive director of the Alliance to End Human Trafficking, an anti-trafficking organization founded and supported by U.S. Catholic sisters, told EWTN News.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-announces-31-million-nih-grants-st-jude", "title": "Congressman Cohen Announces $3.1 Million in NIH Grants to St. Jude", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive two grants totaling $3,109,370 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One, for $1,686,167, is from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for research on early life viral infections’ impact on immune development trajectories under the direction of Dr. Octavio Ramilo. The second, for $1,423,203, is from the National Cancer Institute for support of a multi-institutional consortium evaluating experimental treatments for pediatric brain tumors under the direction of Dr. Arzu Onar-Thomas of the Department of Biostatistics.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n“This substantial investment in both research on the immune system effective assessment of experimental treatments will expand our understanding and ultimately save lives. I commend Drs. Romilo and Onar-Thomas and St. Jude for their dedication to this work.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-advisory-tennessee-leaders-host-press-conference-condemning", "title": "Press Advisory:  Tennessee Leaders Host Press Conference Condemning Republican Supermajority’s Legislative Attempt to Silence Voters and Disenfranchise Black Tennesseans", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NASHVILLE -- TODAY, Tuesday, May 5, a unified coalition of elected officials and community leaders from across Tennessee will gather at Beth Harwell Plaza at the Tennessee State Capitol for a press conference condemning the Tennessee Republican Supermajority’s special legislative session to redraw the state’s Congressional districts so they can seize more power, control our elections, and suppress the votes of Black and brown Tennesseans, especially those who call Memphis home.\n\nWHAT: Press Conference\n\nWHEN: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 12:15 PM CT\n\nWHERE: Beth Harwell Plaza, 410 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219\n\nWHO: Elected officials and community leaders from across Tennessee including:\n\n- Congressman Steve Cohen, U.S. House of Representatives, District 9\n\n- Tequila Johnson, Executive Director of The Equity Alliance Fund\n\n- Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell\n\n- Lisa Sherman Luna, Executive Director of TIRRC Votes\n\n- Francie Hunt, Executive Director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood\n\n- Rep. Justin J. Pearson, State House Representative, District 86\n\nWHY: Millions of us call Tennessee home. Every community from Memphis to Nashville, and every county in between, deserves a fair voice in the decisions that shape our lives. A rushed special session to redraw congressional maps mere months before elections threatens to confuse Tennessee voters, break apart communities, and weaken representation before Tennesseans have a meaningful chance to respond.\n\nThe message from Tennesseans is clear: Voters should choose their leaders. Politicians should not choose their voters.\n\nMEDIA OPPORTUNITIES\n\nMembers of the press are invited to attend.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3746", "title": "De La Cruz, Texas Delegation Push for JBSA-Lackland to Host Space Force", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delacruz.house.gov", "scraper": "delacruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000594", "name": "Monica De La Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and members of the Texas Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Department of the Air Force urging the selection of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) as the permanent headquarters for the United States Space Force component to U.S. Cyber Command (SPACEFOR-CYBER).\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers outline why San Antonio is the premier choice to support the intersection of military and space interests. By leveraging existing infrastructure at JBSA-Lackland, the current home of the Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), the Air Force can ensure operations can begin immediately and efficiently.\n\nThe letter is co-signed by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Randy Weber (TX-14), August Pfluger (TX-11), Michael McCaul, (TX-10) Lance Gooden (TX-05), Keith Self (TX-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Brandon Gill (TX-26), and Troy Nehls (TX-22).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nDear Secretary Meink,\n\nAs members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, we are writing in support of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) to be selected as the permanent home of the United States Space Force component to U.S. Cyber Command (SPACEFOR-CYBER). Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States Space Force has been at the intersection of the country’s military and space interests. To continue this important mission, JBSA-Lackland offers a uniquely powerful combination of operational infrastructure, geographic advantages, and a skilled workforce prepared to serve our country.\n\nThe Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), the Air Force’s Information Warfare Numbered Air Force, is headquartered at JBSA–Lackland. Co-locating SPACEFOR-CYBER with the Sixteenth Air Force would immediately create deep operational synergy, shorten coordination timelines, and enhance unity across air, space, and cyber domains. Instead of building entirely new infrastructure, the Air Force would be leveraging an existing information warfare ecosystem.\n\nAs an urban hub, San Antonio is well-positioned to support the critical infrastructure that SPACEFOR-CYBER would provide. The greater San Antonio area is a cyber hub, often referred to as “Military City, USA,” with a dense concentration of intelligence, private-sector cyber, and information technology organizations. The presence of NSA Texas and other intelligence activities provides for efficient information sharing and rapid operational coordination in support of both U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Space Command missions. The region’s proximity to NASA and coastal installations at Boca Chica, Texas, provides a strategic and unique opportunity for collaboration across agencies.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4319", "title": "DelBene Nominates 20 Projects for $52 Million in Federal Funding", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delbene.house.gov", "scraper": "delbene", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000617", "name": "Suzan K. DelBene", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Projects would improve services, make communities safer, create jobs\n\nToday, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) nominated 20 projects in Washington’s 1st Congressional District for dedicated Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) funding. The projects, totaling over $52 million, include road and trail upgrades, water infrastructure projects, and public safety improvements.\n\nMembers of Congress can submit local projects for dedicated federal funding. Project submissions came directly from non-profit, city, county, and Tribal entities. The projects are vetted and funding amounts are negotiated as a part of the annual government funding process.\n\nSince this process was allowed again in 2021, DelBene has secured over $60 million for 55 projects in Washington.\n\n“These 20 projects would improve services, make communities safer, and create jobs by investing in critical programs to strengthen Washington’s 1st Congressional District and the region,” said DelBene. “They include fixes for our roads, enhancements to public safety, support for education, and drinking water improvements. These investments are critical in meeting the needs of our growing region, and I will work to deliver these important federal resources.”\n\nThe 20 community projects include:\n\n11.5 million for projects in King County\n\n40.8 million for projects in Snohomish County\n\nThe projects submitted are listed below:\n\nDescriptions of the 20 projects submitted by DelBene can be found here.\n\nThe House and Senate must reach an agreement on the FY27 government funding process, which will determine which projects are ultimately approved and how much they are funded for.\n\nMore information about the House FY27 government funding process can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garamendi-and-thompson-introduce-bill-protecting-critical-infrastructure", "title": "Reps. Garamendi and Thompson Introduce Bill Protecting Critical Infrastructure, Joined by MTC", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "garamendi.house.gov", "scraper": "garamendi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000559", "name": "John Garamendi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "VALLEJO, CA – Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced the introduction of the ADAPT Assets Act (H.R.8653). The bill accelerates projects that protect vital infrastructure from natural disasters across the country, such as the much-needed flood protection on Highway 37. To mark the introduction of this bill, Congressman Garamendi held a press conference with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, California Alliance for Jobs, and other local elected officials on Highway 37.\n\n“Natural disasters and sea level rise put critical infrastructure at risk every day and will only intensify over time. We cannot allow the cost and complexity of repairing and safeguarding our roads, bridges, and pathways to cause further delays or deterioration.” said Congressman Garamendi. “The Bay Area is on the front lines of natural degradation due to flood and fire risk. Protecting the Bay Area shoreline from flooding through 2050 is projected to cost $100 billion. The ADAPT Assets Act is designed to reduce costs while accelerating essential infrastructure repairs that our local economies and communities depend on. This legislation will strengthen our infrastructure, create good-paying union jobs, lower long-term costs, and expedite progress while employing workers across our community.”\n\n“Our communities can’t afford to wait around for infrastructure support. As fires, floods, and other natural disasters get worse, we need to invest in repairing and strengthening our infrastructure now,” said Congressman Thompson. “Proud to work with my colleague, Rep. Garamendi, to introduce the ADAPT Assets Act to jumpstart important infrastructure investments across our country and here at home.”\n\n“All of us at MTC thank Congressman Garamendi and Congressman Thompson for their leadership,” said Metropolitan Transportation Commission Vice Chair and Marin County Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters. “The ADAPT Assets Act will help communities across the nation protect their infrastructure. Just as the federal government stepped up to build the national highway system and helped fund the Bay Area’s transit network, we need a strong federal partner to help us preserve these assets for future generations. There is a real urgency for communities across the North Bay, where Highway 37 is especially well suited to compete for an ADAPT Assets grant. The route is already vulnerable to flooding and threatened by sea level rise. We’re committed to a resilient Highway 37 that will not only support the North Bay workforce day in and day out but will also serve the whole Bay Area in a time of emergency.”\n\n“California’s ability to protect our infrastructure from natural disasters depends on new funding, as proposed in the ADAPT Assets Act, to hire reliable contractors and a skilled workforce to deliver the improvements that are needed,” said Josh Arce, Senior Advisor, California Alliance for Jobs. “SR 37 is one of the most critical and vulnerable roadways in the North Bay. In addition to addressing near-term traffic congestion at places like the Highway 37 and Route 121 intersection, we support longer-term investments that are planned to protect access along this corridor and all California roadways from sea level rise. Now is the time to act to increase federal funding to shore up our infrastructure and create tens of thousands of union construction jobs and we are so grateful to Congressman Garamendi, Congressman Thompson and MTC for their leadership on this issue.”\n\n“Climate adaptation doesn’t fail for lack of ideas — it fails because funding and agencies aren’t built to work together at scale,\" said Caitlin Sweeney, Executive Director of the San Francisco Estuary Partnership. “The ADAPT Act tackles that challenge head-on, creating a pathway for complex, multi-sector projects that deliver real protection for people, infrastructure, and ecosystems when and where it’s needed most.”\n\n“I strongly support the ADAPT Act because it makes a smart, forward-looking investment in strengthening and protecting our infrastructure from the growing impacts of natural disasters,” said Assemblywoman Lori Wilson. “By acting now, we can safeguard critical infrastructure, strengthen regional resilience, and ensure our communities are prepared for the challenges ahead.”\n\nBill Background\n\nThe ADAPT Assets Act establishes a national framework for cost-effective disaster preparedness and would provide $2 billion every year to support the development of 10 large-scale critical infrastructure projects, including in the Bay Area, where an estimated $100 billion is required to protect the region’s shoreline from flooding through 2050.\n\nThe legislation advances critical initiatives that mitigate the risk of catastrophic damage, prolonged disruptions, and recurring emergency repairs to essential surface transportation assets. It also facilitates enhanced coordination with federal agencies, including FEMA, the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and would serve as a model for the delivery of large-scale disaster resilience infrastructure projects nationwide.\n\nView the full text of the bill HERE.\n\nSupporting Statements\n\n“I strongly support the ADAPT Act and its focus on delivering real, large-scale solutions to protect our communities,” said Vallejo Supervisor Cassandra James. “From shoreline flooding to critical transportation vulnerabilities, our region is on the front lines, and we need federal partnership to meet this moment. This is especially noteworthy for Solano County and Vallejo, one of the most diverse counties and cities in the nation, where resilience investments must reflect and protect the communities that make our region strong. The ADAPT Act will help ensure we are better prepared for the future while advancing sustainability, and long-term economic stability.”\n\n\"The Bay Area economy depends on our ability to move people and goods around the region, but our transportation infrastructure is increasingly threatened by rising seas and extreme weather events,” said Emily Loper, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the Bay Area Council. “The ADAPT Act will help us fund and deliver the resilience improvements we need to strengthen our transportation infrastructure for generations to come.”\n\n“North Bay Leadership Council supports the ADAPT Act because it finally provides the kind of coordinated funding and delivery framework needed to move critical resilience projects like State Route 37 from planning to reality. We’ve waited too long! The two-lane Highway 37 is gridlocked most of the day and is prone to flooding and disruptions causing massive delays for teachers, nurses, childcare providers, truck drivers and working families who keep our economy moving. The ADAPT Act will strengthen this vital corridor for our economy, our communities, and the long-term mobility of the North Bay,” said Joanne Webster, President and CEO of the North Bay Leadership Council.\n\n“The Solano Transportation Authority appreciates Congressman Garamendi and Congressman Thompson's leadership and commitment to addressing resiliency along the SR 37 corridor which will further environmental enhancements and provide congestion relief through his work on the ADAPT Act,” said Daryl Halls, Executive Director of the Solano Transportation Authority. \"We thank him for his perseverance in finding solutions for this complex and diverse corridor.”\n\n\"As a County Supervisor and BCDC Commissioner addressing sea level rise, we appreciate Congressmember Garamendi’s efforts to help make our vital transportation infrastructure more resilient to sea level rise,” said John Gioia, Contra Costa County Supervisor and Commissioner at the San Francisco Bay Conservation Development Commission (BCDC).\n\n“This ADAPT Act is superbly timed and on the mark. It champions the vital linkage between protecting our nation’s shoreline transportation infrastructure and utilizing nature-based strategies that both enhance the natural environment and provide resilience to this infrastructure,” said Stuart Siegel, Coastal Resilience Specialist for the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. \"Being the design lead for the Bay Area’s pilot of this concept - Strip Marsh East and State Route 37 - I have seen first-hand both the opportunities this Act advances and the challenges the Act helps to remedy.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6070", "title": "Rep. Jimmy Gomez Joins 250+ Democrats Urging Supreme Court to Protect Access to Mifepristone", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Gomez joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that threatens access to mifepristone, undermines women’s health care, and weakens the FDA’s long-established scientific approval process.\n\nThe brief follows emergency appeals from mifepristone manufacturers and a temporary stay issued by the Supreme Court while the case moves forward.\n\nIn the filing, lawmakers argued that mifepristone has been repeatedly proven safe and effective through the FDA’s rigorous approval and review process. They warned that allowing courts to override science-based decisions made by medical experts would set a dangerous precedent and further restrict access to reproductive health care across the country.\n\n“For more than 25 years, the FDA has consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe and effective, and millions of patients have used it safely,” the lawmakers wrote in the brief. “Allowing courts to overrule evidence-based medical decisions threatens both access to care and the integrity of the FDA’s approval process.”\n\nThe lawmakers also emphasized that reinstating burdensome in-person dispensing requirements would disproportionately harm patients in communities where reproductive health care providers are already difficult to access.\n\nThe amicus brief was signed by all 47 Senate Democrats and 212 House Democrats.\n\nThe full amicus brief can be viewed HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-visits-dilley-detention-center-calls-for-release-of-detained-children-and-families", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Visits Dilley Detention Center, Calls for Release of Detained Children and Families", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Dilley, Texas – On Tuesday, May 5, Representative Adelita Grijalva visited the Dilley Immigration Processing Center alongside Representative Joaquin Castro and fellow House Democrats. After touring the facility, Rep. Grijalva joined FWD.us and Families Belong Together for a press conference urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release families currently detained there.\n\nDuring the visit, Rep. Grijalva spoke with several detained families including Mayra, who was detained in Corpus Christi after leaving court with her 13-year-old son, Alberto, and has been unable to get updates on her infant in intensive care. She also met Gabriel, who crossed in Nogales, Arizona with his 16-year-old son seeking asylum; and José and his son Ezequiel, who has a heart murmur.\n\n“From Arizona to Texas, we’re seeing the same pattern: inhumane treatment, neglect, and a complete disregard for basic human dignity inside private detention facilities. Families do not belong in detention. Children do not belong in detention. Yet at Dilley, CoreCivic is making $15 million a month to do exactly that. This is not just inhumane – it’s immoral, and it must end.”\n\nThe visit follows Rep. Grijalva’s recent trips to detention centers in Arizona, includingMesa andEloy, where she met with detainees and successfully advocated for the release of “La Abuela,” a grandmother with dementia who had been held for nine months.\n\nYou can view the entire press conferencehere (Rep. Grijalva remarks at 22:40)\n\nYou can view a reaction video recorded after the facility tourhere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A615C85D-CD09-40CC-B72E-18570CAAF553", "title": "Hayes Introduces National Teacher Appreciation Week Resolution", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced legislation to designate May 4, 2026, through May 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. The legislation affirms that public school teachers should have a seat at the table in education policymaking at all levels, including federal, state, and local decision-making.\n\nTeachers are the cornerstone of the American education system, providing essential knowledge, skills, and guidance to the next generation. There has been an unprecedented attack by the current Administration against teachers, public education, the Department of Education, and higher education. Despite these attacks, teachers show up each day to provide students with the skills needed to build brighter futures. The National Teacher Appreciation Week Resolution affirms that commitment and highlights the urgent need for change and greater teacher voice.\n\n“Real appreciation for educators extends beyond a single week every year. It shows up in the actions we take to support teachers each day. This resolution officially acknowledges the vital contributions of educators, upholds respect for their commitment to the profession, and affirms the need to have teachers at the decision-making table at every level – particularly in light of the attacks on public education under this Administration.” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI -1), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-1), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Ed Case (HI-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Bill Foster (IL-11), John Mannion (NY-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NY-05), Adelita S. Grijalva (AZ-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Rick Larsen (WA-02), John Larson (CT-01), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).\n\nThe resolution is also endorsed by Educators for Excellence and the American Federation of Teachers.\n\n“Teachers shape the next generation of Americans every single day. They deserve an equal hand in shaping the policies that govern their work. This resolution is a meaningful step toward that reality. True appreciation isn't a week on the calendar — it's a permanent seat at the table, in local boardrooms and federal halls alike, where the decisions that define classrooms are made. True appreciation is power, not platitudes. Educators for Excellence is proud to stand with Representative Hayes and every cosponsor in demanding exactly that,” said Evan Stone, CEO of Educators for Excellence.\n\n\"Every day, teachers make a difference in the lives of students. They help students learn how to read and calculate equations but also how to navigate the world, think critically and find their passions. Teachers create opportunity. We celebrate teachers and their profound impact this week, while recognizing that teacher appreciation means more than praise. It means pushing for better classroom conditions and pay and lifting up teachers' voices in policy decisions. Thank you to U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), the 2016 Teacher of the Year, for introducing this important resolution and for always being a champion and voice in Washington, D.C., for educators,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5021", "title": "Rep. Houlahan, Sens. Ossoff, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Support Servicemembers’ Transition Out of the Armed Forces", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/press/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act to smooth servicemembers’ transition into civilian life, or the reserves, and ensure they get the support they and their families need.\n\nSens. Ossoff and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.\n\nThe new bill would designate a senior Department of Defense (DoD) official to serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense overseeing all programs and activities related to transitioning servicemembers. The official would also work in close coordination with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Labor, and Education, as well as state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve transition programs and support services.\n\n\"As our men and women in uniform reenter civilian life and try to secure housing, find work, and get the healthcare they need, we owe them our support. But too often, servicemembers are falling through the gaps,\" said Rep. Houlahan. \"I'm proud to introduce the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act to bridge these gaps, making VA transition support services more effective and easier for servicemembers to access.\"\n\n“Our servicemembers make tremendous sacrifices to keep our families safe. We owe it to them to ensure they are well-equipped and supported as they transition back to civilian life,” said Sen. Ossoff. “My new legislation with Senator Duckworth will help servicemembers access resources they’ve earned and help make their transition smoother for themselves and their families.”\n\n“As our servicemembers hang up their uniform, they deserve comprehensive support in helping them transition back into civilian life,” said Sen. Duckworth. “Too often, DoD’s transition programs fall short of the standard our Veterans deserve before they are handed off to the VA. Our commonsense bill would make necessary improvements and streamline coordination within DoD of these critical services. It’s the least we can do to help our heroes when they return home.”\n\nThe Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act is backed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans Education Success, Vietnam Veterans of America, and With Honor Action.\n\n“Each year, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian life—a critical juncture that can shape their future success or lead to serious challenges if not properly managed. Transition is the final warfighting mission, and like any successful operation, it demands unity of command and strategic coordination. The VFW strongly supports the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act, which would designate a senior DOD official to oversee all transition programs, including the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), and provide essential support to our reserve components. This role is vital to improving TAP attendance accountability, strengthening interagency coordination, and ensuring that transitioning service members and their families receive the support they’ve earned. We thank Senators Ossoff and Duckworth for introducing this important legislation and urge its swift passage,” said Carol Whitmore, Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.\n\n“On behalf of the Fleet Reserve Association, we proudly endorse the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act, introduced by Senators Jon Ossoff and Tammy Duckworth, and express our deep gratitude for their leadership in championing this critical legislation. The transition from military to civilian life is a defining moment for servicemembers, often fraught with challenges due to the lack of structure in the civilian world. This bill’s provisions, designating a Senior DoD Official to oversee all military-to-civilian transition programs, including for the reserve component, ensuring centralized accountability for initiatives like TAP and SkillBridge, fostering enhanced coordination with agencies such as the VA, Department of Labor, Education, and SBA, and mandating a congressional briefing within 90 days to detail implementation, provide vital support during the critical early days, weeks, and months of this transition. These measures strengthen the foundation for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ongoing efforts, ensuring our servicemembers receive the comprehensive assistance they need to succeed in civilian life,\" said the Fleet Reserve Association.\n\n“IAVA strongly supports the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act. This is an essential piece of legislation that will help to ensure a smooth transition from active-duty service into the civilian world. By designating a senior official to oversee and strengthen transition programs, this bill ensures accountability, coordination, and a higher standard of care for those who have served. Too often, servicemembers and their families face unnecessary challenges as they move from military service into civilian life or the reserve force. Our veterans deserve a seamless and well-supported transition, and this legislation is a critical step toward making that a reality,\" said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.\n\n“Vietnam veterans were forced to navigate a system that was unprepared, fragmented, and at times indifferent to their needs. We learned the hard way what happens when a nation fails to properly receive its warriors. This legislation is about correcting those failures ensuring that today’s and future veterans are met with dignity, structure, and real support. Honoring Vietnam veterans is not just about remembering their service; it is about building a system worthy of every generation that follows. Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another,” said James L. McCormick II, Captain, USA (Ret.), Executive Director of Government Affairs at Vietnam Veterans of America.\n\n“The transition from military to civilian life is a critical point in a service member’s journey. Centralizing oversight of transition programs and streamlining collaboration between agencies and departments ensures that service members enter their next chapter with the essential tools to succeed. With Honor Action is proud to endorse this legislation that elevates the importance of the military-to-civilian transition and puts our veterans first,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action.\n\nClick here to read the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-concerned-about-eugenes-peacehealth-transitioning-emergency-medical-providers", "title": "MERKLEY, WYDEN, HOYLE CONCERNED ABOUT EUGENE'S PEACEHEALTH TRANSITIONING EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROVIDERS", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Lawmakers Urge Partnership with Physicians, Community to Best Serve Lane County\n\nEugene, 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\n“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.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2534", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Engages with Secretary Hegseth, Advocates for U.S. Special Operations Forces", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, underscored the vital role of U.S. special operations forces during a recent hearing with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. Jackson requested information on the Department of War’s plan to strengthen and expand resources for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He also highlighted the growing complexity of modern warfare, including threats from near-peer competitors and non-state actors, and stressed the need to fully equip USSOCOM to carry out counterterrorism, irregular warfare, and strategic deterrence operations.\n\nClick here or above to watch Rep. Jackson’s Q&A with Secretary Hegseth.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C61E851D-495B-4999-99FB-DB02B397337B", "title": "Following Emergency Stay, Clark Leads 250+ Democrats in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, and FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, more than 250 House and Senate Democrats filed 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 life-saving mifepristone.\n\nYesterday, more than 250 Senate and House Democrats—led by House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5); House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8); Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY); Senators Patty Murray (WA), Dick Durbin (IL), and Ron Wyden (OR); and Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-6), Diana DeGette (CO-1), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-7)—filed 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. 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.\n\nThe lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nThe members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.\n\nThe lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-demands-intelligence-briefing-after-trump-falsely-claims-iran", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Demands Intelligence Briefing After Trump Falsely Claims Iran War Has “Terminated”", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Oversight Committee, today sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard requesting a classified briefing on the status of hostilities between the United States and Iran, following President Donald Trump’s claim that the war has been “terminated.”\n\nU.S. forces continue active naval operations and have engaged Iranian vessels in recent days in and around the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring that hostilities remain ongoing despite the Administration’s claims—and raising urgent questions about whether Iran is likely to relent under sustained economic and military pressure.\n\n“I write to you today to express my serious concern that President Trump has falsely informed Congress that after 60 days, the war with Iran has been ‘terminated’— all while the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and naval enforcement operations continue, and the underlying ceasefire arrangement remains contested and unstable,” Krishnamoorthi wrote.\n\nKrishnamoorthi makes clear the Administration’s characterization is not just misleading, but aimed at evading congressional authority under the War Powers Resolution.\n\n“President Trump is simply trying to misinform Congress and the American people so that he can try to claim to be in compliance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which forbids U.S. armed forces from being engaged in hostilities for more than 60 days without congressional authorization. But this is not a true ceasefire, and we continue to be in an unauthorized war.”\n\nKrishnamoorthi requested a classified briefing by May 15 addressing the following questions:\n\nWhat is the Intelligence Community’s current assessment of the status of hostilities between the United States and Iran?\n\nWhat is the Intelligence Community’s assessment of the durability of the current ceasefire agreement, and what instances of violations by Iran has it noted, including throughout the region?\n\nWhat is the Intelligence Community’s assessment about whether Iran is likely to relent under current conditions, and what specific indicators (economic, military, political, or internal stability metrics) are being monitored to evaluate that likelihood?\n\nWhat is the current assessment of Iran’s ability to sustain oil exports under blockade pressure, including the role of floating storage, onshore capacity constraints, and alternative export pathways?\n\nHow is Iran currently evading or mitigating the effects of maritime restrictions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including ship-to-ship transfers, flag manipulation, or rerouting of cargo?\n\nWhat is the Intelligence Community’s assessment of Iran’s strategic intent regarding the Strait of Hormuz—specifically whether Iran seeks long-term closure, selective disruption, or bargaining leverage tied to nuclear development?\n\nWhat indicators would signal that Iran is approaching a structural economic breaking point under current conditions, including storage saturation, production curtailment, or internal fiscal stress?", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5877", "title": "ICYMI: Lawler Announces $1 Million Relief Fund For Small Businesses Impacted By CHPE Construction", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Stony Point, N.Y. – 5/5/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler announced a $1 million relief fund to support small businesses in North Rockland impacted by construction along Route 9W tied to the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project.\n\nFollowing months of advocacy and negotiations led by Lawler in coordination with local officials and the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, the funding will provide direct assistance to businesses that experienced financial hardship due to prolonged construction disruptions.\n\n“I want to thank the Champlain Hudson Power Express project, including Blackstone, Inc., the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland, as well as our town supervisors from Stony Point and Haverstraw, our state and local officials, and most importantly, our small business owners, who never stopped speaking up and advocating for their communities. Small businesses aren’t just storefronts. They’re family livelihoods, they’re community anchors, and they deserve to be supported,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\nThe North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, in coordination with the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties and the Office of Congressman Mike Lawler, will establish an application process for impacted businesses. The Community Foundation will oversee the fund, with an independent review to ensure a fair and transparent distribution.\n\n“The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, & Rockland looks forward to playing a role in helping the local businesses that were affected by the pipeline project. We are able to help manage an open and transparent application process for the funds, and support the review committee with collection and organization of appropriate documentation and backup,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland.\n\n“Thank you Congressman Lawler for delivering this critical support to our community. This $1 million commitment from the CHPE is a meaningful step in helping our local businesses move forward after the challenges brought on by construction. Our businesses are the backbone of Stony Point and a vital part of what makes our town such a great place to live,” said Stony Point Town Supervisor Amy Stamm.\n\nPhotos from today’s announcement can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-conducts-oversight-visit-at-dilley-immigration-processing-center-calls-for-facility-s-closure", "title": "Rep. Menefee Conducts Oversight Visit at Dilley Immigration Processing Center, Calls for Facility’s Closure", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DILLEY, TEXAS — Today, Rep. Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) joined Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) in conducting an oversight visit to Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Dilley, Texas.\n\nFollowing the visit, Rep. Menefee called for \\the closure of the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the largest family immigration detention center in the United States, citing disturbing firsthand accounts of mistreatment, inadequate medical care, and harmful living conditions for children and parents held at the facility.\n\nDuring the oversight visit, Members met with officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and facility operators before touring detention areas and speaking directly with detainees. While facility officials described conditions as safe and humane, Members heard and saw a starkly different reality from the families being held inside.\n\nDetainees described significant weight loss from inedible food, delayed and inadequate medical treatment, unreliable internet access that left families unable to communicate with loved ones or legal counsel, and a lack of educational resources for children. Members also heard deeply troubling accounts of family separation, deteriorating mental health, and prolonged uncertainty that has left many families in crisis.\n\n“There were glaring inconsistencies between what facility officials told us and what detainees described,” Congressman Menefee said. “We heard story after story about untreated medical conditions, food that makes people sick, and children suffering physically and emotionally. What I saw today was disturbing, and what I heard was even worse. No family should be treated this way in the United States of America.”\n\nRep. Menefee emphasized that immigration enforcement should prioritize genuine public safety threats, not families with no violent criminal history seeking a better life.\n\n“What we saw today were mothers, fathers, and children being subjected to cruel and degrading treatment,” Rep. Menefee continued. “These are human beings. They deserve dignity, due process, and basic humanity. What is happening inside this facility is unacceptable. This will not be my last visit. We cannot look away. We must close this facility, reunite families, and build an immigration system that reflects our American values.”\n\nIn March, Rep. Menefee visited the Houston Contract Detention Facility to examine the impact of the Administration’s immigration policies firsthand. He remains committed to pushing for a more humane immigration process, stronger oversight, and meaningful reform of the nation’s detention system.\n\n###\n\nAbout Congressman Christian Menefee (TX-18)\n\nRep. Christian D. Menefee represents Texas’s 18th Congressional District, covering communities across the Houston area. He was sworn into office on February 2, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-introduces-the-college-affordability-and-accessibility-act", "title": "Rep. Menefee Introduces the College Affordability and Accessibility Act", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOUSTON, TEXAS — Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) introduced the College Affordability and Accessibility Act, legislation aimed at making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across the country by significantly expanding Federal Pell Grant support.\n\nThe bill would double the maximum Pell Grant to $14,800 per year, with future increases tied to inflation so financial aid keeps pace with the rising cost of tuition, housing, books, and other everyday expenses students face while pursuing a degree.\n\nThe legislation would also give students more time to complete their education by extending Pell Grant eligibility from 12 semesters to 16 semesters, helping students who attend school part-time, navigate work or family obligations, or need additional time to graduate.\n\n“I grew up on free lunch and Pell Grants. Without that support, I would not be where I am today,” said Rep. Menefee. “As a first-generation college student, I know how life-changing this assistance can be. Increasing Pell Grants expands opportunity and ensures every student, regardless of background, has a genuine chance to succeed.”\n\n“Pell Grants give millions of students an opportunity to succeed,” Rep. Menefee continued. “Now, as the Trump administration moves to destroy the Department of Education and strip away those chances, I am pushing back. We must invest in students, our future workforce, and preserve the pathways that countless young people depend on. Not dismantle them.”\n\nThe College Affordability and Accessibility Act would especially benefit low-income students, working students, parents returning to school, first-generation college students, and students whose path to graduation takes longer than four years.\n\nClick HERE for one-pager of the bill.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-demands-trump-reverse-ending-programs-that-support-minority-owned-small-businesses", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams Demands Trump Reverse Ending Programs that Support Minority-Owned Small Businesses", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led 22 other members of Congress in a congressional push demanding President Trump reverse his efforts to dismantle programs that support minority-owned small businesses.\n\nOn March 26, 2026, Trump signed the executive order “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors,” which does not protect against discrimination but instead reinstitutionalizes it. The order prohibits federal contractors from conducting targeted outreach to vendors of color, establishing mentoring or leadership development programs for underrepresented entrepreneurs, or directing any resources toward inclusion. Contractors who fail to comply face cancellation, suspension, and permanent debarment.\n\nIn January 2026, the Trump administration went beyond what any court required and declared the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program a burden on white Americans, stripping race from eligibility determinations entirely. Under the pretense of fraud and abuse associated with DEI favoritism, approximately 4,300 firms were required to submit years of financial records in a sweeping data call. Over 1,000 were suspended for missing the compliance deadline, and more than 600 are now being terminated. In 2025, only 65 businesses were admitted to the program—down from more than 700 the year prior.\n\nIn October 2025, Trump gutted the Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, which served as the primary pathway for minority- and women-owned firms to access airport contracting opportunities that had been closed to them.\n\nIn March 2025, Trump signed an executive order to eliminate the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the only federal agency created specifically to support the growth of minority-owned businesses.\n\nThe Members wrote:\n\n“For decades, the federal government has recognized a simple truth: equal opportunity cannot exist where equal access has never been granted. From the Small Business Act of 1953 to the establishment of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program in 1983, this nation made a sustained commitment to ensuring that minority-owned small businesses could compete, contribute, and thrive in the American economy. That commitment was not charity, rather, these investments in economic opportunity sprang from an acknowledgment that centuries of exclusion will not self-correct without deliberate policy changes.”\n\n“Let us be clear about what is happening here. Your administration is not protecting civil rights; rather it’s weaponizing the language of civil rights to dismantle the very infrastructure built to make them real. We are not fooled and we reject that framing entirely.”\n\n“We call on you to rescind the March 26, 2026 Executive Order, to direct Secretary Sean Duffy to restore the DOT’s DBE and ACDBE programs with race-conscious eligibility intact, direct Administrator Kelly Loeffler to reinstate the SBA 8(a) program’s original mission, and fully restore the Minority Business Development Agency.”\n\n“Entrepreneurs of color built their businesses despite every barrier this country placed in front of them, and they will continue to thrive, despite these discriminatory policies.”\n\nThe letter was signed by: Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Al Green (TX-09), Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Rep. Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC At-Large), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Rep. Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01).", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6772", "title": "After Oversight Visit, Pingree, House Dems Call for Release of Their Constituents, Closure of Dilley Detention Facility", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "pingree.house.gov", "scraper": "pingree", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000597", "name": "Chellie Pingree", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Pingree met with Olivia Andre, an asylum seeker from Portland who remains detained in Dilley despite her family being released last month\n\nMaine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) is once again calling for the release of her constituent, Olivia Andre, from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center in Dilley, Texas following an official Congressional oversight visit on Tuesday. Pingree—along with colleagues U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Christian Menefee (D-Texas.), and Mark Takano (D-Calif.)—held a press conference where they detailed what they witnessed at the Dilley facility and shared stories of those they met with.\n\n“I came here today for one specific reason and one specific constituent. [But] I want to validate all of the things that my colleagues have been saying, and everything you’re hearing is true: We need to close Dilley, we need to close these facilities, there was nothing about the conditions that were humane—and it’s done with our tax dollars, in our name, and it has to stop,” Pingree said during the press conference.\n\nIn April, Pingree called on ICE to immediately release Olivia Andre, a 19-year-old student who has been detained in the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas since November. In a letter to ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, Pingree questioned the legal basis for Olivia’s continued detention, as no explanation has been given to Andre or her legal counsel.\n\nOlivia and her family are asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and have been living in Portland, where Olivia was a first-year nursing student. The rest of her family—mother Carine Balenda Mbizi; brother Joel Andre, 16; and sister Estafania Andre, 14—were released from the Dilley Processing Center in March.\n\nPingree previously conducted oversight visits of the ICE field office in Scarborough, Maine and the ICE facility in Burlington, Mass.\n\n###\n\nRelated News", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/05/news-following-emergency-stay-pressley-250-dems-demand-scotus-protect-mifepristone-access-health-care/", "title": "NEWS: Following Emergency Stay, Pressley, 250+ Dems Demand SCOTUS Protect Mifepristone Access, Health Care", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congresswoman and Colleagues File Amicus Brief Urging Court to Overturn Lower Court Decision That Restricted Access to Medication Abortion\n\nPressley Has Led Efforts to Expand Access to Medication Abortion, Including at Retail Pharmacies\n\nAmicus Brief Text\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus—along with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); and Representatives Katherine Clark (D-MA), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Ron Wyden (D-OR)—led 250 House and Senate Democrats 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. 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.\n\nRep. Pressley, lead sponsor of the Abortion Justice Act and a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, has led calls in Congress for the FDA to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on mifepristone, and applauded the FDA’s action in January 2023 to allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion medication pills.\n\n“Our amicus brief makes it plain: mifepristone is safe, effective, and must remain accessible,” said Congresswoman Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “While Trump and his co-conspirators continue their all-out assault on our fundamental rights, we’re calling on the Supreme Court to uphold the law and preserve access to this essential drug. Abortion care is basic, essential healthcare and we must use every tool available to protect our reproductive freedom.”\n\nIn the amicus brief, the lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling was clearly not based on the merit of the distribution method of mifepristone, or the scientific backing of the medication, but rather a desire to limit the ability of many to receive abortion medication. The emergency stay is necessary to ensure that Louisiana is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives. In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nThe lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full here.\n\nIn her time serving in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect and advance reproductive justice and ensure fundamental life-saving reproductive health care for all.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401963", "title": "Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Resolution to Designate May 5th as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored a resolution to designate May 5th, 2026, as the “National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.” May 5th is the date of remembrance selected each year in honor of the birth date of Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, who was murdered after being reported missing in Lame Deer, Montana. This bipartisan resolution is sponsored by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA).\n\n“The number of Indigenous women and girls who have been murdered or gone missing every year is staggering,” said Rep. Simpson. “I have been raising awareness about this disproportionate rate, and will continue to use my role as Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee to support the federal agencies working to address this crisis. This is an important resolution, and I'm proud to sign on as a cosponsor.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://strickland.house.gov/2026/05/05/strickland-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner/", "title": "Strickland Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "strickland.house.gov", "scraper": "strickland", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001159", "name": "Marilyn Strickland", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Lacey, WA – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced Camille Franco, a junior at the Schools of the Arts in Tacoma, Washington as the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for Washington’s 10th Congressional District. Franco was selected by a panel of judges for her painting featuring her herself as a child and her grandmother. Franco’s painting will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.\n\n“I want to congratulate Camille Franco from Tacoma for winning the Congressional Art Competition,” said Strickland. “This emotional painting represents love, beauty, and family. I look forward to seeing the artwork on display as I walk around the Capitol, and I want to thank our judges and all the students who participated.”\n\n“This piece was inspired by my grandmother, Mama Vero and my baby brother Luke,” said Camille Franco, the winning artist. “These two individuals are extremely dear to me and were the first people I thought of when I heard the prompt “Natural Beauty”. My grandmother specifically, as she is not only my inspiration, but she also represents love, strength, and courage. However, she often times feels unconfident as her features age. It honestly pains me to see her become insecure when I know how truly beautiful she is inside and out. I intended to depict the beauty of aging, as well as beauty in all ages with this piece; so that maybe she could see how I see her.\n\n“Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland invited High School Students to explore the theme of “Natural Beauty” for the Congressional Art Competition this year,” said Dr. Jennifer Olson, competition judge. “The artists responded with creative images of family, nature, a self-portrait, still-lifes, and others in a range of media and styles. This competition is a wonderful opportunity for area students, and it highlights the educational accomplishments of the teachers in the district.”\n\n“In addition to displaying technical prowess, the winning piece skillfully captures the tenderness, beauty, joy, and reciprocity of familial connection and the natural outpouring of love,” said Assistant Professor Linda Lucía Santana, competition judge.\n\n“I was so very impressed by this year’s travel award winner,” said Professor Dave Roholt, competition judge. “Not only the spot-on response to the theme and strong narrative, also the fine technique and skills needed when working in a challenging format of oil paint. The edge control and brushwork stood out with a very mature vibe for being such a young and obviously gifted artist. This year it was a challenge to narrow down a winner with so many powerful renderings, yet as a committee, we are very pleased with the award winners gusto and heartwarming painting. It will represent our district and state proudly.”\n\nThis year’s panel of judges for Washington’s 10th Congressional District included Jennifer Olson, Faculty at Tacoma Community College; Charles Bloomfield, a local artist and educator; Linda Lucía Santana, Assistant Professor of Art at Pierce College; and Dave Roholt, Professor of Art at Pierce College.\n\nThe Congressional Art Competition was launched in 1982 to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young constituents from across the country with the chance to display their art in the United States Capitol.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/joint-statement-from-reps-emilia-sykes-and-jennifer-mcclellan-on-mifepristone-ruling-and-ongoing-legal-uncertainty", "title": "Joint Statement from Reps. Emilia Sykes and Jennifer McClellan on Mifepristone Ruling and Ongoing Legal Uncertainty", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Chair of the Reproductive Justice Task Force of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Chair of the Abortion Rights and Access Task Force of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, released the following joint statement:\n\n“As chairs of task forces within the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, we are closely monitoring the case Louisiana v. FDA. Regardless of what lies in the fine print, let us be clear about one thing: mifepristone was safe and effective when the FDA first approved it over 25 years ago, and it has remained safe and effective for the millions of people who have used it to end their pregnancies and manage their miscarriages since. This is true in health care settings, and it is true at home.\n\nThough the Supreme Court has temporarily reinstated access to mifepristone, questions remain about how long this decision will stand and what might change going forward. We cannot allow this uncertainty to continue.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3756", "title": "Valadao, Dingell Reaffirm Support for Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, on World Asthma Day, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), co-chairs of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, reaffirmed support for their bipartisan resolution designating the month of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.\n\n“In the Central Valley, more than half a million people are living with asthma, and many more struggle with allergies that make daily life harder than it should be,” said Congressman Valadao. “For many families, managing these conditions means juggling doctor’s visits, covering the cost of medications, and staying ahead of potential emergencies. That’s why I’m proud to recognize May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to support those facing these difficult conditions. I look forward to continuing to work with my Asthma and Allergy Caucus co-chair, Rep. Dingell, to ensure families across the country can breathe a little easier and live healthier lives.”\n\n“Allergies and asthma impact Americans from every corner of the country, including my home state of Michigan, which has some of the highest rates of asthma in the country,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I’m proud to designate May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to support increased education and efforts to improve the quality of life for Americans living with these conditions.”\n\n“On behalf of the more than 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, we thank Reps. Dingell and Valadao for their leadership in raising awareness about the burden of asthma. Untreated asthma increases healthcare costs, results in lost productivity, and risks lives. Between 9 and 11 people die each day from asthma, and nearly all of those deaths are preventable with access to effective treatment. On this World Asthma Day, we call on policymakers to join with key stakeholders to ensure everyone with asthma can access and afford the care they need,” said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).\n\nRead the full resolution here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3757", "title": "Congressman Valadao Joins Bipartisan Delegation to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention Resources", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Erin Houchin (IN-09), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) to introduce the Campus Lifeline Act of 2026. This bipartisan bill would mandate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be printed on new driver’s licenses and student ID cards to help connect teens and young adults with mental health resources. It would also expand Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants to include peer-to-peer early intervention activities by student groups.\n\n“Young adults are facing a growing mental health crisis, but too many still don’t know where to turn for help,” said Congressman Valadao. “While California law requires the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be printed on student ID cards, access to this lifesaving resource shouldn’t depend on your zip code. By expanding existing Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants and ensuring 988 is added to new IDs nationwide, we can raise awareness for mental health care, connect more people to support, and help prevent tragedies before they happen.\"\n\n“We have a responsibility to make sure young people know where to turn in a moment of crisis,” said Rep. Houchin. “During Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m proud to introduce the Campus Lifeline Act to expand access to the 988 Lifeline and strengthen support on campuses. This bill promotes early intervention, student engagement, and life-saving mental health resources. It’s our goal to make sure every young person knows help is available.”\n\n“Every young person deserves access to compassionate, lifesaving mental health care when they need it most,” said Rep. Trahan. “I was proud to lead the Garrett Lee Smith Reauthorization Act to strengthen and expand suicide prevention programs for young people, and this bipartisan legislation builds on that work by increasing awareness of and access to these vital services. By leveraging the reach of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we can connect more teens and young adults with the support they need, ensure they know help is available, and reach more young people before a crisis becomes a tragedy.”\n\n\"The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has saved lives. There’s no question about it,\" said Rep. Pocan. \"The more awareness we can raise about 988, especially among our young people, the better. I’m glad to help lead this effort with Reps. Houchin, Trahan, and Valadao.”\n\n“Youth-informed policy is not only powerful, it’s necessary. The best policies and laws are shaped by those with firsthand experience who understand both the challenges and the solutions. We are grateful to Representatives Houchin (R-IN), Trahan (D-MA), Valadao (R-CA), and Pocan (D-WI) for recognizing the importance of youth-led solutions and for their bipartisan leadership on the Campus Lifeline Act. What began as a youth-led initiative to place 988 on the back of student ID cards on campuses has now grown into the introduction of federal legislation with the potential to create nationwide change. Awareness and education around mental health resources are vital, and when young people lead, they help create solutions that are practical and accessible,” said Anika Rahman, Director of Policy, Active Minds.\n\nThe Campus Lifeline Act of 2026 would:\n\nClarify existing statute to allow the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be printed on new drivers’ licenses and student campus IDs.\n\nExpand existing Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Grants' allowable use to include early intervention activities by student groups and prioritize this use in future grantmaking.\n\nClarify existing application requirements on stakeholder input and outreach strategies to include meaningful student involvement.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/2026/5/van-duyne-leads-request-to-trump-administration-cabinet-officials-to-initiate-investigations-into-north-texas-h-1b-visa-fraud", "title": "Van Duyne Leads Request to Trump Administration Cabinet Officials to Initiate Investigations into North Texas H-1B Visa Fraud", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanduyne.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "vanduyne.house.gov", "scraper": "vanduyne", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000134", "name": "Beth Van Duyne", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24), U.S. Representative Pat Fallon (R-TX-04), U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13), and U.S. Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX-26) sent a letter to urge Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Acting Secretary Sonderling, and Secretary Mullin to “conduct a coordinated, interagency investigation into reported H-1B fraud activities in North Texas”.\n\nThe North Texas Members of Congress note: “The concentration of these activities in North Texas—a major economic hub for our nation—raises additional concerns about localized exploitation of the system. When bad actors are able to manipulate visa pathways at scale, it distorts local labor markets, suppresses wages, and erodes trust in lawful immigration processes.\"\n\n“I’m thankful for my fellow North Texas Members in joining me to urge the Administration to take immediate action to investigate and prosecute these egregious violations of our immigration laws. Much like we saw with the Nick Shirley investigative journalism which exposed Somali welfare fraud in Minnesota and rampant hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, North Texas independent journalists have repeatedly uncovered flagrant abuse of the H-1B visa program concentrated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and specifically in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant Counties,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “H-1B visa abuse is an affront to our country, it harms American workers, depresses wages, leaves graduating university students without job prospects in their area of study, and it must be stamped out for economic and national security reasons.”\n\nBoth Governor Abbott and Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, initiated investigations earlier this year to root out bad actors and scammers who are abusing the H-1B visa program and displacing Texas workers. The Governor and Attorney General call out past instances of businesses firing highly qualified Texas workers only to be replaced by lower wage H-1B workers or instances of sham companies setting up non-existent businesses at residential addresses or empty unfinished buildings.\n\nIn their letter, the Members call on the relevant Departments to take the following specific actions:\n\nConduct a coordinated, interagency investigation into reported H-1B fraud activities in North Texas, including the role of employers, third-party agents, and any associated entities.\n\nReview current H-1B adjudication and verification processes to identify vulnerabilities that allow for fraudulent job offers, wage misrepresentation, or improper labor condition applications.\n\nStrengthen enforcement mechanisms, including increased audits of H-1B sponsors and enhanced penalties for entities found to be engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices.\n\nImprove data sharing and coordination between the Departments of Homeland Security, Labor, and State to ensure real-time verification of employment legitimacy and visa compliance.\n\nProvide recommendations to Congress, if necessary, on statutory or regulatory changes to close loopholes and restore integrity to the H-1B program.\n\nEXCLUSIVE: The Bottom Line on Fox Business first reported on this story. Watch the interview HERE.\n\nClick HERE to read the letter.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-celebrates-passage-of-amendment-to-strengthen-quantum-technologies-out-of-the-sst-committee", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Celebrates Passage of Amendment to Strengthen Quantum Technologies out of the SST Committee", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep.Van Epps (TN07) introduced an amendment in the Space, Science and Technology Committee’s markup to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act.\n\nThis proposal amends the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to include reviews of the National Quantum Initiative program. Specifically, the amendment directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Academies to assess the progress made by the National Quantum Initiative program in meeting its stated goals, including facilitating private sector development. The amendment also directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to review impediments to collaboration between Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, industry, and academia.\n\nYou can watch or read Rep. Van Epps’ remarks during the markup below.\n\nImage\n\n“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nAmerican researchers have made significant advancements in quantum over the last several years.\n\nYet it is crucial we continue to rapidly move beyond scientific research into commercially deployable applications, including our military capabilities. For example, quantum sensing supports a wide range of battlefield applications such as navigation in GPS-denied environments and detection of electronic warfare systems.\n\nBringing quantum from the lab into the field can empower American warfighters for mission success. However, these capabilities have not yet fully matured into operational systems for routine use.\n\nThat’s why the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act is a step in the right direction – updating quantum programs to move from lab development into real-world deployment and creating quantum testbeds to translate research into private sector quantum development.\n\nThese updates align with the exciting contributions Tennessee's 7th district has made in quantum. Recently, Vanderbilt University partnered with EPB of Chattanooga to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation. This institute will provide Vanderbilt’s leading quantum research programs access to the EPB Quantum Center, the nation’s first facility to provide commercial access to a trapped-ion quantum computer and a photonics-based local quantum network.\n\nVanderbilt’s efforts prove the U.S. is ready to move from the lab to real work application for quantum, and with Tennessee leading the way.\n\nMy amendment ensures the important updates in this reauthorization bill are effectively implemented to bring quantum technologies into real-world use.\n\nThe amendment directs OSTP and the National Academies to assess the National Quantum Initiative program to ensure it is meeting its goals, particularly as it relates to the development of quantum applications.\n\nIn addition, the amendment directs NIST to conduct a study and produce a report to this committee on impediments to collaboration between federally backed research centers, industry, and academia.\n\nFor the U.S. to sustain its quantum leadership, it is essential that any gaps between American researchers and private industry are decisively identified and tactically remediated.\n\nBy passing this amendment, this committee clearly demonstrates that the updated policy priorities made in the reauthorization bill will translate into effective policy delivery.\n\nI urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-urges-honduras-to-restore-diplomatic-recognition-of-taiwan-back-away-from-china/", "title": "Banks Urges Honduras to Restore Diplomatic Recognition of Taiwan, Back Away from China", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Honduras President Nasry Asfura congratulating the newly inaugurated President and urged the President to strengthen diplomatic relations with Taiwan.\n\nSee the full letter here or read below:\n\nDear President Asfura:\n\nI write to offer my congratulations on your November election and your recent inauguration. The people of Honduras have entrusted you with an important responsibility, and I wish you success in advancing the prosperity and security of your nation.\n\nI commend your leadership in commencing a review of Honduras’ relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). I know that you have long maintained a sober-minded understanding of the tradeoffs involved with partnering with the PRC, and I could not agree more with your statement that Honduras was “100 times better off with Taiwan.”[1] I recently returned from Taipei, where I witnessed firsthand Taiwan’s vibrant democracy, strong economy, and commitment to being a force for good around the world.\n\nTaiwan has consistently demonstrated its reliability, offering genuine economic opportunity while upholding democratic values and contributing to stability. At a time of expanding authoritarian influence, decisions about diplomatic alignment carry significant implications for sovereignty and long-term development.\n\nYour decision to revisit Honduras’ diplomatic recognition of Taiwan is significant, and I respectfully encourage you to return Honduras’ diplomatic posture to its historic and natural pro-Taiwan leanings. Renewing diplomatic relations with Taiwan would strengthen democratic solidarity and create meaningful opportunities for expanded economic cooperation and investment. It would also send a clear signal about Honduras’ commitment to principled and transparent partnerships.\n\nOnce again, I offer my congratulations on your victory. I wish you success in the important work ahead and look forward to continued engagement on these shared priorities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/05/bennet-leads-13-colleagues-to-demand-trump-administration-resume-russian-oil-sanctions/", "title": "Bennet Leads 14 Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Resume Russian Oil Sanctions", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and 14 Senate colleagues urged 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nSenator Bennet was joined on this letter by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Andy Kim (D.-N.J.), Ranking Member on the Senate Budget Committee Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Gary C. Peters (D-Mich.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ranking Member on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Bessent:\n\nWe 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.\n\nBefore 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.\n\nRussia 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.\n\nDespite 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.\n\nPresident 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.\n\nYou 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.\n\nYour 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.\n\nYet 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.\n\nContinuing 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.\n\nNow 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.\n\nFailure 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.\n\nThank you for your attention.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-joins-democratic-senate-colleagues-to-kill-trumps-executive-order-restricting-vote-by-mail-and-press-usps-on-unconstitutional-eo", "title": "Blumenthal Joins Democratic Senate Colleagues to Kill Trump's Executive Order Restricting Vote by Mail & Press USPS on Unconstitutional EO", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined his Democratic Senate Colleagues to introduce the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act (Absentee MVP Act), legislation to protect the integrity of American elections, and Americans’ right to vote by mail, by blocking President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nThe Absentee MVP Act would nullify Trump’s unlawful March 31 executive order that aims to illegally re-write federal election rules by ordering the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to build state-by-state rosters of voting-age American citizens and granting USPS sweeping new authority to decide which of those voters may cast ballots by mail. Under the order, U.S. Postal Service (USPS) can reject and refuse delivery of lawful ballots unless states comply with newly established federal eligibility lists. Those who do not comply with these restrictions would face serious consequences: election officials, mail carriers, and others who send or deliver ballots to voters the administration considers ineligible could face criminal charges and states and local governments risk forfeiting federal funding.\n\nThe Absentee MVP Act would stop Trump’s blatant elections power grab by prohibiting the USPS, DHS and any other executive agency from spending funds to implement the directives in the President’s unconstitutional executive order.\n\n“President Trump’s Executive Order is yet another power grab to take control of our elections illegally,” said Blumenthal. “By manipulating the U.S. Postal Service to restrict mail-in ballots, this administration is undermining the Constitutional framework that protects free and fair elections. I am proud to support this legislation to stop this illegal overreach and ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot without interference.”\n\n“The Constitution is clear. Elections belong to Congress and the states, not the President. You do not protect them by building federal lists out of flawed data,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Board Chairman.\n\n“President Trump was transparent when he issued an executive order clearly intended to disenfranchise a large bloc of voters from the voting rolls. By making it more difficult for voters to cast ballots, he hopes to increase the odds for Republican election victories. His anti-voting obstacle is unfair, un-American, and must be repealed. Public Citizen strongly supports Senator Padilla's legislation to do precisely that,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President, Public Citizen.\n\n“Every American deserves to have their voice heard and their vote counted. The Constitution gives States and Congress — not the President — authority over federal elections,” said Andrew Warren, Deputy Legal Director of Democracy Defenders Action. “We commend Senator Padilla for his leadership in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, and we urge Congress to pass this important legislation to prevent the President from interfering in our elections.”\n\n“No president — Trump or any to come — should be able to change the rules of an election in order to keep power and disenfranchise eligible voters. This bill pushes back on the Trump Administration’s illegal executive order that attempts to do just that. It is a strong, forward-looking step to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure voters decide elections, not politicians,” said Cole Leiter, Executive Director, Americans Against Government Censorship.\n\n“For generations, service members have relied on mail and absentee ballots to exercise the rights they serve to defend. This legislation protects that lifeline and makes clear that no administration should be able to undermine access to the ballot for political gain. Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can participate without fear or interference,” said Janessa Goldbeck, Marine Corps Veteran and CEO, Vet Voice Foundation.\n\n“Vote by mail works so well it’s how President Trump chose to vote this very year,” said Common Cause’s President & CEO Virginia Kase Solomón. “That’s why President Trump’s mail voting executive order is absurd. What this order is really designed to do is give him the power to handpick voters based on who supports his agenda in an effort to shield his party from accountability at the ballot box. Common Cause and our more than 1 million members urge Congress to pass Senator Padilla’s Absentee MVP Act now so every voter can cast a ballot freely and fairly.”\n\n“NALC appreciates Sens. Peters, Padilla and Durbin's leadership in fighting to protect Americans' access to mail-in ballots,” NALC President Brian L. Renfroe said. “Voting by mail is safe, secure and makes it easier for tens of millions of Americans to participate in our democracy. As this executive order is considered in the courts, NALC supports this legislation that focuses on protecting Americans’ right to vote by mail.”\n\nIn addition to Blumenthal, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nFull text for the Absentee MVP Act is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-18-million-contract-for-sikorsky-to-produce-parts-for-helicopters", "title": "Blumenthal Statement on $18 Million Contract for Sikorsky to Produce Parts for Helicopters", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released a statement following the announcement that Sikorsky will receive $18 million from the U.S. Navy to produce rotary rudder blades for H60 aircraft.\n\n“This significant $18 million contract to produce essential parts for military helicopters is great news for Sikorsky and their supply chain. The talented men and women working in Stratford build the finest helicopters in the world and this contract ensures they will be busy for years to come, boosting our local economy and strengthening our national security. I am proud to support our state’s defense manufacturers and will keep fighting for more work to be brought to Connecticut,” Blumenthal said.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-colleagues-to-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-may-as-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month", "title": "Cantwell Joins Colleagues to Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Joins Colleagues to Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, joined Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), and 28 senators in introducing a resolution marking May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.\n\nThe resolution celebrates the many contributions AANHPI communities have made to the nation. As the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans continue to cut initiatives designed to support minorities in the name of “combatting discrimination,” this resolution emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity.\n\nJoining Sens. Cantwell and Hirono on the resolution are Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng (D-NY).\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-celebrates-career-of-outgoing-shepherd-university-president-dr-mary-hendrix", "title": "PHOTOS: Capito Celebrates Career of Outgoing Shepherd University President Dr. Mary Hendrix", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrated the career of Shepherd University’s outgoing president, Dr. Mary Hendrix, at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va.\n\nDr. Hendrix, who will retire in June, dedicated 10 years of her life to the service of West Virginia and Shepherd University, where she oversaw landmark transformation, including upgrades to technology, renovations to Shepherd’s campus and buildings, expanded housing, dining and athletics facilities, and new centers and institutes.\n\n“Dr. Mary Hendrix’s leadership has left a lasting impact on Shepherd University and the state of West Virginia. I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Hendrix for many years, and I have been able to see firsthand her deep commitment to Shepherd’s mission and to the success of its students. As a Shepherdstown native and proud Shepherd graduate, Dr. Hendrix is the definition of a homegrown president, bringing a true personal dedication to her role. Over the past decade, she has guided transformative improvements across campus and her commitment to Shepherd’s mission and to the success of its students will be remembered for years to come. I thank Dr. Hendrix for her dedicated service to our state,” Senator Capito said.\n\n“We are deeply honored that Senator Capito took the time from her demanding congressional schedule to offer kind remarks at my farewell reception,” President Mary J.C. Hendrix said. “Her steadfast support of Shepherd University means a great deal to our campus community, and we are grateful for her continued commitment to higher education and to the success of our students.”\n\nPhotos from the event are below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at an event celebrating the career and legacy of outgoing Shepherd University President, Dr. Mary Hendrix, in Shepherdstown, W.Va. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.\n\nDr. Mary Hendrix, President of Shepherd University delivers remarks at an event celebrating her career and legacy in Shepherdstown, W.Va. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-durbin-lead-call-urging-fda-to-strengthen-efforts-to-reduce-youth-vaping", "title": "Senators Collins, Durbin Lead Call Urging FDA to Strengthen Efforts to Reduce Youth Vaping", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Dick Durbin (D-IL) sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary urging the agency to reconsider its recently issued draft guidance document, Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Premarket Applications – Considerations Related to Youth Risk. The Senators warned that this guidance could increase the number of flavored e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems authorized by FDA, jeopardizing recent progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use.\n\nTheir letter follows reports that indicate that President Trump has pressed FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to move more quickly to approve flavored vapes and nicotine products that Commissioner Makary previously declined to authorize amid concerns about the public health risks and potential appeal to children.\n\n“FDA must be careful to avoid changes that could jeopardize recent progress in reducing the number of youth who use e-cigarettes,” the Senators wrote. “Tobacco use often begins during adolescence, when people are more vulnerable to nicotine addiction and less aware of the risks of tobacco use. Nicotine can harm the parts of the adolescent brain responsible for attention, learning, mood, and impulse control and can prime the brain for addiction to other drugs.”\n\n“We appreciate FDA’s recognition that the products that most egregiously target kids would face a ‘correspondingly high evidentiary burden to demonstrate that the benefits to adult smokers…outweigh the risks of youth initiation,’” they continued. “As sponsors of the ‘Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act’ (P.L. 111-31), we intended FDA’s premarket review of new tobacco products to be utilized as an important tool to prevent new products from entering the market that are likely to increase youth use of tobacco. This draft guidance will increase the number of flavored e-cigarettes that FDA authorizes.”\n\n“Given the importance of preventing youth use of all tobacco products and the strong evidence that flavors increase the appeal and use of e-cigarettes by youth, FDA should not ignore the basic reality that kids are drawn to what flavors are most available to them, particularly since FDA recognizes the underlying risk of flavors to youth… We request a timely response that addresses the concerns we have about the new draft guidance,” the Senators concluded.\n\nClick here to read the complete text of their letter.\n\nSenators Collins and Durbin have repeatedly worked together to crack down on youth vaping and hold e-cigarette manufacturers accountable. In 2020, they introduced the bipartisan Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act to force e-cigarette manufacturers to pay FDA user fees to strengthen oversight and youth vaping prevention efforts. In 2022, they co-led the successful effort to close the synthetic nicotine loophole, ending an industry tactic that allowed kid-friendly, flavored e-cigarettes to evade FDA regulation. In 2024, Senators Collins and Durbin pressed the Department of Justice and FDA interagency task force to crack down on the illicit sale and distribution of unauthorized e-cigarettes, warning that thousands of kid-friendly flavored products remained readily available for purchase.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-investigates-commerce-secretary-lutnicks-statements-on-nvidia-h200-chip-exports-in-new-letter/", "title": "Senator Coons investigates Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s statements on Nvidia H200 chip exports in new letter", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, pressing him for clearer answers on whether Nvidia H200 semiconductors have been licensed for export or shipped to the People’s Republic of China following a hearing where Secretary Lutnick claimed none of these chips had been exported to China.\n\nThe letter follows Secretary Lutnick’s testimony last month before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. At the hearing, Senator Coons asked Secretary Lutnick whether any Nvidia H200 semiconductors had been exported to China. Lutnick said they had not, noting that while the Department of Commerce had licensed the export of the chips, the Chinese government had not allowed the sale. However, on March 17, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang commented that Nvidia had received necessary approvals from both the United States and Chinese governments and was restarting manufacturing to serve the Chinese market.\n\n“These chips are among the most powerful processors on the market today and are typically used to develop highly capable artificial intelligence systems. In light of the control that the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army exert over the private sector in China, I believe that allowing any companies in China to purchase these products presents a serious risk to our national security and economic leadership,” wrote Senator Coons.\n\nSenator Coons requested that Secretary Lutnick respond within one week and provide the number of H200 processors licensed for export to China, how many more the Department of Commerce plans to license, and how many H200 processors have been shipped to China as of April 30.\n\nFull text of the letter available below:\n\nDear Secretary Lutnick,\n\nI write to follow up on your testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies on April 22, 2026. At that hearing, I asked you whether any Nvidia H200 semiconductors have been exported to the People’s Republic of China (PRC); you responded in the negative, noting that while your department has licensed the export of these semiconductors to China, the PRC government has not allowed the sale.\n\nHowever, on March 17, 2026, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told a group of reporters that Nvidia had received necessary approvals from both the United States and PRC governments and was in the process of restarting manufacturing to serve the Chinese market. Your statements before the committee appear to contradict Huang’s comments.\n\nI remain deeply concerned about the export of Nvidia H200 semiconductors to the PRC. These chips are among the most powerful processors on the market today and are typically used to develop highly capable artificial intelligence systems. In light of the control that the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army exert over the private sector in China, I believe that allowing any companies in China to purchase these products presents a serious risk to our national security and economic leadership.\n\nPlease reply within one week to clarify the facts. In your reply, please share the number of H200 processors that have been licensed for export to China, how many more you plan to license, and how many H200 processors have been shipped to China as of today, if any.\n\nSincerely,\n\nChristopher A. Coons\n\nUnited States Senator", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-las-vegas-locals-discuss-trumps-attempts-to-make-it-harder-for-nevadans-to-vote/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Las Vegas Locals Discuss Trump’s Attempts to Make it Harder for Nevadans to Vote", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Las Vegas, Nev. – – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Kerry Durmick, State Director of All Voting is Local Action Nevada, and two Nevada voters to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to make it harder for Nevadans to cast their ballots in a manner that is safe and secure for them. According to President Trump himself, these efforts to restrict Americans’ right to vote are an attempt to maintain control of government after the midterm elections.\n\nCongressional Republicans, at President Trump’s urging, recently tried to force the passage of the SAVE America Act, which would require Americans to show a passport or birth certificate when registering and order states to turn over voter information to the Department of Homeland Security. Senator Cortez Masto and her Democratic colleagues successfully blocked the SAVE America Act from moving ahead in the Senate. Now, President Trump is again attacking the right to vote, this time by signing an illegal Executive Order that would make it much harder to vote by mail.\n\n“President Trump knows his policies are unpopular – prices are up and we’re in a war in Iran that has no end in sight,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Republicans are trying to make it harder to vote because they’re afraid Nevadans will use their voices at the ballot box to hold them accountable. But it’s not going to work. My Democratic colleagues and I are going to keep standing up to stop voter suppression.”\n\n“President Trump and his administration have escalated their efforts to interfere ahead of the 2026 midterms by attempting to pass the Voter Elimination Act (otherwise known as the SAVE Act) and signing a second blatantly unconstitutional Executive Order aimed at undermining vote-by-mail. We need to be clear about what these attacks are: The Trump administration is trying to keep people from voting and votes from counting to control who wins the 2026 midterms. Let’s start with the Voter Elimination Act. This legislation is part of a broader push for ‘show-your-papers’ requirements for voters across the country, and if it passes, the bill’s requirements would go into effect immediately, causing chaos for Nevada’s voters and election officials alike, in the middle of a midterm election year. But it’s not just the chaos that implementation in the middle of an election year would cause; the bill would also keep millions of Americans from voting. Did you know that half of American citizens, 146 million people, do not have a passport? There are also 69 million women in this country who don’t have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name, and there are more than 21 million American citizens who don’t have either of these documents readily available. The harm to everyday Nevadans of a law like this cannot be understated, especially when you take into account the Trump administration’s second attempt to seize our elections through executive order. This executive order is an illegal attempt to dismantle a trusted voting method available to Americans for more than 150 years that tens of millions of Americans rely on while holding down multiple jobs, taking care of their families, and serving our country. This is a clear effort to keep people from voting, and once again, find another way to misuse sensitive, private voter information, all while threatening to withhold federal funding from states that don’t comply. Whether it’s through legislation, attempts to restrict vote-by-mail, or the weaponization of the Department of Justice and Homeland Security against states in the pursuit of sensitive voter information, we must hold strong. Voters pick their leaders, and Nevadans will not allow these abuses of power to stand in the way of their freedom to vote. What happens now is up to us. Our elections are strongest when all of us show up, speak out, and refuse to be intimidated. Every voter deserves a fair shot, an equal vote, and the confidence that their voice counts,” said Kerry Durmick, All Voting is Local Nevada State Director.\n\n“I’m a stay-at-home mom and a student. My days are busy, just like millions of women across Nevada. That is why vote by mail is not just convenient, it is essential. It is how I am able to take part in our democracy. Right now, President Donald Trump & Congressional Republicans are pushing policies that would make it harder for people like me to vote. The SAVE Act would require documents like a passport or birth certificate just to register. Even a Nevada Real ID would not count. Now there is also an effort to restrict vote by mail, which is what allows moms, students, and working women to actually make our voices heard. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto helped stop this bill, but the attacks aren’t over. This is about real people, women who are balancing school, their family, and anything else that might be on their plates, but still need a way to make their voices heard. We should be making it easier to vote, not harder!,” said Alaina Morrow, a Nevada resident.\n\n“I am here to talk about my father. He was a proud man. He strongly believed in service. Service to friends, church, community, and nation. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. To him, voting was part of his service. President Trump’s recent executive order on mail ballots may have prevented my father from fulfilling what he considered his duty to our country. During the last 10 years of his life, my father slowly diminished both physically and mentally. Towards the end of his life, he found it extremely difficult to go anywhere. However, what was very important to him was being able to vote. So he filled out his mail-in ballot, and I dropped it off when I dropped off mine. If President Trump’s executive order had been in effect, my father may not have been able to make his voice heard — and neither would innumerable seniors across the country. My father passed away last year, and this year I will continue to do my civic duty of casting my vote in our elections. The SAVE America Act and President Trump’s mail ballot executive order would take away my voice and my ability to vote in our elections. I am grateful that Sen. Cortez Masto is standing up against President Trump’s attempts to take over our elections and standing against the SAVE America Act. The election suppression efforts being dressed up as “election integrity” efforts are unnecessary, irrelevant, and dangerous,” said Lisa Lynn Chapman, Battle Born Progress Research Manager.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto has consistently stood up to President Trump’s illegal attempts to take away Americans’ voting rights. She helped Democrats defeat the SAVE America Act and called attention to the impact it and other so-called “election integrity” measures by the Trump Administration would have on voting access for Tribal communities. Cortez Masto has introduced legislation to invalidate Trump’s executive order restricting mail voting and has fought to protect election workers from being targets of political violence. She has introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that mail is processed locally, ensuring the timely delivery of mail ballots.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-durbin-kelly-in-push-to-increase-access-to-broadband-service-for-americans", "title": "Duckworth Joins Durbin, Kelly in Push to Increase Access to Broadband Service for Americans", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON D.C.] –U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) in demanding increased access to broadband service for low-income urban and rural Americans. The Promoting Access to Broadband Act would help states increase awareness and enrollment in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program, which provides a monthly subsidy to help low-income households pay for their broadband and telephone service. Specifically, the legislation would establish a competitive grant program through the FCC that would allow states to inform eligible recipients of the Lifeline program.\n\n“With the cost of living skyrocketing for families, making broadband access more affordable and reliable for rural Americans is critical,” Duckworth said. “Reliable internet access is crucial for public health, the success of small businesses, educating our children and improving quality of life. I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Kelly in introducing this legislation to help families better access and bring awareness to the Lifeline program.”\n\n“Access to affordable and reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Americans rely on broadband connection to complete school assignments, see their medical professionals, and talk to their loved ones, but for many families, the cost of internet access is just too high,” said Durbin. “The Promoting Access to Broadband Act would increase awareness and enrollment in the FCC’s Lifeline program, giving more Americans access to the internet.”\n\n“Families are facing higher costs for gas, groceries, rent, and basic necessities. The Lifeline program can alleviate some of the burden and cover internet costs for families,” said Kelly. “I’m proud to introduce this bill with Senator Durbin to help families cut through the red tape and increase enrollment in the Lifeline program. My district covers urban, suburban, and rural areas, and they all deserve to have access to the internet, which is a necessity in this day and age.”\n\nIn addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Kelly, the Promoting Access to Broadband Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\n\nIn 2021, the federal government took bold, bipartisan action to invest in our nation’s broadband infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Yet, with the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program and delays in investment, there is still much progress to be made in connecting families to broadband. According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, as many as 25 million Americans lack access to broadband. A 2023 survey from Consumer Reports found that 27 percent of broadband users found it difficult to afford their monthly internet costs.\n\nFurther, participation in the Lifeline program remains extremely low nationwide. The Universal Service Administrative Company estimates the number of eligible households participating in Lifeline nationwide is just 22 percent, and only 14 percent in Illinois.\n\nThe Promoting Access to Broadband Act would:\n\nAward grants to at least 25 percent of states;\n\nDirect the FCC to consider several factors in evaluating applications, including states with a higher number of covered individuals, states with plans with the potential to reach a higher percentage of eligible-but-not-enrolled households, and geographic diversity;\n\nAllow states to use the funds to inform eligible individuals that are not enrolled, provide information on how to apply for Lifeline, and partner with non-profit and community-based organizations with a proven track record of implementing digital inclusion initiatives to assist individuals applying for Lifeline; and\n\nRequire the FCC to issue a report to Congress within a year of establishing the grant program evaluating the grant’s effectiveness.\n\nTo be eligible for these programs, an individual must have an income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for the Lifeline program. Enrollees also are eligible if they qualify for a needs-based program, such as Medicaid or SNAP, or receive Supplemental Security Income, federal public housing assistance or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits.\n\nThe bill has earned endorsements from National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Public Knowledge, Third Way and ACLU.\n\nFull text of the bill is available on the Senator’s website.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-warren-schumer-in-pressing-head-of-employment-protections-commission-on-attacks-on-workers-undergoing-ivf", "title": "Duckworth Joins Warren, Schumer in Pressing Head of Employment Protections Commission on Attacks on Workers Undergoing IVF", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in leading 12 of their Democratic Senate colleagues in pressing Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chair Andrea Lucas on the Commission’s efforts to weaken a rule affirming employment protections for workers undergoing fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF). By law, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires employers to grant employees reasonable accommodations and in 2024, the EEOC set forth PWFA regulations explicitly affirming that these protections apply to workers undergoing IVF treatments. After President Trump appointed Lucas as Acting Chair, she announced the EEOC would be “reconsidering” the PWFA regulations to cut those workers out.\n\n“(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,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nFertility treatments are intensive medical processes that have serious impacts on women’s lives. 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.\n\nDuring 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.\n\nThe Senators asked Chair Lucas to provide clarity on her attacks on workers undergoing fertility treatments by May 13, 2026.\n\nIn addition to Duckworth, Warren and Schumer, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tina Smith (D-MN).\n\nThe full text of the Senators’ letter is available below and on the Senator’s website.\n\nDear Ms. Lucas:\n\nWe write regarding a statement you issued last year indicating that you intend to modify your agency’s rule that affirms the strong protections that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) grants workers undergoing fertility treatments. President Trump has claimed he wants to increase Americans’ access to fertility treatments—even going as far as to dub himself “the Fertilization President.” But modifying the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s PWFA regulations to remove individuals undergoing fertility treatments would break President Trump’s promise, making 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.\n\nPresident Trump has repeatedly held himself out as an ardent supporter of fertility treatment, especially in vitro fertilization (IVF). On the campaign trail, President Trump said: “We’re totally in favor of IVF,” “we really are the party for IVF,” and “I’m the father of IVF.” Once in office, President Trump dubbed himself “the fertilization president.” He even claimed he would make fertilization treatments free, which he described as “tremendous goodies in the bag for women.” This has not come to pass. President Trump has set forth an Executive Order purportedly aimed at expanding access to IVF, but its implementation has been weak. 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,” failing to address the larger expense of IVF cycles, including the costs of all the medications used, embryo storage, and embryo transfers. And his proposed fertility benefits amount to little more than a voluntary invitation to employers to offer benefits if they want to, with no requirements or incentives to do so. At the same time, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will kick 14.2 million people off their insurance by 203411—dashing the hopes of would-be parents who can no longer afford even the most basic of health care, let alone expensive fertility treatments. Now, his EEOC appointees are taking this betrayal a step further by undermining critical protections for workers undergoing fertility treatments.\n\nIn 2022, Congress passed—and President Biden signed into law—the PWFA, which requires employers to grant their employees reasonable accommodations for “known limitations” arising from “pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.” In many cases, this will boil down to (in your words) “water, a place to sit, fitting attire, increased access to the bathroom, and the like.” The law directed the EEOC to issue legally binding regulations “provid[ing] examples of reasonable accommodations addressing known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.” The Commission issued its final rule in 202, over your protests. The final rule, which reflects the clear meaning and intent of PWFA’s statutory text, explicitly affirms that the PWFA protects women undergoing fertility treatment.\n\nAt the time, you objected to how the Commission interpreted the phrase “pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.” In your view, this phase should not include a worker undergoing fertility treatments, even though infertility is a medical condition related to pregnancy and childbirth. You were also hostile to the inclusion of menstruation, “hormone issues,” and even lactation as medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth.\n\nAfter you became Acting Chair, you announced your intention to rewrite the PWFA regulations to exclude these workers, indicating that you “remain[] opposed to the Commission’s construction of the phrase “pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions” described in the Final Rule . . . [and] intend[] for the Commission to reconsider portions of the Final Rule.” Now that the Commission has a quorum again, you appear to be in a position to initiate the required notice-and-comment process to change the rule.\n\nFertility treatments are intensive medical processes that have serious impacts on women’s lives. IVF involves several daily needle injections of medicines that can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and fatigue. To get the doses dialed in, patients must often visit their fertility clinic every 1-2 days over a two-week period for morning monitoring appointments, meaning frequent blood draws and transvaginal ultrasounds. And then there are the procedures themselves—egg retrieval and embryo transfer—one of which requires intravenous sedation and neither of which allows for flexible scheduling.\n\nThe PWFA protects workers’ rights to accommodations for a wide range of medical conditions related to pregnancy—including IVF and other fertility treatments—and the EEOC’s rule affirms those protections. The current regulation explicitly protects the right of workers undergoing IVF to request reasonable accommodations like short breaks to take medication, a schedule that accommodates daily monitoring appointments and medical procedures, or even access to a chair. These are exactly the kind of “small adjustments” that would allow these workers to continue to perform their jobs during their treatments and that, as you have pointed out, “should be expected from common decency and good manners, but sadly, sometimes [are] denied.” This is why it is so important that the PWFA protects these workers—and that the relevant regulations make that clear. Yet, you have stated that you “intend[]” to remove these workers from the rule. 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.\n\nPresident Trump designated you Acting Chair of the EEOC on January 20, 2025, and he renominated you to serve as Chair several months later. Your plan to remove workers undergoing fertility treatments from the rule reveals that President Trump’s promise to “expand[] access” to IVF was entirely hollow. As one legal scholar put it, “[i]f a worker can’t take time off for appointments, then cheaper treatment and greater health-care options are moot.” Since you have taken over as Chair and announced your intention to change the EEOC’s rule, workers undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments—or who plan to do so—cannot be certain that they will have access to reasonable accommodations for their treatments. And you have made this situation even worse by shrouding the EEOC’s decision-making in secrecy. On January 14, 2026, you rescinded the Commission’s voting procedures, placing all decisions to call public meetings and schedule Commission votes in your sole discretion. You should not make major decisions affecting the agency and the American people behind closed doors and without input from the public. The people who will be affected by your rewriting of the regulations deserve to know more about your intentions and your process.\n\nWe ask that you halt any further efforts to weaken EEOC rules that protect workers undergoing fertility treatments. And to provide the public with clarity about your intentions concerning the PWFA regulations and your consistency in enforcing the nation’s employment civil rights laws, please answer the following questions by May 13, 2026:\n\n1. Do you intend to change the EEOC’s PWFA regulations to eliminate language explaining the PWFA’s protections for workers undergoing IVF and other fertility treatments?\n\na. If so, please answer the following questions:\n\ni. What is your timeline for removing this language?\n\nii. Will the comment period for the required notice-and-comment rulemaking process be of the same length as it was for the original rule (60 days)?\n\niii. Have you considered that removing IVF protections is inconsistent with the administration’s policy, expressed in an executive order, to expand access to IVF?\n\niv. Have you consulted the White House on your intended course of action?\n\nb. If not, please explain your change in position.\n\n2. Do you intend to change the EEOC’s PWFA regulations to eliminate language explaining the PWFA’s protections related to menstruation, changes in hormone levels, or lactation?\n\na. If so, please answer the following questions:\n\ni. What is your timeline for removing this language?\n\nii. Will the comment period for the required notice-and-comment rulemaking process be of the same length as it was for the original rule (60 days)?\n\nb. If not, please explain your change in position.\n\n3. Are you considering any other changes to the EEOC’s current PWFA regulation, and if so, what are they?\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-ossoff-introduce-legislation-to-better-support-servicemembers-as-they-transition-back-to-civilian-life", "title": "Duckworth, Ossoff Introduce Legislation to Better Support Servicemembers as They Transition Back to Civilian Life", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced legislation to help ensure our servicemembers have the quality support they deserve as they transition from the Armed Forces back into civilian life. The Senators’ Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act would designate a senior official at the Department of Defense (DoD) to oversee all of DoD’s transition programs and services—which is where a Veterans’ transition journey begins before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) takes over.\n\n“As our servicemembers hang up their uniform, they deserve comprehensive support in helping them transition back into civilian life,” said Duckworth. “Too often, DoD’s transition programs fall short of the standard our Veterans deserve before they are handed off to the VA. Our commonsense bill would make necessary improvements and streamline coordination within DoD of these critical services. It’s the least we can do to help our heroes when they return home.”\n\n“Our servicemembers make tremendous sacrifices to keep our families safe. We owe it to them to ensure they are well-equipped and supported as they transition back to civilian life,” Sen. Ossoff said. “My new legislation with Senator Duckworth will help servicemembers access resources they’ve earned and help make their transition smoother for themselves and their families.”\n\nThis DoD official would also work in close coordination with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Education as well as state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations to improve transition programs and support services.\n\nThe Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans Education Success, Vietnam Veterans of America and With Honor Action.\n\nDuckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is a fierce advocate for Veterans and has worked to increase their access to resources and programs aimed at helping them start and grow their careers when transitioning back to civilian life. Last month, she led a bipartisan push alongside U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Banks (R-IN) to increase Veterans’ yearly books and supply stipend to $1,500 to keep up with inflation. The Senators’ Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act would also increase the supply stipend for Veterans enrolled in apprenticeships and pursuing careers in the trades.\n\nIn March, Duckworth joined U.S. Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in leading a bipartisan push to increase access to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for Veterans pursuing apprenticeships. The Senators’ Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act would allow Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries pursuing On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Apprenticeship (APP) programs to have access to the full monthly housing allowance (MHA) amount without a semiannual reduction and without a monthly work hour requirement.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-out-trump-administrations-actions-against-daca", "title": "Durbin Calls Out Trump Administration’s Actions Against DACA", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) for a press conference to speak out against the ways in which the Trump Administration is attacking the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This follows the April 24th ruling by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that DACA will no longer protect recipients from removal proceedings or deportation.\n\n“Thanks to DACA, over 800,000 Dreamers have been able to fulfill their potential in our country, becoming doctors, teachers, and small business owners,” said Durbin. “Despite Dreamers’ countless contributions to America, the Trump Administration is slow walking DACA renewals until an individual’s DACA expires, putting them at risk of deportation. It’s time for Congress to pass the Dream Act to give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship.\n\n\"The Board of Immigration Appeals decision adds to a growing pattern by the Trump administration to erode the DACA program and destabilize entire communities. It also fits a larger pattern of attacks on due process, as the administration pressures immigration judges to issue rulings that align with unlawful mass deportation policies and, when those decisions are appealed, the Board of Immigration Appeals rules against immigrants in almost every case. For DACA recipients and families, there are no easy answers right now, but NIJC is steadfast in our commitment to defend DACA and all of our undocumented community members,” said Vanessa Esparaza-Lopez, Associate Director of Immigrant Legal Defense Project at the National Immigrant Justice Center.\n\nDurbin reintroduced the Dream Act with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in December. Beginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Over the years, Durbin has told the stories of 150 Dreamers on the Senate floor. In 2012, Durbin worked with then-President Obama to establish the DACA program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. As of September 2024, roughly 530,000 people had active DACA status. By September 2025, that number had dropped by 32,000. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not published updated data on how many individuals have been arrested and deported after their DACA authorization expired.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-senate-judiciary-committee-republicans-reconciliation-text-to-fund-president-trumps-ballroom-mass-deportation-campaign", "title": "Durbin Statement On Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans’ Reconciliation Text To Fund President Trump’s Ballroom, Mass Deportation Campaign", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans released reconciliation bill text that would fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the President’s ballroom:\n\n“While Americans are struggling to make ends meet as a result of President Trump’s failed policies, Republicans are focused on providing tens of billions of dollars for the President’s vanity ballroom project and cruel mass deportation campaign. Republicans are in danger of losing control of Congress in November, so they are going outside the usual bipartisan appropriations process to fund these unpopular policies through the end of the Trump Administration.\n\n“Judiciary Committee Democrats will fight this misguided partisan effort, which will do nothing to help Americans deal with rising prices for gas, food, housing, and health care.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-marks-national-small-business-week-honors-american-entrepreneurs", "title": "Ernst Marks National Small Business Week, Honors American Entrepreneurs", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ed Markey (D-Mass.) led 88 of their colleagues in declaring this week “National Small Business Week” to recognize the innovators and job creators who power our economy.\n\n“Iowa innovators drive our nation forward, and I’m proud to recognize their tremendous contributions by designating National Small Business Week,” said Ernst. “I’m committed to championing American small businesses and cutting bureaucratic red tape to put them first. Look no further than the Working Families Tax Cuts, which ensure small business owners keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets and unlock even more opportunities to grow and unleash the Golden Age of America.”\n\n“In Massachusetts and across the country, small businesses are the backbone of our communities—creating jobs, driving local economies, and enriching Main Streets. From the shopkeepers and makers who ignited a revolution to the inventors and immigrants who today are pursuing the American Dream, small businesses have shaped the first 250 years of our nation’s history,” said Markey. “I am committed to ensuring America’s innovators and entrepreneurs, including the more than 730,000 small businesses in the Bay State, have the tools and support they need to compete, grow, and thrive for the next 250 years.”\n\nWatch Senator Ernst celebrate National Small Business Week here.\n\nThere are more than 34.7 million small businesses in America, accounting for more than 99.9% of all businesses and employing 45.9% of American workers, or about 59 million people.\n\nClick here to read the resolution.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-ricketts-introduce-fair-labels-act-to-protect-beef-require-transparent-labeling-for-plant-based-protein-products/", "title": "Fetterman, Ricketts Introduce FAIR Labels Act to Protect Beef, Require Transparent Labeling for Plant-Based Protein Products", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act to require cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products to bear an accurate label, clearly differentiating these products from meat and poultry products. Companion legislation in the House is led by U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01).\n\n“The hardworking farmers in Pennsylvania and across our country that feed all of us with real ingredients have to unfairly compete with misleading labels of alternative meats,” said Senator Fetterman. “Folks can be in the pro-bio slop caucus, but I’m in the pro-ribeye one. I’m proud to support the FAIR Labels Act to protect our farmers and all consumers who buy their great products.”\n\n“Deceptive labeling of plant-based protein products hurts American farmers and ranchers. It also degrades consumer trust,” said Senator Ricketts. “By enhancing oversight and enforcing stricter labeling regulations, we can protect Nebraska beef. The FAIR Labels Act is common-sense: Americans should know exactly what they’re putting in their grocery cart.”\n\nThe FAIR Labels Act would:\n\nAmend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to ensure customers can discern between meat and poultry products and imitation meat and imitation poultry products;\n\nProhibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products.\n\nCurrently, cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products are not required to be explicitly labeled as such. The FAIR Labels Act would prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products and require alternative protein products to bear an accurate label. Permitted label examples include “cell-cultivated protein burger,” “ground plant-based alternative protein,” and “alternative protein” while prohibited labels include “cruelty-free steak,” “cultivated beef burgers,” and “plant-based ground beef.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senators-gillibrand-and-ernst-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-eliminate-federal-pensions-for-sex-offenders/", "title": "Senators Gillibrand And Ernst Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Eliminate Federal Pensions For Sex Offenders", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act, bipartisan legislation to prohibit convicted sex criminals from collecting federal pensions.\n\nUnder current law, federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including against children, remain eligible to collect their pensions, even from a jail cell. The senators introduced this legislation to ensure that hard-earned taxpayer dollars are not spent supporting convicted sex criminals who betrayed the trust of the people they served.\n\n“It’s outrageous that federal employees convicted of sex crimes are eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The bipartisan No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act ensures that no hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent supporting criminal sex offenders. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill that will provide much-needed accountability.”\n\nSenators Gillibrand and Ernst previously worked together on the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act to create a more professional and transparent military justice system for serious crimes, including rape and sexual assault.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Gillibrand successfully passed her bipartisan Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act in 2022. This crucial legislation prevents perpetrators from being able to push survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault into the secretive, biased process of forced arbitration. Senator Gillibrand also leads the bipartisan Tax Fairness for Survivors Act, which would remove the federal tax penalty on settlements, awards, and judgments paid to survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senators-gillibrand-and-tillis-pass-resolution-to-honor-donut-dollies-for-wartime-service/", "title": "Senators Gillibrand And Tillis Pass Resolution To Honor “Donut Dollies” For Wartime Service", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Volunteers offered recreational activities, emotional support, and a sense of home to troops in combat zones during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced Senate passage of their resolution commending the “Donut Dollies” for their patriotic service and steadfast support of United States service members in combat and honoring their extraordinary contributions to troops’ morale and well-being during wartime.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nBackground:\n\nDuring 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 Recreational Activities Overseas program, reaching hundreds of thousands of service members 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.\n\nText of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-releases-gao-report-exposing-inadequacies-in-federal-prisons-approach-to-sexual-abuse", "title": "Grassley Releases GAO Report Exposing Inadequacies in Federal Prisons’ Approach to Sexual Abuse", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report he requested examining the ongoing issue of sexual abuse in federal prisons.\n\nPer the GAO, there were roughly 8,500 sexual abuse allegations in federal prisons from 2014 to 2022, with the number of allegations generally increasing during that period. GAO also found that the oversight tools required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 and DOJ’s National Standards to Prevent, Detect and Respond to Prison Rape are insufficient to fully detect ongoing abuse. Further, inmates face significant barriers when reporting abuse.\n\n“Sexual assault should never occur in taxpayer-funded federal corrections facilities. I was proud to support the landmark Prison Rape Elimination Act and welcomed DOJ’s publication of its national standards in 2012. However, it’s clear more needs to be done to end the scourge of sexual assault in our federal prison system. I implore the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons to take GAO’s recommendations to heart, and work to ensure a safer environment for both inmates and employees,” Grassley said.\n\nGrassley originally requested this GAO report in 2023 as part of his ongoing oversight of sexual abuse in federal prisons. U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Corey Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) have since joined Grassley’s request.\n\nRead the full report HERE. Background, findings and recommendations follow.\n\nBackground:\n\nEnacted in 2003, PREA established a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse in federal prisons and required the DOJ to develop and implement national standards to prevent, detect and respond to incidents of abuse. DOJ published these standards in 2012, requiring correctional agencies to collect data regarding sexual abuse in their facilities, facilitate a sexual abuse reporting process and conduct investigations of alleged abuse. DOJ’s national standards also require independent audits of correctional facilities at least once every three years.\n\nDespite the enactment of PREA and implementation of DOJ’s national standards, allegations of sexual abuse in federal prisons have continued to rise. Further, several facilities have passed their audits despite rampant sexual abuse, including at FCI Dublin in California.\n\nFindings:\n\nThe GAO report found that roughly 8,500 sexual abuse allegations were reported between 2014 and 2022. During that period, GAO found over 200 substantiated reports where the perpetrator was another prisoner and over 350 substantiated reports where the perpetrator was a BOP employee. The number of allegations generally increased from 2014 through 2022.\n\nThe GAO also found that BOP is not adequately using its oversight tools to prevent, detect and respond to sexual abuse. For example, PREA audits are currently designed to ensure a BOP facility is compliant with DOJ’s national standards, not to detect ongoing abuse. Regarding data collection, GAO found BOP did not analyze facility level data for trends over time and did not publish uniform data in its annual reports regarding sexual abuse perpetrated by inmates versus sexual abuse perpetrated by BOP staff. Further, BOP has implemented additional assessments to fight sexual abuse in women’s facilities but has not launched those same assessments in men’s facilities.\n\nIn interviews with BOP employees and inmates, GAO found several reporting challenges, including limited knowledge of PREA resources and reporting options, discomfort regarding reporting and fear of retaliation, insufficient evidence, significantly longer investigations for allegations against BOP employees, inadequate staffing coverage and false allegations. BOP also found DOJ’s national standards hadn’t been updated to reflect advances in technologies and correctional policies since 2012.\n\nGAO’s Recommendations for DOJ:\n\nEnhance the ability of PREA audits to detect ongoing sexual abuse.\n\nAssess BOP’s current contracting approach for risks that may result in inaccurate auditing.\n\nProvide PREA auditors with sufficient access to audit documentation.\n\nAnalyze PREA data to identify trends and other findings that may require targeted action.\n\nPublish uniform data for allegations where a prisoner was the perpetrator and where a BOP employee was the perpetrator.\n\nInclude men’s facilities in future cultural assessments.\n\nReview the DOJ’s national standards to strengthen prevention, detection and response to sexual abuse in correction facilities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-emergency-stay-nm-delegation-join-250-democrats-in-supreme-court-fight-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care-and-fda-authority", "title": "Following Emergency Stay, N.M. Delegation Join 250+ Democrats in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in 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 life-saving mifepristone.\n\nThis 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.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nThe members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.\n\nThe lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-senators-press-head-of-employment-protections-commission-on-attacks-on-workers-undergoing-ivf/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Senators Press Head of Employment Protections Commission on Attacks on Workers Undergoing IVF", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and 14 of his Senate colleagues sent a letter to the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to demand answers about the Commission’s efforts to weaken a rule affirming employment protections for workers undergoing fertility treatments.\n\n“[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,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nFertility 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nDuring 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.\n\n“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.\n\nLucas 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.\n\nThe senators continued: “You should not make major decisions affecting the agency and the American people behind closed doors and without input from the public.”\n\nDuring 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.\n\nPresident Trump and Congressional Republicans also made massive cuts to health care through their One Big Beautiful Bill, which will kick millions of people off their health insurance.\n\n“[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… 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 senators concluded.\n\nHickenlooper and his family have personal experiences with IVF. Hickenlooper and his wife Robin welcomed their son Jack, born through IVF, in December 2022. Since the repeal of Roe v. Wade and with extreme Republicans targeting Americans’ access to IVF, Hickenlooper and 28 of his Senate colleagues introduced the Protect IVF Act to establish nationwide access to IVF and prevent state-level efforts to block access to IVF treatment.\n\nFor full text of the letter, click HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-announces-nearly-10-million-in-fy25-fy26-navy-funding-for-packet-digital", "title": "Hoeven Announces Nearly $10 Million in FY25–FY26 Navy Funding for Packet Digital", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Packet Digital has been awarded nearly $10 million in combined Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and FY2026 funding from the U.S. Navy to advance battery research, development, and manufacturing for unmanned systems. Hoeven worked through his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to secure these funds which enable ongoing work in unmanned systems power technologies. This funding builds on Hoeven’s work to advance the company’s prior selection for up to $50 million under the Department of Defense’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program to expand domestic manufacturing capacity in Fargo.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to:\n\nSecure continued investment in Packet Digital’s battery development and domestic production work.\n\nStrengthen North Dakota’s role in defense through ongoing advanced battery manufacturing.\n\n“Packet Digital is playing a key role in strengthening our Navy’s unmanned systems capabilities with advanced, domestically-produced battery technology,” said Hoeven. “We worked to secure continued funding under this contract because it keeps that work moving forward in North Dakota, supports good-paying manufacturing jobs and helps ensure a secure supply chain while reducing our reliance on materials from adversaries.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-in-cleveland-with-nasa-glenn-leadership/", "title": "Husted in Cleveland with NASA Glenn leadership", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“When we look at the historic Artemis II mission, it’s important to recognize Ohioans played a key role in its success.”\n\nCLEVELAND – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), NASA Glenn leadership and Greater Cleveland economic and aerospace partners to highlight NASA Glenn’s critical role in the recent Artemis II mission and its continued impact as a driver of economic growth and research in Ohio.\n\n“NASA Glenn continues to lead the way, contributing more than $1.9 billion to Ohio’s economy each year. When we look at the historic Artemis II mission, it’s important to recognize Ohioans played a key role in its success. It was great to be with these leaders, and I look forward to continuing to support NASA Glenn and the aerospace industry in Ohio,” said Husted.\n\nHusted supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act in July 2025, which included key investments in the Artemis Program through Artemis V. NASA Glenn leads the Artemis program’s spacecraft mechanisms, structures and pyrotechnics work. In addition, the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Space Simulation Center in Sandusky, Ohio, which simulates the thermal and vacuum conditions of space, was used to test the Orion capsule ahead of the Artemis II launch.\n\nHusted has also secured several legislative wins to date that support NASA Glenn’s work:", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-introduces-bill-to-improve-educators-access-to-mental-health-resources", "title": "Kaine Introduces Bill to Improve Educators’ Access to Mental Health Resources", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act, legislation that would increase educators and school staff’s access to mental health resources. Teachers and other education staff are more likely than other adults to report symptoms of depression, yet educational institutions often lack specific resources to address these challenges; this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to massive disruption to public education and has had lingering effects on staffing, working conditions, and student behavior. This bill’s introduction coincides with Teacher Appreciation Week and Mental Health Awareness Month.\n\n“Teachers and other school staff shape our children’s lives, but too often lack adequate access to mental health resources – leading to tragically high rates of burnout and departure from the education workforce,” said Kaine. “As our country marks Teacher Appreciation Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m glad to have introduced this legislation to make it easier for education professionals to access mental health resources, make those resources more effective, and decrease stigma.”\n\nSpecifically, the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act would:\n\nRequire the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and disseminate best practices for improving mental health among education professionals,\n\nRequire the establishment of a national initiative to increase education professionals’ awareness of mental health resources and encourage use of these existing resources,\n\nProvide funding to establish additional resources and improve existing resources that promote mental health among the education workforce, and\n\nMandate reports to Congress that describe the progress this legislation has made toward addressing the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among education professionals and other school staff.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angus King (I-ME), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01).\n\nThe Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act has been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, the American Psychological Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Council on Teacher Quality, Teach for America, EdTrust, and the School Based Health Alliance of Virginia.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-credit-during-government-shutdowns-warner-kaine-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-federal-workers-credit-during-government-shutdowns", "title": "Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Workers’ Credit During Government Shutdowns\r\nWarner, Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Workers’ Credit During Government Shutdowns", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in introducing the Federal Worker Credit Protection Act, legislation to protect federal workers’ credit histories during a government shutdown. The bill would prevent harm to credit ratings because of missed or delayed payments when federal workers aren’t getting paychecks, helping ensure that federal workers are not financially penalized for circumstances beyond their control.\n\n“Virginia’s federal workers are the backbone of the services Americans depend on. Our public servants credit reports shouldn’t be negatively affected because of a shutdown they did not cause. This legislation would help ease the pain of a government shutdown by giving federal employees time to catch up when the government reopens,” said Warner.\n\n“While I helped pass legislation to ensure hundreds of thousands of civil servants and military personnel receive backpay after the government reopens, I know it isn’t the same as getting a paycheck on time when the mortgage and bills are due,” said Kaine. “This legislation helps protect federal workers’ credit and ensure they aren’t penalized for missed payments during a shutdown.”\n\nThe Federal Worker Credit Protection Act of 2026 would allow federal workers who have been without pay during a shutdown to protect their credit. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProhibit consumer reporting agencies from reporting adverse information on the credit report of federal workers during a government shutdown and for 30 days after the end of a shutdown as workers’ pay is restored;\n\nRequire the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to notify consumer reporting agencies when federal agencies enter and exit shutdown status;\n\nAllow federal workers to correct adverse information already on their credit report.\n\nThe senators have long been committed advocates for federal workers. Most recently, they sent a letter urging the Trump Administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) against implementing two rules that would severely weaken longstanding civil service protections for federal employees. In February they introduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, a bicameral bill that would provide federal employees with a 4.1 percent pay increase in 2027.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/watch-senator-kim-calls-for-diplomacy-to-end-iran-war-immediately/", "title": "WATCH: Senator Kim Calls for Diplomacy to End Iran War Immediately", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) pushed for an immediate off-ramp to end Trump’s illegal war in Iran and deliver cost cutting relief to struggling Americans. On day 66 of the war, the Senator emphasized how much worse off families and our country are compared to two months ago.\n\n“I was just back in New Jersey, talking to so many families there. One woman was telling me about her family’s struggles. She’s hearing about all the different things going on with this war, and she just turned to me, and she said, ‘What about us? What are we supposed to do?’…40% of Americans can’t handle a $400 emergency right now. Yet, they’re seeing gas prices go up and up and up. We need to make sure that we’re finding that off ramp right now.”\n\nWATCH THE FULL CLIP\n\n(Share on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook,Threads, BlueSky, Substack)\n\nSpeaking as a former career national security official, Senator Kim called out President Trump for lying about this war being a success while there is no end in sight, costs are increasing, and the president continues to put servicemembers’ lives on the line.\n\n“We’re at 66 days in this war,” said Senator Kim. “That’s actually longer than the ‘91 Gulf War in terms of when Kuwait was liberated. 66 days is actually longer than the amount of time that George W. Bush took to declare mission accomplished, and we saw what happened after that. We are in a similar place with Trump where he is basically declaring victory, ‘mission accomplished’, saying that we own all the cards, but we don’t know how this is going to end.”\n\nSenator Kim made clear: “It’s well beyond time for Congress to be able to act, but we just continue to see just this abdication of leadership from Republicans in Congress, just continuing to let Donald Trump defile and disgrace our Constitution and continue with this illegal war.” Senator Kim has filed a War Powers Resolution and voted to pass Democratic colleagues’ resolutions to make the people’s voice heard against Donald Trump’s illegal war.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-emergency-stay-n-m-delegation-join-250-democrats-in-supreme-court-fight-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care-and-fda-authority/", "title": "Following Emergency Stay, N.M. Delegation Join 250+ Democrats in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "New Mexico – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in 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 life-saving mifepristone.\n\nThis 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.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nThe members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.\n\nThe lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-lujan-pens-washington-post-letter-to-the-editor-pushing-to-modernize-broken-mining-law-while-protecting-public-resources/", "title": "ICYMI: Luján Pens Washington Post Letter to the Editor Pushing to Modernize Broken Mining Law While Protecting Public Resources", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – In Case You Missed It: U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) published a letter to the editor in The Washington Post arguing that failure to update the 1872 Mining Law has allowed mining practices that breed conflict and mistrust. Additionally, Senator Luján highlighted his Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025, legislation that would reform the 1872 Mining Law while protecting public lands and taxpayers.\n\nSenator Luján’s letter to the editor comes as Congressional Republicans recently passed legislation stripping protections from the Boundary Waters in Minnesota, and as the Trump administration moves to fast-track uranium exploration in the Chama watershed.\n\nRead the full letter to the editor here or below:\n\nWashington Post: Sen. Ben Ray Luján: Reform the 154-year-old mining law\n\nBy Ben Ray Luján | May 3, 2026\n\nRegarding the April 9 op-ed “It should take two years to open a mine. Why does it take 29?” by Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming):\n\nLummis is right that permitting needs reform. But the claim that it takes an average of 29 years to open a mine, which comes from a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence that was supported by the National Mining Association, was wrongly skewed because it included some of the country’s most contested proposals. Massive projects such as Pebble Mine in Alaska and Resolution Copper in Arizona were mired in conflicts, including opposition from local communities and tribal nations, that the U.S.’s 154-year-old mining law was not designed to resolve. The report also did not include dozens of recently permitted mines.\n\nI know what bad mining policy looks like. The Trump administration reversed protections for New Mexico’s Upper Pecos watershed, leaving 165,000 acres open to hardrock mining over the unanimous objection of communities and tribal nations still cleaning up a mine that closed in 1939. The administration is now fast-tracking uranium exploration in the Chama watershed, which supplies drinking water across northern New Mexico and still bears the scars of its uranium mining history.\n\nNew Mexico isn’t alone. Congress recently passed legislation to strip Boundary Waters protections in Minnesota and reopen the door to sulfide-ore copper mining that could contaminate lakes and streams that millions of Americans depend on.\n\nThe real permitting problem is not too much process but an outdated system that breeds conflict and mistrust. My Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act would fix that. Lummis wants certainty for industry. New Mexicans want certainty that their water will be drinkable. Both are possible — but not without an honest diagnosis.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-demands-cdc-resume-testing-for-dangerous-diseases", "title": "Senator Markey Demands CDC Resume Testing for Dangerous Diseases", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nBoston (May 5, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today wrote to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dr. Jay Bhattacharya with concerns over the CDC’s pause on diagnostic testing services for dozens of infectious diseases, that occurred at the end of March. The CDC’s testing program is critical to monitor the spread of infectious diseases, which informs prevention and response efforts across the country. Accordingly, it is alarming for the agency to suddenly announce that the country’s leading laboratory is no longer conducting diagnostic testing for dozens of infectious diseases such as rabies and mpox.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Markey wrote, “This announcement comes in the wake of an unprecedented year of turmoil at the CDC, which included mass layoffs and the ousting of its Senate-confirmed Director after less than a month. According to data from the Office of Personnel Management, the CDC lost more than 3,000 employees since the beginning of President Trump’s second term. This represents a cut of roughly 25 percent to the agency’s workforce, including about half the staff in CDC’s rabies and poxvirus labs. These are not the conditions under which a healthy institution conducts a routine quality review, but rather the conditions under which a gutted institution suspends essential public services.”\n\nSenator Markey requested answers by May 19, 2026, to questions that include:\n\nWhat is the precise reason for the suspension of each of the more than two dozen tests currently paused or newly discontinued?\n\nHow many CDC laboratory staff positions have been eliminated since January 20, 2025?\n\nWhat specific benchmarks must be met before each paused test is restored, and what is the projected date for resuming all “temporarily paused” testing services?\n\nWhat interim arrangements have been made with state and local laboratories, commercial labs, and/or academic partners to fill the diagnostic gap during this pause?\n\nGiven the national security implications, has the CDC consulted with the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community on the testing suspension?\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-celebrates-kansas-cattle-producers/", "title": "Senator Marshall Celebrates Kansas Cattle Producers", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Great Bend – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) to introduce a resolution designating May 2026 as National Beef Month and highlighting the important work American cattlemen do to feed the country. Kansas ranks third nationally with 5.95 million cattle on ranches and in feedyards across the state, generating $11.7 billion and employing over 38,000 Kansans.\n\n“Growing up a 5th-generation farm kid, I know firsthand that nobody raises better beef than Kansas,” said Senator Marshall. “Our ranchers work hard to provide delicious, nutritious beef to American families. I’m proud to celebrate them this month.”\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Marshall has long supported American Beef, including praising the USDA’s “Product of USA” Label campaign this year. In 2022, Senator Marshall introduced the Bona Fide Beef Branding Act to easily distinguish American beef for customers at the grocery store.\n\nSenator Marshall introduced the DIRECT Act last fall to support expanded marketing of state-inspected beef products across state lines.\n\nSenator Marshall supported the Trump Administration’s updated nutrition guidelines, which encourage beef consumption.\n\nSee the resolution here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-highlights-rural-economies-healthcare-in-western-kansas/", "title": "Senator Marshall Highlights Rural Economies & Healthcare in Western Kansas", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Garden City – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent Monday traveling across Southwest Kansas meeting with small business owners to kick off the start of National Small Business Week. Nearly half of all Kansans are employed by a small business. Annually, more than $25 billion enters the state’s economy through small business payrolls.\n\nSenator Marshall shared his recent work in the Senate to support small businesses and strengthen rural Kansas economies.\n\nHighlights from the visit include:\n\nEdwards County Small Businesses\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall stopped in Kinsley to visit Midway Market and Hen’s Hideaway, two locally owned small businesses helping drive growth in Edwards County. He met with owners and the county economic development director to discuss the recent expansion of new businesses in the area and the impact of investments like Blue Sky Farms.\n\nSenator Marshall discussed provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts, including the permanent 20 percent small business deduction and full expensing, that are helping small businesses keep more of what they earn and reinvest in their communities.\n\nHodgeman County Pharmacy\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nIn Jetmore, Senator Marshall met with the owners of Hodgeman County Pharmacy, the only pharmacy in the county, following a fire that destroyed their Main Street location earlier this year. The pharmacy has continued operating out of a temporary space inside the county hospital while planning to rebuild their original location.\n\nSenator Marshall highlighted recent PBM reforms passed by Congress to increase transparency, ensure fair competition, and support rural pharmacies serving their communities.\n\nDighton Inn\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nNext, Senator Marshall stopped by the Dighton Inn to meet with owner Crystall Hoffman to discuss the role that locally owned lodging plays in supporting rural Kansas communities. The locally owned hotel provides a place for visitors, workers, and families to stay helping drive spending in the community.\n\nL&R Supply\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall also stopped at L&R Supply to meet with owners and hear firsthand about running a Main Street business in rural Kansas. The conversation focused on day-to-day challenges, from rising costs to workforce needs, and the importance of keeping locally owned businesses strong.\n\nNuLife Market\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall toured NuLife Market, a leading grain sorghum processor sourcing crops from Western Kansas farmers. The company discussed the growing demand for gluten-free products and the role Kansas agriculture plays in meeting that demand.\n\nSenator Marshall highlighted opportunities for value-added agriculture, innovation in food production, and conservation practices that support long-term sustainability and market growth for Kansas producers.\n\nDick Construction\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nNext, Senator Marshall visited Dick Construction, a major regional contractor building schools, hospitals, and community facilities across Western Kansas.\n\nSenator Marshall talked about wins secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts, including full expensing and small business deductions, as well as his Investing in All of America Act, which expands access to capital for rural businesses and manufacturers.\n\nCare to Thrive Clinic\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall wrapped up the day in Dodge City at the Care to Thrive Clinic, which partners with local employers to provide affordable, same-day healthcare for workers and their families. Providers shared how their model is helping people get care faster while lowering costs.\n\nSenator Marshall discussed policies to expand Health Savings Accounts and improve access to preventative care, as well as opportunities to grow healthcare training programs in partnership with Dodge City Community College.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-hoyle-concerned-about-eugenes-peacehealth-transitioning-emergency-medical-providers/", "title": "Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Concerned About Eugene’s PeaceHealth Transitioning Emergency Medical Providers", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Lawmakers Urge Partnership with Physicians, Community to Best Serve Lane County\n\nEugene, 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\n“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.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-lead-effort-to-extend-legislation-improving-healthcare-access-and-financial-stability-in-remote-areas/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Lead Effort to Extend Legislation Improving Healthcare Access and Financial Stability in Remote Areas", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nIn 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.).\n\nText of the bill is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/news-release-senator-moody-supports-florida-small-businesses/", "title": "NEWS RELEASE: Senator Moody Supports Florida Small Businesses", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "TAMPA, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody supports the more than three million small businesses in the Sunshine State. Senator Moody cosponsored a Senate Resolution recognizing May 3-May 9 as National Small Business Week, celebrating the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the U.S.\n\n“It’s National Small Business Week, and there’s no better place in America to start and grow a business than Florida. Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and keeping our communities strong. I will continue fighting to ensure entrepreneurs have the freedom and opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\n· Florida is home to 3.5 million small businesses, making up 99.8% of Florida businesses overall. Florida’s small businesses employ nearly 4 million people.\n\n· According to a recent report, Florida was ranked best place to start a business in the country.\n\n· In the U.S., there are more than 36.2 million small businesses that support more than 62.3 million jobs.\n\n· Read full resolution here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-demands-trump-administration-comply-with-law-use-foreign-assistance-funding-to-support-global-health-food-aid-help-save-lives-as-congress-directed", "title": "Murphy Demands Trump Administration Comply With Law, Use Foreign Assistance Funding to Support Global Health, Food Aid, Help Save Lives as Congress Directed", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding the Trump administration reverse course on illegally withholding $3.2 billion in appropriated funds for lifesaving global health and foreign aid programs, and spend the funding as Congress directed.\n\n“All of these funds were appropriated to advance U.S. interests in stabilizing overseas markets, advancing energy security, supporting Ukraine, combatting infectious diseases, and strengthening food security, among other purposes. In addition to abandoning our partners, ceding global leadership, and potentially wasting billions of taxpayer dollars, terminating these programs as part of the Administration’s illegal and reckless decimation of USAID has resulted in significant costs as legal fees pile up and overdue payments are owed to U.S. implementing partners. These implementers need to be made whole, and sufficient prior year funds exist to cover related expenses,” the senators wrote.\n\n“Withholding these investments will significantly reduce programming worldwide, with particularly severe consequences for populations already facing heightened hardship due to prior aid terminations and reductions. Holding FY25 health funds in reserve—while urgent needs go unmet—creates unnecessary risk and wastes taxpayer dollars. It is unconscionable that the Administration would leave these funds unspent at a moment when newly released Department of State data show a sharp decline in HIV testing and prevention, raising the risk of new infections and undermining long-term epidemic control; when malaria is resurging globally and antimalarial drug resistance is spreading; and when millions of children are projected to die this year from preventable diseases,” the senators continued.\n\n“We therefore demand that the Administration obligate the full $3.2 billion in expiring FY25 assistance, including the $2 billion global health funding, consistent with the law. The Administration also must satisfy its remaining payments owed to implementers and release the remainder of prior year funds,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).\n\nThe full text of the letter follows and is available here.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio, Director Vought, and Deputy Director Ueland:\n\nOn April 20, the Administration informed Congress that it is withholding $19 billion in taxpayer dollars as part of its plan to cover “costs associated with the close-out of terminated foreign assistance awards,” which is an appalling admission of waste of U.S. taxpayer dollars resulting from the misconceived foreign assistance review and abrupt drawdown of the U.S. Agency or International Development (USAID).\n\nThe plan includes spending up to $3.2 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 development and global health funding on close-out costs, instead of lifesaving and other congressionally-directed programs, which constitutes an unnecessary and illegal impoundment of funds. We write to demand that you reverse this proposal and put the funds to their intended use to save lives and advance U.S. interests as directed by Congress last year.\n\nAll of these funds were appropriated to advance U.S. interests in stabilizing overseas markets, advancing energy security, supporting Ukraine, combatting infectious diseases, and strengthening food security, among other purposes. In addition to abandoning our partners, ceding global leadership, and potentially wasting billions of taxpayer dollars, terminating these programs as part of the Administration’s illegal and reckless decimation of USAID has resulted in significant costs as legal fees pile up and overdue payments are owed to U.S. implementing partners. These implementers need to be made whole, and sufficient prior year funds exist to cover related expenses.\n\nThe $3.2 billion in FY25 funds were signed into law by President Trump in March 2025 and expire at the end of this September. Notably, this includes $2 billion appropriated for health assistance, including $330 million for programs to combat HIV/AIDS, $250 million for malaria programs, $320 million for maternal and child health, and nearly $650 million for global health security, among other critical programs. The Administration should immediately begin using these foreign assistance funds to deliver results for the American people. There is no reason for this FY25 funding to be withheld to cover the wasteful costs this Administration has incurred because it chose to dismantle USAID.\n\nWithholding these investments will significantly reduce programming worldwide, with particularly severe consequences for populations already facing heightened hardship due to prior aid terminations and reductions. Holding FY25 health funds in reserve—while urgent needs go unmet—creates unnecessary risk and wastes taxpayer dollars. It is unconscionable that the Administration would leave these funds unspent at a moment when newly released Department of State data show a sharp decline in HIV testing and prevention, raising the risk of new infections and undermining long-term epidemic control; when malaria is resurging globally and antimalarial drug resistance is spreading; and when millions of children are projected to die this year from preventable diseases.\n\nWe further note that award terminations cannot be used as a back door to illegally close USAID. The Administration requested legal authority to close USAID in the President’s FY26 budget request, and that was rejected by the Congress and excluded from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-75).\n\nWe therefore demand that the Administration obligate the full $3.2 billion in expiring FY25 assistance, including the $2 billion global health funding, consistent with the law. The Administration also must satisfy its remaining payments owed to implementers and release the remainder of prior year funds.\n\nWe request that you respond by no later than May 8, 2026 with a timeline for making these funds available to the lifesaving and other critical programs for which they were provided.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/following-emergency-stay-murray-schumer-jeffries-lead-250-democrats-in-supreme-court-fight-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care-and-fda-authority/", "title": "Following Emergency Stay, Murray, Schumer, Jeffries Lead 250+ Democrats in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, and FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "More than 250 House and Senate Democrats filed 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 life-saving mifepristone.\n\nICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Fifth Circuit Ruling to Harshly Limit Access to Medication Abortion Nationwide\n\nWashington, D.C. – Yesterday, more than 250 Senate and House Democrats—led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA); Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Ron Wyden (D-OR); House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); and Representatives Katherine Clark (D-MA), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)—filed 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. 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.\n\nThe lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nThe members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower court.\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.\n\nThe lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-ellensburg-murray-highlights-importance-of-rural-healthcare-rejecting-trump-republican-cuts-to-medicaid/", "title": "In Ellensburg, Murray Highlights Importance of Rural Healthcare, Rejecting Trump & Republican Cuts to Medicaid", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Murray met with health care provider from Kittitas Valley Healthcare, for whom she was able to secure $2.26 million in CDS to support patient care; Murray visited to get an update on the status of rural health care in Washington state as she continues to work to repeal Trump’s Medicaid cuts and lower premiums\n\nICYMI: Murray Secures Hundreds of Millions for Transportation & Housing Projects Across WA in Final Appropriations Bills; Boosts Funding for Medical Research, Housing, Child Care & More\n\n***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nEllensburg, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, toured Kittitas Valley Healthcare and held a roundtable discussion with local health care leaders to talk about how the $2.26 million she secured in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) will help modernize patient care, highlighting the importance of investing in rural healthcare. In the roundtable discussion, Senator Murray and health care leaders talked about the state of rural health care and the challenges facing providers and patients in Central Washington following the massive health care cuts passed through Trump’s Big Ugly Bill and the expiration of the ACA tax credits.\n\nMurray was joined by Jason Adler, Kittitas Valley Healthcare CEO; Dr. Andrew Thomas, Kittitas Valley Healthcare Chief Medical Officer; DeDe Feddema, Kittitas Valley Healthcare Emergency Services Director and Nurse; Mitchell Rhodes, Kittitas County Health Network Executive Director; and Kristl Densley, Kittitas Valley Healthcare Director of Community Relations.\n\n“Last year, we saw Republicans pass the single largest cut to health care in our nation’s history—with rural hospitals taking the biggest hit,” said Senator Murray. “I was glad to secure some funding for Kittitas Valley Healthcare directly. But unfortunately, this funding pales in comparison to the scope of the Medicaid cuts Trump passed and the refusal by Republicans to extend the ACA tax credits. Today’s conversation underscores just how much things are headed in the wrong direction for rural hospitals—Congress must repeal Trump’s Medicaid cuts and focus on making health care affordable, not funding a war in Iran. We didn’t get here by accident—President Trump and a Republican Congress chose to pass the largest cuts to Medicaid in history, they chose to let the ACA tax credits expire, and now they’re choosing to fund a war in Iran rather than spend a cent on making health care more affordable.”\n\nKittitas Valley Healthcare provides invaluable support to rural communities in Central Washington, serving thousands of patients annually. With the funding secured by Senator Murray, Kittitas Valley Healthcare is able to renovate and expand clinical space for orthopedic and surgical services, helping modernize care for patients.\n\nWhen combining all of the Fiscal Year 2026 funding bills Murray authored and passed, she secured nearly $500 million in CDS for WA projects and has helped set aside over $5 billion in programmatic funding for Washington state.\n\n“We’ve effectively created a second healthcare system, one for patient care and one for managing reimbursement. KVH employs 1.3 FTE’s of administrative staff tied to revenue cycle functions per employed nurse, which is not where healthcare resources should be going,” said Jason Adler, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Kittitas Valley Healthcare.\n\n“Every rural community deserves access to a physician. Right now, federal policies make it hard for young clinicians to choose rural practice. With the right investments at the federal level, we can solve that problem,” said Andrew Thomas, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Kittitas Valley Healthcare. “The patients in Kittitas County cannot drive to Seattle for their primary care. The question is whether federal policy will decide that those patients deserve the same access to care as patients living in King County.”\n\n“Emergency nursing is an incredibly rewarding profession. I have always felt it is a privilege to care for people during hard moments of life. But I’ve watched our healthcare environment change over the years, adding more stress to the lives of our patients and to the people caring for them. Nursing has always been hard work, but it feels even harder today, especially in rural emergency departments where resources are limited,” said Dede Feddema, MSN, RN, CEN, Director of Emergency Services, Kittitas Valley Healthcare. “Caring for our behavioral health patients is something I’m deeply committed to. They deserve safe, respectful care. At the same time, the risk of violence in the workplace is a reality we face every day. Our nurses care and they want to be here, but I am concerned that the way things are right now it is leading many of our staff to burnout. If we don’t make real changes, we’re going to lose our most precious resource—our staff.”\n\n“Health-focused nonprofits in Washington play a vital role in providing access to healthcare in rural communities by addressing gaps with innovative and adaptive strategies. Despite the important role we play, healthcare focused nonprofits are at a critical crossroads. By my count, in 2024 there were 26 programmatic, health focused grant opportunities at the federal level that organizations like KCHN or KVH could apply for, that number dropped to 9 in 2025, and 2 thus far in 2026. Lack of available funding opportunities puts increased pressure on already strained nonprofit and health systems,” Mitchell Rhodes, PhD, Executive Director, Kittitas County Health Network. “Kittitas County has made great strides in meeting the needs of our community, however as funding continues to decrease, there is increased risk of organizations abandoning collaborative approaches, reducing services, and/or ending operations all together in communities that already have extremely limited resources.”\n\n“We may be a small valley in the center of the state, but there is nothing small about our vision, our commitment, or the care we provide. Our needs are real, our challenges are complex, and our people show up every day with a level of care, grit, and compassion that reflects the very best of who we are. This is our home, this is my home, and we show up for it with pride, with purpose, and with a quiet excellence that speaks for itself,” said Kristl Densley, Director of Community Relations, Kittitas Valley Healthcare.\n\nABOUT TRUMP’S MEDICAID CUTS:\n\nNationwide, the Republican health care cuts represent a more than $400 billion hit to America’s hospitals—with one estimate finding that over 170 rural hospitals will likely be forced to close or scale back their services, which will force more Americans to travel further for maternity care and emergency rooms, and face longer wait times. Washington state is one of the states most at-risk, with 22 hospitals at-risk of closing or reducing services. An estimated 477,000 health workers will lose their jobs as a result of the Republican cuts to Medicaid. Senator Murray has consistently advocated for rural health care across the state, hosting numerous events to emphasize the importance of investment into rural communities.\n\nHospitals in Washington state could lose at least $662 million in Medicaid revenue every year under OBBBA—forcing hospitals to lay off staff, cut services, or close their doors entirely. Overall, Washington state is expected to lose between $31 billion and $51 billion in federal Medicaid dollars over the next decade. In 2024, Washington had an uninsured rate of 4.8 percent—the lowest in the country—but the Republican bill is expected to balloon that number into the double digits.\n\nABOUT GOP REFUSAL TO EXTEND ACA TAX CREDITS:\n\nIn Washington state, nearly 2 million people—roughly 1 in 5—are enrolled in Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program. Washington’s 4th Congressional District has the highest Medicaid enrollment in Washington state, with nearly 300,000 people—38 percent of all residents—reliant on Apple Health, including 70 percent of all children in the state. Over 36,000 fewer Washingtonians enrolled in health insurance through the state’s health care exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder. Over 51,000 fewer Washingtonians are using federal tax credits to get their health care coverage.\n\nSenator Murray forced the issue of the ACA tax credits at every opportunity before Republicans ultimately refused to take any action, speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal to extend the ACA tax credits. She took to the Senate floor in November with her Democratic colleagues to call for a clean one-year extension of the ACA tax credits, and held numerous virtual press conferences with Washingtonians, as well as residents of neighboring states Idaho and Montana, about the exploding health care premiums that Americans are seeing due to the expiration of the tax credits. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray led legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would have addressed the health care crisis during the government shutdown last fall. Senator Murray has also cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation over the past year—the Health Care Affordability Act and the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act—that would make the ACA tax credits permanent.\n\nSenator Murray played a critical role in passing the ACA enhanced premium tax credits into law in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extending them in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-duckworth-introduce-legislation-to-support-servicemembers-transition-out-of-the-armed-forces/", "title": "Sens. Ossoff, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Support Servicemembers’ Transition Out of the Armed Forces", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing legislation to strengthen support for servicemembers as they transition out of the Armed Forces.\n\nToday, Sens. Ossoff and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) are introducing the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Actto smooth servicemembers’ transition into civilian life, or the reserves, and ensure they get the support they and their families need.\n\nCongresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThe new bill would designate a senior Department of Defense (DoD) official to serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense overseeing all programs and activities related to transitioning servicemembers. The official would also work in close coordination with the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA), Labor, and Education, as well as state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve transition programs and support services.\n\n“Our servicemembers make tremendous sacrifices to keep our families safe. We owe it to them to ensure they are well-equipped and supported as they transition back to civilian life,” Sen. Ossoff said. “My new legislation with Senator Duckworth will help servicemembers access resources they’ve earned and help make their transition smoother for themselves and their families.”\n\n“As our servicemembers hang up their uniform, they deserve comprehensive support in helping them transition back into civilian life,” said Duckworth. “Too often, DoD’s transition programs fall short of the standard our Veterans deserve before they are handed off to the VA. Our commonsense bill would make necessary improvements and streamline coordination within DoD of these critical services. It’s the least we can do to help our heroes when they return home.”\n\n“As our men and women in uniform reenter civilian life and try to secure housing, find work, and get the healthcare they need, we owe them our support. But too often, servicemembers are falling through the gaps,” said Rep. Houlahan. “I’m proud to introduce the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act to bridge these gaps, making VA transition support services more effective and easier for servicemembers to access.”\n\nSens. Ossoff and Duckworth’s bill is backed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans Education Success, Vietnam Veterans of America, and With Honor Action.\n\n“Each year, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian life—a critical juncture that can shape their future success or lead to serious challenges if not properly managed. Transition is the final warfighting mission, and like any successful operation, it demands unity of command and strategic coordination. The VFW strongly supports the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act, which would designate a senior DOD official to oversee all transition programs, including the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), and provide essential support to our reserve components. This role is vital to improving TAP attendance accountability, strengthening interagency coordination, and ensuring that transitioning service members and their families receive the support they’ve earned. We thank Senators Ossoff and Duckworth for introducing this important legislation and urge its swift passage,” said Carol Whitmore, Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.\n\n“On behalf of the Fleet Reserve Association, we proudly endorse the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act, introduced by Senators Jon Ossoff and Tammy Duckworth, and express our deep gratitude for their leadership in championing this critical legislation. The transition from military to civilian life is a defining moment for servicemembers, often fraught with challenges due to the lack of structure in the civilian world. This bill’s provisions, designating a Senior DoD Official to oversee all military-to-civilian transition programs, including for the reserve component, ensuring centralized accountability for initiatives like TAP and SkillBridge, fostering enhanced coordination with agencies such as the VA, Department of Labor, Education, and SBA, and mandating a congressional briefing within 90 days to detail implementation, provide vital support during the critical early days, weeks, and months of this transition. These measures strengthen the foundation for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ ongoing efforts, ensuring our servicemembers receive the comprehensive assistance they need to succeed in civilian life,” said the Fleet Reserve Association.\n\n“IAVA strongly supports the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act. This is an essential piece of legislation that will help to ensure a smooth transition from active-duty service into the civilian world. By designating a senior official to oversee and strengthen transition programs, this bill ensures accountability, coordination, and a higher standard of care for those who have served. Too often, servicemembers and their families face unnecessary challenges as they move from military service into civilian life or the reserve force. Our veterans deserve a seamless and well-supported transition, and this legislation is a critical step toward making that a reality,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.\n\n“Vietnam veterans were forced to navigate a system that was unprepared, fragmented, and at times indifferent to their needs. We learned the hard way what happens when a nation fails to properly receive its warriors. This legislation is about correcting those failures ensuring that today’s and future veterans are met with dignity, structure, and real support. Honoring Vietnam veterans is not just about remembering their service; it is about building a system worthy of every generation that follows. Never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another,” said James L. McCormick II, Captain, USA (Ret.), Executive Director of Government Affairs at Vietnam Veterans of America.\n\n“The transition from military to civilian life is a critical point in a service member’s journey. Centralizing oversight of transition programs and streamlining collaboration between agencies and departments ensures that service members enter their next chapter with the essential tools to succeed. With Honor Action is proud to endorse this legislation that elevates the importance of the military-to-civilian transition and puts our veterans first,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action.\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia’s servicemembers and military families as they transition into civilian life.\n\nThis year, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver $520,000 in Federal funding to help Hire Heroes USA expand their efforts to provide in-person employment support to transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses throughout the State of Georgia.\n\nSen. Ossoff also brought Republicans and Democrats to deliver Federal funding to the Central Georgia Technical College Foundation and the Georgia VECTR Center to help support veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and their families through workforce development training and supportive services at the Georgia VECTR Center; to ATLVets Inc. to help provide training and support for veterans transitioning from service to running businesses; and to the Library Foundation of Clayton County to help provide training sessions to veterans looking to start and grow small businesses.\n\nIn 2024, Sens. Ossoff and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the bipartisan Veteran Transition Support Act to help veterans file post-discharge disability claims and more quickly establish contact with accredited VA representatives.\n\nAlso in 2024, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act to help servicemembers more easily access VA benefits as they transition to civilian life.\n\nIn 2022, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock announced over $1.3 million in Federal funding through the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program for Veterans Empowerment Organization of Georgia Inc., Recovery Consultants of Atlanta Inc., and Mary Hall Freedom House Inc., three Georgia organizations that work to help veterans access job training and get the support they need return to the workforce.\n\nClick here to read the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-crack-down-on-oil-market-manipulation-and-protect-consumers-as-gas-prices-climb/", "title": "Padilla, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Oil Market Manipulation and Protect Consumers As Gas Prices Climb", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "California gas prices are up more than $1.50 per gallon since the start of Trump’s war with Iran\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — As Californians face rising gas prices driven by the Trump Administration’s ongoing war in Iran, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in introducing the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act to crack down on petroleum market manipulation and protect consumers from unjustified price spikes at the pump.\n\nThe bill would create a new Transportation Fuel Monitoring and Enforcement Unit at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to proactively monitor fuel markets for fraud, manipulation, and anti-competitive behavior that can artificially inflate prices. It would also increase transparency across fuel markets and significantly raise penalties for bad actors.\n\nCalifornia drivers consistently pay among the highest gas prices in the nation, with costs often spiking faster and higher than the national average during periods of global disruption — putting added pressure on working families, small businesses, and commuters across the state.\n\n“At a time when Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran is driving up costs, we need stronger oversight to ensure oil companies and traders aren’t exploiting the moment to pad their profits,” said Senator Padilla. “This bill will bring greater transparency to fuel markets, hold bad actors accountable, and help protect consumers across California.”\n\nThe Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act would:\n\nStrengthen Oversight: Enhance the FTC’s authority to crack down on false reporting or deceptive practices that artificially inflate fuel prices across gasoline, diesel, and biofuels markets.\n\nEstablish Dedicated Monitoring: Create a permanent FTC unit responsible for continuously tracking crude oil and fuel markets to identify irregularities and protect consumers.\n\nTarget Market Manipulation: Empower regulators to investigate and penalize companies engaging in price manipulation, abuse of market power, or other anti-competitive practices.\n\nIncrease Penalties: Double the maximum penalty for market manipulation to $2 million per day, per violation.\n\nImprove Transparency: Expand federal data collection and public reporting on fuel supply and pricing to promote fair competition and prevent price gouging.\n\nThe legislation builds on previous efforts to strengthen federal oversight of energy markets, similar to authorities granted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which have successfully policed manipulation in electricity and financial markets.\n\nDespite having similar authority since 2007, the FTC has not consistently used its tools to monitor and enforce against manipulation in petroleum markets. This bill would ensure those authorities are fully utilized to protect consumers — including millions of Californians who rely on their cars every day.\n\nA one-page summary of the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act is available here.\n\nThe full bill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-peters-delivers-commencement-address-at-the-university-of-michigan-gerald-r-ford-school-of-public-policy-graduation-ceremony", "title": "VIDEO: Peters Delivers Commencement Address at the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Graduation Ceremony", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ANN ARBOR, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) delivered the commencement address for the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Class of 2026. Peters’ address highlighted the importance of the new graduates using the skills and expertise they received at the Ford School to pursue careers in public service and take on the growing list of challenges facing public officials.\n\n“I’m confident that all of you here today will go on to successful careers in public service and we desperately need your skills, your talent, and your knowledge,” said Senator Peters. “Because right now we live in a highly polarized and hyper partisan environment. Today, all you have to do is turn on the news, and you’ll be hit by list of the challenges facing public officials. And as a result of that we need leaders who are able to find common ground with people who think differently than they do. And, because of the education you have received here, we are absolutely counting on you to lead.”\n\nTo watch video of Senator Peters’ commencement address, click here.\n\nPeters also highlighted the legacy of the Ford School, named after U.S. President and Michigander Gerald R. Ford.\n\n“President Ford was level-headed, measured, unafraid to reach across the aisle and work with those who saw things differently from him. He stood for civil rights and voting rights. He supported working families and farmers. He had an internal moral compass to guide him every day,” said Peters. “President Ford embodied the values of leadership, integrity, and bringing people from different backgrounds together. I know these are values that live on today in each and every one of you and every graduate of the Ford School.”\n\nPeters concluded his speech by calling on the new graduates of the Ford School to stay actively involved in their communities and pursue careers in public service at all levels of government.\n\n“As new graduates, I know you will also continue to seek out ways to stay actively involved in your community. And remember, all politics are local. Our state and local governments need your knowledge and expertise, just as much as our federal government does,” said Peters. “No matter where or how you choose to serve, you all have the skills and talent needed to build coalitions, to effect change, and to make a big impact on the complex issues we face today.”\n\nPeters continued, “As public policy experts, I know you will continue to be active citizens in our democratic republic. I encourage you to follow the example set by President Ford and the alumni who have come before you. Continue to use your knowledge and skills to stand up for what is just and always work to find common ground with your fellow citizens. We face big challenges, and they will require big solutions. Our democracy is at its best when we work together.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-americans-dont-want-1-billion-of-their-tax-dollars-spent-on-transforming-the-white-house-into-a-tacky-palace", "title": "Reed: Americans Don’t Want $1 Billion of Their Tax Dollars Spent on Transforming the White House into a Tacky Palace", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – After months of misleading Americans about the cost of President Trump’s unauthorized ballroom project and where the money would come from, Congressional Republicans were finally forced to reveal the truth when they issued their latest budget reconciliation plan: Republicans want U.S taxpayers to pay $1 billion to help President Trump transform the White House – long a symbol of democracy and American leadership – into his personal palace.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed, who previously criticized President Trump for demolishing the East Wing of the White House without the proper permits and authorization, opposes the Republican demand for U.S. taxpayers to pay $1 billion to advance the massive ballroom addition that would overshadow the historic White House. Senator Reed said the architectural and permitting plans for a new White House ballroom should be considered on the merits, follow the law, and go through the exact same process as any other major White House renovation project.\n\nReed said the ploy highlights Republicans’ misplaced priorities and shows they are prioritizing a glitzy ballroom over efforts to address affordability. He also called on Congress to debate and consider the federal funding for the project through regular order, and not try to jam it through on a party-line vote or pretend the money is for ‘security’ when everyone knows it is about Donald Trump getting what he wants and taxpayers getting nothing but the bill.\n\n“Republicans are trying to stick taxpayers with a $1 billion bill to advance Trump’s ballroom fantasies. They are taking away things like Medicaid and Medicare so President Trump can have his vanity project. President Trump comes from a real estate background. He knows full well you can’t just build whatever you want without permits and that there is a process for granting them. Still, he tried to do it anyway and now Republicans are trying to jam this through without scrutiny so they can for taxpayers to pay for it,” said Senator Reed. “The White House is ‘The People’s House. It was never meant to be a palace and shouldn’t be transformed into one. The president should follow the law and Congress should prioritize affordability issues instead of directing people’s tax dollars to an opulent, unpopular ballroom.”\n\nSenator Reed noted that architects, fine arts experts, and urban planning officials have all warned of serious design flaws as it stands under current plans, and that adding a structure three times the size of the White House would disrupt the historic property’s symmetry and aesthetic.\n\nLast October, President Trump abruptly razed the East Wing of the White House to try to fast track his desire for a new ballroom, without the consent of Congress. To try to skirt the law, he even elevated his 26-year old receptionist, who has no arts experience, to the prestigious arts commission charged with reviewing the project.\n\nA federal judge recently ordered that construction of the ballroom be halted unless it receives approval from Congress. The preliminary injunction came in response to a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which demanded that the project be paused until it passes all necessary reviews and approvals, including those from lawmakers.\n\nIn the wake of a thwarted security incident at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner last month, which was held at a massive Washington, DC hotel ballroom that sat over 2,400 guests – twice the capacity of the proposed Trump ballroom – President Trump and his supporters have insisted that the White House ballroom is some sort of national security priority.\n\nSenator Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee says: “The East Wing of the White House does not need to be turned into a gaudy ballroom for national security purposes. Full stop.”\n\nReed also pointed out that President Trump just finished hosting King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom for a successful multi-day event at the White House, complete with a lavish White House State dinner. And just like the 300+ State dinners that have been hosted at the White House since 1874, it took place in a beautiful, secure, and historic setting – proving that the need for a massive new ballroom is far from urgent.\n\n“Look, the president has a lot of power and say over the White House and rightfully so. But even the president doesn’t have unilateral authority to just bulldoze it and unilaterally determine what is rebuilt in its place. Congress has a say and I will speak up for working people who are struggling to afford things like food, health care, and housing due to the Trump Administration’s reckless policies. President Trump’s agenda is making life harder and more expensive for Americans in all fifty states. Congress needs to drive down the cost of living. Republicans need to start working with Democrats to improve the lives of the people we serve. Let’s prioritize them and wisely allocate limited tax dollars to areas of greatest need and let the permitting process play out. I think every single member of Congress, and even President Trump himself, knows that $1 billion in U.S. tax dollars could be better spent elsewhere.”\n\nDuring the most recent floor action on the Senate Republican budget resolution, Democrats offered a series of amendments that would help lower costs for working families, including Reed-backed initiatives to lower costs driven by tariffs and the war in Iran; reduce out-of-pocket health care costs; crack down on hedge funds driving up housing costs; and address rising home energy bills. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans blocked every single Democratic amendment.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/sen-rick-scott-reps-elise-stefanik-josh-gottheimer-introduce-bipartisan-bills-to-limit-foreign-influence-on-american-universities", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott, Reps. Elise Stefanik & Josh Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Limit Foreign Influence on American Universities", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe two bills would block federal funding for universities that operate branch campuses in certain countries or receive research payouts from those countries.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nSenator 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.”\n\nRep. 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.”\n\nRep. 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.”\n\nRead the full text of the No Branch Campuses in Hostile Countries Act HERE and The Defending American Research Act HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/05/new-report-how-one-billion-dollars-can-help-nevadans-instead-of-funding-donald-trumps-ballroom/", "title": "NEW REPORT: How One Billion Dollars Can Help Nevadans Instead of Funding Donald Trump’s Ballroom", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\nBelow are estimates of what this funding could fund in Nevada instead of a ballroom:\n\nHealth Care:\n\n$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.\n\n167,714 fewer Nevadans were enrolled in Medicaid as of January 2026 when compared to 2023.\n\n$5,052 is the average annual spending on Medicaid per enrollee in Nevada.\n\n$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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nFood:\n\n$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.\n\n54,979 Nevadans were kicked off the program between July 2025 and January 2026.\n\nAverage yearly SNAP benefit per person is $1,992.\n\n$1 billion could fund Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) benefits for all Nevadans in the program for nearly 20 years.\n\nAccording to state data, 52,677 Nevadans rely on WIC.\n\nWIC provided an average of $978.12 per participant per year.\n\n$1 billion could cover groceries for 96,246 Nevada families for a full year.\n\nAccording to most recent data, the average household in Nevada spends on average $10,390 dollars on groceries per year.\n\nHousing:\n\n$1 billion could pay for a year of rent for about 62,096 Nevada households.\n\nThe average rent in Nevada is approximately $1,342.\n\nChild Care:\n\n$1 billion could cover the average cost of childcare for 78,995 Nevada infants for a full year.\n\nThe average cost of child care in Nevada for a year per infant is $12,659.\n\nOther:\n\nCongressional 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/05/rosen-cortez-masto-deliver-over-600000-they-secured-to-improve-water-infrastructure-in-carlin/", "title": "Rosen, Cortez Masto Deliver Over $600,000 they Secured to Improve Water Infrastructure in Carlin", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nSenators 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/05/rosen-helps-advance-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-aviation-safety-invest-in-pilot-mental-health/", "title": "Rosen Helps Advance Bipartisan Bill to Improve Aviation Safety, Invest in Pilot Mental Health", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\nSenator 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/05/rosen-shaheen-introduce-bill-to-overturn-trump-administration-block-on-foreign-aid/", "title": "Rosen, Shaheen Introduce Bill to Overturn Trump Administration Block on Foreign Aid", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nAs 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sens-schiff-padilla-join-bennet-and-colleagues-demanding-trump-administration-resume-russian-oil-sanctions/", "title": "NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Join Bennet and Colleagues Demanding Trump Administration Resume Russian Oil Sanctions", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nSchiff, 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.).\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Bessent:\n\nWe 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.\n\nBefore 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.\n\nRussia 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.\n\nDespite 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.\n\nPresident 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.\n\nYou 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.\n\nYour 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.\n\nYet 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.\n\nContinuing 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.\n\nNow 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.\n\nFailure 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.\n\nThank you for your attention.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-visits-joshua-basin-water-district-pushes-greater-investments-in-water-infrastructure/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Visits Joshua Basin Water District, Pushes Greater Investments in Water Infrastructure", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nAs 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.\n\nDuring 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.\n\nView photos from the Senator’s visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-visits-san-bernardino-valley-college-joins-student-roundtable-and-highlights-federal-investments-secured-for-california/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Visits San Bernardino Valley College, Joins Student Roundtable and Highlights Federal Investments Secured for California", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nSchiff 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.\n\nAttendees at the roundtable included students from San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills Community College, Cal State San Bernardino, and UC Riverside.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/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", "title": "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", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nClick HERE to read the Senators’ op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. The text of their piece has been provided below.\n\nAmerica’s Air Superiority Is Losing Altitude\n\nChina, focused on beating the U.S., is on pace to build the first sixth-generation stealth fighters.\n\nBy Ted Budd and Jeanne Shaheen\n\nSince 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nWe need a national mobilization of our industrial base to counter China and maintain control of the air.\n\nOver 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.\n\nOur 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.\n\nAll 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.\n\nBy 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.\n\nCeding 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:\n\nFirst, 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.\n\nSecond, 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.\n\nThird, 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.\n\nFor 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.\n\nMr. Budd, a North Carolina Republican, and Ms. Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-continues-affordability-action-tour-highlights-efforts-to-lower-energy-costs-support-clean-energy-and-energy-efficiency-initiatives", "title": "Shaheen Continues “Affordability Action Tour,” Highlights Efforts to Lower Energy Costs, Support Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiatives", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(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.\n\nPhotos from today’s events can be found HERE.\n\nShaheen 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nLater, 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThroughout 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2026/5/tillis-gillibrand-resolution-honoring-donut-dollies-passes-senate", "title": "Tillis, Gillibrand Resolution Honoring ‘Donut Dollies’ Passes Senate", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.tillis.senate.gov", "scraper": "tillis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000476", "name": "Thom Tillis", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nBackground:\n\nDuring 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.\n\nText of the resolution is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-mfume-olszewski-highlight-nearly-12-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-gun-violence-reduction-in-baltimore", "title": "Van Hollen, Mfume, Olszewski Highlight Nearly $1.2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Gun Violence Reduction in Baltimore", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\nThe 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-duckworth-schumer-lead-senators-in-pressing-head-of-employment-protections-commission-on-attacks-on-workers-undergoing-ivf", "title": "Warren, Duckworth, Schumer Lead Senators in Pressing Head of Employment Protections Commission on Attacks on Workers Undergoing IVF", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Duckworth, Schumer Lead Senators in Pressing Head of Employment Protections Commission on Attacks on Workers Undergoing IVF\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, 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.\n\nSenators 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.\n\n“[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.\n\nFertility 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nDuring 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.\n\n“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.\n\nChair 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.\n\n“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.\n\nDuring 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.\n\nYet, 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.\n\n“[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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe senators asked Chair Lucas to provide clarity on her attacks on workers undergoing fertility treatments by May 13, 2026.\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to protect women’s reproductive rights:\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn October 2025, Senator Warren slammed President Trump’s new IVF “plan” as “insulting” and a “broken promise() to American families.”\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn 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.”\n\nIn 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.”\n\nOn March 4, 2024, Senators Warren, Duckworth (D-Ill.), and 46 Democratic colleagues introduced a bill to protect IVF access nationwide.\n\nOn 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.\n\nOn 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bipartisan-legislation-to-extend-rural-hospital-program/", "title": "Welch Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) provides lifeline to rural communities\n\nWASHINGTON, 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.\n\nVermont’s Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is one of the thirty hospitals across the country chosen for this demonstration program.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nIn 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.).\n\nSenator 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.\n\nRead and download the full text of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/5/chairman-wicker-commends-pentagon-for-junior-reserve-officers-training-corps-program-expansion", "title": "Chairman Wicker Commends Pentagon for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program Expansion", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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).\n\nThe Chairman released the following statement:\n\n\"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.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nSecretary 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-hoyle-concerned-about-eugenes-peacehealth-transitioning-emergency-medical-providers", "title": "Merkley, Wyden, Hoyle Concerned About Eugene’s PeaceHealth Transitioning Emergency Medical Providers", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Lawmakers Urge Partnership with Physicians, Community to Best Serve Lane County\n\nEugene, 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\n“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.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-lead-effort-to-extend-legislation-improving-healthcare-access-and-financial-stability-in-remote-areas", "title": "Wyden, Merkley Lead Effort to Extend Legislation Improving Healthcare Access and Financial Stability in Remote Areas", "date": "2026-05-05", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nIn 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.).", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5012", "title": "Houlahan Reintroduces Bill to Expand Donor Breast Milk Access, Support WIC", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\nDonor 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.\n\nThrough 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nThe bipartisan Access to Donor Milk Act would:\n\nEmpower 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;\n\nProvide $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;\n\nEstablish 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\n\nRequire 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.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/05/06/rep-aguilar-delivers-2-million-to-build-new-animal-shelter-in-san-bernardino-county/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Delivers $2 Million to Build New Animal Shelter in San Bernardino County", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Delivers $2 Million to Build New Animal Shelter in San Bernardino County\n\nThe new shelter will improve the well-being and management of stray animals, abused pets and other abandoned animals in the Inland Empire\n\nBLOOMINGTON, 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.\n\nOnce 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nAs 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7229", "title": "Congressman Allen Leads Colleagues in Demanding a Halt in Changes to EAMC", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://allen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "allen.house.gov", "scraper": "allen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000372", "name": "Rick W. Allen", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nIn 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.\"\n\nThe 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.\"\n\nThe 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.\"\n\nBACKGROUND: 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.\n\nTo read the full letter to Secretary Hegseth, click here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2894", "title": "Bacon Office, State Department to Host Passport Fair in Omaha", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bacon.house.gov", "scraper": "bacon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001298", "name": "Don Bacon", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nPassport 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.\n\nAppointments are required and must be scheduled at the following link: https://www.jotform.com/build/261205947101045\n\nEvent Details\n\nDate: Tuesday, May 19, 2026\n\nTime: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT (Last appointment slot at 2:30 p.m.)\n\nLocation: Mutual First Credit Union\n\n14510 F St., Suite 101\n\nOmaha, NE 68137\n\nDirections\n\nThe 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1528", "title": "Bergman, Correa Lead Letter Urging FDA to Expedite Review of Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bergman.house.gov", "scraper": "bergman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001301", "name": "Jack Bergman", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nMillions 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nYou can read the full letter here or below:\n\nCommissioner Makary:\n\nWe 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.\n\nWe are encouraged by your public statements recognizing these treatments as “a top priority for this FDA and this administration.”\n\nWe 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.\n\nAt 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.\n\nIn that spirit, we respectfully request written responses to the following questions:\n\n1. 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?\n\n2. 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.\n\n3. 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?\n\n4. 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?\n\nIn addition, we encourage the FDA to provide further clarity in the final guidance around:\n\n- Strategies to mitigate functional unblinding and expectancy bias;\n\n- Standards for adverse event monitoring and safety reporting;\n\n- Provider training, licensing, and participant safeguards;\n\n- The evolving role of psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmacological intervention;\n\n- Generalizability of findings across diverse patient populations; and\n\n- Consistency in regulatory expectations across entactogen and psychedelic drug development programs.\n\nWe remain committed to ensuring that Veterans and others living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions have access to safe, evidence-based care.\n\nWe 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.\n\nThank you for your leadership and ongoing commitment to addressing this critical public health issue.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-convenes-agriculture-advisory-council-amid-rising-costs", "title": "Budzinski Convenes Agriculture Advisory Council Amid Rising Costs", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415598", "title": "Made possible through federal funding secured by SmithSmith, Manchester Twp. and Ocean County officials unveil Manchester Police Department’s new, federally funded police vehicles", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nManchester 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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\nSmith, 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-advisory-congressman-cohen-hold-press-conference-redistricting", "title": "Press Advisory:  Congressman Cohen to Hold Press Conference on Redistricting Thursday", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "cohen.house.gov", "scraper": "cohen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001068", "name": "Steve Cohen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nWhat: 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\n\nWhen: Thursday, May 7th, at 10:30 a.m.\n\nWhere: The Odell Horton Federal Building 167 North Main Street, Suite 369, Memphis (38103)\n\nPlease RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://crane.house.gov/2026/05/06/rep-crane-joins-federal-agencies-and-local-leaders-to-advance-rural-priorities/", "title": "Rep. Crane Joins Federal Agencies and Local Leaders to Advance Rural Priorities", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crane.house.gov/media/", "domain": "crane.house.gov", "scraper": "crane", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001132", "name": "Elijah Crane", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nMore 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.\n\nThroughout 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.\n\nAttendees 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3159", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Cosponsors Energy Bills Relief Act", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.\"\n\nElectricity 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nFor 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.\n\nSpecifically, the Energy Bills Relief Act:", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2121", "title": "Ezell Honors Student Artists at 2026 Congressional Art Competition Reception", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "ezell.house.gov", "scraper": "ezell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000235", "name": "Mike Ezell", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 2026 Congressional Art Competition winners are:\n\n1st Place: Zoey Margrave, Petal High School\n\n2nd Place: Alicia Chavez, Petal High School\n\n3rd Place: Kendyll King, Ocean Springs High School\n\nBackground:\n\nEach 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/5/langhorne-pa-19047", "title": "Ukraine Caucus Supports Ukraine Ceasefire, Calls on Russia to Demonstrate Good Faith", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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:\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1114", "title": "Rep. Fry, Senator Graham Introduce Logan’s Law to Stop Repeat Violent Offenders", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "fry.house.gov", "scraper": "fry", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000478", "name": "Russell Fry", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nRep. 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nIf signed into law, Logan’s Law will:\n\nCreate 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.\n\nWith this database, the public will also be made aware of judges and prosecutors who give career criminals a pass.\n\nTo 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.\n\nIf states refuse to participate in the database, they risk the withholding of DOJ grant funding.\n\nCreate 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.\n\nIf the U.S. Attorney General lacks authority to remedy these deficiencies through Justice Department recommendations, the report must include recommendations to Congress.\n\nLogan 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).\n\nIn 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.\n\n\"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.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-garamendi-castro-and-29-colleagues-demand-end-ambiguity-israels-nuclear", "title": "Rep. Garamendi, Castro, and 29 Colleagues Demand End to Ambiguity in Israel’s Nuclear Capabilities", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "garamendi.house.gov", "scraper": "garamendi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000559", "name": "John Garamendi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.”\n\nThe 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.”\n\nMembers 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).\n\nThe full letter is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-joins-democratic-veterans-house-colleagues-in-introduction-of-iran-war-funding-prohibition/", "title": "Goodlander Joins Democratic Veterans, House Colleagues in Introduction of Iran War Funding Prohibition", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Concord, N.H. – Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander joined 17 of her Democratic colleagues, including 14 fellow veterans and the Ranking Members of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees, in introducing a funding prohibition on military action against Iran.\n\nFor nine weeks, the Trump Administration has waged war in Iran without Congressional approval, which has cost at least $25 billion, killed 13 brave U.S. servicemembers, wounded hundreds more, and caused prices to skyrocket at home. The introduction also follows the Pentagon’s request for $1.5 trillion in funding for FY27 – not including a reported Iran War supplemental funding request of $200 billion.\n\nThe bill, No Funds for Iran War Act, would prohibit the use of additional taxpayer funds for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or official declaration of war from Congress.\n\n“We do not write blank checks for unauthorized wars in the United States of America,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Our commonsense bill will restore the basic accountability and sanity that the American people need and deserve from our government.”\n\n“The American people have been clear from the beginning: they want lower costs and no more forever wars. The Trump administration has spent nine weeks conducting an illegal war in Iran that has done the exact opposite – and every American is paying the price,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Their recklessness has killed 13 brave servicemembers, wounded hundreds more, cost at least $25 billion in taxpayer money, and sent gas prices skyrocketing here at home. Since Day 1, there has been no strategy or endgame. Not a single dollar more on this ill-conceived war.”\n\n“Trump’s war of choice has achieved none of the administration’s stated objectives and has surpassed the president’s initial stated timeline of the conflict, which was supposed to last only a few weeks. Now that the president is moving the goal posts and twisting the 60-day requirements of the War Powers Act, Congress must take action. It is time for it to exercise its constitutional power of the purse,” said Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee.\n\nThe legislation is led by Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY) and co-sponsored by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT), and Goodlander’s fellow Democratic Veteran Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Derek Tran (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Bobby Scott (D-VA).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-pappas-raise-concerns-over-forest-service-reorganization-call-for-efforts-to-be-halted/", "title": "Goodlander, Pappas Raise Concerns Over Forest Service Reorganization, Call for Efforts to be Halted", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Concord, N.H. – Last week, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined 60 of their colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service opposing the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service. This would close New Hampshire’s Bartlett Experimental Forest and put other facilities, including those at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, at risk.\n\nThe members wrote: “We write to express our strong opposition to the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service announced by the Department of Agriculture on March 31, 2026. The Forest Service manages more than 193 million acres of public lands across our nation, making it the federal government’s second-largest public lands agency. The decision to relocate the agency’s headquarters and eliminate its world-class research program undermines our efforts to confront the dual crises of climate change and catastrophic wildfires while worsening the already severe loss of staff and expertise since the start of President Trump’s second term.”\n\nThey continued: “This reorganization proposal would close 57 of the agency’s 77 research stations across 31 states, including stations that study wildfire, drought, pests, and climate change—all of which pose immediate and growing threats to our national forests and nearby communities—and threaten to take decades of staff expertise with them. Already, this administration’s efforts to dismantle the Forest Service have led to a nearly 40 percent reduction in hazardous fuels work, leaving forests, public lands, and surrounding communities vulnerable, and the proposed reorganization threatens to make that damage even worse.”\n\nThey concluded: “We therefore ask that you provide Congress with the details of any consultations, comment opportunities, analysis, and decision-making processes related to this proposal so that Congress can fully evaluate it and represent the interests of our constituents and the American people, who have a direct stake in keeping Forest Service lands public, accessible, and healthy.”\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nLast week, Goodlander advanced an amendment in committee to protect critical U.S. Forest Service research facilities from closure without explicit congressional approval. The amendment comes in response to the Department of Agriculture’s proposed reorganization plan, which would shutter dozens of Forest Service Research & Development sites—including New Hampshire’s Bartlett Experimental Forest—and place others like Hubbard Brook under review. These experimental forests are world-class research assets, supporting decades-long studies that inform forest management, conservation, and climate resilience. Goodlander’s amendment ensures that these vital resources cannot be closed or reorganized without an Act of Congress, safeguarding longstanding scientific investments and the communities that rely on them. Congressman Pappas is a cosponsor of the amendment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-josh-on-the-job-gottheimer-visits-local-buffalo-wild-wings-to-meet-with-small-business-owners-employees-and-customers", "title": "RELEASE: “Josh on the Job” — Gottheimer Visits Local Buffalo Wild Wings to Meet with Small Business Owners, Employees, and Customers", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer working in the kitchen with staff.\n\nFAIR LAWN, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Buffalo Wild Wings GO in Fair Lawn to meet with local franchise owners and employees, helping prepare and serve food for Jersey customers as part of his “Josh on the Job” series highlighting small, locally owned businesses across North Jersey.\n\nDuring his visit, Gottheimer joined the team in the kitchen and behind the counter, working alongside employees and hearing firsthand about the challenges and opportunities they face. He also spoke with customers from across the community about the importance of supporting local businesses.\n\n“Small businesses like this are the backbone of our communities, and it’s hardworking Jersey employees who keep them running every day,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Spending time on the job gives me a firsthand look at what our workers and small business owners are up against. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, cut red tape, and make sure both our workers and local businesses have the support they need to succeed.”\n\nGottheimer regularly visits small businesses across New Jersey’s Fifth District as part of his Josh on the Job series to hear directly from workers, owners, and customers about the issues impacting their jobs and their communities.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer at Buffalo Wild Wings in Fair Lawn.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-grijalva-mayor-romero-respond-to-tom-homan-s-threat-to-go-after-cities-that-don-t-cooperate-with-ice", "title": "Congresswoman Grijalva, Mayor Romero Respond to Tom Homan’s Threat to Go After Cities that Don’t Cooperate with ICE", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ – Today, former Acting ICE Director and Trump-appointed “Border Czar” Tom Homan spoke in Arizona at the 2026 Border Security Expo, where he escalated threats against cities and local leaders who refuse to participate in Donald Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda. During his remarks, Homan warned that communities declining to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement could face an increased federal presence and expanded immigration raids, including so-called “collateral arrests” that put entire families and neighborhoods at risk.\n\nIn response, Congresswoman Grijalva and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued the following statement:\n\n“Let’s not sugarcoat this. What Tom Homan said is a threat. Flat out. He’s saying that if cities don’t fall in line, he’s going to flood our neighborhoods with federal agents. And when he talks about ‘collateral arrests,’ we know exactly what that means. It’s not just targets — it’s everyone: parents, workers, people who’ve lived here for years getting swept up for simply being in the wrong place.\n\nThat’s intimidation. That’s using fear to force local communities to carry out Trump’s mass deportation agenda.\n\nLaw enforcement leaders across this country know that when immigrant families are too afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police, entire communities become less safe. Local leaders aren’t the problem here — they’re the ones actually trying to keep our communities safe.\n\nThreatening cities for trying to build trust between residents and law enforcement isn’t leadership, it’s reckless and counterproductive. We’re not backing down. Not to fear tactics. Not to political theater. Our job is to protect our communities, not terrorize them. And that’s exactly what we’re going to keep doing.”\n\nYou can view the reaction video to Homan’s speechhere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=852", "title": "Congressman Hamadeh Announces Winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Abraham Hamadeh is proud to announce that Emily Chen, a sophomore attending school at home, is the winner of the 2026 AZ-08 Congressional Art Competition for her piece titled \"United in Dreams.\"\n\nEmily’s artwork will hang in the United States Capitol alongside artwork from other congressional districts across the country, where it will be seen by millions of visitors.\n\n\"Emily captured the true spirit of the United States of America in her work,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As I told her today, I look forward to sharing her art with visitors to our nation’s Capitol. They will be as inspired by it as I am.”\n\n“As I was reviewing all of the artwork pieces submitted this year, I couldn’t help but have great hope for the future of our country,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “If the young artists of Arizona’ 8th Congressional district are any indication, then I have no doubt the future will be bright and beautiful.”\n\nEmily describes her original acrylic painting depicting a mother and young daughter as, “a child learning about elements of U.S. culture and history that inspire and enable her to exercise creativity and imagination in her own life. The mom and daughter interaction represents the important values of family and education. The iconic images represent American ideals and achievements that encourage children to explore and realize their dreams.”\n\nThe 2nd place winner is Leighton S. Larson, a sophomore from Mountain Ridge High School, for his drawing \" McDonnel Douglas F-15 Eagle.\"\n\nThe 3rd place winner is Phuong Nguyen, a sophomore at Basis Peoria, for his drawing \"A Nation in the Making.\"\n\nThe 2nd place winner’s art will be hung in Congressman Hamadeh’s Congressional Office in Washington, D.C. and the 3rd place winner’s artwork will be displayed at the Congressman’s district office in Surprise, Arizona.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-bay-area-lawmakers-urge-trump-admin-to-release-funding-for-san-francisco-bay-wildlife-refuge-complex", "title": "Huffman, Bay Area Lawmakers Urge Trump Admin to Release Funding for San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge Complex", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02), alongside other Bay Area lawmakers, urged the Trump administration to release millions of dollars of Congressionally approved funds for San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex), which have been subject to bureaucratic delay at the U.S. Department of Interior.\n\nThe San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an important part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and in December 2022 and January 2023 experienced severe winter storm damage to its berms, levees, and pump stations that are critical to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s ability to protect Bay Area communities from flooding and manage and restore natural habitats.\n\nThe lawmakers expressed deep concern that the Complex has yet to receive the full $70 million allocated to them as a part of the 2025 American Relief Act, funding that is crucial to addressing winter storm damage and preventing future flooding in Northern California.\n\n“We understand that most of these funds have not been released to the Refuge Complex. Further, we understand that the Department of the Interior is requiring any expense action over $50,000 to be approved by various Assistant Secretaries within the Department. This bureaucratic delay is unnecessary and inefficient, especially for dollars that were appropriated by Congress for major disasters three years ago,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\n“We urgently request that you release these funds Congress has appropriated to the Complex to address storm damage and emergency repairs, protect adjacent communities and highways from flooding, and protect important Silicon Valley communities,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nIn addition to Huffman, this letter is also signed by Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif. And Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), and Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16).", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-members-huffman-garcia-pallone-craig-beyer-demand-answers-on-how-trumps-illegal-war-with-iran-is-driving-up-costs-for-american-families", "title": "Ranking Members Huffman, Garcia, Pallone, Craig, Beyer Demand Answers on How Trump’s Illegal War with Iran Is Driving Up Costs for American Families", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "huffman.house.gov", "scraper": "huffman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001068", "name": "Jared Huffman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jared Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Rep. Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, and Rep. Don Beyer Jr., Senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, sent a letter to President Trump demanding answers on how his illegal war with Iran is driving up the cost of living for everyday Americans. Consumer prices have reached their fastest growth in almost two years as a spike in oil costs feeds into our economy, and the war has already cost taxpayers approximately $2 billion per day during the initial phase of attacks.\n\nIn the letter to President Trump, the Members wrote, “As your illegal war with Iran continues into its third month with on and off again negotiations and naval blockade, you have unleashed chaos, undermined our national security, and escalated the conflict by threatening war crimes including wiping out an entire civilization and destroying civilian infrastructure. It is clear that you chose to start your war without coherent or realistic strategic objectives, and with no plan to prevent Iran from expanding its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz. The impacts of your war will be felt for years, and the consequences of your reckless decision to drag America into war are increasingly falling on the American public.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2535", "title": "ANNOUNCEMENT: Staff Office Hours", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AMARILLO, Texas — Today, the Office of Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced upcoming mobile office hours for May in Follet, Vega, Miami, and Wellington hosted by congressional staff. Constituents are encouraged to attend if they need assistance with a federal agency or to learn more about the office's services. Please bring all documentation if you require assistance with a federal agency case. No appointment is necessary. Additional questions should be directed to Rep. Jackson’s Amarillo office at (806) 641-5600.\n\nFollett (Lipscomb County)\n\nTuesday, May 12, 2026\n\n10:00AM - 2:00PM CT\n\nFollett Community Center\n\n102 S. Bruce St.\n\nFollett, TX 79034\n\nVega (Oldham County)\n\nWednesday, May 13, 2026\n\n10:00AM - 2:00PM CT\n\nVega City Hall\n\n900 Main St.\n\nVega, TX 79092\n\nMiami (Roberts County)\n\nWednesday, May 20, 2026\n\n10:00AM - 2:00PM CT\n\nRoberts County Annex\n\n122 E. Water St.\n\nMiami, TX 79059\n\nWellington (Collingsworth County)\n\nFriday, May 22, 2026\n\n10:00AM - 2:00PM CT\n\nCity Council Room\n\n802 10th Street\n\nWellington, TX79095", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2536", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Joins the FAIR Labels Act, Fights for Texas Ranchers and Cattlemen", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) recently co-led the introduction of Rep. Mark Alford’s (MO-4) Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act, which will strengthen transparency for consumers and protect Texas ranchers and cattle producers by establishing clear labeling standards for cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products.\n\n“Americans deserve to know exactly what’s on their plate. As the representative of Texas’ top cattle-producing district, I’ve seen firsthand the hard work and high standards our ranchers and cattlemen bring to producing the best beef in the world,” said Rep. Jackson. “For years, fake meat companies have exploited the reputation built by America’s cattle producers to mislead consumers and market fundamentally different products. The FAIR Labels Act ensures clear labeling of cell-cultivated and plant-based products, giving families the transparency needed to make informed choices about their food.”\n\n“Food labels should be clear and avoid any attempt to mislead, confuse or misrepresent what is included in the product,” said Laphe LaRoe, Chairman of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. “The FAIR Labels Act requires USDA and FDA to develop food product definitions that will alleviate consumer confusion and provide certainty that the labels on the food we purchase are truthful. TCFA appreciates Rep. Jackson for his work and leadership on this important issue that will benefit beef consumers and cattle producers.”\n\n“Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) appreciates Congressman Ronny Jackson’s leadership on the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act,\" said Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau. \"This legislation is an important step toward ensuring transparency in the marketplace, protecting the integrity of real meat products, and preventing consumers from being misled. We urge Congress to pass this legislation.”\n\n“Currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace,” said Gene Copenhaver, President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. “For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like ‘meat’ and ‘beef’ to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing. The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen. We thank these members of the House and Senate for their efforts to protect truthful beef labeling and deliver clarity in the marketplace.”\n\nAdditional cosponsors include Representatives Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Flood (NE-01), August Pfluger (TX-11), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Jason Smith (MO-08), and Tony Wied (WI-08).\n\nBill text can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/06/leader-jeffries-and-rep-velazquez-secure-1-85-million-in-federal-funding-for-reconstruction-of-broadway-corridor/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES AND REP. VELÁZQUEZ SECURE $1.85 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF BROADWAY CORRIDOR", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) announced that they secured $1,850,000 in federal community project funding for the reconstruction of Brooklyn’s Broadway Corridor.\n\nLeader Jeffries and Rep. Velázquez were joined by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Council Member Sandy Nurse (CD-37), NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn, Community Board 4 District Manager Celeste León and others.\n\n“Taxpayer dollars should be spent right here, on the ground in the community, to make your life better, and Congresswoman Velázquez and I are bringing home almost $2 million. This really is an all-hands-on-deck effort to make sure we’re bringing resources back to the community to improve the lives of the people that all of us are privileged to represent and fight hard for each and every day,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “The Broadway Corridor is the heart and soul of this community, and we want to make sure that we treat this area with the dignity and respect that it deserves.”\n\n“Broadway is a lifeline for the small businesses, families and commuters who rely on it every day. Securing $1.85 million to help rebuild this corridor means safer crosswalks for our kids, better sidewalks for our seniors and a roadway that finally meets the needs of the community. I’m proud to partner with Leader Jeffries to bring these federal dollars to Brooklyn,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).\n\n“NYC DOT has worked to upgrade safety at intersections along Broadway over the years, but we know the corridor poses safety and infrastructure challenges that requires a full roadway rehabilitation. This federal funding from Leader Jeffries and Congressmember Velazquez is an important step to develop this project—and we thank all the elected officials and the community for their support,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn.\n\n“This investment from Leader Jeffries and Representative Velázquez represents a true collaboration from the federal and city government to make a meaningful difference in this neglected corridor of Broadway. From Williamsburg to East New York, locals have long demanded action to make Broadway safe for pedestrians and drivers alike. With this investment from our Congressional leaders alongside my joint investment with Council Member Sandy Nurse, the ball is now in DOT’s court. The time has come to finally fix Broadway,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.\n\n“This corridor is a lifeline. We use it every single day. There are tons of small businesses on this corridor, immigrant-owned businesses, women-owned businesses. We want to see this corridor invested in so that people can feel safe, that we can have pedestrian safety, vehicle safety and that it looks like a world-class city that we are already in,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse (CD-37). “This is just seed money on a very, very expensive project, but a project that is long, long overdue. I’m really, really grateful that it’s coming to fruition, and I’m looking forward to moving the project forward.”\n\n“Bushwick has seen so much change. Yet there are parts that are still frozen in time, and Broadway is an example of that. And we don’t take it for granted, the partnership that we have with our local elected officials. That’s something that’s special,” said Celeste León, District Manager for Community Board 4. “We hear from the residents in the community. We hear about the seniors that have an accident and fall. We hear about the parents that have children say, ‘why does our neighborhood look like this?’ when they see neighborhoods that have a different environment, a different quality of life. And we are put in that position where we have to respond to those questions. And so, we thank our leaders for hearing us and for listening and for advocating.”\n\nThe federal funding for the New York City Department of Transportation will be used to remove the deteriorated concrete on Broadway between Flushing Avenue and Eastern Parkway and install an asphalt roadway that can be more easily maintained. It will also include safety improvements, including curb extensions, sidewalk repair and raised crosswalks at select locations.\n\nThe full press conference can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/press-releases/king-hinds-announces-winner-2026-congressional-art-competition", "title": "King-Hinds Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced Hyunyu Choi, a student at Saipan International School, as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. A panel of local judges selected Choi’s work from entries submitted by high school students across the Marianas.\n\n“Congratulations to Ms. Choi for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” Congresswoman King-Hinds said. “It was exciting to see the range of artwork submitted by our talented young artists. I want to thank all the students who participated, as well as the judges who had the difficult task of selecting this year’s winner. I also extend my congratulations to her art teacher, Ms. Victoria Sewell, for her students’ work.”\n\nChoi’s piece, titled “Culture Under the Promise”, is an oil painting that depicts the bond between Chamorro and Carolinian generations thriving in political union with the United States.\n\nThe winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside entries from across the country. Choi will also be invited to attend the Congressional Art Competition National Reception in Washington, D.C.\n\nKing-Hinds said she looks forward to seeing the artwork displayed in the Capitol. “I’ve enjoyed walking the halls and seeing the student artwork on display,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing Ms. Choi’s piece included this year.”\n\nEach spring, Members of Congress host the Congressional Art Competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent among high school students in their districts. Students may submit artwork in a variety of media, including oil, charcoal, watercolor, pencil, photography, collage, printmaking, and computer-generated art.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-joins-mount-prospect-fire-department-commemorate-850k-he", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Joins Mount Prospect Fire Department to Commemorate $850K He Secured for Fire Station Improvements", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MOUNT PROSPECT, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today joined the Mount Prospect Fire Department, local leaders, and first responders at Fire Station 11 to commemorate $850,000 in federal funding he secured to support critical renovations that strengthen emergency response capabilities in Mount Prospect and surrounding communities.\n\n“The Mount Prospect Fire Department has taken on expanded responsibilities—serving new areas, protecting more residents, and covering critical corridors like I-90. I secured this $850,000 investment to help them carry out their lifesaving mission. This funding means faster response times, safer working conditions, and more reliable coverage for the communities that depend on them,” said Krishnamoorthi.\n\nThe funding supported renovations completed in 2024 that enhance firefighter safety and expand operational capacity following the dissolution of the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District, after which the Mount Prospect Fire Department assumed responsibility for a significantly larger service area, including manufactured home communities without hydrant systems, commercial and industrial corridors, and a three-mile stretch of the I-90 tollway. The investment builds on steps the department has already taken to meet rising demand, including hiring additional firefighters, adding a fourth ambulance, and repositioning resources to improve coverage across the village.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/krishnamoorthi-slams-fda-approval-fruit-flavored-vapes-warns-risks-kids", "title": "Krishnamoorthi Slams FDA Approval of Fruit-Flavored Vapes, Warns of Risks to Kids", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "krishnamoorthi.house.gov", "scraper": "krishnamoorthi", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000391", "name": "Raja Krishnamoorthi", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus to End Youth Vaping and a leading congressional advocate for stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry and youth vaping prevention, today issued the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration approved fruit-flavored vaping products for sale in the United States.\n\n“By approving fruit-flavored vapes, the FDA has authorized exactly the type of product that fueled the youth vaping epidemic. I’ve spent years sounding the alarm about e-cigarette companies marketing flavored products that appeal to kids. Decisions like this should be driven by public health—not political pressure from Donald Trump. These products will inevitably make their way into the hands of young people. The FDA must closely monitor youth vaping rates and crack down immediately if they start climbing again. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that got a generation hooked on nicotine.”\n\nAs Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, Krishnamoorthi led multiple investigations into youth vaping and the marketing practices of e-cigarette companies, including efforts to crack down on flavored products that appealed to underage users. He has repeatedly called for stronger federal action to prevent youth nicotine addiction and hold companies accountable for marketing tactics aimed at children and teenagers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://lahood.house.gov/2026/5/lahood-hosts-11th-annual-16th-district-congressional-art-competition-reception", "title": "LaHood Hosts 11th Annual 16th District Congressional Art Competition Reception", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lahood.house.gov", "scraper": "lahood", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000585", "name": "Darin LaHood", "party": "Republican", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Peoria, Illinois – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) hosted his 11th annual reception for the Congressional Art Competition at the Peoria Riverfront Museum alongside President John Morris, where he announced this year’s finalists for Illinois’ 16th Congressional District.\n\n“Every year, I am amazed by the creativity and tremendous artistic talent of high school students throughout Illinois’ 16th Congressional District,” said Rep. LaHood. “This year was unique as we had a tie for second place – both pieces will be displayed in my Washington, D.C. Office. I thank all the teachers, families, and students who made this year's competition a success. Congratulations to all our finalists, and particularly this year’s winner, Namratha Dinesh, and her piece, ‘Just Like Amma,’ which will be hung in the United States Capitol for the next year. I look forward to seeing it again in Washington, D.C.!”\n\nPictured below is Namratha’s winning piece, “Just Like Amma”\n\nBackground:\n\nThis year was Congressman LaHood's eleventh Congressional Art Competition. Participants were judged anonymously by a volunteer panel, and award winners were chosen by a cumulative vote. There were 75 pieces of art submitted from 13 schools throughout the 16th District. This year’s pieces were on display throughout April at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.\n\nWinning Piece to be Hung in the Capitol:\n\nSecond Place Winners to be hung in Rep. LaHood's D.C. office:\n\n“Dunquin Pier, April 2, 7:47PM” by Elizabeth Jones, Metamora Township High School\n\n“Stillness Before the Verdict” by Halle Pfeiffer, East Peoria Community High School\n\nHonorable Mentions to be hung in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District offices:\n\n“The Ocean Remembers” by Mallory Pierce, Homeschool", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4176", "title": "Larsen Defends Reproductive Health Care", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would restrict access to mifepristone by reinstating a requirement that the drug be dispensed in person. Last week, the Fifth Circuit blocked access to mifepristone nationwide at retail pharmacies and in the mail, prompting the Supreme Court to temporarily restore access to the medication while the case proceeds on its emergency docket.\n\nThe lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. The Fifth Circuit’s decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but also undermines the evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling last week 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients nationwide.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nFirst approved in 2000 after extensive clinical trials and peer-reviewed research, mifepristone has been shown to be safe and effective for over 25 years. The medication is used in roughly 60 percent of abortions nationwide, and about 1 in 4 abortion patients use telemedicine to receive abortion care.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives. In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators. The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\nLarsen Fights for the Right to Choose, Reproductive Health Care\n\nRep. Larsen is a champion of ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care nationwide. Larsen supports suspending the filibuster to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which re-establishes a nationwide right to abortion and enshrines the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. He also supports protecting a doctor’s ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth to reach patients across the country, including in rural communities, and protecting a woman’s right to travel across state lines to receive abortion care.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/ice-reveals-over-16000-removals-in-san-diego-region-since-january-2025", "title": "ICE Reveals Over 16,000 Removals in San Diego Region Since January 2025", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "levin.house.gov", "scraper": "levin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000593", "name": "Mike Levin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In a Letter Response to Rep. Levin, ICE Discloses Removals by Country of Citizenship; No Information on Criminal Records\n\nCarlsbad, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released a letter sent by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the San Diego Congressional Delegation which reveals that removals in the San Diego Area of Removal (AOR) totaled 16,368 between January 20, 2025, and April 1, 2026. In the letter, ICE breaks down the removals by country of origin with the highest share of removals being from Mexico (10,847), Guatemala (996), and Venezuela (544).\n\nThe letter also reveals how ICE officers identify themselves, what attire they wear, and when they identify themselves as immigration officers. Despite Rep. Levin’s request for information about the criminal records of the removed individuals or whether judicial warrants were issued during operations, the letter does not include such data.\n\nRead the full ICE letter response here.\n\n“I suspect these high numbers are part of Stephen Miller’s demands to meet high detention quotas. What this letter does not answer is how many detainees and removals had a criminal record. That is a question that deserves an answer,” said Rep. Levin. “I expect ICE to keep even more data than this, and they need to be able to provide information on where they are detaining individuals and why. This type of oversight—requiring ICE to do public reporting—is something I will continue to advocate for. This letter paints only half the picture, not a full one.”\n\nThe letter responds to Rep. Levin’s July 2025 letter to ICE, which expressed concerns about ICE’s tactics during operations in Oceanside and requested information about the warrants involved and the detainees’ criminal records.\n\nRead Rep. Levin’s July 2025 letter here.\n\n“The information I requested will help the public understand the scale of the removal operations being undertaken by the Trump Administration,” continued Rep. Levin. “The public should use these numbers to hold the government accountable and to push for greater transparency about who is being targeted for removal. Without that context, raw deportation figures can easily be used to paint a misleading picture of what these operations actually look like on the ground.”\n\n\"I appreciate ICE's response, and it is largely consistent with what we believed to be occurring in San Diego. However, the numbers in this letter are quite troubling,” said Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50). \"When President Trump took office, he promised the American people that his immigration agenda would target the 'worst of the worst,' yet this letter raises serious questions: Are the 16,000 individuals who were removed from San Diego the 'worst of the worst'? Do they have criminal records, or are these removals simply part of a broader effort to hit an arbitrary quota by this Administration? Our constituents deserve to know who is being removed from their communities and why.”\n\n“It’s disappointing but not surprising that ICE won’t admit the truth – that they’re not targeting ‘the worst of the worst,’ and are instead attempting to eliminate all forms of legal immigration. ICE removed over 16,000 people from San Diego – our friends, neighbors, and hardworking people – who deserve due process, and not to be disappeared without a trace. San Diegans need real answers about what’s happening to people in our community, and this letter response from ICE is a joke. We will keep pressing for actual answers,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51).\n\n\"Donald Trump and Stephen Miller's mass deportation agenda has ripped families apart and created fear and chaos in our communities. These numbers are evidence of that. But ICE is still withholding information,\" said Rep. Juan. Vargas (CA-52). \"This lack of accountability and clarity from ICE is unacceptable. We need answers, and we will continue to demand them.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400352", "title": "McGovern Leads House Colleagues Urging Collaborative Approach to Combatting Transnational Crime", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/", "domain": "mcgovern.house.gov", "scraper": "mcgovern", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000312", "name": "James P. McGovern", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Representative James P. McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, led a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern over reports that the Administration is considering designating two Brazilian criminal groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). They warned such a move could undermine U.S.-Brazil relations and hinder effective strategies to combat transnational crime.\n\n“We are concerned the Trump Administration’s overuse and weaponization of Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designations without meeting the clear statutory threshold for terrorist activity could weaken efforts to thwart organized crime in our hemisphere,” the lawmakers wrote, continuing, “[m]oreover, given the Administration’s use of terrorist designations as a justification to commit extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, we are concerned by how the Administration may use such a designation.”\n\nThe letter calls on the State Department to provide Congress with clear evidence before pursuing any designation and emphasized that counterterrorism tools must be used responsibly to protect Americans—and not to interfere in Brazil’s internal affairs.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405682", "title": "Griffith Announces $4.89 Million HHS Grant to SWVA Head Start Programs", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Kids Central, Inc., based in Norton, Virginia, a $4,892,059 grant. The funding supports local head start and early head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Kids Central, Inc. leads head start programs in Southwest Virginia.\n\n“This HHS grant for more than $4.8 million helps a head start program provider continue serving communities in the region.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to its website, Kids Central, Inc. operates two head start programs: Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool. The former supports pregnant women and infants in Wise County and the City of Norton. The latter helps children and families in Wise County, Dickenson County and the City of Norton.\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397499", "title": "Nadler, 250+ Democrats Fight To Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nadler.house.gov/news", "domain": "nadler.house.gov", "scraper": "nadler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000002", "name": "Jerrold Nadler", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. —More than 250 House and Senate Democrats, including Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), filed 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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nThe lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nThe members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2960", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Hosts 112th Community Town Hall in Robert Lee", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ROBERT LEE, TX—Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) hosted his 112th community town hall in Robert Lee to discuss DHS funding, highlight the successes of the House-passed 2026 Farm Bill, and address water supply concerns in the region. Congressman Pfluger looks forward to partnering with state and local leaders to address the water supply concerns discussed during the meeting.\n\nCongressman Pfluger also gave a special recognition to Judge Hal Sapin, who will be retiring at the end of this year after more than a decade of distinguished service. Judge Spain's tenure has been defined by steady leadership and a deep commitment to the people of Coke County. Before entering elected office, Judge Spain served as County Commissioner and with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.\n\n\"It's always great to be in Coke County and meet face to face with the men and women I am blessed to fight for in Washington. These conversations are invaluable in helping me serve you in Congress, and I sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to attend, listen, and ask questions,\" said Congressman Pfluger. \"It was also a distinct honor to recognize Judge Spain for his years of steadfast service to this community. I have been extremely grateful for his leadership and friendship, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6774", "title": "Federal Judge Orders Olivia Andre’s Release from Dilley, Pingree Announces", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "pingree.house.gov", "scraper": "pingree", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000597", "name": "Chellie Pingree", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Just hours after returning to Maine from San Antonio, Texas, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) shared news that a federal district court judge has ordered Olivia Andre’s release from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing center in Dilley, Texas. According to Olivia’s lawyer, Elora Mukherjee, the judge’s order states she must be released by no later than Friday, May 8.\n\n“I am overwhelmed with joy and relief that Olivia will finally be released and reunited with her family. Yesterday, I sat with Olivia in Dilley and heard how she struggled through every second of her time in detention. Words cannot describe how heartbreaking it was to leave knowing she was still trapped there in utter despair. Olivia should never have been left locked away in Dilley, far from her family, her community, and the life she was building in Portland. But today, after six months of fear, pain, and uncertainty, Olivia is finally coming home,” Pingree said. “Olivia’s release is a testament to the power of public pressure, persistent advocacy, and the simple truth that no one seeking safety should be subjected to this kind of needless cruelty. Now, ICE must release Olivia without delay so she can be reunited with her family and begin to heal where she belongs: at home in Maine.”\n\n\"I just spoke with Olivia. She is overwhelmed with emotion to learn that she will be coming home to Maine. Olivia and her family should never have been detained. The federal court ordered her release because the Trump administration had no lawful basis for detaining her. She suffered in detention for six months in violation of federal law and the U.S. Constitution's protections. Her mental and physical health deteriorated during this time because she did not have access to sufficient clean drinking water, palatable food, or appropriate medical care,” Mukherjee said. “All children and families should be released from Dilley immediately. There are cost-effective and humane alternatives to detaining children and families. Protecting children from needless cruelty is not an enormous ask. Our humanity demands it of us.\"\n\nOn Tuesday, Pingree—along with colleagues U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Christian Menefee (D-Texas), and Mark Takano (D-Calif.)—conducted an official oversight visit of the Dilley detention center. They had the opportunity to meet with more than 60 people detained there and heard firsthand accounts of their treatment and the facility conditions. Pingree met with Olivia during the visit.\n\nOlivia, a 19-year-old student, has been detained in the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas since November. In a letter to ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, Pingree called for immediate release and questioned the legal basis for her continued detention, as no explanation had been given to Andre or her legal counsel.\n\nOlivia and her family are asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and have been living in Portland, where Olivia was a first-year nursing student. The rest of her family—mother Carine Balenda Mbizi; brother Joel Andre, 16; and sister Estafania Andre, 14—were released from the Dilley Processing Center in March.\n\nPingree previously conducted oversight visits of the ICE field office in Scarborough, Maine and the ICE facility in Burlington, Mass.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6047", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR RONALD RUSSELL", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 6, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR RONALD RUSSELL\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Ronald E. Russell:\n\n\"It is with a heavy heart that I share my deepest condolences on the passing of former Senate President Ronald E. Russell Esq., a man whose life was a testament to the profound impact one person can have on an entire community.\n\n\"Ronald Russell was, in every sense, a son of these islands. Raised by his beloved grandmother, the legendary educator Eulalie Rivera, he carried her commitment to education and community throughout his life. His public service was deeply shaped by his roots in Frederiksted, his education as an attorney, as an athlete representing his home, and a belief in service to Virgin Islanders at every level of government. From his work as legal counsel to the Board of Education, the Public Services Commission, the Coastal Zone Management, and the Judicial Ethics Commission, to his distinguished tenure in the Legislature, culminating in his service as Senate President of the 29th Legislature, Senator Russell gave the best of himself to his people.\n\n\"As Delegate to Congress, I was proud to work alongside him as he demonstrated his intellectual rigor and deep humanity. His passing leaves a void in our public life.\n\n\"To his wife, Royette, his children, his family, his colleagues at the V.I. Bar, and the community of Frederiksted that shaped him and that he served so faithfully, please know that you are in my and Jonathan's prayers. May God grant you comfort and peace, and may Senator Russell's legacy continue to inspire the next generation of Virgin Islanders called to serve. May he rest in eternal peace.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/06/in-chelsea-pressley-celebrates-922000-delivered-for-rocas-managing-trauma-in-corrections-program/", "title": "In Chelsea, Pressley Celebrates $922,000 Delivered for Roca’s ‘Managing Trauma in Corrections’ Program", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Federal Dollars Help Roca Support Youth Cycling Through Incarceration and Correctional Officers Addressing Trauma\n\nPressley Has Led Efforts in Congress to Address Trauma and Build a More Just, Equitable Criminal Legal System\n\nPhoto (Dropbox) | Video (YouTube)\n\nCHELSEA – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) visited Chelsea to celebrate the $922,000 in federal community project funding she delivered for Roca, Inc’s “Managing Trauma in Corrections” program. The federal dollars secured by the Congresswoman, which passed under a previous spending bill signed by President Biden, helped create the new program at Roca, which supports young people cycling through incarceration and correctional officers addressing and mitigating trauma.\n\nCongresswoman Pressley has led efforts in Congress to address trauma and transform our criminal legal system to center the dignity and humanity of every person.\n\nDuring her visit, the Congresswoman participated in a roundtable discussion, tour of the building, and press conference with Roca leadership, staff, and impacted families and youth served by Roca.\n\n“The team at Roca have been incredible partners in our shared work to end cycles of trauma and violence across Chelsea and across our Commonwealth,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “It was a joy to visit Roca, to hear directly from the people they serve, and to celebrate the vital role they play pouring into our young people and strengthening our communities. While Trump and Republicans terrorize our communities and traumatize our children, I’m grateful for organizations like Roca who’ve been standing in the gap.”\n\n“Our intervention model has proven to be very effective at helping the highest-risk young people heal their trauma and learn skills required to achieve long-term behavior change,” said Molly Baldwin, CEO and Founder of Roca, Inc. “That drives dramatically reduced rates of recidivism and helps young people choose a better, more productive path, while enhancing public safety and saving taxpayers money. We are enormously grateful for Congresswoman Pressley’s leadership in securing this funding. This allowed us to impact more young people through our reentry work and expand our Rewire4 training, which helps corrections staff better understand and support the individuals in their custody.”\n\nPhotos from the event are available here and video of the press conference is available here.\n\nPhoto Credit: Congresswoman Pressley’s office\n\nThe Managing Trauma in Corrections (MTC) program modified Roca’s existing Rewire4 training materials being used by the Baltimore Police Department as training materials to support their officers addressing vicarious trauma, for use by correctional facilities across Massachusetts. The project would also serve all emerging adults with customized services designed to give young people the tools and skills critical to behavior change, regardless of the length of time they are detained or incarcerated.\n\nSince its launch, Roca’s MTC program has achieved strong outcomes, significantly advancing its goal of reducing recidivism and improving behavioral health for high-risk, justice-involved emerging adults across Massachusetts. Grounded in Roca’s Intervention Model—combining relentless outreach, Rewire CBT, life skills development, and community partnerships—the initiative substantially exceeded its original service targets, engaging over 1,051 young people statewide compared to a goal of 400–500 between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.\n\nRep. Pressley has secured approximately $43 million in federal community project funding for the Massachusetts 7th since Fiscal Year 2022.\n\nOn September 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley visited Chinatown to celebrate the $425,000 in community project funding she secured for the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center.\n\nOn March 27, 2025, Rep. Pressley visited East Boston to celebrate the $1 million in federal funding she delivered to expand the Digital Literacy (DigLit) Initiative in Boston, a critical program that helps workforce development programs address digital literacy gaps.\n\nOn October 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Turner Free Mobile Library, a bookmobile carrying books, movies, Wi-Fi, and other resources for community members, made possible by the $524,000 she delivered in funding for the library and STEM programming.\n\nOn October 10, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Just A Start, elected officials and community advocates and members for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons, a 70,000-square-foot facility designed to address the evolving needs of the community.\n\nOn June 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Boston Medical Center (BMC) to celebrate $370,000 in federal community project funding she secured to support BMC’s Violence Intervention Advocacy Program.\n\nOn June 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea HealthCare Center to celebrate $1,150,000 in federal community project funding she secured to support Massachusetts General Hospital’s (MGH) efforts to address the statewide shortage of bilingual, culturally diverse mental health providers for immigrant and limited English proficiency communities.\n\nOn April 22, 2204, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) visited Nubian Square in Roxbury for a roundtable discussion to celebrate the $1,000,000 million in federal funding they secured for the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).\n\nOn March 28, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.\n\nIn February 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea City Hall for a roundtable and press conference to celebrate the $750,000 in federal funding she secured for the City of Chelsea’s and City of Everett’s Island End River Coastal Flood Resilience Project.\n\nIn January 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Somerville to celebrate the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood.\n\nIn December 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Brighton to celebrate $400,000 she delivered for Amplify Latinx’s ALX Small Business Program.\n\nIn November 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Roxbury Community College (RCC) to celebrate $1 million in federal community project funding she secured for Northeastern University’s Roxbury Associate’s to Master’s Workforce Accelerator (RA2MWA).\n\nIn June 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea to celebrate $2,000,000 in federal community project funding she secured to improve the Broadway Corridor—home to an array of BIPOC-owned small businesses, vibrant public spaces, high frequency public transit routes, and dense residential housing.\n\nIn April 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph to celebrate $524,000 she secured for Randolph Public Schools to support a mobile library and STEM programming.\n\nIn March 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Dorchester to celebrate $250,000 in new Community Project Funding she secured for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston’s one-to-one mentoring and enrichment programs for girls.\n\nIn February 2023, Rep. Pressley visited the African Community Economic Development of New England (ACEDONE) to celebrate the $643,003 in community project funding she secured for ACEDONE to support small businesses in predominately Black, brown and African immigrant communities.\n\nIn October 2022, Rep. Pressley visited The Dimock Center in Roxbury to celebrate $1 million in federal community project funding she secured to support substance use treatment and programming at the health center.\n\nIn August 2022, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph to deliver $275,000 in federal community project funding for culturally responsive resources and digital literacy tools for Randolph Public Schools.\n\nIn June 2022, Rep. Pressley visited the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology to deliver $300,000 in direct federal funding for the development of a Clean Energy Building Automation Systems certificate and associate degree program.\n\nIn May 2022, she visited Bunker Hill Community College to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal community project funding she secured to expand the City of Boston’s Tuition-Free Community College program.\n\nIn April 2022, she visited Randolph to deliver $1,000,000 in federal community project funding for a new school-based community health center at Randolph High School.\n\nIn March 2022, she visited La Colaborativa in Chelsea to celebrate the $300,000 in federal community project funding that she delivered for La Colaborativa’s COVID Employment Recovery Program.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401966", "title": "Rep. Simpson Cosponsors FAIR Labels Act", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 8596, the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing misleading labels on alternative protein products. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO).\n\n“Beef is one of Idaho’s most important agricultural commodities,” said Rep. Simpson, an original cosponsor. “Falsely labeling a plant-based or lab-grown protein hurts farmers, ranchers, and consumers. It's basic common sense to ensure that the products Americans put in their grocery carts are accurately labeled. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation and advocate for Idaho’s cattle industry.”\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\n\nThe Senate companion of the FAIR Labels Act is led by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and John Fetterman (D-PA).", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/housing-task-force-chair-rep-sykes-pushes-back-on-trump-administration-proposal-threatening-access-to-housing", "title": "Housing Task Force Chair Rep. Sykes Pushes Back on Trump Administration Proposal Threatening Access to Housing", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition Housing Task Force, announced that she has led a group of NDC members in submitting a comment in response to a proposed rulemaking from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would impose strict time limits and work requirements on residents who rely on federal assistance to access stable housing.\n\nRep. Sykes and her colleagues argue that imposing inflexible and arbitrary time limits or work requirements would put millions of low-income families at risk of losing housing during an ongoing housing crisis that has already made access to affordable housing a challenge for hardworking Americans.\n\nThe letter reads in part:\n\n“Federal rental assistance programs help more than 10 million people access safe, stable, and affordable housing. By putting more barriers in front of Americans who need support, we make it more likely that they will have to choose unsafe housing options or may lose housing altogether. A two-year time limit, as envisioned by HUD’s proposed rule, would put more than 3 million people, half of whom are children, at risk of eviction or homelessness.”\n\nRep. Sykes has worked with New Democrat Coalition members to advance commonsense solutions to build more affordable housing and lower costs throughout the 119th Congress. The Coalition’s Affordability Agenda lays out a series of policies to cut red tape and quickly drive down the cost of housing by building four million new homes in the next ten years. The New Dem Affordability Agenda draws on the Housing Task Force’s 2025 Housing Affordability Agenda, which endorses fourteen bills led by New Dem members that aim to increase the supply of housing, expand access to financing for buyers and renters, and improve housing data and transparency to ensure resources are dedicated to the areas of highest need.\n\nYou can read the full comment letter here, and below:\n\nTo the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel:\n\nWe, the undersigned Member of the New Democrat Coalition, submit this comment in opposition to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (“HUD”) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, “Establishing Flexibility for Implementation of Work Requirements and Term Limits.”\n\nIn the midst of a housing crisis, the federal government should not undermine stable housing options, particularly for low- and moderate-income families that rely on federal assistance to keep a roof over their heads. Allowing Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and owners of HUD- assisted housing to deny assistance to residents who exceed arbitrary time limits or who do not meet inflexible work requirements will destabilize families and likely result in homelessness for some. As we tackle affordability challenges in the housing market, we should not erode safety nets that keep families off the streets.\n\nThe New Democrat Coalition has long supported policies to develop more housing, providing more affordable and accessible options for Americans. Housing is one of the most fundamental economic issues that the federal government must confront in order to ensure American competitiveness and the survival of the American dream. New Dems has consistently advocated for smart solutions to make communities where everyone has access to safe, decent, affordable housing and the amenities needed to thrive.\n\nFederal rental assistance programs help more than 10 million people access safe, stable, and affordable housing. By putting more barriers in front of Americans who need support, we make it more likely that they will have to choose unsafe housing options or may lose housing altogether. A two-year time limit, as envisioned by HUD’s proposed rule, would put more than 3 million people, half of whom are children, at risk of eviction or homelessness. To be sure, this proposal does not require adoption of these policies, but HUD’s proposed changes would allow these time and work requirements to come into being at a time where housing is difficult to reach for many. Furthermore, HUD is seeking to provide a path for states to require the adoption of time limits or burdensome work reporting requirements through this rulemaking. This would mean, for example, that PHAs in states enacting such a mandate would be forced to implement these policies without additional federal financial support.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-nearly-42-million-to-support-community-health-in-summit-and-stark-counties", "title": "Rep. Sykes Announces Nearly $4.2 Million to Support Community Health in Summit and Stark Counties", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded a total of $4,178,319 to two health centers in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. My Community Health Center in Canton will receive $983,333 and Axesspointe Community Health Center Inc. in Akron will receive $3,194,986.\n\n“Community health centers are essential for public health, especially in Northeast Ohio. As healthcare costs continue to rise, these organizations can be the difference between life and death for some families,” said Rep. Sykes. “Investing in these programs is vital to keep our communities strong.”\n\n“We are grateful for the continued commitment of Congresswoman Emilia Sykes in securing funding for our health center—an essential investment in the health and well-being of our community. This support helps ensure access to critical health services and allows individuals and families to receive timely, high-quality care when they need it most,” said Mark Frisone, Executive Director of Axess Family Services.\n\nThis grant will help both organizations, as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), continue to provide quality, evidence-based care to individuals regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Both organizations as FQHCs are nonprofits, focusing on providing healthcare to people who would otherwise not be able to afford it. They offer essential services, including primary care, behavioral health treatment, and pharmaceutical care to over 40,000 patients combined.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-takano-announces-6452972-in-federal-funding-for-western-municipal-water-district", "title": "Rep. Takano Announces $6,452,972 in Federal Funding for Western Municipal Water District", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "takano.house.gov", "scraper": "takano", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000472", "name": "Mark Takano", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "RIVERSIDE, CA — Today, Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39) announced $6,452,972 in federal funds have been awarded to Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) to support a project addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) near March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County. The funding, secured through FY 2022 and FY 2023 appropriations, will be used to rehabilitate aging sewer infrastructure to help prevent PFAS from entering the region’s wastewater system.\n\n“I am proud to help bring these funds to the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Takano. “Californians know how precious our water resources are, and I am pleased that these federal dollars will help ensure our water supply remains safe and abundant. I will continue working in a bipartisan manner to ensure our community has the funding needed to complete projects that make a difference. Congratulations to Western Municipal Water District on their successful application and their continued work to safeguard our water resources.”\n\nThe project will take place near March Air Reserve Base, where Western Water receives wastewater at its Western Water Recycling Facility, which is not designed to treat PFAS. By repairing and sealing sections of aging sewer lines on the base, the project will reduce the amount of PFAS entering the system before it reaches the treatment facility, supporting continued use of recycled water for irrigation, parks, schools, and groundwater recharge.\n\n“This is about being proactive and making smart investments where they matter most,” said Craig Miller, General Manager of Western Water. “Our facility isn’t designed to treat PFAS, so the right approach is to stop it from entering the system in the first place. By improving infrastructure near March Air Reserve Base, we’re protecting water quality, supporting recycled water use, and getting more value from the system we already have.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-introduces-resolution-recognizing-national-postpartum-awareness-week-for-communities-of-color", "title": "Tlaib Introduces Resolution Recognizing National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tlaib.house.gov/press", "domain": "tlaib.house.gov", "scraper": "tlaib", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000481", "name": "Rashida Tlaib", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DETROIT — Ahead of Mother’s Day, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Chair of the Congressional Mamas’ Caucus, introduced a House Resolution Recognizing National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color. This resolution honors women, pregnant people, and their families by recognizing the unique challenges faced by communities of color, supports efforts to combat institutional racism, advocates for equitable maternal health policies, and celebrates organizations working to spread awareness on postpartum health issues.\n\n“As Chair of the Congressional Mamas’ Caucus, I know the postpartum health crisis impacts so many mothers and families in Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes due to racial bias in medicine and a healthcare system that has failed them for far too long,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “We must act with urgency at the federal level by investing in community-based care, protecting and expanding Medicaid, supporting doulas and midwives, and passing sweeping, holistic legislation. Communities of color deserve equitable, comprehensive healthcare.”\n\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women in the United States have the highest rate of maternal mortality related to pregnancy and childbirth complications compared to other wealthy nations. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by these complications, and Black women and American Native or Alaskan women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.\n\nBlack, Latina, and multiracial women are also significantly more likely to be mistreated or discriminated against in our healthcare system during pregnancy, and their requests for help consistently go ignored with fatal consequences.\n\nThe CDC reports that 86 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable through timely recognition and diagnosis of urgent maternal warning signs. Equitable access to quality maternal care is essential to supporting mothers, pregnant people, and families at a critical point in their lives.\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by 4Kira4Moms, American Association of Birth Centers, American College of Nurse-Midwives, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Ancient Song Inc., BGMH Foundation, Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood, Black Mamas Village, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Brooklyn Perinatal Network Inc., Center for Reproductive Rights, Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), Doula C.A.R.E Alliance, Dr. Shalon Maternal Action Project, Elara Caring, Families USA, Family Values @ Work, Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Maternity Care Coalition, Michigan Chamber for Reproductive Justice, MomsRising, Mothering Justice, Mothering Justice Action Fund, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Association of Certified Professional Midwives, National Birth Equity Collaborative, National Black Doulas Association, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Once Upon A Preemie Inc., Physicians for Reproductive Health, Reproductive Freedom for All, Speak Move Change Collective, Tribal Health, Urban Mommy Inc., Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, and ZERO TO THREE.\n\nYou can read the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3771", "title": "Trahan Announces Acton-Boxborough High School Student as Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "trahan.house.gov", "scraper": "trahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000482", "name": "Lori Trahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Massachusetts' Third District. The winners were announced at her annual art competition reception held at The Chelmsford Center for the Arts.\n\n“Every year, this competition reminds me just how much talent we have right here in the Third District,” said Congresswoman Trahan. \"Nate's painting stopped me in my tracks – there's a real stillness and maturity to it that you don't expect from a high school student. I'm so proud of him and every student who had the courage to put their work in front of a panel of judges. The fact that 'Midsummer Indolence' will hang in the United States Capitol is a tribute not just to Nate, but to the incredible arts community we have across this district.\"\n\nThe winner of this year's competition is Nate Kim, an 11th grader at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. His piece, titled \"Midsummer Indolence,\" was created using oil paint on canvas and depicts a young child fishing by a pond, surrounded by lush green grass and plants. The painting will be displayed in the United States Capitol later this year alongside winning pieces from other congressional districts.\n\nTrahan also announced the runners-up for this year's competition:\n\nSecond Place: Yumeng Mia Li from the Groton School with her submission titled \"The Wash\"\n\nThird Place (tie): Westford Academy student Navya Katru's \"Suspension\" and Concord Academy student Krithik Davarjan's \"Green Miles of the Routine: The Milkman\"\n\nThis year's winners were selected by a three-judge panel: Sara Bogosian, President and Executive Director of the Whistler House Museum of Art in Lowell; Eileen Williston, Executive Director of The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord; and Emily Mazzola, Curator at the Fitchburg Art Museum.\n\nAbout the Congressional Art Competition: Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the country and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 700,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative's office, and panels of local artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. First-place pieces are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and the winner will be invited to a celebratory reception in Washington, D.C. in June.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-urges-bis-to-modernize-technology-to-strengthen-export-control-enforcement/", "title": "Senator Banks Urges BIS to Modernize Technology to Strengthen Export Control Enforcement", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to the Department of Commerce encouraging the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to strengthen export control enforcement by adopting modern commercial technology, data, and open-source intelligence tools.\n\nSee the full letter here or read below:\n\nDear Under Secretary Kessler:\n\nI am writing to ask about plans at the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to leverage commercially available software, datasets, and open-source intelligence tools to strengthen export control enforcement. Historically, BIS’ critical mission has been impeded by its antiquated core technologies, software, and databases. BIS’s underlying access to data, software, and open-source intelligence is vital to the agency’s performance: it allows BIS agents and analysts to focus on actual export control enforcement instead of being buried in paperwork.\n\nThe Trump Administration has rightly brought advanced technology and skilled technologists into government, including through the United States Tech Force. We now have the opportunity to ensure that BIS has access to high-quality technology to fulfill its mission.\n\nBIS lacks access to key commercial and government data needed for effective export control enforcement. One significant gap is BIS’s lack of access to commercial teardown intelligence on AI chips. For example, Reuters reported that BIS learned of Huawei’s arrangement to obtain millions of TSMC logic dies through Sophgo only after a teardown intelligence firm uncovered it.[1] BIS did not identify the apparent violation itself; it learned of it only after the teardown intelligence firm alerted TSMC, which then notified BIS. This example highlights a broader challenge: BIS lacks timely access to some of the most valuable commercial data relevant to export control enforcement. BIS could engage providers of commercial teardown intelligence to help trace adversaries’ chips and detect potential violations earlier, including in cases like Sophgo.\n\nBIS has an opportunity to make greater use of commercially available software tools. Such tools can help investigators and analysts access, integrate, and analyze open-source intelligence, market data, trade data, corporate data, and other commercially available information relevant to export control enforcement. The private sector has developed a range of tools that can help identify suspicious procurement networks, map corporate relationships, flag anomalies, and surface potential evasion activity more quickly than government systems alone.\n\nBIS has a timely opportunity to close these gaps, harness new technology, and become more efficient. With this in mind, I request a staff-level briefing to discuss the following topics:\n\nWhat are your current plans to improve BIS software and incorporate new technologies to make BIS more efficient?\n\nWhat commercially available investigative, open-source intelligence, and data-analysis software tools is BIS currently using to support export control enforcement?\n\nWhat plans does BIS have to procure additional commercially available investigative, open-source intelligence, and data-analysis software tools to strengthen export control enforcement?\n\nWho within BIS is responsible for leading open-source software and data modernization efforts?\n\nDoes BIS plan to contract with commercial providers of teardown intelligence or other specialized commercial data sources relevant to export control enforcement?\n\nWhat additional resources or authorities from Congress would help BIS accelerate adoption of commercially available software, data, or open-source intelligence tools?\n\nBIS is a critical national security agency that deserves to be empowered with the best technology. I encourage you to explore ways to make BIS more efficient by investing into new sources of data and open-source software, and I look forward to supporting you in this critical work.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/photo-blackburn-joins-turning-point-usa-rally-at-ut-knoxville-and-takes-questions-from-students", "title": "PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Turning Point USA Rally at UT Knoxville and Takes Questions from Students", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after speaking at a Turning Point USA “Pick Up the Mic” event at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she answered questions from students and attendees on faith, family, culture, protecting life, election integrity, and other public policy issues:\n\n“Charlie Kirk’s legacy was alive and well last night in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it was so encouraging to hear from young people who care deeply about their faith, their conservative values, and the future of this country,” said Senator Blackburn. “At a time when political violence and division is at an all-time high, I am grateful to Turning Point for giving students across the country opportunities to peacefully gather, speak their minds, ask questions, and exercise the freedoms we hold dear in this country.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-presses-trump-ftc-on-big-grocery-chains-anti-competitive-practices-that-stifle-competition-leave-local-communities-with-fewer-choices-and-consumers-with-higher-costs", "title": "Cantwell Presses Trump FTC on Big Grocery Chains’ Anti-Competitive Practices that Stifle Competition, Leave Local Communities with Fewer Choices & Consumers with Higher Costs", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Presses Trump FTC on Big Grocery Chains’ Anti-Competitive Practices that Stifle Competition, Leave Local Communities with Fewer Choices & Consumers with Higher Costs\n\nGrocery retailers use “restrictive covenants” and sale agreements to keep competitors out of local markets; State of Washington is the first state to ban restrictive covenants limiting access to food or medicine; Birchwood neighborhood in Bellingham, WA became a food desert after an Albertsons closed; deed restriction would have prevented a new grocery store from moving in for 20 years\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, sent a letter to Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Andrew Ferguson regarding the use of “restrictive covenants” by grocery retailers to keep competitors out of local markets, leaving communities with fewer options and driving up grocery prices for consumers. The letter, which was also signed by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ), follows an April 15 hearing where Sen. Cantwell called on the FTC to do more to combat skyrocketing grocery prices and protect consumers from these anti-competitive practices.\n\n“The 2016 closure of an Albertsons grocery store created a food desert in the Birchwood neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington,” Sen. Cantwell and her colleagues wrote. “Yet when Albertsons later sold the property in 2018, it included a deed restriction that would have prevented a grocery store from operating in the space until 2038. Albertsons ultimately removed the deed restriction after the Washington Attorney General opened an investigation into whether Albertsons had violated Washington’s antitrust laws.”\n\nAt an April 15 hearing, during which Sen. Cantwell focused on the affordability crisis facing families, Sen. Cantwell asked Ferguson whether the FTC considers restrictive covenants used by grocery chains to keep out competitors to be an unfair method of competition. Restrictive covenants are terms written in property sale, purchase, or lease agreements that restrict the future use of a property. Earlier this year, the State of Washington became the first state to ban restrictive covenants that prevent or limit a property from being used by a grocery store or pharmacy.\n\n“Lower income communities are more vulnerable to these closures and the reduction of competition,” their letter continued. “A recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that ‘[p]oorer, more concentrated markets experience larger and more persistent food price shocks, amplifying the burden on low-income households.’ That burden may be growing as the latest round of tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Iran threaten further spikes in grocery prices.”\n\n“Americans are struggling with rising prices, and anti-competitive corporate lawfare should not be a reason costs stay high,” the senators wrote.\n\nThe letter is below and HERE.\n\nMay 1, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Andrew Ferguson\n\nChair\n\nFederal Trade Commission\n\n600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20580\n\nDear Chair Ferguson:\n\nFor decades, large retailers have used anti-competitive restrictive covenants—written into property sale, purchase, and lease agreements—to block competitors’ access to a local market. These restrictive covenants prohibit competitors from purchasing or leasing commercial real estate. As a result, storefronts are left empty, small businesses are boxed out from opening in certain locations, consumers have fewer options, and companies corner regional markets and drive-up prices.\n\nLarge retailers’ use of restrictive covenants has been especially prevalent in the grocery industry. Significant square footage and parking requirements limit the number of suitable properties available in a given area for grocers, especially in developed or urban areas, and the anti-competitive effects of restrictive covenants only exacerbate these constraints. The impact of these anti-competitive covenants on consumers is further heightened in the grocery industry because grocery store competition is local. In the FTC’s recent and successful challenge of the Kroger-Albertsons merger, data “showed that on average, more than seventy percent of defendants’ sales are drawn from within five miles of a store,” which the district court found “support[ed] the drawing of small, local geographic markets.” Fed. Trade Comm’n v. Kroger Co., No. 3:24-cv-00347, 2024 WL 5053016, at *23 (D. Or. Dec. 10, 2024).\n\nAcross the country, anti-competitive restrictive covenants have shut out grocers from operating in locations where consumers would have otherwise frequented their stores and benefited from their presence in the community. In Woonsocket, Rhode Island, only one supermarket services roughly 45,000 people due to anti-competitive restrictive covenants set by competitors. Among those stores with restrictive covenants was a Walmart store that closed in 2011. For six years, Walmart prevented competitors from moving into the location, while the property sat vacant. When Walmart finally sold the building in 2017, it included a “25-year restrictive covenant prohibiting the property from being used for a grocery store or supermarket.” The restrictive covenant also prohibits the property from being used for “a wholesale club operation similar to that of Sam’s Club.”\n\nOn the West Coast, the 2016 closure of an Albertsons grocery store created a food desert in the Birchwood neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington. Yet when Albertsons later sold the property in 2018, it included a deed restriction that would have prevented a grocery store from operating in the space until 2038. Albertsons ultimately removed the deed restriction after the Washington Attorney General opened an investigation into whether Albertsons had violated Washington’s antitrust laws.\n\nWhen grocers leave a community, anti-competitive restrictive covenants further cement the harm caused by the initial loss of the store, leaving consumers without ready access to food or more exposed to high food prices with fewer choices to seek better deals. Additionally, when a grocery store closes, communities often lose a neighborhood pharmacy, and anti-competitive restrictive covenants can prolong pharmacy deserts.\n\nLower income communities are more vulnerable to these closures and the reduction of competition. A recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that “[p]oorer, more concentrated markets experience larger and more persistent food price shocks, amplifying the burden on low-income households.” That burden may be growing as the latest round of tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Iran threaten further spikes in grocery prices.\n\nAmericans are struggling with rising prices, and anti-competitive corporate lawfare should not be a reason costs stay high. Given the ongoing impacts of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on communities across the country, please provide answers to the following questions:\n\nDoes the FTC consider covenants restricting the use of land by competitors an unfair method of competition?\n\nIs the FTC able to regulate anti-competitive restrictive covenants through existing authorities?\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the use of anti-competitive restrictive covenants?\n\nIf so:\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on consumer prices, including food prices?\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on consumers’ access to food and medicine?\n\nHas the FTC collected data regarding the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants by large grocery chains on market share?\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the impacts of anti-restrictive covenants on small businesses?\n\nI ask that you respond to these questions by no later than May 15, 2026. I look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-applauds-new-coast-guard-special-missions-command-facility-in-kearneysville-wva", "title": "Capito Applauds New Coast Guard Special Missions Command Facility in Kearneysville, W.Va.", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, applauded the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) selection of Kearneysville, W.Va. for the site of Special Missions Command, which will oversee all deployable specialized forces of the Coast Guard. The command will enhance the operational effectiveness of the Coast Guard in responding to a wide range of national emergencies and events as the demand for deployable specialized forces capabilities increase.\n\nThe Coast Guard selected the existing Coast Guard C5I Service Center facility in Kearneysville, W.Va. as the location for the Coast Guard’s Special Missions Command (SMC). The SMC will be commissioned on or around October 1, 2026, fully integrating the Service’s Deployable Special Forces under a single operational commander to provide oversight and advocacy, improve readiness, mission effectiveness, and interoperability to meet Service, Department, and joint military requirements.\n\n“The Coast Guard’s decision to establish its Special Missions Command in Kearneysville is a testament to the capabilities and strategic value West Virginia offers,” Senator Capito said. “This announcement is welcome news as it will strengthen readiness, while also ensuring our service members are equipped to respond to the complex threats and emergencies we face today. I’m proud to know that this capability will be located in the Eastern Panhandle, and I look forward to seeing the opportunities and benefits brought to the region and our nation when it comes to homeland security needs. I would like to thank Admiral Lunday and Secretary Mullin for recognizing the important advantage West Virginia offers for this new capability.”\n\n“The creation of the Special Missions Command is a vital evolution for our service under Force Design 2028,” Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard, said. “We are forging our most elite operators into a single, razor-sharp instrument of national power. The Special Missions Command is not an administrative change; it is an investment ensuring these elite teams are the best trained, equipped, and organized force possible, ready to protect the Homeland and support the Joint Force.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe establishment of Coast Guard Special Missions Command is a significant step to enhance our competitive edge and secure the Coast Guard's position as the Nation's finest fighting force and crisis response leaders. This announcement demonstrates the Coast Guard’s commitment to implementing operational and organizational changes that advance mission outcomes and provide operators with the tools necessary to meet future mission demands. This facility will align all Deployable Specialized Forces units and other specialized capabilities under a single organizational structure and improve readiness, mission effectiveness and interoperability with joint and interagency forces to meet Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and joint military requirements.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-receives-updates-on-construction-of-marshalls-institute-for-cyber-security", "title": "PHOTOS: Capito Receives Updates on Construction of Marshall’s Institute for Cyber Security", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, today received updates on the construction of Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) in Huntington, W.Va. This visit highlighted the impact that Marshall’s ICS will have on cyber security and cyber workforce development in West Virginia and across the nation.\n\n“For years, I have worked as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to direct resources toward Marshall to help this emphasis grow, and I am thrilled today to be receiving updates on its construction,” Senator Capito said. “The Institute for Cyber Security will bolster our cyber security workforce, both now and in the future, and will make West Virginia a hub for cyber security protection of our country’s most critical assets.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe creation and construction of Marshall’s ICS is a result of years of Senator Capito’s advocacy and support.\n\nIn February of 2026, Senator Capito led a hearing examining the cyber security challenges impacting American water infrastructure. This hearing featured Dr. Scott Simonton, a Fellow at Marshall University’s ICS.\n\nIn May of 2024, Senator Capito participated in the groundbreaking ceremony on Marshall University’s ICS.\n\nIn October 2021, Senator Capito visited Marshall University for the launch of the school’s new ICS.\n\nAs a leader on the Appropriations Committee, including serving as a member and former Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee as well as a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Capito has championed funding for this project.\n\nIn September of 2024, Senator Capito secured $15,000,000 for Marshall University for cyber security training of critical infrastructure operators in West Virginia.\n\nIn June of 2023, Senator Capito secured $1,000,000 for Marshall University to support research and education in cyber security.\n\nPhotos from today’s visit is included below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) receives updates on Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours construction of Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours construction of Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours construction of Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) in Huntington, W.Va. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/05/06/2026/senator-collins-announces-contract-award-to-bath-iron-works-for-the-navys-newest-ddg-51-destroyer", "title": "Senator Collins Announces Contract Award to Bath Iron Works for the Navy’s Newest DDG-51 Destroyer", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that the U.S. Navy has awarded Bath Iron Works (BIW) the contract to build the next DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. This new ship, the DDG-149, will be named after retired Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram – a Vietnam War veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor. This contract award underscores BIW’s role as an essential shipyard for the Navy and a pillar of both Maine’s and our nation’s defense industrial base.\n\n“This award is a testament to the highly skilled and hard-working men and women of BIW, and once again shows that ‘Bath Built is Best Built,’” said Senator Collins. “The DDG-149 will strengthen our national security, support good-paying Maine jobs, and help provide long-term stability for the shipyard. As global threats continue to grow and our adversaries continue to expand their naval fleets, investing in a strong and capable U.S. Navy is essential.”\n\nBorn in Clearwater, Florida, Robert R. Ingram is a retired U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Vietnam War. While serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in Quang Ngai Province on March 28, 1966, Petty Officer Ingram repeatedly braved heavy enemy fire for hours after an ambush by North Vietnamese forces to treat wounded Marines, even after being shot four times. His courageous actions saved many lives and reflected the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton in 1998.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-visits-community-development-projects-in-cumberland-county", "title": "Senator Collins Visits Community Development Projects in Cumberland County", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "HARRISON, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited community development projects in Cumberland County yesterday that were supported by Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) she secured since 2022 through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee. These projects include a renovated food bank facility in Harrison and major upgrades at Bridgton Hospital, including plans to expand and modernize the hospital’s emergency department.\n\nSince 2021, Senator Collins has secured nearly $1.5 billion for 672 targeted community development projects across each of Maine’s 16 counties.\n\n“From helping one of Maine’s largest food banks expand its ability to serve individuals and families in need to supporting needed equipment and emergency department upgrades at Bridgton Hospital, these projects will make a real difference for people in western Cumberland County,” said Senator Collins. “The staff and volunteers I met today are doing important work to care for their neighbors, and I am pleased that the funding I secured through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee is helping strengthen critical local services for Mainers.”\n\nClick HERE and HERE for individual photos.\n\nSenator Collins began the day with a visit to the Harrison Food Bank, where she met with staff and volunteers, toured the facility, and helped distribute food. She secured nearly $389,000 in CDS in 2022 to support the renovation of the food bank’s facility.\n\nClick HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nSenator Collins then visited Bridgton Hospital, where she toured the facility, viewed recently upgraded medical equipment, and received an update on plans to modernize the hospital’s emergency department. She also met with hospital leadership and staff, including representatives from Central Maine Healthcare.\n\nSenator Collins has secured significant federal funding to support improvements at Bridgton Hospital, including more than $800,000 for advanced medical equipment at Bridgton and Rumford hospitals in 2022 and $5 million earlier this year to expand and upgrade the Bridgton Hospital Emergency Department.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-receives-distinguished-service-award-from-north-dakota-long-term-care-association", "title": "Cramer Receives Distinguished Service Award From North Dakota Long Term Care Association", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click here for media resources.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined the North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) for its 49th Annual Convention and Expo this evening, where he received the Distinguished Service Award. In a letter notifying Cramer of the honor, the association said it is one of its highest distinctions and “recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and service in support of long term care and the residents, tenants, families, and professionals we serve across North Dakota.” Since 1977, only 38 individuals have received the award.\n\nToday’s event brought together providers, caregivers, and healthcare leaders in Bismarck to highlight the evolving landscape of long-term care in the state. Centered on the theme “The Magic of Caring…Celebrating the Everyday Moments that Matter Most,” this year’s gathering emphasized the compassion, innovation, and day-to-day dedication defining long-term care across North Dakota.\n\n“In North Dakota, we prioritize compassion and I see this compassion in action every time I visit facilities and work with caretakers and leaders,” said Cramer. “Caregiving is a privilege and compassion is the North Dakota way. Such compassionate caregiving should not be subject to bureaucratic bullies. I am grateful for this recognition and will continue to fight the bullies, so our caregivers can do what they do best, provide compassionate care to our fellow North Dakotans.”\n\nNDLTCA President Nikki Wegner said Cramer’s “leadership and partnership have made a lasting impact on long-term care in our state, and we are sincerely grateful for his continued support and advocacy.”\n\n“On behalf of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association and long-term care providers across our state, I want to congratulate Senator Kevin Cramer on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his steadfast leadership and advocacy on behalf of North Dakota’s seniors, caregivers, and rural health care providers,” said Wegner. “For years, Senator Cramer has been a strong and consistent voice for long-term care at a time when providers are facing extraordinary workforce challenges, growing regulatory complexity, and increasing pressure on access to care in rural communities. He understands that the ability to provide quality care depends not only on dedicated staff and strong facilities, but also on policies that are practical, sustainable, and grounded in the realities providers face every day. Senator Cramer is always willing to engage directly on difficult and often highly complex issues. He asks thoughtful questions, takes the time to understand the full picture, and remains committed to advancing meaningful solutions—not just for providers, but for the residents and families who depend on long-term care services every day.”\n\n“His leadership has helped elevate critical conversations around workforce shortages, rural access to care, and the growing challenges facing long-term care providers nationwide,” continued Wegner. “More importantly, he has consistently recognized that behind these issues are real people—residents who deserve stability and dignity, families who want their loved ones cared for close to home, and caregivers who dedicate their lives to serving others.”\n\nCramer is a vocal opponent of the Biden-era federal nursing home staffing requirements and led efforts to repeal them. These standards exacerbated workforce shortages and reduced access to care, particularly in rural areas and for veterans. He amplified the concerns of long-term care facilities facing cumbersome Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations and penalties, meeting with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz to discuss how increasingly burdensome regulations have exacerbated staffing and access challenges for nursing home facilities. Cramer highlighted the rule’s flaws in a speech on the Senate floor. Since then, he has met with multiple senior CMS officials, while cosponsoring legislation to repeal the minimum staffing mandate and leading a measure to assess its impact on veterans’ access to care. Cramer is actively working with the Trump administration to address outstanding issues with excessive fines, strict liability for facilities, outdated reporting requirements, and to enhance flexibility for state surveyors.\n\nHe has supported initiatives to address workforce shortages, a persistent challenge in long-term care, through measures such as the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act and expanded training and recruitment programs. Cramer also advocated for greater regulatory flexibility, arguing overly prescriptive federal mandates can strain already limited staffing capacity. Additionally, he co-signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requesting an exemption from the $100,000 fee for H-1B visas for healthcare workers.\n\nCramer is a leading voice on long-term care issues, prioritizing practical reforms aimed at ensuring quality, accessible care regardless of zip codes. His work has placed particular attention on protecting seniors’ Medicare benefits while advancing reforms designed to improve outcomes without increasing burdens on providers. As a strong advocate for rural health systems, he has pushed policies aimed at stabilizing and strengthening facilities which often operate with limited resources and workforce constraints.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/epa-awards-166-million-to-nddeq-for-clean-water-projects", "title": "EPA Awards $16.6 Million to NDDEQ for Clean Water Projects", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a total of $16,644,000 to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).\n\nThis funding includes three separate CWSRF capitalization grants which will support the planning, design, and construction of water quality improvement projects across the state.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-cramer-department-of-war-awards-nearly-10-million-for-work-at-fargo-based-packet-digital", "title": "Sen. Cramer: Department of War Awards Nearly $10 Million for Work at Fargo-Based Packet Digital", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of War (DOW) has awarded a $9,799,991 order to Packet Digital in Fargo, advancing efforts to onshore battery manufacturing for military drones and autonomous systems.\n\nThe award supports the domestic production of lithium-based battery cells and battery packs under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding Innovative Technologies program, which is designed to move emerging technologies from development into operational use.\n\n“This investment in Packet Digital—nearly $10 million—ensures we are building the key battery technologies our warfighters rely on right here in the United States,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “By strengthening domestic production of these essential components, we’re securing our supply chains, accelerating innovation, and making our nation safer. We are also revitalizing our own manufacturing workforce and bringing back jobs that have been lost to overseas competition.”\n\nWork will be performed in Fargo and is expected to be completed in November 2027.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-discusses-mobile-health-program-in-rockford", "title": "Durbin Discusses Mobile Health Program In Rockford", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ROCKFORD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined Mayor Tom McNamara and Rockford Fire Department officials from the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Program for a roundtable discussion about the critical assistance the program provides to community members.\n\n“Preventing health emergencies makes our communities safer and healthier,” said Durbin. “With implementing the Mobile Integrated Health Program, Rockford is driving the future of health care by avoiding costly hospitalizations and treating people at home with trusted partners in the community.”\n\n“It’s always an honor to have Senator Durbin in our community. Today, he met with leaders of our Mobile Integrated Health Program - a program I’m incredibly proud of. With four MIH managers working alongside UW Health clinical staff in a team-based model, the program is making a real difference in the field, providing thousands of community-based encounters each year and continuing to grow as more residents access care and support right where they are,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara.\n\nThe Mobile Integrated Health Program is operated by the Rockford Fire Department and provides mental health and chronic disease management services to prevent emergencies and reduce costs. Patients are referred by nearby hospitals, health clinics, food pantries, or 911 calls, with more than 3,500 annual patient encounters. From diabetes to overdose or suicide risk, the program relies upon the fire department’s access and community reputation to help prevent urgent health crises.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-recognition-of-his-advocacy-for-rural-health-care-durbin-presented-with-ui-healths-rural-health-hero-award", "title": "In Recognition Of His Advocacy For Rural Health Care, Durbin Presented With UI Health’s Rural Health Hero Award", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ROCKFORD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today was presented with the Rural Health Hero Award from the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s National Center for Rural Health Profession. Durbin accepted the award at the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford campus.\n\n“I am honored to accept this Rural Health Hero award,” said Durbin. “As a downstater, I know that the difference between care being five miles and 50 miles from home is a matter of life and death. Throughout rural Illinois, we face a shortage of doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, and EMTs. I have started initiatives like the Rural Roadmap and SIREN grants to address this shortage, and I have continued to fight against cuts to Medicaid that jeopardize our rural health providers. Every American deserves quality, affordable health care no matter where they live. I am grateful for this award and the University of Illinois College of Medicine’s partnership in this fight.”\n\nIn 2023, Durbin released his “Roadmap to Grow Illinois’ Rural Health Workforce.” This is a partnership with hospitals, medical and nursing schools, including UI Medicine-Rockford, community colleges, dentists, physicians, and nurses to improve access to health care in rural parts of the state. The roadmap focused on reaching into middle and high schools to attract young people into health careers, expanding the capacity of education programs, and creating incentives for rural recruitment.\n\nIn 2018 as part of the Farm Bill, Durbin introduced the bipartisan Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act to support rural EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipment. Since then, Durbin and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) have led the appropriations effort to grow the program from $5 million annually to $11.5 million as of 2024, resulting in a total of $40 million in grants nationwide to 42 states. The SIREN Act has resulted in new funds to rural EMS/fire agencies in Carbondale, Nauvoo, Amboy, Jerseyville, Mt. Carmel, Paris, and Gibson City, Illinois.\n\nDurbin has secured more than $10 million in earmarks for nursing schools, dental schools, and rural health clinics working to expand the rural health workforce. Photos of the award ceremony can be found here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/in-letter-to-fema-fetterman-calls-out-delayed-healthcare-reimbursements/", "title": "In Letter to FEMA, Fetterman Calls Out Delayed Healthcare Reimbursements", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs, sent a letter to the top official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calling out delays in reimbursements to healthcare providers dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n“As you may know, there is more than $600 million in unobligated FEMA Public Assistance funding owed to healthcare providers in Pennsylvania alone,” wrote Senator Fetterman.\n\nHealth care providers across Pennsylvania and the nation incurred substantial out-of-pocket costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, operating under the assumption that the federal government would provide them with timely reimbursements. The continued delay of the payments owed threatens operations and staffing levels in a profession already suffering from provider burnout and low staffing rates.\n\n“It is incumbent on FEMA, and the entire Federal government, to fight waste, fraud, and abuse, and we support subjecting the largest reimbursements to serious scrutiny. However, once such reviews are complete, there is no excuse for allowing bureaucratic red tape to slow disbursement of funds. This delay is inexcusable and is antithetical to President Trump’s stated commitment to enhancing government efficiency,”continued the senator.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here and below.\n\n—\n\nDear Ms. Evans:\n\nI write to express my deep concern regarding delayed reimbursements of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to healthcare providers across the Commonwealth for costs they incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic response.\n\nAs you may know, there is more than $600 million in unobligated FEMA Public Assistance funding owed to healthcare providers in Pennsylvania alone. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospitals, doctors, nurses, and support staff stepped up and delivered for their patients. However, this effort placed tremendous strain on hospitals across the state, requiring them to absorb large expenses to protect their communities.\n\nIt is incumbent on FEMA, and the entire Federal government, to fight waste, fraud, and abuse, and we support subjecting the largest reimbursements to serious scrutiny. However, once such reviews are complete, there is no excuse for allowing bureaucratic red tape to slow disbursement of funds. This delay is inexcusable and is antithetical to President Trump’s stated commitment to enhancing government efficiency.\n\nDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers stepped up and did everything in their power to stop the spread of the virus, care for those infected, and ensure facilities remained safe for patients and staff. These reimbursements are critical to the financial health of crucial medical providers and must be disbursed quickly.\n\nI appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-emergency-stay-gallego-joins-democrats-in-supreme-court-fight-to-protect-mifepristone-access/", "title": "Following Emergency Stay, Gallego Joins Democrats In Supreme Court Fight To Protect Mifepristone Access", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Gallego joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats 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 life-saving mifepristone.\n\nThis 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.\n\nThe lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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.\n\nAllowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the members continued. “As has been well publicized, many U.S. residents in states where abortion is legal live far from any reproductive health care provider.\n\nReinstating 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.” The members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-cantwell-wyden-booker-press-ftc-on-anti-competitive-business-practices-that-exacerbate-food-insecurity-and-raise-grocery-prices/", "title": "Gillibrand, Cantwell, Wyden, Booker Press FTC On Anti-Competitive Business Practices That Exacerbate Food Insecurity And Raise Grocery Prices", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) pressed the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the need to crack down on anti-competitive restrictive covenants that exacerbate food insecurity and raise grocery prices.\n\nRestrictive covenants are legally binding conditions written into property sale, purchase, and lease agreements that can be used to block a competitor’s access to a local market. They are particularly prevalent in the grocery industry, allowing grocers to prevent their competitors from opening in their storefronts after they have closed down. This can perpetuate food insecurity, increase food prices, and create food deserts.\n\nIn a letter to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, the senators asked the FTC to focus its attention on the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on food prices, as well as communities’ access to food and medicine.\n\n“When grocers leave a community, anti-competitive restrictive covenants further cement the harm caused by the initial loss of the store, leaving consumers without ready access to food or more exposed to high food prices with fewer choices to seek better deals,” the senators wrote. “Additionally, when a grocery store closes, communities often lose a neighborhood pharmacy, and anti-competitive restrictive covenants can prolong pharmacy deserts.”\n\nThe senators added, “Americans are struggling with rising prices, and anti-competitive corporate lawfare should not be a reason costs stay high.”\n\nGillibrand has been a leader in the fight against food insecurity. Last year, she reintroduced the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act, legislation to fund a USDA program that offers loans and grants to incentivize grocery stores to establish locations in areas where residents lack easy access to fresh food retailers. She has also introduced legislation to increase SNAP benefits and help those with high medical and housing costs qualify for the program and to combat food insecurity among older Americans.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here or below:\n\nDear Chair Ferguson:\n\nFor decades, large retailers have used anti-competitive restrictive covenants—written into property sale, purchase, and lease agreements—to block competitors’ access to a local market. These restrictive covenants prohibit competitors from purchasing or leasing commercial real estate. As a result, storefronts are left empty, small businesses are boxed out from opening in certain locations, consumers have fewer options, and companies corner regional markets and drive-up prices.\n\nLarge retailers’ use of restrictive covenants has been especially prevalent in the grocery industry. Significant square footage and parking requirements limit the number of suitable properties available in a given area for grocers, especially in developed or urban areas, and the anticompetitive effects of restrictive covenants only exacerbate these constraints. The impact of these anti-competitive covenants on consumers is further heightened in the grocery industry because grocery store competition is local. In the FTC’s recent and successful challenge of the Kroger-Albertsons merger, data “showed that on average, more than seventy percent of defendants’ sales are drawn from within five miles of a store,” which the district court found “support[ed] the drawing of small, local geographic markets.” Fed. Trade Comm’n v. Kroger Co., No. 3:24-cv-00347, 2024 WL 5053016, at *23 (D. Or. Dec. 10, 2024).\n\nAcross the country, anti-competitive restrictive covenants have shut out grocers from operating in locations where consumers would have otherwise frequented their stores and benefited from their presence in the community. In Woonsocket, Rhode Island, only one supermarket services roughly 45,000 people due to anti-competitive restrictive covenants set by competitors. Among those stores with restrictive covenants was a Walmart store that closed in 2011. For six years, Walmart prevented competitors from moving into the location, while the property sat vacant. When Walmart finally sold the building in 2017, it included a “25-year restrictive covenant prohibiting the property from being used for a grocery store or supermarket.” The restrictive covenant also prohibits the property from being used for “a wholesale club operation similar to that of Sam’s Club.”\n\nOn the West Coast, the 2016 closure of an Albertsons grocery store created a food desert in the Birchwood neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington. Yet when Albertsons later sold the property in 2018, it included a deed restriction that would have prevented a grocery store from operating in the space until 2038. Albertsons ultimately removed the deed restriction after the Washington Attorney General opened an investigation into whether Albertsons had violated Washington’s antitrust laws.\n\nWhen grocers leave a community, anti-competitive restrictive covenants further cement the harm caused by the initial loss of the store, leaving consumers without ready access to food or more exposed to high food prices with fewer choices to seek better deals. Additionally, when a grocery store closes, communities often lose a neighborhood pharmacy, and anti-competitive restrictive covenants can prolong pharmacy deserts.\n\nLower income communities are more vulnerable to these closures and the reduction of competition. A recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that “[p]oorer, more concentrated markets experience larger and more persistent food price shocks, amplifying the burden on low-income households.”3 That burden may be growing as the latest round of tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Iran threaten further spikes in grocery prices.\n\nAmericans are struggling with rising prices, and anti-competitive corporate lawfare should not be a reason costs stay high. Given the ongoing impacts of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on communities across the country, please provide answers to the following questions:\n\nDoes the FTC consider covenants restricting the use of land by competitors an unfair method of competition?\n\nIs the FTC able to regulate anti-competitive restrictive covenants through existing authorities?\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the use of anti-competitive restrictive covenants? a. If so:\n\na. Has the FTC collected data on the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on consumer prices, including food prices?\n\nb. Has the FTC collected data on the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on consumers’ access to food and medicine?\n\nc. Has the FTC collected data regarding the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants by large grocery chains on market share?\n\nd. Has the FTC collected data on the impacts of anti-restrictive covenants on small businesses?\n\nI ask that you respond to these questions by no later than May 15, 2026. I look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-call-on-education-secretary-mcmahon-to-rescind-and-reissue-trio-grant-announcements/", "title": "Gillibrand, Schumer Call On Education Secretary McMahon To Rescind And Reissue TRIO Grant Announcements", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Sound Alarm about “Fundamental Shift” in Program Mission\n\nLast week, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Charles Schumer called on U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to rescind and reissue the TRIO Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) program grant announcements and extend the current grants for another year. This comes after the Education Department announced that these grants, which have historically focused on strengthening the college pipeline for underprivileged students, would shift focus to push these students into the trades, among other drastic changes to the programs.\n\nTRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services grants designed to support low-income, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities, ranging from middle school to post-baccalaureate studies. Talent Search programs target middle and high school students, and EOC programs focus on adults, displaced workers, and veterans seeking to enter or return to postsecondary education.\n\nThe grant announcements that the administration posted in March 2026 fundamentally compromised program mission and capacity, risking critical service interruptions for current students. New York State has a substantial TRIO Talent Search footprint, serving 8,081 students in FY2025 with a grant total of $4,654,218. New York also had three EOC projects in FY2025 with $809,549 in grant funding.\n\nIn a letter to Secretary McMahon, the senators underscored the importance of the programs in their current forms, writing, “TRIO has led to higher rates of college enrollment, completion, employment, and compensation for more than 6 million graduates since 1964.”\n\nThe senators continued, “Elevating non-college pathways within a program historically designed to increase college enrollment and completion conflicts with TRIO’s established statutory purpose and does a disservice to the students facing barriers to higher education that the programs are intended to serve.”\n\nGillibrand and Schumer warned that the Education Department’s new framework constitutes a direct assault on college access, effectively dismantling the TRIO mission by slashing national capacity by more than half, prioritizing state-level “mega-grants” over local expertise, and introducing a high-stakes lottery system that threatens to leave students in rural and underserved areas in “service deserts” without support. The new applications shift the programs’ focus away from TRIO’s statutory mission of promoting college access for low-income and first-generation students. Instead, the requirements emphasize apprenticeships and technical education as alternative routes to economic mobility. The senators pointed out that while apprenticeships and technical education have inherent value, those goals should be accomplished via other mechanisms rather than cannibalizing the funds that promote college access for low-income and first-generation students.\n\nThe senators closed by highlighting the time-sensitive nature of this request, as the current grants are set to expire on August 31, 2026. They wrote that this raises the imminent risk of service lapses, warning, “If the applications are not adjusted or reissued immediately, the potential expiration of current grants poses an immediate threat to the academic and financial guidance that students and adult learners depend on, particularly as they navigate the critical fall enrollment window.” The announcements undercut the core mission of the programs that have provided life-changing educational opportunities to Americans across the country.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-250-lawmakers-file-amicus-brief-in-supreme-court-fight-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care/", "title": "Hickenlooper, 250+ Lawmakers File Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and more than 250 Senate and House Democrats filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court on Monday urging them to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would upend the FDA approval process and restrict access to mifepristone. 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 a briefing on the stay by this Thursday, May 7.\n\n“We won’t let this stand,” Hickenlooper wrote on social media after the Fifth Circuit decision. “Mifepristone is safe and FDA approved. This decision would impact women across the country, even in states where we’ve protected abortion access.”\n\nAfter the Supreme Court issued a temporary stay, Hickenlooper wrote on social media: “Women deserve the right to make their own health care decisions. We’ll fight any attempt to restrict reproductive freedom at every turn.”\n\nIn their amicus brief, the lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded: “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.”\n\nHickenlooper has been a vocal supporter of reproductive freedom and access to medication, including mifepristone. Hickenlooper, along with 26 Senate colleagues, introduced the Stop Comstock Act to protect access to medication abortions like Mifepristone. Specifically, the legislation would repeal the outdated Comstock Act of 1873, which anti-choice extremists have threatened to invoke to effectively end access to medication abortion without a single act of Congress.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators. In the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives. The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-grand-forks-high-tech-uas-ecosystem-leading-to-new-investment-tech-development-like-vorbeck-manufacturing-facility", "title": "Hoeven: Grand Forks’ High-Tech UAS Ecosystem Leading to New Investment & Tech Development Like Vorbeck Manufacturing Facility", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today marked the grand opening of the Vorbeck Materials manufacturing facility in Grand Forks. Vorbeck develops advanced materials for extreme environments, focusing on defense, aerospace and industrial applications. Hoeven discussed how the new 47,000 sq. ft. facility:\n\nServes as the company’s hub to produce advanced fire suppressants using graphene-based materials, initially producing 1 million gallons of firefighting foam.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured $7 million to support development of Vorbeck’s graphene-based fire suppressant in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.\n\nVorbeck is currently in negotiations with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to finalize the contract for this funding, which will help grow the company’s operations in Grand Forks.\n\nThese efforts are bolstered by a policy Congress passed in FY2020 requiring the Department of War (DoW) to discontinue the use of fire suppressants that contain PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”\n\nThis year’s funding builds upon a $4.7 million DLA award the company previously received to produce and test their PFAS-free, graphene-based firefighting foam.\n\nIs an outgrowth of the region’s high-tech, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) ecosystem, which Hoeven has worked to establish and grow in the Grand Forks region since his time as governor.\n\nVorbeck was founded in Maryland in 2006, but opted to relocate to Grand Forks last year after determining that the region was a better fit for its efforts to develop applications for its advanced materials.\n\nHoeven outlined how initiatives like Project ULTRA and Q Station help grow North Dakota’s defense industrial base by attracting innovative companies like Vorbeck that are working to cost-effectively address DoW priorities.\n\nIn addition to its fire suppressant, Vorbeck is working to develop lightweight and flexible graphene-based antennas, which would have applications in special operations, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and space.\n\nThe facility will further contribute to the ecosystem by providing internship opportunities for University of North Dakota (UND) College of Engineering students.\n\n“Today’s celebration is about more than a new manufacturing site – it is part of a broader effort to diversify and grow our defense industrial base in North Dakota, building upon the high-tech UAS ecosystem we have established,” said Hoeven. “When Vorbeck was looking to develop additional applications for the graphene-based materials it produces, Grand Forks was an obvious choice because of the high-tech ecosystem we’ve built, which creates real opportunities for innovative companies to partner with the Department of War and meet the needs of our warfighters. The PFAS-free fire suppressant the company produces is just the start. The work Vorbeck is doing on graphene-based antennas is a natural fit with our state’s leadership in UAS and space operations, demonstrating how each new partnership and initiative we bring to North Dakota builds our momentum and expands our role in the future defense of our nation.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-secures-commitments-to-provide-1-8-million-for-cvic-passed-legislation-to-enable-improvements-at-lagrave-place", "title": "Hoeven Secures Commitments to Provide $1.8 Million For CVIC, Passed Legislation to Enable Improvements at LaGrave Place", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a roundtable with leaders from the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) and the Grand Forks Housing Authority on his efforts as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to:\n\nAddress funding delays at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and secure more than $1.8 million in federal funding to support the services CVIC provides to victims of violence.\n\nHoeven and his team have been working with DOJ to resolve this issue, specifically working with Associate Attorney General (AAG) Stanley Woodward to move the process forward for the grants.\n\nTwo of the grants have been officially approved and another grant has received conditional approval and will be finalized this month following Hoeven’s efforts, including:\n\n$725,000 from the Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention.\n\n$500,000 from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Consolidated Youth Program.\n\n$555,000 from the End Violence Against Individuals with Disabilities program.\n\nPass legislation enabling Grand Forks Housing Authority to make needed improvements to the LaGrave Place affordable housing project.\n\nHoeven secured legislation in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding legislation directing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to restructure or forgive the Grand Forks Housing Authority’s (GFHA) $2 million loan for the LaGrave Place project.\n\nThe loan matured in 2017, with the GFHA subsequently applying for deferral of the loan repayment in accordance with the program’s regulations, but HUD has yet to act upon the application.\n\nLaGrave Place is a 66-unit affordable housing facility originally built in 1974, and the outstanding loan affects the GFHA’s ability to access private capital to make updates.\n\nBy resolving the loan, Hoeven’s legislation will enable the housing authority to improve the building and enhance the quality of life for residents.\n\n“Both CVIC and the Grand Forks Housing Authority provide vital services to this community and the surrounding region. CVIC needs to know this $1.8 million in funding will be in place so it can continue providing a full range of services to victims of violence. So, we went to work with DOJ to resolve the issue, and we appreciate AAG Woodward for his support in getting two of the grants approved and committing to finalize another grant by the end of May,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the LaGrave Place is in need of updates, and that effort cannot begin until GFHA knows how much capital it will have available. That’s why we passed this legislation and are working with HUD to bring this loan to a close in a timely manner, so improvements at this affordable housing complex can start to move forward.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-joins-small-businesses-in-upper-sandusky/", "title": "Husted joins small businesses in Upper Sandusky", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Conversations with small business owners in Upper Sandusky made clear that when small businesses succeed, Ohio succeeds.”\n\nView Husted’s remarks here.\n\nUPPER SANDUSKY, OH – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) hosted a roundtable with Ohio small business owners and entrepreneurs in Upper Sandusky, highlighting National Small Business Week and discussing his efforts in the Senate to support Ohio’s job creators.\n\n“Ohio’s 1.1 million small businesses employ more than 2.2 million people and are the backbone of our economy. Conversations with small business owners in Upper Sandusky made clear that when small businesses succeed, Ohio succeeds. I’ll continue fighting in the Senate to cut taxes and give our small businesses the freedom to grow, hire and compete,” said Husted.\n\nHusted supports key legislation to deliver relief and expand opportunities for small businesses across Ohio.\n\nIn July, Husted supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which includes major provisions to support small businesses and their workforce:\n\nMakes the 20% small business tax deduction permanent.\n\nThis will deliver $4,600 in average tax relief to 8 million entrepreneurs around the country.\n\nDoubles the small business expensing limits for new investments in machinery, equipment and software.\n\nCreates 1.2 million new jobs this year.\n\nIncludes a $7,000 tax cut for 12 million small business owners.\n\nCuts taxes on tips and overtime, saving tipped and overtime workers up to $1,750 per year.\n\nHusted is also working on legislation in the Senate to expand access to capital, reduce regulatory burdens and help small businesses compete in a modern economy:", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-backs-bipartisan-legislation-extend-rural-hospital-program", "title": "HYDE-SMITH BACKS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO EXTEND RURAL HOSPITAL PROGRAM", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "domain": "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "scraper": "hydesmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001079", "name": "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Provides Lifeline to Rural Communities, Including Six in Mississippi\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today highlighted bipartisan legislation she’s joined to extend a federal health program that provides a financial lifeline to rural hospitals, including six participating facilities in Mississippi.\n\nThe Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act (S.4460) would reauthorize the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another five years. Rural hospitals in the RCHD program are allowed to test innovative Medicare hospital payment models that improve financial sustainability and support health care access.\n\n“A five-year reauthorization of the RCHD program is just commonsense. The program has proven to be a cost-effective way for small rural hospitals to remain viable through enhanced Medicare reimbursements,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’ve fought to get Mississippi hospitals enrolled in this program and will continue to find ways to maintain access to rural health care.”\n\nU.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced S.4460, which has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.\n\n“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,” Grassley said.\n\nHyde-Smith worked with Grassley previously to pressure the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Biden administration to enroll more rural hospitals, as authorized, in RCHD. In November 2024, CMS agreed, which led to the Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Magee General Hospital, and Wayne General Hospital becoming RCHD participants in April 2025. They joined Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Highland Community Hospital in Picayune, and Marion General Hospital in Columbia as RCHD facilities.\n\nThe most recent performance data found that new RCHD hospitals significantly improved their Medicare margins and had higher capital investments, resulting in stronger financial conditions and helping with staff retention. These hospitals are mostly paid using a reasonable cost-based methodology instead of the inpatient prospective payment system. Today, CMS has filled all 30 spots for the RCHD program.\n\nIn addition to Hyde-Smith, S.4460 is cosponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), 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.).\n\nThe RCHD legislation is the latest bipartisan measure Hyde-Smith has thrown her support behind to improve rural health care delivery.\n\nThe Rural Health Innovation Act (S.4204) addresses workforce shortages and long travel times for emergency care by strengthening support for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics, of which there are approximately 240 in Mississippi.\n\nThe Save Struggling Hospitals Act (S.4233) would ensure hospitals in rural and low-wage areas receive fair Medicare reimbursement for the essential services by codifying the Medicare low-wage index hospital policy that increased Medicare wage index values for hospitals in the bottom 25th percentile.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-andy-kim-statement-condemning-trump-administration-firing-200-foreign-service-officers/", "title": "Senator Andy Kim Statement Condemning Trump Administration Firing 200+ Foreign Service Officers", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) released the following statement after the State Department officially terminated over 200 foreign service officers (FSO), even as the Department continues to recruit and onboard new officers:\n\n“I cannot make sense of just how wasteful and shameful this is. In the middle of a war only he chose, Trump continues to weaken us. I saw FSO’s service up close. They are non-partisan experts who play an integral role to our nation’s defense. Firing over 200 of these dedicated and trained public servants is not the way to update our State Department to better meet the needs of the 21st century.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5E88E99F-CC2F-4614-BD61-8E3A4A39AF85", "title": "Klobuchar on Two-Day Rural Economy Tour in Western Minnesota", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Her focus will be on rural child care access, small business, public safety, and improving local infrastructure\n\nMINNESOTA – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will be in Western Minnesota over the next two days on a rural economy tour, where she will meet with local leaders, small business owners, and first responders in Litchfield, Willmar, Canby, Montevideo, Lake Benton, and Marshall. Her visits will include a meeting with business owners on child care shortages, and stops to meet with mayors and local leaders at local groceries, businesses, fire stations, and infrastructure projects including the Willmar Wye at Highway 23. She will take part in an event marking upgrades to a key emergency services facility paid for in part by federal funding she advocated for. She will also take part by Zoom in the signing ceremony for the major Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project partnership agreement that she, Moorhead, Fargo, and North Dakota U.S. Senate leaders have worked toward for years.\n\n“This week I will meet with Minnesotans across the state. I want to hear directly from them about the issues they are facing, especially when it comes to childcare access, household costs, and how we can improve our infrastructure and public safety. Creating thriving rural communities is vital to Minnesota’s strength as a state,” said Klobuchar.\n\nEvery year, Klobuchar visits all 87 Minnesota counties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=F3488776-576C-4D1C-955E-7E27470AAF06", "title": "Klobuchar Introduces Resolution to Designate May as National Beef Month", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) co-led with Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) a resolution to designate May 2026 as National Beef Month in America, recognizing the importance of beef and cattle producers in Minnesota, around the country, and for consumers. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) also cosponsored the resolution.\n\n“Minnesota cattle producers are vital for our agricultural economy, putting food on tables across our state and nationwide,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Officially designating May as National Beef Month is a well-earned recognition of their hard work and dedication.”\n\n“Nebraska is the beef state. Last year, we led the nation with over $1.75 billion in beef exports. We lead the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with over 6 million head. We have the top three beef-producing counties in the nation,” said Senator Ricketts. “Nebraska’s ranchers are the best in the world. They’ve shown it this year in response to this spring’s devastating fires across the state. I’m confident they will rebuild and I’m grateful to honor them in the month of May.”\n\n“The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is thrilled to have the month of May designated as National Beef Month, recognizing the hard working cattle producers and the importance of beef production across the nation. We thank Senators Amy Klobuchar and Pete Ricketts for leading this resolution,” the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association said in a statement.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=83EB6F04-779D-48FC-8356-4E8642569D78", "title": "One Year After Columbia Murder, Graham, Fry Introduce Logan's Law to Get Justice for Logan Federico, Prevent Future Tragedies", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "Bill Creates Federal, State Registry of Violent Criminals, Bringing Transparency to Judges, Prosecutors Who Give Career Criminals Leniency\n\nWASHINGTON – One year after the murder of Logan Federico at the hands of a repeat violent offender in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Representative Russell Fry (R-South Carolina) have introduced Logan’s Law. They announced the legislation in Myrtle Beach today alongside Logan’s parents, Stephen and Melissa Federico.\n\nLogan, a 22-year old from North Carolina, was visiting friends in Columbia. On May 3, 2025, she was shot and killed by Alexander Dickey after he broke into the home where she was staying. Dickey is a career criminal who prior to murdering Logan had been arrested on at least 25 felony charges but was never sentenced to any serious prison time. 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).\n\nIn 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.\n\nThere is no reason a repeat offender like Dickey should have been out on the streets. In order to address these failures and prevent similar tragedies in the future, Logan’s Law:\n\nCreates 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.\n\nWith this database, the public will also be made aware of judges and prosecutors who give career criminals a pass with soft-on-crime plea deals.\n\nTo 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.\n\nIf states refuse to participate in the database, they risk the withholding of DOJ grant funding.\n\nCreates 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.\n\nIf the U.S. Attorney General lacks authority to remedy these deficiencies through Justice Department recommendations, the report must include recommendations to Congress.\n\n“A year after this senseless act of violence in South Carolina, my heart continues to break for the loss of Logan Federico. 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. Too often, rogue prosecutors and activist judges enable these kinds of tragedies by turning a blind eye to brutality or giving a slap on the wrist to career criminals. I’ve had enough of that. We cannot allow for the release of violent offenders who have proven to be nothing but a danger to society. The introduction of Logan’s Law is the first step in fixing this problem,” said Senator Graham.\n\n“Logan Federico was a bright, talented young woman with a whole life ahead of her. 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,”said Rep. Fry.\n\n“Logan was just visiting friends in May 2025 at the University of South Carolina. But she left on a Thursday and never came home. 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,” said Stephen Federico.\n\nFull text of Logan’s Law is available HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-leads-tour-across-northern-new-mexico-visits-local-ranchers-and-landowners-to-discuss-action-against-chama-uranium-drilling-proposal-tours-local-wool-business/", "title": "Luján Leads Tour Across Northern New Mexico, Visits Local Ranchers and Landowners to Discuss Action Against Chama Uranium Drilling Proposal, Tours Local Wool Business", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Canjilon, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led a community conversation in Canjilon with community members, ranchers, farmers, acequia members, Tribal leaders, and Land Grant Members regarding the proposal of uranium drilling and mineral development in the region by the Canadian-based uranium company, Gamma Resources Ltd. Senator Luján led the N.M. delegation in writing to Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran expressing strong opposition to a proposal to conduct uranium drilling and plans to introduce legislation to withdraw the Chama watershed from all forms of mineral entry.\n\nIn Canjilon, Senator Luján convened local, state, and Tribal officials, community members, ranchers, farmers, acequia members and Land Grant Members to hear their concerns regarding the uranium drilling and mineral development proposal in the region. During the meeting, Senator Luján listened to the concerns of local community members and discussed legislation he plans to introduce that would withdraw the Chama Watershed from mineral extraction. Additionally, Senator Luján took a tour of the area that is being proposed for uranium drilling and mineral development in the region.\n\n“The communities of the Chama Valley have tended this watershed for generations and we must ensure it remains protected for generations to come,” said Senator Luján. “Here in Canjilon, I’m grateful to the local community members who came together for an informative discussion about the harms this uranium drilling proposal would bring and the impacts it would have on the region. These conversations will help guide the legislation I plan to introduce to permanently withdraw the watershed from mineral development. Together, we will continue fighting to protect our lands and waters.”\n\nAfterwards, in Chama, Senator Luján met with the Mayor of the Village of Chama, Ernest E. Vigil, and discussed local water issues and priorities to help the Village of Chama. Following the meeting, Senator Luján visited the owners of Tierra Wools to discuss their business and challenges they are facing because of President Trump’s policies, including sweeping tariffs. During the visit, Senator Luján engaged in conversations with the owners of Tierra Wools regarding concerns of uranium drilling and mineral development in the region.\n\n“For decades, Tierra Wools have raised sheep here in the Chama Valley, caring for the land and supporting local economies,” said Senator Luján. “It was an honor to visit the Tierra Wools store and meet with Molly and Antonio to discuss their business and the importance of protecting the Chama watershed from mineral development. Businesses like Tierra Wools play a critical role in supporting local economies, and I’ll continue to fight in Washington to deliver for our small businesses.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-op-ed-small-business-relief-has-come-but-more-is-needed/", "title": "Senator Marshall Op-Ed: Small Business Relief Has Come, but More is Needed", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Great Bend – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), published an op-ed in The Wichita Eagle in recognition of National Small Business Week. He highlighted the vital role small businesses play in Kansas communities. He detailed how recent Republican-led tax relief is supporting local job creators and outlined next steps, including his legislative efforts, to ensure Main Street employers can continue to grow and succeed.\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE or below:\n\nSmall Business Relief Has Come, but More is Needed\n\nSenator Roger Marshall\n\nThe Wichita Eagle\n\nMay 6th, 2026\n\nWalk down Main Street in almost any Kansas town, and you’ll find the same thing — a family name above the door, an owner who knows your order, or a business that’s been there through good years and hard ones alike.\n\nIt’s these Kansans that are the backbone of our economy, and National Small Business Week is our chance to recognize them.\n\nIf we want a stronger economy, stronger families, and stronger communities, we need strong small businesses.\n\nThe question we should be asking during Small Business Week is simple: Who are we fighting for?\n\nI believe we are fighting for the Main Street employers who keep our small towns alive and our economy growing.\n\nBecause when small businesses succeed, families have jobs. When they expand, communities grow. And when they are overburdened or pushed out, entire towns feel it.\n\nToo often, the government gets this backwards. Instead of empowering small businesses, it treats them like they are giant corporations with compliance departments and teams of lawyers.\n\nWe have seen the results: excessive regulations, inflationary spending, higher energy costs, and burdensome mandates that make it harder to hire, expand, and compete.\n\nThe best thing the government can do is simple – get out of the way. Lower taxes. Reduce unnecessary regulations. Unleash American energy. And let entrepreneurs do what they do best.\n\nWe’ve already made progress on that front. This Tax Day brought good news for many small businesses across Kansas. Because Republicans delivered the Working Families Tax Cuts, job creators are seeing meaningful relief and greater certainty.\n\nWe took measures like bonus depreciation, full expensing for new capital investments, and interest deductibility to give Kansas job creators the certainty they need to plan, invest, and grow. That’s real money staying in the hands of business owners.\n\nBut there is always more work to be done.\n\nWe’ve also introduced several bills aimed at reducing costs and removing unnecessary burdens that continue to hold small businesses back.\n\nKansas small businesses are still paying billions in hidden credit card swipe fees every year. For many, these fees are second only to labor costs and often higher than utilities or employee health care.\n\nWe introduced the Credit Card Competition Act to bring real competition into the payments system and lower those costs, so Main Street businesses can keep more of what they earn.\n\nAccess to capital is another major challenge. Rural and low-income communities across Kansas are often left behind when investment decisions are made.\n\nOur Investing in All of America Act helps change that by unlocking private investment for rural communities, manufacturers, and growing industries. It does this without new taxpayer spending by encouraging investment where it is needed most.\n\nAnd I’ve heard loud and clear from Kansas small business owners about the Corporate Transparency Act. The reporting requirements are too costly, too complex, and too intrusive.\n\nRequiring small business owners to submit sensitive personal information to a federal database was a mistake. I’m glad to join efforts to fix this and push legislation that protects small businesses from unnecessary federal overreach.\n\nSmall Business Week is a time to recognize and celebrate, but also acknowledge the continued work to be done. Please know that I will always put Main Street before Wall Street and will keep fighting to ensure small businesses have the tools that they need to thrive.\n\nIf you’re a small business owner in Kansas and you’ve got a story or a concern, my door is always open.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-bonamici-oregon-delegation-fema-must-approve-waivers-for-two-critical-disaster-mitigation-projects-in-oregon/", "title": "Merkley, Bonamici, Oregon Delegation: FEMA Must Approve Waivers for Two Critical Disaster Mitigation Projects in Oregon", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led a letter with their Democratic colleagues in the Oregon congressional delegation—Senator Ron Wyden, Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve waivers for and to fully fund two projects in Oregon that were funded under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.\n\n“Amidst the suspension of the BRIC program, these projects were forced to proceed to construction because recipients could not afford further delays without severely increasing project costs or jeopardizing the overall success of the project. The delay in funding has created substantial stress on these rural communities,” wrote the Oregon delegation to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.\n\nThe BRIC program—which the Trump Administration attempted to end last year—provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities.\n\nThe two projects in Oregon were forced to break ground pre-award and now require a waiver to access their funding. More details about these projects can be found below:\n\nClatsop County Columbia Memorial Hospital: FEMA selected Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital to receive $14 million in BRIC funding to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. The recipients had begun spending down the funds when the BRIC program was suspended. The construction portion of the project was forced to begin in early 2026 due to the short construction window available.\n\nGrants Pass Water Treatment Plant Relocation: The City of Grants Pass was selected to receive $50 million in BRIC funding to relocate their Water Treatment Plant outside their Special Flood Hazard Area to prevent system failure during a flooding event in Grants Pass. The project broke ground in July 2025 and is about 20 percent complete.\n\nThe lawmakers directed, “Communities across Oregon have relied on BRIC funding to ensure their resiliency in the face of future natural disasters. These, mostly rural, communities that FEMA selected for BRIC funding in prior years all have significant need for the assistance. We urge you to ensure the swift completion of applicable waivers, reviews, and release of funds, in accordance with previous commitments.”\n\nThe lawmakers also urged FEMA to promptly award funding for 19 additional projects in Oregon that were selected for funding in Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023.\n\nPreviously, Merkley, Wyden, and Bonamici led the charge to save the BRIC Program. They joined over 80 of their Senate and House colleagues in a bipartisan effort to demand that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reinstate BRIC program funding. Merkley also led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation to denounce the cancellation of awards under the BRIC program to communities across the state.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wicker-joyce-bonamici-underwood-kiggans-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-marking-national-nurses-week-2026/", "title": "Merkley, Wicker, Joyce, Bonamici, Underwood, Kiggans Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Marking National Nurses Week 2026", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) teamed up with U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution honoring National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week 2026 is celebrated from May 6 through 12.\n\nThe National Nurses Week resolution honors and celebrates the important contributions of America’s nurses to safe, high-quality care and the invaluable role that nurses play in patient care every day. The resolution also highlights the extra care nurses provide in treating injured and sick patients during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.\n\n“As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen how difficult nurses’ jobs are and how important they are to patients,” said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “In every corner of Oregon, nurses offer vital care, support, and advocacy to patients and their families during challenging times. Let’s pause this week to express gratitude for and honor the nurses in our communities for their unwavering skill, commitment, and compassion. We must remain dedicated to providing them with the support necessary to continue their life-saving work.”\n\n“Nurses are essential to our nation’s health care system,” said Senator Wicker, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “They ensure patients receive timely and quality care, and their dedication is unmatched. Our country needs more of these heroes, and I hope more young people will consider joining the nursing profession. This resolution is a small token of our gratitude for their service.”\n\n“The nursing community’s tireless work and advocacy for patients keep our healthcare system running. As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how much pride they take in providing top-notch care for patients,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution and will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to implement common-sense policies that strengthen support for nurses and improve access and affordability across our healthcare system.”\n\n“This National Nurses Week, we celebrate the valuable contributions of our nursing workforce and call attention to the obstacles and challenges nurses face every day. Nurses provide essential, dedicated care across the country, and we must support their work while helping more people enter the field. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Nursing Caucus, I will continue to advocate for policies nurses and aspiring nurses need, including affordable higher education,” said Congresswoman Bonamici, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus.\n\n“I am thrilled to introduce this resolution and recognize nurses for their incredible commitment, care, and contributions to our communities,” said Congresswoman Underwood, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “Just one week ago, the Trump Administration undermined our profession by making it more difficult and more expensive for nurses to advance our education. But every day, across the country, nurses are providing high-quality clinical care, engaging in policy advocacy, and leading in our communities. National Nurses Week is an opportunity to show our thanks and recognition, and I look forward to continuing my work to support nurses at every stage of our education, training, and careers.”\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus said, “Our nation’s nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare every day. My experience as a geriatric nurse practitioner shaped my commitment to this profession and deepened my respect for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. During National Nurses Week, we recognize not only their service, but their critical role in strengthening our healthcare system. I am proud to share their voices in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure our nurses have the support they deserve.”\n\nAs of 2025, there are more than 5 million registered nurses in the United States. However, despite this substantial number, the nursing sector faces pressing challenges, including a continuing shortage of nurses, burnout, and other mental health struggles, and the need for safer working conditions. According to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study released by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, more than 138,000 nurses left the workforce since 2022 due to stress, burnout, and retirement. This same study also outlined that by 2029, almost 40 percent of nurses intend to leave the workforce.\n\nThis week’s resolution is a timely acknowledgment of the indispensable role nurses play in delivering quality care, advancing medical research, providing services to all communities and individuals, increasing access to nursing care, promoting healthy behaviors, and much more. The lawmakers’ bipartisan resolution encourages Americans to recognize and celebrate National Nurses Week this year and to support our nursing workforce today and every day.\n\nIn addition to Merkley and Wicker, this resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found by clicking HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-colleagues-demand-federal-agencies-uphold-the-law-over-trumps-unlawful-order-limiting-voting-access/", "title": "Merkley, Wyden, Colleagues Demand Federal Agencies Uphold the Law Over Trump’s Unlawful Order Limiting Voting Access", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators push Social Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security to put the law ahead of bending to Trump’s illegal Executive Order\n\nWashington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined over 24 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) follow existing federal law over the March 31 Executive Order signed by President Trump, which violates the Constitution and risks disenfranchising eligible voters.\n\nPresident Trump’s directive, which has been challenged in the courts, would require DHS to create eligible voter lists – which the federal government does not have the authority to do. Under the order, DHS is required to use data from the Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program that incorporates incorrect and out-of-date citizenship information from SSA, which DHS has acknowledged may produce inaccurate citizenship verification results. If the President’s Executive Order is implemented in place of current federal law, it will prevent eligible voters from exercising their fundamental right to vote.\n\nIn their letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Senators wrote, “The foreseeable result is that tens of thousands of eligible U.S. citizen voters will discover on Election Day that they are barred from voting because they have been incorrectly removed from voter rolls. Indeed, reports have already confirmed that eligible Americans are being targeted for removal from voter rolls after being erroneously flagged as non-citizens by the SAVE program. As state and local election officials have stated, the SAVE program’s expanded use for voter roll maintenance would likely lead to even greater wrongful disenfranchisement.”\n\n“The Department should immediately discontinue the SAVE program’s use for these illegal and non-statutory purposes and take no steps pursuant to the Executive Order that violate the law and risk disenfranchising eligible voters,” the Senators continued.\n\nIn their letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano, the Senators wrote, “SSA data is already at the core of the overhauled SAVE program at DHS, which continues to have serious accuracy and reliability concerns. State and local elections officials, nonpartisan voter advocacy organizations, federal agencies, and courts have made clear that the SAVE program is not appropriate for voter roll maintenance because incorrect and out-of-date citizenship information in the databases it queries, including SSA databases, leads to eligible voters often being incorrectly flagged as non-citizens.”\n\n“Given that SSA is an unreliable source for information on U.S. citizenship, that recent DOGE activities at SSA put the American public’s data at risk, and that federal interference in state-run elections is a clear violation of the Constitution’s Elections Clause, SSA should immediately discontinue its data sharing activities and take no steps pursuant to the Executive Order that violate the law and risk disenfranchising eligible voters,” the Senators concluded.\n\nThe letters were led by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee; Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Democratic Leader.\n\nMerkley and Wyden previously joined their Democratic colleagues in demanding the United States Postal Service (USPS) uphold existing federal law over President Trump’s Executive Order restricting vote by mail. The Executive Order, which has been challenged in the courts, attempts to turn the Postal Service into an election administrator and regulator, when it is supposed to be a nonpartisan agency whose only priority is to deliver the mail. This directive would have a chilling effect on the eligibility of American voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote by imposing unnecessary barriers and would corrupt the independent mission of the Postal Service to determine who can vote by mail.\n\nFull text of the letter to DHS Secretary Mullin is available by clicking HERE.\n\nFull text of the letter to SSA Commissioner Bisignano is available by clicking HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-thanks-service-members-and-veterans-for-their-service-during-national-military-appreciation-month/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Thanks Service Members and Veterans for Their Service During National Military Appreciation Month", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "TAMPA, Fla.—Senator Ashley Moody thanks service members and veterans for protecting the U.S. in a special video message for National Military Appreciation Month.\n\n“It’s National Military Appreciation Month, and I want to take a moment to recognize the brave men and women who serve our nation. From those currently in uniform, to our veterans, their sacrifices make our freedoms possible. I will always fight in Washington to ensure they have the support, resources, and respect they’ve earned,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nFlorida is home to more than 20 military installations, tens of thousands of active-duty personnel, and three combatant commands of SOUTHCOM, CENTCOM, and SOCOM.\n\nThe Sunshine State is also home to more than 1.5 million veterans, the third largest military veteran population in the nation.\n\nSenator Moody is committed to fighting for U.S. military members and veterans. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:\n\nCosponsored the Military Spouse Hiring Act to address difficulties servicemembers’ families face when looking for work;\n\nCosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;\n\nIntroduced Drone Espionage Act to crack down on spying through video surveillance of military installations;\n\nSupported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;\n\nSupported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;\n\nHeld a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;\n\nRequested President Trump to send F-35As to Homestead Air Reserve Base;\n\nRecognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard’s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.\n\nLast year, Senator Moody secured major funding for Florida’s military bases through her work on the National Defense Authorization Act, totaling over $851 million aimed to support shipbuilding, delivery of next-generation aircraft, and construction of Golden Dome missile defense.\n\nSenator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nSenator Moody has long fought for Florida’s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.\n\nSenator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-kennewick-murray-sounds-alarms-on-republican-cuts-to-health-care-pushing-rural-health-care-to-brink/", "title": "In Kennewick, Murray Sounds Alarms on Republican Cuts to Health Care, Pushing Rural Health Care to Brink", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nKennewick, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion with health care professionals at Columbia Valley Center for Recovery to discuss the new challenges health care providers are facing nearly a year after Republicans passed the largest health care cut in history in their Big Ugly Bill. Senator Murray heard from participants about how these cuts along with the expired ACA tax credits have affected access to care across the region.\n\nMurray was joined by Jodi Daly, President/CEO of Comprehensive Healthcare; Dr. Veronica Hooper, CMO of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic; Ana Rodriguez, Caregiver, SEIU 775 Member; Nachya George, Behavioral Health Services Program Director, Yakama Nation; and Rick Evans, Director of Public Affairs, Tri-Cities Community Health.\n\nThe Republican reconciliation bill, which was signed into law in July 2025, cuts more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and the ACA over the next 10 years and will make health care more expensive and harder to access. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that Republicans’ health care cuts will terminate health insurance for roughly 15 million Americans nationwide\n\n“With their Big Ugly Bill, Republicans passed the single largest health care cut in our nation’s history— leaving providers in the Tri-Cities to wonder how they will keep their staff on and their doors open,” said Senator Murray. “If that weren’t damaging enough, Republicans refused to extend the health care tax credits—which millions of people relied on to afford health coverage. The fallout from that has been devastating. Families saw their premiums double, triple, or even worse. I hear from so many families in Washington state struggling with this. In our state over 36,000 people canceled their insurance, and we know many more shifted down to a worse plan—often still at a higher cost. Congress needs to repeal Trump’s cuts to health care—getting there won’t be easy, but we have to make sure people understand the harm these cuts are doing, especially to rural health care. ”\n\n“During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded that mental health care is essential to strong communities. The expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits and proposals like HR 1 risk increasing the number of uninsured and placing added strain on community-based providers. If we are serious about achieving mental health parity, we must ensure stable coverage and sustainable support for these providers—because when provider organizations are strong, the people and communities served are healthier and more vibrant,” said Jodi Daly, PhD, President/CEO of ComprehensiveHealthcare.\n\n“By serving patients early and close to home, federally qualified health centers, like YVFWC, help programs like Medicaid stretch limited dollars while improving health outcomes and access to health services—but patients need continued coverage and we need continued support from our policymakers to make this happen,” said Dr. Veronica Hooper, Chief Medical Officer of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic.\n\n“Care is essential to survive and live with dignity. When I look at the cuts to care in HR 1, I know that for every person who loses care, at least two people are affected – the person needing the care, and their caregiver. But usually, it’s more than two. It’s the client’s family, their friends, the caregiver’s family. And in all my years of caregiving, I’ve not once been able to look at a client and say they could lose care in hours and be ok,” said Ana Rodriguez, a caregiver and member of SEIU 775. “HR 1’s cuts to care will strip people of their independence and many people will die without care. Because when you can’t do essential things to care for yourself, and you don’t have someone to care for you, what are you supposed to do? I’ve heard from other caregivers and their clients – they’re worried about what happens to them as the cruel Medicaid cuts made in HR 1 become a reality. So many of us love doing this work, and we’ve made many sacrifices to be able to do this job. But there is still so much uncertainty and fear for our clients and our own livelihood.”\n\n“It was invaluable to have the Senator come to the Tri-Cities to visit with us today. Those who need access to a doctor, or to have affordable medicine, should have that opportunity. Tri-Cities Community Health, and Community Health Centers throughout Washington, are designed to support this idea, which is one the Senator has worked to champion in the Senate. Today’s discussion was important and Tri-Cities Community Health is grateful for the opportunity and all of the Senator’s work,” said Rick Evans, Director of Public Affairs, Tri-Cities Community Health.\n\nABOUT TRUMP’S MEDICAID CUTS:\n\nNationwide, the Republican health care cuts represent a more than $400 billion hit to America’s hospitals—with one estimate finding that over 170 rural hospitals will likely be forced to close or scale back their services, which will force more Americans to travel further for maternity care and emergency rooms, and face longer wait times. Washington state is one of the states most at-risk, with 22 hospitals at-risk of closing or reducing services. An estimated 477,000 health workers will lose their jobs as a result of the Republican cuts to Medicaid. Senator Murray has consistently advocated for rural health care across the state, hosting numerous events to emphasize the importance of investment into rural communities.\n\nHospitals in Washington state could lose at least $662 million in Medicaid revenue every year under OBBBA—forcing hospitals to lay off staff, cut services, or close their doors entirely. Overall, Washington state is expected to lose between $31 billion and $51 billion in federal Medicaid dollars over the next decade. In 2024, Washington had an uninsured rate of 4.8 percent—the lowest in the country—but the Republican bill is expected to balloon that number into the double digits.\n\nABOUT GOP REFUSAL TO EXTEND ACA TAX CREDITS:\n\nIn Washington state, nearly 2 million people—roughly 1 in 5—are enrolled in Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program. Washington’s 4th Congressional District has the highest Medicaid enrollment in Washington state, with nearly 300,000 people—38 percent of all residents—reliant on Apple Health, including 70 percent of all children in the state. Over 36,000 fewer Washingtonians enrolled in health insurance through the state’s health care exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder. Over 51,000 fewer Washingtonians are using federal tax credits to get their health care coverage.\n\nSenator Murray forced the issue of the ACA tax credits at every opportunity before Republicans ultimately refused to take any action, speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal to extend the ACA tax credits. She took to the Senate floor in November with her Democratic colleagues to call for a clean one-year extension of the ACA tax credits, and held numerous virtual press conferences with Washingtonians, as well as residents of neighboring states Idaho and Montana, about the exploding health care premiums that Americans are seeing due to the expiration of the tax credits. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray led legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would have addressed the health care crisis during the government shutdown last fall. Senator Murray has also cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation over the past year—the Health Care Affordability Act and the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act—that would make the ACA tax credits permanent.\n\nSenator Murray played a critical role in passing the ACA enhanced premium tax credits into law in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extending them in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-the-tri-cities-murray-rejects-trumps-budget-cuts-affirms-commitment-to-hanford-cleanup-and-workers/", "title": "In the Tri-Cities, Murray Rejects Trump’s Budget Cuts, Affirms Commitment to Hanford Cleanup and Workers", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Senator Murray on President Trump’s Budget Request for Hanford\n\n***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nPasco, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion on the Hanford cleanup with labor leaders and regional stakeholders on the historic progress being made to move cleanup efforts forward. Senator Murray highlighted her fight to reject President Trump’s FY27 budget proposal that includes a $400 million cut to Hanford. Earlier in the day, Senator Murray also toured the Hanford site.\n\nJoining Senator Murray for the discussion today were: Nick Bumpaous, Business Manager for UA 598, Plumbers and Steamfitters in Pasco, Washington, and Former President of the Central Washington Building and Construction Trades Council; Seth Worley, Government Affairs Director and PAC Chairman for UA 598; David Reeploeg, Vice President for Federal Programs, Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) and Executive Director of Hanford Communities; TJ Carter, Business Representative for IBEW Local 112; Jeff McDaniel, Hanford Atomic Metal Trades Council (HAMTC) President; and Barry Shoemake, Business Agent for UA Local 598.\n\n“It’s been a battle to fund the Hanford cleanup every year since I came to the Senate, inevitably having to fight with nearly every President to write a budget that lives up to the federal government’s moral and legal obligation to this community and our state. Finally, last year we saw an incredible milestone—as we began turning nuclear waste into glass thanks to the tireless efforts of the workers who power the Hanford cleanup,” said Senator Murray. “This is no time to set this critical work back by accepting President Trump’s egregious budget cuts—cutting corners now would only impair the cleanup, creating pointless delays and driving up costs. It’s clear that President Trump just does not get it, but he doesn’t get the final say on funding for Hanford—Congress does. And just like every year before, I am going to make sure we tear up President Trump’s budget and write a new one. I’ll always stand up for Hanford workers, fight to make sure we keep the cleanup on track, and make sure Central Washington’s priorities are the federal government’s priorities.”\n\n“Hanford cleanup only succeeds with steady, sufficient funding. Anything less drives up long-term costs and delays progress. Senator Murray understands this, and she has fought relentlessly – and delivered – year after year to ensure Hanford gets the resources it needs. With low-activity waste vitrification now underway and many more accomplishments on the horizon, we’re grateful for Senator Murray’s continued leadership and unwavering commitment to Hanford cleanup and the Tri-Cities community,” said David Reeploeg, Vice President for Federal Programs, Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC).\n\nFor FY26, Senator Murray secured a record $3.22 billion for the Hanford cleanup—$277 million or a 9.39% increase over last year’s funding level. This amount includes $1.051 billion for Richland operations, and $2.173 billion for the Office of River Protection—a $235.7 million increase over fiscal year 2025. Notably, the legislation Senator Murray negotiated rejects major cuts to Richland that were proposed in the Trump administration’s FY26 budget request, which would have been devastating for the Hanford workforce. Within the Office of River Protection, the bill includes $611.5 million for the High Level Waste (HLW) facility ($11.58 million above FY25 spend plan levels), and $480 million for Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste (DFLAW) facility operations ($89.5 million above the FY26 budget request level). This funding will enable the site to accelerate waste retrievals and throughput at DFLAW.\n\nSenator Murray has worked tirelessly to support Hanford workers and ensure the federal government lives up to its cleanup obligations at Hanford throughout her time in Congress—beating back efforts by multiple administrations to underfund the Hanford cleanup. Last year she called out the administration when they mass fired federal workers, including at the Hanford site, and joined Tri-City leaders in denouncing Trump’s FY26 budget proposal which would have gutted key federal investments for the Tri-Cities. Murray also slammed the administration for threatening to drastically derail cleanup efforts and ax the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Project. Following the public pressure from Murray, the administration relented and allowed cleanup efforts to proceed as planned which ultimately resulted in nuclear waste officially being turned into glass at Hanford.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-delivering-resources-to-strengthen-public-safety-in-conyers/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Delivering Resources to Strengthen Public Safety in Conyers", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Conyers, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is strengthening public safety in Conyers.\n\nSen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver new portable radios and a Mobile Command Vehicle to the Conyers Police Department to better protect its residents and strengthen emergency response efforts.\n\nSen. Ossoff is delivering $1,031,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on January 23.\n\n“It is absolutely imperative that Georgia communities have the resources to keep families safe,” Sen. Ossoff said. “That’s why I’m working with Republicans and Democrats to deliver funding to the City of Conyers for key safety upgrades.”\n\n“We are deeply grateful for this federal investment in the City of Conyers and our police department. This funding will significantly strengthen our technological capabilities and enhance our strategic preparedness, ensuring our officers have the tools they need to protect and serve our community at the highest level. We appreciate the continued support and partnership that made this possible, and we look forward to putting these resources to work for the people of Conyers,” said City of Conyers Police Department Chief R. Scott Freeman.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-schiff-join-bennet-and-colleagues-demanding-trump-administration-resume-russian-oil-sanctions/", "title": "Padilla, Schiff Join Bennet and Colleagues Demanding Trump Administration Resume Russian Oil Sanctions", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nPadilla, Schiff, 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.).\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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,” the Senators continued.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Bessent:\n\nWe 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.\n\nBefore 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.\n\nRussia 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.\n\nDespite 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.\n\nPresident 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.\n\nYou 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.\n\nYour 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.\n\nYet 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.\n\nContinuing 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.\n\nNow 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.\n\nFailure 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.\n\nThank you for your attention.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-safety-and-security-of-us-pipeline-infrastructure", "title": "Senate Passes Peters’ Bipartisan Bill to Improve Safety and Security of U.S. Pipeline Infrastructure", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to improve the safety and security of pipeline infrastructure in Michigan and throughout the United States. The Pipeline Integrity, Protection, and Enhancement for Leveraging Investments in the Nation’s Energy to Assure Safety (PIPELINE) Safety Act would reauthorize and significantly increase funding for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) safety programs for five years. These critical programs help Michigan effectively inspect and enforce safety standards for more than 100,000 miles of pipeline currently in operation throughout the state. The bill additionally requires pipeline operators to protect against the growing threat of cyberattacks, such as the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2023.\n\nThe bill also includes a provision led by Peters to pave the way for a PHMSA “National Center of Excellence for Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Leak Detection.” The center would conduct research into state-of-the-art pipeline leak detection technologies that can help efficiently identify a spill and improve our response to a potential incident. If passed into law, the center would be established in the Great Lakes region.\n\n“We must ensure our pipeline infrastructure remains strong. This bipartisan bill will help protect both public safety and our environment by working to prevent accidents and improve protections for this critical infrastructure,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety. “Michiganders particularly know that we must do all we can to prevent a Great Lakes oil spill. I’m proud this bill has a provision I fought for to establish a Center of Excellence in the Great Lakes region to strengthen our ability to detect and respond to potential dangerous pipeline leaks.”\n\n“Michigan Tech greatly appreciates Senator Peters’ leadership in advancing a National Center of Excellence for Pipeline Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection through the Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Act,” said Michigan Technological University’s President Richard Koubek. “By bringing together government, industry, and academia, the Center would help advance research, improve detection technologies, and strengthen pipeline safety nationwide. Michigan Tech appreciates the opportunity to support Senator Peters’ vision of protecting the environment while supporting the nation’s critical energy and industrial needs.”\n\nPeters introduced the Pipeline Integrity, Protection, and Enhancement for Leveraging Investments in the Nation’s Energy to Assure Safety (PIPELINE) Safety Act alongside U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Todd Young (R-IN).\n\nPeters has made it a priority to strengthen U.S. pipeline infrastructure and improve our response to pipeline spills. In 2018, he authored and passed legislation creating the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise to study the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments and help develop effective responses to protect the Great Lakes. Peters then announced that the Center would be dual headquartered in Michigan at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor to maximize its research and operational capabilities. Peters led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Center for Freshwater Research and Education at LSSU, which is home to the Center of Expertise, in 2022.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Peters has continued to advocate for additional funding to support the Great Lakes Center of Expertise’s work. Peters also introduced legislation to help federal agencies more quickly and effectively respond to potential oil spills on the Great Lakes and elsewhere. In 2021, Peters applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to formally implement a provision of his PIPES Act, which designated the Great Lakes as an Unusually Sensitive Area, subjecting pipelines operating in the area to higher standards for operating safely.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Peters plays a key role in uniting Great Lakes Basin Senators to coordinate legislative initiatives, funding priorities, and oversight efforts to address the most important issues facing the Great Lakes, such as invasive species, environmental contamination, shoreline erosion, water quality, infrastructure needs, and more.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-joins-coinbase-crypto-panel-in-miami-with-house-whip-tom-emmer", "title": "In Case You Missed It…  Sen. Rick Scott Joins Coinbase Crypto Panel in Miami with House Whip Tom Emmer", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MIAMI, Fla. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott participated in a Solana Policy Institute panel on the future of American cryptocurrency. U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), House Majority Whip, joined Senator Scott as a panelist.\n\nThe conversation centered around legislation to ban a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the Clarity Act, and the intersection of national security and cryptocurrency.\n\nThe full discussion can be foundHEREor by clicking the photo above.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nON BANNING CBDCs:\n\nSenator Scott said, “Do not trust government. So, if you don’t trust government, there’s no way you should allow the federal government to have a digital currency… They’ll use it to hurt you… They target people. That’s what governments do.”\n\nON THE CLARITY ACT:\n\nSenator Scott said,“In my business life, my biggest problem was always government. And the reason government is a problem is because there’s uncertainty. When we don’t have certainty, it makes it very difficult in business to actually do anything… We ought to allow competition and we’ll get innovation and people will bring the technology back to the United States.”\n\nON MAKING AMERICA THE CRYPTO CAPITAL OF THE WORLD:\n\nSenator Scott said, “Government has just got to get the hell out of the way and let people go innovate. If there’s new legislation we have to do or fix regulations or things like that, we should do that, but I think the business community will go and do that on its own. The public wants this. So now people are just going to be innovative. I think they will be way more innovative than they were with the internet, so I think this is a big opportunity.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/06/during-national-small-business-week-senator-rosen-holds-discussion-with-reno-small-business-owners-about-the-impacts-of-trumps-policies/", "title": "During National Small Business Week, Senator Rosen Holds Discussion with Reno Small Business Owners About the Impacts of Trump’s Policies", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RENO, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen hosted a roundtable discussion with local small business owners at the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce to discuss the impacts of Trump’s policies on Nevada’s economy. Small businesses make up 99 percent of all businesses in Nevada, with 280,000 of them all over the state. As a result, Nevada has been one of the states most impacted by Donald Trump’s economic policies.\n\n“Trump’s policies in the last year have directly impacted small businesses in our state. Reckless tariffs, harmful immigration policies, and rising prices have made it harder for small business owners and their families to make ends meet and keep their businesses afloat,” said Senator Rosen. “I will do everything that I can in the Senate to fight back against the administration’s dangerous policies, and ensure that all small businesses in our state are given the opportunity to thrive.”\n\n“Entrepreneurs have been hit hard this last year. Rapidly increasing prices and tariffs are making it harder everyday for Nevada’s small businesses,” said Ann Silver, President and CEO of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce. “I am grateful to Senator Rosen for coming to Reno today to hear directly from small business owners and discuss how she can continue supporting them.”\n\nSenator Rosen has been fighting to protect small businesses in Nevada from Donald Trump’s harmful policies. This year, she has introduced legislation to exempt small businesses and groceries from tariffs, as well as supporting Nevada’s tourism economy. Senator Rosen has also called for a Senate hearing on the state of tourism under the Trump Administration.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-maui-families-awarded-with-federal-funding-to-buy-first-home", "title": "Schatz Congratulates Maui Families Awarded With Federal Funding To Buy First Home", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LAHAINA – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today joined a signing ceremony to meet with and congratulate Maui families impacted by the 2023 fires who are set to receive a federal award of up to $600,000 to help buy a new home. The awards, part of the county’s First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program, is funded by the $1.6 billion in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) money Schatz secured for Maui in 2024.\n\n“We fought for this money in Washington because we knew that for Maui to recover fully, it needed its people. And what people need above all else is the security of a stable home,” said Senator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “There’s still so much to do to make sure West Maui is back on its feet, but days like today should give us all hope that better days are ahead and we’re going to get there together.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-bay-area-lawmakers-urge-trump-admin-to-release-funding-for-san-francisco-bay-wildlife-refuge-complex/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Bay Area Lawmakers Urge Trump Admin to Release Funding for San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge Complex", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and five Bay Area lawmakers urged the Trump administration to release millions of dollars of Congressionally approved funds for San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which have been subject to bureaucratic delay at the U.S. Department of Interior.\n\nThe San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an important part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and in December 2022 and January 2023 experienced severe winter storm damage to its berms, levees, and pump stations that are critical to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s ability to protect Bay Area communities from flooding and manage and restore natural habitats.\n\nThe lawmakers expressed deep concern that the Complex has yet to receive the full $70 million allocated to them as a part of the 2025 American Relief Act, funding that is crucial to addressing winter storm damage and preventing future flooding in Northern California.\n\n“We understand that most of these funds have not been released to the Refuge Complex. Further, we understand that the Department of the Interior is requiring any expense action over $50,000 to be approved by various Assistant Secretaries within the Department. This bureaucratic delay is unnecessary and inefficient, especially for dollars that were appropriated by Congress for major disasters three years ago,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\n“We urgently request that you release these funds Congress has appropriated to the Complex to address storm damage and emergency repairs, protect adjacent communities and highways from flooding, and protect important Silicon Valley communities,” the lawmakers continued.\n\nIn addition to Schiff this letter is also signed by U.S. House of Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif-17), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif-15), Jared Huffman (D-Calif-02), and Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Director Nesvik:\n\nWe are writing to inquire about the status of $70 million in disaster funds included in the 2025 American Relief Act to address winter storm damage within the San Francisco Bay Refuge Complex, an important part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.\n\nThe U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Complex (Complex) includes seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWR). The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR, the first urban NWR in the nation, is part of this Complex. A century and a half of urban development, pollution, and habitat destruction depleted bay habitat, eliminating more than 90 percent of shoreline wetlands and 40 percent of the bay aquatic ecosystem. This NWR Complex has restored over 30,000 acres of habitat, helping to protect migratory birds and recover endangered species.\n\nIn December 2022 and January 2023, the Complex experienced severe winter storm damage. The storms were declared a major disaster and damage was assessed by FWS Engineers in 2023. The storms damaged berms and levees that are critical to FWS’s ability to manage and restore habitats and protect adjacent communities from flooding. Disaster funds would help repair these berms and levees as well as Sears Point pump stations 1 and 2, which currently protect Highway 37 from flooding. These berms and levees prevent bay waters from inundating Silicon Valley.\n\nWe understand that most of these funds have not been released to the Refuge Complex. Further, we understand that the Department of the Interior is requiring any expense action over $50,000 to be approved by various Assistant Secretaries within the Department. This bureaucratic delay is unnecessary and inefficient, especially for dollars that were appropriated by Congress for major disasters three years ago.\n\nWe urgently request that you release these funds Congress has appropriated to the Complex to address storm damage and emergency repairs, protect adjacent communities and highways from flooding, and protect important Silicon Valley communities.\n\nWe appreciate a timely response advising us about the release of these emergency funds.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-tours-barstow-community-college-highlights-helping-deliver-750000-for-mental-health-services-program/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours Barstow Community College, Highlights Helping Deliver $750,000 for Mental Health Services Program", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Barstow, CA – In case you missed it, this week U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) visited Barstow Community College. While at the college, he toured their Mental Health Services Program, for which Schiff helped deliver $750,000 in federal investments, alongside Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), to increase access to unmet mental health care needs in Barstow and surrounding rural communities.\n\nWhile on campus, Schiff also participated in a roundtable with students from the Mathematics, Engineering, Science, and Achievement (MESA) program, which supports underrepresented students majoring in STEM who intend to transfer to a 4-year college or university. During the roundtable, Schiff heard directly from students on the issues most important to them and discussed his efforts in Congress to make life and education more affordable for Californians.\n\n“In this increasingly technological world, in this reasonably small, global world that is now going to be severely disrupted by AI, having a solid education in these STEM fields is just essential. I think AI is going to transform the workplace in ways that we have really never seen before and do so with a speed that will be unprecedented also. And I think that really calls on people in Congress to think anew,” said Senator Schiff.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-barrasso-colleagues-introduce-no-licenses-for-illegal-drivers-or-truckers-act/", "title": "Sens. Scott, Barrasso, Colleagues Introduce No Licenses for Illegal Drivers or Truckers Act", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the No Licenses for Illegal Drivers or Truckers Act, which would require applicants for driver’s licenses, commercial driver’s licenses, and personal identification cards to be lawfully present in the United States. This bill would withhold federal highway funds from states that fail to comply and redirect those funds to states in compliance.\n\n”America continues to suffer the consequences of Biden’s open border policies. Illegal immigrants on the road have posed a serious public safety threat in our communities as we’ve tragically seen in South Carolina. The No Licenses for Illegal Drivers or Truckers Act would improve accountability to make sure states confirm the lawful presence of driver’s license applicants and help protect the communities we call home,” said Sen. Scott\n\n“Millions of illegal immigrants flooded into the United States under the Biden administration’s radical open border policies. Since many illegal immigrants do not speak English and cannot read road signs, these drivers make roads less safe for the law-abiding public,” said Sen. Barrasso. “While Wyoming already prohibits illegal immigrants from getting driver’s licenses, 19 states and the District of Columbia continue to issue personal and commercial driver’s licenses without verifying legal status. My legislation will ensure states follow the law and prioritize public safety.”\n\nJoining Sens. Scott and Barrasso are Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).\n\nBackground:\n\nSeveral states such as California, New York, and Washington do not require evidence of lawful presence for an applicant to receive a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, or personal identification card. Illegal immigrants, many who do not understand English to be able to read road and traffic signs, are obtaining licenses and posing a safety risk to communities. This oversight has led to lethal accidents involving American citizens, often children at play.\n\nThe No Licenses for Illegal Drivers or Truckers Act would:\n\nRequire states to verify lawful presence of each applicant applying for a license or identification card\n\nDirect the Department of Transportation to withhold 10% of the incompliant state’s appropriated funds from federal highway funding programs\n\nRedistribute incompliant states’ funds to states in compliance\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-shaheen-raises-bipartisan-insulin-act-on-ms-now-as-health-care-affordability-remains-top-of-mind-for-american-people", "title": "ICYMI: Shaheen Raises Bipartisan INSULIN Act on MS Now as Health Care Affordability Remains Top-of-Mind for American People", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**Support is growing for Shaheen’s bipartisan legislation that caps the monthly-out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35**\n\n(Manchester, NH) – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), co-chair of the U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus and author of the bipartisan Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act, joined MS Now’s Chris Jansing Reports today to in part discuss the need to lower the cost of insulin as health care affordability remains top-of-mind for Americans. The Senator joined MS Now from the new Jean School of Nursing at St. Anselm College, where she held a roundtable to discuss barriers to insulin affordability with local health care leaders, advocates and Granite Staters living with Type 1 Diabetes.\n\nClick HERE to view the full clip.\n\nThe INSULIN Act—which Shaheen leads alongside U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and John Kennedy (R-LA)—would cap the monthly-out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35. Importantly, the legislation would create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. Shaheen’s bill enjoys robust bipartisan support with seven senators from each party backing the proposal after picking up two additional cosponsors last week.\n\nKey quotes from Shaheen on MS Now:\n\n“I’m actually here at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, at their new school of nursing, and we just had a discussion with medical providers, with those with Type 1 Diabetes, with advocates talking about the legislation that Senator Collins and I have introduced that would cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month.”\n\n“We did that two years ago for people on Medicare, but for people who have health insurance, they’re still paying much more than that in most cases. So this would cap the cost of insulin, and it would set up a pilot program for people who don’t have health insurance to be able to cover the cost of insulin for them, as well.”\n\n“As you point out, this is a number one issue for my constituents who are worried about how they’re going to be able to pay for their health insurance. And this President has done nothing to address it.”\n\nClick HERE to view bill text.\n\nThe INSULIN Act would directly address the root problems in the insulin market causing high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products.\n\nSpecifically, the INSULIN Act:\n\nLimits out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans must waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nMandates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100% of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices and help patients in the form of reduced premiums.\n\nPromotes generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients.\n\nCreates a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify uninsured diabetes patients and provide them with insulin at $35 a month.\n\nEstablishes an insulin resource center and hotline for uninsured diabetes patients to connect them with resources about diabetes and programs to help them secure insulin.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-highlights-bipartisan-bill-to-cap-the-cost-of-insulin-at-health-care-roundtable-visits-projects-for-which-she-secured-funding-and-talks-tariffs-with-local-business-on-affordability-action-tour", "title": "Shaheen Highlights Bipartisan Bill to Cap the Cost of Insulin at Health Care Roundtable, Visits Projects for Which She Secured Funding and Talks Tariffs with Local Business on “Affordability Action Tour”", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**Shaheen’s bipartisan legislation caps the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans with insurance and creates a pilot program to provide insulin at the same price to the uninsured**\n\n(Hudson, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), co-chair of the U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus, continued her “Affordability Action Tour” with a roundtable discussion on the high cost of insulin at the Jean School of Nursing at St. Anselm College. The Senator also visited Nashua Community College to hear about efforts to prepare Granite State students for high demand jobs, including through programs for which Shaheen secured federal funding. Shaheen ended the day at W.H. Bagshaw Company to talk with Granite Staters about how tariffs, inflation and rising input costs have impacted their operations.\n\nPhotos from today’s events can be found HERE.\n\nAt the Jean School of Nursing at St. Anselm College, Shaheen convened a roundtable with Manchester health care leaders, nurses and Granite Staters living with diabetes to discuss the barriers too many individuals face in accessing affordable insulin. Shaheen highlighted how her bipartisan INSULIN Act would help make insulin more accessible by capping the monthly-out-of-pocket costs at $35 for Americans with insurance. Critically, Shaheen’s bipartisan bill would create a pilot program to make affordable insulin more accessible for Americans without insurance.\n\n“I know firsthand how difficult it has become to afford the lifesaving insulin so many patients fighting diabetes require daily just to stay alive. By capping the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 a month, my bipartisan INSULIN Act will address this issue—lowering health care costs for millions of families across our country,” said Senator Shaheen. “Health care costs continue to rise in this country, yet President Trump has done nothing to fix it. My INSULIN Act does, and I’m committed to getting it passed in my final year in Congress.”\n\nAs co-chair of the U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senator Shaheen has consistently pressed to hold insulin manufacturers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers accountable for the skyrocketing cost of lifesaving insulin and otherwise support patients and families facing diabetes.\n\nLater, Shaheen visited Nashua Community College (NCC) to discuss their efforts preparing Granite Staters for high demand jobs in key sectors—including at NCC’s Early Childhood Education Lab, Air Traffic Control Lab and Soldering Bootcamp.\n\n“The work of Nashua Community College to equip future generations of Granite State students with the skills they need to fill gaps in high demand sectors, from air traffic control to child care, is vital to our local economies,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was proud to secure federal funding to support these programs, which will increase the supply of workers in key sectors, such as child care, and lower costs for Granite State families.”\n\nShaheen secured $933,500 in Congressionally Directed Spending in Fiscal Year (FY) 26 funding legislation to support the college’s Early Childhood Center, which aims to improve the availability of high-quality childcare. Shaheen also secured $192,000 in FY23 Congressionally Directed Spending for the NCC Soldering Bootcamp to equip students with the education and hands-on skill development they need to enter the workforce and power local Granite State economies.\n\nShaheen concluded the day at W.H. Bagshaw, a historic, family-owned Granite State business and the nation’s oldest pin manufacturer that recently opened a newly renovated manufacturing facility in Hudson. During their discussion and tour of the facility, Shaheen raised how businesses across the Granite State are struggling to manage the economic fallouts of the President’s war in Iran, including rising inflation and higher input costs, on top of the Administration’s reckless tariffs.\n\n\"President Trump’s reckless tariffs and war in Iran are making everything more expensive for Granite State businesses and their employees,” said Senator Shaheen. “W.H. Bagshaw, like so many family-owned businesses in our state, is having to contend with these added costs. I was glad to see their new facility today and discuss how Congress can better support the good jobs created by Granite State businesses, including by addressing the high cost of housing and child care.”\n\nAs the former Chair of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee, Shaheen has championed efforts to support New Hampshire’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. That includes helping lead efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump's tariffs on Main Street. Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to discuss the impact of tariffs on New Hampshire’s tourism industry and to visit businesses impacted by President Trump’s trade war. Earlier this year, Shaheen led the introduction of the Speedy Tariff Refund Act, legislation that would require full refunds of President Trump’s illegal tariffs after they were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court by a 6-3 vote.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=881EACF5-301A-4C63-AE65-E6F0A5965CF0", "title": "Delegation’s Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act Signed into Law", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today issued the following statements after their Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act was signed into law by President Trump. The bipartisan legislation will accelerate the review and processing of mortgages on trust land by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).\n\n“For years, affordable housing opportunities on tribal trust land have been hard to come by in South Dakota and across the nation due in part to the BIA’s challenging mortgage approval process,” said Thune. “With the enactment of our legislation, this mortgage approval process will now be expedited, encouraging homeownership across Indian Country. I’m grateful to Senator Mike Rounds and Congressman Dusty Johnson for co-leading this bill with me, and I thank President Trump for signing it into law.”\n\n“I’m pleased that President Trump has signed our Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act into law,” said Rounds. “The process of getting a mortgage on tribal trust land is long and bureaucratic, requiring approval from the BIA that is supposed to take 30 days but often takes over one year. This legislation will require the BIA to follow a statutory timeline when processing mortgages for houses and businesses on tribal trust land. This is a long-overdue win for tribal communities in South Dakota.”\n\n“Buying a home or business on tribal trust land is about to get a whole lot easier,” said Johnson. “I’m grateful President Trump signed our Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act into law to improve access to homeownership on tribal lands. Big thanks to Leader John Thune and Senator Mike Rounds for their efforts to support tribal communities by cutting through government bureaucracy at the BIA.”\n\n“Senator Thune has strongly supported expanding homeownership opportunities on tribal land since his early days in the Senate,” said Sharon Vogel, board chair of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition and executive director of the Cheyenne River Housing Authority in Eagle Butte. “From the beginning, he has focused on prioritizing and streamlining mortgage-related processes within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act advances that work. We appreciate his vision and leadership in making homeownership more accessible for Native families.”\n\n“At the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), we deeply appreciate the growing attention and commitment from Congress to tackle the housing challenges facing tribal nations,” said Rudy Soto, executive director of NAIHC. “By removing unnecessary bureaucratic delays, this bill helps unlock opportunity for Native families, strengthens pathways to homeownership, and supports economic mobility in our communities. We look forward to continued collaboration to build on this momentum and ensure tribal housing is fully included in the broader national housing agenda.”\n\nThe Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act will create statutory timelines for the BIA to process mortgages involving property located on tribal trust land. Additionally, it will enhance the ability of certain federal agencies to operate their tribal housing programs and establish a realty ombudsman within the BIA to improve communication with tribes, tribal members, and lenders. The bill passed the Senate on December 12, 2025, and passed the House of Representatives on March 4, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-delegation-members-press-trump-administration-for-transparency-on-fuel-spill-at-joint-base-andrews", "title": "Maryland Delegation Members Press Trump Administration for Transparency on Fuel Spill at Joint Base Andrews", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Glenn Ivey, Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) wrote to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, pressing him on the lack of transparency around a leak of over 30,000 gallons of jet fuel at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County earlier this year – which resulted in over 20,000 gallons of fuel released into the environment, contaminating soil outside the base and the nearby Piscataway Creek. In the letter, the lawmakers expressed concerns over the Air Force’s critical delay in providing full information regarding the leak to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) – the state entity charged with responding to environmental pollution incidents – stressing that their failure to promptly notify for many weeks prevented MDE from implementing measures to minimize the spread of the contamination. They asked for answers to a series of questions regarding the status of the fuel leak’s spread and containment efforts; current systems in place to detect such incidents and whether the Air Force has plans to improve them; and planned measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, among others.\n\n“We write regarding the recent fuel spill incident reported at Joint Base Andrews and to request additional information regarding both the discharge and the response actions taken,” the lawmakers began. “Joint Base Andrews notified the State of Maryland of a jet fuel leak after fuel odors and a visible fuel sheen were observed in Piscataway Creek on March 23, 2026. Subsequent correspondence confirmed that approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel had leaked across multiple dates and locations. Of this amount, 10,000 gallons from January and February incidents were reportedly contained within the system, while approximately 22,000 gallons of fuel were discharged into the environment, contaminating soils and nearby Piscataway Creek.”\n\nUnderscoring the harmful consequences of the Air Force’s delay in notifying MDE, they wrote, “While containment efforts were significantly improved around April 15-16 following site visits and feedback from officials, earlier implementation of more effective measures could have reduced the extent of contamination reaching the creek.”\n\n“Legacy pollution from Joint Base Andrews has already resulted in PFAS contamination in Piscataway Creek and the surrounding area, and this fuel spill adds to existing environmental stressors affecting the watershed. The release has the potential to cause further ecological harm to the Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River, a key Chesapeake Bay tributary. It is of the utmost importance that Joint Base Andrews fully assess and remediate any damage caused by this leak and take protective measures to prevent an incident like this from happening again in the future,” the lawmakers stressed, going on to list a series of questions for the Air Force Secretary’s response.\n\n“We appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and request a briefing for our offices and your detailed written response. Given the scale of the discharge and the potential environmental impacts, timely and transparent communication will be critical,” they concluded.\n\nText of the letter, including the questions posed to Secretary Meink, can be viewed here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Meink,\n\nWe write regarding the recent fuel spill incident reported at Joint Base Andrews and to request additional information regarding both the discharge and the response actions taken.\n\nJoint Base Andrews notified the State of Maryland of a jet fuel leak after fuel odors and a visible fuel sheen were observed in Piscataway Creek on March 23, 2026. Subsequent correspondence confirmed that approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel had leaked across multiple dates and locations. Of this amount, 10,000 gallons from January and February incidents were reportedly contained within the system, while approximately 22,000 gallons of fuel were discharged into the environment, contaminating soils and nearby Piscataway Creek.\n\nWe also understand that containment berms were installed on March 24 and 25; however, initial containment measures were insufficient to prevent the spread of contamination to Piscataway Creek, particularly during moderate rainfall events. While containment efforts were significantly improved around April 15-16 following site visits and feedback from officials, earlier implementation of more effective measures could have reduced the extent of contamination reaching the creek. We also understand that there was a notable delay between when Joint Base Andrews discovered the fuel leak and when the State of Maryland received full information about the complete spill volume, with Joint Base Andrews failing to provide final figures until April 8.\n\nLegacy pollution from Joint Base Andrews has already resulted in PFAS contamination in Piscataway Creek and the surrounding area, and this fuel spill adds to existing environmental stressors affecting the watershed. The release has the potential to cause further ecological harm to the Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River, a key Chesapeake Bay tributary. It is of the utmost importance that Joint Base Andrews fully assess and remediate any damage caused by this leak and take protective measures to prevent an incident like this from happening again in the future.\n\nGiven the seriousness of this incident, we request clarification on the following:\n\nPlease provide a detailed timeline of when each leak was first detected, internally reported, and externally communicated. What factors contributed to the delay in reporting the full spill volume, and what role did coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency play in this process?\n\nWhat is the current estimate of fuel that has migrated into Piscataway Creek versus what remains in the ground?\n\nWhat means and methodology is Joint Base Andrews using to measure the fuel loss that provides the basis for this estimate?\n\nWhat immediate and long-term remediation strategies are being implemented to address contamination in both soil and water?\n\nWhat measures will be taken to ensure effective containment of the contaminated area during rainfall or other adverse conditions?\n\nWhat monitoring systems are currently in place to detect future leaks, and are there plans to upgrade or enhance these systems?\n\nWhat steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, including any plans to inspect this and other underground fuel storage and transportation infrastructure for both internal and external corrosion following this release?\n\nHow will ongoing updates be communicated to regulatory agencies and the public moving forward?\n\nLastly, what impacts has the leak had on base operations, if any?\n\nWe appreciate your prompt attention to these questions and request a briefing for our offices and your detailed written response. Given the scale of the discharge and the potential environmental impacts, timely and transparent communication will be critical.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-nearly-70-million-for-maryland-infrastructure-and-community-development-projects", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Nearly $70 Million for Maryland Infrastructure and Community Development Projects", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), and Senator Angela Alsobrooks, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (both D-Md.) announced $69,498,878 in direct federal funding for 46 community-led projects throughout Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 THUD appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of a 5-bill government funding package passed by Congress and signed into law in February. These investments in local projects – submitted and secured by the Senators – support community and economic development as well as improvements to public transit and trail networks.\n\n“Federal dollars can make a big impact when we invest them directly in projects that support our communities’ needs. That’s why we fought to deliver these federal funds to local priorities – from developing affordable housing to building safer transportation infrastructure to improving access to services that help Marylanders thrive. We worked hard to secure the investments in this legislation to ensure it reflects the needs of Marylanders and our communities,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n“During the March on Washington, Rabbi Joachim Prinz so wisely reminded us that ‘Neighbor is not a geographic term. It is a moral concept.’ Here in Maryland, we are all neighbors, and that is why Senator Van Hollen and I were so determined to secure federal funding for community hubs and affordable, safe housing. Every Marylander deserves to live in a safe place where they can thrive and grow, and our over $69 million for Maryland in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill invests in our neighbors – in upgraded infrastructure for transportation, in outdoor recreation, in youth centers, and in so much more,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nHighlights for Maryland in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Funding Bill\n\nCongressionally Directed Spending\n\nProject Name: Aberdeen Activity Center Outdoor Recreation Improvements\n\nApplicant: City of Aberdeen\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to construct an ADA-accessible playground, walking trail, and multi-purpose field at a new City Activity Center that will provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the community.\n\nProject Location: Harford County\n\nAmount Included: $300,000\n\nProject Name: Amherst Affordable Housing Redevelopment\n\nApplicant: Montgomery Housing Partnership, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to redevelop the Amherst into a modern, energy-efficient, and affordable community. This project will add affordable units for low- to moderate-income families, supporting Montgomery County’s affordable housing needs.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Artists Flats Apartments\n\nApplicant: Howard County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support construction of mixed-income development that will provide affordable housing for low-and moderate-income individuals and families.\n\nProject Location: Howard County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: Baltimore Regional Trail Hub\n\nApplicant: South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District Management Authority\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to create a trail link needed to connect existing and planned trails in South Baltimore and around the region. The trails provide access to the newly built Middle Branch Health and Wellness Facility and the MedStar Harbor Hospital.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $3,000,000\n\nProject Name: Bowie State MARC Station Joint Development Project\n\nApplicant: Maryland Department of Transportation\n\nProject Description: The Bowie State MARC Station Joint Development Project will enhance transit access, housing, and economic growth by delivering commuter spaces, residential units, and MARC station improvements. This investment will catalyze development and support Bowie State University’s expansion while fostering a vibrant mixed-use community. This initiative is one of the initial cornerstones of the Penn Line Transit Oriented Development Strategy, designed to transform the Station into a vibrant, mixed-use, and transit-oriented community. The project will enhance public transportation, increase access to affordable housing, and stimulate economic growth through sustainable, community-focused development.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $250,000\n\nProject Name: Capital Improvements\n\nApplicant: Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to construct a state-of-the-art-kitchen in the new Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland headquarters. The new facility will allow for expansion of program services for low-income, elderly adults with a meal production facility, storage space and an accessible loading dock.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $1,500,000\n\nProject Name: Carroll Community College Applied Technology and Trades Center\n\nApplicant: Carroll Community College\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to establish a new Applied Technology and Trades Center to address critical workforce shortages among tradespeople in the fields of manufacturing, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and automotive/electric vehicle maintenance and repair.\n\nProject Location: Carroll County\n\nAmount Included: $850,000\n\nProject Name: Cedar Lane Senior Living Community Phase IV Development\n\nApplicant: Cedar Lane Senior Living Community III Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will support Cedar Lane Phase IV, an affordable senior housing complex that will add new housing units with activities and services for Maryland's senior citizens.\n\nProject Location: St. Mary's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,500,000\n\nProject Name: Cheverly MD 201 Bike Trail\n\nApplicant: Town of Cheverly\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to construct a shared-use path along MD 201 for safer pedestrian and bicyclist travel.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $650,000\n\nProject Name: Chimes Home Safety and Accessibility Renovation\n\nApplicant: The Chimes Foundation, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to construct and renovate homes for people with physical and developmental disabilities in order to support greater independence for residents.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Community Center Renovation\n\nApplicant: Maryland Deaf Community Center\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support the renovation of the Maryland Deaf Community Center in Frederick, MD. The Center will provide deaf and hard of hearing people throughout the state with a space to access resources, educational, cultural, and social programs.\n\nProject Location: Frederick County\n\nAmount Included: $500,000\n\nProject Name: Community Center Revitalization Project\n\nApplicant: Robert W. Johnson Community Center\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support urgent repairs and renovations to the longstanding community hub serving youth, families, and seniors in Hagerstown. These improvements will preserve a vital local institution, enhance programs, and address infrastructure needs.\n\nProject Location: Washington County\n\nAmount Included: $500,000\n\nProject Name: Community Food Center Renovation\n\nApplicant: AfriThrive Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to upgrade and renovate a community kitchen, cold storage, and food pantry in Essex, Maryland to support low-income families in the region.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $800,000\n\nProject Name: Crownsville Meyer Building Rehabilitation\n\nApplicant: Anne Arundel County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to remediate and rehabilitate the Meyer Building at the Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park to provide the community with essential amenity and support spaces as well as crucial health and wellness services.\n\nProject Location: Anne Arundel County\n\nAmount Included: $3,150,000\n\nProject Name: Easterseals Hagerstown Child Development Center\n\nApplicant: Easterseals DC MD VA, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to purchase and renovate a building to address the lack of childcare availability in Washington County. This facility will accommodate children ages 6-weeks to 4-years-old and meet a critical need in a county with no accredited child development centers.\n\nProject Location: Washington County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: Echoes from the Key Bridge\n\nApplicant: Baltimore Museum of Industry\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support an initiative to collect stories and memories to document the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and its impact on the Port of Baltimore. This historical information and perspective will be the basis of an exhibition and a school curriculum on the Port’s importance.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $730,000\n\nProject Name: Enhancing Eastern Shore Freight Rail Growth and Reliability Project\n\nApplicant: Maryland Department of Transportation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for improvements to the Centreville and Chestertown freight rail lines in Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties. Several businesses on the Eastern Shore rely on these rail lines. Functioning freight rail lines will help reduce the number of trucks on the roads.\n\nProject Location: Kent County, Queen Anne's County\n\nAmount Included: $8,000,000\n\nProject Name: Essex Branch Construction\n\nApplicant: Baltimore County Public Library\n\nProject Description: Funds will support the construction of a new Baltimore County Public Library branch in an underserved community on the east side of the county. This building will replace the current branch, which is inadequate in size and lacks the modern amenities residents need.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: Facilities Upgrades and Equipment for Public Safety During Storms\n\nApplicant: Howard County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to update and improve the North Laurel Community Center and Elkridge 50+ Center which serve as warming and cooling centers and emergency shelters during emergencies.\n\nProject Location: Howard County\n\nAmount Included: $1,250,000\n\nProject Name: Frederick Youth Center\n\nApplicant: City of Frederick\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for construction-related furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. This includes interior and exterior elements such as security systems, gym equipment, technology infrastructure, furniture, maker-space tools, and other site amenities essential to supporting a safe and engaging environment for youth.\n\nProject Location: Frederick County\n\nAmount Included: $3,000,000\n\nProject Name: Gaithersburg Pedestrian Safety Improvements\n\nApplicant: City of Gaithersburg\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for multimodal safety improvements on streets in and adjacent to Olde Towne Gaithersburg, based on the highest-priority recommendations from the City’s 2024 Safe Routes to School study on three local public schools.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Greenbelt Springhill Lake Recreation Center Expansion/Addition\n\nApplicant: City of Greenbelt\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to maximize Springhill Lake Recreation Center’s programmable space to allow expansion of after-school and summer programs, meet quality childcare needs, and add STEAM activities. Currently, staff struggle to meet community needs due to limited space.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $250,000\n\nProject Name: Greenbelt Youth Center Roof Replacement\n\nApplicant: City of Greenbelt\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to replace the water-damaged roof at the Youth Center, a community space and home to summer camps, preschool program, and the Greenbelt Boys & Girls Club.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,554,969\n\nProject Name: Guilford Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Improvements, Phase 3\n\nApplicant: Howard County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for the construction of a shared use path along Guilford Road, between Oakland Mills Road and Carroll Heights Avenue.\n\nProject Location: Howard County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: Home and Building Renovations and Accessible Vehicles\n\nApplicant: The Arc Baltimore\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to make improvements at the Arc's employment center and to address high-priority repairs and accessibility modifications for several homeowners. Funds will also support vehicle modifications for individuals with developmental disabilities of low to moderate income.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore County\n\nAmount Included: $644,000\n\nProject Name: Housing Authority of the City of College Park MD Renovation of Attick Towers Apartments\n\nApplicant: Housing Authority of the City of College Park\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for building upgrades.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $3,150,000\n\nProject Name: Infrastructure Improvements and Upgrades at The Flat Iron Building, Phase 2\n\nApplicant: Town of Mount Airy\n\nProject Description: Funds will support Phase 2 of the building’s restoration which will provide structural stabilization and interior and exterior improvements—all critical to its long-term preservation.\n\nProject Location: Carroll County\n\nAmount Included: $850,000\n\nProject Name: Ivy Village Incubator for Nonprofit Excellence\n\nApplicant: The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George's County, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support construction of community facilities to house an accelerator program with training, coaching, and networking opportunities to help build the capacity of emerging nonprofits in the County.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: LAYC Prince George's County Site Renovation\n\nApplicant: Latin American Youth Center\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to renovate the Latin American Youth Center in Riverdale, which will allow for the expansion of services for youth and their families, including housing counseling, workforce development, mental health services, and education programs.\n\nProject Location: Prince George’s County\n\nAmount Included: $1,500,000\n\nProject Name: Low-Income Home Weatherization Project\n\nApplicant: Montgomery County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to repair homes owned by low-income individuals with the goal of increasing participation in Maryland weatherization programs and reducing electric and heating bills.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $850,000\n\nProject Name: North Prince George's County Animal Shelter\n\nApplicant: Prince George's County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to design and construct a new animal shelter to expand access to veterinary services and animal adoption for residents.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $850,000\n\nProject Name: Parity Homes Strategic Acquisition Fund\n\nApplicant: Parity Baltimore Incorporated\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to purchase vacant and blighted properties for rehabilitation in order to transform convert them into affordable homes.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $1,524,000\n\nProject Name: Revitalize Hanover Street: Bridging Futures Transforming South Baltimore Neighborhoods\n\nApplicant: Baltimore City\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to complete survey, engineering, and environmental review work for the 104-year-old Hanover Street Bridge in order to determine the most effective method to address the aging structure.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $500,000\n\nProject Name: Sidewalks for All: The Downtown Frederick Streetscape Project\n\nApplicant: City of Frederick\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to complete utility upgrades and design for the Downtown Frederick Streetscape project, which will increase safety, improve pedestrian access, and support visitors and local businesses in Downtown Frederick.\n\nProject Location: Frederick County\n\nAmount Included: $2,478,000\n\nProject Name: Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT)\n\nApplicant: Charles County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to complete the environmental review process for the development of a transit service from the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Camp Springs to Waldorf/White Plains, which would reduce traffic congestion, improve local commuting and increase mobility in Southern Maryland.\n\nProject Location: Charles County, Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $5,000,000\n\nProject Name: Taney Avenue Senior Center and Senior Affordable Housing\n\nApplicant: Frederick County\n\nProject Description: Funds will support the redevelopment of an over 50 year-old Community Center in Frederick, allowing for the continuation and expansion of services for older residents and the addition of affordable housing for seniors on the property.\n\nProject Location: Frederick County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: The Arc Prince George's County Affordable Housing Rehabilitation/Preservation\n\nApplicant: The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George's County\n\nProject Description: Rehabilitate housing units for low-income persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering these individuals to live more independently in their homes.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,840,909\n\nProject Name: The Arc Prince George's County Full-Service Community Center\n\nApplicant: The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George's County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to renovate a building to serve as a new community hub for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The site will include an adult medical day program, outreach/education for children, benefits enrollment center, and job training.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $850,000\n\nProject Name: The Reisterstown Main Street Lamppost Replacements\n\nApplicant: Reisterstown Main Street\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to replace deteriorating street lampposts in order to enhance safety and visibility.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore County\n\nAmount Included: $250,000\n\nProject Name: The Sanctuary Garden\n\nApplicant: Sanctuary AP3 Co.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support critical pre-construction activities for new affordable housing units for low-income seniors and families.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: Thompson Creek Connector Road & Trail Extension\n\nApplicant: Queen Anne's County Commissioners\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for the design, engineering, permitting, &construction of the Thompson Creek Connector Road & Trail Extensions on MD Route 8. The new roadway in Stevensville will have an adjacent pedestrian &bicycle trail to improve safety and reduce congestion around the US50/301 interchange.\n\nProject Location: Queen Anne's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,416,000\n\nProject Name: Town of Easton Rails To Trails Expansion\n\nApplicant: Town of Easton\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand the existing trail system to enhance connectivity and provide walkable access to community services and multimodal transportation options for residents and visitors.\n\nProject Location: Talbot County\n\nAmount Included: $411,000\n\nProject Name: US 29 Safety and Transit Access Improvements\n\nApplicant: Montgomery County Department of Transportation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to construct cyclist and pedestrian safety improvements near a Flash Bus Rapid Transit Station in Montgomery County in order to improve transportation options for commuters and residents.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $500,000\n\nProject Name: West Baltimore MARC Station Replacement\n\nApplicant: Maryland Department of Transportation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to complete the renovation of the West Baltimore MARC Station, including restrooms, waiting rooms, lighting, and communications systems to improve service and access for residents, commuters, and travelers using on the MARC Penn Line.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $250,000\n\nProject Name: Workforce Development & Technical Training Center\n\nApplicant: Montgomery County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to transform underutilized and vacant space into a vocational training hub, equipping low-income workers with skills in construction, healthcare, and energy.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: YMCA Great Mills\n\nApplicant: Commissioners of St. Mary’s County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to construct a multi-use YMCA recreation center in Lexington Park that will enhance the quality of life for residents of St. Mary's County through wellness and fitness programs and multi-generational programming.\n\nProject Location: St. Mary's County\n\nAmount Included: $850,000\n\nAdditional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill include:\n\nTransportation Highlights\n\nDepartment of Transportation (DOT): The bill provides $111.8 billion in total resources for the Department of Transportation, of which $83.3 billion is from obligation limitations and $28.5 billion is provided in discretionary resources. This amount includes significant new funding to help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintain a safe and efficient air traffic control system, while strengthening the safety of our rail and maritime network and supporting capital investments to improve the state of good repair of our transit systems. The bill strengthens Congress’ control over how funds are spent, including transparency measures about the modification or termination of grants, contracts, and loans, and the closure of regional, division, or field offices.\n\nAviation: The bill provides $22.6 billion for the FAA, an increase of $1.6 billion over fiscal year 2025. This includes:\n\nThe bill provides $2 million for an independent study on the airspace in the National Capital Region and the coordination between the FAA and Department of Defense in response to the tragic Flight 5342 accident in January 2025.\n\n$13.7 billion for FAA operations, which will allow the FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers and 91 new aviation safety inspectors and engineers.\n\n$4 billion for FAA facilities and equipment to continue efforts to modernize the Air Traffic Control system. The bill requires the FAA Administrator to provide monthly updates on these efforts in order to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n$4.5 billion for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to improve airport infrastructure and safety, of which $4 billion is from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.\n\nThe bill also provides $514 million for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, rejecting President Trump’s budget request to cut the program by 50%, and it prevents DOT from haphazardly terminating any EAS contracts.\n\nHighways and Bridges: The bill provides $65.8 billion for federal-aid highways, which includes $63.4 billion in funding from the Highway Trust Fund, and an additional $2.4 billion for Highway Infrastructure Programs. The bill provides $30 million for the Reconnecting Communities grant program, a program modeled off of provisions of legislation led by Senator Van Hollen and included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 to reconnect communities isolated and excluded from economic opportunity by past infrastructure decisions. The Senator and Federal Team Maryland have worked to deliver over $95 million from the Reconnecting Communities Program to Maryland since its creation – including an $85 million grant for the first phase of the Highway to Nowhere redevelopment project in West Baltimore. In addition, the bill provides $350 million for a competitive bridge bundling grant program, $200 million for truck parking grants, and $10 million for the National Scenic Byways program.\n\nAmtrak and Rail Safety: The bill provides a total of $2.9 billion for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This includes $2.4 billion to fully meet Amtrak’s funding request, rejecting House Republicans’ proposal to zero out new funding for Amtrak. These resources will allow Amtrak to sustain operations and current service levels, maintain a state of good repair, and safely get passengers to their destinations. In addition, the bill provides $65 million for the Federal-State Partnership grant program and $137 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program (CRISI). Over the past six years, Federal Team Maryland has secured over $170 million from the CRISI program for passenger and freight rail infrastructure projects in the state of Maryland.\n\nWashington Union Station: The bill includes $5 million for the rehabilitation and repair of the Union Station complex and language allowing the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation to apply for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant funding.\n\nTransit Infrastructure: The bill provides $16.7 billion for the Federal Transit Administration, which includes $14.6 billion in funding from the Highway Trust Fund and $1.7 billion for Capital Investment Grants (CIG)—rejecting House Republicans’ proposal to slash CIG funding by 98%—to a mere $54 million—in their bill. When combined with available prior fiscal year funds and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act advanced appropriations, a total of $3.7 billion is available for Capital Investment Grants in fiscal year 2026, and unlike the fiscal year 2025 continuing resolution, the bill specifies which projects to fund at what amount. In addition, the bill provides $45 million for urban and rural ferry grants, $15 million to assist large urban transit agencies in improving safety and security in transit systems, and a combined $195 million to help host cities throughout the country provide transit service in support of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.\n\nMaritime Administration: The bill provides $1 billion for the Maritime Administration, including $201.5 million for the United States Merchant Marine Academy, of which $50 million is for capital improvements; $139 million for State Maritime Academies, of which $110 million is for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Program; $35 million for the Small Shipyards Grant Program; and $103 million is for the Port Infrastructure Development Program. Federal Team Maryland has delivered more than $96 million from this program for infrastructure projects at and around the Port of Baltimore over the past six years.\n\nThe bill also provides a combined $482 million for three maritime security programs that provide the Department of Defense with critical supply chain logistics and refueling needs support.\n\nPipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA): The bill provides $309.5 million for the PHMSA, which includes $214.8 million for pipeline safety and $66 million for hazardous materials safety.\n\nHousing Highlights\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): The bill provides $84.3 billion in programmatic funding for HUD, a historic $7.2 billion increase above fiscal year 2025, while President Trump wanted to cut funding for the agency in half. This total amount is offset by $6.9 billion in receipts and collections for a net funding level of $77.3 billion. The bill invests in maintaining rental assistance programs that millions of Americans rely on, building more affordable housing, and reducing homelessness. It also includes transparency measures about the modification or termination of grants and contracts, and the closure of field offices.\n\nInvests in Community Development Programs: The bill provides $46 million, a $4 million increase over FY25 and $30 million over the president’s budget request, for the Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Program, which enhances the capacity of community development corporations (CDCs) and community housing development organizations (CHDOs) to carry out community development and affordable housing activities that benefit low-income communities.\n\nProtecting Rental Assistance Programs: The bill rejects President Trump’s devastating proposal to slash HUD’s rental assistance programs and shift more costs onto states, local governments, and low-income families—which would have put over 10 million Americans at risk of eviction and homelessness, most of whom are children, elderly, or Americans with disabilities. Instead, the bill includes:\n\n$38.4 billion for tenant-based Section 8 vouchers, a $2.4 billion increase above fiscal year 2025, and of the total amounts provided:\n\n$600.6 million is for tenant protection vouchers, including funding and new flexibilities to continue support for over 50,000 households who are relying on Emergency Housing Vouchers to avoid homelessness;\n\n$30 million is for new incremental vouchers available to youth aging out of and involved with the foster care system; and\n\n$15 million for the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program to support veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, rejecting the Trump Administration’s attempt to zero out the program in its proposed FY26 budget for HUD;\n\n$18.5 billion for the project-based rental assistance (PBRA) program to renew housing contracts, a $1.65 billion increase above fiscal year 2025;\n\n$8.3 billion for public housing, including $3.2 billion to address capital needs and $50 million to address lead and other health hazards; and\n\n$1 billion for housing for the elderly and $287 million for housing for Americans with disabilities, a combined $130 million increase above fiscal year 2025.\n\nIn addition, the bill provides $206 million for self-sufficiency programs, an $11 million increase over fiscal year 2025, to help low-income Americans and families improve their financial security, job skills, and earnings. It also provides $7.5 million to assist low-income tenants with legal assistance while in eviction proceedings. President Trump proposed eliminating both programs in his budget request.\n\nAddressing Homelessness: The bill provides $4.4 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, a $366 million increase above fiscal year 2025. In addition to sustaining investments for existing projects, the bill:\n\nRequires HUD to distribute Continuum of Care funds on a timely basis to prevent funding lapses;\n\nIncludes $107 million in new funding to address youth homelessness; and\n\nIncludes $52 million in new funding to support survivors of domestic violence.\n\nThe bill also does not cut and consolidate the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program with homeless assistance programs as proposed in President Trump’s budget request. Instead, it provides $529 million for HOPWA, a $24 million increase above fiscal year 2025.\n\nSupply of Affordable Housing: As communities across the country continue to face a shortage of affordable homes, the bill rejects President Trump’s budget proposal to eliminate HUD’s competitive and formula grant programs that help address the crisis. The bill instead makes critical investments to increase the supply of affordable housing and lower the cost of housing so that Americans can keep a roof over their head. The bill includes:\n\n$1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, equal to fiscal year 2025, rejecting President Trump’s budget request and House Republicans’ bill that defunded the program. The HOME program is a critical federal tool used by state and local governments to build more affordable rental and owner-occupied housing.\n\n$50 million to continue the PRO Housing grant program that incentivizes state and local jurisdictions to remove barriers to housing production, which helps lower housing costs for Americans. President Trump’s budget request and House Republicans’ bill both eliminated the PRO Housing grant program.\n\nSupporting Local Community Development: The bill provides nearly $7 billion for local community development and housing-related activities through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) formula program and Economic Development Initiatives (EDIs). President Trump’s budget request sought to eliminate the CDBG program, which state and local governments rely on to improve quality of life for Americans in rural and urban communities alike.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-announce-over-33-million-for-maryland-water-infrastructure-projects-critical-investments-in-maintaining-port-of-baltimore-additional-shipping-channels", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Announce Over $33 Million for Maryland Water Infrastructure Projects; Critical Investments in Maintaining Port of Baltimore, Additional Shipping Channels", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced $33,080,000 in direct federal funding for six projects throughout Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Energy & Water Development appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of a 3-bill government funding package passed by Congress and signed into law in January. These investments in local projects – submitted and secured by the Senators – support water infrastructure improvements as well as Army Corps-led efforts to maintain navigational safety throughout the Chesapeake Bay, including around the Port of Baltimore; beach replenishment in Ocean City; and to study alternatives for a secondary water source for the Washington Region.\n\n“Federal dollars can make a big impact when we invest them directly in projects that support our communities’ needs – that’s why we fought to deliver these federal funds to local priorities. From bolstering access to clean water to ensuring our waterways and shipping channels around the Port of Baltimore and throughout Maryland are clear and open for business, these projects will play a critical role in improving the health of our communities and growing our state’s economy. The investments in this legislation were hard-fought to ensure we keep Maryland moving forward,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.\n\n“It is our duty to protect our environment, and here in Maryland there is so much worth fighting for and safeguarding. That’s why it is critical that we continue to invest federal funding to protect our Chesapeake Bay, upgrade our water infrastructure, preserve our essential waterways, defend our unique habitats, and ensure clean drinking water for all Marylanders,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nHighlights for Maryland in the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Funding Bill\n\nCongressionally Directed Spending\n\nProject Name: Atlantic Coast of Maryland Shoreline Protection\n\nApplicant: Army Corps of Engineers\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for beach renourishment in Ocean City, Maryland to increase shoreline protection.\n\nProject Location: Worcester County\n\nAmount Included: $20,000,000\n\nProject Name: Easton Utilities - EUC Water Tower (Section 219)\n\nApplicant: Easton Utilities Commission\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for a new water tower necessary to provide essential pressure regulation, fire flow capacity, redundancy, and emergency supply for the new UMMS Shore Regional Medical Center.\n\nProject Location: Talbot County\n\nAmount Included: $2,625,000\n\nProject Name: Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin\n\nApplicant: Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support the activities of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $650,000\n\nProject Name: Northeast River Dredging\n\nApplicant: Army Corps of Engineers\n\nProject Description: Funds will support activities on the Northeast River.\n\nProject Location: Cecil County\n\nAmount Included: $3,200,000\n\nProject Name: Slaughter Creek Dredging\n\nApplicant: Army Corps of Engineers\n\nProject Description: Funds will support dredging of Slaughter Creek.\n\nProject Location: Dorchester County\n\nAmount Included: $4,805,000\n\nProject Name: Washington Region Secondary Water Source Study\n\nApplicant: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to conduct a feasibility study on a secondary drinking water source and additional drinking water storage capability for the region.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,800,000\n\nAdditional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY26 Energy and Water Development funding bill include:\n\nCorps of Engineers highlights\n\nThis bill provides $10.4 billion in total funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain our ports and harbors, invest in keeping communities safe and prepared for extreme weather events, and strengthen our competitiveness. This includes funding for the following Maryland operations, maintenance dredging, and construction projects:\n\n$43,075,000 to maintain Port of Baltimore shipping channels\n\n$12,500,000 to support the continued construction of Poplar Island\n\n$20,717,000 for the Intracoastal Waterway, Delaware River to the Chesapeake Bay\n\n$5,450,000 to support dredging of the Wicomico River\n\n$1,030,000 for drift removal in Baltimore Harbor\n\n$250,000 for Cumberland, Maryland and Ridgeley, West Virginia\n\n$2,840,000 for Jennings Randolph Lake in Maryland and West Virginia\n\n$310,000 for Nanticoke River\n\n$5,000 for St. George Creek\n\nIt also includes $14 million Army Corps of Engineers Coastal Ocean Data System – $4.2 million above President Trump’s request – which provides the long-term coastal wave and sediment observations, research, and data products needed to support sustainable coastal and navigation projects.\n\nAppalachian Regional Commission (ARC)\n\n$200,000,000 for the ARC, which supports projects in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties. This includes $65 million for the ARC’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative and $13 million to address the substance abuse crisis throughout Appalachia. Local governments and other entities in these Maryland counties have been awarded over $5.5 million in federal grant funding over the past two years.\n\nDepartment of Energy highlights\n\nThe bill provides $16.78 billion – $3.76 billion above President Trump’s request – for the Department of Energy’s non-defense programs.\n\nLowering Energy Bills: This bill provides $329 million – a $3 million increase over last year – for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, saving families $372 per year on average.\n\nProtecting Our Energy Grid: The bill provides $190 million for Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response to help ensure the continued success of the Department’s programs aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of our energy sector and grid. It also provides $235 million for the Office of Electricity, $25 million for the Grid Deployment Office, and an additional $375 million in funding for electric grid infrastructure to help build out the electric transmission system and lower energy prices.\n\nRenewable Energy: The bill provides $3.1 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, rejecting President Trump’s proposed cut of over $2.5 billion and elimination of funding resources for solar and wind energy research programs. This funding continues to advance the ability of the US to develop, build, and deploy innovative clean energy technologies that will lower energy costs and create jobs.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-elfreth-highlight-over-6-million-in-federal-funding-secured-for-community-projects-in-howard-county", "title": "Van Hollen, Elfreth Highlight Over $6 Million in Federal Funding Secured for Community Projects in Howard County", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Recently, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (both D-Md.), joined by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, toured the future site of the Artists Flats Apartments in Columbia, Md, and highlighted $6,296,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending that they, along with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), fought to deliver for projects across Howard County.\n\n“Delivering federal investments to our communities helps support local priorities that better Marylanders’ lives. These investments will increase affordable housing options in Columbia, improve safety on our roads, shore up our emergency infrastructure, and expand STEM education. By partnering together to support these efforts, we’re strengthening communities today while laying the foundation for long-term growth and success,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n“I came to Congress to deliver tangible results for Maryland families back home. With over $6 million secured for Howard County, we are doing just that. From improving pedestrian safety along Guilford Road and investing in affordable mixed-use housing to funding youth STEM programs and improving energy resilience at the North Laurel Community Center and Elkridge 50+ Center, this federal funding will make a real difference in the lives of Howard County residents of all ages. I’m grateful for the partnership and commitment of Team Maryland to turn these ideas into action – and I look forward to seeing these projects through to completion,” said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.\n\n“All Marylanders need a safe and affordable place to live. That is why I am committed to lowering the cost of rent and creating real pathways to home ownership. It’s also why I am so proud to have partnered with Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Elfreth to secure federal investment for the Artists Flats Apartments to create more affordable housing in Howard County. This was part of over $6 million in federal funding directed to Howard County this year – which beyond affordable housing will modernize our infrastructure, upgrade senior centers, and invest in STEM,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\nThe federal lawmakers secured for $2,000,000 for the future Artists Flats Apartments, which will provide new affordable housing options to low- and moderate-income individuals and families. They also secured $2,000,000 for the construction of a new bicycle and pedestrian lane along Guilford Road and $1,250,000 for upgrades to the North Laurel Community Center and Elkridge 50+ Center, which serve as emergency shelters during storms. The lawmakers secured these investments within the government funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2026.\n\n“On behalf of Howard County, I am honored to accept more the $6.2 million in federal funding for critical Howard County projects that will strengthen our infrastructure, improve public safety, expand opportunity, and support our residents for years to come,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “I want to thank our Federal Delegation for continued support of important projects like these. This moment reflects what partnership between local and federal government should look like; it is thoughtful, practical, and centered on people.”\n\nThe federal lawmakers also highlighted $1,046,000 that they secured to support the expansion of the Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County (CAPA)’s STEM Forward program for young students.\n\n“This federal investment is a meaningful step forward for our community,” said Lan Deng, Executive Director of the Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County. “STEM Forward will expand access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students who have historically been underrepresented in these fields. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and support of our congressional partners in making this possible.”\n\nVideo of the press conference and ceremonial check presentation marking the delivery of the funding is available here.\n\nThe total FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending secured for Howard County is as follows:\n\nProject Name: Guilford Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Improvements, Phase 3\n\nApplicant: Howard County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for the construction of a shared-use path along Guilford Road, between Oakland Mills Road and Carroll Heights Avenue.\n\nAmount: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: Artists Flats Apartments\n\nApplicant: Howard County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support the construction of mixed-income development that will provide affordable housing for low-and moderate-income individuals and families.\n\nAmount: $2,000,000\n\nProject Name: Facilities Upgrades and Equipment for Public Safety During Storms\n\nApplicant: Howard County\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to update and improve the North Laurel Community Center and Elkridge 50+ Center, which serve as warming and cooling centers and emergency shelters during emergencies.\n\nAmount: $1,250,000", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-announces-nearly-90-million-in-new-federal-funding-for-outstanding-helene-payments-to-georgia/", "title": "Warnock Announces Nearly $90 Million in New Federal Funding for Outstanding Helene Payments to Georgia", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This follows Senator Warnock’s most recent announcement, securing roughly $75 million in outstanding Helene payments\n\nTo date, Senator Warnock has helped unlock over a billion dollars in disaster-related federal funding owed to the state\n\nThis latest tranche of disaster-related funding comes as South Georgia continues to battle massive wildfires fueled by debris from Hurricane Helene\n\nSenator Warnock: “The people of Georgia stepped up when our communities were devastated after Hurricane Helene made landfall, but for too long this administration has failed to fulfill its promises and pay their share. This trend of incredibly delayed funds cannot become the status quo”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) announced he has secured an additional $87 million in federal funding for payments owed to Georgia counties and entities following Hurricane Helene.\n\n“The people of Georgia stepped up when our communities were devastated after Hurricane Helene made landfall, but for too long this administration has failed to fulfill its promises and pay their share. This trend of incredibly delayed funds cannot become the status quo,” said Senator Warnock. “I am proud to unlock this latest round of relief funding and I hope this signals the end of chaos and bureaucracy around slowing our disaster recovery process.”\n\nOne year after Hurricane Helene made landfall, Senator Warnock released a report and statement finding that the Trump administration owed $600 million in promised recovery aid to Georgians. In December 2025, Senator Warnock announced he secured $314 million in federal funding for outstanding payments owed to Georgia counties and entities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The funding, part of a disaster recovery bill championed by Senator Warnock in 2024, is meant to reimburse local communities for funds spent on recovery. Despite bipartisan Congressional support for the immediate delivery of disaster recovery funds, the distribution of aid has been stifled by bureaucratic, red tape, and chaos in the Trump Administration. Most recently, Senator Warnock announced a tranche of funding that brought the total federal disaster funding unlocked by Senator Warnock to well over a billion dollars.\n\nA list of Georgia counties and entities receiving federal funding can be found below (this is not a comprehensive list of entities receiving funding):\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-armed-services-committee-hearing-warren-questions-hegseth-on-trump-family-pentagon-contracts", "title": "Following Armed Services Committee Hearing, Warren Questions Hegseth on Trump Family Pentagon Contracts", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following Armed Services Committee Hearing, Warren Questions Hegseth on Trump Family Pentagon Contracts\n\nQuestions come as Trump sons’ drone company Powerus receives new Air Force contract\n\nQuestions for Secretary Hegseth (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — In new Questions for the Record following last week’s Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about President Trump’s sons’ ties to defense contractors and how the DoD is handling these financial conflicts of interest. The questions come as a follow-up to last week’s hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and days after reports indicated that Powerus, a drone company backed by the Trump sons, had recently obtained a new Air Force contract.\n\nShortly after President Trump was elected to his second term, his son, Donald Trump Jr., announced he was joining venture capital firm 1789 Capital. After Trump Jr. joined the firm, the firm’s portfolio companies reportedly won more than $70 million worth of contracts from the Trump Administration, including:\n\n$45 million awarded to Cerebras Systems in April 2025 to improve artificial intelligence chip connections;\n\n$10.8 million awarded to PsiQuantum in April 2025 for quantum chips;\n\n$4.9 million awarded to Firehawk Aerospace in August 2025 to develop rocket engines; and\n\n$10 million to Vulcan Elements for magnets in 2025.\n\nSeveral of the Trump Jr.-connected companies had never received such large DoD contracts prior to 2025. In early March, reports revealed that the Trump brothers are also investing in drone company Powerus, which is “vying to meet fresh demand from the Pentagon and fill a hole left by the administration’s ban on new Chinese drones in the U.S.”\n\nIn March, Senators Warren and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released answers from the Defense Department revealing that the Department seems to have no effective process in place to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption involving President Trump’s family and the Pentagon’s awarding of defense contracts. To date, Hegseth has not detailed any plan to protect the military’s contracting process against conflicts of interest.\n\nThese instances highlight Secretary Hegseth’s unwillingness to protect the military’s budget and contracting process from potential corruption. Senator Warren’s new Questions for the Record will require Secretary Hegseth to address these failures in writing.\n\nSenator Warren’s questions for Secretary Hegseth include:\n\nJustifications for loans and contracts offered to several companies in which the Trump family is financially invested;\n\nWhether Donald Trump Jr. has held any role in vetting candidates for top Pentagon positions; and\n\nDetails of any conversations Secretary Hegseth had with the Trump family or their representatives regarding military contracts leading up to his confirmation.\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to root out corruption at the Defense Department:\n\nIn April 2026, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Secretary Hegseth on allegations that Trump administration officials are engaging in possible insider trading by placing bets on the Iran War through prediction markets.\n\nIn April 2026, Senator Warren questioned Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg on his conflicts of interest, which may be enabling him, his immediate family, and his network of associates to benefit from secretive DoD contracting decisions related to its Golden Dome missile defense program. Senator Warren urged Feinberg to take immediate action to mitigate the conflicts.\n\nIn March 2026, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) released a new response from DoD indicating that there are no effective processes in place to prevent possible conflicts of interest and corruption involving President Donald Trump’s family and the Department’s awarding of defense contracts. In a new letter, Senators Warren and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) pressed Secretary Hegseth on this failure and pushed for answers regarding Trump’s sons’ latest investment in Powerus, a drone company.\n\nIn January 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on potential conflicts of interest surrounding the awarding of multiple lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and loans to companies associated with President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.\n\nIn July 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), wrote to former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin seeking an explanation and further information on his recent decision to start a strategic advisory firm. Austin had publicly promised Senator Warren during his 2021 confirmation process that he would not become a lobbyist after his government service ended.\n\nIn July 2023, Senator Warren (D-Mass) wrote to then-Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Heidi Shyu, following reporting that DoD’s new Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) is relying on consultants who will continue to work for private defense consultants and defense investment companies. Senator Warren raised concerns that DoD lacked the necessary safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest in the OSC.\n\nIn June 2023, Senator Warren and then-representative Andy Kim (D-N.J.) reintroduced the Department of Defense Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act to limit the influence of contractors on the military and increase transparency over contractors and their interaction with DoD.\n\nIn December 2020, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) reintroduced the Anti-Corruption & Public Integrity Act, to strengthen ethics laws and crack down on government officials’ conflicts of interest across the government.\n\n###\n\nPrevious Article", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-hosts-common-grounds-with-senator-welch-listening-session-in-addison-county/", "title": "Welch Hosts ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ Listening Session in Addison County", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MIDDLEBURY, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today hosted a ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session in Middlebury. The Senator joined community members and local leaders to discuss how Washington can work better for Addison County families, farmers, and businesses.\n\n“The repercussions of President Trump’s war of choice in Iran aren’t just being felt halfway across the globe—they’re being felt right here, in Addison County, in the form of higher prices for farmers and consumers. Now, when I get back to Washington, the Trump Administration is going to ask us to increase defense spending from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion. That’s the exact opposite of what we should be focusing on,” said Senator Welch. “Massive accumulation of wealth needs to be challenged. Farmers create wealth but get no benefit. In foreign policy, we need a values-based approach. I won’t stop fighting for democratic values and policies that allow Vermonters who work hard and make it into the middle class.”\n\nView photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website:\n\nWhile in Middlebury, Senator Welch discussed the importance of boosting rural infrastructure, including his work to secure $5,250,000 for Ascend Housing Allies Incorporated to help construct a 21-unit, fully affordable, rental apartment building in Middlebury. Additionally, Senator Welch and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) secured $1,200,000 for Addison County Community Trust to address the aging and failing water systems infrastructure in Hillside Manor, a 29-unit affordable housing community in Starksboro.\n\nSenator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Caledonia, Orleans, Orange, Lamoille, Grand Isle, and Windsor counties, and will host listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. Sign up for the Senator’s newsletter here to learn more about his upcoming events in Vermont.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-speaks-with-vermonters-about-rising-grocery-prices-and-food-production-costs/", "title": "Welch Speaks with Vermonters About Rising Grocery Prices and Food Production Costs", "date": "2026-05-06", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch hosted events with Vermont farmers, nutrition advocates, and working families while in Addison County\n\nADDISON COUNTY, VT –U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture and Senate Finance Committees, today traveled to Addison County and heard directly from Vermont farmers, producers, and families about how President Trump’s economic policies, trade war, and war with Iran have caused the costs of food production and household items to skyrocket.\n\n“Everyday costs were already too high for Vermont families and farmers, but this White House has pushed reckless economic policies that have totally eroded any progress made in lowering prices for hardworking Americans. The president’s illegal tariffs ignited a trade war with our allies and raised costs for everyday food and household items. His reckless war in Iran has caused fuel and fertilizer prices to dramatically rise, and in turn the cost of food production is more expensive. This will only continue throughout the summer if this doesn’t end immediately,” said Senator Welch. “Families, farmers, and producers can’t afford the White House’s misguided economic policies. I was thankful to hear firsthand from folks in Middlebury and Charlotte today. I’ll keep fighting in the Senate to lower costs and protect Vermont communities.”\n\nAt the HOPE Food Shelf in Middlebury, Senator Welch met with nutrition advocates and discussed how President Trump’s economic policies are hurting Vermont families’ ability to put food on the table.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Welch voted against cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called 3SquaresVT in Vermont. He has pushed for a reversal of Republicans’ cuts to nutrition assistance funding and is working with Senate Democrats to help families and farmers through a multi-year Farm Bill. He also discussed how the war in Iran is raising the cost of gas and household items for Vermonters.\n\nAt the HOPE Food Shelf, Senator Welch was joined by Jeanne Montross, HOPE-VT’s Executive Director, and food shelf staff.\n\nLater in Charlotte, the Senator visited Nitty Gritty Grain Co. to speak with farmers and producers about new and compounding food production costs. The trade war caused enormous uncertainty for many farmers and producers throughout Vermont, who were forced to pay more for equipment, fertilizer, and other costs of production. He also spoke about how the president’s illegal war in Iran has caused dramatic price increases for fertilizer and farm fuel. The Senator also discussed how consolidation is harming farmers and producers in Vermont and across the country.\n\nNitty Gritty Grain Co. produces organic, small batch grains for restaurants and bakeries across Vermont. They are owned and operated by a 7th generation farming family. The Senator was also joined by O Bread Bakery.\n\nView photos from the events below and on the Senator’s website:\n\nNew data released by Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee found families in Vermont have spent $2,500 more on goods and services due to higher inflation in President Trump’s second term. Additionally, in the first year of President Trump’s second term, families paid, on average, more than $310 overall for groceries year-over-year.\n\nThe war in Iran has caused fuel prices to spike and some companies have already passed on higher costs of shipping and logistics to the consumer. Analysts recently warned that working families will soon face another round of inflation from the Iran war, with higher costs for many groceries and home products. Farmers report the cost of fertilizer is up more than 30% and the cost of farm diesel has increased 46% since the end of February. More than 70% of farmers surveyed said they couldn’t afford all of the fertilizer needed.\n\nSenator Welch has championed legislation to lower the costs of food for Vermont families and support Vermont farmers and producers. He introduced the CANADA Act, bipartisan legislation to exempt small businesses, including agricultural producers, from tariffs imposed on Canada, and was an original cosponsor of bills and resolutions to block President Trump’s unconstitutional tariffs. He has introduced legislation to expand and invest in the Farm to School program, and will soon reintroduce the Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act, which halts mergers of big agriculture firms and strengthens antitrust laws in the agricultural sector. This spring, he joined Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer in introducing the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, new legislation to address record-high grocery prices squeezing American families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5033", "title": "Rep. Houlahan to Receive National Award for Support of AmeriCorps    and AmeriCorps Seniors ", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of her strong support for AmeriCorps, Voices for National Service announced today that Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) will receive the John Lewis Bridge to Service Award at the 23rd Annual Friends of National Service Awards in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.\n\nVoices for National Service advocates for public support of AmeriCorps programs that respond to the country’s most immediate and pressing challenges from natural disasters to education, supporting veterans, and more. The John Lewis Bridge to Service Award is given to a member of Congress in recognition of their unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for Americans of every background to serve and volunteer in their community.\n\n“Representative Houlahan embodies the very spirit of the John Lewis Bridge to Service Award, leading with a deep, personal commitment to service and a clear vision for how it can strengthen our nation,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “From her experience as an AmeriCorps alum to her leadership in Congress, she has been a powerful and consistent champion for expanding service opportunities and ensuring AmeriCorps remains a force for meeting urgent community needs. At critical moments, her vocal and determined advocacy has helped sustain and elevate AmeriCorps, delivering real impact for communities across Pennsylvania and the country. It is our honor to recognize her as only the fifth recipient of this prestigious award, carrying forward John Lewis’ legacy of service, courage, and bridging divides.”\n\nPast recipients of the John Lewis Bridge to Service Award include Senator Andy Kim and Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Gwen Moore, and John Larson.\n\nAs an Air Force veteran, an AmeriCorps alum through Teach For America, and a bipartisan leader in Congress, Rep. Houlahan has been a powerful and consistent champion for national service. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in sustaining the federal investment in AmeriCorps and advancing the belief that service brings people together, bridges divides, and strengthens communities. She has introduced three significant bills in support of AmeriCorps: the Protect National Service Act to help ensure that AmeriCorps could continue delivering vital services to communities across the country; and the Building Civic Bridges Act and the Unity through Service Act, legislation designed to expand service opportunities and strengthen connections across communities.\n\n“It’s a profound honor to receive an award bearing the name of my late friend John Lewis, whose life set the standard for courage and selfless service,” said Rep. Houlahan. “His legacy has shaped my own commitment to serving others. From my time in the Air Force to my experience with AmeriCorps through Teach For America, and now in Congress, I’ve been guided by a belief in service as a force for good. I’ve seen how programs like AmeriCorps strengthen communities and connect people across differences, and I remain committed to advancing that mission in Congress.”\n\nA short video featuring voices from Pennsylvania – available here by May 13 – highlights how Rep. Houlahan has helped to raise public awareness of AmeriCorps and elevated service as a solution to some of the nation's most pressing problems. Media are welcome to embed the video in any coverage.\n\nAnnually, approximately 8,500 members of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors are serving in Pennsylvania, responding to the state’s most immediate and critical needs. They serve across the state in schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, veterans’ facilities and with other local nonprofit, faith-based and community organizations.\n\nThrough this public-private partnership, every $1 Congress invests in AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors returns more than $17 in benefits to our country.\n\nRep. Houlahan joins a bipartisan group of 14 distinguished Congressional and community leaders being honored this year. See the full list of awardees here.\n\nEvent Details\n\nWHAT: 23rd Annual Friends of National Service Awards\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, May 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM\n\nWHERE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, DC\n\nRSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP to Tess Mason-Elder at tess.mason-elder@cityyear.org or 714-624-7849", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4496", "title": "Full Texas Republican Delegation Backs Arrington Resolution Affirming States’ Right to Defend Against Border Invasion", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) announced that every Texas Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives has endorsed H.Res.50, his resolution affirming states’ constitutional authority to defend themselves when the federal government fails to secure the border.\n\nWith full support from Texas Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, momentum continues to build for congressional action to clarify states’ sovereign authority under the Constitution and ensure that states are never again left defenseless in the face of a federal failure to provide for the common defense.\n\nThis effort comes in response to the unprecedented border crisis under the Biden administration and is aimed at ensuring states are never again left defenseless under a future Democrat administration.\n\n“Texas Republicans are united in sending a clear message: Congress must act to ensure that states like Texas are never again forced to be passive victims of a failed federal government.\n\n“Under Biden’s open-border chaos, millions of illegals invaded our southern border, flooding communities with drugs, crime, and criminals.\n\n“Fortunately, border crossings are now at historic lows under President Trump’s leadership - but we cannot rely on who occupies the White House to determine whether our border is secure.“The Constitution is clear: Article IV, Section 4 says the federal government ‘shall protect each [state] against invasion,’ but when the federal government fails to fulfill this constitutional duty, Article I, Section 10 expressly guarantees states the sovereign power to repel an invasion and defend their citizenry from ‘imminent danger.’“Texans have seen the consequences of federal failure, and we cannot afford another border crisis. With the full support of the Texas delegation, I’m calling on Congress to act now to pass this resolution and ensure that no future Democrat administration can take us back to open-border lawlessness.” – Chairman Arrington.\n\nH.Res.50 affirms states retain the sovereign authority under Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution to defend their territory and citizens from invasion or imminent danger, particularly when the federal government fails to meet its constitutional obligation under Article IV, Section 4 to protect states from invasion.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn June 2021, Chairman Arrington introduced H.Res.50 to reaffirm states’ constitutional right to secure their borders and protect their citizens when the federal government fails to act.\n\nThe resolution is grounded in the Constitution’s Guarantee Clause (Article IV, Section 4) and Article I, Section 10, which preserves states’ sovereign authority to act in self-defense when facing invasion or imminent danger.\n\nUnder the Biden administration’s failed border policy, record levels of illegal border crossings, cartel activity, and drug and human trafficking placed unprecedented strain on border states and communities.\n\nDuring that time, Texas and other states were forced to take action to protect their citizens, while the federal government failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.\n\nH.Res.50 does not expand state authority – it affirms the constitutional balance of federalism, ensuring states are not left defenseless when Washington fails to act.\n\nThe resolution has garnered growing support from a broad coalition of policy organizations, legal scholars, law enforcement officials, and conservative leaders across Texas and the country.\n\nTexas Public Policy Foundation Letter\n\nRecently, a letter led by the Texas Public Policy Foundation and dozens of national and state leaders, policy organizations, and law enforcement urged Congress to pass Arrington’s H.Res.50.\n\n“Our constitutional system does not render the states defenseless. To the contrary, states retain the unequivocal right to defend themselves against invasion and imminent threats,” the letter reads, in part. “We respectfully encourage your support of H.Res.50. Doing so reaffirms the constitutional structure the Framers designed—one that preserves both national security and the sovereign capacity of states to defend themselves when necessary.”\n\nAdditional Support:\n\n“The Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, forbids states from interfering with the federal government’s monopoly over our territorial sovereignty. But the House of Representatives could make its own findings of fact that failures at the border rose to the level of an ‘imminent danger’ that would justify a state’s exercise of self-defense. Such a set of findings might bolster Texas’s case in the courts as well as its political case to the public. Rep. Jodey Arrington, R.-Texas, has introduced H.Res.50, for example, to do exactly that. Without such congressional support, Texas is likely to fail.” – John Yoo, constitutional scholar and former deputy assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel.“I’m proud to join Rep. Arrington and fellow Texas leaders in supporting H.Res. 50, which reaffirms the constitutional authority of states to defend their borders when facing invasion or imminent danger. States don’t have to be passive victims when the federal government implements polices that threaten public safety, such as open border polices. H.Res. 50 clarifies that states have clear authority to protect their citizens in the face of immigration concerns.” - State Representative Katrina Pierson.\n\n“Thank you Rep. Arrington for your leadership on this important issue & authoring H.Res.50, which reaffirms states’ constitutional authority to defend their borders against invasion.” – Pro-Family Legislative Network.\n\n“NumbersUSA is proud to support Rep. Arrington’s H.Res.50, reaffirming states’ authority to defend their borders when the federal government refuses to do so. States like TX shouldn’t be defenseless if future administrations reinstate open-border policies” – NumbersUSA\n\n\"We at Texas Public Policy Foundation are grateful to Rep. Arrington for his leadership on this effort. Texas knows the importance of affirming states’ power to defend themselves – and we must keep building on that momentum to fully secure our state and our nation.” – Selene Rodriguez, Border Security Director at Texas Public Policy Foundation.\n\n“Texans are affirming states’ authority to act in self-defense, ensuring they are able to withstand federal policy shifts. We were proud to work with Rep. Arrington to help advance this effort & ensure states are not left without options when federal enforcement falls short.” – States Trust.\n\n“We were proud to join 25 Texas lawmakers and over two dozen other organizations to publicly support Rep. Arrington’s House Resolution 50, which reaffirms states’ constitutional right to defend their borders in cases of invasion.” – Border Security Alliance.\n\n“Thank you Rep. Arrington for supporting H.Res.50, reaffirming states’ constitutional authority to defend their borders when the federal government fails to do its job. States like TX shouldn’t be defenseless if future Dem administrations try to reinstate open-border policies.” – Anne Gebhart.\n\nTexas Republican Cosponsors of H.Res.50:\n\nRep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01)\n\nRep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02)\n\nRep. Keith Self (TX-03)\n\nRep. Pat Fallon (TX-04)\n\nRep. Lance Gooden (TX-05)\n\nRep. Jake Ellzey (TX-06)\n\nRep. Morgan Luttrell (TX-08)\n\nRep. Michael McCaul (TX-10)\n\nRep. August Pfluger (TX-11)\n\nRep. Craig Goldman (TX-12)\n\nRep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13)\n\nRep. Randy Weber (TX-14)\n\nRep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)\n\nRep. Pete Sessions (TX-17)\n\nRep. Chip Roy (TX-21)\n\nRep. Troy Nehls (TX-22)\n\nRep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)\n\nRep. Roger Williams (TX-25)\n\nRep. Brandon Gill (TX-26)\n\nRep. Michael Cloud (TX-27)\n\nRep. John Carter (TX-31)\n\nRep. Brian Babin (TX-36)\n\nRep. Wesley Hunt (TX-38)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4499", "title": "Texas GOP Caucus Backs Resolution Affirming States’ Right to Defend Against Border Invasion", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Texas GOP Caucus Chairman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) announced unified caucus support for H.Res.50, a resolution introduced by House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) affirming states’ constitutional authority to defend themselves when the federal government fails to secure the border.\n\nH.Res.50 affirms states retain the sovereign authority under Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution to defend their territory and citizens from invasion or imminent danger, particularly when the federal government fails to meet its constitutional obligation under Article IV, Section 4 to protect states from invasion.\n\nThe Texas GOP Caucus urges Congress to ensure states are never again forced to endure the consequences of federal failure. Under the Biden administration’s failed open-border policies, millions of illegal immigrants crossed into the country, cartel activity and drug trafficking surged, and the federal government actively obstructed Texas’s efforts to secure its own border and defend their citizens. While illegal border crossings have plummeted to historic lows under President Trump’s leadership, the Texas GOP Caucus is fighting to ensure states are never again left defenseless under a future Democrat administration.\n\n“The Framers understood that a state cannot be left at the mercy of a federal government that refuses to do its job when there’s an invasion at its border,” said Chairman Moran. “That's why Article I, Section 10 exists — and that's exactly the situation Texas and our border states faced for four years under the Biden administration. H.Res.50 affirms what the Constitution already guarantees: states have every right to defend its citizens. The Texas GOP Caucus is united in ensuring that right is recognized and preserved.”\n\n“We’ve seen the consequences of a federal government that abdicates its first and most important responsibility – providing for the common defense – and, if the past is prologue, we know exactly what we can expect from future Democrat administrations that want to take us back,” said Chairman Arrington. “The right of a state to defend its people is not a novel theory – it is one the Framers explicitly provided for in the Constitution. That is why I introduced H.Res.50, and the Texas GOP Caucus is united in calling on Congress to meet this moment with the urgency it demands to ensure that states like Texas are never again forced to be passive victims of a failed federal government.”\n\nBackground:\n\nH.Res.50 was introduced to reaffirm states’ constitutional right to secure their borders and protect their citizens when the federal government fails to act.\n\nThe resolution is grounded in Article IV, Section 4 and Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution. Under the Biden administration’s failed border policy, record levels of illegal border crossings, cartel activity, and drug and human trafficking placed unprecedented strain on border states and communities. During that time, Texas and other states were forced to take action to protect their citizens, while the federal government failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.\n\nH.Res.50 does not expand state authority – it affirms the constitutional balance of federalism and ensures states are not left defenseless when Washington fails to act. The resolution has garnered growing support from a broad coalition of policy organizations, legal scholars, law enforcement officials, and conservative leaders across Texas and the country. With full support from the Texas GOP Caucus, members are calling on Congress to pass H.Res.50 and provide clarity for future legal challenges.\n\nThe Texas GOP Caucus is composed of Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the State of Texas, including Reps. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Keith Self (TX-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Michael McCaul (TX-10), August Pfluger (TX-11), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Randy Weber (TX-14), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Chip Roy (TX-21), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Roger Williams (TX-25), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Michael Cloud (TX-27), John Carter (TX-31), and Brian Babin (TX-36).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=726", "title": "Balint, Welch Host Roundtable on Election Integrity with Vermont Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas and Vermont Town Clerks", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SHELBURNE, VT – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, alongside U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committees, today hosted a roundtable discussion at the Shelburne Town Offices with Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Town Clerks to defend the integrity of free and fair elections in Vermont.\n\n“Our town clerks are the backbone of our democracy,” said Rep. Balint. “At a time when there’s widespread misinformation about elections, it’s especially important for Vermonters to hear directly from the people who administer our elections. They are dedicated public servants who do their work with care, transparency, and integrity. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from our state and local officials today about the safeguards already in place and the challenges they’re addressing. I know Vermonters want us all to keep working together to keep our elections free, fair, and secure.”\n\n“The SAVE America Act is a scam—it’s a bill in search of a problem. Representative Balint and I know it, and so do Vermont’s leaders, town clerks, and voters. In Vermont, our town clerks are on the front lines of protecting our democracy, and their hard work is essential to continuing our state’s proud history of high voter participation and secure elections. This bill would jeopardize that legacy by endangering the rights of thousands of eligible Vermonters to exercise their right to vote,” said Senator Welch. “President Trump and Republicans’ push for this bill—which would disenfranchise millions of voters right before the 2026 midterm elections—is no accident. We’re doing everything in our power to kill this bill, keep the integrity of Vermont’s elections strong, and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right to have a say in our democracy.”\n\nTown Clerks from Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Winooski, Brattleboro, Morrisville, and Shelburne attended to discuss the voting process and share the many steps taken to ensure fair, secure elections in Vermont. Diana Vachon, Shelburne Town Clerk, is the President of the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and Treasurers’ Association (VMCTA).\n\nView photos from the event here.\n\nThe Vermont Congressional Delegation opposes to President Trump’s executive orders on voting and Republicans’ Save America Act, which threaten to block millions of U.S. citizens from voting—disproportionately impacting women, people of color, seniors, and rural voters—and make it harder to register and vote by disrupting online registration and eliminating universal mail-in voting.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1529", "title": "Bergman Applauds VA For Record-Setting Investment to End Veteran Suicide, Highlights Work Still Ahead", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bergman.house.gov", "scraper": "bergman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001301", "name": "Jack Bergman", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Jack Bergman highlighted new record-setting progress by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in suicide prevention efforts, alongside historic funding secured through the appropriations process to support at-risk Veterans.\n\nThis week, the VA announced that it has reached the highest levels on record for both suicide risk screenings and follow-up evaluations for Veterans. As of March 2026, 88% of Veterans receiving VA care completed an annual suicide risk screening - the highest rate since tracking began in 2021.\n\nAdditionally, 96% of Veterans identified as at risk received a comprehensive follow-up evaluation and support plan within 24 hours, also a record high.\n\nIn March, Rep. Bergman led a bipartisan request signed by 29 Members urging the House Appropriations Committee to provide full funding for VA suicide prevention and treatment programs in the FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) funding bill. The request called for funding at not less than the VA’s FY27 Advance Appropriations request of $3.09 billion, including $713.4 million for suicide prevention outreach.\n\nEarlier this month, the Appropriations Committee released its FY27 MilCon-VA bill and accompanying report, outlining $3.67 billion in funding for VA suicide prevention and treatment, of which $726.7 million is directed toward outreach efforts.\n\n“These numbers represent real lives being reached and real progress in the fight to end Veteran suicide, but we know the mission is far from over, and we must continue to match progress with resources. This is exactly how the process should work. We identified the need, fought for the resources, and delivered even more support than requested to help save Veterans’ lives,\" said Bergman.\n\nThe VA’s progress follows increased focus on improving suicide risk screening and timely follow-up care, including addressing concerns raised in a 2024 Office of Inspector General report. Expanded outreach has also played a key role, particularly in reaching unenrolled Veterans, who account for more than 60% of Veteran suicides.\n\nVeterans in crisis, or those concerned about a Veteran, can contact the Veterans Crisis Line for 24/7 confidential support by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/05/07/buchanan-announces-congressional-education-award-recipients/", "title": "Buchanan Announces Congressional Education Award Recipients", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "We look forward to meeting with you and developing lasting relationships that can have a major impact on our district and beyond.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=16471", "title": "Carter introduces bill establishing life imprisonment for attempting political assassinations", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "buddycarter.house.gov", "scraper": "buddycarter", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001103", "name": "Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced the Zero Tolerance for Political Assassins Act, a bill mandating 25 years to life imprisonment for individuals who attempt to assassinate federal politicians.\n\nPolitical violence erodes the very fabric of our democracy. In the United States, change is enacted by the people for the people. When radicalized individuals escalate hatred toward others over differing ideologies, they trample on the rights that every American exercises at the ballot box.\n\nPresident Donald Trump has survived three assassination attempts to date, inspired by radical leftist rhetoric from politicians such as former President Joe Biden and disgraced former FBI Director James Comey. Unfortunately, we live in a world where Democrats have inspired lunatics in their party to attempt unthinkable acts. That ends now.\n\nThe Zero Tolerance for Political Assassins Act would apply to the following targets: President, Vice President, Presidential Staff, Cabinet Members, Supreme Court Justices, and Members of Congress.\n\n“The American people spoke in November 2024, electing Donald J. Trump with a mandate to deliver a safer and more prosperous nation. Yet recently, at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the President was the target of a third assassination attempt. The cowards who carry out acts of political violence are the greatest threats to democracy,” said Rep. Carter. “My bill ensures they face proper justice and the full weight of the law.”\n\nRead full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner", "title": "Budzinski Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. This year’s overall winner is Charlotte Lin of University Laboratory High School for her piece, “Liminal.” To watch a video of the Congresswoman’s announcement and to view the winning artwork, click HERE.\n\n“The artistic talent and creativity of students across Central and Southern Illinois never cease to amaze me,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This competition gives high school students an opportunity to showcase their work on a national stage while celebrating and encouraging the next generation of artists. I’m thrilled to recognize this year’s outstanding winners, especially Urbana’s very own, Charlotte Lin, and look forward to welcoming visitors to the Capitol and our district offices where they can enjoy these remarkable works of art on display.”\n\nRunner-Up Winners\n\nMackenzie Shirley — Belleville East High School\n\nAmelia Drews — Springfield High School\n\nAmiya Williams — Belleville West High School\n\nSpecial Recognition Award\n\nVictor Holt — Springfield Southeast High School\n\nThe overall winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside artwork submitted by students from congressional districts across the country. Runner-up pieces will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Illinois district offices throughout the coming year. Established in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide visual arts competition sponsored annually by the United States House of Representatives. Each participating congressional district selects one winning artwork to be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3466", "title": "Carbajal Backs Legislation to End Iran War Spending", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, signed onto U.S. Representative Pat Ryan’s (D-NY-18) No Funds for Iran War Act to prohibit the use of additional taxpayer funds for military action against Iran in the absence of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) or official declaration of war from Congress.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nFor nine weeks, the Trump administration has waged war in Iran without congressional approval, which has cost at least $25 billion, killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and wounded hundreds more, and caused gas prices to skyrocket at home. The bill introduction also follows the Pentagon’s request for $1.5 trillion in funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 – not including a reported Iran War supplemental funding request of $200 billion.\n\n“Trump started his illegal war in Iran without rhyme or reason, and the results have been nothing short of disastrous,” said Rep. Carbajal. “His war has cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars while driving up the cost of essentials like groceries and gas. I’m supporting Congressman Ryan’s No Funds for Iran War Act because Americans should not be forced to foot the bill for an endless, unauthorized conflict.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4905", "title": "Case Announces Winners Of His 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First District) today announced the winners of his 2026 Congressional Art Competition at Bishop Museum, where entries were on public display.\n\nSeventeen art pieces were entered this year from seven schools throughout his district.\n\n“All of this year’s participants demonstrated remarkable dedication and creativity, contributing to a competition that once again challenged our judges with its exceptional caliber of work,” said Case.\n\n“The breadth of perspectives and artistic expression on display speaks volumes about the talent within our community. I am honored to recognize these young artists and look forward to showcasing the winning piece in the U.S. Capitol as a reflection of the vibrant spirit of our district.”\n\nEach spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talents in each Congressional district. The winners for Case’s event this year are:\n\n1st Place\n\nAtona Chan\n\nGrade 12\n\nKalani High School\n\nTitle: “As the Land Breathes”\n\nMedium: Acrylic paint on wood canvas\n\nAtona and a guest will receive a round trip for two on Southwest Airlines to attend the National Awards Competition in Washington, D.C., among other prizes. Her image representing Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with those of the winners in other districts.\n\n2nd Place\n\nDeinalyn Theodore\n\nGrade 12\n\nFarrington High School\n\nTitle: “Intertwined by Love”\n\nMedium: photography\n\nDeinalyn’s image will be displayed in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congressman Case for one year, along with a certificate.\n\n3rd Place\n\nBjorn Ian Dy\n\nGrade 10\n\nFarrington High School\n\nTitle: “Overcoming”\n\nMedium: photography\n\nBjorn’s image will be displayed in the District Office of Congressman Case in downtown Honolulu for one year, along with a certificate.\n\nHonorable Mentions\n\nGryson Gapasin\n\nGrade 12\n\nMoanalua High School\n\nTitle: “Light of a Pure Heart”\n\nMedium: mixed media\n\nHana Kawai\n\nGrade 12\n\nKalani High School\n\nTitle: “Voyage from the Land of the Rising Sun”\n\nMedium: pencil and watercolor\n\nMay Shiraishi\n\nGrade 10\n\nHawai‘i Baptist Academy\n\nTitle: “Legacy Across the Horizon”\n\nMedium: acrylic\n\n“I want to especially thank our panel of judges who reviewed the works and made some very tough decisions”, said Case. The judges were:\n\n- Sheanae Tam\n\nSheanae Tam was born and raised in Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu. In 2017, she graduated with a BFA from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, laying the foundation for her multifaceted career. Since then, Sheanae has embraced a diverse range of roles, blending her passions for public education, art, and regenerative farming. With a deep-rooted commitment to her island home, Sheanae endeavors to create meaningful connections between people, culture, and ʻāina.\n\n- Kamakani Konia\n\nKamakani Konia is the Art in Public Places Director for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. He is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa where he received both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Public Administration. His work seeks to support local artists by promoting public accessibility to the arts and humanities.\n\n- Eddie Freeman\n\nEddie Freeman‘s passion for photography was ignited flying helicopters over Vietnam during the war, serving as a US Marine. His arrival in Hawai‘i after the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 energized this pursuit due to the good fortune of a continued career over and throughout our islands. The beauty of our ‘āina, our music, our culture and our people allowed his photographic journey to thrive both professionally and personally, he never left Hawai‘i and continues to shoot and share his craft at every opportunity. Eddie is honored to judge this competition, and he encourages all young artists to pursue their dreams.\n\nEddie and his wife Sue Bauer were also the co-chairs of the “Wall That Heals”, organizing the exhibition at UH West O‘ahu earlier this year.\n\nAttachments: pictures of the event\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405206", "title": "Castor, Fitzpatrick, Underwood Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote the Inclusion of Pregnant and Lactating Women in Clinical Research", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "castor.house.gov", "scraper": "castor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001066", "name": "Kathy Castor", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "TAMPA, Fla. – Ahead of Mother’s Day, Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) reintroduced H.R. 8651, the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act. The bipartisan legislation builds on earlier congressional efforts to strengthen and deepen the understanding of how medications affect pregnant and lactating women and their infants. It would modernize FDA regulations, raise awareness of research that includes pregnant and lactating women, and encourage high-quality priority research projects to be conducted at the NIH—to help ensure moms and babies stay safe and healthy.\n\n“Excluding pregnant and lactating women from research and trials creates significant information gaps that can impact the health of mothers and babies,” said Rep. Castor. “We can and must do better. Expectant mothers and their doctors deserve clear, accurate guidance about how medications affect both mom and baby so they can make informed decisions and achieve the best possible health outcomes. Too often, a blanket assumption that medications are unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding is simply wrong—and in some cases, it can put moms and babies at greater health risk of costly complications. I’m grateful to my colleagues, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Lauren Underwood, for their partnership in advancing this bipartisan effort to expand high-quality scientific research and improve health outcomes through the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act.”\n\n“It is vital that we continue to advance medications and treatments for pregnant and lactating women to keep them healthy,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to work alongside Representatives Castor and Underwood to push for updated FDA regulations, continued educational materials, and overall awareness of how medications impact pregnant and lactating women.”\n\n“Pregnant and lactating people must be protected through research, not excluded from it,” said Rep. Underwood. “The exclusion of this population from clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines led to a serious information gap that resulted in lower vaccination rates for pregnant people. Evidence now shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. We must do more to protect this population, and the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act takes important steps to ensure that pregnant and lactating people can safely access life-saving vaccines and therapeutics.”\n\n“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has long advocated for the inclusion of pregnant people in clinical trials to help ensure the safety and efficacy of medication taken during pregnancy. Ninety percent of pregnant individuals take at least one medication during pregnancy, and yet seventy percent of medications approved by the FDA have no human pregnancy data. Not only does this present challenges for clinicians who have to manage the treatment of chronic conditions during pregnancy, but it creates uncertainty for patients when there is a lack of critical data on the effects of medications and therapeutics taken during pregnancy and lactation,”said ACOG President Camille A. Clare, MD, MPH, CPE, FACOG. ”By taking steps to ensure pregnant and lactating women are included in clinical trials, the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act will help give our patients and their physicians peace of mind when taking needed medications during pregnancy and lactation. We applaud the continued leadership of Representatives Kathy Castor, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Lauren Underwood for introducing this legislation and ensuring that this issue remains at the forefront.”\n\n“As the nation’s leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, March of Dimes strongly supports the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2026. Despite the prevalence of pregnancy complications, pregnant and lactating individuals are often excluded from clinical trials for the therapeutics they depend on. This legislation takes important steps to better our understanding for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding of how to take medications and vaccines safely and effectively. We applaud Representatives Kathy Castor, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Lauren Underwood for their continued leadership,” said Stacey Y. Brayboy, Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Government Affairs, March of Dimes.\n\n“The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is pleased to see the reintroduction of the Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act. By advancing the inclusion of pregnant and lactating populations in clinical research, this legislation will drive safer, evidence-based treatments and healthier outcomes for moms and babies alike. SWHR thanks Representatives Castor, Fitzpatrick, and Underwood for introducing this important legislation and their continued leadership in this space,” said Kathryn Schubert, President and CEO, Society for Women’s Health Research.\n\n“Inclusive clinical research isn’t just good science; it’s essential for the health of pregnant and lactating individuals. As the CEO of HealthyWomen and a practicing maternal and fetal nurse, I have seen firsthand how critical it is to equip expectant and new mothers with accurate, evidence-based information on how to best care for themselves and their babies, including medication use and vaccine uptake. But too often, this information is unavailable, sparse or delayed, leaving pregnant and lactating individuals uncertain during a vulnerable time. That’s why we are proud to support this bill that takes a crucial step toward ensuring that clinical trials and research are inclusive and accessible to pregnant and lactating individuals,”said Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen.\n\n“Including pregnant women in research is not a risk to be avoided—but an opportunity to embrace. For the first time in decades, researchers have begun to learn how to identify and prevent preeclampsia with new therapies on the horizon. However, the therapeutic pipeline only reaches patients if pregnant women are included in clinical research, and the federal investment is there to support it. The Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act delivers both. We thank Representatives Castor, Fitzpatrick, and Underwood for their leadership and urge Congress to pass this bill without delay,” said Eleni Tsigas, CEO, Preeclampsia Foundation.\n\nThe bill is supported by the following organizations: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM); American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP); HealthyWomen; Lupus Foundation of America; March of Dimes; Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance; Preeclampsia Foundation; Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine; Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR); U.S. Breastfeeding Committee; VAMPSS (Vaccines and Medications in Pregnancy Safety Studies) / American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Wake Up Narcolepsy, Inc.; WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415599", "title": "Washington Examiner article on Congressman Smith's work to combat forced organ harvesting'GOP trying to stop US involvement in China's organ harvesting scheme'", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Gabrielle Etzel\n\nPublished May 7, 2026 at 6:00 AM ET\n\nRepublicans in Congress are struggling to come together to craft a coherent policy to curb U.S. participation in the international forced organ harvesting market.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) told the Washington Examiner that Republicans in the House and Senate are actively working on developing policy to combat forced organ harvesting, or removing organs for transplant from patients unable to give consent.\n\nStanding against forced organ harvesting is one of the rare instances of bipartisan agreement in both the House and Senate, but members disagree about the scope of the policy and, in particular, whether to focus on China as the main perpetrator.\n\nSince the mid-1990s, the People’s Republic of China has been a leading driver of human trafficking for the purpose of organ extraction, which mainly involves taking organs from political prisoners and religious minorities, including Muslim Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, and Christians.\n\nAlthough there are no official estimates, Smith said as many as 70,000 people each year in China are murdered for their organs to be given or sold to patients on transplant lists, both in China and abroad.\n\nDemand for organs for transplant significantly outpaces supply worldwide, with multiyear waits for kidney, heart, lung, and liver transplants in almost every Western country. Investigative reports, however, have found that transplant list wait times in China are significantly shorter, sometimes only a matter of days for Chinese Communist Party members.\n\nBut Smith said there is emerging evidence of a significantly broader international market for illicit organ trafficking and human trafficking for organ extraction.\n\nIn particular, Smith said organs extracted from Muslim Uyghur prisoners are frequently sold to Middle Eastern buyers, who put a premium on organs from patients who practiced the Islamic dietary practice of halal.\n\n“This is a global phenomena,” Smith said. “It’s going on all over the world: the Philippines, the Middle East, other places where they buy and sell. And it’s not just China.”\n\nSmith’s bill, the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025, which passed nearly unanimously last year in the House, is meant to punish not only Chinese Communist Party actors engaging in organ trafficking but also the United States and other entities involved in the international network. But the bill has not yet been taken up by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\n\nIn March, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a competing bill zeroing in on holding China accountable for human rights atrocities called the Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act. Since then, legislation has been stalled.\n\nTargeting US involvement in international organ harvesting\n\nSmith contends that all countries, to some degree, including the U.S., are complicit in international illicit organ trafficking.\n\n“The whole world has some complicity in this, especially when it comes to brokers, governments looking the other way or looking askance,” Smith said. “So we have, I think, a moral duty, an obligation to say we need to stand with the victim and with the oppressed, not the oppressor, and stop it.”\n\nOnly two U.S. medical societies, the Transplantation Society and the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, have voiced opposition to forced organ harvesting in China and other countries.\n\nThe most recent policy from the American Medical Association, for example, says it encourages the People’s Republic of China to be in “compliance with internationally recognized standards” and condemns organ retrieval “without the informed consent of the donor,” but stops short of calling out alleged forced harvesting.\n\nSmith juxtaposed the U.S. medical establishment’s toleration of CCP human rights abuses with the lack of tolerance given to the U.S.S.R. during the Cold War. The Soviet Union, according to Smith, was largely excluded from the Western scientific community during the Cold War, and he believes the same should happen today for China.\n\nThe Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act creates penalties to hold bad actors accountable for complicity in aiding the CCP’s forced organ harvesting, including imposing sanctions or revoking travel documents from foreign nationals involved in the international network.\n\nBut the bill also establishes a civil penalty of up to $250,000 in damages and criminal punishment of up to 20 years in prison and $1 million in fines for participating or enabling forced organ harvesting, applicable to U.S. nationals and foreigners on U.S. soil.\n\nFor example, criminal or civil charges could be applied to U.S. physicians or healthcare providers who actively encourage their patients to go to China for an organ transplant, knowing that they will likely receive an organ from a victim rather than a consenting donor.\n\n“It’s a real problem. It’s global,” Smith told the Washington Examiner. “It needs a really aggressive approach, and this bill does it.”\n\nCruz hones in on China’s human rights abuses\n\nCruz’s legislation is narrower by comparison, solely focusing on the CCP’s orchestration of forced organ harvesting for political prisoners and religious minorities.\n\nThe senator’s bill only allows the State Department to revoke passports or travel documents for those suspected of the practice in China and the president to impose sanctions on Chinese officials.\n\nCruz’s bill also does not create criminal or civil penalties for those on U.S. soil who are convicted of participating in forced organ harvesting schemes.\n\nFurther, instead of creating a mandate for an annual report on international forced organ harvesting, Cruz’s legislation requires the State Department and the Department of Health and Human Services to jointly produce a singular report on the scope of the problem in China within the year the bill is signed into law.\n\nSmith told the Washington Examiner Cruz’s legislation does not go far enough.\n\n“China is the most egregious violator of it, but it is a huge problem everywhere,” Smith said.\n\nA spokesperson for HHS told the Washington Examiner that the department does not comment on pending legislation. The State Department did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment on its preferences between Smith and Cruz’s bills.\n\nA spokesperson for Smith told the Washington Examiner that his office is working on scheduling a meeting with Cruz and his team to reach a compromise. Cruz’s office declined to offer comment.\n\nSmith said he recently met with Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to discuss advancing the legislation, which will likely require compromise with Cruz and confirmation from the White House that the bill will be signed by the president.\n\nRisch told the Washington Examiner in a statement that he is “committed to working with Representative Smith on this very important issue” and advancing legislation to “put an end to the horrible practice of organ harvesting.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415601", "title": "More than 100 members of Congress send letterRep. Smith, Sen. Scott lead bicameral letter to President Trump urging him to raise Jimmy Lai’s case during upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "In a new letter sent to the White House today, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), and 105 other members of Congress urged President Trump to again advocate for Hong Kong political prisoner Jimmy Lai by asking for his humanitarian release during his upcoming meeting with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) President Xi Jinping.\n\n“Given Jimmy Lai’s advanced age and ailing health, we urge President Trump—a tenacious, vocal advocate for Jimmy’s freedom—to again raise Jimmy’s case and call for his humanitarian release during his upcoming meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping,” said Smith, the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC).\n\n“President Trump has an incredible, rare opportunity to speak to Xi, face-to-face, and personally ask him to free Jimmy Lai. The Lai family, and all advocates for free speech and democracy, would be eternally grateful if President Trump secured Jimmy’s release,” the China policy expert continued.\n\nIn the letter, first obtained by the Washington Post, the group of bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers stressed the dire state of Lai’s deteriorating health and emphasized the necessity of his release: “On February 9, 2026, Mr. Lai—now 78—was sentenced to 20 years in prison under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. Given his age and condition, this sentence amounts to spending the rest of his life behind bars.\n\n“His health has declined in custody, and prolonged isolation and inadequate prison conditions only increase the risk of permanent harm,” the authors continued.\n\nThe U.S. lawmakers—representing both sides of the aisle—also underscored the symbolic significance of Lai’s release, which would function as “a clear, practical path forward that reunites a family and prevents this case from becoming an irreversible tragedy—and an enduring symbol of repression that will echo far beyond Hong Kong.”\n\nAt the conclusion of their letter, the lawmakers appealed to President Trump—who, in the past, has strongly advocated for Lai’s freedom—and asked him to intervene on the Lai family’s behalf: “Your direct engagement is critical to securing Mr. Lai’s immediate release on humanitarian parole, so he can receive appropriate medical care and reunite with his family.”\n\nSmith, a leading human rights lawmaker, has been a vocal and persistent advocate for Lai’s release, authoring legislation (HR 2522) and chairing numerous congressional hearings to raise awareness of his case and condemn the CCP’s corruption of Hong Kong’s judicial system.\n\nTo increase international scrutiny of Jimmy Lai’s unjust imprisonment and sentencing, Smith brought Lai’s daughter, Claire, as his guest to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address. Lai’s son, Sebastien, also testified at Smith’s 2023 CECC hearing, entitled “One City, Two Legal Systems: Political Prisoners and the Erosion of the Rule of Law in Hong Kong.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415603", "title": "The Washington Post exclusive article on Smith-Scott letter to President Trump'Trump pledged to free Jimmy Lai. Now U.S. lawmakers want action at China summit.'", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Liam Scott, Cate Cadell, and Noah Robertson\n\nPublished May 7, 2026 at 2:26 p.m. EDT\n\nAhead of President Donald Trump’s trip to China next week, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers — including about two-thirds of the Senate — is urging him to seek the release of publisher Jimmy Lai, an ardent critic of the Chinese Communist Party who has been imprisoned in Hong Kong since 2020.\n\nIn a letter Thursday, more than 100 lawmakers asked Trump to raise Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week and ask for his freedom. Trump pledged during his 2024 campaign to secure the release of Lai, a British citizen who has become a symbol of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, but has yet to do so.\n\n“Your direct engagement is critical to securing Mr. Lai’s immediate release on humanitarian parole, so he can receive appropriate medical care and reunite with his family,” the lawmakers wrote in the Republican-led letter, according to a copy reviewed by The Washington Post.\n\nThe letter was signed by 68 senators, including more than 40 Republicans. It was also signed by more than 35 House members, including more than 25 Republicans. Among the signatories were Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-New York), Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), as well as Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California).\n\nJimmy Lai walks through the Stanley prison in Hong Kong in 2023. (Louise Delmotte/AP)\n\nThe request adds to an already crowded agenda for Trump in China, with tensions related to Iran hanging over the trip and pressure high for the president to produce results on trade, Taiwan and artificial intelligence. It also comes as Trump has moved away from the human rights campaign that defined parts of his first term’s China policy, recently focusing instead on narrower economic and strategic deals with Beijing.\n\nFor Lai, the summit in Beijing may represent a small moment of opportunity. In February, the 78-year-old was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty in December of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and sedition. Lai denies the charges, which the U.S. government has also said are politically motivated. Lai’s international legal team has said that the publisher’s best hope for freedom is through a diplomatic deal brokered by the U.S. and British governments.\n\nA successful entrepreneur who founded the now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, Lai has been imprisoned in Hong Kong since late 2020, the same year that Beijing’s national security law was imposed in the city. Among other things, prosecutors alleged that Lai used Apple Daily to ask the United States and other countries to penalize Hong Kong and Chinese officials as punishment for cracking down on Hong Kong’s 2019 pro-democracy protests.\n\n“Now is a key time to re-emphasize the case, not only given Mr. Lai’s age and health, but also because this will be the first time you are meeting with Xi Jinping since the Hong Kong legal proceedings against Mr. Lai came to an end,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter to Trump.\n\nDuring his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump said he would “100 percent” be able to secure Lai’s release if he returned to the White House. “He’ll be easy to get out,” Trump said at the time.\n\nOn Monday, Trump said he would mention Lai’s case during the China summit.\n\n“I will be bringing it up,” Trump told conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt on his radio show.\n\nThe president said he previously raised Lai’s case with Xi in South Korea last October. “There’s a little bitterness, I would say, with him and Jimmy Lai. Hong Kong was not as easy,” Trump said Monday.\n\nSen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) spearheaded the new letter.\n\n“Jimmy Lai is a dear friend, and his immediate release is dire,” Scott said in a statement.\n\n“What they’re doing to Jimmy goes against everything we believe as Americans. I’m glad President Trump has committed to bring up his release when he next meets with Xi,” Scott added. “I am hopeful that President Trump will get this done.”\n\nEven as the Trump administration targets the news media in the United States, Lai is continuing to receive bipartisan support from Congress.\n\n“Jimmy Lai is a hero,” signatory Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) said in a statement. “His crime? Practicing freedom of expression.” Smith added, “President Trump has an incredible, rare opportunity to speak to Xi, face-to-face, man-to-man, and personally ask him to release Jimmy Lai.”\n\nLai’s daughter Claire said she was “deeply grateful” to the lawmakers for speaking up on her father’s behalf. “He does not have the luxury of time,” she said in a statement. Claire added that she hopes Trump “will help President Xi see the wisdom of releasing my father so that he can spend his twilight years with his family.”\n\nU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who as a senator was a staunch critic of China’s human rights record and is expected to join next week’s trip, said Wednesday that the United States “always” raises human rights issues in “appropriate forums,” when asked whether the U.S. would discuss rights issues during the talks.\n\nDuring the first Trump administration, the State Department declared that the Chinese government was perpetrating genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. Beijing denies wrongdoing in the region. In 2019, Lai visited Washington and met with then-Vice President Mike Pence, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pelosi, then the House speaker.\n\nDuring Trump’s second term, the president has focused on trade and tariffs with China while broadly refraining from commenting on human rights issues in China. His administration — via the Elon Musk-led U.S. DOGE Service — has also sought to unwind much of the comprehensive monitoring and funding network that was responsible for exposing Chinese rights violations.\n\nThe Trump administration brokered an agreement in September for the release of an Atlanta-based Wells Fargo executive who was held in China for several months under an exit ban. But Lai’s case represents a more challenging task. Overturning the conviction of the ailing media tycoon would mark a major concession by Beijing, which has long defended its crackdown in Hong Kong as necessary for stability.\n\nLast month, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 40 shipping firms and vessels, plus a Chinese oil refinery, in a growing crackdown on maritime business with Iran. Most of the sanctioned vessels are either Chinese-linked operations or have a record of delivering crude oil to China as their final destination.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415605", "title": "Fox News exclusive article on Smith-Cassidy-led amicus brief to SCOTUS'FIRST ON FOX: Top Republicans take abortion pill fight to Supreme Court, citing coercion and safety risks'", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Jasmine Baehr\n\nPublished May 7, 2026 at 5:43 PM EDT\n\nFIRST ON FOX: More than 100 Republican lawmakers are urging the Supreme Court to reinstate abortion pill restrictions, warning current policy allowing mifepristone to be mailed without in-person oversight has led to cases of women being coerced — and in some instances allegedly forced — to take the drug.\n\nThe amicus brief, led by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., backs Louisiana’s legal fight to restore an in-person dispensing requirement for the drug.\n\nAt the center of the filing are allegations that loosened federal rules have enabled coercion, with lawmakers arguing the Biden-era policy \"increases the risk of coercion,\" referring to changes to the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) that removed the in-person requirement.\n\nThe brief points to several alleged cases in which abortion pills were obtained online or administered without a woman’s consent, including plaintiff Rosalie Markezich, who says her boyfriend ordered mifepristone from a California doctor and coerced her into taking it.\n\nSen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., speaks during a Senate hearing while pointing to a chart showing fetal development stages on Capitol Hill in Washington.(Courtesy U.S. Senate Photographic services)\n\n\"Had she visited a doctor in person, her boyfriend would never have been able to obtain the drugs he made [her] take,\" the brief says.\n\nLawmakers also cite additional reported incidents, including a case in which a Louisiana mother allegedly obtained abortion pills online for her teenage daughter, leading to a medical emergency, as well as another case involving a man accused of administering the drugs to a pregnant woman without her knowledge.\n\nLawmakers argue such cases are more likely under a system that allows abortion pills to be prescribed online and shipped without face-to-face medical screening.\n\nActivists for and against abortion demonstrate outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 24, 2024, three years after the Dobbs decision. The demonstration coincides with a landmark Texas filing seeking to prevent interstate abortion pill mailing.(Allison Robbert/The Washington Post/Getty Images)\n\nThey say the policy not only weakens safeguards but puts women at risk while removing protections designed to prevent abuse.\n\nCassidy said those safeguards should be restored immediately.\n\n\"Chemical abortion drugs kill innocent children and put mothers’ lives at risk,\" Cassidy said. \"Safeguards protecting against coercion, such as the in-person dispensing requirement, must be reinstated immediately. The Fifth Circuit got this right, and I urge the Supreme Court to affirm that decision.\"\n\nAnti-abortion activists hold signs outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2022, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.(Stefani Reynolds/AFP)\n\nThe filing comes after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Louisiana and reinstated the in-person dispensing requirement while litigation continues.\n\nLawmakers argue the FDA \"overstepped its authority\" by allowing abortion drugs to be distributed through the mail, saying the policy conflicts with the Comstock Act, which prohibits mailing items \"designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion.\"\n\nSmith also argued the drug poses serious risks, citing claims that more than one in 10 women experience complications such as infection or hemorrhaging.\n\nThey also contend the agency relied on insufficient safety data when it removed the in-person requirement, weakening adverse-event reporting standards and then using limited data to justify expanded access.\n\nLouisiana lawmakers approved a bill on May 23, 2024, classifying two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances despite criticism from doctors about their other reproductive health uses.(Allen G. Breed/AP)\n\nThe brief further argues that eliminating in-person visits prevents doctors from screening for serious medical conditions, including ectopic pregnancies, and makes it more difficult to detect coercion or abuse.\n\nThe legal fight intensified over the weekend when mifepristone manufacturers Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro filed emergency appeals to the Supreme Court, warning the lower court ruling is already causing \"immediate confusion and upheaval\" across the country.\n\nDanco argued the decision is disrupting access and forcing providers, pharmacies and patients to navigate rapidly changing rules, while GenBioPro said the order effectively eliminates mail-order access and upends a system relied on for years.\n\nThe companies are asking the justices to block the ruling while litigation continues, setting up a high-stakes legal battle that could reshape how the abortion drug is distributed nationwide.\n\nThe Supreme Court is now weighing emergency requests from the manufacturers, which are seeking to pause the 5th Circuit’s order while the case proceeds.\n\nThe outcome could reshape access to abortion pills nationwide, determining whether they remain widely available by mail or are once again restricted to in-person medical oversight.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415606", "title": "Lakewood Alerts article on Manchester Twp.'s new, federally-funded police vehicles'Manchester Police Unveil New Fleet Funded by $1.1 Million Federal Grant'", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Lakewood Alerts\n\nPublished May 7, 2026\n\nRep. Chris Smith joined local officials this week to formally unveil a new fleet of vehicles for the Manchester Township Police Department, marking a significant investment in public safety funded through federal appropriations.\n\nThe ceremony featured nine new police SUVs and an animal control van, purchased with $1.148 million secured by Smith during the congressional appropriations process. The funding was aimed at replacing aging vehicles and strengthening the department’s operational capabilities.\n\nPolice Chief Antonio Ellis said the upgrades go beyond equipment, emphasizing their impact on officer safety and community service.\n\n“Today is about more than new vehicles. It’s about commitment, partnership, and delivering for the residents of Manchester Township,” Ellis said. “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.”\n\nSmith credited a coordinated local effort for bringing the project to fruition, highlighting the roles of township leadership and law enforcement officials in advocating for the funding.\n\n“Today is an amazing example of what good local governance can lead to,” Smith said. “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.”\n\nAlso in attendance were Ocean County Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, and Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, along with other local officials.\n\nTownship leaders said the new vehicles will immediately be deployed to support patrol operations and enhance response capabilities across the community.\n\nThis article was published on May 7, 2026 and can be found online at:", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-correa-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-for-hart-park-pickleball-and-fitness-circuit", "title": "REP. CORREA CELEBRATES RIBBON CUTTING FOR HART PARK PICKLEBALL & FITNESS CIRCUIT", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Project Funded by $2 Million Federal Earmark\n\nWASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representative Lou Correa (D-CA) celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Hart Park Pickleball and Fitness Circuit in the City of Orange. The new fitness area features 10 lighted courts, shade, seating, and outdoor fitness equipment, expanding recreational opportunities for the community. The project was funded by $2 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Correa.\n\n“The new pickleball courts and fitness circuit will provide a place for our community to gather and improve health and fitness,” Correa said. “I was pleased to secure federal funding for this project and will continue to prioritize projects that provide recreational opportunities for our seniors and other community members. I am grateful to the city and Mayor Slater for making this project a reality.”\n\n“Congressman Correa has been a champion for Orange, and this is yet one more example of that,” Mayor Dan Slater said. “These courts will be used and appreciated by Orange residents for many years to come.”\n\nRep. Correa secured funds for this project through the FY22 community project funding process, during which the congressman secured $29.9 million for CA-46 projects.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://davidson.house.gov/2026/5/davidson-calls-for-action-after-investigation-reveals-massive-medicaid-fraud-in-ohio", "title": "Davidson Calls for Action After Investigation Reveals Massive Medicaid Fraud in Ohio", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://davidson.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "davidson.house.gov", "scraper": "davidson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000626", "name": "Warren Davidson", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, May 7, 2026, U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (OH-08) released the following statement after a Daily Wire investigation revealed widespread Medicaid fraud across Ohio. The investigation found that Ohio’s Medicaid program paid out roughly $1 billion in 2024 for “home health services,” often provided by people with no health care training and in many cases by relatives of Medicaid recipients.\n\n“Minneapolis was just the tip of the iceberg of waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Davidson. “This investigation confirms what many of us have long suspected - that there is widespread Medicaid fraud nationwide. I applaud President Trump for leading the charge to root out this abuse, and Congress must follow through with reforms to hold fraudsters accountable and return wasted money to taxpayers.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3763", "title": "PHOTOS: De La Cruz Celebrates Local Business Owners, New Rec Center in the Rio Grande Valley", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delacruz.house.gov", "scraper": "delacruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000594", "name": "Monica De La Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - In honor of Small Business Week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and the RGV Partnership recognized the vital contributions of South Texas small business owners who have made an impact in the Rio Grande Valley community.\n\nFollowing the event, De La Cruz joined the City of San Juan for the grand opening of the new recreation center. Having secured $2 million for the facility in FY24, she joined local leaders to celebrate the project officially coming to life.\n\nDe La Cruz honors Gilbert Morin Perez, owner of Fresh Coat Painters of McAllen and winner of the Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year, with a special certificate of Congressional recognition.\n\nDe La Cruz joins City of San Juan officials and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the San Juan Parks and Recreation facility. In FY24, De La Cruz secured $2M in federal funding to bring this project to fruition.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-hosts-farm-bill-roundtable-in-the-sixth-district", "title": "Emmer Hosts Farm Bill Roundtable in the Sixth District", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "emmer.house.gov", "scraper": "emmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000294", "name": "Tom Emmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CHANHASSEN, MN – Today, Congressman Emmer hosted a Farm Bill roundtable with constituents and agriculture stakeholders to discuss the House-passed Farm Bill and how it will impact Minnesota’s needs.\n\nImage\n\n“Last week, House Republicans passed the Farm Bill, providing Minnesota farmers, producers, and rural communities more resources and stability,” said Congressman Emmer. “It was great joining so many friends across the ag community to discuss how these policies will make an impact on the men and women who clothe, fuel, and feed the world.”\n\n“It was an honor to speak on behalf of Minnesota farmers and ranchers as part of today’s roundtable with Whip Emmer and agriculture leaders,” said Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing. “The farm bill is essential to keeping farms and ranches stable at a time when costs are rising and margins are tight, and continued delays are compounding the strain they are already facing.”\n\nRoundtable participants included farmers from the Sixth District and representatives from Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Pork Producers, Minnesota Wheat Growers, Minnesota Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, Minnesota AgriGrowth, NAU County Insurance Company, Compeer Financial, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.\n\nBackground\n\nWith the Farm Bill extension set to expire on September 30, 2026, House Republicans passed the budget-neutral Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, to reauthorize agricultural programs for the next five years. This legislation is supported by more than 500 key stakeholder groups and passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 224 - 200.\n\nMany of the priorities and needs of our nation’s farmers and ranchers were addressed last year in H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cut Act. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 builds on those improvements and addresses additional needs, including conservation programs, crop insurance, and investments in our rural communities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-statement-on-becker-post-office-reopening", "title": "Emmer Statement on Becker Post Office Reopening", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "emmer.house.gov", "scraper": "emmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000294", "name": "Tom Emmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "OTSEGO, MN – Congressman Tom Emmer released the following statement regarding news that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is reopening a Post Office in the City of Becker.\n\n“Finally, after a year of advocacy with Mayor Mark Kolbinger and the City of Becker, the USPS has made the right call to bring back postal service to Becker,” said Congressman Tom Emmer. “Thank you to Mayor Kolbinger for his leadership, partnership, and constant communication with us as we worked to resolve this. It’s a great day for Becker!”\n\n“I am grateful for the assistance we received from Congressman Emmer and his staff throughout this process,” said Mayor Kolbinger. “From our first meeting with USPS personnel in February of 2025, until our final decision announcement on May 5, 2026, he and his staff have been in near constant contact regarding the situation. I appreciate their advocacy on behalf of the over 10,000 residents of zip code 55308.”\n\nBackground:\n\nCongressman Emmer, Mayor Kolbinger, and the City of Becker have been working to restore a post office in Becker for over a year. Had the postal service for the 55308 area been serviced out of Monticello, route drivers would have added more than 1,000 additional delivery miles each week to service the City of Becker. The Office of Congressman Emmer spoke and met with the USPS several times during this period to explain the negatives of closing Becker’s post office. Emmer also sent written inquiries to the USPS advocating for the Becker post office to remain in the city.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/05/07/finstad-celebrates-house-passage-of-the-2026-farm-bill-with-southern-minnesota-agriculture-stakeholders/", "title": "Finstad Celebrates House Passage of the 2026 Farm Bill with Southern Minnesota Agriculture Stakeholders", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "NEW ULM, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined agricultural stakeholders, local businesses, farmers, producers, and rural leaders at AGCO in Jackson for an event celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (2026 Farm Bill).\n\n“The many conversations I’ve had with fellow southern Minnesotans and the ideas that emerged from the Farm Bill Listening Sessions I hosted across all 21 counties of Minnesota’s First District directly shaped the 2026 Farm Bill that passed the House of Representatives last week,” said Rep. Finstad. “It was an honor to celebrate this milestone with the farmers, agribusiness leaders, and rural stakeholders who made it possible and will directly feel its positive impact here at home in southern Minnesota.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/05/07/finstad-introduces-legislation-celebrating-national-small-business-week/", "title": "Finstad Introduces Legislation Celebrating National Small Business Week", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Committee on Small Business, introduced a House resolution designating May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week. The legislation acknowledges the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in every community across the country.\n\n“I am honored to bring forward this resolution to recognize and celebrate the small, locally owned businesses that make the places we call home so special during this year’s National Small Business Week,” said Rep. Finstad. “Whether it be family farms or Main Street shops, our small businesses are the backbone of communities in southern Minnesota and the country as a whole.”\n\nFinstad continued, “As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I’m proud to be a voice in Washington for the small business owners and entrepreneurs who invest in our communities, making them a great place to work, live, and raise a family.”\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found here.\n\nBackground:", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-foushee-introduces-legislation-to-extend-visas-for-international-stem-students-graduating-from-us-universities", "title": "Rep. Foushee Introduces Legislation to Extend Visas for International STEM Students Graduating From U.S. Universities", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DURHAM, NC (May 7, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) introduced the Stop the Brain Drain Act, which would help retain STEM talent in the United States by amending the Immigration and Nationality Act to codify the Optional Practical Training program and extend the period foreign students on F-1 (student) visas can remain in the U.S. for advanced training and employment authorization for a period up to 24 months.\n\n“Keeping our nation’s doors open to international STEM students who are graduating from our universities is critical to ensuring that we retain skilled nurses in our hospitals, talented engineers in our labs, and forward-thinking researchers who are innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “Upon graduation, international students are put on a 1-year clock to find someone to sponsor their visa or be forced to return home. This timeline is increasingly unrealistic with Trump’s economy and is causing us to lose STEM talent that call our country home. My bill will ensure that the incredible students who come here to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams have the opportunity to stay and build their futures here in the United States.”\n\nThis legislation would allow foreign nationals on F-1 (student) visas to receive a 24-month extension for practical training and employment authorization following the completion of their course of study. F-1 visa holders who completed a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or nursing may qualify for an additional 24-month extension, for a total of up to 48 months. This secondary extension reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in these fields and encourages foreign graduates to contribute their expertise to the U.S. workforce.\n\n“International nurses are highly trained professionals who fill critical roles across our health system, and the current OPT framework creates unnecessary gaps that force talented, U.S.-trained nurses out of the workforce just as they are hitting their stride. This legislation is a practical, targeted fix that protects continuity of care and keeps experienced nurses at the bedside where patients need them most. Duke strongly supports Congresswoman Foushee's efforts to turn advocacy into action,” said Terry McDonnell, Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive, Duke University Health System and Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, Duke University School of Nursing.\n\n“International students play an important role in strengthening America’s research enterprise and global economic competitiveness. UNC-Chapel Hill appreciates Congresswoman Foushee’s leadership on legislation that recognizes the value of retaining highly trained graduates in critical STEM and health fields and supports continued innovation, discovery, and workforce growth here in North Carolina and across the country,” said Kelly Dockham, Director of Federal Affairs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6071", "title": "Reps. Gomez, Goldman Introduce New Legislation to Invest $10 Billion Annually in Afterschool Learning Programs", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives and Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Dan Goldman (NY-10), founding members of the Congressional Dads Caucus, introduced the Afterschool for All Act, new legislation that would provide $10 billion in federal funding annually for 10 years after school and summer learning programming. The programming would be fully paid for by a 1% increase in the corporate income tax rate.\n\n\"I’m introducing this bill because families need real support between the end of the school day and the end of the workday, and right now too many parents are left scrambling to cover this gap in care. I launched the Dads Caucus because I’ve seen firsthand how hard parents work to balance their jobs, the high cost of living, and being there for their kids. This bill will invest in afterschool programs to give children a safe place to learn and grow while helping parents get through the day with one less thing hanging over their heads,\" said Dads Caucus Chair Jimmy Gomez.\n\n“Afterschool and summer learning programs are a lifeline for working parents and an invaluable source of enrichment for kids,” said Rep. Goldman. “But too often, the low-income families who need these programs the most are the ones who don’t have access to them. I am proud to be introducing this legislation to provide $10 billion a year to dramatically expand the availability of afterschool programs in communities nationwide and help make sure all of our kids are safe and supported, our parents can pursue their careers, and our economy can grow.”\n\n\"Afterschool programs are vital to keeping kids safe, supervised, and supported after school, delivering crucial academic enrichment and allowing parents to make a living,\" said David Garza, President & CEO of Henry Street Settlement, which operates eight after school programs on Manhattan's Lower East Side. \"High-quality afterschool is a particularly urgent need for children of low-income parents like those Henry Street serves, who struggle with inconsistent hours, frequent layoffs, and neighborhood safety issues. A positive afterschool experience is a launching pad that lasts a lifetime, and we applaud Reps. Dan Goldman and Jimmy Gomez’s Afterschool for All Act, which will extend these benefits to children throughout the United States who live in poverty.\"\n\nThe Afterschool for All Act reauthorizes the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and provides a tenfold increase in funding. This program, which expired in 2023, is the only federal funding source for afterschool and summer learning programming. The program enables state educational agencies to provide grants to schools and community organizations to offer afterschool activities focused on STEM, physical fitness and wellness, academic enrichment, nutrition and health education, service learning, financial literacy, apprenticeships, and other career readiness opportunities. Research consistently shows that high-quality afterschool programs improve grades, boost attendance, strengthen long-term earnings, and reduce juvenile crime.\n\nThe need for these programs remains substantial. Millions of working parents face a persistent care gap between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the hours when juvenile crime and risky behaviors peak and when many families cannot secure safe, affordable supervision. Without these programs, parents can be forced to cut hours or leave jobs, and local businesses lose the stable workforce they depend on. In the 2022–2023 school year, Community Learning Centers served more than a million pre-K–12 students, but demand for afterschool programs far exceeds available funding.\n\nThe Afterschool for All Act would ensure that all students have access to afterschool opportunities by reauthorizing the Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers program and increasing its funding to $10 billion annually for the next decade. This tenfold expansion in funding would ensure that every low-income K-12 student - more than 10 million students nationwide - can access afterschool and summer learning programs, thereby giving them the same opportunities and support as their peers.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by RaisingHealth Partners, Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), Henry Street Settlement, Center for Family Life In Sunset Park, and Grand Street Settlement\n\nRepresentatives Tim Kennedy (NY-26), George Latimer (NY-16), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Andre Carson (IN-07), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), and Cleo Fields (LA-06) cosponsor the legislation.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-goodlander-joyce-introduce-legislation-to-recognize-april-2026-as-national-native-plant-month/", "title": "ICYMI: Goodlander, Joyce Introduce Legislation to Recognize April 2026 as “National Native Plant Month”", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Concord, N.H. – Last week, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April 2026 as “National Native Plant Month,” highlighting the critical role native plants play in supporting ecosystems, strengthening local economies, and preserving America’s natural heritage.\n\nCongresswoman Goodlander introduced the resolution alongside Congressman David Joyce (OH-14), with cosponsors Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Rep. James Moylan (GA-AL), Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), and Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10).\n\n“Growing up in New Hampshire, I learned early in life that our land is worth fighting for,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Native plants are the backbone of our landscapes — they sustain our wildlife, protect our watersheds, support our farmers and outdoor economy, and connect us to the natural heritage that generations have worked to support and defend. Our resolution is a recognition that caring for our land isn’t a partisan issue — it is an enduring American value.”\n\n“By promoting the use of native plants, we are promoting the restoration of natural habitats in Ohio and across the country,” said Congressman Joyce. “In addition to their environmental benefits, native plants offer a practical, cost-effective solution for communities by requiring significantly less water and ongoing maintenance. This resolution recognizes the value native plants bring to Ohio and to communities nationwide, while promoting responsible stewardship of our natural landscapes.”\n\nRead the full resolution text here.\n\nNational Native Plant Month has been supported by hundreds of local, regional, and national organizations spanning nearly all 50 states, reflecting a growing, nationwide effort to protect and restore native ecosystems.\n\n“We are so proud of New Hampshire’s elected officials for raising public awareness of native plants’ contribution to our environmental and economic health. With this Resolution, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander is taking the lead in the House on the nation-wide effort to promote National Native Plant Month,” said Beate Becker, co-chair of the Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of Dublin. “Her commitment is enormously important to the native plant work happening in local communities in NH and around the country.”\n\n“To save our planet, we must protect the health of our water, air, and soil. To save wildlife, we need to provide them with ample food and healthy habitats. Native wildlife has slowly evolved over time alongside native plants. Because of this, native bees, butterflies, caterpillars, birds, and other wildlife depend on these long-known plants for their food, and they usually cannot eat the strange, exotic plants we bring home from distant lands. This resolution provides an annual platform to educate the public about the importance of native plants, and encourages all landowners to plant many more native plants to feed wildlife,” said Nancy Linz, Founder, National Native Plant Month.\n\n“At a time when our planet faces the crises of climate change and loss of plant and animal species, native plants’ role as linchpins of local ecosystems has never been more important. Congress must mark this recognition by advancing policies and investments that will preserve native species and the benefits they provide for both people and nature,” said Tom Cors, Sr. Director, Legislative Affairs, The Nature Conservancy.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-announces-feed-our-kids-act-to-fight-farm-bill-cuts-to-school-meals-for-hungry-jersey-children", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Announces “Feed Our Kids Act” to Fight Farm Bill Cuts to School Meals for Hungry Jersey Children", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SNAP Cuts Will Hurt Jersey Families, Farms, & Cost Taxpayers Millions\n\nFarm Bill Must Be Fixed – “It’s Rotten At Its Core”\n\nHILLSDALE, N.J. — Today, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced new, federal legislation, the Feed Our Kids Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snacks to every student in K-12 public schools across America.\n\nThis legislation comes as Gottheimer sounded the alarm on the devastating nutrition cuts jammed through by House Republicans in the Farm Bill last week. It would lock in cuts in critical funding for school meals, SNAP, and local food programs that threaten to push hundreds of thousands of New Jersey students into hunger.\n\nRight now, over 400,000 kids in Jersey rely on free or reduced school meals each and every day.\n\nGottheimer made the announcement at Ann Blanche Elementary School in Hillsdale, New Jersey, with local elected officials, educators, hunger-relief advocates, and community leaders.\n\n“You can’t propel a rocket without fuel. The same goes for a growing student,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Too many children in New Jersey are still showing up to school every morning with the tank reading empty. In the greatest country in the world, it is simply unacceptable that one in seven children in our state faces food insecurity. The Feed Our Kids Act will change that — no stigma, no bureaucracy, no child left hungry.”\n\nThe bill is co-lead with Representatives Darren Soto (FL-5) and Brittany Pettersen (CO-7).\n\n“Making sure every kid has access to a healthy meal at school reduces costs for families and ensures that every student has the ability to grow and thrive,” said Congresswoman Brittany Petterson (CO-7). “We’ve seen the impact free school meals have in Colorado, and we know this bill is a critical step toward supporting our families, both in and out of the classroom.”\n\nMore than forty-seven million people in the United States face hunger. One in four Americans report skipping meals because they simply cannot afford their grocery bills.\n\nIn New Jersey alone:\n\n• One in seven children faces food insecurity — not knowing where their next meal will come from.\n\n• More than 270,000 children rely on school meals for two meals a day, five days a week.\n\n• In New Jersey, there are 812,966 SNAP recipients, including 436,452 households and 341,529 children.\n\n• 63,000 people in Bergen County go hungry every day, including more than 30,000 children across Northern New Jersey.\n\n• More than 400,000 students received free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch last school year — with another 110,000 who qualify but still aren’t receiving meals.\n\nResearch shows that students who eat breakfast and lunch perform better in the classroom, have stronger memory recall, are less likely to be absent or repeat a grade, and have fewer behavioral and attention problems. Students who are properly nourished also have healthier lifelong diets and are less susceptible to obesity-related health issues. Additionally, studies show that addressing hunger reduces violent crime, making communities safer and stronger.\n\nTHE FEED OUR KIDS ACT\n\nThe Feed Our Kids Act would:\n\n• Provide free breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snacks to every student in K-12 public schools across America.\n\n• Eliminate unpaid meal debt from schools and remove burdensome application paperwork for qualifying families.\n\n• Ensure meals are nutritious and locally sourced when possible.\n\n• Extend meal access during summer break and sudden school closures so no child’s nutrition falls through the cracks.\n\n• Eliminate the stigma associated with means-tested meal programs by making access universal.\n\n• Provide Congress with a report on the impacts of free school meals and provide recommendations to ensure that schools are using nutritious meals that are locally sourced from farmers.\n\nMore than nine states already provide free school meals for all children — with more states, including those located in the Deep South, moving toward universal programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Jersey’s shift to a universal school meal program drove a more than seventeen percent increase in math scores. When Republicans slashed those extra resources after the pandemic, fourth grade math scores fell by five points and eighth grade scores dropped by eight points.\n\n“This is all common sense. We can’t let another day go by where a Jersey kid goes to school hungry. This shouldn’t be political. There is nothing red or blue about feeding our children,” Gottheimer said. “The Senate has a real opportunity to stop this insane plan and keep our hungry children and families fed.”\n\nGottheimer also announced two additional actions in response to the House Republicans’ Farm Bill — which he called the “One Big F’d Up Bill” — that would impose the largest SNAP cuts in the nation’s history:\n\nGottheimer is sending a letter to the Administration demanding restoration of the Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement programs. The Administration’s cuts eliminated $1 billion in food assistance, costing New Jersey $26 million in previously committed funding that would have supported forty-six local farms and food producers, including eleven in NJ-5.\n\nGottheimer is calling on the Senate to reverse devastating Farm Bill SNAP cuts that would require New Jersey to cover five percent of SNAP assistance — costing the state up to $100 million per year — and increase the state’s share of SNAP administrative costs from fifty percent to seventy-five percent, adding an additional $100 million annually. In total, the Farm Bill would add $200 million in new costs on New Jersey taxpayers. It would also cause more than four million Americans to lose their SNAP benefits, stripping their children of automatic eligibility for free school meals.\n\nGottheimer was joined by Hillsdale Mayor Michael Sheinfield, Hillsdale Councilman Chris Campp, Hillsdale Superintendent Robert Lombardy, Kevin Donatello, Hillsdale School Board President, Christine Higgins, Principal of Ann Blanche Smith School, Michael Jacobs, President of the NJ School Boards Association, Dr. Timothy Purnell, Executive Director/CEO of NJSBA, Jonathan Pushman, Senior Director of Advocacy of NJSBA, Sal Valenza from New Jersey School Nutrition Association, Lisa Pitz from Hunger Free New Jersey Executive Director, Beth Williams from Hunger Free America New York State Policy Director, Adele LaTourette, Senior Policy Advisor for Community Food Bank of New Jersey, and Joe Licata, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Bergen County.\n\nWatch Congressman Gottheimer’s remarks here.\n\nWatch additional remarks here.\n\nRead Congressman Gottheimer’s full remarks below:\n\nGood morning. It’s great to be here with so many friends and leaders at Ann Blanche Elementary School here in beautiful Hillsdale. You can’t propel a rocket without fuel — the same goes for a growing student. Our children are rockets preparing to take off toward successful lives and careers. But, they won’t reach their dreams without fuel in the tank.\n\nUnfortunately, too many children in New Jersey are still showing up to school every morning with the tank reading on empty. They just aren’t getting the food and nutrition they need at home, and, with the costs of everything from gas to groceries way up, it’s just getting worse. More than forty-seven million people in the U.S. face hunger. One in four Americans say they’re skipping meals because they simply can’t afford their grocery bill.\n\nBelieve it or not, in our state, one in seven children face food insecurity – they don’t know where their next meal will come from – it’s heartbreaking. And more than 270,000 children rely on school meals for two meals a day, five days a week. 63,000 people here in Bergen County go hungry every day – more than 30,000 children across Northern New Jersey. That’s unacceptable. Without school breakfast and school lunch, many of those kids wouldn’t have anything to eat at all. Those are tomorrow’s leaders.\n\nYet, somehow, my colleagues on the far right in the House jammed through a Farm Bill last week that gutted critical funding for nutrition, including for school breakfast and school lunch. It’s unprecedented and dangerous. If the Senate passes it and the President signs this bill into law, more kids will go hungry. They won’t have the fuel in the tank here at school.\n\nAcross our state, more than 400,000 students received free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch last school year – and another 110,00 qualify but still aren’t getting meals. The reason? Some schools, even with kids who need it, just don’t participate in the federal program – even though the meals are paid for by the federal government. They think it creates a stigma for their school, or they just don’t feel like dealing with the bureaucracy.\n\nI’ve personally gone after many of them over the years, and check in with every superintendent annually to make sure they are taking care of hungry kids – especially when we are clawing back federal tax dollars to help our schools. In other cases, parents don’t know about the program or just don’t fill out the forms. Other schools give out lunch but not breakfast. None of these excuses are acceptable to me when a kid goes hungry.\n\nOur state, under Assemblyman Dan Hutchison and Speaker Coughlin’s leadership and support, has a bill right now to provide universal school breakfast, so that all children are provided free meals regardless of whether students are federally eligible. And, under Commissioner Tracy Zur’s leadership, Bergen County has gone above and beyond, helping provide more than 160,000 pounds of food and provided more than $2 million in grants to local food pantries and community partners to help families in need.\n\nThe Farm Bill also locks in earlier devastating cuts to programs that help schools and food banks purchase fresh, locally sourced food, and leaves our farmers without proper support and funding. And, it made devastating cuts to the SNAP nutrition program, which provides families with the necessary funds to help buy groceries and improve nutrition. More than 430,000 families in New Jersey rely on SNAP. It makes no sense.\n\nAt a time when families are already struggling with skyrocketing gas, utility, and grocery costs, why would anyone take food away from kids and limit resources to help our next generation? It just seems cruel to me.\n\nIt just seems cruel to me.\n\nThe facts couldn’t be clearer: For those students who eat breakfast and lunch, we see better performance in the classroom and better opportunities after they graduate. On top of that, a grumbling stomach leads to decreased ability to focus, decreased physical activity, stomach aches, headaches, depression, and anxiety.\n\nThe numbers back this up. Studies show that students who skip breakfast make more errors, have slower memory recall, and are more likely to be absent, tardy, or repeat a grade. But students who eat meals at school are less likely to be hyperactive and have fewer behavioral and attention problems than their hungry peers. A Tufts University study also showed that elementary school students who eat breakfast listen better and have better short-term memory\n\nthan students who skip breakfast.\n\nIt’s not just good for grades — it’s good for their lifelong health and success. Students who aren’t hungry have better vitamin and nutrient intake, healthier overall diets, and are less susceptible to health issues brought on by obesity. Studies have also shown that when we address hunger, violent crime drops. By making sure everyone has enough to eat, we can make our state safer, healthier, and more successful.\n\nHunger doesn’t just hurt students; it hurts all of us.\n\nThat’s why I’m here today to sound the alarm and to announce new steps to protect our children, our families, and our farmers.\n\nFirst, I am introducing the new Feed Our Kids Act, which will provide free breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snacks to every student in public schools across America. It’s universal, so no kids will be left hungry – no stigma or bureaucracy in the way. It also ensures meals are nutritious, locally sourced when possible, and that schools reach families during summer break and sudden school closures, so that no child’s well-being, nutrition, and ability to succeed falls through the cracks.\n\nTo the naysayers who say why give to every student, I say: these meals are fine, but they aren’t exactly lunch from the Ritz Carlton. These programs are not new. More than nine states already provide free school meals for kids, and have been for years, with more states soon to pass universal programs, including ones in the Deep South. We have already seen how successful free school meals for students are, and how they end up saving schools a fortune by avoiding the red tape of operating a program that requires individual qualification.\n\nDuring the pandemic, we went from our current program, which is bureaucratic and selective and leaves many kids out, to a universal program in our state. It worked. We saw hunger go down and test scores go up, including more than 17 percent in math scores just from feeding our kids! But then, after the pandemic, the far right slashed the extra resources for universal school meals, and more kids went hungry again. In 2022-23, 4th-grade math scores fell by 5 points, and 8th-grade scores dropped by 8 points.\n\nMy legislation will put back in place what was working – and make school meals universal. Itwill also eliminate unpaid meal debt from schools and application paperwork for all qualifying students and their parents to ease the barriers and reduce the stigma of free meals.\n\nSecond, I am sending a follow-up letter to the Administration demanding that they restore the critical Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement programs that connect local farmers with our schools to provide fresh, locally grown food to our kids.\n\nAs I mentioned, in a draconian move, the Administration slashed a billion dollars of food assistance for these programs, hurting the most vulnerable in our communities and our food banks. New Jersey lost $26 million in previously committed funding that would have supported 46 local farms and food producers across our state — including eleven right here in my District. I simply don’t get it. These programs don’t just feed kids. They are also critical to supporting our local farmers and strengthening our economy. Cutting these programs hurts everyone.\n\nThird, I am calling on the Senate to fix this broken version of the Farm Bill by reversing the largest SNAP cuts in our nation’s history that directly harm our most vulnerable families. The Farm Bill has an opportunity to save Jersey families millions of dollars, but the “One Big F’d Up Bill” puts those costs squarely on Jersey families. It will require New Jersey to cover 5 percent of SNAP assistance, costing Jersey up to $100 million per year, and increasing the state’s share of SNAP administrative costs from 50 percent to 75 percent. That will saddle Jersey and our counties with an additional $100 million each year to run the program.\n\nYou heard that right, in all, the Farm Bill will add $200 million of new costs on the backs of Jersey taxpayers! Adding insult to injury, if people get thrown off of SNAP – which more than 4 million people will with the new Farm Bill – families will no longer automatically qualify for free school meals, leaving kids hungry at home and at school.\n\nThis farm bill is rotten to the core. But, here’s the good news: the Senate still has a real opportunity to reverse what the far right just jammed through the House, stop this insane plan, keep SNAP funded, and keep our hungry children and families fed.\n\nAs a member of the bipartisan Hunger Caucus, I’m helping to lead this fight against insanity in Washington. I’ve worked across the aisle to expand access to school meals and protect nutrition programs, including bills like the bipartisan “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act,” which is now law, to provide milk in schools and ensure children receive the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and succeed in the classroom.\n\nThis is all common sense. We can’t let another day go by where a Jersey kid goes to school hungry. This shouldn’t be political. There is nothing red or blue about feeding our children.\n\nIn the greatest country in the world, if we work together and put the health and success of our kids first, we can solve this problem, and I know that our best days will always be ahead of us.\n\nThank you. God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-conducts-unannounced-visit-at-florence-staging-facility", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Conducts Unannounced Visit at Florence Staging Facility", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Florence, Arizona — On Thursday, May 7 Rep. Adelita Grijalva conducted an unannounced Congressional oversight visit at the Florence Staging Facility (FSF). This is a facility run by the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) on the campus of the Florence Detention Center Complex (separate from the Florence Corrections Facility run by the private operator CoreCivic). FSF is supposed to be a short-term holding location with a capacity of 187 people where recently detained individuals are processed before being transferred to a long-term detention facility. According to ICE, “the facility houses male and female detainees for up to 72 hours but does not house juveniles or families.”\n\nHowever, the Office of Congresswoman Grijalva’s casework team has received direct reports from people detained there being held for weeks at a time in sub-standard conditions, including lack of medical care, access to legal representation, clean laundry, basic hygienic supplies, and a proper place to sleep.\n\n“I am going to continue conducting these unannounced oversight visits and holding this administration accountable for its cruel mass deportation agenda,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I am deeply concerned by reports my office has received of severe overcrowding and individuals being held for weeks at a time in facilities that were never intended for long-term detention, including this facility and AROCC in Mesa. This underscores the urgent need for federal legislation establishing clear time limits and basic standards for temporary holding facilities.”\n\nYou can watch video of Rep. Grijalva entering the facility here.\n\nYou can watch video of Rep. Grijalva’s reaction after touring the facility here.\n\nThe Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, a non-profit based in Arizona that provides legal and social services to detained immigrants, has also reported poor conditions at FSF (see full report here):\n\nThey expressed concern for being deported without their personal belongings, having been told that they would only get a swift kick in the ass and they should not count on the items that they had been detained with (Cell phone, money, identification, etc.)\n\nMultiple people reported they had not been provided with hygiene items since arriving at FDC.\n\nSeveral stated they are not receiving sufficient food during mealtimes and claimed noticeable weight loss.\n\nThey reported difficulty accessing medical care and stated they were told they would need to be “rolling around on the floor or unconscious” before being seen by medical staff\n\nMany women have reported to the Florence Project that dozens of women are being held in cramped conditions in small cells in a trailer, while men have reported that there are around 300 men at any given time being held in large rooms that hold about 60 bunks beds (120 beds total).\n\nResearch released from Relevant Research, using ICE Integrated Decision Support interval ADP data, shows that ‘As of April 2, 2026, ICE reported an annualized average of 368 detainees at the facility. Using an interval average, the number of detainees detained on that date was likely closer to 436.”\n\nThe Vera Institute of Justice also analyzed data collected by the Deportation Data Project, including the daily population of FSF. The data shows that in 2026 (last available data is from March 10, 2026), the population of FSF went up to 750 people on March 10, 2026. The data reflects that from February 5, 2026, through March 10, 2026, the daily population did not drop below 400 people.\n\nMen have reported that there are, at times, hundreds more men than available beds. As a result, people are forced to sleep on benches or on the floor with no bedding, sometimes for days. Men have reported that they have not been allowed outside for recreation for days or weeks while detained at FSF and the overflow staging portions of FDC.\n\nPeople with chronic illnesses, like diabetes, have reported not receiving medication for several days or weeks.\n\nThe Florence Project has heard reports that people could spend days or weeks in the same clothes with no access to laundry while detained in FSF or the overflow staging units in FDC.\n\nThis visit comes after Representative Grijalva’stour of the Dilley family detention facility in Texas earlier this week, as well as previous visits to facilities in Eloy, Florence, and another short-term holding site in Mesa. Following the visit to the Mesa facility, she introduced legislation alongside Reps. Stanton and Ansari that would ensure that short-term detention sites cannot hold detainees for longer than 12 hours. This is in response to severe overcrowding at the short-term holding site in Mesa, where reports show the number of people detained nearly quadrupled the stated capacity at certain points, with 777 individuals held in a facility with a maximum capacity of 203. This has prompted the Mesa Airport to warn the landlord that leases the facility to ICE to address overcrowding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5A0D4F52-7984-45F3-90A3-DA1DBB1A8171", "title": "Congressman Rogers Joins State, Local Officials for Water Project Celebration", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Mount Vernon, KY – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) joined state and local leaders in Rockcastle County on Thursday to celebrate the completion of the long-awaited, nearly $4.6 million water treatment project for the Mount Vernon Water Treatment Plant.\n\n“Perseverance has been the key to success for this project,” said Congressman Rogers. “The people of Rockcastle County can finally enjoy fresh, clean drinking water from Lake Linville thanks to innovative engineering and strong support from the federal, state and local levels.”\n\n“This project faced significant delays due working with two different Army Corps districts, two separate environmental reviews, rising costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and other roadblocks during the Biden Administration,” said State Rep. Josh Bray. “This project would not have happened without the hard work and federal funding secured by Congressman Rogers.”\n\nState officials reported finding a natural algae-based organic compound called geosmin in the water supply, a non-toxic chemical that changes the taste and odor of water. Congressman Rogers secured federal funding for a new carbon basin filter facility to eliminate the problem. The funding sources included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 531, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Appalachian Regional Commission and the Kentucky Department of Local Government.\n\n“All of the progress we’re seeing in Rockcastle County is going to be tied together by access to quality water – it is the key ingredient to economic development,” said Travis Burton, USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky. “Projects of this magnitude require years of work and committed leaders. As a Rockcastle County native, it has been an honor to work with federal, state and local officials to make a big impact on the future of this entire community.”\n\nThe keynote speakers also applauded the collaborative efforts of the late Michael Bryant who worked on this project for many years as the Mayor of Mount Vernon, as well as former State Rep. Danny Ford, Mayor of Mount Vernon Tim Roberts, Rockcastle County Judge Executive Howell Holbrook, State Senator Brandon Storm, and Kenvirons Engineering.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2537", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Advocates for FISA Section 702 Reform and Reauthorization", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Last week, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) delivered remarks on the House floor advocating for reform and reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), emphasizing its vital role in protecting national security while maintaining strong oversight and accountability.\n\nRep. Jackson highlighted 56 reforms to Section 702 implemented by House Republicans in 2024, noting that last week’s House-passed reauthorization measure adds further safeguards to ensure the tool is used precisely to target dangerous foreign threats.\n\n“Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is a unique and critical tool that enables our Intelligence Community to gather vital intelligence, protect our national security, and safeguard Americans from terrorist attacks,” said Rep. Jackson. “No other foreign intelligence authority can replace the speed and agility of Section 702. If this authority expires, we will substantially degrade U.S. national security and our intelligence officers’ ability to identify foreign threats in real-time.”\n\nClick here or above to watch Rep. Jackson’s floor debate.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://joyce.house.gov/posts/congressman-joyce-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-to-honor-national-nurses-week", "title": "Congressman Joyce Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Honor National Nurses Week", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://joyce.house.gov/press", "domain": "joyce.house.gov", "scraper": "joyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000295", "name": "David P. Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced a resolution honoring and celebrating National Nurses Week, recognized annually from May 6th to May 12th. U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) also introduced this resolution in the Senate.\n\nThis resolution recognizes the importance of the role nurses have played in our healthcare system and their impact on people at every stage of life. It encourages our communities to observe National Nurses Week and recognize the importance of nurses to patients and doctors across the country.\n\n“The nursing community’s tireless work and advocacy for patients keep our healthcare system running. As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand how much pride they take in providing top-notch care for patients,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution and will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to implement common-sense policies that strengthen support for nurses and improve access and affordability across our healthcare system.”\n\n“This National Nurses Week, we celebrate the valuable contributions of our nursing workforce and call attention to the obstacles and challenges nurses face every day. Nurses provide essential, dedicated care across the country, and we must support their work while helping more people enter the field. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Nursing Caucus, I will continue to advocate for policies nurses and aspiring nurses need, including affordable higher education,” said Congresswoman Bonamici, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, said, “Our nation’s nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare every day. My experience as a geriatric nurse practitioner shaped my commitment to this profession and deepened my respect for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. During National Nurses Week, we recognize not only their service, but their critical role in strengthening our healthcare system. I am proud to share their voices in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure our nurses have the support they deserve.”\n\n“As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen how difficult nurses’ jobs are and how important they are to patients,” said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “In every corner of Oregon, nurses offer vital care, support, and advocacy to patients and their families during challenging times. Let’s pause this week to express gratitude for and honor the nurses in our communities for their unwavering skill, commitment, and compassion. We must remain dedicated to providing them with the support necessary to continue their life-saving work.”\n\n“Nurses are essential to our nation’s health care system,” said Senator Wicker, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “They ensure patients receive timely and quality care, and their dedication is unmatched. Our country needs more of these heroes, and I hope more young people will consider joining the nursing profession. This resolution is a small token of our gratitude for their service.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2431", "title": "Cutting Through the Cost of Waiting: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz joins Congressman Kennedy at Roswell Park to Push Three-Pronged Legislative Approach to Expand Access for Survivors and High-Risk Patients", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Three Pieces of Legislation Championed by Wasserman Schultz Would Provide Comprehensive Approach to Continuing Care for Cancer Survivors, Enhance Medicare Coverage for Those with Hereditary Risks, and Reauthorize the EARLY Act to Raise Awareness of Early Detection in Young Women\n\nWasserman Schultz, a Breast Cancer Survivor, Toured Roswell Park with Kennedy to See Firsthand the Progress Being Made at World’s First Cancer Hospital\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. - Following a tour of the world’s first dedicated cancer hospital, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) to call for passage of her three-pronged approach to expanding access to care for cancer survivors and high-risk patients. Wasserman Schultz, a breast cancer survivor, was in Buffalo at Kennedy’s invitation. The Congresswoman is calling for the passage of three pieces of legislation she sponsors: the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act, and the EARLY Reauthorization Act. Taken together, these three bills transform cancer care at every stage of a patient’s journey by identifying hereditary gene mutations in at-risk individuals, expanding access to early screenings and risk-reducing surgeries, and addressing the lasting health challenges that survivors face.\n\n“Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz’s inspiring story proves exactly why early intervention is vital,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “No matter your background or family history, early detection is the most critical factor in surviving cancer. The lifesaving work at Roswell Park, combined with this new legislative package, will expand access to care and give families more precious time together. I’m deeply grateful to my friend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for visiting Buffalo to see this research firsthand, and to the thousands of dedicated professionals at Roswell Park who work tirelessly to save lives.”\n\n“As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand that a patient’s cancer journey doesn’t end with the final round of chemo or radiation - it’s a lifelong battle,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. The challenges cancer survivors face must continue to be at the forefront of every conversation we have about this deadly and unrelenting disease. I really appreciate my friend Rep. Kennedy and his incredible team at Roswell Park, both for their invitation, and their unyielding commitment to the cancer community.”\n\n“From expanded services for people at high risk of cancer to ongoing support for cancer survivors, we are delighted to have the chance to share our ideas and experiences with legislators,” said Candace Johnson, PhD, President and CEO of Roswell Park. “Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Kennedy have once again proven their commitment to the cancer patients here at Roswell Park and across the country.”\n\n“I’m here to say thank you to the caregivers, researchers, lawmakers and leaders who are partners in these important conversations about cancer prevention, care, research and survivorship services,” said breast cancer survivor Sharon Sanford, a Senior Associate Director of Athletics at the University at Buffalo, and founder of Sadie Strong. “Together, we are shaping the access, the resources, the realities that tomorrow’s cancer patients will confront, and we are paving a way for more cancer victories, more people getting back to their lives and moving forward with good health and positivity.”\n\n“We are so grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz, Representative Kennedy and Dr. Johnson for hosting conversations today that lead to meaningful action tomorrow,” said breast cancer survivor Annette Colden, founder of We R As 1 Inc. and a longtime partner in Roswell Park’s outreach and engagement programs. “It’s so important that cancer survivors are engaged as true partners in this way.”\n\nThe three pieces of legislation being advanced by Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and supported by Kennedy are:\n\nThe Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act - This legislation overhauls cancer survivorship care by requiring Medicare to cover personalized survivorship plans to help patients navigate from active treatment to long-term survivorship and mandating Medicaid cover vital fertility preservation services for women at risk of iatrogenic infertility resulting from cancer treatment. The bill also creates a specific Medicaid benefit to help childhood and adolescent survivors safely transition into standard primary care and establishes a grant program through nonprofits to assist cancer survivors facing barriers to employment as a result of their disease and effects of treatment. To drive long-term progress, the act formally establishes the Office of Cancer Survivorship to manage dedicated research grants and mandates a sweeping government evaluation of patient outcomes.\n\nThe EARLY Reauthorization Act - First enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the EARLY Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC, to launch a national education campaign targeting young women (ages 15–44) to raise awareness of breast health, risk factors, and early detection, with particular attention to diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. It also established a parallel campaign aimed at educating health care professionals on the importance of early breast cancer diagnosis, patient counseling, and genetics referrals. Additionally, the EARLY Act created a grant program for nonprofit organizations assisting young women diagnosed with breast cancer to help them navigate the process. The authorization for this law expired at the end of last year. This bill reauthorizes programs under this law through 2031.\n\nThe Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act - This bill provides for Medicare coverage of germline mutation testing for individuals with a personal or family history of a hereditary cancer gene mutation or suspected history of hereditary cancer, as well as for associated coverage of risk-reducing surgeries and screenings.\n\n“Cancer has unfortunately touched my family in many ways, including personally affecting both my wife and me,” said Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick. “We know firsthand that early education, screening, and detection save lives. Institutions like Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center need sustained funding to continue advancing our understanding of this disease and how it can ultimately be eradicated. The more our country invests in cancer research, screening, and prevention, the more lives we will save and the more progress we will have to celebrate in the future. I am proud to support Congressman Tim Kennedy’s efforts to provide comprehensive care for survivors living with the long-term effects of cancer treatment, while also expanding screening and education for those at high risk of developing cancer.”\n\nNew York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, \"As someone who has supported a loved one through cancer treatment, I know how critical access to quality, comprehensive cancer care can be. However, not everyone in this country has the same access to that lifesaving care. Black Americans face a higher cancer burden and the highest death rates of any group, driven by long standing inequities. I'm grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for their leadership to expand access, improve early detection, and ensure patients and survivors get the care and support they deserve.\"\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Cancer doesn’t end when treatment does, and for far too many families, the hardest part begins after they leave the hospital. Congressman Kennedy’s legislative package recognizes that survivorship is a lifelong journey, and it finally meets patients where they are. These proposals ensure that survivors aren’t left to navigate recovery alone, and they recognize the real-life challenges patients face beyond the doctor’s office. This is what comprehensive, compassionate care looks like. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Kennedy in pushing for these critical investments in prevention, treatment, and survivorship.”\n\n“I’m proud to stand with Congressman Tim Kennedy and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in support of this comprehensive cancer care package that puts patients and families first,\" said Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard. \"This legislation recognizes that cancer care does not end with treatment, but that it requires continued support, early detection, and access to life-saving resources. By expanding coverage and investing in survivorship and prevention, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure our communities receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/05/07/local-fire-departments-congressman-kevin-mullin-announce-56-million-for-fema-urban-search-rescue-efforts/", "title": "Fire Departments & Reps. Kevin Mullin, Jill Tokuda & Young Kim Announce $56 Million for FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Efforts", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "East Palo Alto, CA – With fire season around the corner and after years of bipartisan advocacy, Representatives Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), and Young Kim (CA-40) led a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to secure $56 million to support the lifesaving work of FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces, a $15 million increase and the largest increase the program has seen in at least 20 years.\n\nThis achievement follows many years of sustained, bipartisan advocacy by a growing coalition of over 40 lawmakers who have consistently pressed Congress to provide stronger, more reliable federal support for US&R teams.\n\nRep. Mullin gathered with members from US&R’s California Task Force 3, based in Menlo Park and East Palo Alto, California Task Force 5, based in Orange County, and local fire departments at the Menlo Park Fire Protection District’s Task Force 3 warehouse in East Palo Alto to announce the increased funding during a press conference.\n\nThe US&R Response System includes 28 task forces strategically located across 19 states, and are composed of highly-trained emergency personnel from local fire departments. These heroic teams deploy at a moment’s notice to communities across America to provide life-saving assistance during catastrophic events such as the Maui and Los Angeles wildfires, Hurricanes Milton and Katrina, the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Oklahoma City bombing, the Northridge Earthquake, and many other crises. The task forces must respond to devastating national disasters well beyond their geographic jurisdictions, but have not received commensuratefunding from the Federal government to maintain their operations.\n\nNow, thanks to the coalition’s work, local departments will receive more robust funding for the costs associated with maintaining their readiness to deploy to disasters. Reps. Mullin, Tokuda and Kim, and the bipartisan coalition successfully advocated for at least $56 million to be included in the recently adopted Department of Homeland Security funding bill, a $15 million increase and the highest funding level in at least 20 years.\n\n“Securing this overdue federal funding reflects a vital win for communities across the country by ensuring they can depend on lifesaving support when a crisis strikes. Disasters don’t care whether you live in a red or blue state, and I am encouraged by this bipartisan accomplishment to uplift US&R’s essential work that is really about Americans coming together to support each other in devastating times of need,” said Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15). “I’m especially proud to have California’s Task Force 3 out of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District in my congressional district, and I’m grateful for the critical aid they provide to residents at home and across the nation. These teams are among the very best in emergency response, providing critical assistance during some of the most devastating moments communities can face. This federal investment strengthens our preparedness, supports the extraordinary work of these teams, and will ultimately save many lives.”\n\n“Southern California families count on our first responders in their most critical moments. Our first responders should be able to count on us,” said Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). “This funding increase strengthens Urban Search and Rescue teams like Orange County Fire Authority so they can respond quickly, save lives, and better protect our communities. I was proud to help lead this effort alongside our local partners and will keep fighting to ensure our first responders have every resource they need to get the job done.”\n\n“The era of a predictable ‘disaster season’ is over, and we must now confront a year-round reality where Hawaiʻi and communities across the nation face constant, catastrophic threats,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “From the devastating Maui wildfires to the more recent Kona Low storms, we have seen firsthand that these disasters strike without regard for the calendar, making the mission of our Urban Search and Rescue teams more critical than ever. Ensuring these teams are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice is crucial to saving lives, which is why I am proud to join Representatives Kevin Mullin and Young Kim in fighting for the funding they need to remain prepared 365 days a year. When the unthinkable happens, every American deserves to know that help is ready to move.”\n\n“FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams, sponsored by local government fire agencies like Menlo Park Fire Protection, provide vital, highly trained surge resources to communities that have been struck by catastrophic disasters,” said Mark Lorenzen, Fire Chief, Menlo Park Fire Protection District (CA-TF3). “They are critical in both life saving measures as well as helping move jurisdictions forward to recovery. The teams have been financially burdened by increased costs while federal funding lags well behind inflation. Thanks to Reps. Mullin, Tokuda, and Kim for leading this effort to bridge the funding gap to ensure our sustainability.”\n\n“The Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) system task forces will be better prepared and equipped to respond to both natural and man-made disasters thanks to increased funding teams will receive,” said Joseph R. Downey, Chief of Rescue Operations with Fire Department of the City of New York (NY-TF1). “We are deeply grateful for the strong support from our representatives, who recognize the critical importance of maintaining a National US&R system capable of deploying anywhere in the country to support the state resources. This investment strengthens our ability to continue to assist communities impacted by hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and flooding.”\n\n“The OCFA’s pride in serving as the sponsoring agency for CA-TF5, one of just 28 FEMA Urban Search & Rescue teams in the country, is matched only by our gratitude for the national leaders who understand, value, and support the critical role these first responders play,” said OCFA Interim Fire Chief TJ McGovern. “Congressman Mullin, Congresswoman Kim, and Congresswoman Tokuda are such leaders, and the additional funding stemming from their efforts will strengthen our ability to serve and help ensure our teams are equipped, trained, and ready to deploy when lives are on the line.”\n\nThe bipartisan coalition led by Reps. Mullin, Kim, and Tokuda includes Reps. Gabe Amo (RI-01), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Wesley Bell (MO-1), Ami Bera (CA-6), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), André Carson (In-7), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Gabe Evans (CO-8), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Mike Flood (NE-1), Jared Golden (ME-2), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Maggie Goodlander (KY-3), Julie Johnson (TX-32), William Keating (MA-9), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Jennifer Kiggans (VA-2), John Larson (CT-1), Stephen Lynch (MA-8), Seth Magaziner (RI-2), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Doris Matsui (CA-7), Dave Min (CA-47), Seth Moulton (MA-6), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-1), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (C0-7), Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5), Greg Stanton (AZ-4), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Lori Trahan (MA-3), Derek Tran (CA-45), Frederica Wilson (FL-24).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2880", "title": "Speaker Johnson Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson announces the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District.\n\n“A Moment at Cypress Black Bayou” by Maycie Howard\n\n2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners:\n\n1st Place: “A Moment at Cypress Black Bayou” by Maycie Howard, Airline High School\n\n2nd Place: “Shining Streets of Louisiana” by Lydia Vaughan, Summerfield High School\n\n3rd Place: “Monarch of the Marsh” by Christiyana Washington, Airline High School\n\n4th Place: “Natural Beauty” by Tori Airhart, Anacoco High School\n\n“Shining Streets of Louisiana” by Lydia Vaughan", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2881", "title": "Speaker Johnson at the National Day of Prayer: America is a Praying Nation", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the National Day of Prayer, an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress in 1952.\n\n“As you pray for our country today, we thank God for His acts of salvation and provision and deliverance,” Speaker Johnson said. “Let's also pray that we may have the strength, just as our Founders did, to hand the baton of faith and freedom onto the next generation that follows us, a generation that cherishes liberty and proclaims proudly what is right and good and true.\"\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.\n\nSpeaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:\n\nPrayer's been a part of our DNA since the very beginning, as you know. So, it's fitting that we do this formal tradition, established by Congress at the height of the Cold War. And it reaffirms something that's so important that really goes to the heart of who we are as Americans: We are a praying nation. We always have been. It truly is part of who we are. We know that prayer is where the impossible happens. We know it's where we find solace and stay anchored in our faith, even through challenges and even through the storms, and that is indeed how we have endured. It's fitting that we're here in beautiful Statuary Hall, which, as you all know, was the original House Chamber.\n\nIt's fitting that as you walk around the Capitol here, and we're so happy to welcome you today that you'll see vestiges, reminders, of the deep religious heritage of our country. You'll see reminders of our deep Judeo-Christian traditions, our foundations, our biblical foundations. That's what makes America unique and extraordinary.\n\nJust about a hundred feet or so from here, if you went through the Rotunda and took a left, you would go down the hallway where my office is. The Speaker's Office on one side, on the other side is the Senate Majority Leader's Office, and right in the middle of that is a chapel. It was erected about the same time, built and established there about the same time as the National Day of Prayer became a formal piece of our law. And as you walk in there—many of you have been in there before and invite you to go visit it—your eyes will be drawn up to this beautiful original stained-glass piece. It's one of a kind. I think it's the most beautiful I've ever seen, and in that stained glass right in the center is depicted the father of our country, George Washington, and he is humbled before the Lord down on one knee. And he's praying and the words surrounding him from Psalm 16:1, and it says, “Preserve me, oh God, for in thee do I put my trust, preserve me.” That's what we still echo today. And of course, that passage of scripture is a restatement of our national motto: In God we trust.\n\nAnd by the way, if you come with us to the House Chamber, the current House Chamber, you'll see that Congress also many years back also during the height of the Cold War decided to engrave permanently the national motto right above the head of the Speaker of the House and the rostrum as a permanent reminder. In fact, it says in the visitor's guide to the House Chamber, somewhere about on page 21, it says what that was for and it says, ‘Congress put that there as a rebuke to the Soviets because their philosophy.' They did it during the height of the Cold War.\n\nCommunism, Marxism, socialism began with the premise that there is no God. Congress wanted to make sure that all future generations understood that is not who we are. And these are reminders that they were there long before the practice of public prayer was formally enshrined in the law. It was before we did all that it was immortalized in the hearts of the American people and in the Founders of our very nation. It wasn't just George Washington. From the first harvest at Plymouth, to the bloodstained battlefields at Bunker Hill, to the whispered prayers of pioneers who are moving westward, the long arc of American history has been charted by the prayers of God-fearing people, God-fearing American citizens.\n\nThis 75th annual National Day of Prayer comes at a unique time in the history of our country. Of course, we're also celebrating the 250th anniversary of this grand experiment in self-governance. For Americans of faith, it's a time for us to come together and to pray for our nation, of course. And so, it is so fitting that we do this right now.\n\nIt's also a time to reflect on the great moral inheritance of which every American citizen, across every generation has been the humble recipient. That inheritance goes back to the very idea upon which our nation was founded. We boldly proclaimed the self-evident truth that our rights do not come from government. They come from God himself, that He is the one that has endowed us with our inalienable rights. That among those of the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Right there in the second paragraph in the nation's birth certificate, it summarizes our national statement of faith. The Founders made that bold declaration, and that was the foundation that that made us become the most free, most successful, most powerful, most benevolent nation in the history of the planet. It's not even close.\n\nOur Founders did their best to set up our nation in accordance with His guidelines and principles and my friends. That is why God has blessed America for 250 years. But the faith of our Founders didn't just shape the character of our civic institutions. It steeled the American spirit, and it strengthened the fabric of our public life through our highest highs and our lowest lows. So it's only natural that today we reflect on this experiment in liberty and how best to maintain it, how to keep this grand experiment in self-governance, how to keep the republic, and we follow our Founders and we seek his guidance, God's guidance through the words of scripture and the invocation of prayer.\n\nThe theme of this year's National Day of Prayer is not rhetorical. It says, ‘Tell of God's glory among the nations, His good deeds to all people.’ As Americans of faith, we see that as our responsibility. We can never know what tomorrow brings, of course, but God calls us to be faithful and to proclaim his good deeds. And on this grand anniversary in particular, we have a great opportunity. We should use this the entire year as a teachable moment to pass along to the next generation of Americans who we are, what we're about, and way why we are this great country.\n\nSo, as you pray for our country today, we thank God for His acts of salvation and provision and deliverance. Let's also pray that we may have the strength just as our Founders did, to hand the baton of faith and freedom onto the next generation that follows us, a generation that cherishes liberty and proclaims proudly what is right and good and true. Thank you for being here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2743", "title": "Washington Examiner: Fuel STAR Act: A better way to lower gas prices with year-round E15", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Proponents of allowing E15 to be sold year-round argue that it’s the free-market thing to do. They’re partially right — in a true market-based system, government regulations preventing E15, or even E100, from being sold year-round should not exist.\n\nBut the Texas-sized problem is that, since the Renewable Fuel Standard was established in 2005, federal regulation governing the fuel market looks more like a command economy flush with mandates than a free-market economy that lets demand drive supply. U.S. refineries are required to blend a set volume of biofuels each year, and if refiners cannot meet that mandate, they must make up the difference by purchasing punitive and costly Renewable Identification Numbers generated by producers of biofuels.\n\nAs a result, this boondoggle of a program imposes $70 billion in annual regulatory costs on U.S. refineries, according to an estimate, artificially increasing gas prices and playing a key role in the consolidation of the refinery industry over the past two decades.\n\nNext week, the U.S. House is expected to vote on legislation that would exacerbate this problem. While this bill was born out of a valiant, good-faith effort by numerous House members (including me) who served on the speaker’s E15 council, it makes no reforms to reduce the cost of the RFS on U.S. consumers. The legislation, while providing for year-round E15, ultimately strips small refineries — 10% of U.S. refining capacity — of the regulatory relief Congress promised them, accelerating consolidation of the United States’s fuel market to the largest refiners.\n\nCurtailing the small-refinery exemption could shutter the only refineries serving entire states, leaving rural America to pay even higher gas prices in those refinery deserts and making them dependent on long-haul deliveries from distant refining facilities, which creates dangerous single points of failure in our fuel supply.\n\nFortunately, a true market-based solution exists that can significantly reduce the cost of the RFS and still boost biofuel demand. The Fuel and Strengthen the American Refinery Act of 2026, authored by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and me, would allow E15 to be sold year-round, removing arbitrary restrictions that prevent it from being sold during the summer. The legislation also provides regulatory relief to refineries that decide to invest in blending biofuels at their facility — a highly capital-intensive process.\n\nThe Fuel STAR Act would also slash regulatory costs for refineries and U.S. consumers through one simple fix in the RFS program. For years, the Environmental Protection Agency has mandated that refiners blend 15 billion gallons of ethanol per year, even though U.S. fuel ethanol consumption has never reached that target. The ethanol industry is now advocating that EPA set even higher ethanol volumes going forward. Since refiners need to purchase additional RINs to make up the difference between the higher ethanol mandate and the lower ethanol demand, the value of those RINs skyrockets, significantly increasing regulatory costs for those refineries without changing the demand for ethanol.\n\nThis bill would simply require that the annual ethanol mandate match actual projected ethanol demand. A recent analysis found that this simple fix would reduce the regulatory costs of the RFS by $35 billion — 50% of the program price tag for refineries and U.S. consumers. Best of all, this fix would not impact biofuel demand or negate the positive impacts of allowing year-round E15.\n\nIn addition, when small refineries receive regulatory relief from the RFS, the Fuel STAR Act would prohibit the “reallocation” of RIN obligations from small refineries onto larger refineries. Biofuels producers and larger refineries have strongly criticized the practice of some companies owning multiple small refineries to receive exemptions from the regulatory mandate. This bill reasonably addresses this issue by ensuring that mid-sized companies owning multiple small refineries can receive exemptions on only 50% of the barrels of oil produced from these refineries company-wide.\n\nThis fight to allow year-round E15 and reform the RFS has festered for over 20 years, with biofuels producers, large refineries, and small refineries all fiercely defending their interests. As a result, restrictions on E15 remain in place, and the cost of the RFS keeps ballooning. The Fuel STAR Act provides the framework for a true market-based compromise that would eliminate restrictions on E15 and reduce the regulatory impact of the RFS on the American people.\n\nIt’s a win for the biofuel industry. It’s a win for refiners of all sizes. But, most importantly, it’s a win for the free market and the American people who are paying more at the pump. Now is the time to work together to bring a sensible solution.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2744", "title": "Fox News: Texas GOP backs resolution saying states have right to repel border ‘invasion’", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. House’s Texas GOP Caucus announced Thursday that it is united behind a resolution from Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, arguing that states have constitutional authority to secure their borders against an \"invasion\" or \"imminent danger.\"\n\nThe caucus is urging Congress to approve the measure, citing what Republicans called the \"failed open-border policies\" under former President Joe Biden and the millions of illegal immigrants who crossed into the country during his administration.\n\n\"It is the job of elected officials to protect the Americans that sent them to office,\" Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, said in a statement to Fox News Digital.\n\n\"Unfortunately, we’ve seen Democrat leaders willfully facilitate a border invasion time and time again. States ought to be able to step in and secure the border when federal government cannot or will not do so. I am proud to join the Texas GOP Caucus in standing up for the American people.\n\nThe House resolution, first introduced in 2021 in response to the border crisis under the Biden administration, affirms that states have a right under the Constitution to secure their borders if the federal government fails to act. Courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have long treated immigration enforcement as primarily a federal responsibility.\n\nH.Res. 50 says states retain sovereign authority under Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution to defend their territory and citizens from \"invasion\" or \"imminent danger\" when the federal government fails to meet what Republicans describe as its Article IV, Section 4 obligation to protect states from invasion.\n\nIn an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Arrington said the U.S.-Mexico border has largely been secured under the Trump administration but argued his resolution is needed to ensure states can act if a Democrat returns to the White House.\n\n\"What we want to avoid is what happened during the four years of the Biden administration, which is, we had a bunch of states being overrun and overwhelmed with illegal immigration and all the various problems that occurred as a result. We didn't have a federal government that was doing its job and, in fact, we had a federal government that was obstructing states like Texas from actually filling the gap that they left because they abdicated that responsibility,\" the congressman said.\n\nArrington argued that fentanyl and other drugs flowing across the border contributed to more than 100,000 overdose deaths in a single year during the Biden administration, while illegal border crossings, cartel activity and drug and human trafficking strained border states.\n\n\"The drugs were killing hundreds of thousands, they were killing a plane load of American citizens every week,\" Arrington said. \"They killed over 100,000 Americans in one year, which is more than we lost in the Vietnam War. When you're losing more American citizens to what is tantamount to chemical warfare from the Mexican terrorist drug cartels, in close cooperation with the Chinese who were providing the precursor material for synthetic fentanyl, that was the greatest and most imminent threat to our nation during those four years.\"\n\nThe congressman highlighted that his resolution has received support from the Texas GOP Caucus, conservative organizations, law enforcement officials and legal experts.\n\n\"The Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, forbids states from interfering with the federal government’s monopoly over our territorial sovereignty,\" John Yoo, former deputy assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. \"But the House of Representatives could make its own findings of fact that failures at the border rose to the level of an ‘imminent danger’ that would justify a state’s exercise of self-defense. Such a set of findings might bolster Texas’s case in the courts as well as its political case to the public. Without such congressional support, Texas is likely to fail.\"\n\nIn a press release obtained by Fox News Digital, Texas GOP Caucus Chairman Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, said, \"The Framers understood that a state cannot be left at the mercy of a federal government that refuses to do its job when there’s an invasion at its border.\"\n\n\"That's why Article I, Section 10 exists — and that's exactly the situation Texas and our border states faced for four years under the Biden administration. H.Res. 50 affirms what the Constitution already guarantees: states have every right to defend its citizens. The Texas GOP Caucus is united in ensuring that right is recognized and preserved,\" he said.\n\nThe resolution comes amid a legal battle over Texas Senate Bill 4, a state measure that would allow police officers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally crossing into the U.S. and authorize state judges to order certain migrants to leave the country.\n\nThe law is set to take effect next week after a federal appeals court vacated a lower court ruling last month that had blocked enforcement. The appeals court found the plaintiffs in that case did not have standing to sue, but it did not resolve the broader constitutional questions surrounding the law.\n\nS.B. 4 established a state-level crime for illegal entry and authorized state magistrates to order certain individuals to leave the country if they are convicted.\n\nArrington told Fox News Digital that Texas’ S.B. 4 could soon reach the U.S. Supreme Court as legal challenges continue.\n\nThe Texas Civil Rights Project, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Texas filed a new lawsuit this week seeking emergency relief to block several provisions of the Texas measure before they take effect May 15.\n\nThe groups argue the law is unconstitutional, saying immigration enforcement is exclusively the responsibility of the federal government and that federal law should preempt the state statute.\n\nCody Wofsy, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, argued that S.B. 4 is \"cruel and illegal,\" adding that the groups \"will keep fighting it until it is permanently struck down.\"\n\n\"Every court to have reached the merits of laws like S.B. 4 has found them to be unconstitutional,\" he said in a statement.\n\nThe three groups did not respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment on Arrington's resolution in time for publication.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405683", "title": "Griffith Statement on 75th National Day of Prayer", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the United States of America observes the National Day of Prayer. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the annual observance. For this occasion, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“For 75 years, Congress has asked the American people to band together on the National Day of Prayer. This is a unique tradition that catches the attention of Americans, inspires reflective action and delivers respect to our great country.\n\n“As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, I invite all in Virginia’s Ninth District, no matter your beliefs or faith, to join me in prayer for the United States of America.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405684", "title": "Griffith Announces $3,710,694 HHS Grant to New River Valley Head Start Programs", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded New River Community Action, Inc., based in Radford, Virginia, a $3,710,694 grant. The funding supports local head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“New River Valley communities access head start services thanks to the work of New River Community Action.\n\n“This HHS grant for more than $3.7 million helps New River Community Action administer its head start programs in the region.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to its website, New River Community Action supports head start services in the City of Radford as well as Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties. More than 200 children in the New River Valley benefit from its head start program.\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405685", "title": "Griffith Announces $16,188 HHS Grant to STEP, Inc.", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded STEP, Inc., based in Rocky Mount, Virginia, a $16,188 grant. The funding supports local head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Ninth District communities access head start services thanks to the work of Solutions that Empower People, known as STEP.\n\n“This HHS grant for more than $16,000 helps STEP administer its head start programs in the region.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSTEP’s head start network consists of teaching and educational professionals, as well as health advocates and transportation specialists.\n\nThe awarding office of this grant is the HHS Office of the Administration for Children and Families.\n\nSTEP’s head start programs are supported by Franklin and Patrick County Public Schools, the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia, and Piedmont Community Services.\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-unveils-bipartisan-legislative-package-to-reform-the-department-of-homeland-security", "title": "Moskowitz Unveils Bipartisan Legislative Package to Reform the Department of Homeland Security", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "domain": "moskowitz.house.gov", "scraper": "moskowitz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001217", "name": "Jared Moskowitz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bipartisan legislative package would move Secret Service to the Executive Office of the President, make FEMA an independent agency, and transfer TSA to the Department of Transportation\n\nThe package was introduced because DHS has grown too bureaucratic to make decisions, causing its departments to not function properly and receive the attention they need to best serve the American people; This has been further exacerbated because of government funding dysfunction\n\nSince coming to Congress, Moskowitz has led on bipartisan reforms to DHS – different parts of the package have bipartisan support from Congressmen Russel Fry, Byron Donalds, and Tim Burchett\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) unveiled a bipartisan legislative package to reform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by restructuring key agencies and placing them in departments better aligned with their core missions. As the only former Director of Emergency Management in Congress and as a member of the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt on President Trump, Moskowitz has seen up-close how DHS has become too bureaucratic to make decisions – undermining the ability of departments to function properly and receive the attention they need.\n\nIn particular, this legislative package from Moskowitz would move the United States Secret Service (USSS) to the Executive Office of the President, make FEMA an independent agency, and transfer the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) back to the Department of Transportation (DOT).\n\n“DHS has simply grown too big and too vulnerable to political dysfunction,” said Moskowitz. “Let’s be clear: when a department becomes this massive, the mission gets lost. Secret Service needs help and under the current DHS bureaucracy, that reform is never going to happen. FEMA needs to be able to move faster when disaster strikes, and it cannot do that when it is buried inside a massive bureaucracy. And airport security should be aligned with the same FAA that governs our skies. The American peoples travel plans should not be at the whim of political dysfunction in Washington.”\n\n“At the end of the day, this is about making government work better,” Moskowitz concluded. “Security at our airports should not be caught up in unrelated policy fights. Disaster response should not be slowed down by bureaucratic red tape or funding uncertainty. And protecting the President should not depend on the politics of a massive department.”\n\nDetails on different legislation in the package is found below.\n\nUSSS reform:\n\nThe Secret Service Transfer Act, co-led by Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC), would move the United States Secret Service to the Executive Office of the President. Following the recent attempt on the President’s life at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the importance of the Secret Service’s mission has never been clearer. This change would ensure the agency receives the focus and resources it needs, rather than being one of many components within DHS’s increasingly large and complex department.\n\n“The United States Secret Service has the grave duty of keeping the President and other U.S. officials safe,” said Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07). “That responsibility has become increasingly crucial in light of the rise of political violence and continuous attacks against President Trump. Moving the Secret Service to the White House allows the organization to uphold its mission while simultaneously giving them more direct accountability to the President of the United States. In a time where political attacks are becoming more and more rampant, the Secret Service should be able to focus solely on its mission of protecting top U.S. officials— not dealing with bureaucratic tape that ultimately serves as a distraction to keeping the President safe.”\n\nFEMA reform:\n\nMoskowitz’s FEMA Independence Act, which he previously introduced with Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), would remove FEMA from DHS and restore it as an independent, Cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President. It would also stipulate that FEMA’s Senate-confirmed leader must have “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” across the public and private sectors.\n\n“When disaster strikes, quick and effective action must be the standard–not the exception. It is imperative that the bureaucratic labyrinth of FEMA is simplified and streamlined to directly report to the President of the United States to better serve our citizens in their hour of need. I am proud to join Congressman Moskowitz in this innovative initiative to ensure the most efficient disaster relief response for the American people.” said Congressman Donalds.\n\nTSA reform:\n\nThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transfer Act that would transfer the TSA back to the DOT, where the agency was originally housed before being moved into DHS in 2003. Co-led by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Chair of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), the legislation would realign airport security with the broader transportation system it serves.\n\nIn recent years, TSA officers and American travelers have repeatedly been caught in the middle of Washington funding fights. When DHS funding lapses, TSA officers can be required to report to work without pay, and those disruptions can lead to staffing shortages, longer security lines, and headaches for travelers. Moving TSA back to DOT would help us avoid these unnecessary headaches at the airport, better align traveler security with air travel security, and ensure the American people are no longer paying the price for dysfunction in Washington.\n\n“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been used as pawns during recent government shutdowns because it is controlled by the Department of Homeland Security,” said Burchett. “Since the Department of Transportation already oversees air travel in the United States, it should also be responsible for overseeing the personnel who provide its security.”\n\nTo see the text of each legislation, click below:", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2963", "title": "Rep. Pfluger, Secretary Burgum Showcase Permian Basin Innovation During Diamondback Energy Tour", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MIDLAND, TX — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum for a tour of a Diamondback Energy e-frac site, where Secretary Burgum witnessed the cutting-edge innovation taking place in the heart of the Permian Basin.\n\nFollowing the tour, Congressman Pfluger and Secretary Burgum participated in a roundtable discussion with industry executives and local leaders to discuss what they are experiencing on the ground and how Congress and the Trump Administration can help unlock and maintain American energy dominance.\n\n\"As the crown jewel of American energy production, the Permian Basin is the cornerstone of American jobs, national security, and economic prosperity. It was a privilege to welcome Secretary Burgum to see its impact firsthand. From touring a Diamondback e-frac site to a productive roundtable with industry leaders, our focus was on advancing practical solutions for today's challenges. Secretary Burgum has been a strong leader in advancing commonsense deregulatory efforts and fostering a more predictable regulatory environment that allows businesses to thrive. The world depends on the Permian Basin, and together, we are focused on unleashing its full potential,\" said Congressman Pfluger.\n\n\"This week’s visit with Congressman Pfluger to a critical Diamondback Energy operation underscored why President Donald J. Trump’s American Energy Dominance Agenda is so important to the future of our nation,\" said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. \"Expanding and unleashing domestic energy production in regions such as the Permian Basin is a matter of both economic strength and national security because every barrel produced supports American jobs, strengthens our economy and reduces dependence on foreign adversaries. The Trump administration is grateful for the hardworking men and women on the ground who are helping power a new era of American strength and innovation through the production of reliable, affordable energy, and we will continue advancing responsible energy development, cutting unnecessary red tape and unleashing America’s full energy potential for the benefit of every American.\"\n\n“It was an honor to welcome Secretary Burgum and Congressman Pfluger and highlight the technology and people behind Diamondback’s operations. The Permian Basin is essential to reliable, affordable energy, and we remain focused on safe, efficient development while working with policymakers to keep American energy competitive and secure,” said Kaes Van’t Hof, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Diamondback Energy.\n\nPictures from the day are available for broadcast and distribution here, and a few are highlighted below as well.\n\nIn Case You Missed It (ICYMI):\n\nOn Sunday, Rep. Pfluger also joined Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo to highlight the success and incredible work of the Permian Basin. As Rep. Pfluger said in an X post on the interview, \"The Permian Basin is the crown jewel of American energy production. We’ve never been stronger in our energy position thanks to the innovation of small, independent companies in the Permian Basin like Diamondback Energy. Energy security will always be national security.\"\n\nDuring the interview, Rep. Pfluger also emphasized the critical role the Permian Basin has in helping us lock in American energy dominance for generations to come. With OPEC unreliable and the Middle East increasingly unstable, the United States remains the world's most reliable and affordable source of oil and gas. We must provide this region with the predictability and support our producers urgently need.\n\nWatch the full interview here or by clicking the image below:", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6048", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES AQUACULTURE STUDY PROVISION FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN HOUSE-PASSED FARM BILL", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 7, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SECURES AQUACULTURE STUDY PROVISION FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS IN HOUSE-PASSED FARM BILL\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announces the inclusion of her amendment directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study identifying locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands suitable for the development of aquaculture small businesses in the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 30, 2026.\n\nThe amendment requires the Agriculture Secretary to complete the study within 180 days of enactment and mandates consultation with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. The study will assess water quality, coastal access, infrastructure needs, and applicable environmental and regulatory requirements, laying critical groundwork for the growth of a sustainable aquaculture economy in the Territory.\n\n\"The Virgin Islands has everything it takes to be a leader in aquaculture — our waters, our geography, our people. What we have lacked is the federal investment and infrastructure assessment needed to turn that potential into real economic opportunity for our small business owners and our community. This study is a meaningful step toward ensuring that the Virgin Islands is not left out of the blue economy, and is the outgrowth of discussions with John Farchette while he was with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). I am excited about the possibility of deep-sea farming for export, the potential development of high-value fisheries (crustaceans) and mechanisms for effective sargassum management here in the Virgin Islands. I will continue to fight to make sure that federal resources and federal attention reach our shores,\" said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.\n\nTerritorial aquaculture leaders welcomed the amendment as a turning point for the industry. Mr. Farchette, a leading voice on marine aquaculture development in the Virgin Islands, offered the following statement:\n\n\"Thank you to the Delegate and her staff for the opportunity to comment on this most important subject. Aquaculture and mariculture in our region would go a long way to ensuring our economic future in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are uniquely fortunate to have and be surrounded by the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. We currently have a seafood trade deficit of $20 billion dollars annually — most of that from China, India, and Ecuador. Promoting marine aquaculture helps in the resiliency of coastal areas, creates meaningful employment, grows our economic future, and brings a new industry to the U.S. Virgin Islands.\n\n“Exportation of manufactured seafood products to the U.S. market would offset that trade deficit we currently have with Asian countries and Ecuador, shared Mr. Farchette. “Our waters can produce 25% more biomass than areas currently being fish farmed in the United States, and we have unique incentives to promote the exportation of manufactured products from the Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands has established rules and regulations to govern this new industry and a VI 5-Year Aquaculture Plan pursuant to Act 6471 — we are currently the only Caribbean territory under the U.S. flag to have done so. We look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Commerce, NOAA's Office of Aquaculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal institutions to ensure that our environment and public health are protected as this industry grows. Again, we would like to thank Delegate Stacey Plaskett for her invaluable support over the years. God bless the United States of America and the people of the United States Virgin Islands.\"\n\nThe Farm Bill passed the House on April 30, 2026, and now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If passed, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/5/raskin-van-hollen-and-alsobrooks-to-trump-administration-save-the-world-s-largest-workplace-giving-program", "title": "Raskin, Van Hollen and Alsobrooks to Trump Administration: Save the World’s Largest Workplace Giving Program", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) are rallying 40 of their colleagues to save the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the world’s largest workplace giving program. The CFC, which was formally established by President Reagan in 1982, connects federal public-spirited employees with charities in need of donations.\n\nIn a letter to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor, the lawmakers called on him to preserve the CFC as its sudden termination would have disastrous consequences for the hospitals, disaster relief providers, food banks and other charitable organizations it serves across the country.\n\n\"For decades, the CFC has provided tremendous value to our nation’s charities and vulnerable populations ranging from sick children to families on the brink of poverty,” the lawmakers wrote. “By supporting the needs of such populations through voluntary employee contributions as opposed to traditional federal spending, the program has also saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.\"\n\nThe CFC supports more than 4,400 charitable organizations and has saved the federal government an estimated $400 million over the past five years. Since its inception under the Reagan Administration, the CFC has raised more than $9 billion for thousands of nonprofits. Notably, participating charitable organizations are charged fees for participating in the CFC, passing no operational burden onto American taxpayers. The CFC has in fact saved the federal government hundreds of millions of dollars by directing voluntary contributions to community needs that might typically require federal spending. In August, OPM issued a stop-work order halting all preparations for the CFC’s 2025 funding cycle, alarming organizations that depend on charitable giving from federal workers. In the months since, OPM has decommissioned the program’s charity portal and issued a warning that the program’s website ‘may be taken offline at any moment.’\n\n\"By harnessing the generosity of federal employees, the Combined Federal Campaign has strengthened charities’ capacity to address local, regional and national needs that might have otherwise necessitated the use of taxpayer resources,” the lawmakers wrote. “...Ending the program will disrupt and destabilize the valuable work of charitable organizations — and cause substantial harm to students with disabilities, hungry families and other populations that depend on their work.\"\n\nCharitable organizations that benefit from the CFC include some of the nation’s largest nonprofits such as the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Red Cross. Local and regional charities, such as the North Texas Food Bank and United Way of the National Capital Area, also receive critical support through the CFC.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Don Beyer (VA-08), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Adam Smith (WA-09), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Andriano Epsaillat (NY-13), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Danny Davis (IL-07), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Ed Case (HI-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Andre Carson (IN-07), Gabe Evans (CO-08) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07).\n\nThe lawmakers’ letter is endorsed by the Nonprofit Alliance, a national coalition of nonprofits that has played a leading role in advocacy on behalf of the CFC.\n\nRead the full letter to Director Kupor here and below.\n\nThe Honorable Scott Kupor\n\nDirector\n\nOffice of Personnel Management\n\n1900 E Street, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20415\n\nDear Director Kupor:\n\nWe write with grave concern about the potential termination of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the largest workplace giving program in the world. For decades, the CFC has provided tremendous value to our nation’s charities and vulnerable populations ranging from sick children to families on the brink of poverty. By supporting the needs of such populations through voluntary employee contributions as opposed to traditional federal spending, the program has also saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has taken several actions to undermine the CFC. The recent decommissioning of online portals for participating charities and donors represents a significant threat to their work, and we are concerned that the program now faces imminent closure. In light of the strong return on investments delivered by the CFC and the lifeline it represents for charities across the nation, we urge you to preserve this vital program.\n\nIn 1982, President Ronald Reagan issued an executive order establishing the modern-day CFC. Writing to federal agencies, he reaffirmed the program’s role in upholding American traditions of social responsibility and in his own words, “individual giving for good causes.” Today, over 4,400 charitable organizations participate in the CFC, and to date, the program has raised nearly $9 billion for food banks, veteran support, disaster relief and other important causes. The CFC has also saved the federal government an estimated $400 million over the past five years. Such savings are the result of empowering federal workers to donate to community needs that would otherwise require taxpayer dollars.\n\nGiven the wide reach of the CFC, we are worried that its sudden termination would impose broad human costs. The program benefits rural nonprofits, faith-based charities, and other service-oriented organizations in regions across the country. Ronald McDonald House, for example, serves critically ill children in states as diverse as California, Alabama, and Maine. At Ronald McDonald Houses, children and their families benefit from home-cooked meals, supportive staff and crucially, proximity to the hospitals where they can access the lifesaving care they need. Donations generated through the CFC contribute to these services, enabling children to undergo vital medical treatment and ensuring they can remain with their families as they do so. CFC contributions benefit nonprofit hospitals directly as well. In one story shared by a children’s cancer research hospital, a Marine Corps staff sergeant in Florida had been a consistent donor through the CFC. Little did he know that one day, his five-year-old daughter would be diagnosed with a kidney tumor and in need of care at the same hospital to which he had been donating for years.\n\nAccording to the North Texas Food Bank, which fills kitchen pantries throughout the region, every dollar it receives through the CFC enables it to provide access to three nutritious meals. For families who do not know where their next meal may come from, this food assistance represents a critical form of relief. The Maryland Food Bank, a major supplier for hundreds of the state’s soup kitchens, shelters and faith-based organizations, has similarly highlighted the significance of the funding it receives from the CFC. Especially in the face of recent cuts to federal grants, the organization has warned that the termination of the CFC may introduce new budgetary challenges.\n\nDespite the CFC’s proven track record of success, OPM issued a stop-work order halting all preparations for the launch of the 2025 cycle on August 26, 2025. The directive came mere days before the website for the 2025 CFC was set to be activated on September 2, 2025, and charities participating in the drive had already paid the requisite application and listing fees. In the midst of the uncertainty, organizations across the country mobilized and obtained assurances that OPM would proceed with the 2025 CFC. Yet in a memo issued to federal agencies on September 10, 2025, you clarified that OPM continued to assess the future of the CFC, including a possible end to the program altogether. Not to be discouraged by this looming threat, charities displayed remarkable resilience throughout the 2025 CFC cycle, overcoming federal layoffs and a government shutdown to raise an estimated $40 million for disaster survivors, people facing housing insecurity and other individuals in need of assistance.\n\nOn February 20, 2026, OPM notified participating charities that the website portal they used to apply for the CFC and track donations would be decommissioned on March 4, 2026. A similar message was posted on the public-facing CFC website, with language indicating that the portal for federal employee donors would also be decommissioned in March. At present, only the charity portal appears to have been taken offline, but the public-facing website now warns donors to download their tax receipts since their portal — and the website itself — “may be taken offline at any moment.” Additionally, the website specifies that “the decommissioning process began on March 4.”\n\nAccording to your September 2025 memo, your concerns about the value of the CFC are due to “excessive administrative costs.” This statement, however, omits crucial facts about the structure and long-term benefits of the CFC. For one, charities are charged various fees throughout their participation in the program. The funds collected are then used for operating costs, and taxpayers are left unburdened. Moreover, far from requiring a significant infusion of taxpayer resources, the CFC has saved the federal government hundreds of millions of dollars by directing voluntary contributions to community needs that might typically require federal spending.\n\nIf there are changes OPM can make to further increase the efficiency of the CFC, we encourage you to explore them in consultation with longstanding charity partners. But a unilateral decision to dismantle the program altogether is not the solution. Many charities rely upon the funds they raise through the CFC to operate. The loss of such resources would force them to scale back their programming, making it exceedingly difficult for them to meet the needs of the disadvantaged communities they serve. As a result, the federal government would likely have to devote additional resources toward addressing the needs of these communities.\n\nBy harnessing the generosity of federal employees, the Combined Federal Campaign has strengthened charities’ capacity to address local, regional and national needs that might have otherwise necessitated the use of taxpayer resources. In addition to considering the taxpayer savings associated with the CFC, we urge you to take seriously the human toll of moving forward with its termination. Ending the program will disrupt and destabilize the valuable work of charitable organizations — and cause substantial harm to students with disabilities, hungry families and other populations that depend on their work. For the sake of the charitable community and the vulnerable populations they serve, we urge you to preserve the CFC.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401970", "title": "Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Resolution to Recognize National Small Business Week", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored a resolution to designate May 3rd to May 9th, 2026, as National Small Business Week. This resolution is sponsored by Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN).\n\n“Idaho’s small businesses are the backbone of our state and economy,” said Rep. Simpson. “In my district alone, there are 24,142 small businesses with employees. I will always advocate for policies that invest in our small businesses and deliver tax certainty, like the Working Families Tax Cuts. As National Small Business Week comes to an end, I join Idahoans in expressing my gratitude to the small business owners and employees throughout our great state.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/steube-moderates-house-intel-panel-on-chinese-counterintelligence-threats-to-florida/", "title": "Steube Moderates House Intel Panel on Chinese Counterintelligence Threats to Florida", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Steube Moderates House Intel Panel on Chinese Counterintelligence Threats to Florida\n\nRep. Greg Steube on Intel Roundtable Panel in Tampa, FL.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/05/07/2026/rep-sykes-hosts-ohios-13th-congressional-district-art-show-and-awards-ceremony", "title": "Rep. Sykes Hosts Ohio’s 13th Congressional District Art Show and Awards Ceremony", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a community art show and awards ceremony at Summit Artspace to recognize the 39 high school student artists in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition.\n\n“It was an honor to host this year’s art show and awards ceremony to showcase the talents of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. This was a wonderful opportunity for people from throughout our community to come together and celebrate the talented student artists in our district, as well as the art teachers and family members who support them. I’m thankful for everyone who attended the event, and I look forward to seeing what these students create next,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\nDuring the awards ceremony, Rep. Sykes announced Mayya Sharma, an eleventh grader from Cuyahoga Falls High School, as the overall winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. The winning piece, titled Art History, will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning artwork from all participating districts across the country.\n\n“Congratulations to Mayya Sharma for her winning piece, Art History! Mayya’s use of brightly colored textiles truly set her apart. I am excited to see this piece of Ohio’s 13th District proudly displayed on the walls of the United States Capitol,” Rep. Sykes continued.\n\nIn addition to the first place overall winner, Rep. Sykes also announced the following award winners:\n\nSecond Place Overall: Digital Consumerism by Elysia Truex, Jackson High School\n\nThird Place Overall: If I Leave by Ariana Moneskey-Jones, St. Vincent - St. Mary High School\n\nBest Acrylic Painting: Golden Jellyfish by Lulu Emanuele, Firestone Community Learning Center\n\nBest Colored Pencil: Blooming Lily by Natalie Martell, Norton High School\n\nBest Digital Artwork: Papaya by Milo Sandoval, Jackson High School\n\nBest Mixed Media: The Morning After the Cram by Josephine Fulmer, Norton High School\n\nBest Photograph: Face of the Game by Jacob Eby, GlenOak High School\n\nBest Drawing: Fractured Silence by Charles Parnell, Old Trail School\n\nBest Theme: Friendship Butterflies by Anabel Watanabe, Nordonia High School\n\nPeople’s Choice Award: Face of the Game by Jacob Eby, GlenOak High School\n\nHighest Student Engagement Award: Sara Andes, Art Teacher at Jackson High School\n\nThe second place piece will be displayed in Rep. Sykes’ Akron District office for a year, while the third place piece will be displayed in Rep. Sykes’ Canton Office for a year.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-of-rfk-jr-visit-to-northeast-ohio-rep-sykes-highlights-bipartisan-efforts-to-improve-nutrition-and-lower-health-costs", "title": "Ahead of RFK Jr. Visit to Northeast Ohio, Rep. Sykes Highlights Bipartisan Efforts to Improve Nutrition and Lower Health Costs", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of a planned visit to Northeast Ohio by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) is highlighting her bipartisan work to expand access to healthy foods, lower costs, and address the root causes of chronic disease for Ohio families.\n\n“Making America healthy starts with making sure families can actually afford and access nutritious food,” said Rep. Sykes. “That’s why I’ve worked across the aisle to expand access to healthy meals, support local farmers, and tackle the root causes of chronic disease. While some are focused on rhetoric, I’m focused on results — lowering grocery costs, protecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and investing in proven programs that prevent illness before it starts. Efforts to cut food assistance or ignore the role nutrition plays in health will only make families sicker and drive up costs. If we’re serious about improving health in this country, we need real solutions that meet people where they are, and that’s exactly what I’m doing for Northeast Ohio.”\n\nThis includes ensuring families can afford and access fresh, nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, rather than solely relying on cheaper, highly processed options that often dominate grocery shelves and contribute to long-term health challenges.\n\nRep. Sykes has advanced practical, evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes and lower costs. Her bipartisan Food Farmacy Act would expand access to healthy foods and nutritional guidance, helping prevent and manage chronic conditions. While serving in the Ohio State House of Representatives, Rep. Sykes secured state funding for the creation of a pilot program to establish food farmacies in Summit County, Ohio. The $1 million grant supported the creation of three food farmacies at Akron Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Summa Health System with the support of Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. In 2024 alone, the Akron Children’s Hospital Food Farmacy provided more than 130,000 meals to more than 21,000 individuals.\n\nShe is also a co-sponsor of the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act, which would repeal harmful SNAP cuts included in Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” and help families afford groceries. Since the Big Ugly Bill was passed, SNAP participation in Ohio has declined from 1,389,247 in July 2025 to 1,292,669 in December 2025, a loss of nearly 94,000 residents receiving assistance during a period of continued high food costs.\n\nRep. Sykes is also focused on strengthening food safety and transparency so families know what is in the food they are buying and can trust that it meets strong, consistent public health standards.\n\nDuring consideration of the Farm Bill, Rep. Sykes introduced amendments incorporating her Food Farmacy Act, INFANTS Act, Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act, and Feed Our Families Act to expand access to safe, affordable food, but House Republicans refused to allow them to be considered.\n\nRep. Sykes also led a bipartisan letter calling for stronger federal coordination to address the link between diet and chronic disease.\n\nRep. Sykes remains focused on delivering results for Northeast Ohio families by lowering costs, improving access to nutrition and care, and advancing bipartisan solutions to build healthier communities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-secures-more-than-75-million-for-head-start-in-stark-county", "title": "Rep. Sykes Secures More Than $7.5 Million For Head Start in Stark County", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "CANTON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Stark County Community Action Agency $7,539,166 for its Head Start Program. These funds are a continuation of a grant the organization was previously awarded.\n\n“Head Start plays a critical role in helping families secure the American Dream. Through supporting the healthy development of children and ensuring they are set up to be successful in kindergarten and beyond, Head Start lowers childcare costs for parents and guardians. It helps parents get into the workforce and secure opportunities that otherwise may be unattainable without reliable, affordable childcare,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\n“This grant award of Head Start and Early Head Start funding serves as a significant and critically important investment in the Stark County Community Action Agency's commitment to support and provide needed early childhood educational development, health and family services to Stark County's most vulnerable children and families, designed to provide pathways to their future success,” said Stark County Community Action Agency CEO Rodney Reasonover.\n\nHead Start is a federally-funded program that provides school readiness and ensures that both low-income children and parents are prepared for kindergarten and for a life filled with learning. Additionally, through direct service or referrals, Head Start children receive numerous health services ensuring good physical, dental, nutritional and mental health. Head Start is available at no cost to pregnant moms, infants, toddlers and children up to age five from income-eligible families. Children with special needs are also welcome.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-introduces-make-dte-pay-act-in-response-to-clean-air-act-violations-repeated-rate-hikes", "title": "Tlaib Introduces Make DTE Pay Act in Response to Clean Air Act Violations, Repeated Rate Hikes", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tlaib.house.gov/press", "domain": "tlaib.house.gov", "scraper": "tlaib", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000481", "name": "Rashida Tlaib", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "DETROIT — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), co-founder of the House People’s Environmental Justice Caucus, introduced the Make DTE Pay Act, which would substantially increase monetary penalties on utilities like DTE Energy when they seek customer rate increases within the two years preceding or following Clean Air Act violations.\n\n“Corporate polluters like DTE treat violating our environmental protection laws as the cost of doing business,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “It’s so insulting to our families that DTE wants to jack up their bills year after year while poisoning the air they breathe. We need to change the math and make polluting our communities as bad for business as it is for our health. The Make DTE Pay Act stands up for our families by forcing DTE and other dirty utilities to make a choice: follow the Clean Air Act or pay huge financial penalties when they try to hike customer rates.”\n\nOn February 17, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Gershwin Drain found DTE liable for Clean Air Act violations that poisoned communities in Detroit and Downriver and ordered it to pay $100 million in fines. Just two days later, DTE received a $242.4 million electric rate increase, and last week DTE once again filed for an additional $474.3 million electric rate increase. DTE previously received a $217 million electric rate increase in January 2025.\n\nIn response to DTE’s outrageous behavior, the Make DTE Pay Act would amend the Clean Air Act to increase penalties against investor-owned utilities that sought or seek customer rate increases within the two-year period preceding or following an assessment of a Clean Air Act financial penalty. For each rate increase, the underlying Clean Air Act penalty would be increased by an amount equal to the original penalty assessment.\n\n“Our office spent years in court to get DTE a $100 million Clean Air Act penalty for poisoning residents of Detroit and River Rouge,” said Andrew Bashi, Staff Attorney at the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. “It was a hard-fought win, and it sounds like a huge sum until you realize that DTE saved $70 million by breaking the law in the first place. This bill gets us one step closer to a world where following the law is more cost effective than breaking it. That’s essential, because money is the only language investor-owned utilities like DTE speak.”\n\nYou can read the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4594", "title": "Tonko Visits Johnsonville Home Undergoing Weatherization Upgrades", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "tonko.house.gov", "scraper": "tonko", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000469", "name": "Paul Tonko", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "JOHNSONVILLE, NY — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko visited a Rensselaer County home undergoing weatherization improvements to view the ongoing progress, meet with the homeowner and local advocates, and discuss ways to help more families take advantage of the benefits provided by home weatherization.\n\nDuring the visit, Tonko highlighted his Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act, a bipartisan bill that would invest federal funding in home weatherization efforts to help low-income families save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills while making their homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Tonko’s legislation was recently advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a unanimous vote of 50-0.\n\n“I was thrilled to visit this local home today to see firsthand how weatherization improvements can help families save on their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient,” Congressman Tonko said. “With millions of American families facing rising utility costs thanks to Trump-caused inflation, the time is now for Congress to take action to help lower energy prices — and my Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act does just that. The Weatherization Assistance Program is already saving families hundreds each year on their home energy bills, and with my legislation, we can continue to improve upon this vital program and ensure that communities here in our Capital Region and beyond have the resources and support they need to carry these efforts forward.”\n\nData shows that home weatherization efforts, or weatherproofing, reduces energy burdens by providing safe, cost-effective energy efficiency retrofit investments including sealing and insulating. Additionally, households receiving services from the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) save an average of $372 each year on their energy bills.\n\nThe Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act would strengthen the WAP program by:\n\n· Reauthorizing the WAP through Fiscal Year 2030; and\n\n· Raising the statutory Average Cost Per Unit from $6,500 to $12,000, allowing households to receive more assistance and allowing WAP implementers to pay competitive wages and retain their workforces.\n\nPhotos from today’s visit can be found on Congressman Tonko’s social media platforms at Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, or X (formerly Twitter).", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-introduces-resolution-to-designate-may-3-9-2026-as-national-wildfire-preparedness-week", "title": "Congresswoman Torres Introduces Resolution to Designate May 3-9, 2026 as National Wildfire Preparedness Week", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), alongside 28 House members, introduced a resolution to designate May 3 through May 9, 2026 as National Wildfire Preparedness Week. The resolution raises awareness of fire safety and prevention while encouraging individuals, families, and communities to take proactive steps to reduce risks and safeguard properties.\n\n\"Wildfires are one of the most dangerous natural disasters facing our nation, and after seeing thousands of Californians lose their homes in recent years, we must take decisive action to protect our communities,\" said Congresswoman Torres. \"By establishing National Wildfire Preparedness Week, we can educate the public on the essential role every resident plays in preventing the loss of life and property. This resolution highlights the critical preventative measures and resources needed to prepare, respond, and recover, while ensuring we continue to advocate for the brave first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.\"\n\nThe resolution highlights that nearly 85% of wildfires are caused by human activity, stressing the importance of preventative measures such as vegetation management, proper evacuation planning, and limiting the use of combustibles during high-heat seasons. It also calls for increased financial support for communities impacted by wildfires to ensure resources are available for both immediate response and long-term recovery.\n\nThe resolution comes as 2026 national fire activity has already outpaced previous years and in response to the growing scale of wildfire damage. In 2025 alone, nearly 78,000 fires consumed over 5.1 million acres of land in the United States, with California suffering from more than 8,000 fires. As of April 30, 2026, 24,066 fires have burned 1,848,2101 acres this year, already above the 10-year average for acres. Congresswoman Torres is urging all Americans to utilize resources like ReadyForWildfire.org to learn about proactive steps for the upcoming season.\n\nThe resolution was cosponsored by 28 other members: Aguilar (CA-33); Barragán (CA-44); Bera (CA-06); Bonamici (OR-01); Brownley (CA-26); Carbajal (CA-24); Case (HI-01); Chu (CA-28); Cisneros (CA-31); Costa (CA-21); Garamendi (CA-08); Huffman (CA-02); Jacobs (CA-51); Khanna (CA-17); Levin (CA-49); Min (CA-47); Mullin (CA-15); Neguse (CO-02); Panetta (CA-19); Peters (CA-50); Pettersen (CO-07); Salinas (OR-05); Simon (CA-12); Takano (CA-39); Thompson (CA-04); Tokuda (HI-02); Whitesides (CA-27);Vargas (CA-52).\n\nFull resolution\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/07/vindman-ryan-introduce-legislation-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs-for-service-members-veterans-military-families/", "title": "Vindman, Ryan Introduce Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Service Members, Veterans, & Military Families", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The MISSION Rx Act Would Reduce Spending on Prescription Drugs for Service Members and Their Families While Saving Taxpayers up to $6 Billion Annually\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Pat Ryan (N.Y.-18) — both retired U.S. Army veterans and Members of the House Armed Services Committee — introduced legislation to lower prescription drug costs for service members, military families, and veterans while saving taxpayers billions.\n\nBuilding on the success of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price negotiation program, the MISSION Rx Act would require TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay either the CMS-negotiated price or the program’s original price for prescription drugs, whichever is lower.\n\n“After serving 25 years in uniform, I know firsthand the sacrifices our service members, veterans, and military families make every single day. The last thing any of them should have to worry about is whether they can afford the prescription drugs they need,” said Vindman. “The veterans and service members I represent in Virginia’s Seventh District have earned every benefit this nation can give them. That’s why I’m leading this commonsense effort to reduce the crushing cost of prescription drugs for those who have served and sacrificed.”\n\n“Military families have sacrificed so much for our country – it’s absolutely unacceptable that they’re being forced to pay more than other Americans for the same medication,” said Ryan. “Our bill corrects this egregious oversight by ensuring that military families have access to the same lower drug prices that others do. Especially amid rising healthcare costs nationwide, leaving military families to bear the burden is simply un-American. They’ve stepped up and sacrificed for us – now we need to do right by them.”\n\nThe MISSION Rx Act is also sponsored by U.S Representative Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.-06), Maggie Goodlander (N.H.-02), Chris Deluzio (Penn.-17), Seth Moulton (Mass.-06), and Bill Keating (Mass.-09).\n\n“As healthcare costs continue to rise across the country, the MISSION RX Act is a straightforward approach to reduce prescription drug costs,” said Houlahan. “As the Centers for Medicaid Services negotiate reduced prices for citizens on Medicare and Medicaid, it only makes sense to pass those same lower prices to the people who sacrificed the most for our nation: our veterans and military families.”\n\n“Our bill will lower costs for America’s veterans, servicemembers, and military families by ensuring they pay the lowest price the federal government has already negotiated for prescription drugs,” said Goodlander. “No gimmicks, no new bureaucracy — just common sense and a promise kept to the patriots who served our country.”\n\n“Democrats in Congress finally beat back pharmaceutical corporations’ power so that Medicare could negotiate down prescription drug prices,” said Deluzio. “Our troops and veterans should benefit, too, whether they get their prescriptions covered under TRICARE or the VA. That’s why I am signing onto the MISSION Rx Act. Still, America’s healthcare system is broken way beyond just the high cost of prescription drugs. I’m in the fight to fix it — we’ve got to make sure that every American has healthcare they can afford.”\n\n“My district is home to a significant number of military families and veterans. And they, like all Americans, are being crushed by one of the worst affordability crises we’ve seen in recent memory,” said Keating. “The last thing our American heroes and their families need to do is pay more out of pocket for vital medication. If Medicare can secure a better deal for seniors, then our veterans and service members deserve access to those same savings.”\n\nBy paying the lowest available government-negotiated price, TRICARE and the VA would reduce spending on prescription drugs for servicemembers and their families while saving taxpayers billions. CMS estimates this policy could save up to $6 billion annually.\n\nAs CMS expands its drug price negotiations, the bill is designed to grow alongside the program, applying to any additional drugs subject to negotiated pricing in the future.\n\nThe MISSION Rx Act is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, the Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, and Commissioned Officers Association Public Health Service.\n\n“The Marine Corps League endorses the MISSION Rx Act for its intent to provide fairness and affordability for our military and veterans,” said Bob Borka, National Executive Director/COO, Marine Corps League. “Lifesaving medication should be equally available to all Americans receiving federal benefits, including our military families and veterans. Ensuring access to affordable medication aligns with our Nation’s promise to those who have served.”\n\n“The Fleet Reserve Association supports the goals of this legislation to reduce prescription drug costs for TRICARE and VA beneficiaries by ensuring access to the lowest available federal prices,” said Theodosius Lawson, Director of Legislative Programs, Fleet Reserve Association. “This approach aligns with FRA’s longstanding advocacy on behalf of sea service veterans, retirees, and their families.”\n\n“The Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service is very proud to support the MISSION Rx Act. This legislation takes a commonsense approach to lowering prescription drug costs for TRICARE and VA beneficiaries by ensuring they have access to the lowest available federal price for prescriptions,” said Jasmine Stuart, Director of External and Legislative Affairs. “Access to affordable medications is critical for those who serve and have served our nation. We appreciate the leadership behind this effort and its focus on improving affordability and access for our uniformed services and veteran communities.”\n\n“The MISSION Rx Act is a commonsense win for Airmen, Guardians, our sister service members, veterans, and their families. There is no reason our servicemembers and veterans should pay more for prescription drugs than any other American,” said Keith A. Reed, Chief Executive, Air Force Sergeants Association. “AFSA proudly supports this bill and thanks Representative Vindman, Representative Ryan, and the cosponsors for their commitment to military quality of life.”\n\nYou can read full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/05/07/rep-whitesides-announces-over-1-million-investment-for-traffic-and-pedestrian-safety-improvements-in-santa-clarita/", "title": "Rep. Whitesides Announces Over $1 Million Investment for Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Santa Clarita", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SANTA CLARITA, CA – Yesterday, Representative George Whitesides announced a $1.2 million federal investment into Santa Clarita roads and intersections that he was able to secure in Congress’ annual budget bill. The funding, announced at an event with Mayor Laurene Weste and members of the Santa Clarita city council, will go towards infrastructure projects that improve pedestrian safety and traffic circulation at three of the busiest intersections in the city.\n\n“Bringing federal funding home for our area is my top priority, and I’ve consistently heard about the immediate need to address the roads and intersections in Santa Clarita,” said Rep. Whitesides. “More than 100,000 cars drive on our roads every single day, and it’s imperative that our infrastructure can handle that kind of demand. These federal dollars will help modernize and expand roads, leading to safer streets and more accessible businesses.”\n\n“As Santa Clarita continues to grow, it is essential that we leverage local, state, and federal partnerships to enhance mobility, improve pedestrian safety, and maintain the high quality of life our community expects,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “This $1.2 million investment will deliver critical improvements.”\n\nThe funding Rep. Whitesides secured will address pedestrian safety and traffic flow at intersections between Golden Valley Road and Centre Pointe Parkway, McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road, and Valencia Boulevard and Magic Mountain Parkway, where the announcement was held. It is projected to enhance the local and regional economic wellbeing in the Santa Clarita Valley.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/07/bennet-hickenlooper-hurd-neguse-fight-for-solutions-to-improve-usps-access-in-rural-colorado-communities/", "title": "Bennet, Hickenlooper, Hurd, Neguse Fight for Solutions to Improve USPS Access in Rural Colorado Communities", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led Senator John Hickenlooper and Representatives Jeff Hurd and Joe Neguse in sending a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner and U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors Chair Amber McReynolds to highlight opportunities for the USPS to partner with Colorado’s mountain towns to address facility constraints and staffing shortages.\n\n“Colorado’s mountain communities have shared their solutions to improve service, reduce USPS costs, and address critical community needs. They are ready to help identify suitable parcels and buildings for USPS facilities, provide accurate timelines and cost estimates for facility improvements, and collaborate on resolving the staffing shortages common in these areas,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe letter follows a January meeting between Bennet, Congressional lawmakers, Postmaster General Steiner, Board Chair McReynolds, and Colorado’s mountain towns, where Colorado lawmakers highlighted several opportunities for USPS to partner with local municipalities on mutually beneficial solutions. These opportunities include redeveloping existing USPS facilities in partnership with community partners, creating workforce housing to combat recruitment and retention challenges in Colorado’s high cost-of-living communities, and providing space in its municipal buildings to address PO box shortages, among others.\n\n“We are encouraged by January’s productive conversation with you and feel hopeful that it marks the beginning of improved communication. The localities of Colorado’s Western Slope have experienced many difficulties, from unexpected facility closures and long wait times to substandard service and unreliable mail access. We appreciate your continued work with these communities to ensure lease continuity and reliable service and delivery. We also understand that staffing and facility upgrades are more challenging problems that will require creative solutions, especially in our high-cost mountain towns. We are also hopeful the USPS will continue to work with these communities as well as those towns in Colorado with unresolved lease issues, such as the Town of Poncha Springs,” continued the lawmakers.\n\n“Colorado’s mountain communities were glad to hear you request their help in identifying collaborative solutions. We are grateful for your willingness to partner on many existing local opportunities and hope this list is a useful starting point. We urge the USPS to move quickly to engage with these communities. We look forward to the continued partnership to improve the experience of USPS customers throughout Colorado,” concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe conversation with local municipalities followed Bennet’s invitation to Postmaster General Steiner to visit Colorado to understand the longstanding difficulties Colorado’s mountain communities experience with mail delivery. Bennet has championed efforts to improve postal service to Colorado’s mountain communities, including calling for changes following a 2023 Office of Inspector General report that found staffing shortages, delivery delays, and inefficient mail sorting. In 2024, Bennet called on USPS to refund PO Box fees for Steamboat Springs residents, and in 2025, Bennet helped the Town of Crested Butte secure a lease extension for its post office, which faced imminent closure.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Postmaster General Steiner and Board Chair McReynolds:\n\nThank you for meeting with Colorado’s mountain communities in January. The community leaders were grateful to share more about the challenges they face due to U.S. Postal Service (USPS) staffing shortages, facility constraints, and the absence of home delivery. As the USPS continues to modernize, these communities are willing and ready partners to tackle these issues.\n\nColorado’s mountain communities have shared their solutions to improve service, reduce USPS costs, and address critical community needs. They are ready to help identify suitable parcels and buildings for USPS facilities, provide accurate timelines and cost estimates for facility improvements, and collaborate on resolving the staffing shortages common in these areas.\n\nOur offices have identified several opportunities for the USPS to partner with local municipalities for mutually beneficial solutions. We outline these opportunities below and look forward to working with you to implement them.\n\nVail\n\nThe current USPS facility in the Town of Vail was designed as a regional distribution facility, but now only serves as a retail and local postal pickup site. The post office building and the lot it sits on are oversized for the current services. The Town of Vail is interested in partnering with you to redevelop the site to provide workforce housing, including for USPS employees.\n\nFrisco\n\nFrisco’s Main Street post office is a one-story building on a large lot. However, the site has potential for higher-density mixed-use. The USPS and the Town of Frisco could partner on a future redevelopment that could include first-floor commercial retail shops, multi-floor office spaces, or multiple housing units, including dedicated housing for USPS employees. Additionally, Xcel Energy, Frisco’s main energy provider, plans to conduct a utility-scale geothermal energy pilot program. The Post Office sits in the zone of participation for the pilot and could receive free utility upgrades, heating, and cooling through the program.\n\nDillon\n\nSimilar to Frisco, the post office in Dillon is a one-story building on a large lot in the center of town. The Town of Dillon is interested in partnering with USPS to redevelop for higher-density mixed-use, commercial, and residential development. As part of a redevelopment effort, the Town could reserve housing units for USPS employees, which would help with recruitment and retention.\n\nKeystone\n\nThe majority of Keystone residents must travel to Dillon for postal services because USPS does not offer home delivery to most of the town. However, the Dillon Post Office is out of P.O. boxes, and, as a result, residents are forced to wait in long lines for general delivery mail, which is often challenging or impossible for the local workforce. The Town of Keystone is willing to provide space in its municipal buildings for a Post Office or Contracted Postal Unit (CPU). The town has also offered to contribute to the cost of cluster box units (CBUs) to facilitate home delivery for residents.\n\nCrested Butte\n\nWe appreciate USPS’s work to extend the Town of Crested Butte’s lease in 2025. While the renewed lease removes the threat of immediate loss of postal services, the current post office is too small for the current population and causes traffic issues. The town has offered land to USPS for a mixed-use development that could include housing and a larger post office. The development could prioritize housing for postal service employees and reduce USPS’s operational costs, while addressing longstanding challenges at the current post office location.\n\nGypsum\n\nUSPS undertook an analysis for an “alternate quarters” project for the Gypsum Post Office in 2022 and 2023 in recognition that the existing facility is in a state of disrepair and too small to serve the town’s growing population. The agency determined that a relocation is necessary and partnered with the Town of Gypsum to identify a new location and plan for the development of a new post office, in accordance with USPS facility requirements and specifications. After many years of planning, and with partners ready to proceed with development, USPS inexplicably paused the project in late 2025, despite the developer’s offers to offset the agency’s relocation costs and reduce rental payment amounts. During our January call, Postmaster General Steiner indicated that USPS would be eager to explore just such partnerships to assist USPS in improving postal service to Colorado’s mountain communities, yet USPS has declined to engage with the Town in a meaningful way.\n\nWe are encouraged by January’s productive conversation with you and feel hopeful that it marks the beginning of improved communication. The localities of Colorado’s Western Slope have experienced many difficulties, from unexpected facility closures and long wait times to substandard service and unreliable mail access. We appreciate your continued work with these communities to ensure lease continuity and reliable service and delivery. We also understand that staffing and facility upgrades are more challenging problems that will require creative solutions, especially in our high-cost mountain towns. We are also hopeful the USPS will continue to work with these communities as well as those towns in Colorado with unresolved lease issues, such as the Town of Poncha Springs.\n\nColorado’s mountain communities were glad to hear you request their help in identifying collaborative solutions. We are grateful for your willingness to partner on many existing local opportunities and hope this list is a useful starting point. We urge the USPS to move quickly to engage with these communities. We look forward to the continued partnership to improve the experience of USPS customers throughout Colorado.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/blackburn-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-speed-up-va-construction-projects", "title": "Blackburn, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Speed Up VA Construction Projects", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced the Faster VA Construction Act to direct the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adopt commercial building codes and standards where possible, consistent with law:\n\n“The VA’s construction process needs to be faster and more efficient,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Faster VA Construction Act would stretch taxpayer dollars by cutting unnecessary red tape, speeding up construction projects, and delivering better facilities for our veterans faster.”\n\n“Hoosier veterans deserve timely care, not red tape,” said Senator Banks. “This bill speeds up VA construction and makes sure taxpayer dollars are put to their best use.”\n\n“We should not let red tape get in the way of ensuring our veterans have access to care and services,” said Senator Hirono. “As veterans’ needs continue to grow in Hawaii and across the country, we should do all we can to ensure VA’s infrastructure can meet this demand. By allowing VA projects to follow commercial construction codes and standards, the Faster VA Construction Act takes steps to streamline the construction process, reduce costs, and help increase the number of projects VA can get built each year.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVA estimates it would cost between $98 and $109 billion to fully implement its strategic capital investment plan, including deferred maintenance and new construction, and this figure has been steadily increasing for many years. VA’s infrastructure needs have long significantly exceeded its infrastructure resources, and stretching each construction dollar as far as possible is critical.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office (GAO), Office of Inspector General (OIG), and VA officials have repeatedly cited the Department’s unique construction codes and standards as major, and sometimes unnecessary, cost drivers. VA has long maintained its own facility design standards that are significantly different from commercial codes and standards and often vary from project to project.\n\nIn contrast, GAO, OIG, and VA officials have touted the two CHIP IN Act projects in Omaha, Nebraska, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, for being completed more quickly and at lower cost compared to VA-managed projects because the law permitted their private developers to rely on commercial codes and standards to a limited extent.\n\nFASTER VA CONSTRUCTION ACT\n\nSpecifically, the Faster VA Construction Act would:\n\nDirect VA to use commercial codes and standards in its construction and leasing projects instead of, or in addition to, unique federal codes and standards where they do not conflict with statutory or regulatory requirements;\n\nDirect VA to use commercial codes and standards in three construction or leasing projects, as a pilot, for each of the next five years; and\n\nRequire VA to report on its use of these authorities.\n\nClick here for bill text.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-colleagues-demand-gun-manufacturer-halt-marketing-campaigns-of-assault-style-weapons-to-minors", "title": "Blumenthal & Colleagues Demand Gun Manufacturer Halt Marketing Campaigns of Assault-Style Weapons to Minors", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) in writing to Eric Schmid, owner of Mountain Billy Gun Lab—formerly Weel Tactical—demanding the company cease all marketing of assault-style weapons directed at minors, withdraw related advertisements, and halt the sale of products promoted in campaigns. Although Weel Tactical rebranded as Mountain Billy Gun Lab in mid-2024, the underlying business model and marketing strategy appear substantively unchanged.\n\nAn investigation by The Smoking Gun reveal that Mountain Billy Gun Lab continues to promote scaled-down AR-15 style weapons—now branded as “GOAT-15”—using images and social-media content that depict children firing these weapons. The rebranding appears designed to deflect negative attention rather than to substantively alter the company’s approach to products and audiences.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “According to The Smoking Gun, Mountain Billy Gun Lab’s website and social-media accounts portray the GOAT-15 series as suitable for training new shooters and ‘family range days,’ with explicit visual depictions of children using the rifles in Instagram videos and posts. These include videos showing a young girl loading and firing a short-barreled GOAT-15, children assisted by adults while firing rifles, and captions referencing family and youth shooting contexts. These visuals and captions strongly suggest that Mountain Billy Gun Lab’s promotional outreach continues to appeal to minors—a practice that, whether intentional or not, raises serious questions about consumer safety and lawful marketing.”\n\nThe lawmakers requested answers to the following questions by May 15, 2026, including:\n\nWhat are the intended and actual target markets, including any age-specific consumer research for each product sold or marketed since the rebrand?\n\nWill you provide copies of all internal safety evaluations or age-appropriateness assessments for products designed or marketed for “new shooters” that could reasonably include minors?\n\nWho are the marketing personnel, agencies, or consultants responsible for approving social- media content directed at or likely to reach minors?\n\nWhat have been all of the social-media content, postings, and campaign analytics for Mountain Billy Gun Lab accounts since the rebranding?\n\nWhat internal policies govern age-targeting on marketing platforms used by the company?\n\nThe lawmakers’ letter follows a letter from Senators Blumenthal, Warren, Markey, and others to the FTC, urging it to investigate Wee1 Tactical (the predecessor to Mountain Billy Gun Lab) for its promotion of the “JR-15,” a .22-caliber AR-15 style rifle scaled down for children.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-tours-progress-on-cds-project-in-wellsburg", "title": "PHOTOS: Capito Tours Progress on CDS Project in Wellsburg", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WELLSBURG, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Appropriations Committee, traveled to Wellsburg, W.Va. where she received updates and toured the Wellsburg Town Square and adjacent buildings, which were renovated through a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) allocation that she secured in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24).\n\nIn July of 2024, Senator Capito visited Wellsburg while the project was in early stages, meeting with local officials and community leaders to encourage continued growth in the area. Her return highlights the significant progress made since then—revitalization of historic buildings for mixed-use retail, commercial, and tourism business.\n\n“The City of Wellsburg is in the middle of an exciting downtown renovation—one that I have been proud to support through the Appropriations process,” Senator Capito said. “I appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand how federal resources are helping drive renovation progress. Through the CDS process, I’ve worked to support local priorities that incentivize small businesses to launch and grow. Wellsburg’s downtown renovation is doing just that, and I am proud to partner with local leaders to keep the momentum up.”\n\n“Thanks to Sen. Capito’s support, 701 Charles Street is already making an impact, with a new small business on the first-floor drawing visitors downtown and supporting our local economy,” Alex Weld, Chairwoman of the Wellsburg Urban Renewal Authority, said. “With apartments on the way, this project will also help address housing needs. We’re grateful for her continued investment in projects like these, that truly move the needle in small communities like Wellsburg.”\n\nPhotos from the visit are below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tours a project supported by a Congressionally Directed Spending allocation she helped secure in Wellsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, May 7, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visits a project supported by a Congressionally Directed Spending allocation she helped secure in Wellsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, May 7, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tours a project supported by a Congressionally Directed Spending allocation she helped secure in Wellsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, May 7, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-highlights-669-million-in-retroactive-payments-for-beneficiaries-of-his-effort-to-repeal-wep-gpo/", "title": "Cassidy Highlights $669 Million in Retroactive Payments for Beneficiaries of His Effort to Repeal WEP & GPO", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "METAIRIE –U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted an event yesterday in Jefferson Parish highlighting the success of the bill he championed to fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). As a result, monthly Social Security retirement benefits have increased for Louisiana’s retired teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other state and local government employees, and $669 million in retroactive payments have been made to compensate them for lost benefits.\n\n“Our retired police officers, firefighters and teachers worked every day to keep us safe and educate our children,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Because of my work, they are finally getting the Social Security benefits they deserve.”\n\nCassidy was a long-time cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act in the Senate, being an original cosponsor since he became a Member of Congress in 2009. Cassidy successfully demanded a vote, getting the bill signed into law.\n\nDuring the event, Cassidy was joined by Mr. Chad Major, the President of the Professional Firefighters Association of Louisiana, Mr. Gasper Migliore, Jr., a former Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office lieutenant, and Ms. Annette Accomando, a former teacher at Chalmette High Schol.\n\n“We’ve been working on this for years to the point where people were kind of exhausted, thinking it would never happen. But when it did, I started getting calls of joy, calls from widows that were crying on the phone,” said Mr. Major. “There’s lots of people whose lives have been bettered, Senator, for the things that you and other Members of Congress did. On behalf of over 5,000 active members that I represent, not including the retired members, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”\n\n“I can tell you what this did for me personally. It went from me waiting until I was 70 to start collecting [Social Security] because that’s when it would maximize out, to being able to draw it this past October at age 65,” said Mr. Migliore. “As police officers, sometimes we find ourselves in very dangerous situations, and we don’t know what’s on the other side of that door that’s waiting for us. We need to have the faith and belief that the person standing behind us has our back. Senator Cassidy, I want to thank you for having not only my back, but firemen, teachers, and all public service employees’ backs. Thank you for that.”\n\n“It’s great to be able to be with my grandchildren, and that’s the one thing that this has allowed us,” said Ms. Accomando. “I was able to retire. I was able to just this January start getting my benefits, and my husband and I said, ‘shall I wait until I’m 70? I’m 68 now, do I wait?’ And we realized, ‘no, we want to go see our grandchildren more. We want to be able to go out for our anniversaries and our birthdays. This is going to give us the opportunity to do those peace-of-mind things that everybody wishes to do.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-highlights-efforts-to-create-jobs-train-workers-in-new-orleans/", "title": "Cassidy Highlights Efforts to Create Jobs, Train Workers in New Orleans", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "METAIRIE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) on Wednesday spoke before the French Quarter Business Association, which helps small businesses in the French Quarter succeed. Cassidy also toured unCommon Construction, which trains apprentices to be skilled laborers in the construction trades.\n\n“Louisiana businesses thrive when they have a skilled workforce, safe community, and the tools to keep building,” said Dr. Cassidy. “That’s exactly what I’m working on in Congress.”\n\nCassidy supported the Working Families Tax Cut bill which ended taxes on tips and overtime, extended the Child Tax Credit, allowed businesses to deduct 100% of their new business investments, and made permanent the 20% small business pass-through deduction. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Cassidy also increased Americans’ access to career and technical-based education by establishing Workforce Pell Grants.\n\nAt both stops, Cassidy was thanked for his leadership in making the Greater New Orleans area safer and more prosperous.\n\n“We thank Senator Cassidy for speaking at today’s French Quarter Business Association luncheon at the Astor Crown Plaza,” said Mr. Tony Viloria, Past President and Director of Development for the French Quarter Business Association. “Our members truly valued the opportunity to hear from him and to share our perspectives. We appreciate his time, engagement, and continued support of the French Quarter business community.\n\n“We’re grateful to Senator Bill Cassidy for taking the time to visit our new campus and engage directly with our young people, hearing firsthand about their aspirations and hopes for their futures so he can represent them in DC,” said Mr. Aaron Frumin, Founder and CEO of unCommon Construction. “His curiosity about unCommon’s unique model for workforce development, and his willingness to connect authentically with the next generation of builders here in New Orleans means a great deal to our students and our community.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/texas-backs-the-blue/", "title": "Texas Backs the Blue", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Throughout the country, law enforcement officers put on their uniforms and badges every day and put their lives on the line for their communities. As President Ronald Reagan famously said, “Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid.” As Texans, we may have a reputation for being outlaws, but our sheriffs and police officers keep us safe and on the straight and narrow. Every May, we honor our law enforcement during National Police Week for answering the call to protect our communities, and we remember the fallen officers who lost their lives while serving in the line of duty.\n\nOn May 13, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will host the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. National Police Week has been a longstanding tradition dating all the way back to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy dedicated May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Congress then recognized Police Week and the National Peace Officers Memorial Day in a joint resolution later that year, and they have been honored as annual observances ever since.\n\nIn the Lone Star State, we are blessed to have incredible police officers who serve our communities. Texas is home to approximately 140,000 police officers – the second highest number in the country. That averages out to about four police officers per 1,000 residents. Our brave law enforcement officers help ensure the safety of Texans day-in and day-out, and this week is a great opportunity to recognize their heroism.\n\nIn April, parts of Texas were hit with very heavy rainfall, which caused fast-paced moving floodwaters in parts of North Texas. Sergeant Jon Banner of the White Settlement Police Department was patrolling the night of April 25 when he noticed a car stranded in rushing water heading toward a creek. When he approached the car, he quickly noticed three children and their mother trapped inside. Sgt. Banner removed the children from the vehicle and placed them in his patrol car, then went back to get the mother, but with the rushing water, he began slipping, and the current started sweeping away the vehicle.\n\nOfficer Christopher Wiseman, who was also on the scene, then devised a plan to secure the mother using a makeshift harness made from jumper cables he kept in his patrol vehicle. Despite the rushing waters growing in strength, the officers can be heard on bodycam footage urging each other on to continue the fight and not let each other fall into the water. Finally, the mother was removed from the car, and the White Settlement Fire Department arrived to pull the car out of the water. Everyone was evaluated by first responders, but miraculously, no one was injured. Sgt. Banner, Officer Wiseman, the fire department, and everyone involved in the rescue of the family were rightly praised for their heroic actions that night.\n\nSgt. Banner’s story is just one of many tales of heroism in the State of Texas. Another example is the bravery of Corporal Lee Higginbotham from the Dallas Veterans Affairs Police Department.\n\nOn July 12, 2025, Cpl. Higginbotham was filling up his car at a local gas station when he noticed a crowd of people calling for help. He sprang into action and ran over to the scene to find a two-year-old child choking on an object and unable to breathe. Cpl. Higginbotham performed the Heimlich maneuver, removing the object from the child’s throat. He stayed with the child and the family until paramedics arrived and cleared the child. While Cpl. Higginbotham states that he was just doing his job, the Dallas VA Police Department praised him for his quick response and compassion, which ultimately saved a life.\n\nThese are just a few illustrations of how our state’s law enforcement exemplify fearlessness and devotion to our communities. One thing is for certain: Our men and women in blue have Texans’ backs. Texas police officers are willing to risk their lives to keep us safe, and there is no greater sacrifice than that. This National Police Week, I urge you to honor your local law enforcement officials, thank them for their service to your community, and remember the sacrifices they make every day for your safety. To all law enforcement in Texas, thank you for your dedication to our great state.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-las-vegas-arts-district-cortez-masto-small-business-owners-shine-light-on-trump-tourism-slowdown/", "title": "In Las Vegas Arts District, Cortez Masto, Small Business Owners Shine Light on Trump Tourism Slowdown", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***VIDEO AVAILABLE***\n\nFTPs for TV stations is available here.\n\nLas Vegas, Nev. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Las Vegas small business owners put a spotlight on the tourism slowdown caused by President Donald Trump’s economic policies. Over the past year, the Trump Administration has placed blanket tariffs on our allies, increased costs and made it more complicated for foreign visitors to enter the U.S., and slashed the federal workforce and successful programs like BrandUSA. Earlier this week, the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) released an independent report which found that these actions have caused a nationwide tourism slump that has negative effects on American small businesses and our workers.\n\n“Over the past year, I have called attention to the fact that this Administration’s disastrous economic policies have harmed America’s travel and tourism industries,”said Senator Cortez Masto. “This week’s extensive Congressional report confirms what Nevadans know all too well – workers, small businesses, and local communities are hurting across every corner of the United States. As Nevada’s Senator, I will continue speaking out, demanding answers and accountability, and putting our hardworking families first.”\n\nThe Senator was joined at her roundtable by Josh Kellman, President of 18b Las Vegas Arts District; Brian Paco Alvarez, a Las Vegas Tour Guide and Vice President of 18b Las Vegas Arts District; Ira Kaganovsky Green of Freedom Deodorant; Megan Comfort of Studio 21 Tattoo; and Kristen Corral of Tacotarian. They shared that in their experiences, they’ve seen a decline in foot traffic to their businesses, including a noticeable decline in international visitors. Their observations are confirmed by the JEC report, which notes that the United States is the only country globally to have seen a decline in international visitation.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a fierce advocate for Nevada’s travel and tourism economy. She has repeatedly raised concerns and demanded the Trump Administration consider and reverse their policies and make constructive plans for strengthening the travel and tourism industry. Ahead of the July 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the Senator urged U.S. Trade Representative Greer to focus on actions that will strengthen the trade agreement while encouraging more collaboration on travel and tourism.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-announces-grand-forks-air-force-base-selected-for-advanced-counter-drone-defense-pilot-program", "title": "Cramer Announces Grand Forks Air Force Base Selected for Advanced Counter-Drone Defense Pilot Program", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click here to download audio.***\n\nBISMARCK, N.D. – Breaking News: U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota announced Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) has been named by the U.S. Department of War (DOW) as one of four sites nationwide for a new pilot program testing advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technologies designed to detect, disable, and destroy hostile drones. The program was authorized in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which Cramer helped craft as chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee.\n\nThe cutting-edge systems include high-powered microwave, laser, and similar technologies aimed at strengthening protections for critical military facilities and assets against growing unmanned aircraft threats.\n\n“After putting language in the National Defense Authorization Act to stand up four sites for employment of covered Counter-UAS systems, I am pleased, but I'm not even a little bit surprised, the Department of War has named Grand Forks Air Force Base as one of those four,” said Cramer. “I've been in regular discussions for the last couple of months with Brig. General Matt Ross, who heads up the Joint Interagency Task Force, stood up to work on this, as well as with Secretary Hegseth and General Caine. Late last week I closed the loop with General Wilsbach, the chief of staff of the Air Force, who realized that Grand Forks was a center of excellence for UAS offensive capabilities as well as having the potential to be a counter-UAS center of excellence. He and I talked about this a lot. It's great ACC recognized that and made Grand Forks Air Force Base the Point Defense Battle Lab for ACC—and for all of the Air Force—but now they have the Department of War and JIATF 401 recognizing the same thing. It’s very rewarding.\n\n“This isn't just about Grand Forks Air Force Base; it's about the entire ecosystem,” continued Cramer. “It's the capabilities at the University of North Dakota, it includes Camp Grafton, our wonderful Army National Guard facility that has not only technical capabilities, but good land, and a big range. The North Dakota National Guard is also proficient at UAS and countering-UAS. And of course, the Space Force Station up at Cavalier. The communities of Cavalier, Camp Grafton, Devil's Lake, and Grand Forks provide a perfect triangle. Along with the relationship that has been developed in our state with the Federal Aviation Administration, which is so critical to opening airspace for testing advanced systems like directed energy. It’s not everywhere you can do that sort of a high tech, kinetic testing. Grand Forks was the perfect place. Our Department of War, our military men and women, our assets on the ground and everywhere else, need to get more proficient at countering small UAS. And JIATF was stood up for that. Grand Forks is prepared for it.”\n\nThe announcement marks another major milestone for North Dakota’s growing role in national defense, unmanned aerial systems innovation, and next-generation military technology development.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-statement-on-the-detention-of-stephen-hubbard-2026-hostage-week", "title": "Crapo, Risch Statement on the Detention of Stephen Hubbard, 2026 Hostage Week", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the statement below commemorating 2026 Hostage Week and the urgent need to free Stephen Hubbard, a man with Idaho ties detained in Russia.\n\n“This Hostage Week, Americans across the country come together to send a unified message to those who are wrongfully detained around the world: we have not forgotten you and we never will.\n\n“In particular, we think this week of Stephen Hubbard, who is being detained without cause in a Russian prison. Stephen is 74, in declining health, and has a family who loves him back in Idaho. We will do everything in our power to ensure his release, including working alongside the Administration to punish Russia and other bad actors who take Americans hostage. Through penalties under the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, we will show these nations that Americans aren’t to be messed with abroad, used for hostage diplomacy, or any other evil cause. This practice must end.\n\n“We thank all hostage and wrongful detention advocates who took the time to visit Washington this week to advocate for their loved ones’ release. We stand with you. We look forward to shaking the hands of Mr. Hubbard and other wrongful detainees on that happy future day when they are released, but until then we will continue our work.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/07/readout-of-daines-congressional-delegation-trip-to-china/", "title": "Readout of Daines’ Congressional Delegation Trip to China", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) today conducted three official meetings in Beijing with Premier of China Li Qiang, Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji, and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.\n\nThe bipartisan delegation discussed the importance of direct and open communication between the leadership of the two countries as well as issues of international and local importance. Topics of discussion included cooperation to stop the flow of fentanyl precursors, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and supply chain security. The Senators discussed the importance of reciprocal trade and opening up China’s markets to sustained agriculture trade across beef, wheat, pulse crops, potatoes, apples, cherries, soybeans, grain sorghum, seafood, and other industries. The delegation also discussed the importance of China’s relationship with Boeing and the proposed aircraft purchase currently under consideration. The Senators expressed their hope for an impactful and successful summit between President Trump and President Xi next week.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-filing-amicus-brief-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care-and-fda-authority", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Filing Amicus Brief to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women's Health Care and FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[CHICAGO, IL] – This week U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined more than 250 House and all Senate Democrats 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. 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.\n\nThe lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote in their amicus brief.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nThe members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.\n\nThe lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-discusses-trump-administrations-cuts-to-snap-impact-on-chicago-families", "title": "Durbin Discusses Trump Administration’s Cuts To Snap, Impact On Chicago Families", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited Common Pantry to hear about the impact of Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act on SNAP benefits received by Chicago families.\n\nForty-two million Americans, including two million Illinoisans, receive SNAP benefits. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act cut SNAP by nearly $200 billion, the biggest cut in history. Starting this month, up to 150,000 Illinoisans could lose their benefits.\n\n“When prices at the grocery store are higher than ever and we are facing historic cuts to SNAP benefits, food insecurity can impact families regardless of income,” said Durbin. “Organizations like Common Pantry are a lifeline for the community, especially in the face of historic cuts from the Trump Administration. I am grateful for their continued service to Chicagoans.”\n\n\"Common Pantry is doing everything possible to help advocate, support and provide resources to our guests or the everyday people who have never needed a food pantry until now. We provide nutritious food, nutrition education and social services to help our neighbors in need and will continue our mission with determination, as demand increases because of the policy changes to SNAP now in full effect,” said Margaret O'Conor, Executive Director of Common Pantry.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-join-senate-democrats-in-filing-amicus-brief-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care-and-fda-authority", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth Join Senate Democrats In Filing Amicus Brief To Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHICAGO – This week, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined more than 250 House and all Senate Democrats 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. 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.\n\nThe lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous FDA approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. For a court to overturn this decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but it also undermines the longstanding, congressionally mandated, and evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.\n\n“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 members wrote in their amicus brief.\n\nThe 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 is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients far beyond the state’s borders.\n\n“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 members 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.”\n\nThe members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.\n\n“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 members concluded.\n\nIn the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators.\n\nIn the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives.\n\nThe lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/op-ed-become-a-republican-id-be-terrible/", "title": "Op-Ed: Become a Republican? I’d be terrible.", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Washington Post\n\nBy: John Fetterman\n\nMany might not know, but I won my first race by a single vote to be mayor of Braddock, a small steel town — one of the poorest in our commonwealth –– where 90 percent of the population left. It was a forgotten community.\n\nI wasn’t interested in playing political games. I wanted to help deliver change. It wasn’t about being a Democrat or Republican, but about making sure places like Braddock received the benefits, focus and investments they deserved for their contributions to this great country.\n\nAs a U.S. senator, I still believe in that principle. It doesn’t matter if my colleague is in my party or across the aisle. My focus remains on working together to find wins and deliver for my constituents. And though I was elected as a Democrat, I’m proud to serve all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats.\n\nIt has become increasingly lonely to serve in that way, but I firmly believe it’s what is needed.\n\nMy party cannot simply be the opposite of whatever President Donald Trump says. The president could come out for ice cream and lazy Sundays, and my party would suddenly hate them. Such pointless pile-ons and attacks are unproductive. The American people want us to work together to find solutions on issues they and our country face.\n\nIt wasn’t long ago when Democrats wanted a secure border. I voted on an immigration bill in 2024 to make sure an influx the size of Pittsburgh doesn’t come through the border like it did under the previous administration. I have co-sponsored legislation to stop the flow of fentanyl. I was the lead Democrat on the Laken Riley Act, and I strongly believe that someone who comes here illegally and commits a violent crime should be deported. Full stop.\n\nIt wasn’t long ago when Democrats believed shutting our government down was wrong and put American livelihoods at risk. I consistently voted to end back-to-back government shutdowns because our Transportation Security Administration agents, our homeland security, our airports and everyday Americans were hurting and should have never been held hostage. I took no pleasure in voting against my party. While the base targeted me for putting the country first, the demand to keep the lights on weighed more heavily than partisan games.\n\nIt wasn’t long ago when we believed it was crucial to support allies such as Israel against threats to their safety and peace. In the wake of the war in Gaza, Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah have ramped up their attempts to dismantle our ally. I remained committed to fully backing the elimination of these terrorists and their leaders. My party’s recent presidential candidates identified Iran as a significant global threat, one that shouldn’t be able to acquire a nuclear weapon. They emphasized a view I still hold: that the leading state sponsor of terror should be held to account. I appreciate that this administration acted on the threat Iran and its proxies pose.\n\nThese once-common views have become increasingly toxic in the Democratic Party, a result of catering to the fringe and agitated parts of our base. The party is fractured by their demands, heightened after the Gaza war and even more after Trump was elected in 2024. Numerous protesters have followed me around D.C. or shown up at my Braddock home to tell me I’m a traitor simply for voting my conscience, unapologetically standing with Israel and the global Jewish community, keeping our government open and our workers paid, securing our border — stances that were not unusual. My values have not changed, and I have always turned to those kinds of ideals that defined being a Democrat. I remain strongly pro-choice, pro-weed, pro-LGBT, pro-SNAP, pro-labor and even pro-rib-eye over bio slop.\n\nI refuse to cave on my conscience because Pennsylvania deserves someone who is honest and can work across the aisle.\n\nTransportation Secretary Sean Duffy and I worked together to unfreeze $1 billion in federal funding for transportation projects across Pennsylvania. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) and I have delivered hundreds of millions of federal dollars to our state for vital projects that improve the lives of our 13 million constituents, including $600 million to repair the Delaware River Bridge and to improve the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Sen. Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) and I introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy hot rotisserie chicken. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and I have worked together to protect the mental health of our kids with our Stop the Scroll Act. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) and I have taken Pennsylvania’s wildly successful Whole-Home Repairs program and introduced a bill to bring it to the national level to keep Americans in their homes.\n\nBeing an independent voice that works with the other side to deliver for Pennsylvanians might put me at odds with the party that I have stayed committed to and have no plans to leave –– but I will continue to put the commonwealth and the country first.\n\nPlus, I’d be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-pushes-for-passage-of-major-richard-star-act-at-vfw-post-720/", "title": "Gallego Pushes for Passage of Major Richard Star Act at VFW Post 720", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Also Visits Soldier’s Best Friend and Luke Air Force Base\n\nPHOENIX – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spent the day meeting with veterans, service members, and community leaders in the Phoenix area to discuss his ongoing efforts to expand mental health resources, strengthen military infrastructure, and pass the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act.\n\nSenator Gallego began the morning at Soldier’s Best Friend in Peoria, where he toured the facility and reviewed the organization’s “rescue-to-service” training process. The program pairs veterans living with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries with rescued service dogs, providing healing and rehabilitation.\n\nLater, the Senator visited Luke Air Force Base, the primary training center for the F-35A Lightning II. Senator Gallego recently secured $45 million in the NDAA for a new child development center at Luke AFB to support the 6,800 active-duty airmen and their families stationed there.\n\nSenator Gallego then hosted a community conversation at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 720 with VetsForward, Worker Power, and UNITE HERE Local 11 to advocate for the passage of the Major Richard Star Act. The bill, which the Senator has long supported, would provide combat-injured veteran retirees their full benefits.\n\nSenator Gallego spoke about his plans to force a vote to add the Major Richard Star Act to Republicans’ reconciliation budget bill that is currently moving through Congress.\n\n“Fact, we’re going to war and spending a lot of money there. We can find the billion dollars to take care of veterans. It’s bipartisan. It has huge support, and there’s no reason why it’s become political to the point where it’s getting stopped,” said Senator Gallego. “They’re not giving us a billion dollars for these veterans. We’re giving a billion dollars for the ballroom, something that was supposed to pay by private money. So it tells you what the priorities of this administration is.”\n\nSenator Ron Johnson (R-WI) blocked the advancement of the bill most recently in March. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week pledged support for the legislation, to which Senator Gallego said today, “Hopefully, he sticks to that. That would solve this problem right away.”\n\nSenator Gallego spoke about the current situation that more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees face.\n\n“You may end up making a decision: ‘do I take my retirement benefit or do I take my VA benefit?’ And that’s not the situation you want to put these men and women in, especially because a lot of them are going to be dealing with injuries that are going to be very expensive for them to deal with the rest of their lives,” he said.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-trumps-tariffs-being-struck-down-yet-again-in-federal-court/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Trump’s Tariffs Being Struck Down Yet Again In Federal Court", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, after the Court of International Trade ruled that President Trump’s global 10% tariffs were unlawful, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:\n\n“Once again, Donald Trump’s price-hiking tariffs have lost in court. It’s time for the president to abandon these illegal tax hikes that are squeezing American families, who are already struggling to pay for groceries, gas, and health care thanks to his destructive policies. The Trump administration must immediately refund the cost of these tariffs to the American people and focus on lowering the cost of living, not seeking new ways to raise it.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-op-ed-republicans-rural-health-transformation-fund-is-improving-access-to-care-in-iowa", "title": "ICYMI: Grassley Op-Ed: Republicans’ Rural Health Transformation Fund Is Improving Access to Care in Iowa", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Republicans’ Rural Health Transformation Fund Is Improving Access to Care in Iowa\n\nBy Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)\n\nMay 7, 2026\n\nThe Gazette\n\nI’m one of hundreds of thousands of rural Iowans who lives off a gravel road and am proud to call farm country home. Over one third of our state is considered rural. Yet too often, it’s difficult for rural Iowans to access the healthcare they need, close to where they live. Republicans are working to change that.\n\nRepublicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which President Trump signed on July 4 last year, not only put money back in people’s pockets to help them provide for their families, it delivered historic funding to expand access to care in rural communities and improve health outcomes.\n\nIt’s called the Rural Health Transformation Fund, and it’s the largest investment in rural health in U.S. history. Astoundingly, not a single Democrat in Congress voted to support this funding.\n\nHere in Iowa, the Rural Health Transformation Fund is already making a difference and keeping care closer to home.\n\nUnder Gov. Kim Reynolds’ leadership, Iowa was the first state in the nation to begin awarding its federal funding. As a result, Iowans in Marshalltown looking for heart and cancer care soon won’t have to travel to Waterloo or Des Moines for treatment. The Marshalltown Hospital is recruiting two new specialists in cardiology and oncology so area residents can get local treatment that’s close to their loved ones, who provide a valuable support network.\n\nIn Anamosa, Jones Regional Medical Center is buying a new surgical robot with this money, expanding options for cancer patients and bringing more surgeons to the region. In Onawa, Burgess Health Center is purchasing a new, advanced mammography system that will help detect breast cancer sooner and save Iowans’ lives.\n\nIn Chariton, I met with Iowans who told me they’ll have access to an MRI machine at the Lucas County Health Center for the first time. And, during my meeting at the Pella Regional Health Center, I learned they’re leveraging the Rural Health Transformation Fund to purchase a machine to improve local cancer care. Iowans near Mason City will have access to a new Robotic Bronchoscopy system that detects lung cancer sooner, giving Iowans more years with family and friends.\n\nThe good news doesn’t stop there.\n\nOver the next five years, Iowa will receive, at a minimum, $100 million annually from the fund. Our state already received over twice that much this year alone: $209 million.\n\nBecause of this federal investment, young mothers needing prenatal care will be able to access clinics and telemedicine in up to five different locations in rural Iowa from the Des Moines Center of Excellence in Maternal Fetal Medicine.\n\nA grandfather in Jasper County who’s fighting cancer can get advanced procedures and high-quality scans at the Newton Medical Center now that its decades old equipment is being replaced.\n\nIowans will also have access to more healthcare professionals, like family medicine physicians and nurses, because of this federal investment.\n\nAs a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, I’m constantly advocating for rural healthcare on behalf of Iowans. That’s why I helped lead the charge to get the Rural Health Transformation Fund passed into law, and I’ll be following it closely to ensure Iowa receives the support it deserves.\n\nI applaud Gov. Reynolds for her work to identify needs across our state that qualify for these federal grants, such as combating cancer, improving access to emergency care and recruiting top-tier healthcare professionals.\n\nDuring my 99 county meetings this year, I’ve heard story after story from healthcare professionals who are putting this money to work for their patients. More Iowa communities will benefit from the Rural Health Transformation Fund in the years ahead.\n\nChuck Grassley is the senior U.S. senator from Iowa.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/albuquerque-journal-heinrich-says-he-will-push-back-against-rising-cost-of-living", "title": "Albuquerque Journal: Heinrich says he will 'push back' against rising cost of living", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "As costs rise, the economic impact is forcing residents and business owners to adapt.\n\nU.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., hopes to share the stories of affected New Mexicans with lawmakers and the Trump administration in an effort to ease financial burdens and influence policy changes.\n\n“Being able to hear these stories helps me push back against policies that just don’t make sense,” Heinrich said Thursday during a cost-of-living roundtable at the Women's Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST) headquarters in Albuquerque.\n\nThe senator invited local business owners and residents to share issues affecting them in an unstable market.\n\n“It’s not a secret to anyone that rising costs are the issue holding back our economy and impacting New Mexicans across the board right now,” Heinrich said.\n\nEnchanting Soap Collections owner Chrystal Trykoski said the increase in raw material costs has forced her to shrink the size of her soap bars by half an ounce and to raise the price by $2. Trykoski said from the third quarter of 2023 to now, the cost of coconut oil — which she uses in her soaps — has increased over 126%.\n\nGiovanna Urbina, a film worker and member of IATSE Local 480, said she had to take on additional jobs to support herself and her child due to tariffs and rising costs, which have shifted film productions to foreign countries.\n\nShe said that she may lose her health insurance by the end of September if she does not secure a new film production job. At one point, Urbina said, there were between 10 and 15 film productions filming in the state. Now, there’s only one.\n\n“It’s a huge industry and we’ve seen it all but disappear in New Mexico,” she said.\n\nBriana Smith, manager with the South Valley Economic Development Center, said that an aggregation facility the economic development agency was planning to open this month has been pushed back to July due to a tariff that she described as a $47,000 ransom.\n\nSmith said some farmers are not growing crops this year because they don't know their profits after tariffs. She said shoppers can expect to see higher prices at local farmers markets, as the tariffs on fertilizer have caused crops to become more expensive.\n\nOne of New Mexico’s agricultural staples, chile, will also begin to feel the heat of the economy, Smith said.\n\n“It takes a lot of fertilizer and nutrients in the ground,” she said. “We’re not going to have the same crops that we had in years past and that is a given.”\n\nHeinrich said that while he’s seen the economy fluctuate many times during his three terms as senator, this time, the issues stem from decisions made by the Trump administration, including tariffs and the war with Iran.\n\n“I think what’s different right now is that so many of the increases in costs that are bearing down on average folks are a matter of policy,\" he said. “The administration right now is making policy choices that are showing up in our costs.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/icymi-hickenlooper-coloradans-call-out-cost-of-living-emergency-highlight-high-cost-of-gas-health-care/", "title": "ICYMI: Hickenlooper, Coloradans Call Out Cost of Living Emergency, Highlight High Cost of Gas, Health Care", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Hickenlooper: “I call it the cost-of-living emergency. It’s not a crisis anymore. It’s an emergency.”\n\nWhite House, congressional Republicans refuse to address the affordability emergency\n\nIn case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper held two events this week highlighting how President Trump’s policies are driving the cost-of-living emergency that’s hurting Colorado families and businesses.\n\nOn Monday, he met with truckers, construction and plumbing small businesses, labor unions, and rideshare drivers to discuss how the President’s tariffs, his reckless war in Iran, and the resulting spike in gas prices are squeezing workers and cutting into margins for transportation-dependent industries.\n\nOn Tuesday, Hickenlooper joined patients, physicians, and hospital social workers at Denver Health – Colorado’s largest safety-net hospital – to hear how $1 trillion in Republican-backed cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act are increasing premiums, driving coverage losses, and straining hospitals and clinics across the state. As the rising cost of health care continues to put lives at risk, Hickenlooper also published an op-ed with the Sanders Institute highlighting his bill to enforce comprehensive price transparency at every level of the health care system.\n\nCheck out what they’re saying:\n\nColorado Public Radio: Patients and providers share stories of health care despair as worries mount over coverage and costs High health care costs are putting more of a burden on ordinary Coloradans and hospitals alike, fraying the state’s safety net. That’s according to a group of patients and providers who gathered at Denver Health on Tuesday to tell their stories.\n\nThey met as U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper was spotlighting how more than $1 trillion in cuts by the Republican-led Congress last year are ratcheting up costs. The cuts include reductions in spending on Medicaid, the health plan for low-income Americans, and the Affordable Care Act.\n\nPatients told stories of grappling with higher premiums and losses in coverage. Denver Health physicians and other staff members said they expect to see more uninsured patients, which puts more pressure on critical services.\n\n…’Cost of Living Emergency’\n\n…After the event, Hickenlooper expressed frustration at Congressional Republicans for the deep cuts, which he and fellow Democrats voted against, while saying he hoped they’d work together to repair the damage.\n\n“I call it the cost-of-living emergency. It’s not a crisis anymore. It’s an emergency. You just heard it,” Hickenlooper said. “This is not a small number of people that are experiencing the despair and just anger and fear and depression. I mean, these emotional states, we throw the words around, but these people (talking at the event) are living it.”\n\nHe described the health challenges coming just as the economy is sputtering.\n\nThe Gazette: Hickenlooper hears stories on Medicaid, health costs at Denver Health U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper went to Denver Health on Tuesday to hear how rising health care costs and federal policy changes are affecting patients.\n\nHe got an earful.\n\nHospital staff shared stories about Medicaid patients who lost eligibility — and then a limb or their life.\n\n…Hickenlooper said he hopes the stories shared Tuesday will help persuade his Republican colleagues — he needs to sway at least a dozen — of the urgency of addressing Medicaid and rising health care costs.\n\nFollowing the hourlong event, Hickenlooper called the state of health care in the U.S. troubling, saying “there’s a lot on the line.”\n\n“This is what I call a cost-of-living emergency,” he said.\n\nColorado Sun: As Colorado gas prices near $4.50 per gallon, driving to work is like taking a pay cut\n\nBefore Feb. 28, Kareem Sawadogo paid about $40 to fill up his tank. Now, it’s over $65, said Sawadogo, a driver for both Lyft and Uber.\n\nAnd if he’s driving full time, which is 40 to 60 hours a week, he must fill up daily. Combine the higher cost of gas with the rising prices of auto insurance and car maintenance, and it seems cheaper to just park his car.\n\n“If you do the math, 30 times seven, that extra is a lot of money,” said Sawadogo, who’s taken on another job — organizing for the Colorado Independent Drivers United, which estimates there are 41,000 ridesharing drivers in the state. “I cannot afford to drive right now.”\n\n…It’s just more money shelled out by consumers and small businesses, said U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, who convened the roundtable to listen to the tales of how higher prices are impacting Coloradans.\n\n“Everybody’s got to get to work and all of a sudden, they just took a pay cut because of this war,” Hickenlooper said. “This is probably the worst time you could have picked to create a confrontation that has the effect of basically locking down the world’s energy production. And it’s the first time many of us have seen in our lifetime that it affects everybody.”\n\nThe Sanders Institute: Hickenlooper Op-Ed: Hidden Prices, Broken Promises: Why Health Care Transparency Is a Matter of Justice My belief that health care is a right, not a privilege, goes back to college. As a student at Wesleyan University, I met Mark Masselli and helped him found a community health center that became Community Health Center, Inc., one of the country’s leading federally qualified health centers. CHC Inc. was founded on a conviction that has never left me: no one should be denied care because of what they earn, where they live, or what they can afford to pay.\n\nThat conviction guided me as governor to expand health care to 500,000 Coloradans and continues to drive my work today in the Senate.\n\nApproximately 100 million Americans carry medical debt. Health care costs have grown two to three times faster than wages this century. Families making difficult choices between care and rent are not victims of bad luck. They’re victims of a system deliberately designed to obscure what care actually costs, hide what corporations and shareholders profit, and prevent patients from ever knowing what hit them until the bill arrives weeks later.\n\nThis is not dysfunction, but a strategy to juice profits with the costs falling hardest on working people. That is why we introduced the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act. This bill attacks that cynical strategy at its source.\n\nWATCH: Senator Hickenlooper Talks High Gas Prices with Rideshare Driver\n\nLISTEN: Colorado Public Radio on Hickenlooper’s Denver Health Event\n\nWATCH: CBS Denver: Denver Affordability Event\n\nWATCH: ABC Denver: Denver Affordability Event\n\nWATCH: FOX Denver: Denver Affordability Event\n\nWATCH: CW Denver, CO: Denver Affordability Event\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-grand-forks-air-force-base-selected-for-deployment-testing-assessment-of-counter-uas-tech", "title": "Hoeven: Grand Forks Air Force Base Selected for Deployment, Testing & Assessment of Counter-UAS Tech", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected the Grand Forks Air Force Base as one of four sites for the deployment, testing and operational assessment of counter-drone systems, including high-powered microwave, laser or similar technologies. This announcement builds upon Hoeven’s ongoing efforts as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to make counter-drone a cornerstone of U.S. defense strategy, leveraging North Dakota’s expertise in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to help protect against the misuse of unmanned aircraft. Hoeven stressed that the following priorities were key in securing Grand Forks’ selection for the pilot program:\n\nProject ULTRA.\n\nHoeven established and funded Project ULTRA, which is working to quickly develop cost-effective measures to detect and neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft.\n\nPoint Defense Battle Lab.\n\nHoeven worked with Air Force leadership to advance Grand Forks’ selection for the battle lab, which will test and validate advanced technologies to defend installations from small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) threats.\n\nT-REX event at Camp Grafton.\n\nT-REX will provide companies with promising counter-UAS technology the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and allow DoW to determine if it should procure their systems.\n\nHoeven secured Camp Grafton as the location for the T-REX event, having made the case for this initiative to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.\n\nRecruiting Companies like AeroVironment to the region’s high-tech ecosystem.\n\nLast year, AeroVironment acquired BlueHalo, a company that Hoeven worked to partner with the Sky Range program and Grand Forks Air Force Base, having secured a total of nearly $16 million for those efforts.\n\nThe company has since been expanding their presence in the state, including bringing its directed energy system to North Dakota, which laid the foundation for the kinds of operations and technology being assessed by the new DoW pilot program.\n\n“The Grand Forks Air Force Base is the natural choice for this new DoW-FAA pilot program, which will test high-powered, directed energy technologies for counter-UAS. We’ve been laying the groundwork for this kind of initiative through efforts like Project ULTRA, the Point Defense Battle Lab and the upcoming T-REX event at Camp Grafton. In fact, AeroVironment, a company we recruited to work with Project ULTRA, has already deployed its directed energy technology in North Dakota for this same purpose, giving our state a head start,” said Hoeven. “We appreciate the DoW for continuing to work with us on establishing new partnerships and opportunities for counter-UAS work in the state.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-passed-17th-piece-of-legislation-advancing-first-in-the-nation-flood-protection-project-using-federal-savings-to-reduce-local-costs", "title": "Hoeven Passed 17th Piece of Legislation Advancing First-in-the-Nation Flood Protection Project, Using Federal Savings to Reduce Local Costs", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today marked the signing of the new Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) between the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The new PPA is required to implement Hoeven’s legislation directing the Corps to apply federal savings toward reducing the local cost share for flood protection in the Red River Valley, the 17th piece of legislation passed by the senator to advance the project. As a result, $100 million has been distributed to the local project sponsor and additional funding will be distributed as the project closes out. Hoeven stressed the importance of the public-private partnership (P3) model in making these savings a reality:\n\nThe Red River Valley flood protection was the first major Army Corps project in the nation to utilize the P3 model, which kept the project on-time and under budget.\n\nUnder the standard Army Corps approach, the federal government would have been responsible for constructing the entire project, a method that has frequently caused delays and cost overruns for projects around the country.\n\nInstead, the P3 model allowed the Corps and local sponsor to construct various aspects of the project concurrently, significantly improving the project timeline.\n\nFurther, Hoeven secured the full $750 million federal cost share up front in 2022, which enabled the Army Corps to complete its share of the work ahead of schedule and at a cost far lower than $750 million.\n\nAccordingly, Hoeven passed legislation to accelerate the transfer of the remaining balance to the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Authority to be used for ongoing construction of the local portion of the project.\n\nBy receiving this $100 million now, the local sponsor will be able to complete its work at a much lower cost to taxpayers.\n\n“With today’s new Project Partnership Agreement signed, we are nearly across the finish line on delivering comprehensive flood protection for the entire Fargo-Moorhead region. More than that, we are delivering savings to local taxpayers, as the new PPA implements my legislation, the 17th piece of legislation we passed for this project, to transfer excess federal funding to the FM Diversion Authority, starting with today’s $100 million payment,” said Hoeven. “This project has been a colossal task, spread across multiple federal agencies, states and localities, and I appreciate all of our partners for working to move this first-in-the-nation P3 project toward completion. By divvying up the work between the Corps and the local sponsor, we kept this project on-time and under budget, a truly remarkable accomplishment when you look at the challenges faced by similar projects around the country.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-leads-effort-to-expand-broadband-access-in-rural-ohio/", "title": "Husted leads effort to expand broadband access in rural Ohio", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“It is hard to believe that in 2026, far too many Ohioans still lack access to reliable internet, impacting how people learn, work or complete training programs.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) in introducing the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act. This bill would increase access to broadband for rural communities across Appalachia.\n\nRep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) introduced the companion bill to the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act in the House of Representatives. The bill passed the House on March 24, 2026, by unanimous voice vote.\n\n“It is hard to believe that in 2026, far too many Ohioans still lack access to reliable internet, impacting how people learn, work or complete training programs. As Lt.Governor, I worked to form and lead the BroadbandOhio Office, which has made significant progress in bringing more people online. Working alongside our state and local partners, as well as the private sector, will help get the job done. I applaudRep. Taylor’s leadership on this issue in the House, and I look forward to getting this done for Ohio in the Senate,” said Husted.\n\n“Access to broadband internet is critical for accessing health care, paying your bills,and staying connected to friends, family, and the world. I am so proud to be partnering with Senator Husted to introduce the Expanding Appalachia’s BroadbandAccess Act to ensure Marylanders in the most rural parts of our state can get and stay connected,” said Alsobrooks.\n\n“Southern Ohio has long been a broadband desert, with our rural communities being left behind in an ever-changing and advancing economy. This bill will create an opportunity to demonstrate that embracing innovative technologies like satellite broadband could lead to massive opportunities for growth in southern Ohio. The Appalachian Regional Commission currently provides vital funding and services to Ohioans, and the inclusion of expanded broadband technologies in their programs would be life changing. It is past time to connect our communities to the modern economy after being held back for decades,” said Taylor.\n\nMore than 300,000 households in Ohio—representing nearly 1 million Ohioans—still lack access to broadband service. Limited connectivity makes it harder for students to complete online homework and for adults to access job opportunities, training programs and telehealth services.\n\nThis bill would direct a study to be conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office on the capabilities of satellites to be used by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)for economic development. This study will measure the capabilities of satellites for ruralbusiness services and assess whether or not it can meet business’ needs.\n\nIf this study shows that satellites are an effective method of increasing rural broadband, this bill would allow rural businesses and communities to obtain broadband funding through ARC.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/how-1-billion-could-help-virginians-instead-of-funding-trumps-ballroom", "title": "How $1 Billion Could Help Virginians Instead of Funding Trump’s Ballroom", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the news that Senate Republicans will try to use $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to pay for Donald Trump’s ballroom project, the offices of U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following report outlining how that funding could be used to help Virginians instead.\n\n“It’s absurd that Senate Republicans are asking for $1 billion dollars to fund Trump’s ballroom after making historic cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, and refusing to extend healthcare tax credits,” said the senators. “To make matters worse, Trump’s war of choice is causing costs on groceries, gas, and consumer goods to soar. While Americans are struggling to make ends meet, Trump and Senate Republicans are focused on using tax dollars to build a ballroom.”\n\nBelow are estimates of what $1 billion could fund in Virginia instead of Trump’s ballroom:\n\nHealth Care:\n\n$1 billion could pay for Medicaid coverage for a full year for over 25% of the Virginians who lost it due to Trump and Washington Republicans’ cuts in their 2025 budget megabill.\n\n365,719 fewer Virginians were enrolled in Medicaid as of January 2026 when compared to 2023.\n\n$10,219 is the average annual spending on Medicaid per enrollee in Virginia.\n\n$1 billion could have extended the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credit for most of the year for nearly two-thirds of the Virginians who relied on it last year.\n\nIn 2025, 326,268 Virginians relied on these tax credits to help them afford health insurance and saved an average of $405 a month per enrollee.\n\nFood:\n\n$1 billion could restore SNAP benefits fornearly five years for every Virginian who was kicked off this food assistance program due to Trump and Washington Republicans’ cuts in their 2025 budget megabill.\n\n100,913 Virginians were kicked off the program between July 2025 and January 2026.\n\nAverage yearly SNAP benefit per person is $2,127.\n\n$1 billion could fund Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) benefits for all Virginians in the program for over 15 years.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 98,711 Virginians rely on WIC.\n\nWIC provided an average of $652.8 per participant per year.\n\n$1 billion could cover groceries for 118,119 Virginia families for a full year.\n\nAccording to recent data, the average Virginia household spends an average of $8,466 on groceries per year.\n\nHousing:\n\n$1 billion could cover the average yearly rent for 46,399 Virginia households.\n\nThe average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Virginia is $1,796.\n\n$1 billion could pay for a year of average electricity costs for half a million Virginia households.\n\nVirginia households spend approximately $1,900 on average a year for electricity.\n\n$1 billion could pay for the construction or preservation of about 2,000 affordable homes across Virginia.\n\nBuilding or preserving an affordable home typically costs a little over $500,000.\n\nChild Care:\n\n$1 billion could pay for child care for 59,537 infants.\n\nThe average annual cost of infant child care in Virginia is $16,796.\n\nOther:\n\n$1 billion could cover 12,500,000 America the Beautiful passes for Americans to visit National Parks across the country, including Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.\n\nAmerica the Beautiful passes for U.S. citizens and residents cost $80.\n\n$1 billion could fund a year of transportation costs for 74,732 households in Virginia.\n\nOn average, Virginian households spend $13,381 a year on transportation costs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-kelly-delivers-statement-after-appeals-court-hearing/", "title": "WATCH: Kelly Delivers Statement After Appeals Court Hearing", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“This President is trying to silence us. I can’t think of anything more un-American.”\n\nToday, following oral arguments on Kelly v. Hegseth at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly delivered a statement alongside his wife, Gabby Giffords, and fellow military veterans.\n\n“This President is trying to silence us. Ican’tthink of anything more un-American. Just like these folks behind me, I signed up to serve our country and protect our freedoms, including the freedom of speech. Most of us joined it to be part of something larger than ourselves. To serve and protect the country we love.[…]\n\n“Retired veterans have always been an important part of our democracy.Andthat’sexactly whyI’mnot backing down.After twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, I have given too much to this country to be silenced by an administration that doesnotwant to be held accountable. So today, thiswas a day in court not just for me, but for the First Amendment rights of millions of us.\n\n“Given what’s at stake, I appreciate the judges’ quick and careful consideration in this case. We have the Constitution and the law on our side, and I’ve never been more confident as I am today, standing here with my wife Gabby, my daughter Claire, the guy I flew most of my combat missions with, and these brave men and women who’ve served our country.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-and-welch-urge-dhs-secretary-mullin-to-improve-fema-protect-agency-from-staffing-cuts-and-deliver-meaningful-reform/", "title": "Senators Kim and Welch Urge DHS Secretary Mullin to Improve FEMA, Protect Agency from Staffing Cuts, and Deliver Meaningful Reform", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.”\n\nWASHINGTON, 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.\n\nSenators 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.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators specifically:\n\nHighlighted 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.”\n\nContinued 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.”\n\nUnderscored 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.”\n\nDemanded 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.”\n\nRead Senator Kim and Welch’s full letter to DHS Secretary Mullin.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/amid-trumps-affordability-crisis-lujan-pushes-solutions-on-housing-affordability-and-early-childhood-action/", "title": "Amid Trump’s Affordability Crisis, Luján Pushes Solutions on Housing Affordability and Early Childhood Action", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Luján Continues Spotlighting Rising Costs Across New Mexico and Efforts to Fight Back Against Trump’s Cost-Raising Policies\n\nSanta 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nSenator 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-markey-schumer-cantwell-demand-fcc-stop-first-amendment-attacks-on-disney-abc/", "title": "Luján, Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, Demand FCC Stop First Amendment Attacks on Disney, ABC", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators call for FCC’s order for early license renewals to Disney be rescinded\n\nWashington, 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.\n\nIn 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.”\n\nThe Senators request answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:\n\nWhat internal legal review, including by the Office of General Counsel, was conducted before the order was issued?\n\nDid you consider, but reject, any less aggressive enforcement steps prior to issuing the order?\n\nThe 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?\n\nWhat is the status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations?\n\nWhat is the FCC’s justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations?\n\nBetween 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?\n\nWhat 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?\n\nSenators 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.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-schumer-cantwell-lujan-demand-fcc-stop-first-amendment-attacks-on-disney-abc", "title": "Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, Luján Demand FCC Stop First Amendment Attacks on Disney, ABC", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Call for FCC’s order for early license renewals to Disney be rescinded\n\nLetter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (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.\n\nIn 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.”\n\nThe Senators request answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:\n\nWhat internal legal review, including by the Office of General Counsel, was conducted before the order was issued?\n\nDid you consider, but reject, any less aggressive enforcement steps prior to issuing the order?\n\nThe 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?\n\nWhat is the status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations?\n\nWhat is the FCC’s justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations?\n\nBetween 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?\n\nWhat 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?\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-visits-six-counties-in-southeast-kansas/", "title": "Senator Marshall Visits Six Counties in Southeast Kansas", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nHighlights from the visit include:\n\nFort Scott Community College – Bourbon County\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator 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.\n\nLeaders highlighted the restart of CDL training, expansion of credential programs, and partnerships with local school districts to strengthen career and technical education.\n\nFreeman Health System – Bourbon County\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator 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.\n\nThroughout 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.\n\nPittsburg 150thBirthday Celebration – Crawford County\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator 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.\n\nLocal 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.\n\nGrown at Eden – Labette County\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nIn 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nMonarch Cement – Allen County\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nNext, 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nChanute High School – Neosho County\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nAt 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.\n\nSchool 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.\n\nCobalt Boats – Wilson County\n\nClick here for more photos.\n\nSenator 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.\n\nThe company employs approximately 650 workers across Kansas and Tennessee and continues to invest in advanced production techniques and workforce training.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/bonamici-merkley-mannion-underwood-alsobrooks-launch-effort-to-overturn-student-loan-rule/", "title": "Bonamici, Merkley, Mannion, Underwood, Alsobrooks Launch Effort to Overturn Student Loan Rule", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\nMillions 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\nAdditional statements of support can be found here.\n\nIn 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).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-leads-oregon-democrats-to-fight-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care-and-fda-authority/", "title": "Wyden leads Oregon Democrats to Fight To Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nOregon 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe full text of the amicus brief is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/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/", "title": "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", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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\n\nJust 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\n\nCivil legal aid also has a dramatic return on investment; every dollar spent on legal aid generates an average of seven dollars in economic benefits.\n\nICYMI: Murray Secures $540 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC)\n\n***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nSeattle, 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.\n\nSenator 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.\n\n“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.”\n\nIn 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.\n\nJust 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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nNJP 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.\n\nServices 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-shekarchi-stepping-down-as-speaker-and-new-assembly-leadership", "title": "Reed Statement on Shekarchi Stepping Down as Speaker & New Assembly Leadership", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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:\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reeds-bipartisan-teach-improvement-act-would-increase-pay-for-aspiring-educators", "title": "Reed’s Bipartisan TEACH Improvement Act Would Increase Pay for Aspiring Educators", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nSince 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe 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).\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nBackground:\n\nOver 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nIf 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.\n\nThe TEACH Improvement Act would improve the TEACH Grant Program by:\n\n• Increasing the total lifetime cap of the loans by $2,000 to:\n\n$18,000 for undergraduates/post-baccalaureate ($4,000 annually in the first two years, and $5,000 annually in the last two years).\n\n$10,000 for graduate level ($5,000 annually).\n\n• Strengthening accountability measures for institutions by establishing performance thresholds tied to loan conversion rates:\n\nIf 50% of grants are converted to loans, institutions lose eligibility to offer TEACH Grants for a 3-year period.\n\nIf 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.\n\nThe legislation also provides a pathway for institutions to regain eligibility based on performance improvements.\n\n• Enacting improved protections for grant recipients:\n\nIf a recipients’ service obligations are partially unmet, the bill allows for pro-rated loan conversion, rather than full conversion.\n\nIt also creates a formal reconsideration process for wrongful or erroneous loan conversions.\n\n• Allowing flexibility while maintaining clear service requirements:\n\nThe legislation expands and clarifies eligible high need subject areas, including in STEM, special education and bilingual education.\n\nIt 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.\n\n• Requiring strong oversight and reporting through regular reports to Congress:", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/07/rosen-releases-statement-on-troubling-findings-in-adl-antisemitism-report-emphasizes-need-to-combat-rise-of-antisemitism/", "title": "Rosen Releases Statement on Troubling Findings in ADL Antisemitism Report, Emphasizes Need to Combat Rise of Antisemitism", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\nSenator 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/07/senator-rosen-holds-discussion-with-small-business-owners-in-historic-westside-of-las-vegas-about-impacts-of-trumps-policies/", "title": "Senator Rosen Holds Discussion with Small Business Owners in Historic Westside of Las Vegas About Impacts of Trump’s Policies", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.”\n\nSenator 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-following-request-from-schatz-education-secretary-agrees-to-avoid-cuts-to-native-hawaiian-education-program-keep-millions-in-federal-funding-flowing-for-hawaii-kids", "title": "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", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\nThe 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-visits-site-of-future-hlau-of-iwi-art-on-maui", "title": "Schatz Visits Site Of Future Hālau Of ‘Ōiwi Art On Maui", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\n“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.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-outlines-farm-bill-priorities-for-california/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Outlines Farm Bill Priorities for California", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nAs 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.\n\n“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.\n\nSenator Schiff’s priorities for the next Farm Bill can be viewed here and below:\n\nStrengthen 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.\n\nProtect 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.\n\nMake 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.\n\nIncrease 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.\n\nInvest 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.\n\nProtect 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nBackground:\n\nDuring 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:\n\nVisiting farms across the entirety of California, learning about the Golden State’s countless agricultural industries, including strawberries, almonds, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens.\n\nAdvocating for USDA programs and proposals to reflect the vitality of California agriculture and of specialty crops in their organizational structure and disaster relief policies.\n\nSuccessfully fending off efforts to close several key USDA offices open in California.\n\nPushing 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.\n\nIntroducing 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.\n\nPressing 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.\n\nCosponsoring legislation requiring USDA to release illegally withheld funding for its contracts and agreements.\n\nIntroducing 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.\n\nIntroducing legislation that would help rural communities prepare and recover from emergencies that threaten the availability of safe drinking water.\n\nCosponsoring 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.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-tours-catalina-island-conservancy-highlights-continued-efforts-to-preserve-and-sustain-californias-natural-ecosystems/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours Catalina Island Conservancy, Highlights Continued Efforts to Preserve and Sustain California’s Natural Ecosystems", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nSchiff 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.\n\nBackground:\n\nAs 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.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/05/07/slotkin-honors-students-nominated-for-u-s-service-academies/", "title": "Slotkin Honors Students Nominated for U.S. Service Academies", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Slotkin, Moreno Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles and Protect American Auto Industry and National Security\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) rolled out...\n\nSlotkin, Fetterman Reintroduce Legislation to Support Urban and Innovative Farming Across Michigan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and John Fetterman (D-PA) reintroduced the Supporting Urban...\n\nAhead of Armed Services Hearing, A Review of Hegseth’s Answers to Slotkin on Illegal Orders and Use of the Military Against Americans\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), member of the Senate Armed Services...\n\nSlotkin, Moreno Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles to Protect National and Economic Security\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced the Connected...\n\nPeters, Slotkin, Walberg, and Huizenga Call on Small Business Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration to Assist Communities Impacted by Southwest Michigan Tornadoes\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental...\n\nICYMI: In Detroit’s Road & Track Magazine Slotkin Raises Alarm Over Trump Administration’s Soft Stance on the Chinese Auto Industry\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Detroit's Road & Track Magazine recently highlighted U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin’s...\n\nSlotkin Statement on Vote to Block Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin released the following statement after voting...\n\nSlotkin Statement on President Trump’s Threat of U.S. Military Escalation against Iran\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released...\n\nSlotkin, Schumer, Baldwin Demand Trump Take Action Against Chinese Automakers, American Workers and National Security at Risk\n\nThis action comes after President Trump encouraged Chinese companies to expand manufacturing and selling in the...\n\nSlotkin, Peters, Walberg and Huizenga Call on President Trump to Deliver Aid to Michigan Communities Impacted by Deadly Tornadoes\n\nWASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI), along...", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/05/07/what-they-are-saying-slotkin-moreno-bill-to-ban-chinese-vehicles-and-protect-american-auto-industry-and-national-security/", "title": "WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Slotkin, Moreno Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles and Protect American Auto Industry and National Security", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nBy 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nWatch Slotkin and Moreno talk about their bill on Bloomberg Balance of Power\n\nWHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CONNECTED VEHICLE SECURITY ACT OF 2026:\n\nNBC: Senators introduce bipartisan bill banning Chinese vehicles and auto parts\n\nSens. 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.\n\nDetroit News: Slotkin, Moreno buck Trump with bipartisan Chinese car ban proposal\n\nDemocratic 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.\n\nWJR: Sen. Slotkin Co-Introduces Ban on Chinese Vehicles in U.S.\n\nSens. 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.\n\nUAW 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.”\n\nGeneral 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.”\n\nFord 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.”\n\nStellanis: “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.”\n\nMichAuto: “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.”\n\nJohn 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.”\n\nKevin 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.”\n\nAmerican 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.”\n\nRachel 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.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-secure-24-million-for-maryland-health-care-education-and-workforce-training-projects", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Secure $24 Million for Maryland Health Care, Education, and Workforce Training Projects", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Angela Alsobrooks, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (both D-Md) secured $24,176,000 in direct federal funding for 46 projects throughout Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of a 5-bill government funding package passed by Congress and signed into law in February. These investments in local projects – submitted and secured by the Senators – support access to health care, education, and workforce training opportunities across Maryland.\n\n“Federal dollars can make a big impact when we invest them directly in projects that support our communities’ needs. These funds will equip our partners across the state to expand opportunities for Marylanders – supporting a wide range of priorities from early childhood and special education to job training for careers in high-demand fields. Within this bill we also fought back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on critical Maryland-based federal agencies like the Social Security Administration and National Institutes of Health – protecting our patriotic civil servants who work there and these agencies’ vital missions of ensuring Americans’ retirement security and safeguarding public health. We worked hard to secure the investments in this legislation to better reflect the needs of Marylanders and communities across the country,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n“From STEM labs to youth theatre programs, when we invest in our people – our economy grows, our communities become safer, and we all benefit. Senator Van Hollen and I secured over $24 million to invest in education, youth programs, health care access, affordable child care, technology training, mental health care, and more,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe Senators worked to secure these funds and provisions prior to their passage, but ultimately voted against the larger package they were included within – stemming from concerns over insufficient safeguards to protect federal workers against the Trump’s attacks and to prevent the Administration from misusing Congressionally approved taxpayer dollars, among other factors.\n\nHighlights for Maryland in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill\n\nCongressionally Directed Spending\n\nProject Name: Advancing the Quantum Workforce\n\nApplicant: Prince George's Community College\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to develop the Maryland Regional Technology Hub with a quantum-based certification-to-degree program that aligns with industry standards and prepares residents for careers in a growing field.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,826,000\n\nProject Name: Anne Arundel County Food Bank Refrigerated Vehicle\n\nApplicant: Anne Arundel County Food Bank, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to purchase a refrigerated vehicle to support the Food Bank’s weekly food donation pickups, ensuring the safe delivery of fresh items to the warehouse for distribution to low-income residents.\n\nProject Location: Anne Arundel County\n\nAmount Included: $133,000\n\nProject Name: Aviation Maintenance Technology – A Career Pathway to Economic Mobility\n\nApplicant: College of Southern Maryland\n\nProject Description: Funds will used to outfit a new Aviation Maintenance Technology laboratory and support regional workforce development in aviation, preparing students to secure employment in this in-demand and understaffed industry.\n\nProject Location: Charles County\n\nAmount Included: $997,000\n\nProject Name: BACH Adult Apprenticeship Program\n\nApplicant: Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare\n\nProject Description: Funds will support adult “earn while you learn” apprenticeships in health care fields and provide supportive services and professional development as participants begin their careers. The program will help Marylanders obtain new skills while addressing staffing needs in health care.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $579,000\n\nProject Name: Ballet After Dark Comprehensive Fellowship for Girls & Youth\n\nApplicant: Ballet After Dark Inc\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support a health and peer education curriculum for girls and young women impacted by violence and trauma, including through curriculum training, mentorship, leadership development, and community outreach.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $1,071,000\n\nProject Name: Baltimore College Persistence Program\n\nApplicant: Jeremiah Program\n\nProject Description: Funds will provide support and mentorship for single mothers pursuing a college degree while raising young children—including coaching, afterschool and summer programming for children, and access to technology.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $139,000\n\nProject Name: Bellevue Passage STEAM Labs\n\nApplicant: Mid -Shore Community Foundation - Bellevue Passage Museum\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to develop labs to increase access to high-quality, year-round STEAM education with hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to diverse careers.\n\nProject Location: Talbot County\n\nAmount Included: $129,000\n\nProject Name: BMORE Theatre Youth Program: Summer 2026\n\nApplicant: BMORE Community Theatre\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to establish a summer theater program for students aged 8-15, providing full-day classes from certified educators and student interns to boost literacy, creativity, and teamwork.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore County\n\nAmount Included: $250,000\n\nProject Name: Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center Statewide Initiative\n\nApplicant: Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to set up STEM Centers to provide year-round, hands-on STEM education to youth and trainings to teachers throughout Maryland.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Cecil College CDL Simulator\n\nApplicant: Cecil College\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to purchase a commercial truck driving simulator for the truck driver training program, which will provide a realistic, risk-free environment to hone commercial driving skills and navigate weather and traffic conditions while training for an in-demand career.\n\nProject Location: Cecil County\n\nAmount Included: $109,000\n\nProject Name: Commissioning More Military Officers through Building Bridges\n\nApplicant: 2nd LT RICHARD W COLLINS III FOUNDATION\n\nProject Description: Funds will support the commissioning of more military officers by establishing teambuilding, networking, and educational programming for ROTC cadets.\n\nProject Location: Anne Arundel County\n\nAmount Included: $50,000\n\nProject Name: DC Regional Early Learning Center\n\nApplicant: DC Regional Early Learning Center\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to integrate state-of-the-art technology resources into classrooms to equip teachers with specialized training to maximize learning opportunities for students.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $305,000\n\nProject Name: Hon’s Honey Workforce Development\n\nApplicant: Drink at the Well, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to employ and train women at-risk of poverty, trauma, addiction and PTSD and will provide wraparound services, including childcare, case management, and counseling to ensure their successful recovery.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $175,000\n\nProject Name: Early Childhood Pre-K Enrollment System\n\nApplicant: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for a centralized Pre-K enrollment system for families with three and four-year-old children, reducing the administrative burden for LEAs and early care and education providers.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $500,000\n\nProject Name: Eastern Shore Maryland Mobile STEM Workforce Development Program\n\nApplicant: Learning Undefeated, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will support deployment of Learning Undefeated’s Mobile STEM Workforce Development program to high schools and community colleges on the Eastern Shore and in Harford and Carroll Counties, preparing students for STEM careers.\n\nProject Location: Caroline County (all shore)\n\nAmount Included: $675,000\n\nProject Name: Empowering Abilities: Training People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as Direct Support Professionals\n\nApplicant: The Arc Montgomery County, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support a workforce training initiative for people with disabilities. The Empowering Abilities Program creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities to be trained in the role of a Direct Support Professional.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $150,000\n\nProject Name: Empowering Partners: Building Advocacy Capacity for Advocates with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Across Maryland\n\nApplicant: The Arc of Maryland\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for peer to peer support, training, and information to people with IDD, to empower them to effectively advocate for their rights, independence and safe access to their communities.\n\nProject Location: Howard County\n\nAmount Included: $200,000\n\nProject Name: Engaging Baltimore City Students in Conservation\n\nApplicant: The National Aquarium\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to connect students to learning and stewardship opportunities that promote conservation and expand students’ understanding of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $172,000\n\nProject Name: Exeter Street Baltimore East Side Expansion\n\nApplicant: Tuerk House, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to renovate a 44,000 sq. ft. warehouse into a behavioral healthcare site. The project expands treatment capacity adds a 30-bed crisis stabilization center, and offers substance use, mental health, dental care, and workforce development services.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $500,000\n\nProject Name: Expanded Economic Empowerment for Newcomers\n\nApplicant: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service DBA Global Refuge\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand this economic empowerment program in Maryland offering career counseling, support services, and workforce integration for refugees and immigrants. The funds will help them obtain skills and credentials that will benefit the local workforce.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $300,000\n\nProject Name: Expanding Access to Mental Health and Victim Support Services\n\nApplicant: For All Seasons, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand access to comprehensive behavioral and mental health care and victim support services, particularly for low-income, rural, and underserved Maryland communities.\n\nProject Location: Talbot County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Expanding Community Anchored STEM Hub Programming\n\nApplicant: Launching Educational Assistance Program Forward Inc. LEAP Forward Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand hands-on STEM learning experiences to prepare students in Southern Maryland for high-demand STEM careers.\n\nProject Location: Calvert County\n\nAmount Included: $241,000\n\nProject Name: Expanding Equitable Arts Access for Youth and Seniors in Prince George’s County\n\nApplicant: The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to support the expansion of youth and senior arts education and enrichment programs across Prince George’s County.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $150,000\n\nProject Name: Expanding Hunger Relief Program throughout Maryland\n\nApplicant: So What Else, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand So What Else’s Hunger Relief Program to address food insecurity and meet the growing needs of families in Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick Counties, as well as Baltimore City.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $750,000\n\nProject Name: Family Connects Maryland\n\nApplicant: The Family Tree\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to provide post-delivery home visits and wraparound services to new mothers and their babies in order to support their health, minimize complications, and reduce hospital readmissions.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $373,000\n\nProject Name: Goodwill Excel Center in Prince George’s County\n\nApplicant: Goodwill of Greater Washington\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to open an adult high school in Prince George’s County for low-income adult learners to earn a high school diploma.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Increasing Community Health, Food Access, and Nutrition Education\n\nApplicant: Brighter Bites DC\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to combat food and nutrition insecurity for elementary school-aged students in Prince George’s County by providing food distribution and nutrition education classes for students and families.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $266,000\n\nProject Name: Job Readiness Training for Adults with Autism and Wellness Program Expansion\n\nApplicant: Madison House Autism Foundation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to scale job training for adults with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities and expand wellness programs for this under-resourced community by partnering with other organizations to serve these vulnerable populations.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $650,000\n\nProject Name: Lifeline-LETS Program Mental Health and Wellness Support Services\n\nApplicant: Lifeline Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be uses to support equine-assisted services to help prevent suicide and treat substance abuse in veterans experience PTSD.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $95,000\n\nProject Name: Living Classrooms Mobile Ascend Through Music Program\n\nApplicant: Living Classrooms Foundation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand the successful Ascend Through Music program with a new mobile music lab bus and equipment, student laptops, instruments, and instructors that will make it more accessible for Baltimore City students.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $810,000\n\nProject Name: Maryland Water and Wastewater Training Program Partnership\n\nApplicant: College of Southern Maryland\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to create an employment pipeline into the drinking water and wastewater utility sector through training, outreach, recruitment, and hands-on experience inside treatment plants across Maryland, addressing the projected future workforce needs in the industry.\n\nProject Location: Charles County\n\nAmount Included: $732,000\n\nProject Name: Melwood Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program\n\nApplicant: Melwood Community Services, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will expand Melwood’s Youth Enrichment Services (YES)—an after-school enrichment program that uses hands-on learning to inspire kids from low-income households to envision their future—to an additional elementary school in Prince George’s County, MD.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's CountyAmoun\n\nt Included: $235,000\n\nProject Name: New Ambulance for Smithsburg EMS Station 79\n\nApplicant: Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services, Inc\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to purchase a new ambulance for Smithsburg EMS to ensure efficient emergency response across 70 square miles of rural Western Maryland, including the Appalachian Trail.\n\nProject Location: Washington County\n\nAmount Included: $250,000\n\nProject Name: NPower Maryland Statewide Expansion\n\nApplicant: NPower Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for workforce development initiatives focused on IT training and community help desk expansion.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $750,000\n\nProject Name: Out of School Time to Support Student Learning\n\nApplicant: Joe's Movement Emporium\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used for an after-school and in-school program to enhance academic success emphasizing literacy, communication, and attendance through arts-based learning at William Beanes Elementary School.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $610,000\n\nProject Name: Outdoor Learning to Improve Secondary Education\n\nApplicant: Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School\n\nProject Description: Funds will increase access to outdoor education programs, aligned with classroom instruction, that improve teamwork skills and mental health for Baltimore City students.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $250,000\n\nProject Name: Piscataway Environmental Education Program\n\nApplicant: Accokeek Foundation, Inc\n\nProject Description: Funds will support development and implementation of a environmental education curriculum that integrates Piscataway Indigenous knowledge, providing teacher training, classroom support, and field trips for Prince George’s and Charles County students.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $425,000\n\nProject Name: Prince George’s County Pediatric Mobile Medical Unit\n\nApplicant: Children's National Medical Center\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand the Children's National Mobile Medical Program to provide comprehensive primary care services for children and adolescents in Prince George’s County.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $600,000\n\nProject Name: Rural Healthcare Technology for Workforce Development\n\nApplicant: Chesapeake College\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to upgrade equipment for Chesapeake College's Health Professions program so students can receive practical, hands-on training that will make them competitive for in-demand jobs that address regional rural health needs.\n\nProject Location: Queen Anne's County\n\nAmount Included: $721,000\n\nProject Name: Seismic Quake Lab\n\nApplicant: SciTech2U Inc\n\nProject Description: Funds will provide Maryland’s first-ever quake lab offering activities in seismology and geology to kindergarten through 12th grade students. The funds are needed to purchase material, hire program support staff, provide student activities, and increase program capacity.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $214,000\n\nProject Name: SquashWise Center: A Youth and Community Center\n\nApplicant: Baltimore SquashWise\n\nProject Description: The SquashWise Center will provide high-quality and safe recreation and youth development programs for Baltimore City residents.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $200,000\n\nProject Name: The Children’s Inn Community Kitchen\n\nApplicant: Children's Inn at NIH, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will support the construction of a community kitchen, pantry, and dining area in a new residential wing for young patients with rare diseases participating in clinical research studies.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $620,000\n\nProject Name: The Training Source Youth/Start Workforce Development Training Program\n\nApplicant: The Training Source, Inc.\n\nProject Description: Funds will support professional training for low- and moderate-income youth ages 18–24 leading to customer service certification, job placement, and retention support. The funding will be used in part for stipends for participants.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $289,000\n\nProject Name: UPMC Western Maryland Health Access\n\nApplicant: UPMC Western Maryland Corporation\n\nProject Description: Funds will support UPMC Western Maryland Schwab Family Cancer Center's comprehensive radiation therapy services, and expand treatment services to include intra-cranial radiation for patients.\n\nProject Location: Allegany County\n\nAmount Included: $2,750,000\n\nProject Name: Wor-Wic Community College Culinary Laboratory Upgrade\n\nApplicant: Wor-Wic Community College\n\nProject Description: Wor-Wic Community College offers an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary program to prepare individuals for careers in the food services sector. Funds will be used to upgrade Wor-Wic’s culinary arts laboratory to ensure that graduates are adequately prepared for the workforce.\n\nProject Location: Wicomico County\n\nAmount Included: $223,000\n\nProject Name: Youth Media Creative Pre-Apprenticeship Pilot\n\nApplicant: Wide Angle Youth Media\n\nProject Description: Wide Angle Youth Media will expand its training opportunities for older youth, with the pilot of a pre-apprenticeship program. The program will fill a current gap in its workforce pathway programs and increase youth employability as they gain hands-on work experience and technical skills.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $712,000\n\nAdditional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill include:\n\nSocial Security Administration (SSA), headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland\n\nThe bill includes $15 billion for SSA’s administrative expenses—an increase of $554 million over fiscal year 2025. This is $50 million more than President Trump’s budget request and will help address staffing challenges and improve service to the public. The Trump administration has singlehandedly and unnecessarily created chaos at SSA that has weakened Americans’ ability to get the benefits they are owed. The American public and the beneficiaries SSA serves—seniors, people with disabilities, and those who have recently lost a loved one— have paid the price, with unacceptable wait times to access the benefits and services they deserve, and that they have literally earned through a lifetime of work. SSA should focus on improving service after the harmful cuts and chaotic policies the Trump administration has put in place, and the resources in this bill will help them do that.\n\nDepartment of Health and Human Services\n\nThe bill provides $116.8 billion, an increase of $210 million in discretionary funding for the Department of Health and Human Services over fiscal year 2025 and $33 billion more than President Trump’s budget request.\n\nThe bill rejects the Trump administration’s harmful efforts to defund and dismantle critical work that HHS oversees—protecting critical funding and providing targeted increases for key programs across HHS. From child care and Head Start, to substance use and mental health, to lifesaving research into cures and treatments for devastating diseases—the bill delivers essential funding to help Americans thrive. It also reasserts Congress’ power over key spending decisions, preventing Secretary Kennedy from unilaterally cutting and defunding programs, and it includes new measures to help ensure funding is spent as intended to protect programs that touch the lives of every American. This includes specifying funding levels in law for hundreds of programs the Trump administration has eliminated or repeatedly threatened and new measures to help ensure adequate staffing to carry out programs in a timely and effective manner and to ensure funds go out the door in a timely way.\n\nThe bill includes none of House Republicans’ extreme policy riders, which would have restricted access to reproductive health care, banned gun violence research, and promoted discrimination, among much else.\n\nBiomedical Research: The bill provides $48.7 billion in discretionary funding for the Bethesda, Maryland-based National Institutes of Health (NIH)—an increase of $415 million over fiscal year 2025 to propel life-saving and life-changing cures and treatments across NIH’s 27 institutes and centers and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).\n\nThe bill rejects the catastrophic 40% cut to NIH proposed by President Trump, and instead of slashing funding for biomedical research, includes funding increases over fiscal year 2025 for research into cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease, among other conditions that touch the lives of millions of Americans. The bill also includes $30 million for continued implementation of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act, supporting biorepositories for childhood cancer patients and increasing opportunities for childhood cancer research.\n\nThe bill rejects the Trump administration’s proposal—and illegal efforts—to cap indirect cost rates at 15%, which would devastate biomedical research, and it continues a longstanding provision that prohibits NIH from implementing such a cap. The bill also rejects the Trump administration’s misguided elimination of programs across NIH by maintaining level funding for HIV vaccine research, training programs that support the next generation of researchers, and the Safe to Sleep campaign, among others.\n\nThe bill includes a new provision that prevents implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s misguided policy for NIH to fund significantly more multiyear research grants in one lump sum. This poorly thought-out policy would significantly cut the number of research grants NIH awards — just as it did in fiscal year 2025 when it resulted in 2,000 fewer research grants being funded. More needs to be done to protect NIH research, but the provision included in this bill is an important step in preventing the Trump administration from decimating the biomedical research enterprise Congress has built in a bipartisan manner over decades, which has long been the envy of the world and drives medical innovation that has saved millions of lives. The bill also includes a new authority for NIH to address loopholes in sexual harassment reporting and strengthen accountability by requiring institutions to complete investigations into concerns about harassment, bullying, retaliation, or hostile working conditions, even if the alleged perpetrator leaves their current position and is no longer employed by the institution.\n\nHelping Families Afford Energy Bills: The bill includes $4.045 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a $20 million increase over fiscal year 2025, to help low-income households with home heating and cooling costs.\n\nFor Child Care and Early Learning Programs, the bill includes:\n\n$8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), an $85 million increase over fiscal year 2025\n\n$12.4 billion for Head Start, an $85 million increase.\n\nMuch more needs to be done to address our broken child care system and ensure every working family can find and afford child care, which is critical for businesses and our economy too. But sustained annual increases in these programs are critical in the meantime. The bill also sustains funding for Preschool Development Grants, which President Trump pushed to defund and House Republicans’ bill eliminated.\n\nAddressing Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health: The bill provides $7.4 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an increase of $65 million over fiscal year 2025—delivering increased funding to address the rising toll of opioid overdoses fueled by fentanyl, maintain access to substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and improve access to mental health services.\n\nIn addition to rejecting President Trump’s proposed $1 billion cut (-15%) to SAMHSA programs, the bill maintains SAMHSA as its own, independent agency to help ensure substance use and mental health remain a priority at HHS. The bill also includes new guardrails to ensure SAMHSA funds are allocated as intended. The bill includes:\n\n$991 million, a $5 million increase over fiscal year 2025, for the Mental Health Block Grant\n\n$2.0 billion, a $5 million increase, for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant\n\n$1.6 billion for State Opioid Response grants, a $20 million increase\n\n$145 million for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program.\n\nIt protects and strengthens key investments in mental health programs by increasing funding for Project AWARE, the Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Program, the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, and the National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network. The bill also provides $535 million, a $15 million increase over fiscal year 2025, for the 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to provide additional support for the program as reliance on 988 increases since it was launched.\n\nAdditionally, the bill delivers a floor of $164 million in investments within the Department of Education to address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals and services in our nation’s K-12 schools.\n\nEssential Health Care Programs: The bill protects investments in health care access and affordability, and the health care workforce—maintaining investments in core programs, including $1.86 billion for Community Health Centers and $130 million for the National Health Service Corps. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is fully funded—rejecting President Trump’s 36% proposed cut—and the bill affirms support for the mission and scientific integrity of the task force, rejecting President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s efforts to sideline its work to ensure that Americans have affordable access to critical services. The bill also includes a $53.3 million increase in rural health programs to boost recruitment of health care providers to practice in rural areas and support rural hospitals.\n\nPublic Health: The bill includes $9.1 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rejecting the roughly $4 billion—or 50%—cut to CDC programs proposed by the Trump administration, as well as the $1.7 billion overall cut included in House Republicans’ bill. The bill also requires HHS to support staffing levels to carry out the CDC’s programs.\n\nThe bill helps support state and local health departments by sustaining critical programs across the CDC, including funding for chronic diseases, the Office of Smoking and Health, injury prevention programs (including firearm injury and mortality research), global health programs, and immunization and infectious disease prevention programs. It provides increases in critical programs including for emerging infectious diseases, food safety, chronic diseases, data modernization, and bolsters state health departments through an increase in Public Health Infrastructure and Capacity grants.\n\nHIV/AIDS: The bill includes level funding of $613 million for the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, which provides high-need jurisdictions with prevention and treatment services for people at high risk for HIV transmission. This includes $220 million within three CDC Domestic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Research programs to develop and deploy innovative data management solutions, increase access to PrEP, and better detect and respond to HIV clusters, and it includes $128.9 million for the CDC’s global HIV/AIDS program. The bill also provides level funding for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, including dental services and training for health care practitioners, two initiatives that President Trump sought to eliminate in his budget proposal. The bill rejects House Republicans’ proposal to cut HIV/AIDS programs by over $1.5 billion and President Trump’s proposal for cuts of over $900 million.\n\nWomen’s Health: The bill protects funding for reproductive health programs, including Title X and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, which President Trump and House Republicans proposed eliminating. The bill also increases investments in maternal health across HRSA, CDC, and NIH with a nearly $60 million increase for programs that aim to address maternal mental health, prevent pregnancy-related deaths, support best practices to improve maternal health outcomes, and invest in women’s health research.\n\nFor the first time, the bill provides funding for a new menopause initiative, the Menopause Research to Action Network, to translate research into clinical practice for women. The bill also provides funding to states to collect data and report on access to medical forensic exams for survivors of sexual assault. Importantly, the bill increases funding for the Maternal Mental Health Hotline and maternal health safety initiatives, and it protects funding for Healthy Start, which works with moms and babies to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. President Trump proposed cuts of over $600 million in maternal and child health funding in his budget request and proposed defunding the Healthy Start program altogether.\n\nPandemic Preparedness and Biodefense: The bill includes $3.69 billion for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). It includes a $35 million increase over fiscal year 2025 for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA); a $25 million increase for Project Bioshield; and a $20 million increase for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). It sustains funding for Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain (IBMSC) activities to help ensure that critical resources in the public health supply chain—including raw materials, medical countermeasures, and ancillary supplies—are manufactured in the United States. It also includes $2 million to support a new program to improve emergency medical services and trauma care during a public health emergency.\n\nAdministration for Community Living (ACL): The bill includes $2.5 billion, an increase of $17 million over fiscal year 2025, for ACL, and it rebuffs President Trump’s proposal to collapse ACL into other agencies within HHS. ACL plays an instrumental role in supporting older adults and Americans with disabilities so they can live and participate fully in their communities. The bill includes $1.1 billion for ACL’s senior nutrition programs, and it provides targeted increases for family caregiver programs and home and community-based supportive services.\n\nDepartment of Education\n\nDepartment of Education: The bill provides $79.0 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education, an increase of $217 million over fiscal year 2025 and $12 billion more than President Trump’s budget request.\n\nThe bill rejects the Trump administration’s proposals to drastically reduce Department of Education funding and instead continues support for states, school districts, and institutions of higher education. It continues to appropriate funding to the Department of Education for the range of programs it is specifically authorized to carry out by a variety of longstanding, bipartisan authorization statutes that unambiguously place these responsibilities with the Department of Education. This includes funding for K-12 formula and competitive grant programs, career and technical education (CTE) and adult education programs, federal student aid, postsecondary competitive grants, civil rights enforcement and program administration, and oversight necessary to help states implement federal laws intended to improve educational outcomes for students and protect all students from discrimination. As the Trump administration continues to illegally offload the Department of Education’s responsibilities—creating new inefficiencies, costs, and risks to funding for states and schools and threatening educational outcomes—the agreement states that no authority exists for the Department of Education to transfer its fundamental responsibilities to other agencies. The bill also includes a new requirement for the Department to maintain the staff necessary to fulfill its statutory responsibilities, including carrying out programs and activities funded in this bill in a timely manner.\n\nIt also includes new measures to ensure the Department of Education makes formula grants available to states and districts on time, preventing funding from being withheld and creating chaos for students, teachers, and families.\n\nElementary and Secondary Education: The bill strengthens investments in foundational formula grant programs for elementary and secondary education and in public schools, teachers, and students—rejecting the $4.5 billion cut and proposed consolidations in President Trump’s budget request for a new $2 billion block grant program.\n\nThe bill boosts funding for Title I-A grants by $20 million above the fiscal year 2025 level to $18.4 billion. It rejects House Republicans’ proposal to rescind and cut a combined $4.7 billion from Title I-A. More than 80% of the nation’s school districts receive these funds, and nearly 25 million students go to schools receiving Title I funding.\n\nThe bill also provides $15.19 billion, an increase of $20 million over fiscal year 2025, for all three IDEA Special Education State grant programs and retains each as a separate program. IDEA state grant programs support more than seven million students and children with disabilities and their families who receive IDEA services through these programs. The bill also continues all IDEA national programs, rejecting the proposal to consolidate those funds within IDEA state grant programs.\n\nSenator Van Hollen continues to champion full funding for these programs through the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act and the IDEA Full Funding Act.\n\nThe bill maintains level funding of $150 million for the Full-Service Community Schools program and preserves it and other essential K-12 grants as separate programs.\n\nThe bill also continues current investments across a range of other important formula and competitive grant programs authorized to improve teaching and learning in elementary and secondary schools, rejecting President Trump’s proposed elimination of $1.5 billion in total funding for nine important programs.\n\nCareer and Technical Education (CTE): The bill provides $1.45 billion for CTE grants and $729 million for adult education grants and appropriates such funding to the Department of Education to carry out these programs, rejecting President Trump’s call to eliminate federal support for adult education. The bill also includes new measures requiring both CTE and adult education formula grants to be awarded in a timely way to prevent any administration from withholding these critical funds, which occurred this past summer.\n\nHigher Education: The agreement provides a total maximum Pell Grant award of $7,395 for the 2026-2027 award year, protecting the existing Pell Grant and rejecting President Trump’s proposal to slash the Pell Grant by over $1000. This coming school year, Pell Grants are expected to help over 7 million students at all stages of life pursue postsecondary education and further their careers.\n\nThe bill also sustains funding for the administration of student aid programs. This funding supports a wide range of activities, including: implementing the FAFSA; disbursing student aid; ensuring services are available to student loan borrowers; implementing more affordable repayment plans; and fixing longstanding issues in student loan forgiveness programs. Finally, the bill maintains provisions from the Senate bill to help Congress conduct oversight over the new higher education provisions contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\nThe bill includes additional investments for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions:\n\nStrengthening HBCUs: $406 million, a $5 million increase\n\nStrengthening HBCU Masters Program: $20 million\n\nStrengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions: $103 million, a $2 million increase\n\nStrengthening Predominantly Black Institutions: $23 million, a $1 million increase\n\nDeveloping Hispanic-Serving Institutions: $231 million\n\nPromoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans: $28 million\n\nThe bill also reasserts Congress’ power over key higher education spending decisions, preventing Secretary McMahon from having the authority to unilaterally cut and defund programs as she did in fiscal year 2025 under Republicans’ yearlong continuing resolution.\n\nTo recruit, develop, and retain an effective teacher and school leader workforce, the bill also includes $70 million for the Teacher Quality Partnership program, $15 million for the Hawkins Centers of Excellence to help educator preparation programs address educator shortages, and $90 million required to be used for the Supporting Effective Educator Development program. President Trump proposed defunding each of these programs.\n\nThe bill includes $1.191 billion for TRIO, level with fiscal year 2025; $388 million for GEAR UP, level with fiscal year 2025; $75 million for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS), level with fiscal year 2025; and $80 million for International Education programs. President Trump proposed defunding each of these programs.\n\nProtecting Students from Discrimination: The bill rejects President Trump’s proposed cut of $49 million, or one-third of the total budget, for the Office for Civil Rights, and instead maintains its current budget of $140 million and requires the Department to support the staffing levels necessary for OCR to fulfill its statutory responsibilities. The Department of Education recently recalled more than 200 staff after reducing half the staff at OCR early last year and allowing its backlog of work to grow, denying students and families timely remediation of illegal discrimination.\n\nAdvancing Education Research, Statistics, and Assessments: The bill rejects the massive reduction of $532 million or 67% proposed in President Trump’s budget request for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and instead provides $790 million, a reduction of $3 million, for IES. The Trump administration’s significant workforce reductions and program delays at IES this year have caused it to fail to meet statutory requirements. The bill requires the Department to support staffing levels necessary for IES and the National Center for Education Statistics to fulfill their statutory responsibilities.\n\nDepartment of Labor\n\nDepartment of Labor: The bill provides $13.7 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Labor, an increase of $65 million over fiscal year 2025 and $4 billion more than the budget request.\n\nThe bill rejects the harmful cuts proposed by President Trump, including his proposal to block grant our nation’s workforce training programs. The bill also includes a new requirement for the Department to maintain the staff necessary to carry out its statutory responsibilities, including carrying out programs and activities funded in this bill in a timely manner.\n\nWorkforce Development: The bill includes $2.9 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) formula grants, protecting essential investments made in recent years. It provides $285 million for Registered Apprenticeships and $105 million for YouthBuild. The agreement also rejects President Trump’s call to eliminate Job Corps and instead provides $1.76 billion and blocks the elimination of Job Corps Centers unless such closures meet statutory and regulatory requirements. Rejecting President Trump’s proposed cuts and continuing funding for these key workforce development programs will help grow the economy, provide workers with the skills they need to secure good-paying jobs of the future, and help American businesses compete globally.\n\nWorker Protection: The bill rejects drastic reductions proposed in President Trump’s request and adopted in House Republicans’ bill and sustains key investments in DOL’s worker protection agencies charged with enforcing requirements for employers to pay workers what they earn and provide safe and healthy workplaces.\n\nThe bill also provides current funding of $116 million for the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, $46 million more than President Trump’s budget request and a rejection of House Republicans’ proposal to outright defund the Bureau. These funds are used to support and enforce labor provisions of free trade agreements and trade preference programs and combat international child labor and forced labor. Finally, the bill rejects the proposed elimination of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Women’s Bureau. Instead, the bill provides $100 million for OFCCP and current funding of $23 million for the bureau.\n\nOther Related Agencies\n\nAmeriCorps: The agreement rejects President Trump push to eliminate AmeriCorps and instead sustains funding for all of AmeriCorps’ grant programs by providing a total of $1.25 billion to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to administer these programs. The bill also includes new provisions requiring any administration to award AmeriCorps state formula funding in a timely way and to ensure CNCS will award competitive grants in a timely fashion, as well. The bill also rejects attempts to rename AmeriCorps. This investment will continue support for AmeriCorps members serving in communities across the country and working to address pressing challenges, including responding to natural disasters, assisting in schools, supporting our veterans, promoting economic opportunity, and conserving and protecting the environment.\n\nInstitute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): The bill rejects President Trump’s budget proposal to eliminate and defund IMLS and instead provides $292 million, a small reduction of $3 million relative to fiscal year 2025, to maintain critical investments in America’s libraries and museums. The bill also includes new measures to help ensure IMLS allocates funding as required by the bill.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-joins-markey-schumer-cantwell-lujan-in-demanding-fcc-stop-first-amendment-attacks-on-disney-abc", "title": "Van Hollen Joins Markey, Schumer, Cantwell, Luján in Demanding FCC Stop First Amendment Attacks on Disney, ABC", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senators Edward 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.) 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.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also signed the letter.\n\nIn 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.”\n\nThe Senators request answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:\n\nWhat internal legal review, including by the Office of General Counsel, was conducted before the order was issued?\n\nDid you consider, but reject, any less aggressive enforcement steps prior to issuing the order?\n\nThe 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?\n\nWhat is the status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations?\n\nWhat is the FCC’s justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations?\n\nBetween 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?\n\nWhat 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?\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Chairman Carr,\n\nThe Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) order, sent at your directive, to The Walt Disney Company to file early license renewals for its eight ABC broadcast stations — coming just one day after President Donald Trump publicly demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel — is an extraordinary abuse of power. This order is the latest and most extreme step in your use of the FCC’s licensing authority as a cudgel against broadcasters whose editorial choices displease the President. You have effectively converted the FCC’s authority over the public airwaves into an instrument of presidential retribution against constitutionally protected speech. The FCC must immediately rescind this order and explain its conduct.\n\nThe FCC order, sent under your leadership, appears to be a blatant effort to punish Disney for its editorial decision-making, notably its refusal to fire Kimmel over a recent joke. On Monday last week, both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded that Disney fire Kimmel over his joke — speech clearly protected under the First Amendment. One day later, you directed the FCC to send the early-renewal order to Disney — reportedly surprising FCC career staff. Although the three-paragraph order did not mention Kimmel’s joke or Trump’s comments, the timing speaks volumes. This action appears to penalize Disney for refusing to capitulate to Trump’s demands to fire Kimmel and to send a message to other broadcasters: Modify your speech to favor Trump or face the FCC’s wrath. Moreover, with the exception of a different order on Monday of last week — possibly timed to give you cover for the Disney order that would come the next day — the FCC appears not to have used its authority to call in licenses for early renewal in over half a century, and it has never invoked that authority to target constitutionally protected speech or satisfy a president’s personal vendetta against a company. The Disney early-renewal order is thus an unprecedented and unconstitutional abuse of the Commission’s powers.\n\nThe Trump administration’s sustained, public campaign against Disney also lays bare the pretextual and politically motivated nature of this order. Over the past 18 months, President Trump and you have repeatedly threatened Disney, ABC, and its stations for engaging in constitutionally protected speech. In January 2025, just a few days after you became FCC chairman, the FCC reinstated a frivolous complaint against ABC based on its moderation of a 2024 presidential debate. Over the following months, President Trump repeatedly called on the FCC to revoke licenses from broadcasters because of their news coverage, including licenses of ABC stations. And then in September 2025, you told a podcast host — following a different joke from Kimmel that angered Trump and his allies — that Disney and ABC could “do this the easy way or the hard way,” and said that “there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead” unless ABC affiliates “find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel[.]” This mafia boss threat provoked a bipartisan backlash but your message was clear: the FCC, with you as chairman, was ready to serve as Trump’s speech police.\n\nThe 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.\n\nYou should direct the FCC to immediately rescind the order calling in Disney’s ABC station licenses for early renewal. To help the public understand your basis for this action, please respond in writing to the following questions by May 21, 2026:\n\n1. Please describe the timing and process by which you determined that the Commission should issue the early-renewal order.\n\na. When did you first direct Commission staff to begin drafting the Disney order, and on what date was the final text approved for release?\n\nb. What internal legal review, including by the Office of General Counsel, was conducted before the order was issued?\n\nc. Did you consider, but reject, any less aggressive enforcement steps prior to issuing the order? If so, please identify them.\n\nd. 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?\n\n2. Please provide a status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations.\n\na. When was Disney’s last response to each of these inquiries, and how many pages of documents has Disney produced as part of these investigations?\n\nb. Has Disney been unresponsive to these investigations?\n\nc. Please describe the justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations.\n\n3. 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? If so, please describe each communication, including the participants and substance.\n\n4. Please identify each prior instance 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.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-warnock-votes-no-on-trumps-fed-chair-nominee-in-banking-committee/", "title": "ICYMI: Warnock Votes “NO” on Trump’s Fed Chair Nominee in Banking Committee", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Warnock cited his deep concerns about the future of the Federal Reserve’s independence under Trump nominee Kevin Warsh\n\nWatch the video of the Senator’s remarks HERE\n\nWashington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) voted “NO” on the nomination for Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh in the Banking Committee, citing his grave concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve, which directly impacts inflation and the health of the U.S. economy.\n\n“I oppose Mr. Walsh’s nomination today, and it comes at a critical time in our nation… We are not dealing with business as usual. These are not normal times… In fact, the president attempted to fire Governor Cook in the past year, and the President has repeatedly mused about firing Chair Powell because he won’t bend to his interest rate demands, doing so as recently as two weeks ago, and Mr. Warsh says he won’t answer hypothetical questions. These are the sorts of answers that matter when looking at the future of the Fed and whether the body remains an independent steward of the American economy, which matters to millions of families all across this country, even as they’re trying to make their lives work in this tough Trump economy,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.\n\n“America’s markets are the envy of the world. Investors flock to the United States in large part because they trust that the Federal Reserve Board is free from political influence and political pressure. And working families in Georgia and across the country struggling in this Trump economy deserve to know that the Fed is on their side, maximizing their chances to keep a good-paying job and keeping their lives affordable, not on the side of the President’s poll numbers or his political concerns as we approach the midterms. Fed Independence is not theoretical. It matters to the everyday lives of working families, and for that reason, I vote no,” continued Senator Reverend Warnock.\n\nKevin Warsh’s response to Senator Warnock’s Questions for the Record (QFRs) referenced in the statement below can be found here.\n\nFind the full transcript of the Senator’s remarks below and video HERE.\n\n“I oppose Mr. Walsh’s nomination today, and it comes at a critical time in our nation. I respectfully disagree with the chair that the economy is improving. This is Trump’s economy, and I don’t think the folks back at home in Georgia, a year and a half into Mr. Trump’s administration, believe that this is somebody else’s economy other than Donald Trump. Which is why today’s nomination is critically important. It is a nomination that has been tainted by the real and persistent threats that President Trump has made to members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. The independence of the Fed is foundational to our system.\n\nMr. Walsh is correct that presidents and political leaders have previously called on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. But this is not just about interest rates. President Trump’s actions, including vicious attacks on current Chair Jerome Powell, as well as his illegal attempt to fire Governor Lisa Cook should give all of us pause and deep concern. And yes, the President continues to threaten to illegally fire Chair Powell. This is not normal, and any effort to characterize it as such is blatantly false.\n\nWe are not dealing with business as usual. These are not normal times. During last week’s hearing, we were limited to just five minutes of questioning, and the Chair encouraged me and others to submit additional written questions for the record, which I did with an open mind to this nomination and with the hope that Mr. Warsh would use this opportunity to provide us and the American people with more clarity into how he views the Fed’s dual mandate, Fed Independence and the state of the American economy, particularly when it comes to maximizing employment and making sure folks can afford to provide for their families.\n\nThe written answers I and others on this committee got back were so woefully insufficient that I was left wondering if Mr. Walsh even read our questions. Did he take this process seriously?\n\nI want to read just one example. I asked. “if President Trump, or any future president, attempts to unlawfully fire you without cause, would you leave? Would you leave the Federal Reserve?” His response. “I will not answer hypothetical questions of this nature.”\n\nThat was his answer. Well, this isn’t a hypothetical question. In fact, the president attempted to fire Governor Cook in the past year, and the President has repeatedly mused about firing Chair Powell because he won’t bend to his interest rate demands, doing so as recently as two weeks ago, and Mr. Warsh says he won’t answer hypothetical questions.\n\nThese are the sorts of answers that matter when looking at the future of the Fed and whether the body remains an independent steward of the American economy, which matters to millions of families all across this country, even as they’re trying to make their lives work in this tough Trump economy.\n\nAmerica’s markets are the envy of the world. Investors flock to the United States in large part because they trust that the Federal Reserve Board is free from political influence and political pressure. And working families in Georgia and across the country struggling in this Trump economy deserve to know that the Fed is on their side, maximizing their chances to keep a good-paying job and keeping their lives affordable, not on the side of the President’s poll numbers or his political concerns as we approach the midterms.\n\nFed Independence is not theoretical. It matters to the everyday lives of working families, and for that reason, I vote no.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-balint-host-roundtable-on-election-integrity-with-vermont-secretary-of-state-copeland-hanzas-and-vermont-town-clerks/", "title": "Welch, Balint Host Roundtable on Election Integrity with Vermont Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas and Vermont Town Clerks", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SHELBURNE, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committees, alongside U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today hosted a roundtable discussion at the Shelburne Town Offices with Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Town Clerks to defend the integrity of free and fair elections in Vermont.\n\n“The SAVE America Act is a scam—it’s a bill in search of a problem. Representative Balint and I know it, and so do Vermont’s leaders, town clerks, and voters. In Vermont, our town clerks are on the front lines of protecting our democracy, and their hard work is essential to continuing our state’s proud history of high voter participation and secure elections. This bill would jeopardize that legacy by endangering the rights of thousands of eligible Vermonters to exercise their right to vote,” said Senator Welch. “President Trump and Republicans’ push for this bill—which would disenfranchise millions of voters right before the 2026 midterm elections—is no accident. We’re doing everything in our power to kill this bill, keep the integrity of Vermont’s elections strong, and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right to have a say in our democracy.”\n\n“Our town clerks are the backbone of our democracy,” said Rep. Balint. “At a time when there’s widespread misinformation about elections, it’s especially important for Vermonters to hear directly from the people who administer our elections. They are dedicated public servants who do their work with care, transparency, and integrity. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from our state and local officials today about the safeguards already in place and the challenges they’re addressing. I know Vermonters want us all to keep working together to keep our elections free, fair, and secure.”\n\nTown Clerks from Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Winooski, Brattleboro, Morrisville, and Shelburne attended to discuss the voting process and share the many steps taken to ensure fair, secure elections in Vermont. Diana Vachon, Shelburne Town Clerk, is the President of the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and Treasurers’ Association (VMCTA).\n\nView photos from the event below:\n\nThe Vermont Congressional Delegation opposes to President Trump’s executive orders on voting and Republicans’ Save America Act, which threaten to block millions of U.S. citizens from voting—disproportionately impacting women, people of color, seniors, and rural voters—and make it harder to register and vote by disrupting online registration and eliminating universal mail-in voting.\n\nSenator Welch has denounced President Trump and Republicans’ efforts to disenfranchise voters with the SAVE America Act from the floor of the U.S. Senate. In February, Senator Welch joined Senate Rules Committee Democrats for a public forum underscoring how President Trump’s unconstitutional threats to “take over” federal elections and Republicans’ SAVE America Act endanger the voting rights of millions of Americans and jeopardize the integrity of U.S. elections.\n\nSenator Welch is a long-time supporter of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been eroded in recent years by federal court rulings.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-kim-urge-dhs-secretary-mullin-to-improve-fema-protect-agency-from-staffing-cuts-and-deliver-meaningful-reform/", "title": "Welch, Kim Urge DHS Secretary Mullin to Improve FEMA, Protect Agency from Staffing Cuts, and Deliver Meaningful Reform", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators: “As the agency turns a new page, under your leadership, we write to outline several priorities that we hope to advance together.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — In a letter sent this week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, alongside U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee, which oversees FEMA, 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.\n\nSenators Welch and Kim 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.\n\nThe Senators highlighted how delays in approving disaster aid requests were a persistent issue under former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: “Delays in approving disaster aid requests were a persistent issue under your predecessor. 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. As of September 2025, former Secretary Noem’s policy had delayed approval of or left approval pending for 1,034 contract, grant, or disaster assistance awards. In Vermont alone, there are 108 pending home buyouts attributable to catastrophic flooding in 2023 and 2024 that represent over $35 million in aid. Delays in aid stall communities’ progress toward recovery after disasters… 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.”\n\nThe Senators 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. . . . We urge you to swiftly fulfill your commitment to ensure an experienced emergency manager is nominated to run FEMA. 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. In January 2026, in the face of a major winter storm, the Agency scrambled to pause the termination of roughly 200 disaster workers. While we are thankful these employees are being offered the opportunity to return, FEMA is still facing a dire workforce shortage.”\n\nThe Senators underscored how, under former Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS routinely ignored or delayed responding to legislative oversight inquiries: “We also hope that you will promote a culture of transparency and accountability at DHS and within FEMA. . . . 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.”\n\nThe Senators concluded: “We also hope to work with you to reaffirm FEMA’s independence within DHS. Secretaries have always had some level of leadership and control over the actions at FEMA. However, after the failed response to Hurricane Katrina, Congress passed the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA), which established FEMA as an independent entity within DHS. 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.”\n\nRead and download Senators Welch and Kim’s full letter to DHS Secretary Mullin.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-eleven-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-about-u-s-and-israeli-militarys-adherence-to-international-law-in-the-middle-east/", "title": "Welch Leads Eleven Colleagues in Demanding Answers about U.S. and Israeli Military’s Adherence to International Law in the Middle East", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "1. Do U.S. forces under your command coordinate military targets with Israeli forces as part\n\nof Operation Epic Fury?\n\n2. Have forces under your command provided refueling services, intelligence, or other\n\nassistance for Israeli imposition of evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran?\n\n3. Have you received any intelligence assessments or analyses on the military utility of\n\nIsrael’s mass evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran?\n\n4. Have you signed off on U.S. military support to the establishment, enforcement, or\n\ntargeting of any persons or infrastructure in evacuation zones?\n\n5. Have any personnel under your command raised any concerns or provided any legal\n\nanalysis on Israeli unilateral designation of evacuation zones or targeting decisions in\n\nsuch zones to you, anyone in your chain of command, the Office of the Staff Judge\n\nAdvocate, CENTCOM or DOD’s Office of Inspector General, or DOD’s Office of the\n\nGeneral Counsel? If so, provide a copy of any such reports or communications to the\n\nJudiciary, Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Relations/Affairs committees.\n\n6. Have any personnel under your command shared intelligence with the Israeli government\n\nthat could be used to support the creation, enforcement, or targeting of evacuation zones\n\nin Lebanon and/or Iran? Has anyone under your command analyzed whether such sharing\n\nwould violate the terms of any intelligence sharing agreements with regards to the use of\n\nany U.S.-provided intelligence in operations that might violate international law, U.S.\n\nlaw, and the laws of armed conflict?", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-min-launch-bicameral-oversight-investigation-into-trump-pardons-amid-corruption-concerns/", "title": "Welch, Min Launch Bicameral Oversight Investigation into Trump Pardons Amid Corruption Concerns", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, alongside U.S. Representative Dave Min (D-CA-47), Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ Anti-Corruption Task Force, announced a bicameral, sweeping oversight effort into a series of pardons and commutations issued by President Trump that raise serious concerns about corruption, transparency, and abuse of executive power.\n\nThe lawmakers sent letters to 17 individuals who received pardons or commutations under circumstances that warrant further congressional scrutiny, including several individuals connected to major fraud schemes, financial crimes, and high-profile political or financial relationships tied to President Trump and his associates. The letters seek information regarding the clemency process, including whether financial contributions, lobbyists, intermediaries, or personal connections played a role in securing presidential clemency.\n\n“Executive clemency has historically been understood as an act of grace exercised in the interest of justice and the public welfare, but it cannot become a tool for political favoritism, corruption, or pay-to-play dealings,” said the lawmakers. “At a moment when Americans are already losing faith in our institutions, Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight and ensure that no one, including a sitting President, is above accountability.”\n\nThe lawmakers’ letters seek information regarding:\n\nThe process by which clemency requests were initiated and considered;\n\nWhether intermediaries, lobbyists, or advocates were involved;\n\nAny contacts with Trump administration officials or associates;\n\nWhether financial contributions or payments were made in connection with clemency efforts; and\n\nThe extent of third-party advocacy supporting the requests.\n\nAmong the individuals receiving letters are convicted fraudsters, political fundraisers, corporate executives, and wealthy donors, such as Changpeng Zhao, whose cases have generated public reporting suggesting unusual access to Trump’s network of political allies and associates, direct lobbying efforts, large political donations, or other concerning connections surrounding their clemency requests. This measure is also supported by Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25).\n\nA full list of letter recipients can be found here.\n\nA full list of the letters can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-fema-review-councils-report/", "title": "Welch Statement on FEMA Review Council’s Report", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council’s recently-released recommendations to slash the agency in half:\n\n“FEMA is essential in the aftermath of a disaster, but there’s no question the long-term recovery processes within the agency are too slow, too bureaucratic, and too difficult to navigate. Vermont knows this frustrating reality firsthand. The FEMA Review Council’s recommendations to the White House include many commonsense proposals to cut red tape, but the Council ultimately fails to address the reality that extreme weather, a consequence of climate change, will only get worse in the coming years. This is not the time to limit our response capacity,” said Senator Welch. “Our communities need to know that the federal government will be there to help when disaster hits. We can fix the problems that exist within FEMA without starving the agency of the resources it needs to help communities recovering from disaster. My bill, the Disaster AID Act, protects and reforms FEMA, and I urge my colleagues to lend their support.”\n\nSenator Welch called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the FEMA Review Council’s full, unaltered report following reports former-Secretary Kristi Noem heavily edited the report and recommendations. This week, he joined Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) in writing to Secretary Mullin, urging the Secretary to pursue meaningful FEMA reform, including improving the agency’s disaster response and recovery timeline. The Senators also encouraged Sec. 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.\n\nSenator Welch has been outspoken in opposing attempts by the Trump Administration to dismantle FEMA. The Senator published a guest essay in The New York Times entitled: “Don’t Kill FEMA. Fix It.” In his piece, Senator Welch outlined why President Trump’s actions to undermine and potentially dissolve FEMA are misguided—but also committed to working on good faith efforts to reform the agency’s long-term recovery process.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-ri-general-assembly-leadership-changes/", "title": "Whitehouse Statement on RI General Assembly Leadership Changes", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today released the following statement regarding leadership changes at the Rhode Island General Assembly:\n\n“I commend Joe Shekarchi on a highly productive and successful speakership. He has been a wonderful partner for our federal delegation, particularly on the issues of increasing the state’s housing supply and creating more opportunities for Rhode Islanders, and he has been a long-time personal friend. I wish him all the best as he pursues a seat on the state Supreme Court, as I have long argued that political experience can be a valuable asset on the bench.\n\n“I want to congratulate the incoming leadership team, Representatives Blazejewski and Kazarian. I have confidence that they will be great stewards of the General Assembly as they head into the height of the legislative session to deliver for Rhode Islanders.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-bonamici-oregon-delegation-fema-must-approve-waivers-for-two-critical-disaster-mitigation-projects-in-oregon", "title": "Merkley, Bonamici, Oregon Delegation: FEMA Must Approve Waivers for Two Critical Disaster Mitigation Projects in Oregon", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led a letter with their Democratic colleagues in the Oregon congressional delegation—Senator Ron Wyden, Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05)—urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve waivers for and to fully fund two projects in Oregon that were funded under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.\n\n“Amidst the suspension of the BRIC program, these projects were forced to proceed to construction because recipients could not afford further delays without severely increasing project costs or jeopardizing the overall success of the project. The delay in funding has created substantial stress on these rural communities,” wrote the Oregon delegation to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.\n\nThe BRIC program—which the Trump Administration attempted to end last year—provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities.\n\nThe two projects in Oregon were forced to break ground pre-award and now require a waiver to access their funding. More details about these projects can be found below:\n\nClatsop County Columbia Memorial Hospital: FEMA selected Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital to receive $14 million in BRIC funding to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people. The recipients had begun spending down the funds when the BRIC program was suspended. The construction portion of the project was forced to begin in early 2026 due to the short construction window available.\n\nGrants Pass Water Treatment Plant Relocation: The City of Grants Pass was selected to receive $50 million in BRIC funding to relocate their Water Treatment Plant outside their Special Flood Hazard Area to prevent system failure during a flooding event in Grants Pass. The project broke ground in July 2025 and is about 20 percent complete.\n\nThe lawmakers directed, “Communities across Oregon have relied on BRIC funding to ensure their resiliency in the face of future natural disasters. These, mostly rural, communities that FEMA selected for BRIC funding in prior years all have significant need for the assistance. We urge you to ensure the swift completion of applicable waivers, reviews, and release of funds, in accordance with previous commitments.”\n\nThe lawmakers also urged FEMA to promptly award funding for 19 additional projects in Oregon that were selected for funding in Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023.\n\nPreviously, Merkley, Wyden, and Bonamici led the charge to save the BRIC Program. They joined over 80 of their Senate and House colleagues in a bipartisan effort to demand that former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reinstate BRIC program funding. Merkley also led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation to denounce the cancellation of awards under the BRIC program to communities across the state.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-press-ftc-on-anti-competitive-business-practices-that-raise-grocery-prices-and-worsen-food-insecurity", "title": "Wyden, Colleagues Press FTC on Anti-Competitive Business Practices That Raise Grocery Prices and Worsen Food Insecurity", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today he has joined Senate colleagues to demand the Trump administration crack down on anti-competitive restrictive covenants that raise grocery prices and worsen food insecurity in Oregon and nationwide.\n\n“When grocers leave a community, anti-competitive restrictive covenants further cement the harm caused by the initial loss of the store, leaving consumers without ready access to food or more exposed to high food prices with fewer choices to seek better deals,” Wyden and the other senators wrote to Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson. “Additionally, when a grocery store closes, communities often lose a neighborhood pharmacy, and anti-competitive restrictive covenants can prolong pharmacy deserts.”\n\nRestrictive covenants are legally binding conditions written into property sale, purchase, and lease agreements that can be used to block a competitor’s access to a local market. They are particularly prevalent in the grocery industry, allowing grocers to prevent their competitors from opening in their storefronts after they have closed down. This can increase food prices, perpetuate food insecurity, and create food deserts.\n\n“Americans are struggling with rising prices, and anti-competitive corporate lawfare should not be a reason costs stay high,” the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe senators requested answers to the following questions no later than May 15, 2026:\n\nDoes the FTC consider covenants restricting the use of land by competitors an unfair method of competition?\n\nIs the FTC able to regulate anti-competitive restrictive covenants through existing authorities?\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the use of anti-competitive restrictive covenants? a. If so:\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on consumer prices, including food prices?\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants on consumers’ access to food and medicine?\n\nHas the FTC collected data regarding the impact of anti-competitive restrictive covenants by large grocery chains on market share?\n\nHas the FTC collected data on the impacts of anti-restrictive covenants on small businesses?\n\nWyden has been a champion in the fight against food insecurity. In January 2026, Wyden reintroduced legislation that would ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Oregon and nationwide who also depend on Social Security income are not cut off due to incremental changes to their income. During the 2025 government shutdown, Wyden introduced legislation that would allow grocery stores nationwide to voluntarily offer discounts to SNAP recipients whenever a government shutdown prevents them from getting their full benefits, if they choose to.\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. In addition to Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-leads-oregon-democrats-to-fight-to-protect-mifepristone-access-womens-health-care-and-fda-authority", "title": "Wyden leads Oregon Democrats to Fight To Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nOregon 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.\n\nThe 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.", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-no-tax-on-rv-loans", "title": "Yakym: “No Tax on RV Loans”", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV-01) introduced legislation (H.R. 8672) that would eliminate taxes on RV loans. The bill would extend the Working Families Tax Cut’s no tax on auto loans provision to trailers, campers, and RVs.\n\n“For millions of American families, an RV is how they take a summer road trip with the kids, see the country, or enjoy retirement on the open road,” Rep. Yakym said. “It’s a big investment, and it should be treated like one. As the congressman representing the RV capital of America, I hear from manufacturers and dealers all the time about what this relief would mean for working families. This bill is simple: if you’re paying interest on an RV loan, you should be able to deduct it.”\n\n“For many families and tourists across the country, there is no better way to experience our national parks and beautiful natural landscapes than from an RV,” Rep. Titus said. “This bipartisan legislation will help make that more affordable, allowing even more people to explore Nevada and boosting our outdoor recreation in these challenging economic times.”\n\nThis legislation has gained the support of several members of the RV industry including the RV Industry Association.\n\n“We applaud Representatives Yakym and Titus for their leadership in introducing this bill to include all RVs in the No Tax on Vehicle Loan Interest provision,” Craig Kirby, RV Industry Association President & CEO said. “By restoring travel trailers to the classification of ‘applicable passenger vehicles,’ this essential legislation ensures the tax benefits are applied fairly across the industry. Correcting this discrepancy is a vital step in keeping RVing affordable for consumers and supporting the continued success of our $140 billion American industry. We strongly urge Congress to act quickly and pass this important legislation.”\n\nRead full bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nIndiana’s Second District is home to Elkhart County, which manufactures roughly 80 percent of all recreational vehicles sold in the United States. The RV industry supports tens of thousands of Indiana jobs and drives billions in economic activity each year.\n\nThe legislation applies to RV loan interest on indebtedness incurred after December 31, 2025, and covers a broad range of vehicles including trailers, campers, and motor vehicles designed for recreational or seasonal living quarters.\n\nMore than 11 million American households own an RV, and millions more hit the road each summer for family vacations, camping trips, and travel. Restoring the interest deduction would lower the cost of ownership for families across the country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/05/07/rep-young-kim-leads-bill-to-deter-ccp-aggression-against-taiwan/", "title": "Rep. Young Kim Leads Bill to Deter CCP Aggression Against Taiwan", "date": "2026-05-07", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, introduced the Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act to put Beijing on notice and ensure the United States has a coordinated sanctions strategy ready should the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) move to take physical or political control of Taiwan.\n\nThe legislation establishes an interagency task force, or “Tiger Team,” to evaluate existing and new sanctions authorities and other economic measures, identify PRC targets of such sanctions, and improve allied economic coordination to deter aggression against Taiwan.\n\n“Xi Jinping has directed the People’s Liberation Army to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. China has a plan. America should have one too,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Deterrence only works if our adversaries know we are prepared to act decisively. This bill sends a clear message to Beijing: any move against Taiwan will come with swift, coordinated, and devastating economic consequences.”\n\n“China’s aggression threatens not just Taiwan, but the broader stability of the Indo-Pacific,” said Rep. Olszewski. I’m proud to co-lead this bill to ensure the United States is ready with a coordinated and effective response if Beijing uses force against Taiwan. The best way to prevent conflict is to be fully prepared before it starts.”\n\nThis legislation will establish a China Sanctions Task Force led by the State Department and Treasury Department to:\n\nIdentify PRC-linked entities, industries, and individuals to target with sanctions in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan;\n\nPrepare coordinated sanctions and economic response strategies before a crisis occurs;\n\nAlign sanctions planning and economic countermeasures with U.S. allies and partners;\n\nAssess gaps in U.S. sanctions authorities, enforcement capabilities, and interagency coordination;\n\nDevelop mitigation tools, exemptions, and carve-outs to reduce unintended harm to American businesses and consumers;\n\nProvide recommendations to Congress on improving sanctions readiness and coordination against China.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3467", "title": "Carbajal Recognized by International Propeller Club", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) was recognized by the International Propeller Club and received the Frank Courtenay “Salute to Congress” Award for championing legislation to support the American maritime industry. The Salute to Congress Award recognizes members of the U.S. Congress for their leadership and support of the American maritime industry.\n\n“I am honored to receive this recognition from the International Propeller Club, an organization that understands the importance of investing in our maritime industry,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have been committed to protecting the Jones Act, revitalizing the U.S.-flagged fleet, and ensuring that our ports remain competitive. Moving forward, I am committed to bolstering the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, and cargo preference laws to revitalize the American maritime industry.”\n\nCarbajal served as Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee in the 117th Congress and has served as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee in the 118th and 119th Congresses.\n\nIn 2020, Carbajal’s Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act was signed into law at the end of the 116th Congress as part of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020. This bill closes loopholes to improve safety in small passenger vessels.\n\nAs Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Carbajal’s Small Passenger Vessel Liability Fairness Act was signed into law in 2022. The bill updates antiquated liability laws so that victims and their families receive fair compensation in the wake of maritime accidents onboard small vessels.\n\nIn addition, as Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Rep. Salud Carbajal helped lead congressional efforts to address supply chain disruptions and strengthen oversight of the shipping industry to reduce everyday costs for all Americans. In 2022, Carbajal joined President Joe Biden at the White House for the signing of the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act into law.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415604", "title": "113 members of Congress submit amicus briefRep. Smith, Sen. Cassidy lead bicameral amicus brief to Supreme Court urging reversal of the Biden FDA’s mail-order abortion policy", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus; Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP); and more than 110 Republican lawmakers filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court, urging the Justices to uphold the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in The State of Louisiana v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which halted the Biden Administration’s dangerous mail-order abortion pill policy while litigation continues.\n\nThe amicus brief, first obtained by Fox News and co-signed by 113 Republican lawmakers—including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa C. McClain (R-MI), and Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-AR)—encourages the highest court in the land to reaffirm the Fifth Circuit’s decision and deny two abortion drug manufacturers, Danco Laboratories’ and GenBioPro’s, requests to stay that judgment.\n\nIn the brief, the Republican legislators write, “The Biden administration in 2023 lifted a key safety requirement in the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)—the requirement of in-person dispensing of mifepristone, one of two drugs that are used to chemically induce abortion.”\n\nThe authors of the brief underscore the policy reversal’s significant, negative health implications for mothers and babies, arguing that “the Biden FDA did not have a sufficient evidentiary basis to conclude that eliminating the in-person dispensing requirement was safe. And because no in-person visit is required now, women cannot be meaningfully screened for serious contraindications for the use of this drug, such as ectopic pregnancy.\n\n“It also increases the likelihood that some women are being coerced into taking these drugs against their will, as the heartbreaking story of Plaintiff Rosalie Markezich illustrates,” the co-signatories continue.\n\n“In an effort to subvert the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Biden’s radical, pro-abortion FDA completely overstepped its authority and removed mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement,” said Smith, who, earlier this year, led an amicus brief in support of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill regarding the Biden FDA’s illegal mail-order abortion policy.\n\n“The Biden FDA’s reckless decision, which has led to the mass proliferation of this baby poison pill, placed extremist pro-abortion ideology above medical due diligence. Mifepristone is extremely dangerous to women—in fact, more than one in ten women who take the chemical abortion drug experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or another serious adverse event within 45 days,” he continued.\n\n“Without the in-person dispensing requirement, women are being mailed this dangerous drug, absent any real interaction with a medical professional and without proper screening for contraindications, coercion, or other serious health concerns. The Fifth Circuit Court recognized and affirmed these glaring concerns, and I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will uphold the lower court’s decision and protect mothers and their babies,” Smith concluded.\n\nSen. Cassidy, M.D. said: “I am grateful to my home state of Louisiana for leading the effort to defend women and babies in our state and across the country. Chemical abortion drugs kill innocent children and put mothers’ lives at risk. Safeguards protecting against coercion, such as the in-person dispensing requirement, must be reinstated immediately. The Fifth Circuit got this right, and I urge the Supreme Court to affirm that decision.”\n\nMarjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said: “We’re deeply grateful to pro-life champions Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Chris Smith for leading this amicus brief in support of Louisiana and courageous survivor Rosalie Markezich against the FDA’s reckless mail-order abortion policy. The FDA’s decision to side with the abortion industry and allow dangerous abortion drugs to be shipped nationwide without an in-person doctor’s visit is unacceptable.\n\n“This policy kills countless unborn children, enables coercion and abuse, and gravely endangers women and girls, while the FDA callously ignores the well-documented harms that states and survivors have warned about for years. We are thankful for the members of Congress fiercely supporting pro-life states like Louisiana and survivors who are seeking justice in court,” she concluded.\n\nHouse Cosigners (85): Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Speaker Johnson (R-LA), Leader Scalise (R-LA), Whip Emmer (R-MN), Chairwoman McClain (R-MI), Aderholt (R-AL), Alford (R-MO), Arrington (R-TX), Bean (R-FL), Bentz (R-OR), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Bilirakis (R-FL), Boebert (R-CO), Bost (R-IL), Brecheen (R-OK), Burlison (R-MO), Cammack (R-FL), Carter (R-TX), Cline (R-VA), Clyde (R-GA), Crank (R-CO), Crawford (R-AR), Davidson (R-OH), Downing (R-MT), Ellzey (R-TX), Estes (R-KS), Fedorchak (R-ND), Fischbach (R-MN), Fitzgerald (R-WI), Flood (R-NE), Fong (R-CA), Foxx (R-NC), Franklin (R-FL), Gosar (R-AZ), Graves (R-MO), Griffith (R-VA), Grothman (R-WI), Guest (R-MS), Guthrie (R-KY), Hageman (R-WY), Harrigan (R-NC), Andy Harris (R-MD), Mark Harris (R-NC), Harshbarger (R-TN), Higgins (R-LA), Houchin (R-IN), Hudson (R-NC), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jordan (R-OH), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Langworthy (R-NY), Letlow (R-LA), McDowell (R-NC), McGuire (R-VA), Messmer (R-IN), Mary Miller (R-IL), Moolenaar (R-MI), Barry Moore (R-AL), Blake Moore (R-UT), Riley Moore (R-WV), Tim Moore (R-NC), Moran (R-TX), Norman (R-SC), Ogles (R-TN), Onder (R-MO), Palmer (R-AL), Pfluger (R-TX), Rogers (R-AL), Rouzer (R-NC), Roy (R-TX), Self (R-TX), Sessions (R-TX), Simpson (R-ID), Strong (R-AL), Stutzman (R-IN), Tenney (R-NY), Thompson (R-PA), Van Duyne (R-TX), Van Epps (R-TN), Weber (R-TX), Webster (R-FL), Williams (R-TX), Wilson (R-SC), Yakym (R-IN)\n\nSenate Signers (28): Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND) , Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul, M.D. (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Todd Young (R-IN)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415610", "title": "Washington Examiner article on Smith-Cassidy-led amicus brief to SCOTUS'Top Republicans urge Supreme Court to reinstate abortion pill restrictions'", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Rena Rowe\n\nPublished May 8, 2026 at 3:02 PM ET\n\nMore than 100 Republican lawmakers filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court urging the justices to reinstate restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone, arguing the Biden administration unlawfully loosened safety requirements for the drug.\n\nThe brief, signed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), among 113 GOP lawmakers, asked the high court to uphold a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling restoring stricter regulations on the drug and reject emergency appeals from manufacturers Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro.\n\nOn May 1, the 5th Circuit temporarily blocked mifepristone from being prescribed online and shipped through the mail, reinstating requirements for in-person medical visits before patients can obtain the medication.\n\nThe Supreme Court temporarily halted that ruling Monday, with Justice Samuel Alito issuing an administrative stay through May 11 to give the justices time to consider requests from the drugmakers to preserve nationwide access while the court weighs whether to take up the case.\n\nIn their filing, Republicans argued the Food and Drug Administration exceeded its authority by loosening restrictions on chemical abortion drugs and permitting them to be distributed by mail despite long-standing federal laws restricting the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs.\n\nThe lawmakers also argued that removing the in-person dispensing requirement prevents doctors from screening for serious medical conditions, including ectopic pregnancies, and makes it harder to identify cases of coercion or abuse.\n\n“It also increases the likelihood that some women are being coerced into taking these drugs against their will,” the lawmakers wrote, citing the experience of plaintiff Rosalie Markezich.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) accused the Biden administration of using the FDA to “subvert” the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization by eliminating mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement.\n\nSmith called the FDA’s decision “reckless,” arguing it prioritized “pro-abortion ideology above medical due diligence.”\n\nSmith further argued that mailing the drug without in-person screenings leaves women without adequate medical oversight or evaluation for contraindications, coercion, and other health concerns. He praised the 5th Circuit for recognizing those risks and said he hopes the Supreme Court upholds the lower court’s ruling.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3568", "title": "Rep. Clyde Congratulates North Gwinnett Seniors on U.S. Service Academy Appointments", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "clyde.house.gov", "scraper": "clyde", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001116", "name": "Andrew S. Clyde", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GAINESVILLE, GA — This week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored North Gwinnett High School seniors Jenny Lee and Kalil Mazone during a signing ceremony celebrating their U.S. Service Academy appointments. Rep. Clyde proudly nominated the students for the prestigious appointments.\n\nOn Tuesday, North Gwinnett High School hosted family and faculty to recognize Jenny and Kalil’s achievements and dedication to military service. Jenny received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, and Kalil received an appointment to and committed to play football at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After delivering remarks highlighting their accomplishments, Congressman Clyde presented both students with Congressional Certificates of Congratulations and Pledges of Commitment for signature.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6866", "title": "Dingell, Moolenaar to Introduce Legislation Banning Chinese Vehicles, Protecting American Economy and National Security", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, announced they plan to introduce bipartisan legislation to ban Chinese vehicles from U.S. roads to protect the American auto industry and its workers, as well as America’s national security.\n\n“Every vehicle on American roads is a rolling data collection device, capturing information on location, movement, people, and infrastructure in real time, and we cannot allow Chinese vehicles or components to be a part of that system,\" said the lawmakers. \"The legislation we introduce will show bipartisan support for doing what must be done to protect the manufacturing sector, jobs, and the American people from China’s predatory trade practices and manipulative attacks on American industry.”\n\nThe legislation will be introduced later this month. A Senate version of the legislation was introduced late last month. The announcement follows Congresswoman Dingell’s effort leading 73 of her House colleagues in urging President Trump to block Chinese automakers from accessing the United States market over concerns with threats to American workers and business, manufacturing, and national security.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-hosts-law-enforcement-roundtable-with-us-attorney-daniel-rosen-in-blaine-ahead-of-national-police-week", "title": "Emmer Hosts Law Enforcement Roundtable with U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen in Blaine Ahead of National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "emmer.house.gov", "scraper": "emmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000294", "name": "Tom Emmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BLAINE, MN – Ahead of National Police Week, which starts on Sunday, Congressman Emmer and Daniel Rosen, the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, hosted a roundtable with sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement officials of the Sixth Congressional District on Thursday. Congressman Emmer had the opportunity to hear from law enforcement about their needs, ongoing fraud concerns in the state, and how Congress can best support law enforcement.\n\n“As we near the beginning of Police Week, there is no better time to get together with local peace officers and say ‘thank you.’ These men and women are the best of the best,” said Congressman Emmer. “They put their lives on the line to protect you and me, and despite constant attacks from the woke leftist mob, these heroes go out every day to keep us safe. We’re proud to back the blue.”\n\n“I thank House Majority Whip Tom Emmer for his strong support in combating fraud against Minnesota taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Rosen. “I am grateful for the excellent relationships between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies across Minnesota that are critical to rooting out and prosecuting fraud.”\n\nRoundtable participants included Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer, Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Steve Doran, Blaine Police Department Chief of Police Brian Podany, Blaine Police Department Deputy Chief of Police Joe Gerhard, Elk River Police Department Chief of Police David Kuhnly, Sartell Police Department Chief of Police Brandon Silgjord, Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise, North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Deputy Director Kent Bailey, and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Bill Jacobson.\n\nIn the roundtable, they discussed the need for cooperation between the U.S. Attorney’s office and local law enforcement agencies to best address crime, including increased gang violence and drug trafficking. This coordination will also help tackle the rampant fraud in Minnesota.\n\nBackground\n\nCongressman Emmer has a long history of supporting law enforcement and ensuring they have the resources and support they need.\n\nIn 2026, Congressman Emmer urged the House Appropriations Committee to provide funding for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to provide states with funding for criminal justice initiatives, including grants for law enforcement, prosecution and courts, and drug treatment programs.\n\nIn 2025 and 2026, Congressman Tom Emmer sent a letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) urging that language fully funding the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program be included in the Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027 CJS government funding bills.\n\nIn 2025, House Republicans secured a no tax on overtime pay provision in the Working Families Tax Cut Act. Many law enforcement officers work overtime hours, and with officer recruitment and retention remaining a top challenge for police departments, the no tax on overtime provision will help alleviate the struggle. Over 25 million filers claimed this provision on Tax Day 2026.\n\nIn 2024, Congressman Emmer helped secure federal resources for law enforcement to target illicit drug trafficking. Both officers and our communities are safer because of this vital funding.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/05/08/finstad-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner/", "title": "Finstad Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ROCHESTER, MN – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) announced his selection of “250 Years of Freedom” by Cheyenne Klockziem, as the winner of this year’s First District Congressional Art Competition.\n\nCheyenne is a sophomore at Nicollet High School. The winner from each congressional district will receive two roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C., compliments of Southwest Airlines, to attend the official ceremony later this year honoring the Congressional Art Competition winners from across the country. Cheyenne’s artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for one year, representing Minnesota’s First District.\n\nFirst Place – “250 Years of Freedom” by Cheyenne Klockziem\n\nArtist’s Description: “This is a vibrant, highly detailed color pencil drawing celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence. The title, boldly lettered at the top, reads: “250 Years of Freedom” with a subtle reminder of the years our country included (1776-2026). A majestic bald eagle dominated the composition, captured mid-flight and soaring powerfully from right to left across the page. One outstretched wing is dramatically and respectfully styled with the American flag motif, complete with 13 red and white stripes and 50 stars. The eagle flies high above a sweeping patriotic landscape that tells the story of American freedom, the Declaration of Independence to Mount Rushmore, the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising scene from World War II, and the Statue of Liberty.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://fulcher.house.gov/2026/05/08/fulcher-announces-25-million-returned-to-idahoans-through-casework/", "title": "Fulcher Announces $25 Million Returned to Idahoans Through Casework", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "fulcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fulcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000469", "name": "Russ Fulcher", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) announced that $25,050,884 has been returned to Idahoans through casework. This is money that was owed to constituents but was held up in a federal agency.\n\nSince arriving in Congress, Congressman Fulcher’s office has opened 7,938 cases and closed 7,268, with those involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Veterans Affairs being the most prevalent.\n\n“I’m proud to share that through my office’s casework efforts, we have successfully returned more than $25 million to hardworking Idahoans in the First Congressional District,” said Congressman Fulcher. “I always say one of the most impactful things our team has the privilege to do is help Veterans, seniors, and everyday citizens with federal agencies. Whether it is advocating for the assistance they need, acquiring a timely response, or cutting through government bureaucracy and red tape, my casework team and I are devoted to delivering results for constituents.”\n\nResidents of the First District are encouraged to contact Congressman Fulcher’s office at (208) 888-3188 or to visit https://fulcher.house.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency/ if they are having trouble receiving an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if they feel they have been treated unfairly.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://gimenez.house.gov/2026/5/congressman-carlos-a-gimenez-secures-new-f-35-jets-for-homestead-air-reserve-base", "title": "CONGRESSMAN CARLOS A. GIMENEZ SECURES NEW F-35 JETS FOR HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gimenez.house.gov", "scraper": "gimenez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000593", "name": "Carlos A. Gimenez", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOMESTEAD, FL - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez announced that Homestead Air Reserve Base has officially been selected as a candidate location to receive 24 new F-35 fighter jets, a major step toward recapitalizing the 482nd Fighter Wing and strengthening South Florida’s national security infrastructure.\n\nThe announcement comes after years of advocacy by Congressman Gimenez to secure a long-term mission for Homestead Air Reserve Base and protect the strategic importance of the installation to both the local economy and the defense of the homeland.\n\n“When I was first elected to Congress, there were disturbing plans to scale back operations at Homestead Air Reserve Base in our district,” said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. “I joined the Armed Services Committee, worked with the Air Force and the Trump Administration to secure a new mission at the base. Today, I’m proud to announce that Homestead is now a candidate to receive 24 new F-35 fighter jets recapitalizing the 482nd Fighter Wing’s aging jets. With the regime in Communist Cuba just 90 miles away, we must ensure our community is protected from any nefarious threats posed by foreign adversaries. It’s an honor to represent South Dade in Congress and this announcement will ensure continued economic growth and limitless opportunities for our community.”\n\nRead the Department of the Air Force announcement HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://gimenez.house.gov/2026/5/congressman-carlos-a-gimenez-secures-new-f-35-jets-for-homestead-air-reserve-base/c6ec3c75-79a8-4eba-97c8-69310cc36735", "title": "CONGRESSMAN CARLOS A. GIMENEZ SECURES NEW F-35 JETS FOR HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gimenez.house.gov", "scraper": "gimenez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000593", "name": "Carlos A. Gimenez", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "HOMESTEAD, FL - Today, Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez announced that Homestead Air Reserve Base has officially been selected as a candidate location to receive 24 new F-35 fighter jets, a major step toward recapitalizing the 482nd Fighter Wing and strengthening South Florida’s national security infrastructure.\n\nThe announcement comes after years of advocacy by Congressman Gimenez to secure a long-term mission for Homestead Air Reserve Base and protect the strategic importance of the installation to both the local economy and the defense of the homeland.\n\n“When I was first elected to Congress, there were disturbing plans to scale back operations at Homestead Air Reserve Base in our district,” said Congressman Carlos Gimenez. “I joined the Armed Services Committee, worked with the Air Force and the Trump Administration to secure a new mission at the base. Today, I’m proud to announce that Homestead is now a candidate to receive 24 new F-35 fighter jets recapitalizing the 482nd Fighter Wing’s aging jets. With the regime in Communist Cuba just 90 miles away, we must ensure our community is protected from any nefarious threats posed by foreign adversaries. It’s an honor to represent South Dade in Congress and this announcement will ensure continued economic growth and limitless opportunities for our community.”\n\nRead the Department of the Air Force announcement HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=907501CE-D20C-421C-BC59-6F8AAB10469C", "title": "New Gooden Bill Makes Assassination Attempts Eligible for Death Penalty", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gooden.house.gov", "scraper": "gooden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000589", "name": "Lance Gooden", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the Protect the Presidency Act, which would treat an attempted assassination of the President the same as a fatal assassination under federal law, including making offenders eligible for the death penalty.\n\nUnder current federal law, killing the President is punishable by death or life in prison, while attempted assassination carries a lesser penalty of any term of years or life. The Protect the Presidency Act closes that gap, allowing prosecutors to pursue the maximum penalties available under federal law, including the death penalty.\n\n“A failed assassin is still an assassin and should be treated as such under the law,” said Rep. Gooden. “The harshest punishments should be on the table for those who try to murder the President.”\n\nThe bill, featured in an exclusive article by the Washington Examiner, comes after the latest assassination attempt targeting President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, marking the third attempt in 21 months. The legislation eliminates leniency for failed attempts and strengthens deterrence against political violence.\n\nRead the bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-backed-amendment-supporting-funding-for-manchester-va-medical-center-upgrades-attached-to-bipartisan-funding-package/", "title": "Goodlander-Backed Amendment Supporting Funding for Manchester VA Medical Center Upgrades Attached to Bipartisan Funding Package", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) helped pass an amendment in support of robust funding for improvements to VA direct care for New Hampshire veterans, including funding for upgrades to the Manchester VA Medical Center, during House consideration of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2027. Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) led the amendment.\n\n“I believe we have a sacred obligation to the tens of thousands of women and men across New Hampshire who served our country in uniform. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and it is my mission in Congress to ensure these brave American heroes have access to the full range of healthcare they need — when they need it and where they need it,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Our bipartisan amendment is an important step in this mission and I won’t quit until we succeed.”\n\n“Our veterans have each put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and they deserve the best possible care and benefits after their service. Recurrent issues at the Manchester VA Medical Center mean that too many of our veterans have had difficulty accessing the care they need close to home,” said Congressman Pappas. “I have always fought to deliver more resources to our veterans, and I will continue to fight for improvements at the Manchester VA Medical Center.”\n\nBackground:\n\nGoodlander, a member of the For Country Caucus and House Armed Services Committee who served for more than a decade in the United States Navy Reserve, has been a vocal champion for delivering more resources for veterans at the Manchester VA Medical Center, including by sending letters to the VA and the White House, helping introduce legislation and an amendment that passed the House, and advocating directly before the House Appropriations Committee and on the House Floor for this effort. She has led a number of VA oversight efforts, including opposing the VA’s decision to unilaterally terminate collective bargaining agreements for VA employees and opposing a proposed VA rule that would rescind abortion access for veterans and their loved ones who get care through VA.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9352", "title": "Gosar Introduces Bill to Strengthen Yuma Proving Ground and Support Military Readiness", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gosar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "gosar.house.gov", "scraper": "gosar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000565", "name": "Paul A. Gosar", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yuma, Arizona — Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-09) issued the following statement in response to introducing H.R. 8686, legislation authorizing the withdrawal and reservation of approximately 22,000 acres of federal land in Yuma and La Paz Counties to support the critical national security mission of the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground:\n\n“The Yuma Proving Ground plays a vital role in America’s national defense and military readiness. This legislation ensures our service members can safely conduct advanced testing and training operations while protecting the long-term mission of one of the most important military installations in the country. Arizona is proud to support the men and women who defend our nation, and this bill strengthens that mission for decades to come.\n\nThis is not a partisan issue. This is about military readiness, national security, and protecting the safety of the troops training at Yuma Proving Ground. Our military must have the tools, land, and operational flexibility necessary to prepare for modern threats and evolving battlefield conditions.\n\nThe Yuma Proving Ground is a cornerstone of Arizona’s economy and our nation’s defense infrastructure. This legislation strikes the right balance between military readiness, responsible land management, public access, and regional infrastructure needs,” stated Congressman Paul Gosar.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe legislation would establish a permanent withdrawal for lands necessary to safely conduct military testing, training, and advanced air delivery operations while preserving existing public land management responsibilities and utility access.\n\nSpecifically, H.R. 8686 authorizes the withdrawal of approximately 21,783 acres adjacent to Highway 95 to create a larger safety buffer zone for military air delivery system testing. According to Army analysis, the additional land is necessary to allow higher-altitude testing, longer glide distances for guided parachute systems, and more complex tactical training scenarios that cannot safely occur under current land limitations.\n\nThe bill also formally withdraws and reserves approximately 249 acres within the Howard Cantonment area that has been continuously used by the Army since 1955 under authorities that have since expired.\n\nImportantly, the proposal originated during the Biden Administration and received environmental review and approval across multiple agencies before ultimately being formally approved under the Trump Administration, underscoring the nonpartisan nature of the military’s operational need.\n\nUnder the legislation, the Department of the Interior would continue managing the withdrawn lands pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act while allowing for ongoing conservation activities, protection of wildlife habitat, preservation of cultural resources, wildfire management, recreation, hunting access, and management of wild horses and burros.\n\nAdditionally, the legislation preserves the Parker-Blaisdell Utility Corridor and authorizes continued rights-of-way for critical regional utility infrastructure, including transmission lines, ensuring the proposal does not interfere with regional energy reliability or future utility needs.\n\nThe bill amends the Military Land Withdrawals Act of 2013 by adding a new subtitle pertaining specifically to the Yuma Proving Ground withdrawal area.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-ai-commission-co-chairs-lieu-foushee-gottheimer-travel-to-californias-bay-area-on-fact-finding-mission", "title": "RELEASE: AI Commission Co-Chairs Lieu, Foushee, Gottheimer Travel to California’s Bay Area on Fact-Finding Mission", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Commission Travels to Gain Policy Insights and Meet with Experts\n\nAbove: Rep. Gottheimer with Reps. Lieu and Foushee at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — The Co-Chairs of the House Democratic Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy – Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-4), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) – traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area for a two-day fact-finding mission to build the Commission’s expertise and solicit input on policy solutions related to AI and the innovation economy.\n\nThe Co-Chairs met with academics, researchers, scientists, students, educators, labor experts, startup founders, companies, and state officials to gain a deeper understanding of how AI is already reshaping the economy, workforce, and our national security.\n\n“If Congress is going to get AI policy right, we need to get out of Washington and hear directly from the people building, studying, and teaching it,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This trip gave us an unfiltered look at the breakthroughs happening in real time, and the real risks we need to address. We came back with a clearer picture of what a strong, smart federal AI framework needs to look like.”\n\n“I was pleased to join Reps. Gottheimer and Foushee to meet with the people working on the front lines of AI innovation and research,” said Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36). “As the AI Commission continues its work, it is critical that we learn from and speak to the practitioners who are deeply engaged with this technology and its societal impact.”\n\n“I will always welcome the opportunity to learn more about AI development directly from leading researchers, academics, civil society experts, and educators. While many Americans have growing concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and civil rights, understanding the full scope and progression of AI is essential if we want to move forward with responsible policies that put people, labor, and human rights ahead of corporate interests,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-4).\n\nCongressman Gottheimer serves as a Co-Chair of the House Commission on Artificial Intelligence. The Commission is working to develop AI policies that protect consumers, workers, and national security while keeping the United States at the forefront of global AI innovation.\n\nBelow: Rep. Gottheimer with Reps. Lieu and Foushee and Dr. Erik Brynjolfsson at the Stanford Institute for AI.\n\nBelow: Rep. Gottheimer with Reps. Lieu and Foushee at the College of San Mateo.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-blasts-house-republicans-for-politicizing-funding-stripping-support-for-bisbee-library-over-drag-events", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Blasts House Republicans for Politicizing Funding, Stripping Support for Bisbee Library Over Drag Events", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Tucson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement condemning House Republicans for weaponizing the Community Project Funding (CPF) process after stripping $649,330 in requested funding for the Copper Queen Library in Bisbee, Arizona from the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The funding was removed by Republicans on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture after learning the library had hosted drag events in 2019 and 2024 – just two of the hundreds of community programs hosted at the library.\n\nThis year, Members of Congress were able to submit 20 local projects for consideration in the annual appropriations bill. You can see the full list of projects that Rep. Grijalva submitted for FY 2027 here. Of the more than 500 projects submitted to the Agriculture Subcommittee, only two were rejected, including the Copper Queen library.\n\n“Republicans didn’t cut this funding over the merits of the project – they cut it to continue their assault on the trans community,” said Rep. Grijalva. “This funding was about basic repairs – fixing roofs, restoring floors, and ensuring a safe, functional space for the public in a rural community. It is outrageous, it is petty, and it is a complete abuse of the appropriations process.”\n\n“Republicans are so obsessed with policing identity and expression that they are willing to punish an entire region – and withhold funding for a public resource institution that serves families across Southern Arizona, including rural communities in the neighboring Congressional district.”\n\n“Public libraries are one of the purest expressions of our First Amendment – open, accessible spaces where people can learn, gather, and express themselves freely. The Republican majority is now using their power to dictate what is acceptable in those spaces – and punishing communities when they don’t agree. Denying access to a public library based on identity is a violation of the Equal Protection clause under the 14th amendment. The Republicans are now punishing a library for rightfully upholding the Constitution. Funds for this eligible project should be immediately restored in any final funding bill.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5930", "title": "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on FBI Questioning Wisconsin Election Officials", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Donald Trump, the loser of the 2020 presidential election, continues to whine and use intimidation tactics against election officials.\n\nTrump believes that any election he loses is illegitimate.\n\nOur elections are safe and fair and will remain that way.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6710A36D-5837-445B-8E2C-3A61B9E6AC22", "title": "Congressman Rogers Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SOMERSET, KY -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) announced Madeline Frye, a junior at Southwestern High School as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District.\n\nThe national theme of this year's competition was Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary. Frye's winning artwork entitled, An American Grandmother, is a colored-pencil portrait of her great-grandmother making a quilt that features honeybees. It will hang in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year, representing Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District.\n\n\"Maddie's artwork captures the essence of countless Appalachian grandmothers, highlighting the rich heritage of talented quilters and artisans from rural America,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"The portrait of Maddie's great-grandmother will be proudly displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year, representing a small piece of our region as we celebrate America's 250 Anniversary.\"\n\n\"This piece represents something deeply personal to me. It portrays my great-grandmother, a woman whose strength, creativity, and kindness inspire both me and my family every day. She has always been an incredible artist in her own way, especially through quilting, which has long been a symbol of love, patience, and family tradition,\" said Frye, the winning student artist. \"The quilt shown in this piece is a replica of one that she and her sisters made together. In Kentucky culture, quilting is something I have grown up seeing all around me, and through this portrait, I sought to honor both my great-grandmother and the values of our Kentucky home!\"\n\nAs the winning artist for southern and eastern Kentucky, Frye will join the winners from every congressional district in Washington, D.C. for a national reception. Southwest Airlines offers two free airline tickets for students to attend the reception.\n\nThe second-place winner is “Racing Toward Our Future” by Abigail Chase Harris from North Laurel High School in Laurel County. It is a digital drawing of a racehorse celebrating Future Farmers of America with the number 28 commemorating the year the organization was formed.\n\nThe third-place winner is “Free or Not to Be” by Chloe Allen from Pikeville High School in Pike County. The mixed media artwork includes colored pencil, acrylic paint, watercolor, graphite and paint pens. The artist featured bright, multicolored birds and bees, symbolizing nature, beauty and freedom.\n\nAll the student artwork is featured on Congressman Rogers' Facebook page.\n\nStudents in 7th through 12th grades in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District can participate in the Congressional Art Competition every year. The deadline for entries next year will be April 2027.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.\n\nMaddie, her great-grandmother Vada Jean Huff, and Congressman Rogers\n\nAn American Grandmother - 1st Place\n\nby Madeline Frye, Southwestern High School\n\nRacing Toward Our Future - 2nd Place\n\nby Abigail Chase Harris, North Laurel High School", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2538", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Highlights Maritime Security and Naval Readiness at 2026 Sea-Air-Space Expo", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) recently participated in the Navy League of the United States’ 2026 Sea-Air-Space exposition, where he joined a Congressional panel focused on naval fleet readiness, emerging defense technologies, and the growing threat China poses to global maritime security.\n\nDuring the discussion, Rep. Jackson highlighted the importance of maintaining American military superiority at sea through continued investment in both personnel and platforms, while also strengthening the nation’s maritime industrial base to support the Department of War’s long-term national security objectives.\n\n“As warfare evolves and our adversaries increasingly rely on cyber capabilities, autonomous systems, and grey-zone tactics in the undersea domain, our Navy must rapidly modernize the fleet to maintain America’s naval superiority,” said Rep. Jackson. “Thankfully, President Trump’s FY27 Navy budget is meeting this challenge head on, making a historic investment in American sea power and marking the strongest commitment to naval dominance in decades.”\n\nAs a Navy veteran with 25 years of service and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Jackson continues to advocate for policies that strengthen America’s military capabilities, modernize defense infrastructure, and reinforce the nation’s maritime industrial base to keep pace with the threat of China’s rapid naval expansion.\n\nSea-Air-Space is the premier maritime exposition in the United States, bringing together military leaders, lawmakers, and defense industry experts to discuss the future of national defense and maritime strategy.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/08/leader-jeffries-statement-on-supreme-court-of-virginia-decision/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA DECISION", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Know Your Immigration Rights\n\nIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.\n\nAsk for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.\n\nYour right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.\n\nAlways consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.\n\nThe New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-presents-more-than-2-2-million-for-critical-infrastructure-projects-in-camarillo-and-oxnard/", "title": "Brownley Presents More Than $2.2 Million for Critical Infrastructure Projects in Camarillo and Oxnard", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "juliabrownley.house.gov", "scraper": "juliabrownley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001285", "name": "Julia Brownley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Federal funding will strengthen emergency preparedness, modernize aging infrastructure, and improve access to clean drinking water\n\nThousand Oaks, CA – On Thursday, May 7, Congresswoman Julia Brownley presented checks to the City of Camarillo and the City of Oxnard for community projects she secured federal funding for through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.\n\nCongresswoman Brownley presented the City of Camarillo with $1,145,144 for its Hybrid Microgrid Standby Power Resiliency Project and the City of Oxnard with $1,092,000 for its Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Project.\n\n“Working alongside federal, state, and local leaders, I am proud to have secured funding for these critical infrastructure investments in Camarillo and Oxnard,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “From replacing aging pipelines that are essential to delivering clean drinking water to strengthening energy-resilient infrastructure that can withstand the demands of our disaster-prone region, these investments will help keep our communities safe, connected, and prepared for the future. This funding is about delivering real, lasting results for the people we serve.”\n\n“We thank Congresswoman Brownley for helping secure this critical funding to bolster Camarillo’s operational resiliency,” said Camarillo Mayor David Tennessen. “With these investments in backup power technology, the City will be able to continue to provide essential services to the community under adverse conditions such as power outages during high-wind events and wildfires.”\n\n“Investing in critical water infrastructure is a top priority for Oxnard’s future. This investment towards the cast iron pipeline replacement project will make a meaningful difference, improving the reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability of our water system for years to come,” said Oxnard Mayor Luis Mc Arthur. “These essential projects ensure Oxnard’s infrastructure can continue to support future generations. We are grateful to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her support and partnership in securing these important federal funds for the City of Oxnard.”\n\n“I appreciate Congresswoman Brownley’s dedication and efforts to ensure our local projects remain a priority,” said Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez, District 5. “Projects like the Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Project improve the wellbeing of our community. With these funds, the City will be able to make progress in replacing old pipes in the Kamala Park neighborhood where frequent repairs to the current 60-year-old pipes cause disruption to residents by installing new PVC water pipelines in the community.”\n\nAbout the Projects\n\nThe Hybrid Microgrid Standby Power Resiliency Project will fortify critical response operations by integrating power generators, solar technology, and battery storage with advanced switchgear controls, ensuring uninterrupted power and services during emergencies. The need for the project was proven in November 2024 when the Mountain Fire devastated hundreds of structures in and around Camarillo. The city regularly faces disruptions from power shutoffs during Santa Ana wind conditions, compromising emergency services. This important infrastructure project allows Camarillo to maintain operational capacity during grid disruption, with substantial cost savings, while strengthening its capacity to serve residents during emergencies.\n\nThe Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Project will replace aging cast iron waterline pipes at risk of failure. Many of the cast iron potable water pipelines in Oxnard are over 60 years old, have reached the end of their useful life, and are constantly in need of repairs, which is disruptive and costly to the residents of the city. Replacement of these aged pipelines will ensure access to clean drinking water for residents of the Kamala Park neighborhood in Oxnard.\n\nBackground on FY2026 Community Projects\n\nCongresswoman Brownley secured more than $62 million in federal funding for 15 community projects and for other programmatic requests across Ventura County and the Conejo Valley in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.\n\nAn initial list of FY26 community projects and investments secured by Congresswoman Brownley is available here. A list of additional community projects and investments secured by Congresswoman Brownley in the FY26 appropriations packages is available here.\n\nPhotos from the check presentation in Camarillo can be found here. Photos from the check presentation in Oxnard can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=268F0030-4398-48C8-BE28-80957E5F758F", "title": "Whip Clark Statement on the Virginia Supreme Court Decision", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MALDEN, MA — Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court of Virginia struck down the state’s new, voter-approved Congressional map:\n\n“Last month, the citizens of Virginia approved a new Congressional map to ensure our elections are free and fair. Today, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down the will of the people by unilaterally overturning an entire election.\n\n“Voter suppression is the core of the Republican strategy to keep power by whatever means necessary — all so they can continue to line their own pockets while driving up costs for everyone else. Even as they disenfranchise Virginians, they are also attempting to racially gerrymander across the South after Trump’s judges gutted the Voting Rights Act. MAGA extremists believe they can steal the midterm elections by robbing the American people of their vote, but they are sorely mistaken.\n\n“Our fight is not over. We are using every tool at our disposal to reverse this decision and stop the GOP’s efforts to rig the system in favor of the billionaire class. House Democrats are going to win back the House in November and deliver an agenda that working families deserve: to lower costs, protect health care, and fight corruption.\"\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2E8D64DD-0B48-4D76-A265-74366FAB6CE4", "title": "Whip Clark Secures Over $4 Million To Improve Climate Resiliency, Accessibility in MA-5", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MALDEN, MA – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined state and local leaders to celebrate more than $4 million in federal investments that she secured for accessibility and climate resilience projects across MA-5.\n\nIn Arlington, she met with Town Manager Jim Feeney, Director of Planning and Community Development Claire Ricker, and other local leaders to highlight funding that will help construct a 1.7-mile shared-use path along the Mystic River and Lower Mystic Lake to improve safety and accessibility for MA-5 residents.\n\nWhip Clark later joined Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Malden Mayor Gary Christenson to celebrate a federal investment that will help build a climate-resilient riverfront park in the Malden Department of Public Works yard. The new park will protect against rising sea levels and serve as a community gathering space.\n\n“A more accessible, inclusive, and climate-resilient future is well within our reach. And I’m privileged to have the opportunity to work with leaders on the local, state, and federal level to bring home transformative investments that will bring that future closer,” said Whip Clark. “Thanks to their steadfast service and collaboration, we are beating back against the chaos of this administration to make life in our Commonwealth better for working people.”\n\n“I’m proud to have worked with Senator Warren, Congresswoman Clark, and Mayor Christenson to secure this funding for Malden to develop a public, climate-resilient park on the banks of the Malden River. Growing up, my mother warned me: ‘Eddie, whatever you do, don’t swim in the Malden River.’ Used as a dumping ground by chemical and coal companies, the polluted river was a textbook environmental injustice,” said Senator Markey. “Now, I can say proudly that kids in Malden today will have the opportunity to make use of a very different river than the one I avoided growing up. With this funding, we move from cleaning up the river into making it the community space it always should have been. We must continue our efforts here in Malden and in the push for just, accessible green space nationwide, regardless of your race, income, or zip code.”\n\n“We are grateful that the Malden River Works project is nearing completion and that would not have been possible without the support of Senators Markey and Congresswoman Clark. The $3.8M they were able to secure has helped this climate resilient waterfront park become a reality,\" said Mayor Christenson.\n\n“This ambitious project will provide the missing link and bring together the heavily utilized Minuteman Bikeway, a regional gem, and a network of highly popular multi-purpose greenways. The resulting network will have countless and wide-ranging benefits on area communities,\" said Arlington Town Manager Jim Feeney. \"We wouldn’t be here today without the unwavering support of Congresswomen Katherine Clark and her team for securing funding to move this project from vision to a reality.”\n\n“With this important funding, we are able to move forward this project that prioritizes safety, comfort, and ADA accessibility for all users,\" said Arlington Director of Planning and Community Development Claire Ricker. \"We look forward to continuing our partnership with the MyRWA, MassDOT, and community stakeholders to deliver a project that reflects the Town’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, environmental resilience, and high-quality public spaces.”\n\nTo view photos of the events, click HERE. To view the second press conference, click HERE.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/500000-violence-response-programs", "title": "$500,000 for Violence Response Programs", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Commonwealth’s Criminal Justice Planning Agency is receiving $500,000, the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women announced Tuesday. The funding, awarded through the Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program, will support efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases. Grant funds may be used towards an audit of policies and procedures; specialized training for law enforcement on victim-centered investigations, evidence collection, protection order enforcement, and victim confidentiality; enhanced investigative efforts; an audit of untested sexual assault kits and the development of processing protocols; and expanded victim services. Congratulations to CJPA.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/american-red-cross-volunteers-answer-call", "title": "American Red Cross Volunteers Answer the Call", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Wednesday, we met with the leadership and volunteers of the American Red Cross to discuss their ongoing recovery efforts following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. We are grateful to hear firsthand about the tireless work they are doing to support affected families and communities across the Commonwealth. During our meeting, they also shared their online damage assessment resources, which document the storm’s impact in detail and help ensure recovery efforts are informed and responsive. We especially want to recognize the many youth volunteers, some still in high school, who continue showing up day after day even while facing losses of their own. Their resilience and selflessness reflect the very best of our community. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Red Cross personnel and volunteers who traveled from across the nation to assist the CNMI during this difficult time. Thank you, American Red Cross NMI Chapter and every volunteer helping our islands recover!", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/bringing-cnmis-energy-challenges-washington", "title": "Bringing the CNMI’s Energy Challenges to Washington", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I wrote to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, in his role as Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council, this week regarding fuel supply conditions and rising energy costs affecting the CNMI and other Pacific territories. Our islands depend on imported fuel, and current global conditions are driving up the costs of power generation, transportation, cargo movement, and daily life across the Commonwealth. These pressures have become even more severe as recovery efforts continue following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. In the letter, I requested information on fuel availability in the Pacific region, aviation fuel pricing, and what federal coordination mechanisms exist to help territories during periods of disruption and recovery. I also raised the need for territorial fuel supply conditions to be incorporated into the federal government’s broader energy security discussions and planning. These issues are directly affecting our residents, our businesses, and the continuity of essential services throughout the CNMI.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/catch-kim-may-8-2026-letter-congresswoman", "title": "Catch Up with Kim -- May 8, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Catch Up with Kim -- May 8, 2026 -- Letter from the Congresswoman\nMay 8, 2026\nNewsletters\nImage\nBack to top button", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/cnmi-close-arrives-dc", "title": "CNMI Close Up Arrives in DC", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Wednesday, the D.C. congressional office welcomed 12 high school students from across the Northern Mariana Islands who traveled to Washington to learn more about the federal government and civic engagement. After meeting with congressional staff to discuss the work being done on behalf of the Marianas, the students toured the U.S. Capitol and even had the opportunity to visit the House Floor. Thank you to Jude Burgos, Adam Xuan, Annabella Tudela, Edwin Sibucao Jr., Alaysha Fejeran, Ellie Cho, Ciana Demapan, Taylor Cruz, Haily Aaron, Jelina Calvo, Raiahli Barcinas, Senline Kaipat, chaperones Vinny Orisini and Shirley Cepeda, and Close Up coordinator Charlotte Thomson for the wonderful visit. The students were visiting through the Close Up Foundation program, a civic education organization dedicated to helping young people gain a deeper understanding of history, government institutions, current issues, and the important role citizens play in our democracy.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/cnmi-priorities-military-construction-report", "title": "CNMI Priorities in Military Construction Report", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Directive report language I requested regarding the Saipan and Rota airports was included in the House Appropriations Committee’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee report. The language directs the Department of Defense to report to Congress on projected costs and timelines for planned military investments at the airports, as well as ways to maximize participation by CNMI construction companies and workers. I remain committed to ensuring these investments create meaningful opportunities for local businesses and workers. Separately, two requests we submitted with Representative Ed Case of Hawaii regarding the Freely Associated States were also adopted. The first directs the Department of Defense to report on efforts to strengthen civil-military relations in the FAS. The second reminds the Department of Veterans Affairs of its authority to provide direct care, telehealth, community care, and pharmaceutical delivery to veterans living in the FAS, and requests a report on plans to fully implement that authority — the same authority my bill, H.R. 6652, would codify into law.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/fema-individual-assistance-faq", "title": "FEMA Individual Assistance FAQ", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As our community continues to recover from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, my office has prepared a FEMA Individual Assistance FAQ to help our residents understand what support may be available and who can qualify. We will continue working to make federal recovery resources clear, accessible, and useful for families across the CNMI.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/helping-residents-access-fema-assistance", "title": "Helping Residents Access FEMA Assistance", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Following the Major Disaster Declaration for Super Typhoon Sinlaku, FEMA has opened the application process for Individual Assistance for residents who sustained damage to their homes and property. Accessing these programs starts with filing a claim, but for many families that process can be difficult, whether because of transportation challenges, internet access, or navigating the application itself. To help bridge that gap, our team has been going out into the villages with computers, internet access, and application materials to assist residents with starting the process and making sure damages are properly documented with FEMA. It has been encouraging to see so many people come out and engage with us, and I am grateful to all of our community partners who helped provide space and spread the word. For information on how to apply and what FEMA can do for you, please disasterassistance.gov or the Survivor Recovery Center located at the Multipurpose Center on Saipan with locations on Tinian and Rota opening soon.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/honoring-service-melvin-sakisat", "title": "Honoring the Service of †Melvin Sakisat", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "It was a privilege and an honor to meet with the family of the late Melvin Sakisat to present a flag flown above the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his service. Mr. Sakisat was a veteran and a valued member of our community, and it was important to make sure his service to our country was properly honored. I want to thank his wife, Ruth Ann, and the entire Sakisat and Palacios family for joining us for the presentation and for their strength during such a difficult time. Our community remembers and appreciates his service.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/keeping-safety-front-and-center-during-recovery", "title": "Keeping Safety Front and Center During Recovery", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Austen Cook and Hana Patterson from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to discuss workplace safety in the CNMI as recovery work continues after the disaster. They shared that while OSHA teams are visiting worksites across the Commonwealth, the current focus is largely on outreach and education, helping workers and employers understand how to keep recovery efforts aligned with safety practices and OSHA guidance. That approach is important. The urgency to rebuild is real, but recovery should not come at the expense of worker safety. A big part of this effort is making sure people understand both their rights and their responsibilities in the workplace. I encourage workers and employers alike to stay informed about the protections and guidance available as recovery work moves forward. Thank you to the OSHA team for taking the time to meet and for the work being done to support safe recovery efforts across our islands.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/learning-governor-torres-experience", "title": "Learning from Governor Torres’ Experience", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The CNMI knows the reality of recovering from major typhoons, and each disaster leaves lessons that can help shape the next response. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with former Governor Ralph Torres to talk through his experiences during Super Typhoons Soudelor and Yutu, including navigating federal recovery processes, identifying the kinds of resources that best meet the needs of our people, and how I can be most effective in supporting recovery efforts now. We also talked about the continued work being done through the Lady Diann Foundation and regional partners, which have helped distribute relief supplies to more than 600 homes across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Thank you, Governor Torres, for sharing your experience and for the continued work being done to support our islands.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/medicaids-role-and-resources-during-recovery", "title": "Medicaid’s Role and Resources During Recovery", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Medicaid is one of the most important healthcare lifelines in the CNMI. Before Super Typhoon Sinlaku, it was estimated that roughly half of our population relied on the program for access to care. That reflects the financial pressures many families in our community are already facing. After the storm, those challenges have only grown. I met with the CNMI Medicaid Office this week to talk through the role Medicaid will continue to play in recovery and the additional resources needed to meet the demand ahead. The team is ready for the work, but the scale of this disaster means they will need stronger federal support to continue serving our community effectively. Our conversation focused on the needs they are seeing on the ground and how the federal government can best help strengthen the program during this recovery period. Thank you to the CNMI Medicaid team for your partnership and for the work you continue to do for our people.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/planning-next-phase-recovery", "title": "Planning the Next Phase of Recovery", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I wrapped up the last two weeks of visits across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with a follow-up meeting with Governor Apatang and his team to talk through the needs we are seeing on the ground and how to coordinate the next phase of recovery. After visiting damaged homes, critical infrastructure, schools, and public facilities across the Commonwealth, one thing is clear. The scale of recovery ahead will require significant resources. The CNMI was already facing economic challenges and rising fuel costs before the typhoon. Those pressures have not stopped while response and recovery efforts continue to grow. A large part of the conversation focused on making sure our requests to Congress are clear, realistic, and tied directly to the conditions our community is facing. I am committed to carrying the Governor’s requests forward and continuing to push for federal support that aligns with the CNMI’s recovery plans.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/ramhae-awit-called-big-leagues", "title": "Ramhae Awit Called Up to the Big Leagues", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "It’s great to see another bright young leader from the CNMI making her mark on the national stage. Congratulations to Saipan’s own Ramhae Andrea Awit for earning a position with the Athletics organization in Las Vegas before even completing her degree at UNLV. Ramhae has built an impressive resume with internships and leadership roles across some of Las Vegas’ top sports and entertainment organizations, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aces, Allegiant Stadium, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. She also served as co-president of UNLV’s American Marketing Association chapter, helping lead the organization to earn the title of International Collegiate Chapter of the Year for the first time in the university’s history. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing all she will achieve in the years ahead. Way to go, Ramhae!\n\nImage", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/recovery-and-resilience-northern-marianas-technical-institute", "title": "Recovery and Resilience at Northern Marianas Technical Institute", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "I visited Northern Marianas Technical Institute to personally assess the condition of the campus following the impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Walking through the facility, it was clear that there is still a long road ahead, but I was encouraged by the determination and resilience shown by both the instructors and students. During my visit, I had the opportunity to sit down with members of the school community to discuss their immediate needs, ongoing cleanup efforts, and plans to safely resume classes and training programs. Despite the challenges, everyone remains focused on moving forward and getting back on course as quickly as possible. NMTech plays an important role in preparing our workforce and creating opportunities for our people, so restoring normal operations is critical to our recovery. I left the visit grateful for the dedication of the staff, students, and volunteers working hard to rebuild and continue serving our community.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media/newsletters/we-have-winner-hyunyu-choi-wins-2026-congressional-art-competition", "title": "We Have a Winner! Hyunyu Choi Wins 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://king-hinds.house.gov/media", "domain": "king-hinds.house.gov", "scraper": "king-hinds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000404", "name": "Kimberlyn King-Hinds", "party": "Republican", "state": "MP", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congratulations to Hyunyu Choi of Saipan International School for being selected as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Her piece, “Culture Under the Promise”, was chosen from submissions by students across the Marianas and will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside artwork from congressional districts across the country. One of the best parts of this competition is seeing the creativity and perspective our students bring to their work. I was grateful to everyone who participated and to the local judges who helped select this year’s winner. Congratulations as well to her teacher, Victoria Sewell, and to all the students who shared their talent through this year’s competition.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5879", "title": "ICYMI: Lawler Highlights Landmark Caregiver Legislation, Honoring Dream Shepherd’s Legacy", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Ossining, N.Y. – 5/8/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler joined community leaders, caregivers, and advocates at the Dreams Legacy Center in Ossining to highlight the introduction of the Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act, legislation designed to strengthen support for caregivers.\n\nThe legislation directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish grants for nonprofit organizations to provide practical support services for caregivers, including mental health resources, transportation assistance, meals, and other wellness supports.\n\nThe bill is inspired by the life and legacy of Dream Ioni Shepherd and the advocacy of her mother, Hudson Valley resident Diana Lemon.\n\n“Caregivers are the backbone of our health care system, but too often they are left to carry enormous responsibilities without the support they need. Dream’s story and Diana’s advocacy helped expose gaps in our system and drive real change here in New York. This legislation builds on that work by ensuring caregivers have access to practical resources and support services that help them continue caring for their loved ones without sacrificing their own well-being,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\nDream was born with sickle cell disease and spent much of her childhood battling chronic illness, enduring years of treatments, hospitalizations, and a stroke at just five years old. At age ten, she underwent a stem cell transplant after Diana donated her own stem cells in an effort to save her daughter’s life.\n\n“My daughter Dream lived with sickle cell disease, survived a stroke, underwent a stem cell transplant, and later developed osteosarcoma, and through that journey I learned how deeply caregivers sacrifice to keep the people they love alive. Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act is about recognition, restoration, and healing justice because caregivers deserve real support.,” Diana E. Lemon, Dream’s Mother and Advocate, Co-Founder and CEO of OCGDLC.\n\nFollowing the stem cell transplant, Dream required intensive at-home medical care, including up to 14 hours of daily infusions. After insurance companies denied requests for skilled in-home nursing support, Diana fought for change, ultimately helping secure passage of New York’s Dream’s Law, which expanded access to professional home care services for medically fragile patients following transplant procedures.\n\n“Care is ancestral, relational, and at its core, an act of love — and today, through the Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act and the release of our white paper, we are calling for a new way forward that recognizes caregivers as whole human beings worthy of care themselves. Because if just 1 million of the more than 63 million caregivers in this country — alongside the practitioners, organizations, and communities supporting them — rose together in resonance, advocacy, and shared care, the ripple effect could transform this nation through collective healing and restoration,” said Lauren Green, Co-Founder, Executive Director, & Resident Master Healing Practitioner.\n\nPhotos from today’s event can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/iycmi-today-is-lamonica-tomorrow-its-me", "title": "IYCMI: “Today is LaMonica, Tomorrow It’s Me”", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Marie Claire Reveals How Pelosi, Crockett, Ocasio-Cortez, and More are Banding Together After the Trump Administration Came for One of Their Own: LaMonica McIver\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, yesterday Marie Claire released a major feature documenting the fight to protect Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) from politically motivated charges brought by the Trump administration that threaten to send McIver to prison for 17 years.\n\nThe profile comes just days before the one-year anniversary of McIver’s initial visit to Delaney Hall—the encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that led to the charges against her—and details how, in that time, McIver’s fellow members of Congress have built their own legal and personal defense playbook when institutional party structures failed to act.\n\nThe piece interviews Congresswomen (including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Reps. Yvette Clarke, Jasmine Crockett, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar) and is the largest number of sitting congresswomen ever assembled for a single U.S. magazine story.\n\nThe full piece is available here.\n\nOn what nearly a year fighting the Trump DOJ has brought for McIver:\n\n[L]egal fees approaching a million dollars, racist bile and threats online, confrontations with Republican colleagues in the building where she still shows up to do the job that got her charged in the first place—and a fight that, as of this writing, is still ongoing.\n\nOn establishment failures:\n\n[T]he Democratic establishment—as McIver would learn the hard way—had no playbook for a fight like this. So the women built one themselves, with the understanding that any one of them could be next.\n\n[A] network of congresswomen has made McIver their business. [...] But what McIver has also come to learn is that beyond this circle, the support largely ends. The party’s national organizations—the DCCC, the DNC—have no system in place for a situation like this. What hurts “bigger than the charges,” McIver tells me, “is the support that I just have not gotten.”\n\nThe administration created the crisis. But the party, it turned out, had no system in place to meet it. When another member was threatened months after McIver was charged and came to her asking how she’d found a lawyer—“Is it the DCCC?”—McIver had to tell her the truth: “No one helped me.”\n\nSpeaker Pelosi on the case:\n\nNone of the [women interviewed] think it’s a coincidence that the charges landed on McIver. “They knew she was going to be effective,” Pelosi tells me.\n\nRep. Ocasio-Cortez on the case:\n\nOcasio-Cortez was on the phone with McIver [...] with a directive: “You’re going to need money.” She was right. Members of Congress cannot accept pro bono legal defense for cases like this, and no institutional fund exists to cover one. “LaMonica was one of the first members of Congress to take on ICE and put literally herself and her body on the line,” she tells me. “A pat on the back and congratulations and praise is not enough.”\n\nOcasio-Cortez puts it in terms anyone with a job would understand: “It is a total failure and an indictment of our systems that this member has to fundraise for the legal defense of conducting her own constitutional responsibilities. Imagine showing up to your job and someone sues you personally for doing your job. That’s supposed to be the company.” McIver, she says, was asked to take a risk and then left to carry the cost alone: “Once you’ve stuck your neck out and done a courageous thing, you are largely left to fend for yourself.”\n\nRep. Crockett on the case:\n\nCrockett, who has told McIver she plans to make herself available to her legal team after she leaves Congress in January, is blunt about why: “I have trust issues and I look at her as my own family. That’s how serious this is for me.”\n\nRep. Sykes on the case:\n\nOn a call with Democratic leadership, when the chair started urging members to fight harder, [Sykes] cut in: LaMonica did that, and now she’s looking at 17 years. “Now what’s the next thing we’re going to cheer on,” she says, “and who’s the next person we’re going to sacrifice so that we can say you all fought appropriately?”\n\nRep. McIver, on her continuing work:\n\nMcIver’s case is now before the Third Circuit [...] the last chance to get the charges dismissed before a trial, barring an appeal to the Supreme Court. She is still raising money for her defense, still working, fighting, and planning her life around the possibility that she could lose it. Despite everything, she has brought back over $10 million to her district for community projects. “When you have an administration who’s working so hard to stop you from doing the work on behalf of the people that you represent, I take that personally,” she tells me.\n\nIn April, McIver and counsel filed a brief that argues that the Trump Department of Justice cannot prosecute McIver for doing her job, nor can it selectively prosecute her because of her opposition to the administration’s mass deportation agenda. The government has now replied to that brief.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405686", "title": "Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 5.8.26", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Powerful cabal of scientists from within NIH helped draft anti lab-leak narrative.”\n\nThat headline about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was the headline that Co-Conspirator 1, generally believed to be EcoHealth Alliance’s former President Dr. Peter Daszak, feared would happen related to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nEcoHealth Alliance is the company that got a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to study bat coronaviruses. EcoHealth then gave some of the money to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in China to study bat coronaviruses.\n\nNow, we know they feared the headline because it was at least in part true!\n\nWhile every man is entitled to his defense in court, former senior adviser at NIAID, Dr. David Morens, was recently indicted for the concealment of documents that were supposed to be kept under the Federal Records Act and/or available under the Freedom of Information Act.\n\nAllegations include Morens editing, making suggestions and in part ghost-writing articles to lead the world into believing COVID-19 came from nature, not from a lab leak. In my opinion, this was done in an attempt to help EcoHealth deflect criticism of its involvement with WIV.\n\nSo perhaps, it was not a cabal of leading scientists inside the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But there was at least one scientist within NIH, and others outside of NIH, who were involved. You can’t have a conspiracy with just one person.\n\nIn the 118th Congress, I served as Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee as well as one of the lead Energy and Commerce Committee members involved with the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.\n\nDuring this time, I grilled key figures involved with coronavirus lab research in Wuhan.\n\nDaszak was one of the officials I questioned in an official hearing.\n\nWhen I pressed Daszak on EcoHealth’s reports, he lied to me! It was evident that he was not being completely transparent with Congress.\n\nShortly after that, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) formally debarred Daszak and EcoHealth!\n\nI believe that my findings and investigations helped influence this HHS decision.\n\nNow, the jury is out for Morens. Not only did Morens serve as a senior adviser to former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, but he also worked closely with Daszak.\n\nEmails show that Morens claimed he was a conduit between Fauci and Daszak.\n\nIn the indictment, Morens is listed as working with Co-Conspirator 1, who is generally presumed to be Daszak.\n\nAccording to the indictment, behind the scenes, Morens worked with Daszak to restore a terminated federal grant and advise how to combat the theory that COVID-19 resulted from a lab leak.\n\nTo maintain the secrecy of their sensitive conversations, Morens used his own personal gmail account! He instructed Daszak to send all email replies to Morens’ personal email.\n\nMorens’ personal gmail was used to disclose non-public information and evade or delay compliance with Freedom of Information Act requests.\n\nFederal records that Morens created, transferred and exchanged on his personal email seemingly included those concerning my oversight work of NIH and its grants related to COVID-19.\n\nThe private email also helped Morens “back-channel” information to Senior NIAID Official 1.\n\nWho is Senior NIAID Official 1?\n\nIt is generally assumed to be Dr. Fauci.\n\nIf you dig deeper, the emails are even more alarming.\n\nIn one, Morens asks Daszak:\n\n“…do I get a kickback?? Too much [expletive] money. Do you deserve it all? Let’s discuss…”\n\nDaszak responded:\n\n“of course there’s a kickback.”\n\nWere these comments in jest? Perhaps.\n\nLet me be clear. Bribery is not a listed charge in the Morens indictment.\n\nOr maybe, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is dangling this email in front of Morens to persuade him to testify against Senior NIAID Official 1, who is generally presumed to be Fauci.\n\nI do not know.\n\nWhat I do know is that concealing information from Congress is a crime.\n\nAdditionally, encouraging people to tell Congress that COVID-19 was from a wet market in Wuhan, even when it was likely that the virus’ origins traced back to WIV thanks to research funded by the American taxpayer, is unconscionable!\n\nAgain, everyone is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.\n\nWhile these texts and emails are damning, it is for a jury to decide if the indictments hold water.\n\nBut it is enough information to say the above headline was at least partly true.\n\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405687", "title": "Griffith Announces $1,211,582 in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two grants that total $1,211,582. The breakdown for the grants includes:\n\n- $818,500 for Cardiovascular Diseases Research\n\n- $393,082 for Biomedical Research and Research Training\n\nIn response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“HHS grants support scientific research at American institutions.\n\n“These HHS grants, which total more than $1.2 million, help deliver funds for Virginia Tech’s research efforts. I am pleased that research grants like these will continue to be a valuable research aide and economic driver in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/05/08/neal-statement-on-april-2026-jobs-report/", "title": "Neal Statement on April 2026 Jobs Report", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the April 2026 jobs report:\n\n“Zoom out and the story of this report is clear: a job market stagnant, with constant revisions that cancel out any steps forward, wages that can’t keep up with the President’s inflation, and younger workers struggling to enter the workforce. Americans have had all they can handle from the Trump economy.\n\n“Everywhere you turn there’s a Trump price hike waiting. With 50% higher prices at the pump and the cost to fly going up 20%, families are feeling the weight of his failures. The already-high grocery prices are only going up as farmers and businesses must contend with Trump spiking the cost of fertilizer and diesel. How are families supposed to weather something an airline couldn’t?\n\n“Republicans remain on the sidelines as families pay the price for Trump’s iron fist. Their latest budget proposal is more betrayal, with nothing to rein in this pain. Instead, a blank check for a lawless immigration agenda and $1 billion for a ballroom that Trump promised taxpayers they’d never foot the bill for. With Republicans in charge, it’s all broken promises and no results for you.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/08/watch-nunn-highlights-working-families-tax-cuts-with-iowa-manufacturers/", "title": "WATCH: Nunn Highlights Working Families Tax Cuts with Iowa Manufacturers", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Small businesses are the backbone of Iowa’s economy, and the Working Families Tax Cuts are delivering the certainty they need to invest and grow,” said Rep. Nunn. “Brandon Dahm and his team at IME are onshoring manufacturing right here in Des Moines, building the capacity to supply our aerospace and defense industries with American-made parts. That’s the Made in America success story Iowa is leading, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure our tax code works for the manufacturers and small businesses creating jobs here at home.”\n\nDuring the tour, Rep. Nunn met with IME co-owners Brandon Dahm, Matthew Sawhill, and Todd Freeland to discuss how provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts are helping the company reinvest and expand, including:\n\n100% Bonus Depreciation: Allows manufacturers to immediately write off the full cost of new machinery and equipment instead of depreciating over multiple years — freeing up capital for growth.\n\nSection 179 Expensing Raised to $2.5 Million: Doubles the cap on equipment purchases businesses can immediately deduct, directly supporting manufacturers investing in new production capacity.\n\nPermanent 20% Small Business Deduction: Locks in the pass-through deduction for Iowa businesses structured as LLCs, S-corps, and partnerships — preventing an automatic tax hike.\n\nRep. Nunn also discussed the recently passed AI for Main Street Act and how artificial intelligence tools can help small manufacturers improve efficiency and compete globally.\n\nB-roll video is available here.\n\nPhotos of the visit are available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2964", "title": "Pfluger Fly-By: May 8, 2026", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Friend,\n\nWelcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a weekly roundup of the work I am doing to represent you and our communities in Congress.\n\nIt was great to be back home in Texas-11 this week. I joined Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in the Permian Basin for a tour of an e-frac site, met with community leaders in Coleman, hosted my 112th community town hall in Robert Lee, and stopped by the Coleman County Telephone Cooperative. I also cosponsored a resolution affirming Texas's right to secure the border and joined the KWEL Morning Show hosted by Craig Anderson.\n\nBelow, you'll find highlights, including pictures, in-depth updates, and information on how my office can help you with any federal concerns. As always, my team and I are here to serve you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.\n\nBest,\n\nMilitary Spouse Appreciation Day\n\nToday marks Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and I want to recognize my incredible wife, Camille, for her love and support throughout my 25+ years of service. She continues to be my rock when times are difficult, and I would not be where I am today without her support.\n\nWhile our service members accomplish the mission of protecting this great nation, military spouses serve in an extraordinary way, protecting their service members and caring for their families. Camille, I love you and thank you for everything you do. God Bless our service members and the spouses who serve alongside them every day.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://schweikert.house.gov/2026/05/08/scottsdale-passport-acceptance-fair-tomorrow/", "title": "Scottsdale Passport Acceptance Fair Tomorrow!", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://schweikert.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "schweikert.house.gov", "scraper": "schweikert", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001183", "name": "David Schweikert", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Before visiting a foreign country, you should ensure that all your travel concerns are addressed. Here are a few of the most common questions my office receives that deal with passports:\n\nHow do I apply for a U.S. Passport?\n\nIf you are applying for a Passport for the first time, you will need to apply in person at a designated Passport Acceptance Office. A list of the necessary documents and other detailed information can be found here.\n\nYou can find the closest Passport Acceptance Office by using the search on this U.S. Department of State Search Engine.\n\nHow can I renew my existing passport?\n\nIf you already have a passport that is not damaged, was issued in the past 15 years, was received after your 16th birthday, and has your same name, you can apply for a passport renewal by mail.\n\nFor more information on renewing your passport, visit the Passport Renewal Page at the U.S. Consular Affairs Web Site.\n\nI can’t wait for the standard 8-11 week processing time for my application. Can I request an expedite?\n\nYes. For an additional fee, you can request expedited processing which currently takes 5-7 weeks.\n\nFor more information on expediting processing, visit the Expedited Service Page at the U.S. Consular Affairs Web Site or call 1-877-487-2778.\n\nIf you would like my help with a passport issue, please do not hesitate to contact my Scottsdale District Office staff at 480-946-2411.\n\nBack to News", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/5/rep-sewell-statement-on-alabama-state-legislature-s-passage-of-legislation-paving-the-way-to-erase-black-representation", "title": "Rep. Sewell Statement on Alabama State Legislature's Passage of Legislation Paving the Way to Erase Black Representation", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Montgomery, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding the legislation passed by the Alabama State Legislature to pave the way to erase Black representation through partisan gerrymandering:\n\n“This is a dark day for the State of Alabama. The Foot Soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement fought, bled, and died to overturn Jim Crow in the South and secure Black representation in government. Today, Republicans in the Alabama State House passed legislation to erase their legacy and suppress the voices of Black Alabamians.\n\n“To be clear, the State of Alabama remains under a federal court injunction which prevents the state from redistricting until 2030. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on lifting the injunction. However, Alabama Republicans’ rush to suppress Black representation while the injunction remains demonstrates the dire need for federal protections for minority voters.\n\n“We will not stand by quietly while Alabama Republicans try to erase the progress secured by the Civil Rights Movement and take our state back to the era of Jim Crow. The people of Alabama must stand up, speak out, and get out to the polls. If the courts and our state legislature won't protect the rights of Black and minority voters, then we must organize, mobilize, and vote like our lives depend on it. We must reaffirm, through action, that every American deserves a voice in our democracy.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-pairs-50-akron-students-with-bike-helmets", "title": "Rep. Sykes Pairs 50 Akron Students with Bike Helmets", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a bike helmet safety event for students at Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, where 50 pre-k and first grade students received bike helmets.\n\n“Every child deserves the chance to safely play and explore. By providing these helmets, we’re not just giving students protective gear – we’re giving families peace of mind and helping build lifelong habits around safety,” said Rep. Sykes. “Initiatives like this show what’s possible when healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, and community organizations come together to invest in our kids’ safety and future.”\n\nThis event is held in conjunction with the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (OCAAP) “Put a Lid on It” program. The OCAAP collaborates annually with local stakeholders and non-profit organizations to donate bike helmets to adolescents across the State of Ohio. Representatives from Akron Children’s Hospital and Ohio State Highway Patrol were in attendance to help the students get fitted for bike helmets.\n\n“Akron Children's is proud to partner with U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes and Helen Arnold CLC to help families prepare for a fun and active summer while keeping safety top of mind. As the weather warms and children are riding more often, wearing a helmet on every ride is one of the simplest and most important steps we can take to protect them. Bike helmets are the lowest-cost, most effective way to prevent a catastrophic injury or an emergency room visit. We want every child to enjoy the freedom of riding while staying protected,” said Heather Trnka, Injury Prevention Manager at Akron Children’s Hospital.\n\nAccording to OCAAP, only 10-20% of children in Ohio wear bike helmets. However, 75% of bike-related fatalities would be prevented with a helmet and helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-secures-more-than-81-million-for-barberton-reservoir-project", "title": "Rep. Sykes Secures More Than $8.1 Million For Barberton Reservoir Project", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "BARBERTON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the City of Barberton $8,135,420 through the agency’s Hazard Mitigation Program.\n\n“I’m proud to announce this significant federal investment in Barberton’s infrastructure through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program. Strengthening the Wolf Creek Dam and protecting the Barberton Reservoir will help ensure safe, reliable drinking water for families and reduce long-term flood risk. I will continue working to secure resources that protect public health, improve resilience, and support critical infrastructure across Ohio’s 13th District,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\nOf the total funding allocated, roughly $7.7 million will fund improvements to the Barberton Wolf Creek Dam. Improvements include converting a buttress type dam to a gravity type dam, making repairs to the existing structure that remains, relocation of the water supply gate valve house outside of the dam, among other things. The remaining $428,180 will fund subsequent management costs.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-tours-ibew-training-facility-discusses-affordability-with-union-leaders", "title": "Rep. Sykes Tours IBEW Training Facility, Discusses Affordability with Union Leaders", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "AKRON, OH — Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) visited the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 306 Training Facility, where she held a roundtable with local labor leaders.\n\n“I was incredibly impressed by the dedication and talent on display at the IBEW Local 306 Training Facility. These programs are not just teaching technical skills – they’re opening doors to good-paying, in-demand careers while strengthening our local economy. When we invest in workforce training, we invest in the people, opportunities, and jobs needed for the long-term success of our communities,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\nRep. Sykes, a proud member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, toured the training facility, which currently has 155 students taking classes to become certified electricians. Following the tour, Rep. Sykes had a conversation with union leaders about legislation that would support these training opportunities, union benefits, the electrical industry, and more.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-sykes-rulli-introduce-bipartisan-rapid-responders-act-to-strengthen-rail-safety-and-protect-first-responders", "title": "Reps. Sykes, Rulli Introduce Bipartisan RAPID Responders Act to Strengthen Rail Safety and Protect First Responders", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Michael Rulli (OH-06) introduced the bipartisan Railcar Accident Placard Integrity & Durability for Responders (RAPID) Responders Act, legislation to improve rail safety standards and ensure first responders have reliable hazardous materials information during rail emergencies.\n\n“First responders should never have to guess what they’re walking into during a rail emergency,” said Rep. Sykes. “After the derailment in East Palestine, we saw how quickly critical safety information can be lost when placards fail under extreme conditions. This bill ensures responders have the reliable information they need to protect themselves and their communities.”\n\n“Reliable hazardous material placards are critical for rail safety and emergency response. This legislation takes a commonsense step to ensure safety markings remain visible in high heat conditions and provide accurate information when it matters most,” said Rep. Rulli.\n\nThe bill addresses a failure identified following the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, where safety placards on tank cars melted during the vent and burn and became unreadable. As a result, first responders were unable to identify hazardous materials, complicating emergency response and risk assessment.\n\nThe RAPID Responders Act would require railcar placards to remain legible after exposure to temperatures exceeding 180 degrees, ensuring hazardous materials can be identified during derailments, fires, and other rail emergencies. It would establish durability standards for railcar hazard identification materials and improve first responder access to accurate hazardous materials information during incidents.\n\nThe legislation builds on Rep. Sykes’ bipartisan rail safety work, including the RAIL Act, and reflects ongoing efforts to incorporate stronger safety standards into federal rail policy. It also follows the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, which underscored weaknesses in hazard identification during rail disasters.\n\nBy introducing this provision as a standalone bill, the sponsors aim to position it for inclusion in the rail title of the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act or as an amendment to broader legislation.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4596", "title": "Tonko Announces Student Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "tonko.house.gov", "scraper": "tonko", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000469", "name": "Paul Tonko", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SCHENECTADY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko held a reception last week at the Nott Memorial at Union College to announce the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 20th Congressional District. The winning artworks were chosen from among 42 student submissions representing 21 high schools across the Capital Region.\n\n“Each year I am inspired anew by the incredible talent and creativity displayed by the students entering our Congressional Art Competition, and this year was no different,” Congressman Tonko said. “Last week, I had the honor of joining a group of remarkable local students to celebrate both their artistic skill and their dedication to the creative process. Art plays a vital role in our students’ education, giving them a powerful outlet to share their ideas, their talents, and their unique perspectives on the world. I’m thrilled to recognize this year’s gifted participants, and I’m incredibly grateful to the parents, teachers, and supporters who have helped guide and encourage them along the way.”\n\nThis year’s honorees are as follows:\n\n· Winner: Sofia Kennedy, Shaker High School, “Composed”\n\n· Runner-Up: Emma Schweitzer, Academy of the Holy Names, “1900s Breakfast”\n\n· Runner-Up: Sienna Stewart, Albany High School, “The Pink Room”\n\n· Runner-Up: May Nyein, The Doane Stuart School, “Eudora”\n\n· Honorable Mention: Anastazia Valachovic, Averill Park High School, “And Still They Laugh”\n\n· Honorable Mention: Avery Lobban, Bethlehem High School, “Bits and Pieces”\n\n· Honorable Mention: Lachlan Flores, Niskayuna High School, “United States of Amnesia”\n\n“Congratulations to Sofia on her incredible winning piece,” Tonko continued, “and congratulations to all who participated in this year’s competition. Thank you all for sharing your talents with us!”\n\nThis year’s awardees were chosen by a distinguished panel of local artists. The winner will be honored at a reception in Washington D.C. this fall, and her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the remainder of the year.\n\nThe annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated, with more than 10,000 student artworks displayed at the U.S. Capitol.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/08/vindman-joins-bipartisan-effort-to-honor-americas-public-servants/", "title": "Vindman Joins Bipartisan Effort to Honor America’s Public Servants", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined 62 Members of Congress in introducing a bipartisan resolution commemorating Public Service Recognition Week, observed from May 3 through May 9, 2026.\n\nThe bipartisan measure honors the dedication, professionalism, and patriotism of America’s public servants, affirms the essential role they play in serving communities across the country, and calls on Americans to recognize the men and women who carry out this work on their behalf at every level of government.\n\n“Public servants are the backbone of our Commonwealth and our country. From teachers and firefighters to diplomats, nurses, and civil servants, these dedicated Americans show up every day to serve their neighbors and keep our communities moving forward,” said Vindman. “During Public Service Recognition Week, we honor their commitment, professionalism, and patriotism, and reaffirm that public service is not only honorable work, but essential to the strength of our nation.”\n\nThe resolution was led in the U.S. House by Representatives Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.-05) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01).\n\n“During Public Service Recognition Week, we highlight the dedication and commitment of the public employees who make a difference in the lives of Americans every day and keep our country moving forward,” said Hoyer. “They have continued to show up and use their voices despite the threats to their careers and livelihoods over this past year – and with little recognition or reward. It is critical that Congress continues to ensure that they receive the support and appreciation they deserve. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Fitzpatrick in introducing a bipartisan resolution to honor Public Service Recognition Week. I hope that everyone will take this week to thank public employees for their contributions and their commitment, and those of us who appreciate all they do will continue our fight to protect them.”\n\n“A nation is only as strong as the people entrusted to serve it,” said Fitzpatrick. “America’s public servants shoulder responsibilities that touch nearly every part of our national life — from public safety and veterans services to infrastructure, research, national security, and the protection of constitutional rights. Their work is demanding, often unseen, and essential to a government that is accountable, capable, and worthy of the people it serves. As a former federal law enforcement officer, I have seen the discipline, integrity, and sense of duty this work requires. I am grateful to join Congressman Hoyer in honoring the Americans who choose public service as their mission and carry it out every day with professionalism, purpose, and devotion to country.”\n\n“Public Service Recognition Week is a time to celebrate and honor our nation’s public servants who go to work each day on behalf of their communities and our country. I applaud Representatives Fitzpatrick and Hoyer for leading the House resolution honoring our nation’s public servants, and I encourage every lawmaker to take a moment this week to recognize those workers at the federal, state, county, local and tribal government levels who keep our nation moving forward,” said Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.\n\n“AFGE strongly supports the bipartisan resolution introduced by Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick recognizing the week of May 3 as Public Service Recognition Week, honoring the vital contributions of military personnel and civilian public servants at all levels of government. At a time of heightened challenges for federal employees and service members, this resolution is a timely and meaningful affirmation of the essential work they perform on behalf of the American people,” said AFGE President Everett Kelly.\n\n“Public Service Recognition Week serves as an opportunity to give thanks to the front-line heroes who keep our communities strong, safe and healthy. Whether they’re keeping our streets clean, taking kids to school, or caring for us when we’re sick, public service workers show up every single day because they are committed to helping others. When they have a voice on the job, they use that voice to strengthen the public services our communities depend on, strengthening our economy and providing relief to working families. As we pause to honor them this week, let’s recommit to supporting their service by investing in them and their life-saving work,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.\n\n“IFPTE thanks Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick for sponsoring this bipartisan resolution honoring Public Service Recognition Week. As a Union representing tens of thousands of government workers at all levels of government, it is critically important that lawmakers from across the political spectrum show their support and appreciation for the vital services that our government employees provide. This is as needed now more than ever as the careers and rights of federal workers, including collective bargaining rights, are under assault. We applaud our friends in Congress for supporting this resolution and continue to appreciate their support for government workers,” said President Matthew Biggs, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).\n\n“Federal employees work every day with dedication and skill, despite the blatant attacks on their jobs, pay, benefits, and workplace rights. I want to thank Representatives Hoyer and Fitzpatrick for leading the effort during Public Service Recognition Week to pay tribute to and thank federal workers for their service and commitment to improving the lives of all Americans,” said NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald.\n\n“Public service employees represent the best of this country. They are people who choose service over self-interest and put the public good ahead of profit. As we recognize them this week, we should be clear about the alternative: a system driven solely by private interests, where public assets are stripped for profit and accountability disappears. That’s not just unsustainable; it’s dangerous. Thank you to the members of Congress standing up for public service and supporting this resolution. This year, more than ever, that leadership is needed,” said Randy Erwin, National President, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).\n\nThe resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (R.I.-01), Yassamin Ansari (Ariz.-03), Don Bacon (Neb.-02), Don Beyer (Va.-08), Sanford Bishop (Ga.-02), Brendan Boyle (Pa.-02), Rob Bresnahan (Pa.-08), Julia Brownley (Calif.-26), Nikki Budzinki (Ill.-13), Salud Carbajal (Calif.-24), Troy Carter (La.-02), Ed Case (Hawaii-01), Angie Craig (Minn.-02), Jasmine Crockett (Texas-30), Henry Cuellar (Texas-28), Sharice Davids (Kan.-03), Danny Davis (Illl.-07), Don Davis (N.C.-01), Chris Deluzio (Pa.-17), Sarah Elfreth (Md.-03), Shomari Figures (Ala.-02), Maxwell Frost (Fla.-10), Dan Goldman (N.Y.-10), Val Hoyle (Ore.-04), Glenn Ivey (Md.-04), Julie Johnson (Texas-32), Robin Kelly (Ill.-02), Tim Kennedy (N.Y.-26), Jen Kiggans (Va.-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (Ill.-08), Zoe Lofgren (Calif.-18), Stephen Lynch (Mass.-08), April McClain Delaney (Md.-06), Betty McCollum (Minn.-04), Rob Menendez (N.J.-08), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-07), Dave Min (Calif.-47), Seth Moulton (Mass.-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Johnny Olszewski (Md.-02), Chris Pappas (N.H.-01), Emily Randall (Wash.-06), Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), Deborah Ross (N.C.-02), Kim Schrier (Wash.-08), Lateefah Simon (Calif.-12), Eric Sorensen (Ill.-17), Darren Soto (Fla.-09), Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10), Bennie Thompson (Mo.-02), Mike Thompson (Calif.-04), Dina Titus (Nev.-01), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.-12), James Walkinshaw (Va.-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12), Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), Adelita Grijalva (Ariz.-07), Jeff Van Drew (N.J.-02), and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Calif.-37).\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3679", "title": "Rep. Weber Leads Mother’s Day Resolution Celebrating America’s Mothers", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "weber.house.gov", "scraper": "weber", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000814", "name": "Randy K. Weber, Sr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Ahead of Mother’s Day, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of motherhood and honoring the women who raise and shape the next generation of Americans. The resolution reaffirms the significance of mothers, the sacrifices they make for their families, and the lasting impact they have on communities across the country.\n\n“Motherhood is one of God’s greatest blessings and one of the strongest foundations of our country,” said Rep. Weber. “For generations, mothers have raised families, strengthened communities, and shaped the character of our nation. As some continue trying to redefine or diminish what motherhood means, we are standing firm in recognizing and celebrating the women who give life, love, and sacrifice so much for the next generation. On Mother’s Day, and every day, we honor the mothers who keep America strong!”\n\nThis resolution:\n\nSupports policies that recognize mothers as mothers;\n\nAcknowledges that Mother's Day is intended specifically to commemorate motherhood and to honor the mothers of the United States;\n\nRecognizes the importance of motherhood, the sacrifices women make when choosing to raise a family, and the invaluable contributions of motherhood to the family, community, states, and the country as a whole;\n\nAnd encourages the people of the United States to observe Mother's Day in celebration of the women who have chosen to bring life into the world and nurture the next generation.\n\nCosponsors include: Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Babin (TX-36), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Mary Miller (IL-15), Blake Moore (UT-01), Barry Moore (AL-01), Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Addison McDowell (NC-06), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Michael Rulli (OH-06), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Brian Mast (FL-21), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24).\n\nRead the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/05/08/rep-whitesides-leads-roundtable-with-local-business-leaders-to-highlight-economic-growth-in-santa-clarita/", "title": "Rep. Whitesides Leads Roundtable With Local Business Leaders to Highlight Economic Growth in Santa Clarita", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "SANTA CLARITA, CA – This week, Rep. George Whitesides led a business roundtable with BizFed, which represents over 240 businesses across Los Angeles County. Rep. Whitesides heard from local business leaders about the issues they are currently facing, and discussed the ways he’s fighting for jobs and economic opportunity in Congress.\n\n“I spent a decade growing a business that created 700 jobs in our area, so I have firsthand experience with the potential, but also the challenges, facing business leaders across Northern LA County,” said Rep. Whitesides. “I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from those who contribute significantly to the economic opportunity of Santa Clarita, and was able to reiterate my focus on supporting them in Congress. It’s important that we work together to push policies that create jobs and support employers, while also fighting back against decisions that have hurt local business. I look forward to continuing my partnership with BizFed and the companies they represent to bolster economic opportunities across Northern LA County.”\n\nIn Congress, Rep. Whitesides has championed policies to support small businesses in Congress, including the Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth Act, which expands SBA and 504 loans to offset inflation, opening more capital for small businesses that need it. He has fought to cut unnecessary regulations placed on businesses by supporting the Main Street Parity Act, which lessens the financing requirements for certain SBA loans. Rep. Whitesides is also advocating for the Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act to ease burdens and shield small businesses from excessive legal red tape.\n\nAdditionally, as the Administration has pushed harmful tariffs policies that have raised costs on local employers, Rep. Whitesides has fought back by advocating for the RELIEF Act, which would provide tariff refunds to small and independent businesses who had to pay higher costs as a result of the President’s illegal tariffs. The Congressman has also fought for the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act which reins in the President’s individual ability to impose tariffs on imports without Congressional approval.\n\nPrior to coming to Congress, Rep. Whitesides led an aerospace company based in Mojave, California. Over his decade in that role, he created over 700 jobs in Northern LA County and navigated many of the challenges businesses confront today.\n\nRep. Whitesides was joined by the following BizFed business leaders at the leadership series:\n\nSamara Ashely – The Strategic Advocacy Group\n\nBlaine Bacher – Beacon Economics\n\nSonya Blake – Valley Economic Alliance\n\nRichard Fisk – U.S. Chamber of Commerce\n\nNathan Freeman – Black Business Association\n\nStephanie Freeman – Black Business Association\n\nKevin Golden – Black Business Association\n\nTed Green – Westside Council of Chambers\n\nJheri Heetland – Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce\n\nBob Horning – H&S Wealth Management\n\nJennings Imel – U.S. Chamber of Commerce\n\nMatt Jacobs – Kaiser Permanente\n\nJazz Keyes – Vermont/Slauson Economics Dev. Corp\n\nJohn Musella – Santa Clarita Valley Chamber\n\nTyler Pledger – City of Santa Clarita\n\nSandy Sanchez – FivePoint\n\nBrian Schlick – SchlickArt\n\nDoug Tripp – Spectrum\n\nDr. Jasmine Ruys – College of the Canyons\n\nIvan Volschenk – Santa Clarita Valley Chamber\n\nRachel Wagner – Southern CA Association of Governments\n\nMichael Yosef – Daley Strategies\n\nJeffrey Thompson – Santa Clarita Valley Chamber\n\n###\n\nThe 27th district is home to more than 700,000 people across the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and San Fernando Valley. It includes northern Los Angeles County communities like Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Acton, Agua Dulce, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, and Sun Village. I am honored to serve the people from these communities. Learn More", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410769", "title": "From the Front: May 8, 2026", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "From the Front Newsletters\nFrom the Front: May 8, 2026\nShare on Facebook\nShare on X\nPrint this Page\nShare by Email\nWashington,\r\n      May 8, 2026\nClick here to read this edition.\nRead more.\nJOIN MY EMAIL LIST\nSUBSCRIBE", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/baldwin-demands-answers-from-trump-after-illegally-firing-entire-national-science-foundation-board-without-reason", "title": "Baldwin Demands Answers from Trump After Illegally Firing Entire National Science Foundation Board Without Reason", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is demanding answers from President Donald Trump after he abruptly and illegally fired all 22 members of the National Science Foundation’s National Science Board (NSB), threatening the integrity of the federal government largest scientific research agency and undermining U.S. competitiveness. The National Science Foundation’s NSB, which has been historically nonpartisan, decides what kinds of scientific research the NSF should prioritize, what programs are approved, and the long-term strategic direction of scientific and technological investment. Senator Baldwin is the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness that oversees the National Science Foundation.\n\n“It is critically important that the United States continue to lead the world in the advancement of scientific research and development, and the NSB plays an essential role in that work. This misguided decision risks undermining the integrity of the NSF and our nation’s global leadership in research and innovation,” Senator Baldwin wrote to President Trump, Assistant to the President and Director Office of Science and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios, and Chief of Staff, Performing the duties of the National Science Foundation Director Brian Stone.\n\nOn April 24th, all 22 board members of the NSB received notice that they had been “terminated, effective immediately,” without explanation or legal justification. In her letter, Baldwin noted that Congress intentionally structured the board with staggered six-year terms to protect its independence and that federal law explicitly allows the President to remove the National Science Foundation Director, but not board members.\n\nBaldwin also questioned the timing of the removals, which occurred just days before a statutorily mandated meeting of NSB members where the board was expected to release a report showing that the United States is ceding scientific ground to China.\n\n“The work of the National Science Foundation is critical to maintain and advance the United States’ global competitiveness. With concerns that the People's Republic of China is investing more on scientific research and development, it is now more important than ever for the United States government to support the scientific community to advance independent research,” the Senator continued.\n\nThe firings are part of a broader pattern of attacks on American scientific research by the Trump administration, including cancelling more than 1,500 previously awarded NSF grants, proposing a more than 55 percent cut to NSF funding, and plans to relocate NSF staff from their current headquarters.\n\nA full version of this letter is available here and below.\n\nDear President Trump, Mr. Stone, and Director Kratsios,\n\nI write to you to express concern and disappointment regarding your removal of all members of\n\nthe National Science Foundation’s (NSF) National Science Board (NSB). It is critically important that the United States continue to lead the world in the advancement of scientific research and development, and the NSB plays an essential role in that work. This misguided decision risks undermining the integrity of the NSF and our nation’s global leadership in research and innovation.\n\nThe NSB helps guide the critical work of NSF by approving the agency's strategic budget direction, approving the annual budget submissions to the Office of Management and Budget, approving new major programs and awards, and establishing agency policies. The NSB also provides essential independent and non-partisan scientific guidance to Congress and the President. In addition to academics, NSB members include representatives from American national labs, private industry and nonprofits – our leaders in scientific research and advancement.\n\nDespite the critically important role of the NSB, on Friday, April 24, all 22 seated members of the board received notice they had been “terminated, effective immediately” and were not provided with a justification for their removal. It is my understanding that by the following Monday, board members were unable to log in and access their NSF accounts and emails. The administration has not provided written explanation or justification for the removal of the board members. Following these removals, thirteen former Directors of the National Science Foundation and Chairs of the National Science Board wrote to administrative and congressional officials urging the immediate restoration of the full leadership and governance at NSF.\n\nTo help safeguard the NSB’s independence, Congress directed that board members be appointed in staggered six-year terms. While the authorizing legislation gives the President the authority to remove the NSF Director, it does not provide such authority over board members. This inclusion of removal for the Director but not board members shows clear Congressional intent to preserve NSB’s independence.\n\nAdditionally, the timing of these removals raises significant concerns. Troublingly, these removals occurred just before the statutorily mandated May meeting of NSB members. It was anticipated that the NSB would be releasing a report regarding the United States ceding scientific ground to China at the May 4, 2026 meeting.\n\nThis action continues the troubling trend of this administration undermining the advancement of American scientific research. Last year, NSF cancelled over 1500 grants that had already been awarded, including nearly $18 million in grants to Wisconsin. Last summer, the administration suddenly announced their intent to remove NSF staff from their custom designed office building and relocated them to a smaller office space. In his latest proposed budget to Congress, President Trump suggested cutting funding to NSF by over 55 percent. All of these actions convey to the American scientific community, our global competitors, and private industry a disregard for critical American scientific research and development.\n\nThe work of the National Science Foundation is critical to maintain and advance the United States’ global competitiveness. With concerns that the People's Republic of China is investing more on scientific research and development, it is now more important than ever for the United States government to support the scientific community to advance independent research.\n\nPlease provide answers to the following questions by June 8, 2026:\n\nWhat is the legal authority and justification for removing all members of the National Science Board?\n\nWhat is the policy justification for removing all members of the National Science Board?\n\nWhat office or official made the decision to remove all members of the National Science Board?\n\nDoes the administration intend to continue utilizing the National Science Board and if so, what is the plan and timeline for filling or reappointing board members?\n\nDoes the administration intent to still release the report drafted by the National Science Board on U.S. competitiveness with China, and if so, when will that report be released?\n\nI look forward to your prompt responses to this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-joins-gop-lawmakers-in-supreme-court-brief-supporting-in-person-safeguards-for-chemical-abortion-drugs/", "title": "Banks Joins GOP Lawmakers in Supreme Court Brief Supporting In-Person Safeguards for Chemical Abortion Drugs", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined more than 100 Republican lawmakers led by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court supporting Louisiana’s lawsuit to protect women and their unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs. The brief requests reinstatement of mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2023, the Biden administration removed longstanding safety restrictions on abortion drugs. Previously, women could only access abortion drugs after seeing a doctor in person. Under Biden, the Food & Drug Administration lifted the in-person dispensing requirement and allowed abortion drugs to be prescribed online and shipped to all fifty states.\n\nAs a result, abortion drugs can be mailed to states that otherwise restrict abortion. This policy bars states from enforcing their pro-life laws.\n\nThe state of Louisiana sued, requesting reinstatement of the in-person dispending requirement. A federal district judge in Mississippi found that Louisiana was likely to succeed in its claims but refused to block the mail-order rule. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the rule. Now, the Supreme Court will consider whether to reinstate the mail-order rule while litigation continues.\n\nArgument:\n\nThe Biden Administration’s deregulation of mifepristone should be reversed to restore critical patient safety protections and appropriate medical oversight. Chemical abortion drugs carry serious health risks, and allowing online pharmacies to distribute them without an in-person doctor visit undermines safeguards designed to ensure proper screening, informed consent, and access to emergency care. In addition, federal law prohibits the trafficking of abortion drugs through the mail. Requiring an in-person medical evaluation before prescribing mifepristone would help protect women’s health and better uphold the law.\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “The Biden Administration put politics ahead of women’s safety by allowing dangerous chemical abortion drugs to be shipped through the mail without an in-person doctor visit. Reinstating these measures will help save unborn lives, protect women, and advance proper medical oversight.”\n\nRead the full brief here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/ahead-of-mothers-day-senators-demand-accountability-for-dangerous-mistreatment-of-pregnant-women-in-ice-detention", "title": "Ahead of Mother's Day, Senators Demand Accountability for Dangerous Mistreatment of Pregnant Women in ICE Detention", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumethal (D-CT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) wrote Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and two private contractors demanding information about the treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention.\n\n“Recent reporting reveals the appalling and horrific treatment that pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals have endured in immigration detention during this Administration,” the senators wrote to Secretary Mullin, detailing accounts of pregnant women who experienced bleeding and abdominal pain but received no or limited medical treatment; pregnant women shackled around their bellies and nursing mothers separated from their breastfeeding newborns. “We write today with deep concern about the callous indifference with which this Administration appears to be mistreating this extremely vulnerable population.”\n\nThe senators also wrote today to two private contractors – Acquisition Logistics, LLC and Amentum Services, Inc. – that received contracts from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to run Camp East Montana, a makeshift ICE detention facility in El Paso, Texas.\n\nBlumenthal has repeatedly raised concerns about the serious mistreatment of pregnant people by immigration enforcement officials. In September 2025, Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led 27 of their Senate colleagues in a letter expressing concerns about the prevalence and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in ICE detention. In their letter to then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the lawmakers requested that ICE stop detaining pregnant women absent exceptional circumstances, and asked the Department to provide information about the number of pregnant women in its custody and the treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women who are in ICE detention.\n\nIn November 2021, Blumenthal led a group of eleven senators calling on DHS to “direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including its component agency Border Patrol, to issue a policy prohibiting the detention of people who are pregnant, postpartum, and/or nursing.” The senators’ request for a new policy ending the detention of pregnant and postpartum immigrants followed a report by the DHS Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) which “revealed CBP’s lack of necessary processes and guidance to appropriately care for pregnant individuals, and years of documentation by non-governmental organizations regarding serious mistreatment suffered by people in CBP custody.” Blumenthal led a group of thirteen senators in calling for the DHS OIG investigation in April 2020.\n\nIn February 2020, Blumenthal led a group of fourteen senators demanding answers from CBP following reports of the issue. The full letter to CBP is available here. The February letter followed a March 2019 hearing on the subject and CBP’s subsequent, alarmingly contradictory answers.\n\nIn October 2017, Blumenthal joined colleagues in writing then-Acting Secretary of DHS Elaine Duke and then-Acting Director of ICE Thomas Homan asking for a clarification of policies and additional information about the detention of pregnant women. That letter is available for download here.\n\nBlumenthal is also an original co-sponsor of the Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act which would protect the health and safety of pregnant women and youth by reinstituting the presumption of release of pregnant women and youth in immigration detention, further prohibiting DHS from shackling pregnant women in its custody, and setting new standards of care and transparency for the treatment of pregnant women and youth.\n\nThe full text of today’s letter to Secretary Mullin is available here and copied below. The full text of today’s letter to Acquisition Logistics is available here. The full text of today’s letter to Amentum is available here.\n\nDear Secretary Mullin:\n\nRecent reporting reveals the appalling and horrific treatment that pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals have endured in immigration detention during this Administration. We write today with deep concern about the callous indifference with which this Administration appears to be mistreating this extremely vulnerable population. Following your confirmation hearing, you responded to questions for the record and assured Congress that if confirmed, you would work to provide relevant information on this topic. We now write to ask that you make good on that assurance and provide information concerning this vulnerable population—a population of at least 126 women by the Department’s own estimate.[1]\n\nPregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals appear to have suffered harm and mistreatment both in ICE’s detention facilities and its unofficial detention sites, known as “hold rooms.”[2] At Camp East Montana, ICE’s makeshift south Texas detention center, there is no doctor on site, yet pregnant women are still detained there.[3] When one experienced vaginal bleeding and requested medical care she was reportedly given only water, prenatal vitamins, and a temperature check. [4] A separate 911 call from Camp East Montana involved a pregnant woman in severe pain with coronavirus.[5] At a detention facility in Central Arizona, a woman who was three months pregnant suffered a miscarriage, after agents reportedly dismissed her pain, accused her of lying, and told her she just needed to drink more water.[6] In an ICE hold room in Massachusetts, a pregnant woman reportedly spent three days without a bed until she was taken to the hospital with intense abdominal pain.[7] Her doctor later wrote that the conditions she suffered during her detention put her, “at higher risk of preterm labor.”[8] In other cases, ICE agents reportedly shackled the hands and ankles of pregnant women, even going so far as to wrap chains around their bellies.[9]\n\nNursing mothers have fared no better. In one notable case, ICE reportedly separated a legally admitted refugee from her still breastfeeding five-month-old and transferred the mother out-of-state.[10] In another, ICE reportedly separated a nursing mother from her baby and failed to provide proper equipment and care to maintain her milk supply, leading to the mother suffering clogged milk ducts.[11]\n\nGiven these realities, it belies belief for the Department to claim that this treatment is, “the best healthcare many of these individuals have received in their entire lives.”[12] Federal judges overseeing cases against the Department for mistreatment of such women have instead described the Department’s healthcare as leading to “adverse medical consequences” and putting pregnancies at risk.[13]\n\nIn addition, detaining pregnant women in ICE custody is inconsistent with ICE’s own detention standards and widely accepted, evidence-based clinical guidance and norms. ICE’s 2025 National Detention Standards require facilities to provide pregnant detainees with “access to prenatal and specialized care” and referral to a “physician specializing in high-risk pregnancies” for those detainees identified as high risk.[14] In addition, leading medical authorities, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[15], report that “individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or postpartum should have access to patient-centered, nonjudgmental healthcare,” but that “[p]regnant individuals held in immigration detention facilities have poor access to medical care, which can lead to detrimental outcomes, including death.”[16] Accordingly, the continued detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing women not only raises serious compliance concerns under ICE’s own standards but also contravenes established medical protocols and best practices designed to safeguard maternal and fetal health.\n\nOur concerns are exacerbated by the Administration’s seeming confusion and conflicting statements as to what policies and procedures governing the care and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals in detention are even operative. In August 2025, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) stated in a legal filing that ICE’s July 1, 2021 policy on “Identification and Monitoring of Pregnant, Postpartum, or Nursing Individuals” (“2021 Pregnancy Directive”) was revoked pursuant to Executive Order 14159.[17] However, in February 2026, a different DOJ legal filing indicated the policy was still in effect.[18] The Administration has also provided different figures as to how large the population of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals in detention is, raising questions as to whether ICE is effectively identifying, monitoring, or caring for this vulnerable population.[19]\n\nWe urge you to immediately resume the commonsense practice of presumption of release of pregnant women from ICE custody, other than in exceptional circumstances such as if the individual poses a threat to public safety or national security, consistent with ICE’s 2021 Pregnancy Directive. In addition, in light of the aforementioned, please provide the following information to our offices by May 21, 2026:\n\nIs the 2021 Pregnancy Directive “Identification and Monitoring of Pregnant, Postpartum, or Nursing Individuals” still in effect?\n\nIf no, please list and provide a copy of each policy governing the care and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals in detention.\n\nIf yes, please indicate if the policy was ever temporarily suspended or superseded during the period from January 20, 2025, to present.\n\nHow does ICE track the number of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals detained in ICE Health Services Corps facilities, non-ICE Health Service Corps facilities, and contracted facilities (also designated as Intergovernmental Service Agreement facilities)? If a database is used to track these populations (e.g., ENFORCE, EAGLE, EARM, etc.), please specify which one.\n\nIf tracking is not done for any one of these populations, please indicate why not.\n\nList all ICE Health Services Corps facilities, non-ICE Health Service Corps facilities, and contracted facilities that currently detain pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals. For the purposes of responding to this request, such facilities should be understood to include unofficial detention sites such as hold rooms.\n\nFor each facility listed in response to the above, indicate:\n\nWhether prenatal and postnatal health care is offered on-site or offsite;\n\nthe legal name of the entity or entities providing prenatal and postnatal health care if not ICE Health Services Corps;\n\nThe number of medical personnel employed at each facility disaggregated by job category;\n\nThe dates and hours during which no medical personnel were physically present at the facility, from January 20, 2025 to the present;\n\nFor each facility listed in response to the above, indicate how many pregnant, postpartum and nursing individuals were:\n\ntransported to a hospital;\n\nreferred for off-site obstetric, gynecological, or postpartum care;\n\ntreated for emergency pregnancy-related or postpartum complications; or reported to have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or other serious maternal-health events.\n\nPlease provide all 911 call recordings made from ICE Health Services Corps facilities, non-ICE Health Service Corps facilities, and contracted facilities involving pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals. Please redact any personally identifiable information for the recordings to the extent possible. If recordings are not available, due to the inability to redact PII, please clearly indicate this in your response and provide a description of the recording.\n\nSection 5.4 of the 2021 Pregnancy Directive requires that pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women receive weekly evaluations to determine whether continued detention is appropriate.\n\nDoes ICE Health Services Corp. perform these weekly evaluations at facilities it operates?\n\nDoes ICE perform any sort of monitoring or audit to verify that such evaluations are performed at non-ICE Health Service Corps and contracted facilities?\n\nPlease provide all records[20] related to such weekly evaluations\n\nFor each weekly evaluation provided please indicate whether ICE accepted or rejected the recommendations regarding continued detention therein.\n\nDo ICE Health Services Corps facilities, non-ICE Health Service Corps facilities, and contracted facilities track requests from detained pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals for medical care?\n\nIf yes, what is the average number of days between a request for medical care and the provision of medical care?\n\nIf no, how do ICE Health Services Corps facilities, non-ICE Health Service Corps facilities, and contracted facilities stay apprised of the health of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals in their custody?\n\nPlease contact my office if you have any questions about responding to these requests. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n-30-\n\n[1] See Caroline Kitchener et al., Pregnant in ICE Detention: Handcuffs and Pleas for Medical Care, The New York Times, (Mar. 20, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/20/us/politics/pregnant-women-ice-detention.html.\n\n[2] See Logan M. Davis, EXCLUSIVE: ICE Locks Thousands, Including Kids, in 170 ‘Hold Rooms’ Nationwide. Here’s Where They Are, Colorado Times Reporter, (Mar. 18, 2026), https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2026/03/exclusive-ice-locks-thousands-including-kids-in-170-hold-rooms-nationwide-heres-where-they-are/77352/.\n\n[3] See Caroline Kitchener et al., supra note 1.\n\n[4] Id.\n\n[5] Morgan Lee et al., ‘Worse than a prison’: 911 calls, interviews, reveal problems at ICE’s largest detention camp, AP News, (Mar. 6, 2026), https://apnews.com/article/ice-detention-camp-conditions-911-calls-738c63a2b96a90c2f85a668ec2fd3b5b\n\n[6] John Washington, ICE Said She Wasn’t Pregnant. Then She Miscarried., LOOKOUT and Phoenix New Times, (Apr. 28, 2026), https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/ice-said-she-wasnt-pregnant-then-she-miscarried-40663026/\n\n[7] See Caroline Kitchener et al., supra note 1.\n\n[8] Id.\n\n[9] Id.\n\n[10] Kyle Cheney, Judges Decry Treatment of Nursing and Pregnant Detainees in ICE Custody, POLITICO (Feb. 18, 2026, 5:00 AM), https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/18/pregnant-nursing-ice-detainees-00784683.\n\n[11]Id..\n\n[12] Caroline Kitchener et al., supra note 1.\n\n[13] Kyle Cheney, supra note 9.\n\n[14] U.S. Immigr. & Customs Enf’t, National Detention Standards, Std. 4.3, Medical Care (2025), https://www.ice.gov/doclib/detention-standards/2025/nds2025.pdf.\n\n[15] Am. Coll. Of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, ACOG Releases Update to Guidance on Safe, Equitable Health Care for Immigrants (Feb. 3, 2026), https://www.acog.org/news/news-articles/2026/02/acog-releases-update-guidance-safe-equitable-health-care-immigrants\n\n[16] Am. Coll. Of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Detention of Undocumented Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals (July 9, 2021), https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2021/07/detention-of-undocumented-pregnant-postpartum-individuals.\n\n[17] Memorandum in Opposition to Motion for Temporary Restraining Order at 29, Aguilar Maldonado v. Olson, No. 25-cv-3142 (D. Minn. Aug. 8, 2025), https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/27172523/nelsonorder.pdf.; U.S. Immigr. & Customs Enf’t, ICE issues new policy on pregnant, postpartum, nursing individuals (July 9, 2021), https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-issues-new-policy-pregnant-postpartum-nursing-individuals\n\n[18] Kyle Cheney, supra note 10.\n\n[19] Compare Kyle Cheney, supra note 10, DHS spokesperson is quoted as saying “pregnancy in ICE detention is exceedingly rare–making up 0.133% of all illegal aliens in custody” with Caroline Kitchener et al., supra note 1, DHS spokesperson says pregnancy in ICE detention is rare “comprising 0.18 percent of all undocumented immigrants in custody.”\n\n[20] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-joins-13-colleagues-to-demand-trump-administration-resume-russian-oil-sanctions", "title": "Blumenthal Joins 13 Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Resume Russian Oil Sanctions", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and 13 Senate colleagues urged the 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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nThe letter was also joined by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary C. Peters (D-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Peter Welch (D-VT)\n\n“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.\n\n“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.”\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\n“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.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senator-blumenthal-week-in-review-5/1/2026-5/8/2026", "title": "Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 5/1/2026-5/8/2026", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Criticizing Trump’s Ballooning White House Vanity Project\n\n[Hartford, CT] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), wrote Clark Construction CEO Robert Moser and the National Park Service (NPS) regarding a no-bid contract awarded to Clark Construction to make repairs to public fountains in Lafayette Square, across the street from the White House – which occurred just a few months after President Donald Trump chose the company to build his ballroom. According to new reporting in the New York Times, the previous administration estimated the work on the Lafayette Square project to cost $3.3 million; documents show that a new contract with Clark Construction has ballooned to $17.4 million in taxpayer dollars.\n\n“The federal government’s ballooning payments to Clark Construction and the circumstances of its recent contract to renovate Lafayette Park raise troubling questions about whether excess taxpayer dollars are being diverted to Clark Construction, and whether its unilateral selection may constitute an undisclosed reward for its central role in President Trump’s preferred vanity project,” Blumenthal wrote.\n\nIn October, Blumenthal wrote Clark Construction requesting information regarding its selection as the builder of President Trump’s ballroom. Clark Construction’s response shared no details on how the firm was selected to build the ballroom nor the terms of its agreement with the Trump White House.\n\nAs Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the use of private donations to fund President Trump’s $300 million ballroom and has repeatedly raised concerns about donors that have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Trump Administration.\n\nIn December, Blumenthal wrote several individuals, including Roblox CEO David Baszucki, demanding answers about their reported contribution to the ballroom following an October 15, 2025 dinner that raised for the project. As part of his inquiry, Blumenthal also wrote to Shalom Baranes Associates Architects, which has taken on the project following President Trump’s clash with the previous architect.\n\nBlumenthal has also written to each of the reported donors to the White House ballroom project as well as donors previously kept secret by the White House to seek information about the terms of their donations and any potential deals made in exchange for contributions.\n\nThe full text of the letter to Clark Construction is available here. The full text of the letter to NPS is available here.\n\nBlumenthal further slammed the massive no-bid contract on Twitter/X.\n\n“The estimated cost for the Lafayette Square project was $3.3M. The firm building Trump’s ballroom got the contract without bidding & now it will cost taxpayers $17.4M. I’m demanding answers to understand if Clark’s unilateral selection is a reward for building the ballroom,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal further condemned Trump’s White House ballroom project after Senate Republicans proposed $1 billion to pay for new White House security measures—leading to disagreements over whether the legislation would cover Trump’s planned ballroom.\n\n“Trump’s gilded boondoggle balloons. Republicans mock fiscal prudence & respect for American history by aiding & abetting their dear leader’s gold plated monstrosity—a $1 billion monument to himself. The private donors are paying to play—sweetheart contracts, cancelled investigations, rigged regulations & more. Republicans should join us in saying enough is enough. No more repugnant destruction & construction. No more repellent donor corruption. No more revolting defiance of law, history & taste,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal joined CNN on Thursday to discuss Trump’s ballroom project and the rising costs associated with construction.\n\n“This Trump ballroom is a gold-plated boondoggle. He never should have torn down the East Wing. It’s not his house, it’s the People’s House. He did it without coming to Congress for any kind of funding, now they are trying to use tax-payer money—which I think is a mistake—for the construction, without Congress overseeing exactly what that structure is. And there is no need for the kind of massive monstrosity that they are contemplating,” said Blumenthal on CNN.\n\nThe full video of Blumenthal on CNN can be found here.\n\nUrging Fair Treatment of Combat-Injured Veterans\n\nBlumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, joined veteran advocates to urge immediate Congressional passage of the Major Richard Star Act, bipartisan legislation focused on ending injustices faced by combat-injured veterans. Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments—leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees. The Major Richard Star Act will fix this unjust policy for medical retirees with a combat-related disability—providing them their full VA disability and DOD retirement payments.\n\nThis legislation has overwhelming support from the majority of both chambers of Congress, with 79 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate and 323 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. However, Senate Republican leadership has blocked two attempts from Blumenthal in October and March to advance this overwhelming bipartisan support, including an effort to give the bill a simple floor vote. Last week, Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged the Departments support for the bill, following pressure from Blumenthal.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated war veteran who was forced to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries. Major Star fought to fix this injustice facing combat-injured veterans until he lost his battle with cancer in 2021.\n\n“What we’ve learned is the cost of caring for our veterans is part of the cost of war. As I said to Secretary of Defense in the hearing last week, we are spending more than a billion dollars a day on the war in Iran—we can afford the money to pay our veterans both disability benefits and their retirement pay,” said Blumenthal.\n\n“Right now, combat-injured veterans are literally docked, dollar for dollar, every dollar they receive, for disability compensation from their retirement pay. Their retirement pay is reduced, dollar-for-dollar, for every dollar they receive in disability benefits. In other words, combat-injured veterans are penalized for their injuries—when they literally served and sacrificed for our country, and their injuries are the result of that service and sacrifice,” continued Blumenthal. “I am here demanding a vote so we can do right by our veterans and make sure we pay the costs of war. Do not reduce retirement pay simply because a veteran is receiving disability compensation as a result of injuries during service. That’s a principle we should all respect. It’s a cost of war that we can and must afford.”\n\nBlumenthal further highlighted the need for the Major Richard Star Act on Twitter/X.\n\n“There is no excuse to oppose the Major Richard Star Act—veterans support it, a majority of the Senate supports it, Sec. Hegseth supports it. I will move again for a vote on this critical legislation that removes the wounded veteran tax imposed on brave combat-injured veterans,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nSounding the Alarm on Surging Youth Sports Betting\n\nBlumenthal joined Sacred Heart University students for a roundtable discussion on the risks of sports betting among young people. The roundtable comes amid increasing attention on the sports betting industry, including questions about advertising practices and the ease with which users can place bets in seconds from their phones. These features are designed to encourage repeat wagering and increase the accessibility and appeal of these platforms to young users. In February, a Sacred Heart University poll found that over half of respondents are concerned about the effects and prevalence of gambling advertisements for American youths.\n\n“What I’ve learned in the last few years is that young people are a target for the gambling companies. They are a major target, maybe even the predominant target for gambling corporate giants. What I see is young people and people of all ages becoming addicted to gambling. Gambling addiction is perhaps the fastest growing abuse disorder in the United States. Kids’ lives are being hurt when they’ve only begot. Maybe the most heartbreaking thing for me is to see people lose their jobs, their careers, their families, sometimes their lives. We should not be blind to the fatal effects of gambling addiction, when people lose hope. And it can happen so quickly, without really awareness and without help,” said Blumenthal.\n\nBlumenthal leads several bills aimed at addressing the risks of sports betting, including the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act, which would establish nationwide standards for the mobile sports gambling industry, and the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment and Treatment (GRIT) Act, which would direct a portion of federal sports betting revenue toward addiction treatment and research. He also recently introduced the Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act to prevent abuse and fraud in emerging prediction markets.\n\nBlumenthal highlighted the need for legislation enacting guardrails against the dangers of sports betting on Twitter/X.\n\n“Students & teachers at Sacred Heart Univ. conveyed invaluable insights about gambling pitfalls & problems, including addiction. Their moving experiences bolster my fight for safeguards like my SAFE Bet & GRIT Acts,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nCombatting Invasive Hydrilla in CT Waterways\n\nBlumenthal joined advocates in Hartford to urge $18 million in federal funding for research and maintenance of hydrilla throughout the Connecticut River and lakes across the state. Hydrilla is a rapidly-spreading, invasive aquatic species that has been found in the Connecticut River and lakes across the state. An aggressive eradication and management program is necessary to safeguard the Connecticut River as an environmental resource and driver of the local economy.\n\nBlumenthal is leading his colleagues in an appropriations letter urging $18 million in federal funding to combat hydrilla in the Connecticut River, emphasizing the need for an aggressive eradication and management program to safeguard the river. He has led similar letters of support to fully fund hydrilla research and testing since 2022.\n\n“We are here because the hydrilla threat if anything is greater this year than ever before, and the need for more federal funding is more urgent. And that’s why I’m writing to my colleagues, asking for $18 million, which is more than double what was appropriated last year. The amount that we received in the last Fiscal Year was a good start, but we need the Army Corps of Engineers to have the resources to continue this program—in fact, increase its scope and scale,” said Blumenthal. “Hydrilla spreads more pervasively and more threateningly than any other invasive species, and certainly more than any other aquatic invasive species. It is a curse. It can imperil drinking water, recreational activity, it threatens and kills other wildlife. This invasive species wasn’t meant to be in the Connecticut River or in our lakes.”\n\nBlumenthal further highlighted the need for increased federal funding to combat hydrilla on Twitter/X.\n\n“Hydrilla is an invasive, spreading peril—an ugly aqua species that suffocates plants & fish, threatens drinking water supplies, undercuts recreation & tourism on the CT River & other rivers & lakes. Fighting it requires more resources for the Army Corps of Engineers, which is why I’m demanding $18 million for FY2027,” wrote Blumenthal on Twitter/X.\n\nBlumenthal Bulletin\n\nBlumenthal joined MS NOW’s Morning Joe to discuss Trump's judicial nominees and their inability to provide impartial, honest answers, including refusing to say Biden won the 2020 election.\n\nBlumenthal joined CNN on Thursday to discuss the skyrocketing costs of Trump’s war in Iran.\n\nBlumenthal demanded the Trump Administration resume Russian Oil Sanctions.\n\nBlumenthal demanded accountability for the dangerous mistreatment of pregnant women in ICE detention ahead of Mother’s Day.\n\nBlumenthal released a statement on the $18 million contract for Sikorsky to produce parts for helicopters.\n\nBlumenthal and his colleagues demanded the gun manufacturer Mountain Billy Gun Lab halt marketing campaigns of assault-style weapons to minors.\n\nBlumenthal joined his Democratic colleagues to kill Trump’s Executive Order restricting vote by mail and to press USPS on the unconstitutional Executive Order.\n\nBlumenthal joined StayWell to announce $750,000 in federal funding to help modernize their health information system.\n\nBlumenthal joined state legislators as they enact safeguards against ICE’s spreading tentacles and vicious tactics threatening Connecticut.\n\nBlumenthal celebrated federal funds allowing reconstruction for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.\n\nBlumenthal congratulated Connecticut’s Small Businesses Awards winners.\n\nBlumenthal called for passage of the Responsible Firearms Marketing Act.\n\nBlumenthal attended the USS Idaho Commissioning.\n\nBlumenthal joined the ARI Walk in Stamford.\n\nBlumenthal attended the University of Bridgeport’s undergraduate commencement.\n\nBlumenthal attended the Meriden Daffodil Parade.\n\nBlumenthal attended the Bruce Museum’s Annual Gala.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-mike-lee-introduce-repeal-of-inflated-government-spending-models/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Mike Lee, Introduce Repeal of Inflated Government Spending Models", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and several of their colleagues in introducing legislation to repeal the outdated Davis-Bacon Act to curb inflated government spending on construction projects.\n\n“The Davis-Bacon Act is a nearly century-old, outdated law,” said Senator Britt. “It drives up federal costs, hurts American workers, and unfairly advantages organized labor. Repealing this antiquated law would provide relief for taxpayers and improve government efficiency by instituting more accurate prevailing wage calculations on federal construction projects.”\n\nThe Davis-Bacon Act is a 95-year-old wage subsidy law requiring all federally funded construction projects worth over $2,000 pay workers the “prevailing wage” rate from private construction projects in the same locality. In practice, the application of this law uses inaccurate wage estimates and flawed calculation mechanisms, inflating costs so much that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revealed a repeal would save $17.8 billion over the next decade.\n\nRather than using average local pay rates for its estimations, the Department of Labor (DOL) adopted a rule under the Biden administration that if 30% of a local workforce is paid a particular rate, this is used as the prevailing wage. This method distorts the prevailing wage away from actual averages, elevates union influence over the calculations, and punishes urban workers.\n\n“When big government offers to help, it usually creates more problems than it fixes. The Davis-Bacon Act is no exception,” said Senator Lee. “It is an antiquated piece of legislation that hurts middle class workers and every American taxpayer. Repealing this single bill would save tens of billions of tax dollars. It is high-time that Congress passes the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act.”\n\nFurthermore, despite having access to accurate prevailing wage rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Labor has instead tasked an enforcement department with estimating prevailing wages – which reportedly made 832 errors across 49 contractors in an investigation by the DOL Inspector General. The repeal of the Davis-Bacon Act would eliminate this outdated, inefficient payment model to bring government spending down from its artificially inflated height. You can read the full text of the bill here.\n\nSenators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) also cosponsor this legislation.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/05/08/budd-applauds-fema-approval-of-58-8-million-in-hazard-mitigation-grant-program-funds/", "title": "Budd Applauds FEMA Approval of $58.8+ Million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds for Helene Recovery in WNC", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "StateDisaster NumberProject NumberTotal Project CostFEMA ShareCost Share (%)BCRType of GrantCategorySummaryNC48279$1,316,897.00$987,672.7575%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Madison County Acquisition Group I\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nProject Description: This grant will fund the acquisition and demolition of two (2) additional properties in Madison County. The acquired properties will be returned to green space and deed restricted, eliminating future damage to the structures as a result of flooding and landslides. This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, as amended by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.\n\nPrior Obligations:\n\n01/14/2026 $279,081.56 NC48279$13,394.57$13,394.57100%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Madison County Acquisition Group I\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nProject Description: This grant will fund subrecipient management costs for Madison County to acquire and demolish two (2) additional properties. The properties will be returned to green space and deed restricted, eliminating future damage to the structures as a result of flooding and landslides. This award is pursuant to Section 1215 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, which amended Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, allowing Subrecipient Management Costs (SRMC) up to 5% of the total project cost, available to the subrecipient at a Federal Cost Share of 100%.\n\nPrior Obligations:\n\n01/14/2026 $18,605.43NC482719$3,297,706.25$2,473,279.7575%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Haywood County Acquisition Group II\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nProject Description: This grant will fund the acquisition and demolition of 11 properties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene in Haywood County. The acquired properties will be returned to green space and deed restricted, eliminating future damage to the structures as a result of flooding and landslides. This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, as amended by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.\n\nNC482726$69,029,711.40$51,772,283.5575%1.15HMHMGPTitle: Buncombe County Acquisition Group 3, Batch 1\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nProject Description: This grant will fund the acquisition and demolition of 142 properties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene in Buncombe County. The acquired properties will be returned to green space and deed restricted, eliminating future damage to the structures as a result of flooding and landslides. This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, as amended by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, and 44 CFR Part 206.434\n\nNC482726$1,150,495.19$1,150,495.19100%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Buncombe County Acquisition Group 3, Batch 1\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nProject Description: This grant will fund the subrecipient management costs for Buncombe County, to acquire and demolish 142 properties. This award is pursuant to Section 1215 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, which amended Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, allowing Subrecipient Management Costs (SRMC) up to 5% of the total project cost, available to the subrecipient at a Federal Cost Share of 100%.\n\nNC482740$3,220,568.75$2,415,426.5675%1.55HMHMGPTitle: Mitchell County Acquisition Group I\n\nDeclaration Date: 09/28/2024\n\nProject Description: This grant will fund the acquisition and demolition of nine (9) properties impacted by Tropical Storm Helene in Mitchell County. The acquired properties will be returned to green space and deed restricted, eliminating future damage to the structures as a result of flooding and landslides. This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, as amended by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-demand-fcc-rescind-order-for-early-license-renewals-to-disney-following-trumps-latest-attacks-on-broadcasters", "title": "Cantwell & Colleagues Demand FCC Rescind Order for Early License Renewals to Disney Following Trump’s Latest Attacks on Broadcasters", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell & Colleagues Demand FCC Rescind Order for Early License Renewals to Disney Following Trump’s Latest Attacks on Broadcasters\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) led their colleagues in a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to rescind last week’s order requiring Disney to file early license renewals for its eight ABC broadcast stations.\n\nThe 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 President Trump and Chairman Carr to weaponize the FCC’s authorities to target broadcasters.\n\nIn 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.”\n\nSenators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) co-signed the letter.\n\nThe Senators request answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:\n\nWhat internal legal review, including by the Office of General Counsel, was conducted before the order was issued?\n\nDid you consider, but reject, any less aggressive enforcement steps prior to issuing the order?\n\nThe 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?\n\nPlease provide a status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations.\n\nPlease describe the justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations.\n\nBetween 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?\n\nPlease identify each prior instance 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.\n\nLast September, in the wake of ABC’s suspension of Kimmel, Sen. Cantwell strongly defended free speech and condemned the actions of Chairman Carr.\n\nFollowing the announcement of Mr. Kimmel’s suspension, Sen. Cantwell issued a statement that Chairman Carr lacks the authority to police free speech and connecting the firing to Nexstar’s $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna, at the time pending before the FCC for approval.\n\nShe joined Democratic members of the Commerce Committee in sending a letter to Chairman Carr demanding that he immediately stop threatening media organizations over content the Trump Administration does not like, in violation of the First Amendment.\n\nSen. Cantwell led Democrats on the Committee demanding Chair Cruz call Chairman Carr to testify before the Committee following his threats to use the regulatory power of the FCC to compel ABC to fire comedian Jimmy Kimmel.\n\nShe also appeared on MSNOW’s Morning Joe to defend to defend freedom of speech and freedom of the press.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-capito-receives-updates-on-cds-project-in-elkins", "title": "PHOTOS: Capito Receives Updates on CDS Project in Elkins", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ELKINS, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, traveled to Elkins, W.Va. where she received updates and toured the new event and conference center at the former Elkins Railyard site, which is being renovated with funds from a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) allocation that she helped secure in Fiscal Year 24 (FY24).\n\n“The Elkins Railyard redevelopment is an exciting project that reflects the kind of community-driven progress I’ve been proud to support through the Appropriations process,” Senator Capito said. “I appreciated the opportunity to visit Elkins and see firsthand how federal resources are helping transform this historic site into a new event and conference center. Through the CDS process, I’ve worked to support local priorities that spur economic development and create new opportunities. This project is doing exactly that, and I’m proud to partner with local leaders to help bring new investment to the region.”\n\n“The Randolph County Development Authority appreciates Senator Shelley Moore Capito for her assistance in securing federal funding for The Railyard Event & Conference Center,” Robbie Morris, Executive Director of the Randolph County Development Authority, said. “This investment will have a significant impact on Elkins, Randolph County, and the surrounding region by supporting economic development, tourism, and new opportunities for growth. Projects of this scale require collaboration at the local, state, and federal levels. We are thankful for Senator Capito’s support in making this project a reality.”\n\nPhotos from the visit are below:\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) receives updates on a CDS project she helped support in Elkins, W.Va. on Friday, May 8, 2026.\n\nU.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits with officials at a tour of a CDS project she helped secure in Elkins, W.Va. on Friday, May 8, 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-leads-entire-louisiana-republican-delegation-in-protecting-women-babies-from-dangerous-abortion-drugs-upholding-louisiana-values/", "title": "Cassidy Leads Entire Louisiana Republican Delegation in Protecting Women & Babies from Dangerous Abortion Drugs, Upholding Louisiana Values", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led the entire Louisiana Republican congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), U.S. Representatives Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Julia Letlow (R-LA), in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court supporting Louisiana’s lawsuit to protect women and their unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs. The brief argues mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement must be reinstated. More than 100 Republican lawmakers, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), signed onto Cassidy’s brief.\n\n“I am grateful to my home state of Louisiana for leading the effort to defend women and babies in our state and across the country. Chemical abortion drugs kill innocent children and put mothers’ lives at risk,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Safeguards protecting against coercion, such as the in-person dispensing requirement, must be reinstated immediately. The Fifth Circuit got this right, and I urge the Supreme Court to affirm that decision.”\n\n“By leading the way against dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs, Louisiana’s proving once again that it stands strong for innocent life. I’ll always be proud to support our state’s pro-life values, and I hope and pray that the Fifth Circuit’s ruling—in favor of federalism and the safety of women and girls—prevails at the Supreme Court,” said Senator Kennedy.\n\n“We filed this brief because the Biden FDA’s approval of chemical abortion drugs plainly puts young women and their unborn children at risk. The state of Louisiana has done heroic work in leading the fight against mail-order, on-demand abortion drugs, and the 5th Circuit was right to block the FDA from continuing this dangerous practice. We urge the Supreme Court to affirm that decision and protect women and babies nationwide,” said Speaker Johnson.\n\n“There are legitimate concerns about these drugs putting women and girls at significant risk,” said Leader Thune. “I urge the Supreme Court to reinstate the safety guardrails that were in place before the Biden administration while the Department of Health and Human Services reviews these drugs.”\n\nAs a strong pro-life leader, Cassidy has an A+ rating on Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s 2025 National Pro-Life Scorecard. As Chairman of the HELP Committee, Cassidy led a hearing in January with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on the dangers of chemical abortion drugs. He is also leading conservative Republicans calling on U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to fulfill their promise to complete a safety review of abortion drugs. Previously, Cassidy led 58 Republican lawmakers in an amicus brief to the district court, arguing that the illegal Biden policy must be overturned.\n\n“We’re deeply grateful to pro-life champions Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Chris Smith for leading this amicus brief in support of Louisiana and courageous survivor Rosalie Markezich against the FDA’s reckless mail-order abortion policy,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. “The FDA’s decision to side with the abortion industry and allow dangerous abortion drugs to be shipped nationwide without an in-person doctor’s visit is unacceptable. This policy kills countless unborn children, enables coercion and abuse, and gravely endangers women and girls, while the FDA callously ignores the well-documented harms that states and survivors have warned about for years. We are thankful for the members of Congress fiercely supporting pro-life states like Louisiana and survivors who are seeking justice in court.”\n\n“Louisiana has chosen to protect women and their babies by prohibiting mail-order abortion,” said Erica Inzina, J.D., Policy Director, Louisiana Right to Life. “It is unconscionable that the FDA would allow abortion drugs to be openly distributed without any safeguards whatsoever. These actions harm women and hinder states like Louisiana from being able to protect its citizens and enforce its laws. The abortion industry’s response to the 5th Circuit’s ruling, including promoting even more unsafe methods of elective abortion, is telling. For the abortion industry, it was never about women’s safety or health. Instead, it has always been about money and promoting abortion at all costs, even when it hurts the women they purport to help. The Supreme Court should uphold the 5th Circuit’s decision to halt the 2023 REMS and reinstate basic health standards. We are grateful for Senator Bill Cassidy and all of our elected officials on the state and federal level who continue to support women’s health and the lives of unborn babies.”\n\n“I’m grateful for the Senators and Representatives who have signed this brief in support of Louisiana’s right to protect unborn children and their mothers,” said Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council. “The rise of mail-order abortion has not only endangered women and unborn children, but also created new avenues for coercion and abuse. The FDA’s policy, which overrides state pro-life protections, undermines both the rule of law and the safety of those it claims to serve. It must be reversed.”\n\nThe brief is also supported by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul, M.D. (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Todd Young (R-IN).\n\nRead the full brief here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-delivers-keynote-address-at-maine-manufacturers-annual-summit", "title": "Senator Collins Delivers Keynote Address at Maine Manufacturers Annual Summit", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nSOUTH PORTLAND, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered the keynote address at the Manufacturers Association of Maine’s (MAME) annual summit in South Portland. She was joined by hundreds of attendees at the event, including manufacturers, suppliers, and other business organizations from across the state.\n\n“Throughout our history, Maine manufacturers and our skilled workforce have been known for innovation and quality. While much has changed over the years, the inventive spirit and desire to contribute have not,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “From producing personal protective equipment during the pandemic to strengthening our national defense and breathing new life into our heritage industries, Maine manufacturers continue to add new chapters to the proud story of products that are ‘Made in Maine.’”\n\nSenator Collins discussed her work as Chair of the Appropriations Committee to support workforce development, including securing more than $46 million in Congressionally Directed Spending over the past five years for Maine’s Community Colleges to expand trade programs in welding, plumbing, electrical training, and logging. She also led negotiations of the recently enacted funding bill that provided $285 million for the Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Grant Program.\n\nMAME is a non-profit, non-partisan trade association that provides its members with business development, networking, advocacy, and workforce development services.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/department-of-energy-awards-36-million-to-eerc-for-enhanced-oil-recovery-program", "title": "Department of Energy Awards $36 Million to EERC for Enhanced Oil Recovery Program", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. — Abundant oil and gas reserves, paired with first industry-leading fracking technology and affordable, reliable electricity, has put North Dakota at the forefront of U.S. energy dominance. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is capitalizing on this advantage by investing $36 million to support the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center’s (EERC) work improving enhanced oil recovery technologies in the Bakken formation.\n\n“North Dakota is a model for the rest of the country and demonstrates energy production and energy innovation go hand in hand,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “This investment recognizes years of work by the EERC, industry partners, and state leaders to unlock more of the Bakken’s enormous potential while utilizing captured carbon dioxide productively. We know the Bakken still holds billions of barrels of oil just out of reach of our current technology, but through the combined efforts of the Department of Energy and industry partners, those barrels of oil will enhance our national security and increase our economic growth. While there is still more work to be done, this announcement represents a commitment to the future of North Dakota’s oil industry—and a promise to America we will not step away from the resources God gave us.”\n\nInitial Bakken development only recovers approximately 10-15% of the oil in place. While partnerships between North Dakota and industry have made progress toward recovering additional oil, Cramer led efforts to correct leftist narratives regarding Bakken crude and leverage DOE dollars toward recovering the residual oil.\n\nThis federal investment includes $36 million from DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, along with $9 million in cost-share funding from the EERC and project partners for one of the six pilot projects.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-expands-healthcare-training-at-williston-state-college", "title": "Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Expands Healthcare Training at Williston State College", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click herefor media resources.***\n\nWILLISTON, N.D. – For nearly 15 years, Williston has stood at the forefront of North Dakota’s energy expansion, driving significant growth and development across the state’s northwest region. Alongside the surge in oil production has come rapid population growth. While Williston’s population is currently just over 30,000, it is expected to keep rising in the coming years, underscoring the increasing demand for essential services throughout the region, including healthcare and education.\n\nTo better serve the growing community, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined area leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating Williston State College’s (WSC) new Healthcare Training Facility. This facility was created to help meet the region’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals by providing hands-on, career-focused training opportunities in Williston while addressing workforce shortages across the state. The project received support from every regional healthcare provider across northwestern North Dakota and eastern Montana.\n\n“Access to quality healthcare in rural America is everything and that starts with an adequate workforce,” said Cramer. “This new state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the future of northwest North Dakota’s healthcare workforce. Facilities like this one will provide students with invaluable hands-on training and will help meet the demand for medical professionals not only in the region, but across the state.”\n\nToday’s event marks a major milestone in expanding WSC’s healthcare programs and strengthening the workforce pipeline for Williston and northwestern North Dakota. WSC broke ground on the Healthcare Training Facility in May 2024, opened the facility in January, and launched its first courses during the spring semester. The college’s expanded training capacity will help meet regional workforce demands by preparing highly skilled healthcare professionals to support local hospitals, clinics, and other providers.\n\nWhile WSC has long offered nursing and massage therapy programs, the new Healthcare Training Facility has allowed the college to introduce additional career-focused programs, including medical assistant, EMT, and paramedic training. More healthcare programs are planned for this year and beyond, with partnerships across the North Dakota University System expected to further expand educational opportunities for students pursuing healthcare careers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-ernst-gillibrand-aim-to-eliminate-federal-pensions-for-sex-offenders", "title": "Crapo, Ernst, Gillibrand Aim to Eliminate Federal Pensions for Sex Offenders", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) are working together to end taxpayer-funded pensions for convicted sex offenders.\n\nUnder current law, federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including against children, remain eligible to collect their pensions, even from a jail cell. The Senators introduced new legislation to ensure the federal government is a place where sexual predators are shut out, not shielded.\n\n“Federal employees convicted of a sex crime should be barred from collecting a taxpayer-funded pension,” said Crapo. “This legislation would close a flawed loophole in the pension system and ensure public funds are not used inappropriately.”\n\n“There should be absolutely no room for the tolerance of egregious sex crimes,” said Ernst, a survivor of sexual assault. “Allowing proven predators to continue collecting their pensions on the taxpayer’s dime only serves to greenlight unacceptable behavior, and I won’t stand for it. My commonsense, bipartisan bill imposes consequences for sex offenders, prevents abuse in the workplace, and safeguards taxpayer dollars.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-shaheen-welcome-taiwan-legislative-yuan-approval-of-supplementary-defense-budget", "title": "Curtis, Shaheen Welcome Taiwan Legislative Yuan Approval of Supplementary Defense Budget", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), SFRC Ranking Member, released the belowstatement welcoming the approval by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan (LY) of a supplementary defense budget that will strengthen Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities against growing People’s Republic of China (PRC) aggression. The vote follows a visit to Taipei by the senators five weeks ago, in which they met LY leaders and urged support for the package. Following that visit, the senators sent abipartisan letter to LY Speaker Han and his colleagues noting support not only for the purchase of U.S. arms but also for investment in speedier domestic production of asymmetric capabilities in Taiwan.\n\n“Taiwan’s approval of this supplementary defense budget sends a strong signal of resolve at a critical moment for peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. During our visit to Taipei in March, we urged Taiwan’s leaders to move quickly to approve a supplementary defense budget that would accelerate the procurement of critical U.S. defense equipment and strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities.\n\n“This vote demonstrates that Taiwan is taking seriously the urgent need to strengthen its defenses in the face of Beijing’s growing military coercion and pressure campaigns. As the PRC continues to test the limits of what it can achieve through intimidation and aggression, Taiwan’s investment in its long-term deterrence makes clear the island’s unity and preparedness. We also look forward to additional steps by Taiwan’s leaders to further strengthen investments in asymmetric capabilities and domestic defense production, which remain essential to long-term deterrence. The United States’ partnership with the people of Taiwan remains rock solid and Congress will continue to support Taiwan’s ability to defend itself and preserve stability across the Taiwan Strait.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-whitehouse-schneider-criticize-trump-administration-for-proposed-weakening-of-eto-regulations", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin, Whitehouse, Schneider Criticize Trump Administration For Proposed Weakening Of EtO Regulations", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "After Illinois communities like Waukegan and Willowbrook were impacted by the devastating effects of EtO emissions, Durbin, Duckworth, Whitehouse, and Schneider urge EPA to reinstate 2024 rule to limit the harmful carcinogen\n\n[CHICAGO, IL] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), both members of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works; and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Ethylene Oxide Task Force, sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to underscore their opposition to the Trump Administration’s decision to roll back a critical EPA rule that protected Americans from harmful exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO), a known carcinogen. In March, the Trump Administration’s EPA published its draft rule for EtO commercial sterilizers, proposing weakened emission standards for EtO for commercial sterilization facilities.\n\nJoining Duckworth, Durbin, Schneider and Whitehouse in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).\n\n“We write to express our strong opposition to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to weaken emissions standards for the hazardous air pollutant ethylene oxide (EtO) from commercial sterilization facilities. EPA’s statutory mission is to protect human health and the environment,” the lawmakers began their letter. “EtO is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and EPA identifies it as ‘carcinogenic to humans by inhalation route of exposure.’ EPA must follow the law and scientific record to ensure the highest level of protection for communities living near facilities using EtO for sterilization.”\n\nIt is well-established, including through risk reviews conducted by the federal government, that EtO is a carcinogen that can raise the risk of cancer or other life-threatening health conditions for those living in communities with a sterilization plant.\n\n“EtO has been linked to cancer and considered a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-549) for more than 35 years. In 2016, the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) reported the chemical to be more carcinogenic at lower concentrations than originally thought, leading EPA to officially classify EtO as a carcinogen in December 2016. In 2018, EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) estimated that EtO significantly contributes to cancer risk of over one in one million… The scientific record is clear: EtO is a potent carcinogen and EtO emissions must be controlled to reduce the lifetime cancer risk of communities near commercial sterilizers,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nDespite clear evidence that failing to regulate EtO emissions will endanger Americans’ health, the Trump Administration has clawed back Biden-era regulations aimed at protecting communities from exposure to carcinogens. In 2024, the Biden Administration’s EPA implemented a new rule to tighten emission limits, monitoring, and controls for commercial sterilization facilities that use EtO. The rule, which covered plants like Medline in Waukegan, Illinois, and Vantage in Gurnee, Illinois, aimed to reduce EtO emissions by 90 percent by installing effective, achievable air pollution controls and preventing toxic emissions from reaching the communities in which these facilities operate. However, the Trump Administration’s EPA moved to loosen the limits implemented through the Biden-era rule.\n\n“In 2024, EPA issued a final rule which tightened emissions limits, monitoring, and controls last updated in 2006 for nearly 90 commercial sterilization facilities that use EtO. These standards were set under various CAA section 112 authorities, including 112(d) and 112(f), the latter of which directs EPA to analyze residual risks to the public health after initial standards are set, and tighten standards accordingly. The installation of effective and achievable air pollution controls would reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent and protect communities from toxic exposure from nearby facilities. In its rulemaking, EPA provided facilities with the maximum compliance time legally permitted, and concluded, based on careful analysis, that the facilities would be able to access and install the required emissions controls ahead of the statutory deadline. Yet, the Trump Administration has now issued waivers under CAA 112(i)(4) for nearly half of all commercial sterilizer facilities, exempting them from the standards,” the lawmakers continued their letter.\n\nThe lawmakers urged EPA to swiftly reverse course and reinstate the 2024 rule that offered reasonable and measurable guidelines to sterilization facilities to ensure EtO emissions are properly regulated. The lawmakers emphasized that compliance with the 2024 standards are achievable as commercial sterilizers in Illinois are meeting stricter state standards that require these companies to reduce their EtO emissions by 99.9 percent.\n\n“While EPA appears on a path to deregulate EtO despite the established carcinogenic data, we urge EPA to reverse course and set a more protective standard than the Biden Administration to address fugitive emissions from off-site warehouses and require fenceline monitoring. We know that a more protective standard is achievable: commercial sterilizers in Illinois are already meeting the State’s requirement to reduce EtO emissions by 99.9 percent, a near 10 percent improvement from the 2024 standard, and are implementing the State’s continuous emissions monitoring requirements. Further, emissions from warehouses where sterilized products also emit residual EtO before distribution also must be controlled to ensure maximum protection for surrounding communities,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\n“This administration has the opportunity go above and beyond, matching the regulations Illinois has implemented, to achieve EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment by implementing these changes to the EtO sterilizer rule. Instead of stepping forward to protect human health, EPA is choosing to neglect science at the expense of our constituents,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by underscoring that Americans will suffer from serious, life-threatening medical conditions if the federal government neglects to enact suitable EtO emission standards.\n\n“EtO presents a clear danger to the health of the families living in communities located near facilities using the chemical. EPA rolling back these standards will lead to easily preventable harm. EPA must abandon this proposal and instead reinstate the 2024 rule that is proven to be effective and available,” the lawmakers concluded their letter.\n\nIn November 2023, Duckworth, Durbin and Schneider released a statement regarding a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) evaluating the public health impacts of the EtO, a cancer-causing agent, emitted from the now-closed Sterigenics medical sterilization facility in Willowbrook, Illinois. In the report, ATSDR concluded that, prior to February 15, 2019, long-term breathing of air within one mile of the Sterigenics facility is a concern for increased lifetime risk of cancer associated with EtO exposure, due to the gas’ concentration in the air during the sterilization operations at the facility. The report also found that the air within a mile of the facility no longer poses significant risk to residents as the Sterigenics facility is no longer operational.\n\nDuckworth, Durbin and Schneider have been strong advocates for addressing the unacceptable level of EtO emissions. In July 2023, the lawmakers led a letter signed by 40 Members of Congress to EPA supporting the Biden Administration’s proposed EtO sterilizer rule. Durbin, Duckworth, and Schneider have also previously introduced legislation that would require EPA to update EtO emissions standards to reflect the stricter criteria outlined in EPA’s 2016 IRIS study. Under the bill, any updates to the emissions standards would have to incorporate the maximum achievable control technology requirements to exhaust vents and apply to both area and major sources, which covers plants like Sterigenics. It would also require EPA to undergo a residual risk assessment following implementation of the new rule, which is a stringent and public-health focused review of the rule’s impacts.\n\nThe lawmakers have also met with the CEO of Sotera Health, the parent company of Sterigenics; convened meetings with then-EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on the issue; and sat down with Willowbrook residents.\n\nEtO serves a variety of industrial purposes, including as a sterilizer for 50 percent of sterile medical devices. In 2016, EPA identified EtO as a human carcinogen and included the chemical in the National Air Toxics Assessment. Subsequently, EPA identified communities that faced potentially dangerous levels of EtO emissions from 86 EtO commercial sterilizers in the U.S.\n\nA copy of today’s letter is available here and below:\n\nMay 8, 2026\n\nDear Administrator Zeldin,\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to weaken emissions standards for the hazardous air pollutant ethylene oxide (EtO) from commercial sterilization facilities. EPA’s statutory mission is to protect human health and the environment. EtO is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and EPA identifies it as “carcinogenic to humans by inhalation route of exposure.” EPA must follow the law and scientific record to ensure the highest level of protection for communities living near facilities using EtO for sterilization.\n\nEtO is a colorless, flammable gas that poses serious risk to human health, including neurological, reproductive, developmental, and carcinogenic impacts when inhaled. EtO has been linked to cancer and considered a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-549) for more than 35 years. In 2016, the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) reported the chemical to be more carcinogenic at lower concentrations than originally thought, leading EPA to officially classify EtO as a carcinogen in December 2016. In 2018, EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) estimated that EtO significantly contributes to cancer risk of over one in one million. A 2023 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that of the 88 medical sterilizers in the U.S., 11 elevated cancer risks in neighboring communities to more than 100 in a million. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) concluded in a 2023 report that EtO emissions from the now-closed Sterigenics medical sterilization facility in Willowbrook, Illinois, was a cause for concern for increased lifetime risk of cancer. Commercial sterilizers are a leading source of EtO, and nearly 14 million people and 10,000 schools and childcare facilities are within five miles of a commercial sterilizer. The scientific record is clear: EtO is a potent carcinogen and EtO emissions must be controlled to reduce the lifetime cancer risk of communities near commercial sterilizers.\n\nEPA sets standards for toxic pollutants like EtO under section 112 of the CAA. In 2024, EPA issued a final rule which tightened emissions limits, monitoring, and controls last updated in 2006 for nearly 90 commercial sterilization facilities that use EtO. These standards were set under various CAA section 112 authorities, including 112(d) and 112(f), the latter of which directs EPA to analyze residual risks to the public health after initial standards are set, and tighten standards accordingly. The installation of effective and achievable air pollution controls would reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent and protect communities from toxic exposure from nearby facilities. In its rulemaking, EPA provided facilities with the maximum compliance time legally permitted, and concluded, based on careful analysis, that the facilities would be able to access and install the required emissions controls ahead of the statutory deadline. Yet, the Trump Administration has now issued waivers under CAA 112(i)(4) for nearly half of all commercial sterilizer facilities, exempting them from the standards.\n\nContrary to its own findings from the 2024 rulemaking, and the widespread exemptions under section 112(i)(4), EPA now claims industry cannot meet the standards set in 2024. Despite the 2024 residual risk review’s findings of negative health and environmental impacts from EtO, this EPA is determined to ignore them. Notably, in its proposal, EPA is not arguing the residual risk review results are incorrect. Instead, the agency insists that because EPA already conducted one residual health risk review on existing EtO standards, in 2006 before better science was available, a second review is not statutorily permitted under section 112(f)(2). This argument is wrong.\n\nIt is well-established that absent an express prohibition, an agency may revise a prior action.[1] Here, section 112(f)(2) does not prohibit a second look when new science emerges. On the contrary, a plain reading of 112(f)(2) suggests that EPA has a mandatory duty to set residual risk standards when it determines that cancer risks are unacceptable. Congress directed that “if standards promulgated pursuant to subsection (d) and applicable to a category or subcategory of sources emitting a…known, probable or possible human carcinogen do not reduce lifetime excess cancer risks to the individual most exposed to emissions from a source in the category or subcategory to less than one in one million, the Administrator shall promulgate standards under this subsection for such source category [emphasis added].”\n\nBeyond the plain text of this specific provision, EPA’s actions here are at odds with the structure and purpose of the CAA. The fundamental purpose of the Act is to protect the public health and welfare, and section 112 addresses the most toxic and deadly pollution. It is alarming that EPA is now claiming that even when there is clear scientific evidence of air pollution causing harm to public health and the environment after an initial residual risk review, there can be no remedy.\n\nWhile EPA appears on a path to deregulate EtO despite the established carcinogenic data, we urge EPA to reverse course and set a more protective standard than the Biden Administration to address fugitive emissions from off-site warehouses and require fenceline monitoring. We know that a more protective standard is achievable: commercial sterilizers in Illinois are already meeting the State’s requirement to reduce EtO emissions by 99.9 percent, a near 10 percent improvement from the 2024 standard, and are implementing the State’s continuous emissions monitoring requirements. Further, emissions from warehouses where sterilized products also emit residual EtO before distribution also must be controlled to ensure maximum protection for surrounding communities. In the announcement for the 2024 EtO rule, EPA acknowledged sterilizer warehouses could be a source of EtO and monitoring of warehouses has found them to be a significant source of EtO. To further address fugitive emissions, fenceline monitoring should be required to ensure complete monitoring of EtO emissions and that the facility is in compliance and that ambient concentrations of EtO do not reach unacceptable levels, including concentrations that exceed the 2016 IRIS value. This administration has the opportunity go above and beyond, matching the regulations Illinois has implemented, to achieve EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment by implementing these changes to the EtO sterilizer rule. Instead of stepping forward to protect human health, EPA is choosing to neglect science at the expense of our constituents.\n\nEtO presents a clear danger to the health of the families living in communities located near facilities using the chemical. EPA rolling back these standards will lead to easily preventable harm. EPA must abandon this proposal and instead reinstate the 2024 rule that is proven to be effective and available. Thank you for your attention and consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-whitehouse-schneider-criticize-trump-administration-for-proposed-weakening-of-eto-regulations", "title": "Durbin, Duckworth, Whitehouse, Schneider Criticize Trump Administration For Proposed Weakening Of EtO Regulations", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "After Illinois communities like Waukegan and Willowbrook were impacted by the devastating effects of EtO emissions, Durbin, Duckworth, Whitehouse, and Schneider urge EPA to reinstate 2024 rule to limit the harmful carcinogen\n\nCHICAGO – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), both members of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works; and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Ethylene Oxide Task Force, sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to underscore their opposition to the Trump Administration’s decision to roll back a critical EPA rule that protected Americans from harmful exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO), a known carcinogen. In March, the Trump Administration’s EPA published its draft rule for EtO commercial sterilizers, proposing weakened emission standards for EtO for commercial sterilization facilities.\n\nJoining Durbin, Duckworth, Schneider, and Whitehouse in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).\n\n“We write to express our strong opposition to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to weaken emissions standards for the hazardous air pollutant ethylene oxide (EtO) from commercial sterilization facilities. EPA’s statutory mission is to protect human health and the environment,” the lawmakers began their letter. “EtO is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and EPA identifies it as ‘carcinogenic to humans by inhalation route of exposure.’ EPA must follow the law and scientific record to ensure the highest level of protection for communities living near facilities using EtO for sterilization.”\n\nIt is well-established, including through risk reviews conducted by the federal government, that EtO is a carcinogen that can raise the risk of cancer or other life-threatening health conditions for those living in communities with a sterilization plant.\n\n“EtO has been linked to cancer and considered a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-549) for more than 35 years. In 2016, the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) reported the chemical to be more carcinogenic at lower concentrations than originally thought, leading EPA to officially classify EtO as a carcinogen in December 2016. In 2018, EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) estimated that EtO significantly contributes to cancer risk of over one in one million… The scientific record is clear: EtO is a potent carcinogen and EtO emissions must be controlled to reduce the lifetime cancer risk of communities near commercial sterilizers,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nDespite clear evidence that failing to regulate EtO emissions will endanger Americans’ health, the Trump Administration has clawed back Biden-era regulations aimed at protecting communities from exposure to carcinogens. In 2024, the Biden Administration’s EPA implemented a new rule to tighten emission limits, monitoring, and controls for commercial sterilization facilities that use EtO. The rule, which covered plants like Medline in Waukegan, Illinois, and Vantage in Gurnee, Illinois, aimed to reduce EtO emissions by 90 percent by installing effective, achievable air pollution controls and preventing toxic emissions from reaching the communities in which these facilities operate. However, the Trump Administration’s EPA moved to loosen the limits implemented through the Biden-era rule.\n\n“In 2024, EPA issued a final rule which tightened emissions limits, monitoring, and controls last updated in 2006 for nearly 90 commercial sterilization facilities that use EtO. These standards were set under various CAA section 112 authorities, including 112(d) and 112(f), the latter of which directs EPA to analyze residual risks to the public health after initial standards are set, and tighten standards accordingly. The installation of effective and achievable air pollution controls would reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent and protect communities from toxic exposure from nearby facilities. In its rulemaking, EPA provided facilities with the maximum compliance time legally permitted, and concluded, based on careful analysis, that the facilities would be able to access and install the required emissions controls ahead of the statutory deadline. Yet, the Trump Administration has now issued waivers under CAA 112(i)(4) for nearly half of all commercial sterilizer facilities, exempting them from the standards,” the lawmakers continued their letter.\n\nThe lawmakers urged EPA to swiftly reverse course and reinstate the 2024 rule that offered reasonable and measurable guidelines to sterilization facilities to ensure EtO emissions are properly regulated. The lawmakers emphasized that compliance with the 2024 standards are achievable as commercial sterilizers in Illinois are meeting stricter state standards that require these companies to reduce their EtO emissions by 99.9 percent.\n\n“While EPA appears on a path to deregulate EtO despite the established carcinogenic data, we urge EPA to reverse course and set a more protective standard than the Biden Administration to address fugitive emissions from off-site warehouses and require fenceline monitoring. We know that a more protective standard is achievable: commercial sterilizers in Illinois are already meeting the State’s requirement to reduce EtO emissions by 99.9 percent, a near 10 percent improvement from the 2024 standard, and are implementing the State’s continuous emissions monitoring requirements. Further, emissions from warehouses where sterilized products also emit residual EtO before distribution also must be controlled to ensure maximum protection for surrounding communities,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\n“This administration has the opportunity go above and beyond, matching the regulations Illinois has implemented, to achieve EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment by implementing these changes to the EtO sterilizer rule. Instead of stepping forward to protect human health, EPA is choosing to neglect science at the expense of our constituents,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers concluded their letter by underscoring that Americans will suffer from serious, life-threatening medical conditions if the federal government neglects to enact suitable EtO emission standards.\n\n“EtO presents a clear danger to the health of the families living in communities located near facilities using the chemical. EPA rolling back these standards will lead to easily preventable harm. EPA must abandon this proposal and instead reinstate the 2024 rule that is proven to be effective and available,” the lawmakers concluded their letter.\n\nIn November 2023, Durbin, Duckworth, and Schneider released a statement regarding a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) evaluating the public health impacts of the EtO, a cancer-causing agent, emitted from the now-closed Sterigenics medical sterilization facility in Willowbrook, Illinois. In the report, ATSDR concluded that, prior to February 15, 2019, long-term breathing of air within one mile of the Sterigenics facility is a concern for increased lifetime risk of cancer associated with EtO exposure, due to the gas’ concentration in the air during the sterilization operations at the facility. The report also found that the air within a mile of the facility no longer poses significant risk to residents as the Sterigenics facility is no longer operational.\n\nDurbin, Duckworth, and Schneider have been strong advocates for addressing the unacceptable level of EtO emissions. In July 2023, the lawmakers led a letter signed by 40 Members of Congress to EPA supporting the Biden Administration’s proposed EtO sterilizer rule. Durbin, Duckworth, and Schneider have also previously introduced legislation that would require EPA to update EtO emissions standards to reflect the stricter criteria outlined in EPA’s 2016 IRIS study. Under the bill, any updates to the emissions standards would have to incorporate the maximum achievable control technology requirements to exhaust vents and apply to both area and major sources, which covers plants like Sterigenics. It would also require EPA to undergo a residual risk assessment following implementation of the new rule, which is a stringent and public-health focused review of the rule’s impacts.\n\nThe lawmakers have also met with the CEO of Sotera Health, the parent company of Sterigenics; convened meetings with then-EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on the issue; and sat down with Willowbrook residents.\n\nEtO serves a variety of industrial purposes, including as a sterilizer for 50 percent of sterile medical devices. In 2016, EPA identified EtO as a human carcinogen and included the chemical in the National Air Toxics Assessment. Subsequently, EPA identified communities that faced potentially dangerous levels of EtO emissions from 86 EtO commercial sterilizers in the U.S.\n\nA copy of today’s letter is available here and below:\n\nMay 8, 2026\n\nDear Administrator Zeldin,\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to weaken emissions standards for the hazardous air pollutant ethylene oxide (EtO) from commercial sterilization facilities. EPA’s statutory mission is to protect human health and the environment. EtO is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and EPA identifies it as “carcinogenic to humans by inhalation route of exposure.” EPA must follow the law and scientific record to ensure the highest level of protection for communities living near facilities using EtO for sterilization.\n\nEtO is a colorless, flammable gas that poses serious risk to human health, including neurological, reproductive, developmental, and carcinogenic impacts when inhaled. EtO has been linked to cancer and considered a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-549) for more than 35 years. In 2016, the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) reported the chemical to be more carcinogenic at lower concentrations than originally thought, leading EPA to officially classify EtO as a carcinogen in December 2016. In 2018, EPA’s National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) estimated that EtO significantly contributes to cancer risk of over one in one million. A 2023 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that of the 88 medical sterilizers in the U.S., 11 elevated cancer risks in neighboring communities to more than 100 in a million. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) concluded in a 2023 report that EtO emissions from the now-closed Sterigenics medical sterilization facility in Willowbrook, Illinois, was a cause for concern for increased lifetime risk of cancer. Commercial sterilizers are a leading source of EtO, and nearly 14 million people and 10,000 schools and childcare facilities are within five miles of a commercial sterilizer. The scientific record is clear: EtO is a potent carcinogen and EtO emissions must be controlled to reduce the lifetime cancer risk of communities near commercial sterilizers.\n\nEPA sets standards for toxic pollutants like EtO under section 112 of the CAA. In 2024, EPA issued a final rule which tightened emissions limits, monitoring, and controls last updated in 2006 for nearly 90 commercial sterilization facilities that use EtO. These standards were set under various CAA section 112 authorities, including 112(d) and 112(f), the latter of which directs EPA to analyze residual risks to the public health after initial standards are set, and tighten standards accordingly. The installation of effective and achievable air pollution controls would reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent and protect communities from toxic exposure from nearby facilities. In its rulemaking, EPA provided facilities with the maximum compliance time legally permitted, and concluded, based on careful analysis, that the facilities would be able to access and install the required emissions controls ahead of the statutory deadline. Yet, the Trump Administration has now issued waivers under CAA 112(i)(4) for nearly half of all commercial sterilizer facilities, exempting them from the standards.\n\nContrary to its own findings from the 2024 rulemaking, and the widespread exemptions under section 112(i)(4), EPA now claims industry cannot meet the standards set in 2024. Despite the 2024 residual risk review’s findings of negative health and environmental impacts from EtO, this EPA is determined to ignore them. Notably, in its proposal, EPA is not arguing the residual risk review results are incorrect. Instead, the agency insists that because EPA already conducted one residual health risk review on existing EtO standards, in 2006 before better science was available, a second review is not statutorily permitted under section 112(f)(2). This argument is wrong.\n\nIt is well-established that absent an express prohibition, an agency may revise a prior action.[1] Here, section 112(f)(2) does not prohibit a second look when new science emerges. On the contrary, a plain reading of 112(f)(2) suggests that EPA has a mandatory duty to set residual risk standards when it determines that cancer risks are unacceptable. Congress directed that “if standards promulgated pursuant to subsection (d) and applicable to a category or subcategory of sources emitting a…known, probable or possible human carcinogen do not reduce lifetime excess cancer risks to the individual most exposed to emissions from a source in the category or subcategory to less than one in one million, the Administrator shall promulgate standards under this subsection for such source category [emphasis added].”\n\nBeyond the plain text of this specific provision, EPA’s actions here are at odds with the structure and purpose of the CAA. The fundamental purpose of the Act is to protect the public health and welfare, and section 112 addresses the most toxic and deadly pollution. It is alarming that EPA is now claiming that even when there is clear scientific evidence of air pollution causing harm to public health and the environment after an initial residual risk review, there can be no remedy.\n\nWhile EPA appears on a path to deregulate EtO despite the established carcinogenic data, we urge EPA to reverse course and set a more protective standard than the Biden Administration to address fugitive emissions from off-site warehouses and require fenceline monitoring. We know that a more protective standard is achievable: commercial sterilizers in Illinois are already meeting the State’s requirement to reduce EtO emissions by 99.9 percent, a near 10 percent improvement from the 2024 standard, and are implementing the State’s continuous emissions monitoring requirements. Further, emissions from warehouses where sterilized products also emit residual EtO before distribution also must be controlled to ensure maximum protection for surrounding communities. In the announcement for the 2024 EtO rule, EPA acknowledged sterilizer warehouses could be a source of EtO and monitoring of warehouses has found them to be a significant source of EtO. To further address fugitive emissions, fenceline monitoring should be required to ensure complete monitoring of EtO emissions and that the facility is in compliance and that ambient concentrations of EtO do not reach unacceptable levels, including concentrations that exceed the 2016 IRIS value. This administration has the opportunity go above and beyond, matching the regulations Illinois has implemented, to achieve EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment by implementing these changes to the EtO sterilizer rule. Instead of stepping forward to protect human health, EPA is choosing to neglect science at the expense of our constituents.\n\nEtO presents a clear danger to the health of the families living in communities located near facilities using the chemical. EPA rolling back these standards will lead to easily preventable harm. EPA must abandon this proposal and instead reinstate the 2024 rule that is proven to be effective and available. Thank you for your attention and consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-hosts-maternal-health-roundtable-ahead-of-mothers-day-weekend", "title": "Durbin Hosts Maternal Health Roundtable Ahead Of Mother’s Day Weekend", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today held a roundtable discussion ahead of Mother’s Day weekend with officials from Cook County Health (CCH) to discuss maternal health initiatives that provide critical assistance to new and expectant mothers.\n\n“We lose hundreds of women every year to preventable pregnancy-related conditions,” said Durbin. “Supporting and investing in high-quality, affordable maternal health care, like the services provided by Cook County Health, is critical for mothers and babies. This weekend, when families across the country celebrate the mothers in their lives, we must also thank the people who keep those moms safe during and after their pregnancy.”\n\n“At Cook County Health, we are proud to approach maternal health across the full continuum through our hospitals and clinics, our public health department, and CountyCare,” said Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer, CCH. “Healthy beginnings can shape a child’s health and development for a lifetime, and supporting mothers before and during pregnancy as well as the postpartum period can have lasting impacts across generations. That’s certainly something to celebrate this Mother’s Day.”\n\nThe U.S. is one of only thirteen countries in the world where the maternal mortality rate is worse now than it was twenty-five years ago, and the U.S. is the only industrialized country with a rising maternal mortality rate.\n\nDurbin, alongside U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), have worked for years to address maternal health, first by introducing and passing components of their MOMMA’s Act, part of which was signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. More recently, they introduced the CARE for Moms Act, which supports the maternal health workforce, promotes access to prenatal and postpartum care, and provides the resources that moms and babies need to thrive.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-spotlights-arizonas-growing-economy-in-valley-swing/", "title": "Gallego Spotlights Arizona’s Growing Economy in Valley Swing", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PHOENIX – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spent the week spotlighting Arizona’s growing economy, touring manufacturing facilities big and small and learning about job training programs across the Valley.\n\nTo kick off National Small Business Week, the Senator toured Phoenix-based small business Teaspressa, followed by a roundtable with local small business owners. During the tour and discussion, he heard from the entrepreneurs about the struggles they are facing as costs continue to rise and shared what he’s doing in Congress to support small businesses.\n\nThanks to legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act and other federal investments Senator Gallego has backed, Arizona has become a hub of high-tech manufacturing. This week, the Senator toured the U.S. headquarters of SUMCO, a leading manufacturer of high-purity silicon wafers used in semiconductor production, supplying critical materials for electronics, automotive, and advanced technology industries.\n\nHe then visited the Glendale campus of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, a key hub for the organization’s aerospace operations that has helped develop components and systems supporting NASA missions such as Artemis II.\n\nLater in the week, Senator Gallego gave an update from Capitol Hill to business and civic leaders at the Greater Phoenix Leadership Annual Conference. The Senator discussed how he’s working to build Arizona’s economic future by focusing on water security, housing affordability, energy, and more.\n\n“Arizona is a hot state – not just in temperature. People want to move here,” said Senator Gallego. “Every day, I meet with some CEO, whether it’s in Washington D.C. or here in Arizona, and they’re telling me that they’re looking for some site to bring in some huge company and/or something that will bring in billions and billions of dollars’ worth of investments. That is a story that is not found in many other states in this country right now.”\n\nWatch his full remarks HERE.\n\nA growing economy means more good-paying jobs are coming to Arizona. To meet the demand, job training and apprenticeship programs are expanding across the state.\n\nOn Monday, Senator Gallego toured Pima Medical Institute’s Phoenix campus, which provides hands-on healthcare training in dental assisting, medical assisting, phlebotomy, sterile processing, surgical technology, and veterinary programs.\n\nLater in the week, Senator Gallego visited Boilermakers Local 627 to meet with union leaders and trainees, learn about their apprenticeship program, and try his hand at welding.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-announces-1-billion-in-funding-for-second-avenue-subway-extension-and-gateway-hudson-tunnel/", "title": "Gillibrand Announces $1 Billion In Funding For Second Avenue Subway Extension And Gateway Hudson Tunnel", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), announced $307 million in funding for the Second Avenue Subway Extension project and $700 million for the Gateway Hudson Tunnel project. This funding, allocated through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Investment Grants Program, was provided by the enacted FY26 THUD appropriations bill. Gillibrand secured this funding for both projects and fought for new provisions in the bill to force the Trump administration to execute funding for the CIG program by detailing which projects to fund and at what amounts. She also included a provision requiring the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to allocate CIG funding no later than 120 days after enactment of the FY26 THUD appropriations bill.\n\n“New Yorkers have waited decades for the completion of the Second Avenue Subway Extension into East Harlem and the Gateway Hudson Tunnel,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These critical infrastructure projects are the lifeblood of our economy, and once complete, they will deliver the safe, reliable and accessible public transportation system that our commuters and families deserve.\n\n“I secured this $1 billion investment and authored strict provisions requiring USDOT to follow the law and release this funding. No more excuses and no more delays.\n\n“For too long, the Trump administration has played political games with our infrastructure, using New Yorkers and our hardworking union laborers as pawns. By forcing the administration to execute this funding, we are putting an end to the delays and ensuring that federal dollars are used for their intended purpose: building a stronger New York.\n\n“I will never stop fighting to protect New Yorkers from targeted political attacks that harm working families and threaten our economy. I am committed to bringing home every federal resource necessary to modernize our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and ensure that New York remains the public transportation capital of the world.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-release-of-uap-files/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Release Of UAP Files", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, after the Trump administration announced its release of files related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement. Gillibrand has long championed UAP disclosure and transparency, and in the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, she secured language to require that the government declassify UAP records, with limited exceptions for national security purposes.\n\n“Transparency is the only path to truth. For years, I have fought to declassify and release UAP files, including by successfully passing legislation requiring government disclosure of UAP records. I am encouraged that the administration has finally heard my call and the call of millions of Americans to begin unsealing these files. This is another important step, but there is much more work to do. I will continue to fight to ensure the administration finally meets its legal obligation to the American people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-5-08-26", "title": "Capitol Hill Report, 5-08-26", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Audio from this morning’s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Iran, E15, USDA funding to the Leland wastewater system, the Farm Bill and fraud.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-cancer-in-iowa", "title": "Q&A: Cancer in Iowa", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Q: What did you learn from the recent report issued by the Iowa Cancer Registry?\n\nA: The report found Iowa ranked second highest in the United States for new cancer cases. The findings show we’ve got more work to do to advance cancer awareness, prevention and treatments. It also helps explain why cancer is top of mind for Iowans who contact my office or when I visit with people face-to-face during my annual 99 county meetings. The Iowa Cancer Registry is financed in part with federal funds that I’ve worked to secure for Iowa from the Department of Health and Human Services. This year’s annual report estimates 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026 and 6,400 Iowans will die from the disease. Similar to the rest of the country, more younger Iowans are developing cancer. The good news is, the report estimates more than 175,000 Iowans with cancer will survive their diagnosis.\n\nThe Iowa Cancer Registry used data collected from the Agricultural Health Study that started more than three decades ago and includes farmers, their spouses and pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina. The study tracks agricultural exposures, lifestyles and genetic factors to understand cancer risks in farming communities. Notably, Iowa farmers had 13% fewer cancers overall compared to the general population in Iowa, with the exceptions of prostate and lip cancers.\n\nFarms across Iowa stay on top of soil stewardship to help mitigate nitrate runoff and limit pesticide use. No-till, buffer strips and cover crops help prevent excess nitrates from reaching waterways and following label instructions for proper fertilizer application can improve soil and water quality and help lower input costs. From one generation to the next, Iowa farmers have a vested interest in protecting natural resources that sustain their livelihoods and where they raise their families.\n\nQ: How are you working in Congress to boost cancer prevention and access to treatment?\n\nA: More than two decades ago, as then-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I steered through Congress the first-ever Medicare prescription drug benefit, including coverage for pain management, oral chemotherapy and anti-nausea medication. I continue to work to improve access to medication by working to lower prescription drug costs and hold powerful drug middlemen, called pharmacy benefit managers, accountable. Expanding access to affordable cancer care, particularly in rural areas, is a top priority for me on behalf of Iowans at the policymaking tables in Washington, D.C.\n\nMost recently, President Trump signed into law my bipartisan legislation that improves access to care for children with complex medical conditions, including cancer treatments. The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act reduces obstacles to care that helps parents and providers get kids the therapies and treatments they need to survive and thrive. My bill to extend telehealth access for Medicare patients was included in the federal spending bill signed into law in February. This makes it easier for patients to connect with their health care providers, including from home.\n\nLast year, I helped advance the passage of the Rural Health Transformation Fund included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The $50 billion fund is the largest single investment in rural healthcare in history. Over the next five years, it will pump $10 billion every year into the rural healthcare pipeline, targeting access, infrastructure and the workforce. At a minimum, Iowa stands to gain at least $100 million per year. Each state will administer the funds through competitive grant requests. Iowa’s project is called Healthy Hometowns and its priorities include adding advanced equipment, combating cancer and boosting provider recruitment and retention. Already, recipients are using these federal dollars to improve cancer care in their local communities, including:\n\nJones Regional Hospital, Anamosa – Da Vinci surgical robot will bring surgical care closer to home for oncology patients and help recruit surgeons trained in robotics;\n\nBurgess Health Center, Onawa – Advanced mammography system to detect breast cancer;\n\nUnity Point, Marshalltown – Loan forgiveness grant to recruit an advanced nurse practitioner specializing in oncology, will bring cancer care closer to home so patients don’t have to drive to Waterloo or Des Moines;\n\nLucas County Health Center, Chariton – first-ever MRI machine onsite will bring early detection cancer screenings to local residents;\n\nPella Regional Health Center, Pella – PET CT scan to detect and monitor cancer for local patients;\n\nMahaska Health, Oskaloosa – PET CT scan to detect and monitor cancer and leveraging funds to recruit physician and physician assistant.\n\nMy wife, Barbara, is a 39-year breast cancer survivor. We’re fortunate that her breast cancer was detected very early. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to treat cancer. All of these efforts contribute to improving access to early detection and treatment.\n\nMay is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Brain Cancer Awareness Month, Bladder Cancer Awareness Month and National Cancer Research Month.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/during-national-small-business-week-senator-hassan-and-manchester-small-business-owner-discuss-challenges-created-by-trump-tariffs", "title": "During National Small Business Week, Senator Hassan and Manchester Small Business Owner Discuss Challenges Created by Trump Tariffs", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Visit Follows Release of a New Report on How Trump’s Tariffs Are Hurting Small Businesses\n\nMANCHESTER – Yesterday, U.S Senator Maggie Hassan and a Manchester small business owner discussed the ways in which President Trump’s tariffs are challenging small businesses across the state. The Senator met with Karen Boisvert and Mike Pelopida of Queen City Cabinetry, a specialized kitchen and bath firm that both sells and installs a range of cabinetry lines. During her visit, Senator Hassan heard from Queen City Cabinetry’s leaders about the economic strain that the company has experienced since President Trump imposed tariffs last year, including challenges tied to revenue and staffing.\n\n“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our state and our economy, but President Trump’s tariffs are making it much harder for our smallest businesses in particular to stay afloat,” said Senator Hassan. “What I heard at Queen City Cabinetry reflects a new report released by the Joint Economic Committee Minority, which found that in the year since Trump announced his tariffs, small business employment and revenue have both fallen fast while the price of key inputs across industries has continued to rise.”\n\nThe Joint Economic Committee – Minority, led by Senator Hassan, released a report yesterday highlighting declines in employment and revenue at the smallest businesses. The report includes new Committee data, including that the smallest businesses lost 4.5 times more jobs in 2025 than during the pandemic in 2020. This report comes during National Small Business Week, which runs from May 3 – 9, 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/santa-fe-new-mexican-politicians-tout-bill-to-protect-caja-del-rio-would-not-impact-lanl-power-line", "title": "Santa Fe New Mexican: Politicians tout bill to protect Caja del Rio; would not impact LANL power line", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rev. Andrew Black said he loaded his baby into a pack and hiked with her in the Caja del Rio almost every day.\n\nBlack’s daughter, now 5, returned to the area Friday to attend a news conference on recently introduced federal legislation that would designate more than 67,000 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest and roughly 18,000 acres owned by the Bureau of Land Management for special management and protection.\n\nThe Caja del Rio sits west of Santa Fe at the crux of Cochiti, Santo Domingo, Sal Ildefonso, Pojoaque and Tesuque pueblos. Tribal leaders at a Friday news conference emphasized the area is a “living landscape” and called for its protection for future generations.\n\n“Out there, on the landscape, there are Puebloan footprints,” Tesuque Pueblo Gov. Mark Mitchell said at Friday’s event at La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs. “We are the direct descendants of those people, our people. And we want to make sure that we pass on the information to not only our current children, but yet generations to come.”\n\nThe legislation, which has the support of New Mexico’s all-Democratic congressional delegation, was introduced April 30 and endorsed by the All Pueblo Council of Governors. It would create a Special Management Area in the Santa Fe National Forest and a National Conservation Area in parts owned by the BLM and require consultation with local tribes and historic communities on land management plans. It would also restrict new roads, mining, or rights of way while preserving existing and traditional uses like hunting, grazing and gathering.\n\nIt would also add protections to an additional almost 21,000 acres of BLM lands adjacent to the protected area, including withdrawing them from mining and barring their sale, for a total protected area of about 105,000 acres.\n\nThe Caja del Rio has been subjected to vandalism, damage from off-road vehicles, and illegal shooting, according to advocates. Sen. Martin Heinrich, who introduced the version of the bill in that chamber, said it would limit threats to the landscape, including preventing the sale of the public lands and making recreation uses more “responsible.”\n\nThe legislation, however, will not impact the construction of a third power line to Los Alamos that will cut through the Caja or other existing uses. The power line, which federal and lab officials have said are needed as existing infrastructure reaches capacity and supercomputing needs grow, drew protest and prompted calls during the last year of the Biden administration to designate the Caja del Rio as a national monument. Black and others formed the Caja del Rio Coalition, which pushes for protections for the area.\n\n“The electric lines are existing uses,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, whose district includes the Santa Fe area and who introduced the House version of the bill. “Los Alamos needs to get that, but ... that piece is going to now be governed by, I think, the collaboration that you see in the legislation ... and I think we’re very honest about it, [the legislation] does not resolve it, but it sets up a collaborative way of addressing it and making sure that all of the players are involved in that conversation.”\n\nHeinrich added, “I wish we would have had this sort of formal structure for collaboration even earlier, but we have to work with what we have.”\n\nAt a Tuesday meeting of the Los Alamos County Council, deputy laboratory director for operations Mark Davis said work on the Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade Project, which started late last year, was going “quite well.”\n\n“It’s a huge project for us,” Davis said. “It’s bringing a third power line up to Los Alamos, which will enable a lot of our [artificial intelligence] efforts going forward ... with the two lines we have now, we’ll be nearing capacity by 2028 so we need that third power line to really take us to the next level.”\n\nBoth the House and Senate have Republican majorities, making it unlikely a Democratic-sponsored bill extending environmental protections will pass. Heinrich and Leger Fernández both decried the current climate in Congress but expressed optimism about the bill’s future nevertheless.\n\n“The current gridlock will pass,” Heinrich said. “One of the things I’ve learned in being in Washington, D.C. as a representative now for well over a decade is that there are windows when Congress has the opportunity to really move legislation like this.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/source-new-mexico-nm-federal-local-and-tribal-leaders-celebrate-legislation-to-protect-the-caja-del-rio", "title": "Source New Mexico: NM federal, local and tribal leaders celebrate legislation to protect the Caja del Rio", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation on Friday celebrated the recent introduction of legislation to protect a 107,000-acre expanse of the Caja del Rio plateau. The public lands spanning volcanic fields west of Santa Fe have historical, ecological, spiritual and cultural significance to pueblos, land grant communities and other advocacy groups.\n\nLead sponsor U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, along with U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, both New Mexico Democrats, said at a news conference held at La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs trailhead the bill ensures protections for “generations to come.”\n\nIn addition to backing from Hispano and environmental groups, the legislation is endorsed by the All Pueblo Council of Governors; along with local governments including Santa Fe and Sandoval county commissions, and Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia.\n\nThe legislation — identical in the U.S. Senate and House — bans parceling or selling the land; prohibits new roads, mining and construction; protects traditional uses of herb and mineral gathering, hunting and grazing; and will require federal agencies to manage the land collaboratively with area tribes and historic communities. The bill additionally will prevent disclosure of confidential sacred site locations under federal public records laws.\n\n“The Caja del Rio is not acreage on a map. It is a place of memory, of identity, of ceremony, of recreation and refuge. Its future depends on our ability to embrace this shared responsibility, not just for ourselves, but for everyone who will come after us,” Heinrich said.\n\nHeinrich made the announcement framed by the slope of a mesa sprouting craggy volcanic boulders of basalt; the landscape dotted with twisted juniper and dusty blue sage in La Cienaguilla. He was joined by two dozen advocates from pueblos, Hispano, outdoor recreation, ranchers and environmental groups.\n\nPueblo of Tesuque Gov. Mark Mitchell celebrated the legislation, saying he and other pueblo leaders will “see it through to the end.”\n\n“It’s a living landscape,” Mitchell said about the Caja del Rio. “It holds the history of our ancestors and our ongoing relationship with the land, water, plants, animals that sustain our ceremonies for our people. This is about protecting the landscape, but also the way of life that we continue today.”\n\nThe bill does not change “existing uses” in the Caja del Rio, including the construction of a transmission power line project to power Los Alamos National Laboratory, despite overwhelming public opposition.\n\n“We’re very honest that it does not resolve this, but it sets up a collaborative way of addressing it and ensuring all the players are involved…making sure that pueblos, Hispanos and the end users are talking to each other,” Leger Fernández said.\n\nBoth Heinrich and Leger Fernández said that the hard work of getting local support and consensus for the bill clears major hurdles for it to move in Congress.\n\n“It’s impossible to get things done in Washington D.C. until it isn’t,” Heinrich said. “When you have community support and your ducks all in a row…we can push those through.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-hosts-cost-of-living-roundtable-highlights-how-president-trump-is-making-everyday-essentials-more-expensive-for-new-mexico-families-and-small-businesses", "title": "Heinrich Hosts Cost-of-Living Roundtable, Highlights How President Trump is Making Everyday Essentials More Expensive for New Mexico Families and Small Businesses", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Heinrich: “The Trump administration is making policy choices that are showing up in our costs...We need to push back against these policies — they just don’t make any sense”\n\nPHOTOS\n\nALBUQUERQUE — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) hosted a roundtable with local small business owners, Roadrunner Food Bank, and Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team, Corp. (WESST) to discuss how President Trump’s global tariffs and war with Iran are making gas, groceries, and everyday essentials more expensive for New Mexico families and businesses.\n\nHeinrich was joined by Lindsey Kay, President & CEO of WESST; Katy Anderson, Roadrunner Food Bank; Briana Smith, South Valley Economic Development Center; Chrystal Trykoski, Enchanting Soap Collections; and Giovanna Urbina, Film Worker and IATSE Local 480 member.\n\n“The Trump administration is making policy choices that are showing up in our costs. They're holding back clean energy projects that can lower the cost of electricity. Trump’s war with Iran has completely wrecked the price of gasoline and diesel. And this administration's tariffs are making groceries and everyday essentials more expensive. We need to push back against these policies — they just don’t make any sense,” said Heinrich.\n\nNew Mexicans are paying more for electricity, gas, groceries,healthcare, prescription drugs, and housing due to Trump’s illegal war with Iran, unlawful foreign tariffs, and the Trump administration’s war on American-made clean energy.\n\nAccording to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator, a single filer needs to earn $45,087 annually, a joint filer $60,718, and a family of four $105,685, to cover basic living expenses in the Albuquerque Metro Area. Additionally, according to a U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) report, Trump’s illegal tariffs have already cost American families more than $1,700 each. In New Mexico, these tariffs have cost New Mexico families an average of at least $1,355 each.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s actions to hold President Trump accountable for his illegal, costly, and reckless war on Iran, click here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s work to lower energy costs for New Mexico families, click here.\n\nFor more information on Heinrich’s work to combat Trump’s tariffs and lower the cost of groceries and everyday essentials, click here.\n\nFor background on Heinrich’s actions to lower housing costs, address homelessness, and build more housing for New Mexico working families, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-grand-opening-of-new-saranam-adc-family-housing-development-in-albuquerque", "title": "Heinrich Joins Grand Opening of New Saranam ADC Family Housing Development in Albuquerque", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Heinrich secured $1 million in FY24 funding to construct 23 housing units for New Mexico families experiencing homelessness\n\nPHOTOS\n\nALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, joined the grand opening of Saranam’s new ADC Family Campus, which includes 23 housing units that Heinrich helped fund in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) appropriations bill to support New Mexico families experiencing homelessness.\n\nAt the grand opening, Heinrich toured the new housing development and delivered remarks emphasizing how Saranam’s ADC Family Campus demonstrates what’s possible when we invest in transitional housing and comprehensive family support services. He also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing proven, community-driven solutions that help New Mexico families achieve long-term stability and create pathways to homeownership.\n\n“Saranam understands the pieces that need to come together for people to build stable lives. We have so many housing programs that are missing those community pieces or those education pieces. But when you put it all together, it really is about the lives of people who then thrive and go on to reach their dreams, sometimes dreams that they didn’t even know were possible,” Heinrich said.\n\nHeinrich continued, “This is what works when you put these pieces together – when you have the supportive community, the educational trajectory, when you have not just a stable home but a community. Those are the things that allow people to reach their potential. We need to scale this: it is what success looks like.”\n\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and New Mexico’s senior senator, Heinrich has directly secured millions in investments to lower housing costs, address homelessness, and build more housing for New Mexico families.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding, Heinrich secured:\n\n$3.5 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including:\n\n$659 million to bolster the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, which will help meet the needs of veterans including help with the rising costs of household goods;\n\n703 million for case management and administration of Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers;\n\n$277 million for the Grant and Per Diem Program, which will support transitional housing and assist veterans in achieving housing stability; and\n\n$174 million for Veterans Justice Outreach and Legal Services for Veterans grants to award community-based organizations with funds to assist veterans with legal issues like accessing benefits, navigating family law, and securing safe and stable housing.\n\n$1.715 billion for rental assistance to help ensure Americans living in rural areas have access to safe and affordable housing.\n\n$1 billion in Single Family Direct Loans to help more low-income families and first-time home buyers get mortgages.\n\nLast month, Heinrich announced that the Senate passed legislation he cosponsored to tackle the housing crisis in New Mexico and nationwide by increasing the housing supply and lowering the cost of housing for working families. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes four bills Heinrich cosponsored, including the: Choice in Affordable Housing Act; HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act; Streamlining Rural Housing Act; and Rural Housing Service Reform Act.\n\nFor additional background on Heinrich’s actions to lower housing costs, address homelessness, and build more housing for New Mexico families, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-leger-fernandez-lead-nm-delegation-to-unveil-new-legislation-to-permanently-protect-caja-del-rio", "title": "Heinrich, Leger Fernández Lead N.M. Delegation to Unveil New Legislation to Permanently Protect Caja del Rio", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SANTA FE, N.M. — At a press conference in front of La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and co-founder of the U.S. Senate Stewardship Caucus, and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, unveiled their Caja del Rio Protection Act, legislation to permanently protect the Caja del Rio Plateau.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), founder and co-chair of the U.S. House Public Lands Caucus.\n\n“The Caja del Rio is not acreage on a map. It is a place of memory, identity, ceremony, recreation, and refuge. Its future depends on our ability to embrace this shared responsibility — not just for ourselves, but for everyone who will come after us. The Caja has shaped the history and identity of northern New Mexico for centuries. Now it is our turn to shape a future worthy of this place,” said Heinrich. “It is my great honor to introduce legislation to permanently protect the Caja del Rio for generations to come. And this is just the beginning. We must continue to work together to keep public lands in public hands.”\n\n“The Caja del Rio is where the beautifully diverse story of New Mexico lives — in our petroglyphs, our piñon gathering, our Tribal traditions, and our Hispano ranching communities. This land belongs to the people of New Mexico who have cared for it since time immemorial and to future generations who deserve to inherit its tradition and its beauty. As Republicans in Washington push to sell off public lands, we're making clear that the Caja is not for sale. This legislation not only reflects our diverse heritage — it is also a product of collaboration and diverse communities coming together to protect their shared heritage. That’s how it’s done in New Mexico where we know that diversity is our strength,” said Leger Fernández.\n\n“The Caja del Rio holds deep significance and is part of the traditions and culture for many,”said Luján. “That is why I am joining Senator Heinrich and Representative Leger Fernández in introducing the Caja del Rio Protection Act, legislation that would safeguard the public lands of the Caja del Rio plateau. With a united coalition of local governments, Tribes, ranchers, and community organizations, this legislation is vital to warding off threats and preserving the heritages of the region.”\n\n“The Caja del Rio is one of New Mexico’s most treasured landscapes — a place where Tribal communities, our Land Grants, and New Mexico families have lived, gathered, prayed, and cared for the land for generations,” said Stansbury. “This landscape must be protected. As the GOP continues to threaten selling off and developing public lands, protecting Caja del Rio is more urgent than ever. That’s why we are introducing the Caja del Rio Protection Act to honor the legacy of these lands and ensure they remain protected for generations to come. I’m proud to stand alongside Tribes, local governments, community organizations, and advocates across New Mexico who have come together to protect this place which is so deeply sacred, culturally significant, and uniquely New Mexican.”\n\n“The Caja del Rio is a place sacred to our Pueblos and holds the history of New Mexico across its vast, rugged landscape. But unfortunately, it’s also a place that has been neglected and used as an illegal dumping ground for far too long,” said Vasquez. “From Diablo Canyon to the La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs, these public lands must be protected for future generations, safeguarded from vandalism, and accessible for New Mexicans to enjoy. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation with my colleagues and move this effort forward.”\n\nU.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and co-founder of the U.S. Senate Stewardship Caucus, unveils the Caja del Rio Protection Act at a press conference in front of La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs trailhead, May 8, 2026.\n\nThe Caja del Rio is one of the Southwest’s most culturally significant landscapes — a living testament to centuries of New Mexico’s complex and often under-told history. It holds deep importance for traditional Spanish land grant communities, acequia communities, livestock permittees, and has been vital to Tribal communities since time immemorial. The Caja remains part of the traditions and culture of the surrounding Pueblos and Traditional Historic Communities today.\n\nThe plateau also contains one of the most historically intact sections of the El Camino Real, a vital artery that linked New Mexico to the wider world during the Spanish colonial era. Ecologically, the Caja serves as a critical wildlife corridor, linking essential habitats for a wide range of species.\n\nMultiple threats have united local governments, Tribes, Traditional Historic Communities, and community organizations to preserve the shared yet distinct heritages of the region. These threats include desecration of petroglyphs, irresponsible off-roading, illegal dumping, and President Trump and Senate Republicans’ ongoing attempts to sell off public lands.\n\nThe Caja del Rio Protection Act permanently protects the plateau for future generations by establishing two new protected areas near Santa Fe — the Caja del Rio Special Management Area (SMA) and National Conservation Area (NCA) — to conserve and permanently protect local cultural, ecological, and spiritual values. Specifically, the legislation:\n\nProtects public lands from sale or privatization;\n\nProhibits new roads, mining, and rights-of-way, ensuring the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade (EPCU) transmission line will be the last to cross the Caja del Rio plateau;\n\nRequires consultation with Tribes and coordination with Traditional Historic Communities;\n\nPreserves traditional uses such as herb and mineral gathering, hunting and grazing;\n\nProtects confidential Indigenous knowledge and sacred site locations from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA);\n\nReduces unauthorized roads and limits motor vehicle use;\n\nCalls for public land agencies to provide adequate law enforcement and requires the posting of signs to inform the public of designated routes and penalties for violations; and\n\nAllows for ecological restoration, such as reducing wildfire risk or improving habitat, where necessary.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the All Pueblo Council of Governors, Santa Fe County Commission, Sandoval County Commission, Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia, and more. For a full list of endorsers, click here.\n\nA map of the proposed Caja del Rio Special Management Area and National Conservation Area created by the legislation is here.\n\nA one-page summary of the bill is here.\n\nA section-by-section summary of the bill is here.\n\nThe full text of the bill is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-demand-answers-about-us-and-israeli-militarys-adherence-to-international-law-in-the-middle-east", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Demand Answers about U.S. and Israeli Military’s Adherence to International Law in the Middle East", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "A dozen Senate Dems ask U.S. Central Command whether American forces have provided support to Israel’s forced displacement of 1,000,000 civilians in Lebanon\n\nNew Mexico – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and nine Senate Democrats in requesting answers from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding Israel’s practice of unilaterally declared mass evacuation orders in Lebanon and Iran, which likely contravene international law, in light of assertions from Israeli officials that American and Israeli forces are coordinating on military targeting actions in the current conflict in the Middle East. The letter comes ahead of congressional testimony by CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.\n\n“The Israeli practice of military exclusion or evacuation zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran presents major risks of violating international law and has been linked to the deaths of thousands of civilians. The declaration of military evacuation zones has been used to permanently displace people and destroy homes and towns—acts that are in violation of international law,” wrote the Senators. “Furthermore, no declaration of evacuation zones or ‘kill zones’ absolves Israeli and U.S. forces from the absolute legal responsibility to determine that each individual person or civilian facility targeted by drones, jets, and gunfire is, in fact, a military target.\n\nThe Senators highlighted how in Southern Lebanon, hundreds of civilians have already been killed in areas under Israeli evacuation orders: “For example, Father Pierre al-Rahi, a leader in the Christian village of Qlayaa, was killed by Israeli tank fire just days after he announced the people of the village would not leave their homes. Across Lebanon, more than a million people—at least a sixth of the population—have been forced to flee their homes under mass evacuation and bombing threats. The Israeli Defense Minister has ordered his forces to destroy the homes of hundreds of Lebanese communities and hinted at a long-term or permanent displacement of up to a million people.”\n\nThe Senators requested answers to the following questions by May 20, 2026:\n\n1. Do U.S. forces under your command coordinate military targets with Israeli forces as part of Operation Epic Fury?\n\n2. Have forces under your command provided refueling services, intelligence, or other assistance for Israeli imposition of evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran?\n\n3. Have you received any intelligence assessments or analyses on the military utility of Israel’s mass evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran?\n\n4. Have you signed off on U.S. military support to the establishment, enforcement, or targeting of any persons or infrastructure in evacuation zones?\n\n5. Have any personnel under your command raised any concerns or provided any legal analysis on Israeli unilateral designation of evacuation zones or targeting decisions in such zones to you, anyone in your chain of command, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, CENTCOM or DOD’s Office of Inspector General, or DOD’s Office of the General Counsel? If so, provide a copy of any such reports or communications to the Judiciary, Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Relations/Affairs committees.\n\n6. Have any personnel under your command shared intelligence with the Israeli government that could be used to support the creation, enforcement, or targeting of evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran? Has anyone under your command analyzed whether such sharing would violate the terms of any intelligence sharing agreements with regards to the use of any U.S.-provided intelligence in operations that might violate international law, U.S. law, and the laws of armed conflict?\n\nIn addition to Heinrich, Luján, and Welch, the letter is signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).\n\nRead and download the Senators’ full letter to U.S. Admiral Cooper.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-sanders-colleagues-protest-trump-admin-rule-to-exploit-workers/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Sanders, Colleagues Protest Trump Admin Rule to Exploit Workers", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "An estimated 10% to 30% of employers misclassify their employees, leaving millions of workers without fair labor protections\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Bernie Sanders, along with 19 of their Democratic Senate colleagues, demanded Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling withdraw a recent proposed rule allowing employers to misclassify employees as independent contractors to suppress their wages and benefits. This week, during Hickenlooper’s roundtable about the cost-of-living emergency with Colorado workers, labor leaders spoke out against the practice that hurts workers.\n\n“While 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, it is unacceptable that the Administration is focused on making it easier to exploit workers, rather than making life more affordable for working families,” wrote the senators. “Instead of protecting America’s workers, this proposed rule would be a disaster for workers across the country, especially the workers most vulnerable to exploitation. We urge you to do the right thing, immediately reverse course and withdraw the proposed rule.”\n\nThe rule makes it easier to exploit workers and deny them basic labor protections, including minimum wage, overtime, and family and medical leave. It also allows employers to deny protections for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers.\n\nFor example, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a typical truck driver loses as much as $23,300 a year in income and benefits as a result of being misclassified. A misclassified construction worker could lose more than $20,000 a year and a misclassified home health aide could lose more than $10,000 a year.\n\nHickenlooper is a strong advocate for workers rights and protections. As governor, he created the Joint Enforcement Task Force on Payroll Fraud and Employee Misclassification in the Construction Industry to address the issue of employee misclassification in Colorado’s construction industry. He also jumpstarted CareerWise Colorado, a nonprofit designed to create statewide apprenticeship opportunities to prepare students for high-paying, competitive jobs at Colorado companies.\n\nWhen Colorado workers at JBS went on strike this year, Hickenlooper stood with them in their fight to secure better working conditions and pay. Last year, when workers at King Soopers in Colorado went on strike, he picketed alongside workers in their fight for better work conditions.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Acting Secretary Sonderling,\n\nWe write to strongly oppose the proposed rule that would make it easier to deny workers basic labor standards and protections, including minimum wage and overtime protections, the right to job-protected family and medical leave, and important protections for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers.\n\nWorker misclassification—when employers deliberately classify their workers as “independent contractors” rather than “employees” in order to skirt labor rights and protections—is a rampant and serious issue in the United States. An estimated 10 to 30% of employers misclassify their employees, meaning there are millions of workers across the country who are left without fundamental labor protections.\n\nThis has a devastating impact on these workers and their families. For example, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a typical truck driver loses as much as $23,300 a year in income and benefits as a result of being misclassified. A misclassified construction worker could lose more than $20,000 a year and a misclassified home health aide could lose more than $10,000 a year. While 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, it is unacceptable that the Administration is focused on making it easier to exploit workers, rather than making life more affordable for working families.\n\nBy making it easier for employers to misclassify workers, you are giving unscrupulous corporations a free pass to not only avoid paying their workers minimum wage and overtime but also avoid providing job-protected family and medical leave and basic protections to farm workers.\n\nInstead of protecting America’s workers, this proposed rule would be a disaster for workers across the country, especially the workers most vulnerable to exploitation. We urge you to do the right thing, immediately reverse course and withdraw the proposed rule.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-secures-3-million-for-four-year-extension-of-und-vets2wings-program", "title": "Hoeven Secures $3 Million for Four Year Extension of UND Vets2Wings Program", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today highlighted the continuation of the University of North Dakota’s (UND) Vets2Wings program, as the university hosted a student luncheon welcoming a new cohort of participants. Hoeven secured $3 million for the program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations legislation to extend the program for four years. This effort builds on the $2.5 million Hoeven previously secured to establish the initiative in 2022.\n\nVets2Wings expands flight training opportunities for veterans and National Guard members at UND by helping cover the gap for costs not included under the GI Bill and other benefits, like Federal Tuition Assistance. Administered through a partnership between UND and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the program supports efforts to address the nation’s pilot shortage.\n\nSince 2022, the program has supported over 92 students at UND. More than half of the program participants were Air National Guard members and non-traditional college students, earning more than 178 FAA certificates and ratings on their way towards a career in aviation.\n\n“As our country faces a shortage of commercial pilots, we created this program to support our veterans and National Guard members as they pursue careers in aviation,” said Hoeven. “By helping cover the cost of flight training, Vets2Wings provides a pathway for these individuals to become commercial airline pilots, strengthening our workforce and helping meet the nation’s aviation needs.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-secures-36-million-for-crack-the-code-2-0-phase-one", "title": "Hoeven Secures $36 Million for Crack the Code 2.0 Phase One", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced he has secured a total of $36 million in federal funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) for Crack the Code 2.0, putting in place the final funding piece for phase one of the $157 million initiative. Hoeven announced the federal funding at a press conference today with North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness to outline the federal, state and industry effort to Crack the Code 2.0 and partner North Dakota’s oil and coal industries with the goals of:\n\nDoubling oil recovery in the Bakken.\n\nDoubling the life of North Dakota’s coal-fired power plants.\n\nHoeven has been working with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his team at DOE to finalize the federal award. To this end, Hoeven met in Grand Forks with both Secretary Wright and DOE Assistant Secretary Kyle Haustveit, the University of North Dakota (UND) Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) and energy producers to advance this initiative.\n\nThe phase one funding, which also includes $76 million in private investment and $45.1 million in state funding, will be used to develop large-scale pilot projects to advance the technical and commercial viability of EOR in the Bakken.\n\nCrack the Code 2.0 is further supported by a policy Hoeven worked to secure in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3), also known as the Working Families Tax Cut Act, to properly align the 45Q tax credit to incentivize the use of CO2 for EOR. Doing so supports coal producers’ continued operations by providing access to a new revenue stream through selling CO2 to oil producers, while providing a strong, long-term incentive for EOR, making it the clear, commercially-viable choice to improve oil recovery in the Bakken.\n\n“By securing this $36 million in federal funding for Crack the Code 2.0, we are taking a major step forward in efforts to partner North Dakota’s oil and coal producers and provide a more solid foundation for the future of both of these essential industries,” said Hoeven. “EOR has the potential to double both the oil recovery rate in formations like the Bakken and the life of our coal-fired power plants. Doing so benefits not only North Dakota, but is essential to the economic security of all Americans, who will continue to have access to reliable and affordable energy produced right here in the U.S.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-securing-federal-support-for-new-facilities-at-dickinson-airport", "title": "Hoeven Securing Federal Support for New Facilities at Dickinson Airport", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "DICKINSON, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today outlined work with local, state and federal officials to build new facilities at the Dickinson-Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport. As a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to secure federal support for new facilities, including:\n\n$55 Million New Terminal\n\nThe senator is working to get final approval for $13 million in federal funding for the new terminal.\n\n$67.8 Million Runway Project\n\nHoeven secured nearly $50 million in federal funding to reconstruct and extend the runway.\n\nAircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Facility\n\nThe senator recently secured $2.5 million in federal funds for the final phase of construction.\n\nHoeven joined local and state officials at the groundbreaking for the terminal project, which will replace the existing terminal with a new approximately 20,000 sq ft. terminal. Hoeven organized a meeting in 2022 to kick off the project and help identify potential funding opportunities to help move the effort forward. The new terminal will include expanded lounging and dining options, a single-level layout to enhance accessibility, and a new jetway allowing passengers to board planes without being exposed to outdoor elements.\n\nThe Dickinson-Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport recently completed a runway reconstruction and expansion project, which added 900 feet to the runway length, making it 7,300 feet long. Hoeven secured nearly $50 million in federal funding for the runway reconstruction and extension project. In total, the airport received approximately a total of $67.8 million in federal, state and local funding for the project.\n\nMore recently, Dickinson-Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport was awarded $2.425 million in federal funds to expand the airport’s ARFF facility. The funding supports a 2,692-square-foot expansion of the facility and the final phase of construction.\n\n“Investing in our rural airports is essential to supporting economic growth, public safety and connectivity across North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “These upgrades in Dickinson will help ensure the airport can continue to serve the region effectively. The new terminal will improve the travel experience with residents, visitors and business alike while helping meet the growing demand we expect with the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This airport will serve as a gateway to western North Dakota and everything our state has to offer.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-pro-life-colleagues-file-amicus-brief-urging-scotus-protect-women-babies-dangerous", "title": "HYDE-SMITH, PRO-LIFE COLLEAGUES FILE AMICUS BRIEF URGING SCOTUS TO PROTECT WOMEN & BABIES FROM DANGEROUS ABORTION DRUGS", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom", "domain": "www.hydesmith.senate.gov", "scraper": "hydesmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001079", "name": "Cindy Hyde-Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senate, House Lawmakers Support Louisiana Case on In-person Dispensing Requirement for Chemical Abortion Drugs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, is among 27 pro-life Senators who have signed a congressional amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the state of Louisiana in its lawsuit seeking to reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement for the chemical abortion drug, mifepristone.\n\nThe amicus brief, which was filed Thursday, asks the Supreme Court to allow a Fifth Circuit decision to stand while the Louisiana lawsuit to nullify the Biden-era mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) continues to be litigated.\n\n“Our fight to reinstate safety requirements for chemical abortion drugs continues as strong as ever because we believe the federal government is responsible for acknowledging the very real risks posed by these life-ending abortion drugs. We hope the Supreme Court will act to begin restoring the safeguards so carelessly suspended by the previous administration,” said Hyde-Smith, who authored the SAVE Moms and Babies Act to restore abortion drug safety protocols.\n\nOn May 8, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Biden administration’s 2023 REMS, which removed the in-person dispensing requirement, was unlawful. It placed an immediate stay on the 2023 REMS as the litigation continued, effectively restoring the in-person dispensing requirement.\n\nThe congressional amicus brief in support of Louisiana’s opposition to the pro-abortion parties’ application to stay the Fifth Circuit’s order makes two primary arguments:\n\nThe Biden FDA’s 2023 Mifepristone REMS Is Contrary to Law Because It Fails to Meet the Statutory Requirement to Demonstrate Safety, and the Fifth Circuit’s Ruling is Justified\n\nThe Biden FDA’s 2023 Mifepristone REMS Violates Federal Law.\n\nU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) and U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) led the brief, which was also signed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).\n\nOther Senate signees included U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul, M.D. (R-Ky.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\nIt was also signed by 78 members of the House of Representatives, including U.S. Representative Michael Guest (R-Miss.).\n\nIn March, Hyde-Smith joined an investigation into chemical abortion drug manufacturer compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-mandated safeguards associated with marketing their drugs. This effort includes seeking information from chemical abortion drug manufacturers regarding online prescriber compliance with even the minimal risk evaluation standards that remain on chemical abortion drugs like Mifepristone.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-va-supreme-court-ruling-on-redistricting-referendum", "title": "Kaine Statement on VA Supreme Court Ruling on Redistricting Referendum", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement regarding the Virginia Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn a free and fair constitutional amendment referendum to redraw congressional districts in Virginia:\n\n“Unlike Republican-led states that have redrawn their maps through backroom deals, the Virginia General Assembly let the people decide for themselves in a free and fair election. If the Virginia Supreme Court had legitimate concerns about this referendum, the time to stop it would have been before three million Virginians cast their ballots. But the Court let the process move forward, and Virginians sent a message loud and clear: we see President Trump’s brazen power grab in states across the country, and we won’t stand for it.\n\n“The timing of this ruling speaks volumes. The U.S. Supreme Court eviscerates the Voting Rights Act in a lawsuit brought by a January 6 extremist and Southern states race to craft backroom deals disenfranchising minority voters and candidates. Meanwhile Virginia voters choose to stand up against national disenfranchisement only to see their votes cast into the trash by a 4-3 ruling. A sad day indeed but I’m proud of Virginians’ willingness to stay true to our state’s motto after 250 years. That spirit is needed now more than ever.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-in-chandler-kelly-meets-with-veterans-at-john-mccain-vfw-post/", "title": "ICYMI: In Chandler, Kelly Meets with Veterans at John McCain VFW Post", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In case you missed it, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly met today with veterans and military families at the John S. McCain III VFW Post 7401 in Chandler to hear directly about the challenges they are facing: delays accessing VA care and benefits, concerns about toxic exposure-related illnesses, housing insecurity, and cuts affecting veterans’ services and support programs.\n\nDuring the discussion, veterans and advocates shared personal stories about navigating the VA system, the growing strain on veterans’ health care services, and the importance of protecting programs that support veterans and military families. Several attendees raised concerns about staffing shortages and restructuring at the VA, long wait times for claims and care, and the need for expanded support for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service.\n\nJennifer, a military spouse, spoke about her husband, a Marine Corps veteran battling terminal service-connected cancer after serving during Desert Storm, and urged action to improve early cancer detection and screening for veterans exposed to hazardous environments. Kelly has led efforts to better understand and address cancer risks facing veterans, including through his bipartisan Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, which was signed into law and directs the VA to study cancer rates among military aviators and aircrews. He’s also worked on the bipartisan Counting Veterans’ Cancer Act, which improves the tracking of veterans’ cancer cases to strengthen research, treatment, and prevention efforts.\n\nEmilio, an advocate with Soldier’s Best Friend, an Arizona nonprofit that trains and pairs service dogs with veterans at no cost, highlighted the importance of supporting veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and homelessness. Kelly discussed his bipartisan Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, signed into law in 2024, which helps raise funding to train and provide service dogs for veterans.\n\nMany veterans in attendance also discussed ongoing efforts to pass the Major Richard Star Act, legislation Kelly has repeatedly cosponsored to allow combat-injured veterans medically retired before 20 years of service to receive both military retirement and VA disability benefits concurrently.\n\nThroughout the event, Kelly emphasized the country’s obligation to keep its promises to veterans and reiterated his commitment to protecting access to care, benefits, and services veterans have earned through their service. Kelly also encouraged veterans experiencing issues with the VA or federal agencies to contact his office for assistance.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/kim-visits-edison-community-center-to-discuss-future-plans-made-possible-by-federal-funding/", "title": "Kim Visits Edison Community Center to Discuss Future Plans Made Possible by Federal Funding", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Kim secured $2.9 million for the Minnie B. Veal Community Center in congressionally directed spending (CDS) during this year’s federal appropriations\n\nEDISON, NJ – Senator Kim (D-NJ) traveled to Edison, NJ, where he visited the Minnie B. Veal Community Center, a recent recipient of $2.9 million dollars in federal funding that was successfully secured by Senator Kim and Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), who represents Edison.\n\nYou can watch a video of the Senator’s visit HERE.\n\n“As I work to bring care to all, the Minnie B. Veal Community Center will be able to use this CDS funding to expand its footprint, offer more programming, and make needed upgrades to better help seniors live a full life while strengthening their sense of community here in Edison,” said Senator Kim. “This visit gave me insight as to just how crucial this center is for their community, and I look forward to seeing the results of the CDS funding and the resulting impact it will have, especially for Edison seniors.”\n\n“The funding we’ve secured for the Minnie B. Veal Community Center will truly make a difference in the lives of Edison’s seniors,” said Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. “This expansion isn’t just about adding more space—it’s about creating a welcoming place where our seniors can feel supported and connected. With easier access to essential services, and the opportunity to learn new skills and form lasting friendships, we’re helping to build a community that values and uplifts its older residents.”\n\n“I thank Senator Andy Kim for awarding funds for the Minnie B. Veal Community Center expansion project,” said Edison Mayor, Sam Joshi. “This location serves as a community pillar for residents to engage and connect. We look forward to developing our senior services with recreation, social services, classes, technology education, and assistance and more.”\n\nSenator Kim toured the center with its dedicated staffers, spoke with residents who use the center’s programs and centers, and discussed how the $2.9 million in CDS funding would further enrich the community.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Senator Kim is committed to fighting for economic and health security for older Americans and cutting the red tape that often accompanies programs seniors rely on every day. During his maiden speech as Senator given in December 2025, he committed to working to find solutions to bring affordable care to all.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-trumps-illegal-war-with-iran-drives-up-costs-at-every-turn-lujan-fights-to-tackle-affordability-crisis-hitting-new-mexicans-and-the-agricultural-industry/", "title": "As Trump’s Illegal War with Iran Drives up Costs at Every Turn, Luján Fights to Tackle Affordability Crisis Hitting New Mexicans and the Agricultural Industry", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Luján Concludes Weeklong Tour Across New Mexico Meeting with Industry Experts and New Mexicans to Address President Trump’s Affordability Crisis\n\nLas Cruces, N.M. – As President Trump’s illegal war with Iran continues to drive up costs across industries, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) brought together experts and representatives from business, health care, housing, family services, and agriculture sectors to address the administration’s policies that are increasing operational expenses and hitting pocketbooks across Southern New Mexico.\n\nAt the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, Senator Luján brought together representatives from various sectors, including housing, health care, family and economic support, and business, to address the growing affordability crisis facing New Mexicans. Senator Luján and participants underscored how rising costs are straining families at every level — from housing and health care to groceries and childcare — and discussed his legislative efforts to lower costs, strengthen economic security, and deliver meaningful relief for families across New Mexico.\n\n“New Mexicans are paying the price for the Trump administration’s costly and chaotic policies,” said Senator Luján. “From higher everyday expenses to growing uncertainty across local industries, families and workers in Southern New Mexico and across our state are feeling the impact. I’m continuing to push back against policies that are driving up costs and hurting working families, while fighting for solutions that lower costs, strengthen local economies, and help our families.”\n\nAs President Trump’s illegal war with Iran continues to drive up costs for the agricultural industry, Senator Luján led a coalition of farmers and agricultural representatives to examine and address the financial strain facing agricultural operations and its impact on New Mexicans. Senator Luján and agricultural experts highlighted how the war with Iran has driven up the costs of inputs — including fuel, fertilizer, and equipment — and is squeezing thin margins and threatening the industry. Senator Luján also outlined policy priorities aimed at lowering costs for producers and consumers, while underscoring his push to reverse SNAP cuts made by Congressional Republicans.\n\n“Across New Mexico, our farmers, ranchers, dairy producers, and entire agriculture industry work tirelessly to provide for our communities. But because of actions taken by this administration, the industry is being hit with higher costs and tremendous uncertainty,” said Senator Luján. “To the folks that were able to join me at NMSU: thank you for your time and insight. These conversations will help me fight back against policies that hurt our state’s agricultural industry.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-demand-answers-about-u-s-and-israeli-militarys-adherence-to-international-law-in-the-middle-east/", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Demand Answers about U.S. and Israeli Military’s Adherence to International Law in the Middle East", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "A dozen Senate Dems ask U.S. Central Command whether American forces have provided support to Israel’s forced displacement of 1,000,000 civilians in Lebanon\n\nNew Mexico – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and nine Senate Democrats in requesting answers from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) regarding Israel’s practice of unilaterally declared mass evacuation orders in Lebanon and Iran, which likely contravene international law, in light of assertions from Israeli officials that American and Israeli forces are coordinating on military targeting actions in the current conflict in the Middle East. The letter comes ahead of congressional testimony by CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.\n\n“The Israeli practice of military exclusion or evacuation zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran presents major risks of violating international law and has been linked to the deaths of thousands of civilians. The declaration of military evacuation zones has been used to permanently displace people and destroy homes and towns—acts that are in violation of international law,” wrote the Senators. “Furthermore, no declaration of evacuation zones or ‘kill zones’ absolves Israeli and U.S. forces from the absolute legal responsibility to determine that each individual person or civilian facility targeted by drones, jets, and gunfire is, in fact, a military target.\n\nThe Senators highlighted how in Southern Lebanon, hundreds of civilians have already been killed in areas under Israeli evacuation orders: “For example, Father Pierre al-Rahi, a leader in the Christian village of Qlayaa, was killed by Israeli tank fire just days after he announced the people of the village would not leave their homes. Across Lebanon, more than a million people—at least a sixth of the population—have been forced to flee their homes under mass evacuation and bombing threats. The Israeli Defense Minister has ordered his forces to destroy the homes of hundreds of Lebanese communities and hinted at a long-term or permanent displacement of up to a million people.”\n\nThe Senators requested answers to the following questions by May 20, 2026:\n\n1. Do U.S. forces under your command coordinate military targets with Israeli forces as part of Operation Epic Fury?\n\n2. Have forces under your command provided refueling services, intelligence, or other assistance for Israeli imposition of evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran?\n\n3. Have you received any intelligence assessments or analyses on the military utility of Israel’s mass evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran?\n\n4. Have you signed off on U.S. military support to the establishment, enforcement, or targeting of any persons or infrastructure in evacuation zones?\n\n5. Have any personnel under your command raised any concerns or provided any legal analysis on Israeli unilateral designation of evacuation zones or targeting decisions in such zones to you, anyone in your chain of command, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, CENTCOM or DOD’s Office of Inspector General, or DOD’s Office of the General Counsel? If so, provide a copy of any such reports or communications to the Judiciary, Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Relations/Affairs committees.\n\n6. Have any personnel under your command shared intelligence with the Israeli government that could be used to support the creation, enforcement, or targeting of evacuation zones in Lebanon and/or Iran? Has anyone under your command analyzed whether such sharing would violate the terms of any intelligence sharing agreements with regards to the use of any U.S.-provided intelligence in operations that might violate international law, U.S. law, and the laws of armed conflict?\n\nIn addition to Heinrich, Luján, and Welch, the letter is signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).\n\nRead and download the Senators’ full letter to U.S. Admiral Cooper.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-schumer-warren-booker-smith-urge-behavioral-health-agency-to-reverse-guidance-limiting-access-to-life-saving-tools-for-people-with-substance-use-disorders", "title": "Markey, Schumer, Warren, Booker, Smith Urge Behavioral Health Agency to Reverse Guidance Limiting Access to Life-Saving Tools for People with Substance Use Disorders", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (May 8, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Primary Health and Retirement Security Subcommittee of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee today led his colleagues in writing to Christopher Carroll, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), urging it to reverse new guidance barring grant recipients from purchasing and distributing life-saving tools, such as fentanyl test strips, for people with substance use disorders.\n\nSAMHSA’s new guidance defies evidence showing that harm reduction for substance use reduces overdose deaths and dangerous infections, threatening to reverse years of progress in combating the overdose epidemic. The new guidance also contradicts the President’s National Drug Control Strategy, issued by the White House this week, which calls drug test strips “an important tool.” Co-signers in the Senate include Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tina Smith (D-M.N.).\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “SAMHSA’s new guidance barring grantees from using federal funds to distribute syringes flies in the face of Congressional intent, undermining the programs designed to prevent outbreaks in the communities most vulnerable to them. It also creates a chilling effect on programs that distribute syringes, which may reject federal funding rather than risk violating increasingly restrictive guidelines. To abandon harm reduction is to do so at our own peril. At a time when this administration is raising the cost of health insurance, cutting Medicaid, and limiting funding for family planning clinics that offer testing for HIV and other infectious diseases, reducing access to clean syringes and test strips could be catastrophic. If this administration supports recovery from substance use disorder as it purports, you will support the resources that keep people alive long enough to get treatment. Every day this guidance remains in effect further risks the lives and safety of Americans.”\n\nIn the House, the letter was led by Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07). Additional co-signers include Becca Balint (Vt.-At Large), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Angie Craig (MN-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).\n\nSenator Markey has been supportive of removing barriers to opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, such as allowing people to take home doses of the medication methadone. In February 2024, SAMHSA announced a final rule to comprehensively update regulations governing Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), the first substantial updates to methadone access regulations in more than 20 years, which Senator Markey applauded. In March 2023, Senator Markey led a bicameral letter to SAMHSA expressing support for regulations that would expand access to OUD treatment, while highlighting barriers that continue to confront those seeking access to treatment.\n\nIn March 2023, Senators Markey and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), along with Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01) and Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced their bipartisan and bicameral Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would improve patients’ ability to access treatment for OUD by modernizing outdated rules, empowering board-certified physicians to prescribe methadone to patients, and allowing pharmacies to dispense methadone.\n\nIn December 2022, Senator Markey secured his bipartisan Opioid Treatment Access Act (OTAA)—legislation that reduces wait times for patients to qualify for treatment for OUD and expands access to methadone clinics—into the end-of-year omnibus spending package.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-warren-statement-on-house-passed-farm-bill-provision-that-would-preempt-state-animal-welfare-and-agriculture-protections", "title": "Senators Markey, Warren Statement on House-Passed Farm Bill Provision That Would Preempt State Animal Welfare and Agriculture Protections", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (May 8, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement on the House of Representatives’ passage of a Farm Bill that would preempt a Massachusetts law that prohibits in-state sale of products from farm animals held in extreme and cruel confinement. This state law, An Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals, was passed in 2016 through ballot measure Question 3 with 78 percent of the vote.\n\n“We oppose the inclusion of a provision in the House-passed Farm Bill to preempt state-level animal welfare and agricultural protection laws,” said the Senators. “This is a highly controversial and poisonous policy that ignores the will of the people. These state laws were overwhelmingly supported by a popular vote—they shouldn’t be overridden because of big-dollar lobbying. We have significant concerns about the House-passed Farm Bill, including this overreaching and harmful provision that should not be in the Farm Bill and needs to be removed.”\n\nLast year, Senator Markey co-led a letter sent by 32 Senate Democrats objecting to the inclusion of this provision. Senator Markey signed a similar letter in 2023.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-recognizes-national-mental-health-awareness-month/", "title": "Senator Marshall Recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Month", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Junction City – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) recognized National Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to those in need of mental health care around the state. From military families who sacrifice to protect our country, to farmers who feed the nation, and everyday Kansans, mental health affects people in all walks of life.\n\n“As a veteran and as a family member to those who have served, I have seen the toll military service can take on a family. As a fifth-generation farm kid and a rural doctor, I know farmers aren’t exempt from mental health struggles either,” said Senator Marshall. “Kansans take pride in serving others first, but sometimes care isn’t available when they finally need it for themselves. I am fighting to ensure every Kansan — from our military installations to our family farms — has access to the mental health resources they need.”\n\nToday, on National Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Senator Marshall took part in a Military Family Mental Health Roundtable in Junction City, Kansas, with stakeholders from the community, including Pawnee Mental Health, Konza Prairie Community Health, Cohen Veteran Mental Health Clinic, Irwin Army Community Hospital, Geary County USD 475, and Manhattan USD 383. The discussion centered around supporting military families at Fort Riley through mental health resources, particularly during upcoming deployments from the base.\n\nAs part of his focus on mental health in Kansas, Senator Marshall has made mental health awareness and community support for farmers and ranchers a priority. Every year, more American farmers die by suicide than in farm accidents — yet stigma and lack of awareness in rural communities remain persistent barriers to care. Senator Marshall has been a part of events, participated in mental health discussions at HHS, and championed Community Health Centers as a stigma-free avenue for rural Kansans to access mental health services.\n\nTo support mental health for Kansans in all walks of life, Senator Marshall advocated for robust funding for mental health resources in this year’s appropriations requests:\n\nFarm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN): In April, Senator Marshall requested $10 million in federal appropriations for FRSAN to support rural communities by delivering targeted, community-based support in areas where access to mental healthcare is limited. See his letter to the Senate Ag CommitteeHERE.\n\n998 funding: Senator Marshall has advocated for “robust funding” for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides assistance and resources to those experiencing a mental health crisis.\n\nCertified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC): Senator Marshall has long supported the important work of CCBHCs in bridging the mental health gap in rural America. Learn more about his advocacy HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=8DB6F5B4-C3A4-4A87-B613-47C37232E154", "title": "Sen. Moran Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Extend Rural Hospital Program", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, legislation that would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another five years. RCHD supports rural hospitals by allowing them to test innovative hospital payment models under Medicare that boost financial sustainability to maintain and improve healthcare access in rural communities. There are currently two Kansas hospitals participating in the RCHD program: Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus in Junction City and McPherson Hospital.\n\n“Local hospitals are critical to the health and success of rural communities in Kansas and across the country,” said Sen. Moran. “I have long supported the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program because it provides a lifeline for rural hospitals and health care providers, bolstering the stability and certainty needed for them to continue delivering quality care to the communities across our state.”\n\n“Stormont Vail Health is committed to ensuring high-quality care remains local and accessible across the rural communities we serve throughout Kansas,” said Mark Slyter, President and CEO, Stormont Vail Health. “Our Flint Hills Hospital in Junction City demonstrates what is possible when rural hospitals have the right support. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has been essential in helping us address the significant and growing pressures facing rural health care—from rising costs and workforce shortages to increasing demand for services. It has enabled us to stabilize operations, invest in our people and facilities, and deliver safe, high-quality care close to home. Extending this program for another five years is critical. It will protect access to care in Geary County, strengthen rural health care delivery, and sustain a proven model that benefits patients, providers, and communities alike. Just as importantly, our hospital is a vital economic anchor for the region, and the reauthorization will ensure we can continue meeting the needs of those who depend on us. We are grateful for Senator Jerry Moran’s leadership and his recognition that this legislation is a critical investment in the future of rural health care and the communities that depend on it.”\n\n“Federal legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program represents a critical step in sustaining access to healthcare in rural communities,” said Trish Giordano, Geary County Commissioner District #1. “This effort is especially important for Stormont Vail Health’s Flint Hills Campus in Junction City. Over the past three years, our local hospital has made meaningful progress toward financial stability through the dedicated efforts of its leadership, staff, and community partners. Continued participation in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program will help maintain that momentum and ensure residents have reliable access to essential healthcare services close to home. The reauthorization of this program is vital to the long-term sustainability of rural hospitals like ours. Senator Jerry Moran is to be commended for his support of this important legislation.”\n\n“The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has been instrumental in helping McPherson Hospital continue providing high-quality care close to home for the patients and families we serve,” said Tanner Wealand, President and CEO, McPherson Hospital. “The program has strengthened our ability to maintain essential rural health services, support our workforce, and invest in the future of healthcare in our community. We strongly believe extending this program is critical to preserving access to care for rural Kansans and ensuring hospitals like ours can continue meeting the unique needs of rural communities\n\n“Access to care in rural Kansas depends on maintaining stable and sustainable financing pathways for community hospitals. The Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program has helped participating hospitals continue delivering essential services close to home while supporting the health and economic vitality of their communities,” said Chad Austin, President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association. “Kansas hospitals appreciate Senator Moran’s leadership and continued commitment to strengthening rural health care through the introduction of this legislation to extend the long-standing program and ensure hospitals can continue serving Kansans for years to come.”\n\nItems to note:\n\nSen. Moran has long supported the RCHD program since it was established in 2004, and he has repeatedly cosponsored its reauthorization throughout his time serving in Congress.\n\nThe most recent performance data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) found that new 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 predominantly paid using a reasonable cost-based methodology instead of the inpatient prospective payment system. Currently, all 30 of the program’s spots are being utilized.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), 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.).\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-welcomes-funding-for-emergency-and-resilience-needs-in-alaska-native-villages", "title": "Murkowski Welcomes Funding for Emergency and Resilience Needs In Alaska Native Villages", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Anchorage – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement after the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced $20 million in emergency funding to help 16 Alaska Native villages that were facing severe shortages of basic, necessary supplies. The funding includes $4 million for immediate relief, delivering essential resources such as heating fuel, water, and firewood to 16 villages, and $16 million for critical infrastructure and climate resilience efforts in the Native Village of Chefornak.\n\n“For many Alaskans, this support could mean the difference between getting by and going without. Last year alone, Akiak residents were without community power for 43 days. In Selawik, residents went nearly a month without drinking water due to failing infrastructure, relying on bottled water donations to tide them over.\n\n“These realities are far too common in rural Alaska. Communities that rely on barges and small planes for deliveries often face weather delays that leave store shelves empty and fuel tanks low. Fuel costs are already high and projected to go even higher with the spring deliveries – expect to see prices upwards of $15 per gallon. Families will struggle to heat their homes, travel safely, haul firewood, or hunt to feed their households, and many communities have suffered water system failure over the cold winter. So emergency relief for heating fuel, water, and firewood will be welcome news to these communities.\n\n“Challenges in Chefornak are also intensifying as they grapple with erosion, permafrost loss, and failing infrastructure which not only destroy homes and other vital buildings but threaten the safety and livelihood of the community itself. Investments that help relocate at-risk homes, repair essential infrastructure, restore wetlands, and rebuild critical access points such barge landings are vital to keeping communities connected and safe.\n\n“That is why it is so important that the BIA is delivering essential resources to Alaska Native villages in urgent need. These investments are an important step toward safeguarding community health and supporting Tribal leadership in their pursuit of long-term resilience. I appreciate Assistant Secretary Kirkland for traveling to Alaska, listening directly to communities, and helping provide emergency support while recognizing the urgent need for greater long-term stability,” said Senator Murkowski.\n\nBackground: The 16 communities receving supplies are: Akiak, Ambler, Beaver, Buckland, Chefornak, Gambell, Goodnews Bay, Kiana, Kipnuk, Koyuk, Kongiganak, Kwigillingok, Newtok, Selawik, Shaktoolik and Shungnak. This funding will assist the village of Chefornak address threats of severe erosion, permafrost loss, and failing infrastructure by relocating at-risk homes, restore damaged wetlands, and reconstruct its barge landing. Chefornak is one of many Alaska Native villages facing these types of infrastructure and resilience needs.\n\nThe Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Community Resilience was funded at $34 million in FY25. Senator Murkowski is the Chairman of the Interior appropriations subcommittee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. On May 5 and 6, Chairman Murkowski held a two-part field hearing in Alaska in which Assistant Secretary Kirkland participated and heard directly from Tribal leaders. Part one was held in Anchorage and titled, “Alaska Native Voices: A Roundtable with Kipnuk and Kwigillingok on Disaster Impacts, Recovery, and Resilience.” The second part is titled, “From Disaster to Resilience: Strengthening Tribal Communities through Federal Response, Mitigation and Relocation Programs.” Hearing will be followed by a Tribal Leader listening session.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/icymi-in-yakima-murray-discusses-key-homelessness-housing-investments-visits-with-provider-whose-federal-funding-she-helped-protect/", "title": "ICYMI: In Yakima, Murray Discusses Key Homelessness & Housing Investments, Visits with Provider Whose Federal Funding She Helped Protect", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Senator Murray Forces Trump Administration to Release Homelessness Funding to Washington State\n\n***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nYakima, WA – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Yakima Neighborhood Health Services to learn more about their work providing accessible and integrated health and social services to the community. Yakima Neighborhood Health Services provides health care, education programs, services to end homelessness, and more to the Yakima valley—serving over 23,000 patients with more than 90,000 visits a year.\n\nIn April, Senator Murray announced Yakima Neighborhood Health Services’ Continuum of Care (CoC) grant for $171,966 was being renewed after she secured language forcing its renewal in the latest spending bill. The grant was part of a larger tranche of CoC grants whose renewals were threatened this year after the Trump administration took a number of steps to weaken and distort the program and hold up fiscal year 2025 funding. Nationwide, more than 170,000 individuals could have lost housing if the Trump administration’s proposed changes had taken effect. In the fiscal year 2026 funding bill for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Senator Murray secured provisions in law to keep funds flowing to communities, and HUD is now complying with the law and beginning to renew grants like Yakima Neighborhood Health Services’.\n\n“I am glad I was able to meet with the leadership and community today at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services and hear about the important work they are doing to help end homelessness in the Yakima valley. Last year, the President proposed cutting the federal housing budget in half. I said no, and I negotiated to increase funding and protect programs that are critical to addressing our housing affordability and homelessness crisis. We also saw the Trump Administration attack the Continuum of Care program, our biggest federal tool for addressing homelessness. I fought back and secured language protecting that program and our communities,” said Senator Murray. “I’ll keep fighting to address the crisis of homelessness in Washington state and to make sure our youth get the support they need. That’s why I’m working across the aisle to create new grant programs that address the root causes of youth homelessness head on. We know the best way to support our youth is to make sure they never become homeless in the first place.”\n\n“Sen. Murray has been a champion for access to affordable health care, affordable housing, and services for veterans in rural communities like the Yakima Valley. She has supported Community Health Centers, and our model of integrated care providing medical, dental, behavioral health, social services and housing. We are also thrilled to support her efforts to prevent youth homelessness and are honored to have her here today to talk more about how we can support this work,” Rhonda Hauff, CEO, Yakima Neighborhood Health Services.\n\nHUD’s CoC program is the largest federal program for reducing homelessness, and Washington state receives approximately $120 million annually from the program. Late last year, the Trump administration issued a new notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for fiscal year 2025 funding that sought to upend the program by threatening timely renewal of CoC grants and imposing an arbitrary cap of 30% of funds for permanent housing, effectively slashing funds for this proven tool to address homelessness by more than half. The NOFO was immediately challenged in court by Washington state, alongside other states and nonprofits. In December, a U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction blocking HUD from implementing the new NOFO. In April, HUD failed in its attempt to overturn that court order, and the First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Congress’ goal of maintaining funding continuity.\n\nEven before the Trump administration targeted the CoC program with its new NOFO, local governments and non-profits across the country were informed that recipients would have to comply with vaguely worded executive orders that Trump signed in the opening weeks of his second term, specifically related to immigration status, abortion and reproductive care, “gender ideology,” and DEI programs. King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties were among the eight original local government plaintiffs that sued the Trump administration over the potential loss of funding.\n\nPresident Trump’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 would have slashed funding for HUD by almost 50 percent—a staggering cut that would have decimated housing assistance programs, making millions of Americans vulnerable to homelessness. His budget also proposed consolidating the CoC program with the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program within the formula-based Emergency Solutions Grants program and time-limiting assistance to two years, all while reducing overall funding by $532 million, or 12 percent. In addition, President Trump’s budget also proposed to eliminate major formula programs communities rely upon to develop new affordable housing and for community development activities.\n\nIn the face of these drastic cuts, Senator Murray led efforts to safeguard critical federal funding for affordable housing and homelessness safety nets. In the government funding bill Trump signed into law on February 3, 2026, Senator Murray secured a $4.1 billion—or 6 percent—increase in rental assistance programs and a $366 million increase in homeless assistance programs, while rejecting President Trump’s proposals to block-grant, and impose harmful work requirements and time limits on these critical programs that support over 10 million Americans. Notably, Murray secured new guardrails to protect Continuum of Care grants from Trump administration sabotage. The legislation requires HUD to renew Continuum of Care grants expiring during the first quarter of calendar year 2026; all grants expiring in the second quarter of calendar year 2026 if HUD did not make awards by April 1, 2026; and all remaining grants expiring during calendar year 2026 if not awarded by July 1, 2026. In April, HUD announced it would release funds to renew all projects that expired during the first quarter in compliance with the law. Further CoC grant renewals are expected, as HUD has previously acknowledged to the courts that it is now out of time to run a competitive process that meets the deadlines set by this year’s funding bill.\n\nIn September, Senator Murray also called for an investigation into HUD’s handling of the grant award process for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds program, after HUD notified communities across the country that it was once again scrapping the grant application process it had just run—for the second time—and that it was now forcing organizations to apply for funding for a third time. Earlier this year, a district court ruled that HUD violated the law with the way it handled the CoC Builds awards. And in November, Senator Murray led Democrats in a letter to Secretary Turner calling on him to immediately halt reported plans to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care program, which could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced out of their housing and back into homelessness.\n\nSenator Murray has also led efforts to address and prevent youth homelessness. In March, Senator Murray introduced her bipartisan Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act, which would authorize $105 million for HHS’s Administration for Children and Families (ACF) aimed at tackling youth homelessness by investing in prevention strategies and community-based solutions. The new legislation will build off HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program she helped establish in 2016—and has successfully fought to secure funding for every year since—by addressing the conditions that contribute to youth homelessness and providing effective resources and support for young people and families who need them most. Senator Murray has consistently worked to address Washington state’s homelessness and affordable housing crises and has fought for federal investments to make sure every young person has a roof over their head. In February of this year, Senator Murray secured $5 million for the youth homelessness prevention demonstration program, a $1 million increase—based on her proposal. This program allocates grants to state, local, and Tribal governments and non-profit community-based organizations to provide primary prevention services for youth at risk of homelessness. Murray has funded this program for the last several years without an authorization—by passing her new bipartisan bill, the grant programs would be formally established and help ensure their long-term continuity.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-rev-warnock-reps-williams-mcbath-upgrading-stormwater-infrastructure-in-east-point/", "title": "Sens. Ossoff & Rev. Warnock, Reps. Williams & McBath Upgrading Stormwater Infrastructure in East Point", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "East Point, Ga. — U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, alongside Congresswomen Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Lucy McBath (GA-06), are delivering resources to upgrade stormwater infrastructure in East Point.\n\nSens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock and Reps. Williams and McBath brought Republicans and Democrats in Congress together to deliver Federal funding for key stormwater infrastructure upgrades along Norman Berry Drive in East Point, including a storm water main replacement and headwall restoration to improve stormwater flows and prevent sink holes in the area.\n\nSens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock and Reps. Williams and McBath are delivering $1,092,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on January 23.\n\n“Every town in Georgia deserves safe, effective water infrastructure,” said Sen. Ossoff. “That’s why we bought Republicans and Democrats together to upgrade stormwater infrastructure in East Point.”\n\n“Safe and clean water infrastructure is something that every thriving community needs,” said Senator Warnock. “I am proud to work alongside my Georgia colleagues to bring these federal funds to Georgia.”\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams said: “Securing clean, safe, and dependable water infrastructure for the families of East Point is just one way we can deliver the most basic of needs for Georgians. I’m proud to join my Georgia colleagues in bringing $1,092,000 back to the people of East Point.”\n\n“Failing stormwater infrastructure isn’t just an eyesore–it can cause serious safety hazards and streetflooding,” McBath said. “Working together, my colleagues and I helped to bring needed federal investments to repair storm lines in our community. This funding will reduce flooding concerns and keep our community clean.”\n\n“This is another step forward made possible by strong partnership and shared vision. The City of East Point recognizes the leadership of Senator Ossoff and Senator Warnock, along with Congresswoman Williams and Congresswoman McBath, in advancing critical infrastructure improvements in our city. This $1.09 million investment in the Norman Berry Drive Stormwater Improvement Project strengthens our infrastructure and supports a more resilient, forward-looking East Point, and we recognize our Water and Sewer Department, led by Director of Water Resources Melissa Echevaria and her team, who will deliver these improvements for our residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Mayor Keisha Chapman of East Point.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-on-the-glenn-beck-program", "title": "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on The Glenn Beck Program", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Senator Rick Scott joined The Glenn Beck Program to discuss the SAVE America Act, the latest developments on Iran, and President Trump’s upcoming visit to China.\n\nListen to the full interview HERE or by clicking the image below:\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nON THE SAVE AMERICA ACT:\n\n“It’s frustrating. Democrats want it, Republicans want it, Independents want it,” said Senator Scott. “The Democrat [senators] don’t want it because they want the fraud. So, the only way it’s going to happen is we have to either do the talking filibuster or get rid of the filibuster. The filibuster was never supposed to be used to stop legislation and nominations.”\n\nON IRAN:\n\n“[President Trump] has the job of Commander in Chief, and his responsibility is to protect American lives,” said Senator Scott. “So, are we supposed to wait until a nuclear weapon goes off in New York City? Is that what we should do, then we can go to war? Or should we do it when we know they want to get a nuclear weapon and destroy you and me and our families? Should we do it now or wait until the nuclear weapon goes off? I think we ought to do it now, and that’s what he’s done, and he’s done everything he can to make sure we don’t put our troops at risk.”\n\nON AMERICA-CHINA RELATIONS:\n\n“[China] has elected to be our enemy…Think of how many Americans they’ve killed with fentanyl. They tried to destroy all of our companies, right? They’re threatening our allies,” said Senator Scott.\n\n“Do you realize that almost all of our drugs, our generic drugs, the ingredients come from China? Do you think that’s safe? It’s not safe. You trust them? If there’s another crisis [you think] that they will send us the drugs we need? I mean, we all, as Americans have to save ourselves.”\n\nIn October 2025, Senator Rick Scott, as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, released an investigative report titled “Protecting Seniors’ Access to Essential Medications: Securing the Foreign Generic Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.” The report underscores America’s dangerous overreliance on foreign-made generic drugs, which are vastly imported from Communist China and India.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/08/senator-rosen-visits-dayton-to-discuss-child-care-health-care/", "title": "Senator Rosen Visits Dayton to Discuss Child Care, Health Care", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "DAYTON, NV – Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) visited Dayton, Nevada to meet with local organizations and tour projects made possible through federal funding she helped secure. Senator Rosen started her day with a visit to the Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley, where she was able to see the progress being made on the new Early Learning Center in Dayton. The new Center, which received $3.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for its construction, will expand capacity to accommodate 64 children.\n\nSenator Rosen then stopped by the Healthy Communities Coalition (HCC), seeing all the great work that is being done to support individuals in Lyon, Storey, and Mineral Counties. Founded in 1995, HCC provides direct mental health services, housing assistance, public health awareness, and provides access to their food pantries.\n\nSenator Rosen has made it one of her priorities in the Senate to secure federal funding for essential projects all across the state. Last year, she secured more than 623 million in federal funding for Nevada. Already this year, she has secured millions for Nevada’s housing, airports, and rural communities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-disturbing-incident-in-lhain-schatz-calls-on-noaa-to-strengthen-public-education-efforts-to-protect-hawaiian-monk-seals", "title": "Following Disturbing Incident In Lāhainā, Schatz Calls On NOAA To Strengthen Public Education Efforts To Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "HONOLULU – Following a disturbing incident involving an attack on a Hawaiian monk seal in Lahaina, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, called on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to step up efforts to better educate the public on the need to protect Hawaiian monk seals, one of the most endangered seal species in the world.\n\n“This alarming incident shows that we need to do more to educate the 10 million visitors who we welcome to Hawai?i each year – including continuing to ensure NOAA Fisheries, its Office of Law Enforcement, and the agency as a whole have the capacity and resources necessary to recover endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, conserve their habitats, and enforce their federal protections,” Senator Schatz wrote in his letter to NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs.\n\nThe full text of Schatz’s letter can be found below and is available here.\n\nDear Under Secretary Jacobs:\n\nHawai?i is home to a number of endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has played a critical role in the recovery of the population of monk seals, from conservation of their habitat to significant outreach, education, and volunteer coordination to minimize human disturbance. Residents of Hawai‘i respect monk seals and the waters and beaches we share, but following an attack on a monk seal on a Maui beach this week, I am concerned that visitors also need to be properly educated.\n\nOn Wednesday, May 6, state and Maui County law enforcement officers responded after someone was caught on video throwing a large rock at a monk seal. There was immediate and strong public outcry. Law enforcement officers quickly detained the alleged suspect and are gathering evidence in preparation for turning the matter over to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. I applaud Maui residents and local law enforcement for their swift action. NOAA support for monk seal education, outreach, management, and science in Hawai?i helped enable this strong response. Even more impressively, these efforts have added up to one of the most extraordinary recoveries of a marine mammal species in the United States: from roughly 1100 to 1600 individuals over 15 years.\n\nThis alarming incident shows that we need to do more to educate the 10 million visitors who we welcome to Hawai?i each year--including continuing to ensure NOAA Fisheries, its Office of Law Enforcement, and the agency as a whole have the capacity and resources necessary to recover endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, conserve their habitats, and enforce their federal protections. Since coming to the Senate, I have championed annual funding of roughly $4.5 million for monk seal science and management. I request that NOAA provide answers to the following questions by May 29, 2026.\n\nWhat steps has NOAA taken in recent years to strengthen monk seal education and outreach?\n\nHow has that contributed to monk seal recovery?\n\nWhat are the most significant remaining threats to monk seal recovery?\n\nWhat relevant activities is NOAA undertaking in Fiscal Year 2026, especially collaborations between NOAA managers and scientists together with their state and county counterparts?\n\nHow can we better facilitate education for visitors to Hawai?i?\n\nI appreciate NOAA’s continued partnership with Hawai?i state and local officials and look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-rep-carbajal-local-leaders-call-out-trump-administrations-attempts-to-restart-offshore-oil-operations-on-central-coast/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Rep. Carbajal, Local Leaders Call Out Trump Administration’s Attempts to Restart Offshore Oil Operations on Central Coast", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Santa Barbara, CA – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24) joined local Central Coast environmental leaders to rally against the Trump Administration’s attempt to restart offshore oil platforms owned by Sable Offshore Corporation, which uses the same infrastructure that caused the disastrous oil spill off Refugio State Beach in 2015. Schiff raised the alarm on the impacts of the Refugio spill which caused devastation on marine ecosystems and coastal communities as well as extensive costs for environmental clean-up.\n\nDuring the press conference, Schiff emphasized that allowing Sable Offshore Corporation, which has blatantly disobeyed directives from California agencies that are required for offshore oil and pipeline operations, to continue forward with this plan has the potential for extreme devastation. He also highlighted the work he’s doing in the Senate to preserve and protect California’s coastlines and ecosystems.\n\n“It’s just a thrill to breathe in the ocean air, to enjoy this incredible beauty around us, and to think that it is now being threatened again by reopening this damaged pipeline. That caused such damage in 2015, resulting in $22 million of losses, but more importantly, the loss of marine life, the loss of the coastal economy here, the injury to small businesses. And for what are we going to risk that,” said Senator Schiff.\n\n“This is really a national issue. And I think moving off of fossil fuels and moving to renewable sources of energy is an environmental imperative. It is a health imperative. It’s an economic imperative. It is a national security imperative,” the Senator continued.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Schiff has been a strong opponent of restarting oil drilling off the California coast and has advocated for renewable energy sources to strengthen environmental protections. He published an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times strongly opposing Sable Offshore Corporation’s attempts to restart oil drilling operations. Additionally, Schiff and Rep. Carbajal wrote to Governor Gavin Newsom raising concerns about the potential restart of offshore oil drilling operations along California’s Gaviota Coast by Sable Offshore Corp, and demanded answers from the Trump administration on its involvement in Sable Offshore Corporation’s attempts to restart offshore oil drilling using the same pipelines that caused the Refugio State Beach oil spill of 2015.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-rep-lieu-secure-1-1-million-in-federal-funds-for-mitigating-landslides-in-palos-verdes-peninsula/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff, Rep. Lieu Secure $1.1 Million in Federal Funds for Mitigating Landslides in Palos Verdes Peninsula", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Rancho Palos Verdes, CA – Today, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Calif.-36) announced that they secured $1,145,144 in federal investments for Klondike Canyon’s Landside Emergency Mitigation Plan, the project is part of nearly $259 million in funding secured by Schiff for California for fiscal year 2026.\n\nThis federal investment will be used to mitigate the impact of the Klondike Canyon Landslide – a significant segment of the larger Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. This landslide is the largest continuously moving landslide in North America, and in recent years record-breaking rainfall has exacerbated its instability, posing an immediate threat to lives, critical infrastructure, and homes.\n\nThe Congressionally Directed Spending that Schiff and Lieu fought for and delivered will be used to install additional dewatering wells to remove subterranean water that accelerate the land movement and the installation of water drainage channels and pipes to prevent the water from entering the earth. These efforts are intended to stabilize the area and prevent future disasters long term.\n\n“Landslides pose a continuing threat to the lives and homes of Southern Californians, and we need to tackle this problem head on. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Ted Lieu in delivering federal dollars to help stabilize the land and mitigate the risks caused by land movement long-term,” said Senator Schiff. “This is an important step toward addressing dangerous landslides in the Palos Verdes peninsula, and I will continue doing everything I can to support the community in its efforts to address this problem and protect California families.”\n\n“After tireless work, I’m grateful we were able to deliver long-overdue federal resources to the Peninsula communities confronting the devastating impacts of ongoing land movement,” said Congressman Lieu. “These are the first federal dollars Rancho Palos Verdes has received specifically to address land movement, and they are arriving at a critical time. When you visit Rancho Palos Verdes, the devastation caused by land movement is hard to miss. Homes have been destroyed, roadways have been damaged, and natural habitats have been wrecked. The Rancho Palos Verdes community has been incredibly resilient through these challenges, and I’ve been proud to work alongside community members, local leaders, federal officials, and Senator Schiff to help make this funding a reality.”\n\n“We are extremely grateful to Senator Schiff and Congressman Lieu for fighting to provide these two small, citizen-led districts in our City with a major boost of funding for their ongoing efforts to slow land movement and prevent future acceleration,” said Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Paul Seo. “The City was proud to support ACLAD and KCLAD with their funding requests and will continue working collaboratively with them to protect our residents.”\n\nThis is the first-ever federal investment in the Palos Verdes peninsula landslides, and it comes after emergency landslides in the area in recent years. In October 2024, Senator Schiff, Congressman Lieu, California State Senator Ben Allen, and California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi toured Palos Verdes peninsula landslides.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-attends-grand-opening-of-metro-d-line-in-l-a-emphasizes-efforts-to-push-for-safe-and-efficient-transportation/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Attends Grand Opening of Metro D Line in L.A., Emphasizes Efforts to Push for Safe and Efficient Transportation", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Los Angeles, CA – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) attended the grand opening of the Metro D line, which has expanded west from existing subway lines by nine miles helping riders with direct access to museums, jobs, healthcare, shopping, and neighborhood destinations along one of the region’s busiest corridors. Schiff emphasized the metro extension will not only reduce travel time and strengthen connections between Los Angeles’ most active and cultural centers but will create better transit experiences ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.\n\nDuring the visit, Schiff rode the first train on the Metro D line where he was able to experience a historic moment for Los Angeles’ economy and infrastructure. Schiff highlighted his continued efforts to push for greater federal funding that will allow for more safe and efficient public transportation in Los Angeles and across California.\n\n“This extension of the D line is going to bring people together. It’s going to get us out of our cars. It is going to get us moving faster. And it gives us a sense of community,” said Senator Schiff. “What a great milestone in L.A. transit history. A great milestone in L.A. history.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Senator helped secure approximately $91 million, alongside Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), in the 2026 Appropriations bill for L.A. 28 Olympics transportation needs. Additionally, Schiff joined Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37) and 35 California colleagues, in requesting the inclusion of $2 billion in the President’s 2027 Budget Request for mobility initiatives ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-trumps-weakness-is-breathtaking-sen-schiff-breaks-down-trumps-ineffective-negotiations-to-end-illegal-iran-war/", "title": "WATCH: Trump’s Weakness is “Breathtaking”; Sen. Schiff Breaks Down Trump’s Ineffective Negotiations to End Illegal Iran War", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff:“…This regime is emerging more powerful, at least it feels it’s more powerful, more entrenched, more hard line, more of a threat to its own people. It’s the result of entering a war without thinking about the consequences and conducting it incompetently. And the fundamental weakness of this president.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell to break down President Trump’s ineffective negotiations aimed at ending his illegal Iran war.\n\nLast week, Senator Schiff led the sixth War Powers Resolution aimed at requiring the administration to end this illegal war. The procedural vote would have brought Senator Schiff’s resolution up for Senate consideration on the 60-day mark after the administration’s notification to Congress, coinciding with the War Powers Act’s statutory clock running out.\n\nView the full interview here.\n\nKey Excerpts:\n\nOn Americans paying the price of the Iran war:\n\n[…] But Iran now feels empowered. It feels like the clock is ticking on its side. It feels the president is desperate for a deal. You hear the president talking about a deal basically, that sounds a lot like the deal that Barack Obama struck that he so ridiculed. And he wishes to distinguish it somehow by saying, no. No, this deal will be different, because this deal, in this deal, Iran promises not to develop a bomb. Well, I guess, I guess that’s really something we can now rely on. Iran’s word. So, we are just saying, as you said, the president having trapped himself growing weaker and weaker, and sadly, he has also trapped the country. And we’re paying for it. Prices are now 50% higher at the pump, and Donald Trump said today that if they went up another 50% and were paying double that, it would be worth it. Well, I don’t think the American people feel this is worth it at all.\n\nOn the weakness of President Trump:\n\n[…] And unfortunately, even if we went back to the JCPOA, Iran now feels that it has the leverage, because it can shut down the strait, and any threat that it might shut down the strait. For example, if it doesn’t abide by any deal struck with President Trump in the future, and the president threatens to snap back sanctions. Which is basically the same mechanism as under the Obama JCPOA. Iran can threaten, well, if you snap back sanctions, we’re going to close the strait. And that now is a powerful threat that really wasn’t the case before this ill-considered and unlawful war. So tragically, I think this regime is emerging more powerful, at least it feels it’s more powerful, more entrenched, more hard line, more of a threat to its own people. It’s the result of entering a war without thinking about the consequences and conducting it incompetently. And the fundamental weakness of this president.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-defends-first-amendment-rights-of-ucla-law-students/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Defends First Amendment Rights of UCLA Law Students", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schmitt Calls Out UCLA Administration for Violating Conservative Students’ First Amendment Rights\n\nU.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, sent a letter to UCLA Chancellor Dr. Julio Frenk and UCLA Dean Michael Waterstone demanding answers following recent violations of students’ First Amendment and civil rights following the disruption of a student event hosted by the Federalist Society.\n\nOn April 21, the UCLA Law student chapter of the Federalist Society faced repeated disruptions from left-wing students while hosting a campus event. Although the disruptions violated multiple UCLA student-conduct policies, UCLA Law failed to discipline the students responsible, instead threatening Federalist Society students with disciplinary action if they released information about the disruptive student-activists.\n\n“Rather than remedy that First Amendment violation and punish the students who violated school policy to disrupt their fellow classmates’ event, UCLA Law instead compounded its First Amendment violation when Assistant Dean Bayrex Martí sent a threatening email to the Federalist Society students. That email to the Federalist Society students threatened them with “campus [disciplinary] process” if they released the names of the student-activists who disrupted the event.3 That email further violated the Federalist Society students’ First Amendment rights because it was an attempt to impose a prior restraint on them through a viewpoint-discriminatory threat of retaliation if they engaged in constitutionally protected speech,” wroteSenator Schmitt.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Schmitt requested responses to the following questions:\n\n1. In a statement after the April 21 event, UCLA Law “is reviewing all policies and will take necessary steps to ensure student groups can host speakers in an environment of civil engagement.”\n\na. What is the nature of this “review”?\n\nb. What “necessary steps” will UCLA Law take to ensure that student groups can exercise their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association?\n\n2. UCLA Law sent a follow-up email suggesting it could punish students for publishing the names of the disrupting students. Does UCLA Law continue to assert it can punish students for the protected speech of releasing the names of the disrupting students?\n\n3. Will UCLA Law investigate whether Assistant Dean Martí or other administrators have engaged in other violations of the First Amendment, such as viewpoint discrimination?\n\nRead Senator Schmitt’s full letter HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-caps-off-week-of-affordability-action-tour-events-with-visits-to-affordable-housing-site-new-england-college", "title": "Shaheen Caps Off Week of “Affordability Action Tour” Events with Visits to Affordable Housing Site, New England College", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Henniker, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) capped off a week of events as part of her “Affordability Action Tour” to highlight the rising cost of energy, health care and housing in the Granite State by visiting an affordable housing development in West Lebanon to highlight the importance of accessible housing across New Hampshire as construction costs spike due to President Trump’s reckless tariffs and war in Iran. Shaheen also visited New England College to highlight federal funding she secured to bolster its program to produce more nurses. Photos from today’s events can be found HERE.\n\nIn West Lebanon, Shaheen visited the Village at Crafts Hill (VCH) to underscore the importance of preserving New Hampshire’s housing supply and to discuss policy solutions to lower costs, including her Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act to protect rural housing, which recently passed the Senate.\n\n“Everywhere I go, I hear about how the cost of housing—both rental and ownership—has skyrocketed in New Hampshire and is making it harder for families to find a home they can afford. The Villages at Craft Hill is a great example of the kind of solutions we need to increase access to affordable housing in the rural parts of our state,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Senate recently passed a bipartisan housing package with multiple provisions I’ve sponsored, including a bill I led to preserve rental assistance for hundreds of thousands of affordable units nationally, and which was inspired by our work at Twin Pines.”\n\nShaheen is helping to lead efforts in the Senate to lower housing costs and increase the supply of affordable units for families struggling to find a place to call home. Recently, three of Shaheen’s commonsense bills were passed in the Senate as part of a bipartisan housing package to address the high cost of housing and increase the supply of affordable units in the Granite State and across the country. In addition to the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, the 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act included the Streamlining Rural Housing Act and the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative in Community Enhancement (PRICE) Act to make it easier and less expensive to build new housing and protect lower-income renters.\n\nEarlier this year, Shaheen visited the Normandin Square Apartments—a 60-unit apartment community where the majority of units are affordable—to tour ongoing renovation efforts with officials from the Laconia Housing Authority. Shaheen secured $750,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the renovation project in the bipartisan FY 2026 government funding legislation.\n\nLater in the day, Shaheen visited New England College (NEC) and met with NEC leadership, faculty and students to receive an update on the College’s revamped 3-year Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program, which will help address a critical regional shortage of nursing professionals.\n\n“Robust training programs are critical to addressing the shortage of nursing professionals that we’re seeing across New Hampshire, and especially in the most rural parts of the state,” said Senator Shaheen. “That’s exactly what New England College’s revamped nursing program is working to tackle. It was great to be able to see firsthand how funding I helped the College secure is going to work to get more nurses out in the field so that Granite Staters in all parts of the state can get care.”\n\nShaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 appropriations bills to renovate nursing areas of NEC’s science facilities by expanding classrooms and purchasing state-of-the-art equipment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sullivan-announces-expanded-marine-corps-presence-in-alaska-to-strengthen-arctic-readiness", "title": "Sullivan Announces Expanded Marine Corps Presence in Alaska to Strengthen Arctic Readiness", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, welcomed the United States Marine Corps’ announcement of “Campaign–Alaska,” a new strategic initiative that will expand the Marine Corps’ presence and training operations in Alaska to strengthen America’s Arctic readiness. The initiative includes two key efforts: Marine Rotational Force–Alaska, which will bring Marines to Alaska for persistent Arctic training and exercises, and Supporting Arms Liaison Team–Alaska, a permanent Marine Corps detachment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Together, these efforts will enhance the Marine Corps’ ability to train, operate, and deter adversaries in the Arctic and improve coordination with joint and allied forces.\n\nClick here or the image above to watch the video.\n\n“For nearly a decade, I have been working to increase the United States Marine Corps’ presence in Alaska, and today’s announcement is a major milestone in that effort,” Senator Sullivan said. “The Marine Corps recognizes what more and more of our military leaders understand: Alaska is one of the most strategic places in the world, and there is no better place for Marines to train, operate, and be ready to deploy. Marine Rotational Force–Alaska and the permanent establishment of a Supporting Arms Liaison Team at JBER mark the beginning of a broader Marine Corps campaign in Alaska—bringing elite, expeditionary Marines to America’s Arctic, strengthening our joint force, and adding another powerful chapter to the historic military comeback happening across our state. As a Marine who served for 30 years, I could not be more excited to see the Marine Corps making this commitment to Alaska.”\n\n“In this era of strategic competition, Alaska is critical to homeland defense and a vital theater for global power projection in the Arctic,\" said Lt. Gen. Bobbi Shea, Commanding General, Marine Forces Northern Command. “The Marine Corps Campaign - Alaska is a deliberate and necessary step to ensure we provide the Joint Force with a combat-credible force to support the National Defense Strategy.”\n\nBackground:\n\nMARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - ALASKA\n\nMRF - Alaska is a task-organized Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) that conducts persistent, multi-domain expeditionary training and experimentation in Alaska. It is designed to provide a combat-ready force capable of operating in extreme cold weather, austere terrain, and limited-infrastructure conditions. Unit sizing and equipment is dependent upon operational requirements at the time of rotation.\n\nSupporting Commands:\n\nMarine Corps Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH): Serves as the component command overseeing MRF - Alaska, monitoring, reporting, and coordinating all Marine Corps forces operating in the Alaska Theater of Operations.\n\nU.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM): MRF - Alaska supports Homeland Defense operations under this command and integrated into USNORTHCOM exercises and operations.\n\nU.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM): MRF - Alaska participates in exercises and strengthens interoperability in support of this command.\n\nSUPPORTING ARMS LIAISON TEAM - ALASKA\n\nSALT - Alaska is a permanent Marine Corps detachment established at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). It provides a year-round, persistent liaison and Joint fires integration capability that supports rotational, Joint, and allied forces, ensuring continuity and enhancing the quality of training in the Arctic.\n\nSupporting Commands:\n\nMarine Corps Forces Reserve (MARFORRES): Is the parent command for SALT - Alaska. MARFORRES is responsible for activating, manning, and sustaining the detachment.\n\n6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO): SALT - Alaska is a permanent detachment of this Marine Corps Reserve unit.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-alsobrooks-secure-over-4-million-for-maryland-initiatives-boosting-small-businesses-and-entrepreneurship", "title": "Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Secure Over $4 Million for Maryland Initiatives Boosting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) have secured $4,014,000 in direct federal funding for four community-led projects throughout Maryland within the fiscal year 2026 FSGG appropriations bill – which was enacted into law as part of a 5-bill government funding package passed by Congress and signed into law in February. These projects – submitted and secured by the Senators – will support small business growth and workforce training across Maryland.\n\n“Federal dollars can make a big impact when we invest them directly in projects that support our communities’ needs. That’s why we fought to deliver these federal funds to local partners who will work to empower Maryland entrepreneurs from a range of backgrounds to grow their businesses and succeed. We worked hard to secure investments in this legislation to spur greater opportunity and shared prosperity in our state,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n“Small businesses make up 99.5% of all businesses in Maryland – so it is critical we continue to invest in them, cut red tape, and make the opportunity for starting a business accessible for even more Marylanders. Senator Van Hollen and I partnered in securing over $4 million in federal funding for four community-led projects in the fiscal year 2026 FSGG appropriations bill. These projects will bolster small businesses, provide training opportunities, and lift up Marylanders – especially veterans,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\nThe Senators worked to secure these funds and provisions prior to their passage, but ultimately voted against the larger package they were included within – stemming from concerns over insufficient safeguards to protect federal workers against the Trump’s attacks and to prevent the Administration from misusing Congressionally approved taxpayer dollars, among other factors.\n\nHighlights for Maryland in the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government Funding Bill\n\nCongressionally Directed Spending\n\nProject Name: Expanding the Family Child Care Pipeline\n\nApplicant: Maryland Family Network\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to provide targeted support for individuals aspiring to open licensed family childcare programs, including training, coaching, and additional support services, to help lessen the decline in family childcare providers.\n\nProject Location: Baltimore City\n\nAmount Included: $770,000\n\nProject Name: FSC First Level Up Program\n\nApplicant: Prince George’s Financial Services Corporation dba FSC First\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to provide technical assistance to small and minority-owned businesses to support their growth by improving access to capital, training opportunities, and mentoring—helping them “level up” and succeed.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County`\n\nAmount Included: $244,000\n\nProject Name: Kingdom Cares Economic Empowerment and Innovation Center\n\nApplicant: Kingdom Global Community Development Corporation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to provide technical assistance to small businesses, fostering their growth from inception to launch and scalability. The program will also support mentorship opportunities, connecting new entrepreneurs and established local small businesses.\n\nProject Location: Prince George's County\n\nAmount Included: $1,000,000\n\nProject Name: Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP)\n\nApplicant: Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation\n\nProject Description: Funds will be used to expand curriculum and trainings for small businesses owned by veterans—including those who have been service-disabled—through the Veteran Institute for Procurement, which assists veterans in accessing federal procurement opportunities.\n\nProject Location: Montgomery County\n\nAmount Included: $2,000,000\n\nAdditional priorities secured by the Senators in the FY26 Financial Services and General Government funding bill include:\n\nDepartment of the Treasury: The bill provides $1.87 billion for the Department of the Treasury (excluding the IRS) to combat illegal anti-money laundering, regulate our banks, and safeguard the financial system against abuse by illicit actors.\n\nCommunity Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: The bill provides $324 million for the CDFI Fund, protecting current funding levels for the Fund and rejecting the 59% cut (-$190.9 million) sought by President Trump, as well as the 15% cut (-$47.4 million) proposed by House Republicans. This funding helps expand economic opportunity for underserved communities and supports the development of child care centers, affordable housing units, health care facilities, and small businesses in every part of the country. The bill also includes new measures to ensure the Fund is adequately staffed to fulfill its statutorily-required duties.\n\nSmall Business Administration (SBA): The bill provides $1.25 billion for SBA— rejecting President Trump’s proposal to slash funding that helps America’s small businesses by over 40%. The bill includes $330 million for SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs (EDP), a $13.2 million increase over fiscal year 2025. This includes $150 million for Small Business Development Centers, a $10 million increase above fiscal year 2025, and $21.4 million for Veterans Outreach, a $2.9 million increase above fiscal year 2025. This funding will support small businesses across America and connect them with vital resources.\n\nFederal Defenders: The bill provides $1.766 billion for Federal Defenders, a nearly 22%, or $315 million, increase above fiscal year 2025. This critical new funding will reimburse Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys who make up 40% of the overall federal defender workforce. These attorneys play a vital role in upholding the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee to counsel in criminal proceedings. In July 2025, Federal Defenders funding lapsed, and panel attorneys were not reimbursed until this past November after Democrats secured a provision in the continuing resolution to provide funding. Fully funding defender services will help ensure defendants across the country will be represented by paid, effective counsel—protecting their Sixth Amendment rights.\n\nOffice of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP): The bill provides $456.5 million for the Office of National Drug Control Policy to combat the opioid and substance use disorder crises, stop drug trafficking, and address addiction.\n\nElection Security Grants: The bill provides $45 million—a $30 million increase over fiscal year 2025—rejecting President Trump’s efforts to zero out funding for the grants. Election Security Grants for states and U.S. territories improve the administration of federal elections, upgrade voting equipment, make security enhancements, and protect Americans’ right to have their vote counted in free and fair elections.\n\nDistrict of Columbia (D.C.): The bill provides $877.9 million to D.C. and rejects over a dozen new House Republican riders that would have restricted D.C. residents’ access to reproductive care, weakened local gun safety laws, and overridden local policies. For the first time in over 25 years, the bill increases the amount available for D.C. students to use toward tuition assistance to keep pace with the high cost of college. Finally, the bill protects D.C.’s ability to spend its own money and prevents the reckless—and pointless—cuts caused by House Republicans’ full-year continuing resolution in fiscal year 2025.\n\nGeneral Services Administration (GSA): The bill provides $165.7 million for GSA construction projects at federal facilities across the country.\n\nInternal Revenue Service (IRS): The bill provides $11.2 billion for the IRS, $1.4 billion above President Trump’s budget request. This includes $5 billion for Enforcement ($2 billion above the level in House Republicans’ bill), $3 billion for Taxpayer Services, and $3.2 billion for Operations Support. The bill also includes expanded transfer authority for the IRS to tap existing funds to support enforcement, taxpayer services, and operations support.", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-excoriates-assistant-ag-dhillons-push-for-voter-data-as-leading-to-potential-disenfranchisement-of-millions/", "title": "Welch Excoriates Assistant AG Dhillon’s Push for Voter Data as Leading to Potential Disenfranchisement of Millions", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch to Dhillon: “For nearly 70 years, the Civil Rights Division has enforced federal statutes that protect Americans’ right to vote. Your leadership represents a marked departure from that tradition.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, this week delivered a scathing criticism of Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Harmeet Dhillon’s leadership of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division for pushing the mass collection of sensitive and private voter data. Senator Welch emphasized that statements and actions by AAG Dhillon and others in her Division—especially as we approach the 2026 midterm elections—risk disenfranchising eligible voters and are contrary to the Civil Rights Division’s statutory mandate to ensure all Americans can freely vote.\n\nIn his letter, Senator Welch highlighted the dangers of new policy directives issued under AG Dhillon: “Recent requests for voter data by the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division raise serious concerns about the Department’s efforts to undermine future elections. Soon after being confirmed to lead the Civil Rights Division, you issued a new policy directive to the Division’s Voting Section, directing staff to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) obtain voter database information from states—purportedly to identify ineligible voters. Following this policy directive, the Civil Rights Division has asked states for full access to their voter rolls, including sensitive and private information such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and dates of birth.”\n\nSenator Welch continued: “The pursuit of this data raises two important concerns. First, the Department does not have the statutory authority to request this information. Second, the efforts to obtain this information will undermine electoral integrity, not protect it. States led by both Republicans and Democrats have appropriately rejected the Department’s request for its voter rolls, citing privacy concerns and potential violations of state and federal law. So far, your Division has filed lawsuits against 30 such states, as well as the District of Columbia. Every court that has reviewed these cases on the merits has dismissed the Division’s claims.”\n\nSenator Welch underscored how AG Dhillon’s statements have furthered false narratives to justify the collection of voter data and discredit recent elections: “On January 6, 2026, you justified the collection and review of states’ ‘voter rolls [as] essential to ensuring that American citizens’ votes count only once, and only with other eligible voters[.]’ The mass collection and verification of American voters’ eligibility—with outdated, inaccurate information—risks eliminating eligible voters from state voter rolls. DOJ attorneys have confirmed both in court and in internal communications that the Division intends to run states’ voter roll data against DHS’ ‘SAVE database’ to verify voters’ citizenship status. This database is estimated to falsely flag voters as noncitizens at least 14% of the time. . . . Some states have complied with your requests for data. The Civil Rights Division now houses the personal information of tens of millions of Americans, which it has begun disclosing to DHS, as well as private contractors.”\n\n“Your own statements have furthered false narratives to justify the collection of voter data. Last month, you stated that the Division has found ‘tens of thousands of non-citizens on the voter rolls.’ Voting by non-citizens is a widely debunked claim. In an audit carried out by the Michigan Department of State, just 0.00028% of voters in the 2024 general election were found to be noncitizens. You have provided no evidence to support your claims,” continued Senator Welch. “Under your leadership, the Civil Rights Division has also moved to discredit recent elections. On April 14, 2026, you made the highly irregular demand for ballots from the 2024 election from Detroit. The request was based on three allegations of voter fraud that occurred in the 2020 election—out of 878,10221 votes cast—and a prior lawsuit alleging that absentee ballots were not properly processed in that election. A judge previously dismissed that lawsuit on the grounds that the allegations were ‘not credible.’”\n\nSenator Welch requested detailed answers from Assistant AG Dhillon on the following questions in order to better understand the work being carried out by the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division:\n\nPlease provide a list of contractors that the Civil Rights Division is disclosing voter data to.\n\nHave any officials within the Division communicated with any outside groups or individuals in relation to voter data requests or analysis? If so, please list the names of these entities and provide records of any agreements with these entities.\n\nPlease provide copies of any analyses DOJ has conducted using voter data, as well as an explanation of any methodology used.\n\nWhat work has the Civil Rights Division undertaken to attempt to enforce Executive Orders 14248 and 14399?\n\nPlease provide the evidence to support your statement that the Civil Rights Division has found “tens-of thousands of non-citizens on the voter rolls.”\n\nRead and download Senator Welch’s full letter to Assistant AG Dhillon.\n\nSenator Welch has been a leading voice in pushing back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on the rule of law and efforts to undermine the Civil Rights Division. In January, Senator Welch criticized Assistant AG Dhillon for the creation of a new ‘Second Amendment Section’ at the Division as a major departure from its long-standing mission of protecting Americans from discrimination in favor of advancing President Trump’s agenda.\n\nSenator Welch has called for answers on Assistant AG Dhillon’s weaponization of the Civil Rights Division, including directing sections to pursue President Trump’s policy and political goals, and denounced the Administration’s plans to freeze all new civil rights cases or investigations at the Division. The Senator also led all six of his Democratic colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Constitution Subcommittee in demanding answers from DOJ concerning the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Division.\n\nDuring President Trump’s first week in office, Senator Welch slammed the President’s plans to freeze all new civil rights cases or investigations at the Civil Rights Division.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-provides-remarks-at-washington-electric-cooperatives-annual-meeting/", "title": "Welch Provides Remarks at Washington Electric Cooperative’s Annual Meeting", "date": "2026-05-08", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "MONTPELIER, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week delivered remarks at the Washington Electric Coop’s (WEC) Annual Meeting, held in Montpelier.\n\nIn his remarks, the Senator highlighted his bipartisan bill with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), the REWIRE Act, which would modernize the nation’s electric grid and meet America’s growing energy demand. The Senators’ legislation would incentivize advanced transmission upgrades, strengthen state grid planning, and accelerate the deployment of innovative grid technologies to lower costs and improve grid reliability for American families and businesses.\n\n“Vermonters don’t mind working hard, but they want to know that at the end of the day their hard work will put them a step ahead—not two steps behind. Right now, the Trump Administration is moving us backward by undermining clean energy projects and increasing our dependence on expensive and volatile fossil fuels. At a time when we need more affordable electricity and greater electrification across our economy, it makes no sense to turn away from clean energy sources like wind and solar that are already among the cheapest forms of power we can use,” said Senator Welch. “My bipartisan REWIRE Act takes a commonsense approach to upgrade the transmission infrastructure we already have and will lower costs for Vermonters.”\n\nAfter two decades of stagnation, American electricity demand is projected to rise by as much as 5.7% by 2030—the fastest increase since the 1960s. Meeting this demand will require nearly 5,000 miles of new high-capacity transmission lines each year, according to the Department of Energy. Yet in 2024, only 322 miles of new high-voltage transmission were completed.\n\nThe Reconductoring Existing Wires for Infrastructure Reliability and Expansion (REWIRE) Act provides a commonsense path forward: rather than building from scratch, upgrade existing transmission lines with advanced conductors that can double capacity (a process known as “reconductoring”). By reducing congestion and bypassing lengthy permitting requirements, reconductoring could reduce grid costs by $85 billion by 2035 and $180 billion by 2050.\n\nLearn more about the REWIRE Act and read a one-pager on the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-09T06:00:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-09T06:02:31Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415607", "title": "EWTN News article on Smith-Scott letter to President Trump'U.S. lawmakers urge Trump to press China's president on Jimmy Lai case'", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Tessa Gervasini\n\nPublished May 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET\n\nMore than 100 U.S. lawmakers sent President Donald Trump a letter asking him to address Jimmy Lai’s case when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14–15.\n\nLai, founder and publisher of the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Feb. 9 over what Chinese officials claim were national security violations. The sentencing followed Lai’s conviction, which ended what Lai’s defenders described as a politically motivated show trial.\n\nIn October 2025, Trump spoke with Xi Jinping about Lai. In the letter sent to the White House on May 8, lawmakers urged Trump to advocate for Lai again by asking for his humanitarian release.\n\nCatholic Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, both longtime advocates of Laiʼs, circulated the bipartisan letter that was signed by 105 other members of Congress.\n\n“We know the president wants to do this,” Smith said in a May 8 interview with “EWTN News Nightly.\" “We want him to know — President Trump — that weʼre solidly behind him about what he might be able to accomplish.”\n\n“And he could use that, frankly, more effectively, with Xi Jinping, and say, ‘Look, donʼt just do it for the executive branch. The legislative branch is asking you, as well, from a humanitarian point of view,’” Smith said.\n\nThe president has “an ability to persuade” like “no other president Iʼve ever known,” Smith said. “And I hope he can persuade Xi Jinping to let this great man go.”\n\nThe letter notes that Trump’s “direct engagement is critical to securing Mr. Laiʼs immediate release on humanitarian parole” and the case for his freedom “is urgent and undeniable.”\n\n“He is a devout Catholic and successful entrepreneur who has already spent five years in detention, much of it in solitary confinement,” lawmakers wrote.\n\n“His family, his friends, and supporters have indicated that if he is released, he will leave Hong Kong and withdraw from public life,” they wrote. “It is a clear, practical path forward that reunites a family and prevents this case from becoming an irreversible tragedy — and an enduring symbol of repression that will echo far beyond Hong Kong.”\n\nLai’s ‘deteriorating health’\n\nThe group is calling for a humanitarian release due to Lai’s “deteriorating health condition.” They wrote: “His health has declined in custody, and prolonged isolation and inadequate prison conditions only increase the risk of permanent harm.”\n\n“From a humanitarian point of view, weʼre hoping the president will look Xi Jinping in the eyes and say, ‘Let this guy go. Do it now. Itʼs a good gesture. It means a lot to us as Americans,’” Smith said.\n\n“Jimmy Lai spoke truth to power. He did it with grace, eloquence,” Smith said. “His newspaper … was just a beacon of hope and [truth], and for that, heʼs got a life sentence — 20 years. Heʼs 78. Itʼs probably a life sentence, and heʼs very sick.”\n\nIn this photo taken on June 16, 2020, Hong kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai poses at the Next Digital offices in Hong Kong. | Credit: Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images\n\n“Iʼm very concerned,” Smith said. “Weʼve known for decades that when somebody is a political prisoner, and thatʼs what Jimmy Lai is, or religious prisoner, and you get sick, they let you die. They do not attend to your needs.”\n\nLai “has a number of very serious ailments,” Smith said. “Type 2 diabetes is just one of them. Heʼs got a lot of other problems, and they all are compounding, cascading. He needs good medical attention, and he needs it now.”\n\n“Otherwise itʼll be a blight on the Chinese Communist Party added to the other blights that theyʼve accumulated over the years. But break that mold of letting people just die in prison through neglect,” Smith said.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415612", "title": "Patch article on Manchester Twp.'s new, federally-funded police vehicles'10 Police Vehicles Funded By $1.148M Federal Grant In Manchester'", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Karen Wall, Patch Staff\n\nPublished Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 5:32 am ET\n\nMANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township has 10 new police vehicles thanks to a federal grant.\n\nThe new vehicles — nine Chevy Tahoes and the van — were unveiled Tuesday at police headquarters at the Manchester Township municipal complex.\n\nThe vehicles were purchased with a $1,148,000 federal Byrne Discretionary Grant secured in 2024 by Rep. Chris Smith, whose 4th Congressional District includes Manchester.\n\nThe Byrne Discretionary Grant is through the U.S. Department of Justice, and was for fleet augmentation, officials said.\n\nManchester Township purchased nine Chevy Tahoes and a new animal control van with federal grant funds. (Manchester Township)\n\nManchester police said the need for new vehicles was identified by then-Chief Robert Dolan several years ago.\n\n\"Many vehicles in the department's aging fleet were beyond operational limits and temporary fixes could no longer alleviate these issues,\" the department said.\n\nDolan reached out to Smith for assistance.\n\n\"Our department — serving over 45,000 residents across 85 square miles — was facing increasing demands with limited resources,\" Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis said. \"That’s when we put forward a comprehensive plan — focused on restoring reliability, safety, and sustainability, and that plan led to the real results we see before us today.\"\n\nSmith praised township officials for their efforts to advocate for the funding.\n\n\"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 said.\n\nIn addition to Smith, Ellis, Ocean County Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, Manchester Township Council President Michele Zolezi, Vice President Council James Vaccaro, and council members Sandy Gravatt-Drake and Craig Wallis were in attendance.\n\n\"Today is about more than new vehicles. It’s about commitment, partnership, and delivering for the residents of Manchester Township,\" Ellis said. \"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.\"\n\nCouncilman Craig Wallis, Mayor Joseph Hankins, Council President Michele Zolezi, Rep. Chris Smith, Police Chief Antonio Ellis, Ocean County Commissioners Rob Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, Councilwoman Sandy Gravatt-Drake, Council Vice President James Vaccaro. (Manchester Township)\n\nThis article was published on May 9, 2026 and can be found online at:", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406781", "title": "Latta Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://latta.house.gov/news", "domain": "latta.house.gov", "scraper": "latta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000566", "name": "Robert E. Latta", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Mathey’s winning artwork, titled \"Hometown,\" will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Tunnel for one year. Three honorable mention winners will have their artwork displayed in one of Latta's congressional offices for the year.\n\n“We have incredible talent across Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. Congratulations to Sarah Mathey on her winning piece, ‘Hometown,’ which beautifully showcases her artistic talent and creativity. As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial, it is important to reflect on where we come from and the meaning our hometowns hold for us, and Sarah captured that message beautifully through her work. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees and everyone who participated in the Congressional Art Competition,” said Latta.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-mciver-menendez-watson-coleman-mark-one-year-since-ice-chaos-at-delaney-hall", "title": "Representatives McIver, Menendez, Watson Coleman Mark One Year Since ICE Chaos at Delaney Hall", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a video marking one year since they toured the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey.\n\nAs they conducted oversight to hold the Trump administration accountable for human rights abuses committed during its immigration enforcement operations, militarized agents charged into a crowd of peaceful protesters, delayed elected officials acting within their constitutional duty, and arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka who was standing outside the facility. In the aftermath, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, Alina Habba pressed charges against McIver—one of many examples of Trump’s weaponization of the Justice Department against his critics.\n\nIn the video, the members call for greater oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities across the nation and lambast the Trump administration for its intimidation tactics. Following their oversight visit at Delaney Hall in May 2025, the members reported on the substandard conditions they witnessed. Just one month later, four detainees escaped the facility by breaking through an aluminum exterior wall. The detention center was already riddled with food shortages and low-quality water. “The Trump administration is trying to criminalize oversight because they know their actions are despicable in the eyes of the American public,” they said.\n\n“They want us to be afraid. They want us to think no one can stop them. They are wrong.”\n\nWatch the video here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-watson-coleman-and-mciver-mark-one-year-since-ice-chaos-at-delaney-hall", "title": "Menendez, Watson Coleman, and McIver Mark One Year Since ICE Chaos at Delaney Hall", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmembers Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) released a video marking one year since they toured the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey. As they conducted oversight to hold the Trump administration accountable for human rights abuses committed during its immigration enforcement operations, militarized agents charged into a crowd of peaceful protesters, delayed elected officials acting within their constitutional duty, and arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka who was standing outside the facility. In the aftermath, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, Alina Habba pressed charges against McIver— one of many examples of Trump’s weaponization of the Justice Department against his critics. In December 2025, Habba was disqualified from her role as US Attorney for New Jersey for serving unlawfully.\n\nIn the video, the members call for greater oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities across the nation and lambast the Trump administration for its intimidation tactics. Following their oversight visit at Delaney Hall in May 2025, the members reported on the substandard conditions they witnessed. Just one month later, four detainees escaped the facility by breaking through an aluminum exterior wall. The detention center was already riddled with food shortages and low-quality water.\n\n“The Trump administration is trying to criminalize oversight because they know their actions are despicable in the eyes of the American public,” they said.\n\n“They want us to be afraid. They want us to think no one can stop them. They are wrong.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-10T06:06:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-10T06:07:48Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-watson-coleman-y-mciver-celebran-un-ano-desde-el-caos-del-ice-en-delaney-hall", "title": "Menendez, Watson Coleman y McIver celebran un año desde el caos del ICE en Delaney Hall", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hoy, los congresistas Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) y LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) publicaron un vídeo que conmemora un año desde que visitaron el centro de detención Delaney Hall en Newark, Nueva Jersey. Mientras supervisaban para exigir responsabilidad a la administración Trump por los abusos de derechos humanos cometidos durante sus operativos de control migratorio, agentes militarizados cargaron contra una multitud de manifestantes pacíficos, retrasaron a funcionarios electos que actuaban dentro de su deber constitucional y arrestaron al alcalde de Newark, Ras Baraka, que se encontraba fuera de la instalación. Posteriormente, la ex abogada personal de Donald Trump, Alina Habba, presentó cargos contra McIver, uno de los muchos ejemplos del uso del Departamento de Justicia por parte de Trump contra sus críticos. En diciembre de 2025, Habba fue descalificada de su cargo como fiscal federal de los Estados Unidos para Nueva Jersey por haber servido ilegalmente.\n\nEn el vídeo, los miembros piden una mayor supervisión de las instalaciones de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) en todo el país y critican a la administración Trump por sus tácticas de intimidación. Tras su visita de supervisión a Delaney Hall en mayo de 2025, los miembros informaron sobre las condiciones deficientes que observaron. Solo un mes después, cuatro detenidos escaparon de la instalación rompiendo una pared exterior de aluminio. El centro de detención ya enfrentaba escasez de alimentos y problemas con la calidad del agua.\n\n\"La administración Trump está intentando criminalizar la supervisión porque saben que sus acciones son despreciables a ojos del público estadounidense\", dijeron.\n\n\"Quieren que tengamos miedo. Quieren que pensemos que nadie puede detenerlos. Están equivocados.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6068", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORT OF MULTIPLE GUNSHOTS IN FREDERIKSTED", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 9, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RESPONDS TO REPORT OF MULTIPLE GUNSHOTS IN FREDERIKSTED\n\nSt. Croix, USVI — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement in response to a report of over 100 gunshots fired in Frederiksted, St. Croix:\n\n\"The ongoing violence in our territory weighs heavily on me. Every incident is a painful reminder of how much work remains for us.\n\n\"Frederiksted holds a very special place in my heart and in the work of my office. We have seen this town endure years of neglect and deterioration — and we have also seen the resilience of the people who refuse to give up on it. I am continually inspired by the residents, business owners, advocates, and community members who show up every single day committed to making the town of Frederiksted better. My team and I stand with you, as we always have.\n\n“Throughout my time in Congress, my team and I have consistently advocated for public safety, community investment, and regional security across the territory. Public safety begins long before a crime is committed, and I worked to ensure that USVI youth-serving organizations like the Caribbean Centers for Boys & Girls received $1 million in community project funding in 2024 to support effective youth programming. Organizations like these provide safe spaces, mentorship, and wraparound services for at-risk youth and are an integral part of violence prevention. I will continue to champion federal funding for community-based organizations on the front lines of violence prevention in the Virgin Islands.\n\n“I have also fought to restore and protect federal behavioral health grants, including SAMHSA funding and secured $141,000 for Project Cultiv8te's after-school gun violence intervention programming for at-risk youth, $857,000 for St. Clair Institute, and $788,000 for Bush Tea and Therapy Foundation. I understand that trauma, untreated mental illness, and lack of behavioral health infrastructure are significant drivers of community violence.\n\n“Additionally, I have long advocated for equipping the Virgin Islands Police Department with the resources necessary to address the unique security challenges of a Caribbean territory. This includes securing $3.9 million in federal funding to purchase three marine enforcement vessels to assist with drug-trafficking interdiction and safety patrols in the territory's waters.\n\n\"Frederiksted and our entire territory deserves safety, investment, and the full attention of every level of government. I will continue to fight for nothing less.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-10T06:06:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-10T06:07:48Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-greg-steube-announces-veterans-history-project-interview-featuring-colonel-robert-j-m-gaddis-united-states-army/", "title": "Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veterans History Project Interview Featuring Colonel Robert J.M. Gaddis, United States Army", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veterans History Project Interview Featuring Colonel Robert J.M. Gaddis, United States Army\n\nWatch the Video Here.\n\nSARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the latest installment in his ongoing Veterans History Project Series, honoring the military service of constituents from Florida’s 17th District. This interview features Colonel Robert J.M. Gaddis, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer who served more than 26 years in uniform and continued supporting U.S. Special Operations efforts following his military retirement.\n\nBorn and raised in Indian Hill, Ohio, Gaddis graduated from The Ohio State University in 1986 as a Distinguished Military Graduate through the ROTC program before commissioning as an Infantry officer in the United States Army. Following graduation, he completed Airborne School, Ranger School, and Pathfinder training before reporting to Panama with the 193d Infantry Brigade (Light). During his military career, Gaddis deployed throughout Central and South America, including missions to El Salvador, Peru, and Honduras, and led infantry assaults during Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama.\n\nColonel Gaddis then later served with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and held leadership assignments with U.S. Southern Command, the U.S. Embassy in Senegal, and U.S. Military Groups in Nicaragua and Ecuador, overseeing security cooperation and counter-drug operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Following his retirement from the Army in 2012, he continued serving in civilian leadership roles at Special Operations Command South.\n\nColonel Gaddis also received numerous military honors and decorations for his service to the United States, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, and Pathfinder Badge.\n\n“I’m grateful to Colonel Robert Gaddis for his decades of service to our country in the United States Army,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “As a fellow Army veteran, I appreciate Colonel Gaddis’ leadership in combat operations and his continued commitment to protecting American interests abroad. His leadership and sacrifice should be an inspiring example for the future generations of Americans.”\n\nPlease click here to watch the full interview.\n\nBe sure to check Congressman Steube’s YouTube channel in the future for upcoming interviews.\n\nThe Office of Congressman Greg Steube will submit the interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.\n\nInitially started in 2000, the Veterans History Project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of the United States military veterans and Gold Star Families so that future generations may hear directly from the veterans and better understand their service. Researchers, scholars, and educators rely upon VHP collections as a primary source. The oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials supplement historical texts and valued cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks of the United States military who served in World War I through the more recent conflicts are eligible to participate. For more information on the VHP, please visit https://www.loc.gov/vets/.", "collected_at": "2026-05-10T06:06:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-10T06:07:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-celebrates-mothers-day-by-highlighting-need-for-family-friendly-policies", "title": "Duckworth Celebrates Mother’s Day by Highlighting Need for Family-Friendly Policies", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[OAK PARK, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today convened local leaders, health care experts, community activists and moms to discuss the challenges moms and families are facing under the Trump Administration and hear directly from parents about the policy solutions they want to see at the local, state and federal level to better support families. Duckworth moderated a panel discussion on the impacts and importance of motherhood with Dr. Amanda Adeleye, Medical Director of CCRM Fertility’s Chicago-area center, Jenny LeFlore, Digital Creator behind Mama Fresh and Sherita Hamlin, Chicago Parent Leader of Community Organizing and Family Issues, followed by a listening session with dozens of local moms and community members on the policies they want to be implemented to benefits moms and extreme impacts of the Trump Administration on families. Duckworth, in partnership with the Collaboration for Early Childhood, discussed the challenges mothers in America face while trying to provide for their families and answered questions on how community leaders can work together to improve the quality of life for families. Photos of today’s listening session are available on the Senator’s website.\n\n“The simple act of parenting a child is challenging enough on its own, but our country—especially under the Trump Administration—has made being a parent, particularly a mom, incredibly difficult,” Duckworth said. “We don’t have support for child care, paid family leave or expanding access to IVF like Trump promised—instead we have skyrocketing costs on groceries, gas and baby gear, widespread cuts to Medicaid, ACA subsidies and SNAP benefits, and federal agents terrorizing our communities—even our daycares—and ripping families apart. It doesn’t have to be this way. We are better and stronger as a nation when we support moms and families.”\n\nFollowing the listening session, Duckworth continued her celebration of moms at the at the Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church’s (G.R.M.B.C.) “Give Mother’s Their Flowers” Brunch Service in Chicago. She honored the mothers in attendance and shared more about how her journey with motherhood has guided her work in the U.S. Senate. Afterward, Duckworth attended a Mother’s Day Tea at the Primo Center for Women and Children. Primo Center is Chicago’s largest provider of shelter and services for homeless families, operating 370 shelter beds and 91 permanent supportive housing units, serving hundreds of families annually across Englewood, Austin, Hermosa and Auburn Gresham. Photos from the Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church visit can be found on the Senator’s website.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-10T06:06:32Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-10T06:07:48Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-commencement-address-at-lake-forest-college", "title": "Durbin Delivers Commencement Address At Lake Forest College", "date": "2026-05-09", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "LAKE FOREST - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered the commencement address to Lake Forest College’s Class of 2026 during a ceremony today at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont, Illinois. After being presented with a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree during the ceremony, Durbin congratulated this year’s graduates’ hard work and shared lessons he has learned over more than four decades in public life.\n\n“With family and friends, you are closing one door and opening another,” said Durbin. “Enjoy this summer moment in your life. And perhaps, as you step into your next chapter, one or two of these lessons I’ve learned will help. Congratulations Class of 2026!”\n\nDurbin’s full remarks as prepared for delivery appear below:\n\nThank you, President Sosulski, for that kind introduction. It reminds me of a memorable experience I had in a Chicago school cafeteria.\n\nA young girl asked me, “Who are you?” I said, “I’m Dick Durbin.”\n\nShe asked, “What do you do?” I said, “I’m a United States Senator.”\n\nShe responded, “Well good for you.”\n\nIn just a few words, that little girl got to the point. I will not match Dr. Seuss in brevity today, but I learned a long time ago that a speech doesn’t have to be eternal to be immortal.\n\nIn a public life of more than four decades, let me share with you a few things I learned.\n\nNumber One… The late Jack Valenti taught me that every good speech contains six words: “Let me tell you a story.” Nobody likes speeches, but people like stories. I have used this advice to literally put faces on the complex policy issues we debate in Washington.\n\nOne that is near and dear to my heart is the Dream Act.\n\nOver the years, I have shared 150 stories of Dreamers on the Senate floor to advocate for these men and women who were brought to the United States as children and grew up believing they were citizens. I believe they should have a path to citizenship they can earn.\n\nBy sharing their stories and showing their faces, it becomes much more difficult to demonize these individuals who are small business owners, nurses, teachers, students, and members of our military.\n\nSo, let me tell you a story.\n\nNumber Two… Success starts with getting in the door. Greg Kelley is an amazing story.\n\nThis young African American leader is the President of one of the largest labor unions in Chicago. Last year, I had breakfast with Greg and asked him how he got started in labor politics.\n\nHe looked at me and laughed and said, “I started as an intern in your office. Volunteered for your campaign. Worked with members of SEIU over the years and afterwards they asked me to lead their union.”\n\nNo surprise.\n\nI believe in the value of internships. I started my career on Capitol Hill as a college intern for Senator Paul Douglas of Illinois.\n\nI will never forget that day in February of 1966 when he agreed to hire me as an intern to work in his office.\n\nAs a student from East St. Louis, Illinois, going to work in the office of a U.S. Senator was one of the most exciting things I had ever done. It changed the trajectory of my life.\n\nOver the years, I have had more than 3,000 interns in my Congressional offices. For many of them, getting in the door changed their lives.\n\nNumber Three… In life, the little things are often the big things.\n\nLynn Martin was a Republican Congresswoman from Rockford and a member of George H.W. Bush’s Cabinet.\n\nShe told me that she made a practice of sending letters after elections to the losers, not the winners. She said: “The winners will never remember you reached out to them, but the losers will never forget.”\n\nI knew she was right because I lost three elections before I finally won one, and I remember how I felt when I lost.\n\nSo, I started sending letters to both Democrats and Republicans when they lost.\n\nI cannot tell you how many candidates told me later how much that letter meant.\n\nWhen a Republican elected official announced he was resigning due to his battle with an addiction, I called and left him a one-minute voicemail of encouragement.\n\nHe sent me a handwritten note eight years later thanking me and telling me he never deleted my voicemail.\n\nMany times, the little things are the big things.\n\nNumber Four… The silence of our friends.\n\nMartin Luther King Jr. wrote: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”\n\nYears ago, I made a statement on the Senate floor which generated a world of controversy. I became a target for many attacks, personal and political.\n\nIt was a low point for me, but fortunately many of my friends rallied to my side with phone calls and letters of support.\n\nBut many did not.\n\nDon’t miss the opportunity to stand by your friends when it really counts.\n\nNumber Five… Keep an eye out for mentors and role models who reflect the best—look for integrity, honesty, and caring.\n\nAnd never hitch your wagon to a person who cannot say: “I was wrong. I’m sorry.”\n\nPeople ask me how I’ve survived all these years in Congress.\n\nThe short answer is: I was blessed with two of the best political mentors, in former Illinois Senators Paul Douglas and Paul Simon.\n\nThey not only taught me the craft of politics, but also the threshold obligation of honesty in public life. Dollar honesty and issue honesty.\n\nWithout that North Star to guide you, you can easily get lost. I’ve seen it happen.\n\nI hope I have lived up to their example and passed that lesson along to the next generation of political leaders.\n\nNumber Six… The issues that you make the biggest impact on are the ones that affect you personally.\n\nThis year marked the 36th anniversary of my landmark legislation to ban smoking on airplanes.\n\nMy dad smoked two packs of Camels a day, developed lung cancer, and died at the age of 53.\n\nI was in high school at the time and I made a vow to myself then… I’m going to stay away from cigarettes – they killed my dad.\n\nWhen I got to Washington, I learned that the tobacco industry was the most powerful lobbying force in town. But I brought a special passion to this fight.\n\nThe issue was personal to me and to a lot of people who served in Congress.\n\nLittle did I know then that passage of my bill to ban smoking on airplanes was a tipping point in America.\n\nPeople said, if it’s unsafe to smoke in an airplane, why is it safe to smoke on a train, a bus, in an office building, a restaurant, or a hospital?\n\nAnd the next thing you know, America changed and the world changed. I was honored to be part of that change.\n\nNow here are two words that you have been waiting for: In conclusion.\n\nAt your stage in my life, I had no idea what was next.\n\nI was headed to law school as a default, a fallback if the winds of political fate blew in the wrong direction.\n\nThirteen years after graduating law school, after losing three elections, I was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nI served there for fourteen years before being elected to the Senate, where I served for thirty.\n\nJustice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Yankee from Olympus, once wrote “It is required of a man that he should share the passion of his time at the peril of being judges not to have lived.\n\nI certainly have had my chance to not only observe from a front row seat, but to personally engage in those actions and passions of my time.\n\nNow, it is your turn.\n\nAs citizens, as voters, perhaps as elected leaders, your generation faces a political upheaval in America whose outcome will decide after 250 years whether the passions that gave birth to this democracy can endure.\n\nYou come to this moment of battle with values honed by family and faith, an education which can give you wisdom, and a weapon that many before you died to protect.\n\nThat weapon, your right to vote.\n\nUse it. Don’t waste it.\n\nA fellow once wrote, “the best moments of life are squeezed into a headful of thoughts and a handful of summers.”\n\nWith family and friends, you are closing one door and opening another. Enjoy this summer moment in your life.\n\nAnd perhaps, as you step into your next chapter, one or two of these lessons I’ve learned will help.\n\nCongratulations Class of 2026!\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-honors-copper-star-coffee-in-central-phoenix-with-congressional-record-recognition", "title": "Ansari Honors Copper Star Coffee in Central Phoenix with Congressional Record Recognition", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ansari.house.gov", "scraper": "ansari", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000381", "name": "Yassamin Ansari", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "PHOENIX – On Friday, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) visited Copper Star Coffee to present a statement she entered into the Congressional Record in recognition of their 20th anniversary.\n\n“One of my honors serving as a Member of Congress is the opportunity to submit statements into the Congressional Record recognizing constituents and organizations that strengthen our communities,” said Rep. Ansari. “I was proud to visit Copper Star Coffee and present this recognition in person to celebrate their 20th anniversary and to thank their founders, staff, and supporters for two decades of service, innovation, and community impact in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.”\n\n“Ginger and I are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari for recognizing Copper Star’s contributions to our community,” said Bill Sandweg. “For more than 20 years, we’ve worked hard to make Copper Star a welcoming place for everyone. We look forward to many more years!”\n\nREAD TEXT OF ANSARI’S CONGRESSIONAL RECORD\n\nMister Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th business anniversary of a beloved community and coffee institution in Phoenix, Arizona, Copper Star Coffee.\n\nFounded in 2006 by Bill and Ginger Sandweg, Copper Star was built on a simple but powerful idea: if something didn’t exist in their community, they would create it themselves.\n\nAt the time, there was no quality coffee spot between their home and Phoenix College, so they set out to build something better: an independent, locally rooted café that reflected the needs and spirit of the Melrose District—a funky and iconic stretch of LGBTQ-owned or oriented establishments.\n\nCopper Star is housed in an old gas station, originally branded as the Copper Star Cafe, which now offers a local drive-thru option for neighbors and continues to serve as a gathering place where artists are showcased, and local culture thrives.\n\nThat “do it yourself” ethos continues to define Copper Star to this day. From baking pastries in-house to their bagels, freshly made every morning, their commitment to quality has allowed this small business to power through a recession and pandemic.\n\nBut what truly sets Copper Star apart is not just what they make, but how they operate. They have built a business that values people as much as product: paying living wages, maintaining a workplace rooted in respect, and earning recognition as a City of Phoenix Green Business Leader through sustainable practices such as composting and reducing waste. Copper Star also gives back. Most recently, hosting a food drive for St. Mary’s Foodbank when federal funding was cut.\n\nMilestones such as these are the result of vision, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to community. Copper Star Coffee stands as a testament to what small businesses can achieve when they are grounded in purpose and driven by people. Whether through its welcoming atmosphere, support of local vendors, or the simple act of bringing people together over coffee, it has helped strengthen the fabric of Phoenix.\n\nIt is my honor to recognize Copper Star Coffee on its 20th anniversary and to thank its founders, staff, and supporters for two decades of service, innovation, and community impact in Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/05/11/buchanan-announces-winners-of-2026-congressional-art-competition/", "title": "Buchanan Announces Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Ireland Cates of Bloomingdale High School in Valrico Named 1st Place Winner\n\nBRADENTON, FL – Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, a district-wide showcase for high school-aged artists. This year, 31 entries were submitted from across the district.\n\nThe first-place winner is Ireland Cates, a sophomore at Bloomingdale High School in Valrico. Her artwork, “The Capitol,” will be displayed in Washington, D.C., for one year in the highly traveled corridor between the U.S. Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building.\n\nSecond place was awarded to Olivia Fields from Riverview High School in Riverview, with her piece “Production, Consumerism, Stars, and Stripes,” and third place goes to Madelyn Bowers’ “Repetition” from Bloomingdale High School in Valrico.\n\n“I’m incredibly impressed by the talent and creativity showcased by the students who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition,” said Buchanan. “Each submission reflected remarkable skill, originality and hard work. Florida’s 16th District is home to so many gifted young artists, and I’m proud to celebrate their achievements.”\n\nAn additional component of the annual art competition includes the “Facebook Fan Favorite” Awards. The winning pieces in this category are displayed in the congressman’s offices in D.C., Bradenton and Brandon. The winners are Malik Dante Walker from Sumner High School with “Jammin’ Under the Sun,” Maya Ramos from Parrish Community High School with “Justice for All” and Adam Nuykin from Sumner High School with “Make a Splash.”\n\nThe judging panel included several officials from State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota, including: Brenda Harrison, Assistant Professor, Graphic Design/Art Design; Jamie Smith, Associate V.P. Government Relations, Public Information Officer/President’s Office; and Jamie Tracy, Associate Vice President, Academic and Faculty Affairs/Provost and Academic Affairs Office.\n\nMore information on the Congressional Art Competition can be found here.\n\nPhotos of this year’s winning pieces can be seen here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3481", "title": "Carbajal Statement on Platform Habitat Fire", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the fire on Platform Habitat.\n\n\"I want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard, Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, Santa Barbara City Fire Department, and the Santa Barbara and Ventura County Fire Departments for safely evacuating the crew and extinguishing the fire on Platform Habitat. While we await a full investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential environmental impacts, today’s incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks that offshore drilling poses to our coast. Our community shouldn't have to gamble with our environment, economy, and public health just to pad the pockets of Big Oil. I will continue to fight any plans to expand offshore drilling in our region, and advocate for alternative energy sources like wind and solar. These alternative energy sources are safer, reduce our dependence on volatile global oil markets, and lower energy costs for families.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415608", "title": "The Epoch Times exclusive article on Smith's new legislation'House to Vote on Resolution Urging Trump to Confront Xi on China's Political Prisoners'", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Eva Fu and Frank Fang\n\nPublished May 11, 2026\n\nThe House of Representatives is set to vote on a resolution urging President Donald Trump to make the freedom of political prisoners in China a priority in talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, including during this week’s summit in Beijing.\n\nH.Res.1259, introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, names five individuals that he said were “unfairly punished” by Beijing for exercising freedom of speech and religion.\n\nThe vote is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Trump’s two-day trip to China, The Epoch Times has learned.\n\n“Shamefully, the People’s Republic of China currently detains thousands of political and religious prisoners, which include American citizens and the family members of U.S. nationals,” Smith told The Epoch Times.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) (C) discusses the Chinese communist regime's system of forced organ harvesting, at a Heritage Foundation event in Washington on April 7, 2026. Irene Luo/The Epoch Times\n\nHe said the resolution calls out the Chinese regime’s “abysmal record of human rights abuses and arbitrary detentions” and urges the U.S. president to raise these concerns at their upcoming meeting.\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been waging a war against faith for more than 100 years, with successive Party leaders having launched repeated campaigns to regulate, suppress, and control religious groups in China.\n\nIn March, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) again called on the U.S. government to designate China as a country of particular concern over the suppression, which one of the commissioners described as “across the board” and “systematic.”\n\nThe five individuals mentioned in the resolution are Chinese pastors Jin Mingri and Gao Quanfu; Gao’s wife, Pang Yu; retired Uyghur medical doctor Dr. Gulshan Abbas; and Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.\n\nJimmy Lai outside West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong, on Sept. 18, 2020. Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times\n\nIn May last year, Gao, pastor and founder of a house church called Light of Zion Church, was detained at his home and accused of “using superstitious activities to undermine the implementation of law,” according to the USCIRF.\n\nTwo months later, his wife, Pang, another church leader, was also detained. The resolution noted that she has since been “denied access to critical prescription medication.”\n\nTheir son, Gao Pu, confirmed the concerns to The Epoch Times.\n\nIn two separate X posts on May 10, Gao Pu said the charges against his parents were false and described his mother’s detention—now in its 337th day—as “beyond inhumane” because of her heart conditions, low blood pressure, and severe anxiety.\n\n“My parents are peaceful Christians who have spent their lives serving others, preaching the Gospel, praying for our country, and helping believers across China. They never promoted violence, political extremism, or hatred. Their real ‘crime’ is refusing to place their faith and church completely under CCP control,” Gao Pu wrote.\n\nIn October 2025, Jin, founder of another house church known as Zion Church, was detained at his home as part of a broader operation by Chinese authorities that also led to the detention of nearly 30 pastors and church members.\n\nAbbas has been imprisoned for nearly 3,000 days, and her detention is widely believed to be linked to her sister Rushan Abbas’s human rights advocacy activities in the United States.\n\nRushan Abbas, executive director of the Campaign for Uyghurs, speaks during the China Forum at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington on Oct. 27, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times\n\nLai, an outspoken critic of the CCP and founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison under Hong Kong’s national security law.\n\nMore than 100 lawmakers from both parties expressed support for Lai’s freedom in a May 7 letter to Trump.\n\nSmith’s resolution also urges Trump to “seek verifiable proof of life and access to independent legal counsel, family communication, and medical care for such detainees.”\n\nIn China, some political prisoners are held incommunicado, leaving their families without any information about their fate or even whether they are alive. One of the best-known examples is prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been missing for more than eight years.\n\nA recent example of China restricting family access to political prisoners is Wang Youmei, a Falun Gong practitioner detained by police in the central Chinese city of Wuhan on April 15. Her daughter, Alisa Zhou, a U.S. citizen and accountant in Maryland, previously told The Epoch Times that the family has been unable to visit Wang while she is in custody.\n\nFalun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice grounded in the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Introduced to the Chinese public in 1992, the practice had spread widely by the late 1990s, with official estimates placing the number of practitioners in China at more than 70 million.\n\nIn 1999, the CCP launched a brutal campaign to eradicate the practice, believing its popularity was a threat to the CCP’s authority. Since then, hundreds of thousands of practitioners have been detained and subjected to torture, with thousands dying as a result of abuse while in custody, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center. Due to strict censorship in China, the true death toll is hard to determine; it is likely far higher.\n\nThe Falun Dafa Information Center, a U.S.-based human rights group, urged Trump to raise nine cases of imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners with immediate relatives in the United States who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.\n\nZhou Deyong and his wife, You Ling, in Death Valley National Park, Calif., in January 2021. Courtesy of Zhou You\n\nThe nine include Liu Aihua, whose son Steven Wang dances with Shen Yun Performing Arts in New York, and Zhou Deyong, a geological engineer and the father of a Florida resident.\n\nIn a letter released on Monday, Smith called for the State Department to set up a priority list of political prisoners to be raised at senior-level diplomatic talks, with both Gao and Zhou included.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415609", "title": "The Epoch Times article on CECC letter to President Trump'Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge Trump to Press Xi on Political Prisoners During China Visit'", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Frank Fang & Eva Fu\n\nPublished May 11, 2026\n\nAhead of President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing this week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging him to confront Chinese leader Xi Jinping about political prisoners in China.\n\nThe Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), a bipartisan and bicameral panel, sent a letter to Trump urging him to raise the unjust detentions of Americans, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and their families.\n\nRaising individual cases helps protect American citizens and businesses in China, the letter released on May 11 states. It was signed by the commission’s leadership, including Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the commission’s chair and co-chair, respectively. Other co-signees include CECC ranking members, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.).\n\n“China’s use of hostage diplomacy and transnational repression does not stay within China’s borders—it affects Americans and their families and is used to silence, intimidate, and coerce people beyond China,” Smith told The Epoch Times.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 4, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers said that raising the issue at the highest levels is a “low-cost, high-return instrument that raises the price of repression” and “denies the CCP a cheap tool of leverage,” making clear the United States will address “arbitrary detention and family intimidation in the normal course of bilateral relations.”\n\n“It raises the reputational cost to the relationship and affects China’s standing in the world,” Smith said.\n\nThe lawmakers named four individuals who are currently detained: Chinese pastor Jin Mingri, Uyghurs Dr. Gulshan Abbas and Ekpar Asat, and U.S. permanent resident Gao Zhen.\n\nJin was detained in October 2025 at his home as part of a broader operation by Chinese authorities targeting the prominent underground Zion Church, during which multiple church leaders were detained across China. According to the letter, his U.S.-based family “has been threatened in an effort to stop them from raising his case with the White House and the Department of State.”\n\nOn May 7, Trump told reporters he would bring up Jin’s case during his meeting with Xi.\n\nIn a May 9 Instagram video, Jin’s daughter Grace Jin Drexel, who lives in the United States, thanked Trump, saying his remarks gave her family “tremendous hope.”\n\n“My father has been in prison for almost seven months for doing nothing more than leading his church in faith,” she said.\n\nAbbas has been imprisoned for nearly 3,000 days, with her detention widely believed to be linked to her sister’s advocacy for Uyghurs in the United States. Asat, a businessman, was sentenced to 15 years in 2020.\n\nGao, known for his artwork critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), was detained in August 2025. According to the letter, his child, a U.S. citizen, “has been barred from returning home to New York City.”\n\n“In each of these cases, the CCP is not only punishing an individual. It is sending a message both at home and abroad that it can control the lives of people in China and reach into American families and influence conduct in the United States,” the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers applauded Trump for pledging to raise the case of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong, and praised his commitment to securing the release of “unjustly detained Americans,” such as Nelson Wells, Jr., and Dawn Michelle Hunt, both of whom CECC highlighted in a Smith-chaired hearing in 2024.\n\nThe lawmakers also asked Trump to direct the State Department to establish a list of priority cases of political prisoners and individuals facing exit bans, for the purpose of engaging in all senior-level diplomatic engagements with Xi or other CCP leaders.\n\nThe letter recommends many names to be added to the list, including human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, and two Falun Gong practitioners, Xu Na and Zhou Deyong.\n\nXu is one of 11 people imprisoned for sharing pandemic-related information with The Epoch Times. Both Xu, an artist, and Zhou, a geological engineer, were handed an eight-year jail term. Zhou’s wife You Ling and his son Zhou You currently reside in Florida.\n\n“My father is an innocent, kind-hearted man, but these people are going after him like this?” the younger Zhou previously told The Epoch Times, after learning of his father’s heavy sentence.\n\nSmith said the list would help in protecting Americans.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415611", "title": "South China Morning Post article on CECC letter to President Trump'Trump urged to raise cases of detained Americans when he meets Xi in Beijing'", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Dewey Sim in Beijing\n\nPublished 10:00pm, 11 May 2026\n\nA US congressional commission is pressing President Donald Trump to confront his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping over detained Americans when the leaders meet this week, warning that silence would leave Beijing free to “use human beings as bargaining chips”.\n\nThe Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), in a letter to Trump dated May 7, aired concerns over the growing threat arising from the Communist Party’s use of “hostage diplomacy, coercive exit bans and transnational repression” against US citizens, residents and their families.\n\n“The CCP’s repression does not stop at China’s borders. It is designed to pressure people in the United States, chill speech and advocacy on US soil, and demonstrate that the party can impose costs on Americans and their loved ones with impunity,” it said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nThe letter acknowledges Trump’s willingness to directly raise pending cases such as those of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Nelson Wells Jnr and Dawn Michelle Hunt.\n\nIt also urges him to raise the cases of Ezra Jin Mingri, a pastor at the unregistered Zion Church, Gulshan Abbas, a retired Uygur doctor, and Ekpar Asat, founder of a Uygur-language website.\n\n“In each of these cases, the CCP is not only punishing an individual. It is sending a message both at home and abroad that it can control the lives of people in China and reach into American families and influence conduct in the United States,” the commission said.\n\nThe letter acknowledged Donald Trump’s willingness to directly raise cases including that of former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying. Photo: Felix Wong\n\nHuman rights groups have long criticised Beijing for its treatment of minority groups in China and its use of exit bans and detention of American citizens and their relatives.\n\nBeijing has maintained that the imprisonment and travel restrictions it has imposed on Americans were legitimate. Under Chinese law, foreign nationals can be barred from leaving China if they are under criminal investigation or involved in unresolved civil disputes.\n\nLast week, when asked if he would press Xi for the release of Jin, Trump said he would “certainly look into it” and that he “will bring it up”.\n\n“I have gotten a lot of people out. I have gotten a lot of people out of countries including China, people that were hostages,” he said.\n\nThe Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.\n\nThe CECC – established by the US Congress in 2000 and comprising lawmakers from both parties – is focused on the rule of law and human rights in China and tasked to recommend legislative or executive action to the president and Congress.\n\nThe letter, signed by commission chair Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska and co-chair Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, stressed that raising those cases with Xi would signal that the US was ready to defend its principles and citizens against Chinese “coercion”, adding that it was key in Washington’s strategic rivalry with Beijing.\n\n“Raising political prisoner cases at the highest levels is a low-cost, high-return instrument that raises the price of repression, denies the CCP a cheap tool of leverage, and makes clear that the United States will address arbitrary detention and family intimidation in the normal course of bilateral relations,” it said.\n\n“It exposes the repression, censorship and other human rights abuses the party imposes on people in China and undermines the CCP’s claim that its autocratic system offers a superior model of political order and economic development.”\n\nTrump is set to visit China later this week, when he is expected to raise issues ranging from bilateral trade to the war in Iran and Taiwan. He will be the first US president to visit China in almost a decade.\n\nLast week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Trump would use the summit with Xi to air human rights issues – which he said were important to the US – though he cautioned that “it’s most effective to raise them in the appropriate setting”.\n\nThe CECC letter echoes a similar push by Republican lawmakers in October, when they urged Trump to confront Xi over detained Americans ahead of their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415614", "title": "Taiwan News article on Smith-Tiffany letter to Sec. Rubio'2 congressmen urge Lai be given same US visit rights as KMT chair'", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Keoni Everington\n\nPublished May 11, 2026 at 16:23\n\nTAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Representatives Tom Tiffany and Chris Smith on Friday urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to give President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) the same opportunity to visit the US as KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文).\n\nCheng said on April 20 that members of Congress, think tanks, and overseas Taiwanese groups have invited her to visit the US in early June. Tiffany and Smith responded by sending a letter to Rubio supporting her trip, but “in the interest of fairness,” called for facilitating Lai’s visit.\n\nThe lawmakers said US-Taiwan relations are governed by several laws, including the Taiwan Relations Act and the Taiwan Travel Act. They noted that the Taiwan Travel Act makes it US policy to encourage meetings between senior Taiwanese officials and their American counterparts.\n\nThey also cited the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, which stipulates that Taiwan’s president “shall be admitted” to the US for discussions with American officials.\n\nThe representatives said that, “Whenever visits like these are contemplated by our friends in Taiwan, the Communist Chinese authorities invariably attempt to dictate to the United States who we can and cannot meet with.” They described such pressure as “outrageous interference in our internal affairs” that is “inappropriate and unacceptable,” and they urged Rubio to reject it.\n\nTiffany and Smith thanked Rubio for his longstanding support for stronger US-Taiwan ties. They also expressed hope that “in the interest of impartiality, you will welcome a visit by Mr. Lai with the same courtesy and respect afforded to the leader of the KMT.”\n\nLetter by Representatives Tom Tiffany and Chris Smith to Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Tom Tiffany image)\n\nThis article was published on May 11, 2026 and can be found online at:", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415615", "title": "Thurs., May 14: Rep. Chris Smith to chair hearing on forced organ harvesting“A Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond”", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Thursday, May 14th, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will chair a congressional hearing on the systematic, widespread, and nonconsensual removal of human organs for transplantation—often described as forced organ harvesting or illegal organ trafficking—occurring within the People’s Republic of China (PRC).\n\nReports by researchers, human rights advocates, and medical ethics experts have raised serious concerns that prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, and other political and religious prisoners, have been targeted within a state-enabled transplant system.\n\nThis hearing will bring renewed attention to evidence of forced organ harvesting in China, the relationship between religious persecution and transplant abuse, and how international medical, academic, commercial, and government actors have failed to confront or prevent these atrocities.\n\nWHAT: Congressional hearing on what the United States and its allies can do to address this heinous global crime and examine additional steps that can be taken to hold both PRC officials and organ traffickers accountable for their roles in perpetuating it.\n\nWHEN: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM\n\nWITNESSES: (Partial list)\n\nEthan Gutmann, Senior Research Fellow in China Studies, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation; author of The Xinjiang Procedure and The Slaughter\n\nAmbassador Sam Brownback, Senior Fellow, Pepperdine University; former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom; former U.S. Senator and Governor of Kansas; author of China’s War on Faith\n\nJan Jekielek, Senior Editor, The Epoch Times; Host of “American Thought Leaders”; New York Times best-selling author of Killed to Order\n\nKalbinur Sidik, survivor of China’s genocide and eyewitness to forced labor camps\n\nWHERE: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building and livestreamed here\n\nWHO: Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), other members of the Commission, and witnesses\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6867", "title": "Dingell Reintroduces Arthritis Awareness Month Resolution", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) reintroduced a resolution marking May as Arthritis Awareness Month to spur continued conversation and support of the 60 million Americans who are affected by arthritis.\n\n“Arthritis impacts 60 million Americans, including children, workers, and seniors who live every day with chronic pain and mobility challenges,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “During Arthritis Awareness Month, we recognize the resilience of those living with arthritis and recommit ourselves to expanding access to affordable health care, advancing research, and supporting treatments that improve quality of life.”\n\n“An arthritis diagnosis, whether osteoarthritis or an inflammatory type like gout, changes the trajectory of a person's life,” said Steve Taylor, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “From mobility limitations to chronic pain to the sometimes-difficult journey to find the right treatment, arthritis can present a number of challenges to patients and their families. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the information, tools and support they need to manage arthritis and improve their quality of life. Arthritis Awareness Month is a great opportunity to bring more visibility to arthritis and to the resources that can help improve the lives of people impacted by the disease.”\n\nArthritis Awareness Month is a nationwide initiative led by the Arthritis Foundation to educate the public on the impact of this condition, which affects nearly 60 million Americans and is a leading cause of disability. It focuses on raising funds for research, promoting early diagnosis, and encouraging low-impact physical activity to manage symptoms. Arthritis affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S., including working-age adults and over 300,000 children.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6868", "title": "Dingell, Landsman Lead Bill to Improve Access to Early Breast Cancer Detection", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) introduced a bill to ensure low-income women can access comprehensive breast examinations at no cost. The No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act will help women – regardless of their income – get timely access to comprehensive breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs.\n\n“This legislation lowers health care costs for women on Medicaid to better ensure that no one is forced to delay or forgo care because they cannot afford it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is critical. But too many patients still face financial barriers to follow-up exams like MRIs and ultrasounds. By removing these costs, we can make sure that every woman has access to timely, lifesaving care,” said Congresswoman Dingell.\n\n“No woman should have to delay or go without a necessary breast exam because it’s too expensive. Our bill will make a huge difference with early detection, so women can get the care they need faster,” said Congressman Landsman.\n\nBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women enrolled in Medicaid, many screening mammograms are covered, but they can still face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic exams and supplemental imaging.\n\nTo ensure there are no financial barriers to breast cancer detection and care, Congresswoman Dingell and Congressman Landsman introduced the No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act – legislation that requires diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations, including diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, are covered under Medicaid.\n\nRead the bill text HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6869", "title": "Dingell, Moolenaar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Chinese Vehicles from U.S., Protect American Auto Industry and Workers", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act. The legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.\n\n“This bipartisan legislation will ban Chinese vehicles from coming into our country and undercutting our workers through massive government subsidies, unfair trade practices, and slave labor. I am not interested in repeating the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country while politicians told workers globalization would somehow magically work itself out. America can compete with anyone in the world when there’s a level playing field because there is nobody better than the American worker. Auto workers are facing uncertainty, but I am certain about one thing: the future of the American auto industry must be built by American workers,” said Congresswoman Dingell.\n\nModern vehicles integrate advanced communications technology capable of collecting and transmitting vast amounts of sensitive data, including location, operational data, and personal information. In some cases, the vehicles can also be remotely accessed and controlled. China now exports nearly 8 million vehicles annually, approximately twice the volume of any other country. The country’s automotive companies operate under Chinese law that forces them to cooperate with China' s state security and intelligence services upon demand.\n\n\"The American auto industry is vital for jobs, national security, and the future of America’s manufacturing base. China cheats in every industry, and in autos it is overproducing vehicles and components, and selling them for cheap in hopes they will put our companies out of business. In some cases, Chinese companies, including CATL and BYD, use slave labor to undercut the fair wages of hardworking Americans. These companies should not be allowed to do business in America, and their products shouldn’t be in our cars or threatening our infrastructure,” said Congressman Moolenaar.\n\nThe Connected Vehicle Security Act builds on the work of two administrations. In 2019, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency with respect to foreign threats to America's information and communications technology supply chain, establishing the legal authority for the federal government to act. The Biden Administration used that authority to finalize regulations in January 2025 prohibiting connected vehicle software and hardware linked to China and Russia. The Connected Vehicle Security Act expands those protections in statute.\n\nThe Connected Vehicle Security Act would:\n\nProhibit the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into U.S. commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by a covered foreign adversary country, effective January 1, 2027;\n\nProhibit connected vehicle software and hardware linked to covered foreign adversaries, with software prohibitions effective January 1, 2027 and hardware prohibitions effective January 1, 2030;\n\nCover China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran;\n\nDirect the Secretary of Commerce to establish a declaration of conformity process, authorization and waiver procedures, and a binding ruling and advisory opinion mechanism for industry compliance;\n\nEstablish civil penalties of at least $1.5 million for each violation of the law.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7350", "title": "As Federal Courts Threaten Telehealth Access to Abortion Pill, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and Congressman Pat Ryan Reintroduce Legislation To Protect It", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "fletcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fletcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000468", "name": "Lizzie Fletcher", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18) introduced the Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act to reaffirm that mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill, was appropriately approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that this approval preempts any state law seeking to prohibit or restrict access to the abortion pill.\n\n“More than 25 years ago, the FDA approved mifepristone as safe and effective,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \"That science has not changed. What has changed, however, is the relentless effort by anti-abortion activists to use the courts to do what they could not do legislatively: ban abortion across the country, one medication at a time.\n\n“The Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act makes clear that the FDA’s authority is real and that no state can override it to deny women access to reproductive freedom,” continued Congresswoman Fletcher. “I am glad to introduce this important legislation with Congressman Pat Ryan, and I will continue fighting to protect reproductive freedom for women in Texas and across our country.”\n\n“I risked my life in combat to protect fundamental American freedoms. That includes a woman’s right to choose. These deeply personal and private medical decisions should be made by women, their health care providers, and their families, not by extremist judges or politicians,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Mifepristone is a safe and effective medication that has been prescribed by doctors for more than two decades. These efforts to undermine the safety of abortion medication have nothing to do with science or medicine and everything to do with radical groups whose only goal is a national abortion ban. This legislation ensures we not only protect abortion access for women in New York and across the country but also the doctors who use telemedicine to prescribe medication abortion.”\n\nMifepristone was approved as safe and effective by the FDA in 2000. Medication abortions account for more than 50 percent of the abortions performed in the United States.\n\nThe Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act has received endorsements from Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Reproductive Freedom For All.\n\nCongresswoman Fletcher is Vice Chair and Whip of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and has led several efforts to protect access to abortion. In the 117th Congress, her bill to protect the right to travel between states to obtain an abortion, the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, H.R. 8297, passed the House. She is also an original cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which establishes a statutory federal right to abortion free from medically unnecessary restrictions.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-foushee-and-tonko-lead-push-to-hold-gambling-industry-ceos-accountable-for-social-harms-affecting-young-americans", "title": "Reps. Foushee and Tonko Lead Push to Hold Gambling Industry CEOs Accountable for Social Harms Affecting Young Americans", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (May 11, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), alongside bicameral lawmakers, sent a letter to the CEOs of several sports-betting and prediction market companies urging them to take immediate action to address the growing normalization of online gambling and the harms these platforms pose for young Americans. The letter follows recently published research from Common Sense Media highlighting the need for lawmakers to act to protect young adults and kids from the significant risks associated with the rise of online gaming and betting.\n\n“We are particularly alarmed by the rapid normalization of online gambling among younger Americans and the targeting of this demographic through predatory advertising,” the lawmakers wrote. “Aggressive advertising campaigns, coupled with partnerships between prediction markets and major media outlets––including CNN, CNBC, Dow Jones, and Yahoo Finance––have made it easier for younger Americans to fall victim to a culture of ‘everything is gambling.’”\n\n“This is not limited to prediction markets. To remain competitive, traditional sports gambling platforms have dramatically expanded their digital footprints. Bet365’s “Winning Is Everything” campaign alongside promotions from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics during March Madness reflect an industry-wide race to capture new customers,” the lawmakers continued. “Recent polling underscores growing concern among the public about the impact of these platforms on younger users. A Morning Consult survey found that 77 percent of Americans believe that prediction market platforms could increase gambling-related harm among young adults, while 73 percent said that describing bets as ‘contracts,’ ‘swaps’, or ‘futures’ makes it difficult for younger consumers to recognize the associated risks.”\n\n“Although the legality of prediction markets and online sportsbooks remains contested across at least 30 active lawsuits, the harm to young Americans is not,” the lawmakers concluded. “Some of your companies have announced or considered new policies including stronger age verification processes, family accounts to identify excessive behaviors, and problem gambling self-assessments. We acknowledge these steps (...) But ultimately, they are insufficient.”\n\nThe letter was sent to the CEOs of ten companies across the sports-betting and prediction market industries. The companies that received the letter were Bet365 Group Limited, BetMGM Inc., FanDuel Group, Fanatics Inc., Caesars Entertainment, SidePrize LLC, DraftKings Inc. Polymarket, Kalshi Inc., and Robinhood Markets Inc.\n\nThe letter demands written responses from the companies, including:\n\nDisclosure of any regulatory action, fines, or settlements that have been brought related to underage access, predatory advertising, or consumer protection violations.\n\nTransparency around user demographics including what percentage of active users are between the ages of 18 and 24, and how much revenue is generated by users in that age group.\n\nClarification of what safeguards are currently in place by the companies to prevent access by individuals under the age of 18.\n\nInternal policies governing the placement of advertisements on these platforms with substantial under-21 audiences.\n\nThe letter was signed by Reps. Foushee, Tonko, McCollum, Mullin, and Sen. Blumenthal.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-and-members-of-house-oversight-committee-announce-investigations-and-legislation-to-address-ice-abuse-of-holds-in-local-jails", "title": "Congressman Maxwell Frost and Members of House Oversight Committee Announce Investigations and Legislation To Address ICE Abuse of Holds in Local Jails", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "frost.house.gov", "scraper": "frost", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000476", "name": "Maxwell Frost", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ORLANDO, FL — Today, May 11, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Ranking Member Robert Garcia, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and members of the House Oversight Committee, alongside local leaders and immigration advocates, hosted a press conference in Orlando to announce the launch of new investigations and introduced the No Illegal Captivity and Extensions (NICE) Act, aimed at ending U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s (ICE) practice of holding detained immigrants indefinitely without charges.\n\nDuring the press conference, members outlined concerns about due process, civil rights, and the growing role of local jails in federal immigration enforcement.\n\nLocal sheriffs and jails across the country have increasingly become a critical component in implementing President Trump’s mass arrest and deportation agenda, with Central Florida playing a key role in these efforts. The announcement also comes on the heels of Orange County’s recent decision to revise its federal agreement to limit the detention of immigrants to 48 hours.\n\nClick here for a one-pager on this legislation.\n\n“Following today’s oversight visit to Central Florida, it’s clear that communities across the country must follow Orange County’s lead in rejecting these horrific detention practices that have happened here in Orlando. It’s time to put an end to ICE’s abuse of local jail agreements,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “That is why today, alongside Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia, I am introducing the No Illegal Captivity and Extensions (NICE) Act to close the loopholes that allow ICE to prolong detention without due process and continue operating without accountability, because there is nothing ‘nice’ about separating families, denying due process, and treating human beings without basic dignity.”\n\n“Oversight Democrats are committed to exposing and confronting the abuses happening here in Florida,” said Oversight Ranking Member, Robert Garcia. “From our conversations with local advocates and attorneys, it’s clear that what is happening in Orlando — and across the state — is incredibly serious. Some of the worst abuses are happening under Governor Ron DeSantis’ watch. What we heard today about how people are being detained, shuffled in and out of facilities, and stopped by multiple agencies should outrage every Floridian and every American. No one should be subjected to a system that strips them of their dignity and due process.”\n\nIn addition to the legislation, Congressman Frost and Ranking Member Garcia sent three letters: one to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Senior ICE Official Todd Lyons requesting more information on immigration detainers, and letters to the CEOs of Akima and GEO Group seeking details about the inhumane conditions on buses contracted by ICE.\n\nClick here to read the letters.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://fulcher.house.gov/2026/05/11/fulcher-co-sponsors-major-richard-star-act/", "title": "Fulcher Co-Sponsors Major Richard Star Act", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "fulcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fulcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000469", "name": "Russ Fulcher", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after co-sponsoring the Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102.\n\n“As a nation, we must always stand by and support our Veterans. I am honored to co-sponsor the Major Richard Star Act, H.R. 2102. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that when a Veteran has to retire early due to combat or combat-related injuries, they receive both their disability benefits and the full retirement pay that they have rightfully earned. I urge this legislation to be taken up, passed, and enacted swiftly,” said Congressman Fulcher.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://gimenez.house.gov/2026/5/reps-carlos-a-gimenez-and-robert-garcia-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-commemorating-200-years-of-official-u-s-peru-relations", "title": "REPS. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ AND ROBERT GARCIA INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING 200 YEARS OF OFFICIAL U.S.-PERU RELATIONS", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gimenez.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gimenez.house.gov", "scraper": "gimenez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000593", "name": "Carlos A. Gimenez", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Robert Garcia (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Peru, introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating 200 years of official diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Peru.\n\nThe resolution recognizes two centuries of enduring friendship, shared values, and expanding cooperation between the United States and Peru since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1826 - one of the earliest such relationships between the United States and a South American nation.\n\nAs Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Peru, Representatives Gimenez and Garcia have worked to strengthen congressional engagement with Peru and to advance a forward-looking bilateral partnership rooted in democratic governance, economic opportunity, and regional security.\n\nCongressman Carlos A. Gimenez said, “Our partnership with Peru is not just symbolic, it is strategic and rooted in shared values, mutual interests, and a clear commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Together, our nations are tackling the most pressing challenges of our time, from transnational crime to strengthening resilient supply chains across the hemisphere. As we mark this bicentennial milestone, we have a real opportunity to deepen and modernize this alliance with a trusted partner, and to advance stability, security, and prosperity in our region.”\n\n\"As the first Peruvian-American elected to Congress, I’m proud of the 200 years of friendship that we have built between our country and Peru,\" said Congressman Robert Garcia. \"The American-Peruvian community has contributed so much to this country and that deserves to be recognized. I'm proud to recognize this important milestone and continue building on our partnership.\"\n\nThe Embassy of Peru in the United States welcomed the introduction of the resolution, noting that it reflects broad bipartisan support in Congress for a strategic and forward-looking U.S.-Peru partnership.\n\nRead the full House Resolution HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/icymi-gottheimer-op-ed-in-the-new-york-times-on-democrats-double-standard-on-antisemitism", "title": "ICYMI: Gottheimer Op-Ed in the New York Times on Democrats’ Double Standard on Antisemitism ", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On May 10, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer published the following Op-Ed in the New York Times:\n\nOpinion | I’m a Democrat. My Party Has a Double Standard on Antisemitism.\n\nFind the full text of the piece below:\n\nIn 2017, Democratic leaders denounced the white supremacists who marched in Charlottesville chanting “Jews will not replace us.” In 2022, Democrats took Donald Trump to task for having dinner with Nick Fuentes, an antisemite and a white supremacist. Across the Democratic Party’s ideological spectrum, right-wing hate is consistently condemned.\n\nBut today, too many Democrats are noticeably and shamefully silent when antisemitism comes from the far left — at a moment when the Anti-Defamation League is reporting a surge of antisemitic incidents in the past three years.\n\nIt’s a glaring double standard.\n\nConsider the response to — really, the embrace of — Hasan Piker, a prominent left-wing commentator with millions of online followers. He referred to Orthodox Jews as “inbred” and said “America deserved 9/11,” both statements he halfheartedly walked back. He said that Hamas — a designated terrorist organization that has killed Americans and taken Americans hostage — is “a thousand times better” than Israel, America’s ally, which he called a “fascist settler colonial apartheid state” — a statement he stands by. None of this should be waved away as mere edgy commentary. Mr. Piker traffics in antisemitic and anti-American extremism that has been met by silence from many on the Democratic left.\n\nSadly, we’ve seen several prominent Democrats appear on his show and even campaign with him, granting his views legitimacy.\n\nI’ve spoken to congressional colleagues who have privately told me that many things Mr. Piker has said are disgusting. Yet they’ll say nothing about it in public, even as they rightly rush to condemn President Trump for his unending barrage of offensive comments and social media posts. I understand that speaking up isn’t easy — if you do, there are many on the left who will heckle you in public and troll you online. But whether we’re elected officials, candidates, organizers or activists, we should remember that our constituents don’t expect us to take the easy path. It takes far more courage to stand up to those who have long claimed to be in your corner than to oppose your political opponents. That’s what principled leadership is all about. But we’re not always seeing it.\n\nAt their recent party convention, Michigan Democrats nominated a candidate to run for a seat on the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents who had shared a social media post praising the former leader of Hezbollah as a martyr and another post that invoked age-old antisemitic tropes by referring to Israelis as “demons” who “lie, steal, cheat, murder and blackmail.”\n\nLast month, most Senate Democrats voted for two measures that would have blocked sales of military equipment to Israel, with some arguing that among the reasons for their votes was their assessment of Israel’s human rights record. Is this turnabout a legitimate departure from decades of American foreign policy? Or — more likely — is it a politically convenient stance that coincides with a small but vocal and growing segment of the political left making opposition to support for Israel a new litmus test?\n\nIf this is now the standard for supporting military aid and arms sales, then Democratic members of Congress should at least be consistent. Do they also believe we should block weapon sales to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey, given the history of human rights abuses in those countries?\n\nThe Democratic condemnation piled on Israel’s government is overwhelming in comparison to other allies. It’s also louder than Democrats’ condemnation of Iran’s regime for the slaughter of thousands of Iranians in December and January. Israel has been decried by some leading Democrats as an “apartheid” state. But I haven’t heard any of them claim apartheid when it comes to how women and L.G.B.T.Q. people are treated across the Middle East.\n\nOne Democrat, a very likely presidential hopeful, recently argued that Israel can afford its own security and that Israelis don’t need America’s “financial aid” — even though Israel has been a stalwart partner in America’s fight against Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations. Wouldn’t the logical extension of that point of view mean that we should also pull our military installations out of well-resourced allied countries like Germany, Japan and Kuwait?\n\nDemocrats have justly denounced the Trump administration for its broadsides — in some cases, threats — toward some of America’s closest allies. But many increasingly excuse, or join, feverish denunciations of Israel, our longstanding, democratic and strategic ally.\n\nWhen we’re talking about which allies to support or which communities we defend, our principles shouldn’t shift.\n\nWhen Mr. Trump lashes out at Pope Leo XIV in ways that millions of Catholics rightly find deeply offensive, none of us should look the other way. When a Republican congressman tries to dehumanize Muslims, we should all speak up. When Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson use hateful rhetoric, they should be rebuked. The same should go for Hasan Piker. Everyone has a right to express his or her views, however repugnant those views may be. But Democratic leaders have the same right — and a duty — to challenge them.\n\nThere should be one response to those who express hatred toward any American: condemnation. Hate is hate. It doesn’t get a pass because it comes from your side of the aisle.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D2910014-F97B-4A31-AC41-C098BA5096B5", "title": "Hayes Leads House Democrats In Condemning Proposed Reorganization of Food, Nutrition, And Consumer Services (FNS)", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), was joined by House Committee on Agriculture Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) and 47 House Democrats in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins condemning efforts by the department to reorganize, relocate, and rename the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNS) mission area.\n\n“Millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, depend on the federal nutrition programs administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to put food on their tables. SNAP, WIC, school meals, and after-school and summer nutrition programs require a deeply experienced, well-staffed agency to function. At a time when food prices remain elevated, and families across the country are struggling, this reorganization moves in exactly the wrong direction,” wrote the Lawmakers.\n\n“FNS has already lost nearly 30 percent of its workforce since the start of this administration, primarily due to the dismissal of probationary employees, deferred resignation, and early retirement offers. This reorganization will accelerate that attrition further, leaving critical nutrition programs even more dangerously short-staffed at precisely the moment when they are needed most. These disruptions are likely to be long-lasting, as relocation to new geographic areas will create additional challenges for recruiting and retaining a strong workforce.”\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture, Congresswoman Hayes has been a champion in the fight to end hunger in the United States and globally. Congresswoman Hayes introduced the Restoring Food Security for Farmers and Families Act to repeal the $187 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that was enacted as part of H.R. 1. Additionally, she led her colleagues in sending a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting the agency produce a report assessing the effects of Trump Administration policies on the delivery of international food aid.\n\nThe letter is signed by Representatives Gabe Amo (RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Sanford Bishop Jr. (GA-02), Nanette Barragán (CA- 44), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Angie Craig (MN-02), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Adriano Espaillat (CA-13), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jesús García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Lucy McBath (GA-06), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), James McGovern (MA-02), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Josh Riley (NY-19), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/11/fw-dear-colleague-on-combating-voter-suppression-and-the-gop-gerrymandering-scheme/", "title": "FW: Dear Colleague on Combating Voter Suppression and the GOP Gerrymandering Scheme", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Dear Colleague:\n\nI write in connection with the vicious Republican assault on the right to vote, free and fair elections and Black political representation in the South.\n\nOver the weekend, the American people celebrated the love and support of mothers throughout the nation. At the same time, Republican extremists spent the last few days applauding their ongoing effort to rig the midterm elections based on two egregious judicial decisions dripping with far-right partisanship.\n\nWe remain undeterred.\n\nThe cost of living is out of control, grocery bills are skyrocketing, gas prices are surging, healthcare has been ripped away from millions and a reckless war of choice is raging in the Middle East. Donald Trump is deeply unpopular and Republicans have failed to make life better for the American people. Instead of changing direction, GOP extremists are scheming to change the electoral composition of districts throughout the country.\n\nRepublicans only hold a three-seat majority in the House of Representatives. This is the narrowest margin of any party since 1930. During Donald Trump’s first midterm election in 2018, House Democrats flipped 40 seats. To take control this Fall, we only need to flip a fraction of that total. That is why right-wing extremists have been in full panic mode since they passed their historically unpopular One Big Ugly Bill last July.\n\nOur effort to forcefully push back against the Republican redistricting scheme will not slow down. We are just getting started.\n\nLed by the Congressional Black Caucus and national civil rights groups, Democrats are battling Jim Crow-era racial gerrymandering throughout the Deep South. Simultaneously, there is pending litigation in Virginia, Florida, Missouri and Wisconsin. States like New York, Maryland, Colorado, Washington and several others are taking steps to decisively respond to what the U.S. Supreme Court has unleashed.\n\nGiven the highly unfavorable political environment confronting House Republicans, the extremists will not meaningfully benefit from their scandalous gerrymandering scheme. Quite the opposite. Democratic enthusiasm and resolve have grown more intense. Even after being aided and abetted by blatantly undemocratic court decisions, the failed GOP majority will not be able to gerrymander themselves back into power.\n\nDemocrats will take control of the House of Representatives in November.\n\nIn the majority, we will fight to lower the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and clean up corruption wherever it is found. Our agenda will decisively address dramatic electoral, campaign finance and judicial reform. Finally, in connection with the ongoing Republican effort to cheat in advance of the 2028 election, we will bury the GOP gerrymandering scheme with a massive Democratic redistricting counteroffensive.\n\nOn Thursday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m., in partnership with House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle, we will host a Caucus-wide briefing to discuss the steps Democrats are taking to advance the largest voter protection effort in modern American history. We will ensure the people decide who controls the Congress, not MAGA extremists desperate to rig the midterm elections.\n\nThank you for your continued leadership as we march onward to victory.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2432", "title": "Congressman Kennedy Secures $850,000 for the City of Tonawanda’s Kohler Pool Project", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Kohler, Which Loses Half a Foot of Water Each Night, Dates Back to 1950s and is in Severe Need of Repair or Replacement to Ensure Continued Access to Swimming Facilities in City of Tonawanda\n\nKohler Pool is a Vital Resource for Families Without Pools - Teaching Kids Water Safety Skills, Providing Summer Jobs for Teens, Opening Access to Healthy Recreation\n\nCITY OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined today by City of Tonawanda Mayor William Strassburg to announce $850,000 in federal funding to kickstart the City’s Kohler Pool project. Kohler, constructed in the 1950s, is in dire need of repairs or replacement in order to ensure that the Tonawanda community maintains access to summer swimming facilities. During the summer season when the pool is fully filled, it loses approximately half a foot of water each evening, requiring refilling and unnecessarily straining the city’s water resources. Kohler Pool is centrally located in the City, providing access to the nearby Tonawanda Youth Center and to the Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns’ Newman Family Clubhouse. Kennedy’s funding represents the first public funding committed to the Kohler rehabilitation and reconstruction project. With Tonawanda hosting three bodies of water in the Niagara River, Ellicott Creek, and the Erie Canal, providing youth with access to a safe place to swim is vitally important to prevent dangerous activities.\n\n“Every child deserves access to safe, clean, accessible swimming facilities, regardless of zip code,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Swimming skills save lives and stay with children throughout their lives as they grow into adulthood. This funding represents a significant public investment in ensuring Kohler Pool gives future generations a place to cool off during the summer, puts some spending money in the pockets of teen lifeguards, and anchors a vibrant hard-working community.”\n\n“I wish to thank Congressman Kennedy for his support,” said City of Tonawanda Mayor William Strassburg. “The pool is an asset to our community and serves hundreds of residents on a daily basis. Without this investment, the future viability of the pool was in doubt.”\n\n“I thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for obtaining this much needed funding for the City of Tonawanda and our Kohler pool,” said Second Ward Councilmember Chris Fisher. “Swimming is a fundamental skill that children of all ages can learn and explore at a public pool. Congressman Kennedy knows the importance of having access to a public pool and it shows with this funding. The children, and adults, of the City of Tonawanda will get to continue the use of a high-quality and affordable public swimming pool thanks to Congressman Kennedy.”\n\n“Progress like this and partnerships with our Legislators is vital to the success of our City and growth in our community,” said Fourth Ward Councilmember Jason Voisinet.\n\n“This will help us fix infrastructure issues that have been neglected,” said Dave Fronczak, Superintendent of Public Works. “It is work that needs to be completed to keep the pool open and operational.”\n\n“I commend Congressman Kennedy for securing this federal investment for the City of Tonawanda and for continuing to push this project forward,” said Senator Jeremy Zellner. “Kohler Pool has been an important part of this community for generations, and this long-awaited investment is a major step toward restoring a space that local families and residents rely on every summer. In a city surrounded by water, places like Kohler Pool do more than bring the community together, they also help kids learn important water safety skills and provide families with a safe, accessible place to gather during the warmer months.”\n\n“Robust recreation facilities are essential to the quality of life in a community, and pools especially are invaluable assets,” said Assemblyman Bill Conrad. “Swimming offers families a path toward better wellness and greater comfort in the heat of summer, and in our region, so rich with natural waterways, it's critical that we offer people of all ages safe, affordable access to swimming lessons. Kohler Pool is a site with great history and even greater potential, and I'm thrilled that Congressman Kennedy is partnering with Mayor Strassburg and the City of Tonawanda to deliver this much-needed funding for its replacement. We all benefit from an investment like this – and I have no doubt that City residents and Western New Yorkers will be reaping the rewards of it for generations to come.”\n\n“Access to safe, modern recreational spaces is essential to the health and well-being of our communities, and this investment in the Kohler Pool Replacement Project is a major win for the residents of the City of Tonawanda,” said Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi. “I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for continuing to deliver critical federal resources to Western New York and Mayor Strassburg for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the city.”\n\n\"Thank you Congressman Kennedy,” said Tonawanda resident Amanda Shepler. “Kohler Pool has been the highlight of a classic Tonawanda summer since 1957. This funding will help us to keep it open for another 70 years of summer fun.\"\n\nPending further funding sources, construction is slated to begin in 2027.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://landsman.house.gov/posts/landsman-dingell-lead-bill-to-improve-access-to-early-breast-cancer-detection", "title": "Landsman, Dingell Lead Bill to Improve Access to Early Breast Cancer Detection", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://landsman.house.gov/press", "domain": "landsman.house.gov", "scraper": "landsman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000601", "name": "Greg Landsman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Cincinnati, OH – This week, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced a bill to ensure low-income women can access comprehensive breast examinations at no cost.\n\nBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For women enrolled in Medicaid, many screening mammograms are covered, but they can still face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up diagnostic exams and supplemental imaging.\n\nTo ensure there are no financial barriers to breast cancer detection and care, Congressman Landsman and Congresswoman Dingell introduced the No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act – legislation that requires diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations, including diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, are covered under Medicaid.\n\nThe No-Cost Breast Examinations in Medicaid Act will help women – regardless of their income – get timely access to comprehensive breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs.\n\nCongressman Landsman:\n\n“No woman should have to delay or go without a necessary breast exam because it’s too expensive. Our bill will make a huge difference with early detection, so women can get the care they need faster.”\n\nCongresswoman Dingell:\n\n“This legislation lowers health care costs for women on Medicaid to better ensure that no one is forced to delay or forgo care because they cannot afford it. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is critical. But too many patients still face financial barriers to follow-up exams like MRIs and ultrasounds. By removing these costs, we can make sure that every woman has access to the timely, lifesaving care.”\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://luna.house.gov/posts/u-s-african-development-foundation-referred-for-investigation-for-fraud-corruption", "title": "U.S. African Development Foundation Referred for Investigation for Fraud & Corruption", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://luna.house.gov/press", "domain": "luna.house.gov", "scraper": "luna", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000596", "name": "Anna Paulina Luna", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the Department of Justice confirmed receipt of my letter calling on Attorney General Todd Blanche to investigate serious allegations of fraud, corruption, and whistleblower retaliation within the U.S. African Development Foundation.\n\nThe allegations involve former USADF President Travis Adkins and finance official Mathieu Zahui, who are accused of steering contracts to associates, misusing taxpayer funds, and concealing misconduct from the agency’s board. Whistleblower Jasmine Battle reported these activities and was allegedly retaliated against after coming forward.\n\nThe DOJ must fully investigate all potentially involved parties, review whether additional charges are warranted, and ensure strong protections for whistleblowers exposing corruption within our federal government.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://lynch.house.gov/2026/5/rep-stephen-f-lynch-introduces-legislation-to-protect-mail-in-voting-against-unlawful-trump-interference", "title": "Rep. Stephen F. Lynch Introduces Legislation to Protect Mail-in Voting Against Unlawful Trump Interference", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lynch.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lynch.house.gov", "scraper": "lynch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000562", "name": "Stephen F. Lynch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Lynch Introduces Legislation to Protect Mail-in Voting Against Unlawful Trump Interference\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) introduced the Vote by Mail Protection Act (H.R. 8666) to protect the right of Americans to vote by mail against unlawful executive overreach by President Trump. This legislation will invalidate the executive order recently issued by President Trump that would severely restrict mail-in voting. The bill will also prohibit the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to implement the order.\n\nAfter casting a mail-in ballot himself in a Florida special election in March, President Trump promptly issued Executive Order 14399 to prevent other Americans from also voting by mail. In violation of constitutional provisions that clearly vest the sole power to regulate federal elections in the individual states, the order transfers control over voting eligibility and mail-in voting regulations to the Executive Branch. It also forces the non-partisan, independent United States Postal Service to exceed its traditional public service mission by directing the agency to determine which mail-in votes will be counted and refuse the delivery of any ballot cast by otherwise eligible voters if they are not named on newly created federal voter lists.\n\n“While President Trump continues to propagate false claims about “the mail-in ballot hoax” and how “elections can never be honest with mail-in ballots/voting,” his unlawful executive order will actually undermine election integrity by disenfranchising senior citizens, veterans, overseas service members, disabled voters, and other American citizens who rely on mail-in voting to exercise their fundamental right to vote,” said Congressman Lynch. “The Vote by Mail Protection Act will invalidate this latest illegal action by President Trump to rewrite election rules for political purposes and ensure that eligible Americans can cast their ballots by mail - just like he regularly does,” added Congressman Lynch.\n\nAs a member of the House Democratic Litigation Task Force, Congressman Lynch is also working with fellow Members of Congress to challenge the executive order in federal court on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and will disenfranchise senior citizens, veterans, overseas service members, and other eligible voters. He is supporting litigation brought by state officials, civil rights organizations, pro-democracy advocates, and other voting rights stakeholders who have filed suit to block the executive order. Congressman Lynch supported previous litigation, which challenged a 2025 Trump executive order that similarly sought to change state election procedures, leading a federal judge to permanently invalidate key sections and find that the “President has no relevant constitutional power on which to rely.”\n\nThe Vote by Mail Protection Act is endorsed by Public Citizen, the National Association of Letter Carriers, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, and the National Association of Postal Supervisors.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the Vote by Mail Protection Act include Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Robert Garcia (CA), Congressional Postal Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL) and Chris Pappas (NH), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA).\n\nRead the text of the Vote by Mail Protection Acthere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-crockett-and-ramirez-call-for-investigation-demand-faa-stop-helping-ice-hide-secret-ghost-flights", "title": "Menendez, Crockett, and Ramirez Call for Investigation, Demand FAA Stop Helping ICE Hide Secret “Ghost Flights”", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressmembers Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03) are leading a group of 32 colleagues in demanding that the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) work with Congress to stop allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) to hide deportation flights from the public.\n\nThe Representatives expressed alarm that ICE is misusing the FAA’s Limiting Aircraft Data Displayed (“LADD”) program—a privacy tool meant for private, non-commercial aircraft—to keep ICE’s deportation flights secret from both the public and Congress. The letter also raised alarms regarding inhumane conditions on these flights, particularly concerning the use of full body restraints such as the WRAP for prolonged periods of time and the lack of evacuation plans for individuals in restraints.\n\n“ICE operates in near secrecy, avoiding congressional oversight and making it almost impossible for families to track their loved ones and our casework teams to track our constituents and give them the help they need,” said Congressman Menendez. “We are demanding the FAA work with Congress to expose ICE’s abuse of FAA programs and safety conditions on board deportation flights because our neighbors deserve to feel safe and be treated with basic decency.”\n\n“Immigration enforcement agencies should not be able to operate in the shadows while families are left searching for answers about their loved ones,” said Congresswoman Crockett. “Earlier this year, I introduced the TRACK ICE Act to crack down on these so-called ‘ghost flights’ and restore transparency and accountability to immigration enforcement operations. Reports of ICE abusing FAA privacy programs to shield deportation flights from public scrutiny — alongside deeply disturbing accounts of inhumane conditions on these flights — demand immediate oversight and answers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in demanding answers from the FAA and pushing for greater transparency and accountability in these operations.”\n\n“There are so many painful examples of DHS’s abuses and brutality that cannot be refuted. The reported use of cruel and inhumane tools -- like the Wrap -- to oppress, torture, and injure immigrants during flights should've raised alarms all over the Federal Aviation Authority,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “As members of Congress, it is our obligation to conduct oversight, especially when other agencies and departments turn a blind eye to violations of our rights that put us all at risk.”\n\n“Since President Trump took office in January 2025, we have seen a drastic increase in ICE’s air operations. From January 20 to December 31, 2025, deportation flights increased by 84 percent compared to the same period in 2024, largely due to IAO’s expansion of subcontracted charter flights carried out by companies such as GlobalX, Eastern Air Express, Avelo Airlines, World Atlantic, Eastern Air, OMNI Air, Kaiser, and Key Lime Air,” the Members wrote. “This intentional shift towards industrialized, large-scale deportation through a network of private contractors makes accountability increasingly difficult to enforce. Concerningly, information regarding these flights is nearly impossible to find, which undermines congressional oversight and prevents the public from understanding the scope and conditions of these flights.”\n\n“These concerns are compounded by numerous accounts of inhumane and inadequate safety conditions on IAO flights, including prolonged restraint, inadequate access to food and water, lack of medical care, and unsanitary environments,” the members continued.\n\n“ICE’s deportation flight program underpins the Trump Administration’s aggressive and dangerous enforcement agenda,” the Members concluded. “The FAA has an obligation to ensure these operations do not occur beyond the reach of safety standards, transparency, and accountability. We urge you to swiftly bring these operations into the light and work with Congress to ensure oversight of ICE’s air operations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”\n\nThe Members are demanding answers to specific and detailed questions which can be viewed in the letter.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=311", "title": "ICYMI: Indiana Rep. Mark Messmer in the Washington Examiner: “Southern Indiana Mining is Powering American Prosperity”", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "messmer.house.gov", "scraper": "messmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001233", "name": "Mark B. Messmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Indiana Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) was recently featured in the Washington Examiner with an op-ed highlighting the importance of southern Indiana’s mining industry, mine safety, workforce development, and American energy independence.\n\nIn the piece, Rep. Messmer discusses Indiana’s role as one of the nation’s leading coal-producing states and the vital contributions Hoosier miners make to powering the American economy and supporting the nation’s industrial base.\n\nRep. Messmer additionally highlighted the importance of workforce development and modern mining education programs at schools like the Vincennes University Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, the location of the House Education and Workforce Committee’s field hearing in Fort Branch, Indiana.\n\nRead the full text of the Washington Examiner op-ed at the link here or below.\n\n###\n\nSouthern Indiana mining is powering American prosperity\n\nBy Rep. Mark Messmer\n\nIn Indiana, we are familiar with the important impact of the mining industry. We rank among the top 10 coal-producing states, and the industry contributes over $750 million annually to the Hoosier economy. We are proud that our miners play a pivotal role in our economy, as well as in America’s national security, by helping power the United States industrial base each and every day.\n\nThe stark reality is that the mining industry is not just a crucial source of energy, but also an important job producer in this country, powered by the strength and hard work of American laborers.\n\nThe mining industry powers our country’s energy grid, contributes to critical infrastructure needs, and secures the raw materials that keep our economy thriving and competitive. But the real measure of its success is not how much product is produced, but rather the health and safety of the miners who put their lives on the line each day. This requires workplace protections and safety standards to be observed with the utmost intensity.\n\nThe Mine Safety and Health Administration, or MSHA, helps ensure the rules and regulations protecting miners are properly followed. Through regular inspections, updated safety standards, and consistent enforcement, MSHA works to ensure no corners are cut and no precautions are ignored.\n\nHowever, the best ideas and solutions should not come from someone sitting behind a desk in Washington, D.C., but rather from those in the field who have firsthand experience with what can go wrong, why it happens, and how injuries can be prevented. MSHA collaborates with miners, operators, engineers, and industry leaders who all bring important perspectives to the table.\n\nUnfortunately, that kind of balance and teamwork was missing from some recent agency decisions. The Biden-Harris administration’s 2024 silica rule was intended to address a real concern shared by everyone involved, protecting miners from harmful dust exposure. But the way this rule was written and implemented failed to achieve its intended goals.\n\nInstead of embracing practical solutions like job rotation or flexible compliance strategies, the rule imposed rigid, one-size-fits-all requirements that have created unnecessary burdens for miners and operators alike. In fact, it resulted in costly overreach and unnecessary redundancy.\n\nWe should not have to choose between protecting workers and preserving livelihoods. We can do both, but only by creating policies grounded in reality, not radical ideology.\n\nThe House Education and Workforce Committee is holding a field hearing right here in southern Indiana at the Vincennes University Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, a school that trains the next generation of miners.\n\nAt the hearing, we will present the facts about mining and allow experts to answer questions and explain the work being done to protect workers and strengthen the industry. Members of Congress participating in the event will also have the opportunity to step into a mine simulator on campus and tour the Peabody Mine in Francisco, Indiana.\n\nToday’s miners are highly trained operators of advanced technological systems and intricate equipment. Virtual reality training tools, simulation-based learning, and continuous reskilling are essential to keeping workers safe and providing hands-on experience in a secure environment while they learn their trade.\n\nAmerica’s miners deserve nothing less than our full commitment to their safety. That means strong and effective oversight from MSHA, smart policies that balance innovation with practicality, and a continued focus on training and workforce development.\n\nWith this practical approach, we can ensure we are doing everything possible to educate the next generation of mining engineers, protect good-paying jobs, and grow an industry that remains vital to the prosperity of the United States of America.\n\nMark Messmer is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Indiana’s 8th Congressional District.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405688", "title": "Griffith to Support Slain Ninth District Officer, Statement on National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The United States of America observes National Police Week from May 10, 2026, through May 16, 2026. As part of the weeklong observance, officers killed in the line of duty will be honored. This includes Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Jeremy Hall, who was killed by an inmate attack in November 2025. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“Officer Hall served the River North Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, with professionalism, integrity and courage. Ninth District communities and Virginia law enforcement continue to grieve his tragic loss and honor his service.\n\n“In DC this week, Congress will vote on a resolution that memorializes Officer Hall and all law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. Their names will also be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, where Officer Hall’s contributions to the Virginia Department of Corrections and his local communities will be forever honored.\n\n“The Ninth District of Virginia is served by dedicated law enforcement professionals. They meet a variety of challenges, support safe communities and work for our protection. On this National Police Week, I thank Ninth District law enforcement officers and their families for their sacrifices.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongressman Griffith’s Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record that honors Officer Hall can be found here.\n\nThis week, the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on a series of bills to honor and help law enforcement agencies:\n\n- H.R. 5625 – Cashless Bail Reporting Act\n\n- H.R. 6260 – Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025\n\n- H. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers (Rep. Griffith is original co-sponsor of resolution)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://neal.house.gov/2026/05/11/neal-requests-gao-report-on-private-credit-in-retirement-plans/", "title": "Neal Requests GAO Report on Private Credit in Retirement Plans", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "neal.house.gov", "scraper": "neal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000015", "name": "Richard E. Neal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC— As alternative investment vehicles become more readily available, Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) review the impact that investing in private credit has on retirement plans. While the Administration rolls more regulations back on investments historically associated with wealthier investors, Neal is fighting to ensure American workers’ best interests are at front of mind, not Wall Street’s pockets.\n\n“Because private credit operates outside of the relatively strict and transparent regulation of public credit and banking regulations, we have concerns about the reliability of valuations for these assets and the exposure of plan participants’ retirement savings to an unknown level of risk, Ranking Member Neal wrote to GAO. “Given the significant responsibility that plans and plan participants face in selecting investment options to grow and safeguard their retirement savings, and the known and unknown risks of investing in private credit, we would like GAO to answer the following questions.”\n\nRanking Member Neal has been out front in the fight to protect retirement savings. In 2024, GAO released a similar report requested by Neal that analyzed the impact of cryptocurrency in 401(K) plans.\n\nRead the request to GAO HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/11/house-to-consider-nunn-resolution-honoring-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week/", "title": "House to Consider Nunn Resolution Honoring Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives is set to consider a resolution led by Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) expressing support for the men and women of law enforcement and rejecting policies that put officers and the communities they serve at greater risk.\n\n“Iowa’s sheriffs, deputies, and officers run toward danger every day to keep families safe across our communities,” said Rep. Nunn. “No matter the situation, they answer the call, and they deserve both recognition and support from Congress.”\n\nLaw enforcement officers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country. According to the FBI, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers were assaulted in the line of duty in 2024, the highest rate in a decade. Departments are also stretched thin by a deepening recruitment and retention crisis. In a 2024 International Association of Chiefs of Police survey of more than 1,150 agencies, 65% reported being forced to cut services or eliminate specialized units because of staffing shortages, up from just 25% in 2019. Across Iowa and the country, that means fewer officers on patrol and slower response times for the families who depend on them.\n\n“As proud as I am of the bipartisan solutions we’ve led to increase funding for local departments in Iowa, I’m equally concerned by the rhetoric and actions of some on the far-left who make law enforcement’s job harder,” continued Rep. Nunn. “From calls to defund the police to sanctuary policies that block local officers from cooperating with federal authorities, these decisions put the lives of officers and local communities in harm’s way. This Police Week, the House has a chance to make clear that we stand with the men and women in uniform, and against the rhetoric and policies that put them at risk.”\n\nThe resolution expresses Congress’s appreciation for the men and women of law enforcement and recognizes the sacrifices they make to protect and serve. It also brings attention to the daily acts of service that go beyond an officer’s typical law enforcement duties and frequently go unrecognized. The resolution is set to be considered on the floor of the House this week during National Police Week, which runs May 11–17.\n\nText of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/11/nunn-secures-2-million-investment-to-modernize-dmacc-campus-and-expand-workforce-training/", "title": "Nunn Secures $2 Million Investment to Modernize DMACC Campus and Expand Workforce Training", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“As Iowa’s economy evolves, our classrooms and training programs need to evolve with it,” said Rep. Nunn. “Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, transportation, or public safety, this investment will help equip the next generation of Iowa workers with the skills, hands-on training, and career pathways Iowa employers need filled right now.”\n\nRep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The award, funded through Economic Development Initiatives, will support construction of a new 120,000-square-foot academic facility on DMACC’s Ankeny campus.\n\nOnce complete, the new facility will replace aging academic buildings that are more than 50 years old with modern classrooms, upgraded technology, and dedicated workforce training space designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. The project will expand capacity in critical fields, including manufacturing, transportation, and public safety, while also enhancing student support services and creating more opportunities for career-connected learning.\n\nThis investment builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader efforts to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline and expand access to career and technical education opportunities across the state. In 2024, Rep. Nunn secured a $1 million federal investment for DMACC’s Transportation Institute Education Center to help train the next generation of CDL drivers and address workforce shortages in Iowa’s transportation industry.\n\nRep. Nunn is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act, legislation crafted to expand apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers.\n\n“Our new, $34-million facility marks a powerful investment in opportunity, in innovation, and in the skilled hands that build and power our communities,” said Dr. Liang Chee Wee, Interim President & CEO, DMACC. “Our students represent the next generation of professionals who will keep our economy running. This facility will give them the learning opportunities they deserve to rise to the challenge in their respective fields. We are thankful to Representative Zach Nunn for securing funding for this important project.”\n\n“This facility is more than just infrastructure; it is a premier training hub designed to sharpen student skills through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Jenny Foster, Executive Academic Dean for Manufacturing, Engineering, & Transportation, DMACC. “By investing in these modern, real-world learning spaces, we are ensuring our workforce is prepared to meet the demands of industry and build a stronger economic future for our entire community.”\n\n“This investment is not just about a building. It is about responding to the community needs of medical and emergency services across the state,” said Dr. Jeannie McCarville-Kerver, Executive Academic Dean for Health Science & Fitness and Public & Community Services Pathways, DMACC. “This building will have advanced simulation labs and modern training environments that mirror the real emergencies our responders face every day. With expanded space and updated technology, we can train more students, more efficiently, and more effectively than ever before.”\n\n“For companies like Ruan, the fields that this center will support — diesel, HVAC, building trades, and fire science — support the infrastructure, transportation, and services that businesses across Iowa rely on every day,” said Brad Gehring, Vice President, Procurement & Asset Management, Ruan Transportation Management Systems. “This center will strengthen the connection between education and workforce needs, and that benefits students, employers, and Iowa’s economy. Representative Nunn’s work to secure this $2 million investment reflects the kind of practical support that helps communities grow and industries stay competitive.”\n\n“The need for a state-of-the-art facility to train future firefighters and EMS providers is evident,” said Jonathan Lund, Fire Chief, Des Moines Fire Department. “The growth that the Des Moines metro has experienced has been rapid, and the demand for high-quality candidates to apply for jobs in the fire and EMS sector will only continue to increase.”\n\n“Congressman Nunn’s commitment to Iowa’s workforce, this community, and to DMACC specifically has been unwavering, and today is a direct result of his hard work on our behalf. Congressman Nunn, we are truly grateful,” said Mark Holm, Polk County Supervisor.\n\n“Thank you to Congressman Nunn for securing this $2 million grant for DMACC and Iowa’s future workforce,” said Jill Altringer, Polk County Supervisor. “DMACC plays a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers that keep our communities and economy moving forward. This new academic facility will give the next generation of Iowa workers the modern classrooms, technology, and hands-on training opportunities they need to succeed.”\n\nThe project has received strong support from workforce partners, employers, community leaders, and education advocates across central Iowa. Construction is expected to support DMACC’s long-term campus modernization efforts through 2030.\n\nPhotos of the press conference are available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1721", "title": "Reps. Pettersen, Gottheimer Introduce “Feed Our Kids Act” to Fight Farm Bill Cuts to School Meals for Hungry Children", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Darren Soto (FL-09) introduced the Feed Our Kids Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snacks to every student in K-12 public schools in Colorado and across the country.\n\nThis legislation comes as House Democrats sounded the alarm on the devastating nutrition cuts jammed through by House Republicans in the Farm Bill last week. This Republican-led bill would lock in cuts to critical funding for school meals, SNAP, and local food programs that threaten to push hundreds of thousands of students into hunger.\n\nAs a state legislator, Pettersen sponsored the referred measure that voters passed to create the Colorado Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program, which provides funding to schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in public schools. Colorado’s HSMA program provides over 600,000 free meals daily and has improved meal quality while supporting local agriculture and farmers.\n\n“Making sure every kid has access to a healthy meal at school reduces costs for families and ensures that every student has the ability to grow and thrive,” said Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen. “We’ve seen the impact free school meals have in Colorado, and we know this bill is a critical step toward supporting our families, both in and out of the classroom.”\n\n“You can’t propel a rocket without fuel. The same goes for a growing student,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “Too many children in New Jersey are still showing up to school every morning with the tank reading empty. In the greatest country in the world, it is simply unacceptable that one in seven children in our state faces food insecurity. The Feed Our Kids Act will change that — no stigma, no bureaucracy, no child left hungry.”\n\nMore than forty-seven million people in the United States face hunger. One in four Americans report skipping meals because they simply cannot afford their grocery bills. Research shows that students who eat breakfast and lunch perform better in the classroom, have stronger memory recall, are less likely to be absent or repeat a grade, and have fewer behavioral and attention problems. Students who are properly nourished also have healthier lifelong diets and are less susceptible to obesity-related health issues. Additionally, studies show that addressing hunger reduces violent crime, making communities safer and stronger.\n\nSpecifically, The Feed Our Kids Act would:\n\nProvide free breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snacks to every student in K-12 public schools across America.\n\nEliminate unpaid meal debt from schools and remove burdensome application paperwork for qualifying families.\n\nEnsure meals are nutritious and locally sourced when possible.\n\nExtend meal access during summer break and sudden school closures so no child’s nutrition falls through the cracks.\n\nEliminate the stigma associated with means-tested meal programs by making access universal.\n\nProvide Congress with a report on the impacts of free school meals and provide recommendations to ensure that schools are using nutritious meals that are locally sourced from farmers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6069", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR PEDRO “PETE” ENCARNACION", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 11, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR PEDRO “PETE” ENCARNACION\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Pedro \"Pete\" Encarnacion:\n\n\"I was saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Pete Encarnacion. He was a man of deep faith and genuine kindness with a dedication to service in our community. Raised in a strong family with deep Virgin Islands roots, Pete was someone who showed up, served, and gave everything he had to the people of St. Croix.\n\n\"His life was one of dedication across every role he took on. He rose through the ranks of the Virgin Islands Fire Service from firefighter to director and brought a genuine love of community to every assignment. As a senator in the 26th Legislature, he chaired the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice at a time when gun violence was ravaging our communities. He answered that moment with the same calm, steady resolve that defined everything he did.\n\n\"Pete was a dedicated public servant, a devoted husband and father, and by every account, a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and an open heart. The Virgin Islands is better for his service.\n\n\"My prayers and deepest condolences go to his wife Janie, his children, Kimberly and Khyle, and the many lives he touched.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2012", "title": "Congresswoman Scanlon Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Chester, PA — Congresswoman Scanlon (PA-05) today announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition following a reception on Saturday, May 2 to honor PA-05 high school art students. This year’s national theme was “Celebrating America 250” to honor our nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary.\n\nPhotos from this event are available here for media use.\n\nThe Congressional Art Competition is an annual art competition open to students in grades 9 to 12 who reside in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District. Participating students are offered the opportunity to showcase their talent by submitting original artwork for a district-wide competition. The winning artwork hangs in the U.S. Capitol complex for a full year.\n\n“Every year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition to view our community through the eyes of our student constituents,” said Rep. Scanlon. “As we prepare to celebrate our country’s semiquincentennial, I was impressed with our student artists’ personal, cultural, and social expression in relation to the theme. I look forward to seeing this year’s winning piece by Erin Griffis displayed in the Cannon Tunnel later this summer.”\n\nA panel of volunteer judges scored submissions for originality, craftsmanship, use of elements of art, and use of principles of design in 4 categories: painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media.\n\nThis year’s best in show was awarded to Erin Griffis from Sun Valley High School for her photograph, “Tears of the Flag.”\n\nIn addition to her artistic prowess, Erin Griffis also serves her community as a volunteer firefighter in Aston. Upon graduation, Erin will be apprenticing with Steamfitters Local 420 in Philadelphia.\n\nAdditional category winners are as follows:\n\nPainting:\n\nParis Wing, Sun Valley High School\n\nDrawing:\n\nMelanie Zhu, Radnor High School\n\nPhotography:\n\nErin Griffis, Sun Valley High School\n\nMixed Media:\n\nZakiyah Sanyeneh, Sun Valley High School\n\nSpecial Prize: Staff Selection:\n\nMelissa Okine, Sun Valley High School\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/5/rep-sewell-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-allowing-alabama-to-proceed-with-suppressing-black-representation", "title": "Rep. Sewell Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Alabama to Proceed with Suppressing Black Representation", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing the State of Alabama to proceed with suppressing Black representation:\n\n\"Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to allow Alabama to move forward with its discriminatory congressional map is a stunning departure from legal precedent and another direct attack on Black voters in Alabama.\n\n\"Let’s be clear. Alabama lawmakers intentionally discriminated against Black voters in drawing the 2023 map. A federal district court said so. The Supreme Court said so. Yet now, in this stunning reversal, the Court’s right-wing majority has completely ignored its previous rulings in order to give state officials the green light to suppress Black representation in Alabama. Moreover, the Court has injected needless chaos and confusion into an election that has already begun while rewarding state officials who openly defied court orders in bad faith.\n\n\"This fight is not over. Black Alabamians have fought too hard and sacrificed too much to be dragged backward by extremist politicians and an activist Court. Black voters make up nearly one-third of Alabama's electorate and we deserve no less than two seats where we can select a candidate of our choice. We are not going back!\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2039", "title": "Congressman Van Drew Introduces Bill to Suspend Federal Gas Tax", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced he is introducing legislation to suspend the federal gas tax for 18 months to lower costs for American families. The bill would eliminate the current federal fuel taxes, including 18.3 cents per gallon on gasoline, 24.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel and kerosene, and 19.3 cents per gallon on aviation gasoline. After 18 months, the taxes would gradually phase back in slowly instead of returning all at once.\n\n\"Americans are paying too much for gas right now, and the federal government can help relieve some of that pressure,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"My bill would completely suspend the federal fuel taxes for 18 months, so people are no longer paying those extra taxes per gallon every time they fill up their tank. That money adds up fast for families commuting to work or anyone who depends on their car every single day. This would put money back into people's pockets immediately. After 18 months, the taxes would slowly phase back in over time instead of hitting people all at once again.\n\n\"While we can address the federal gas tax in Congress, New Jersey's gas tax is controlled by the governor and state leaders. New Jersey drivers are paying roughly 49 cents per gallon in state gas taxes on top of everything else. I am calling on Governor Sherrill to suspend the state gas tax in a similar structure. Working families need real relief, and they need it now.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/11/vindman-announces-winners-of-2026-congressional-art-competition/", "title": "Vindman Announces Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman Joins National Capital Region Democrats in Condemning Relocation of USDA’s Food Assistance Employees\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Suhas Subramanyam...\n\nVindman Joins Bipartisan Effort to Honor America’s Public Servants\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined 62 Members of Congress in...\n\nVindman, Ryan Introduce Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Service Members, Veterans, & Military Families\n\nThe MISSION Rx Act Would Reduce Spending on Prescription Drugs for Service Members and Their Families While Saving...\n\nVindman Leads Bipartisan Effort to Ban U.S. Service Members from Using Prediction Markets to Bet on National Security Matters\n\nVindman's Effort Follows the Arrest of a U.S. Special Operations Soldier Charged with Using Classified Information...\n\nVindman Introduces Bill to Keep Working Families from Footing the Bill for Billionaire’s Private Jets\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Kristen...\n\nVindman: “Reopening the Federal Government was Long Overdue”\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) today released the following statement...\n\nVindman Votes ‘No’ on Farm Bill That Makes Life Harder and More Expensive for Farmers & Families\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), member of the U.S. House Agriculture...\n\nVindman Votes Against Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Reauthorization\n\nVindman: “Under leadership that respects norms and the rule of law, my vote would have been different.” ...\n\nVindman, DeLauro, Casar Introduce Legislation to Support Student Loan Borrowers\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Rosa...\n\nVindman Joins 12 Members in Calling for Immediate Investigation into Force Protection Failures That Led to the Deaths of Six U.S. Service Members in Kuwait\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today joined 12 of his fellow House Democratic...\n\nVindman Joins 14 Members in Demanding Swift Investigations into Misconduct by Members of Congress\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today joined 14 of his fellow House Democratic...", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/11/vindman-joins-national-capital-region-democrats-in-condemning-relocation-of-usdas-food-assistance-employees/", "title": "Vindman Joins National Capital Region Democrats in Condemning Relocation of USDA’s Food Assistance Employees", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10), Don Beyer (VA-08), Steny Hoyer (Md.-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Glenn Ivey (Md.-04), April McClain Delaney (Md.-06), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-07), Jamie Raskin (Md.-08), and James Walkinshaw (Va.-11) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a reorganization that would move most employees who work in food assistance and nutrition programs out of the National Capital Region (NCR):\n\n“With only 30 days notice, the Trump Administration decided to attack federal employees, their families, and make it harder to administer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food assistance programs. To be clear: this is a mass layoff and illegal reorganization under the guise of a relocation.\n\n“This administration is also intentionally forcing hardworking and experienced USDA employees to choose between losing their careers in the midst of mass federal layoffs or moving their entire family across the country during the school year and uprooting their lives at a time of rising inflation.\n\n“In one swift move, the Administration is undercutting food assistance, food safety, and farmers. This will make every single American less healthy and less safe. It will also increase food and healthcare costs on every single American.\n\n“We saw this exact move before in 2019 with other USDA offices, and it was a disaster. It resulted in serious brain drain, reduced morale, and draconian cuts to programs that the American people rely on.\n\n“It’s clear this is also another targeted and cynical Republican attack on SNAP from millions of Americans. Make no mistake – this is not about government efficiency, it is not about optimizing services for the American people, and it is not about maximizing the use of taxpayer dollars. It is the latest in a long series of attempts by this administration to break the spirits of federal public servants and disrupt the delivery of crucial services to the American people.\n\n“In short, this move will be a disaster. We will do everything we can to fight it and eventually reverse it.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nOn April 30, 2026, USDA announced the relocations of SNAP to Indianapolis, the Child Nutrition Programs to Dallas, the Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs to Kansas City, research programs to Raleigh, Emergency Management and Continuity of Operations to Denver, and retailer operations and compliance will spread across offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York City.\n\nThese changes are part of a larger USDA reorganization plan announced in July 2025 that would move most of the Department’s NCR staff to five regional hubs. In the announcement, USDA stated that they expected to move 2,300 USDA jobs out of the NCR. Other affected agencies include the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service.\n\nDuring the first Trump administration, the USDA relocated both the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of these relocations found that they had significant impacts on both agencies’ staffing and productivity, including:\n\nThe loss of over a third of each agency’s permanent full-time staff following the announcement of the relocation in 2018.\n\nA significant loss of experience, with staff with more than two years of experience declining from 83% of both agencies’ combined workforces in 2018 to 27% in 2021.\n\nDeclines in productivity, with ERS issuing fewer key reports and NIFA taking over a month longer to process and fund competitive grants in 2019.\n\nGAO also found that USDA did not follow many leading practices for agency relocations, including a failure to consult with its employees at any point during the process and the exclusion of several key variables, including employee attrition, in its economic analysis to support the relocations. Both agencies made positive improvements in these areas under the Biden administration, but the damage had already been done and many experienced, dedicated federal workers were essentially removed from their jobs.\n\nIn March 2025, the members introduced the Cost of Relocations Act, led by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), to fight back against President Trump’s relentless effort to relocate federal agencies and decimate their workforces. The legislation would require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress in order to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agency’s mission.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3496", "title": "Wasserman Schultz Convenes Floridians, Small Business Owners to Sound the Alarm on Affordability", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Pembroke Pines, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened residents and small business owners to share how high gas, grocery and housing costs continue to hurt South Florida families and small business owners, as Republicans plan to return to Washington this week to seek billions of taxpayer dollars to fund cruel mass deportations by ICE and a Trump ballroom.\n\nWatch the livestream here. Backup video can be found here.\n\nWhen she last highlighted this problem, a gallon of regular unleaded in Florida was $4.16. Just a month later, that price surged to nearly $4.50 per gallon, an eight percent increase.\n\nDuring the press conference, Wasserman Schultz expressed support for the Gas Price Relief Act, which would suspend the 18.4-cent federal gas tax whenever the national average price of gas exceeds $4 per gallon and fully offset the lost revenue by redirecting roughly $30 billion in existing federal oil and gas subsidies into the fund.\n\nShe also expressed support for the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which would bar transmission providers and for-profit utilities from requiring consumers to pay for private jet rides, lobbying, and contributions to politicians, and it sets a national standard for a reasonable ‘Return on Equity,’ to clamp down on for-profit utilities charging consumers unreasonable rates.\n\n“Americans struggle to afford food, gas, and healthcare, but Republicans ask taxpayers to pay $1 billion for a Trump ballroom,” said Wasserman Schultz. “With just the $210 billion that Republicans are gifting ICE and Border Patrol, we could extend the health care premium tax credits for at least 6 years, reverse the SNAP cuts from the Big Ugly Bill, fund a decade of free preschool for 4-year-olds, and fund the National School Lunch Program for a decade. We could fund Head Start for more than 15 years, we can restore the clean energy tax credits Republicans cut last year and expand rental and home buying assistance. That’s how you lower costs for South Florida families.”\n\nWasserman Schultz was joined by Vannuchi Brothers Pizza owner Michael Reiter, LifeNet4Families employee and single mother Renae Cameron, and retiree and mother of a son with autism Elaine Terner.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://whitesides.house.gov/2026/05/11/rep-whitesides-introduces-legislation-to-protect-the-santa-clarita-valley-from-mining-impacts/", "title": "Rep. Whitesides Introduces Legislation to Protect the Santa Clarita Valley from Mining Impacts", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://whitesides.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "whitesides.house.gov", "scraper": "whitesides", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000830", "name": "George Whitesides", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. George Whitesides introduced the Containing Effects of Mining Extraction (CEMEx) Act, which would address the potential harms caused by large-scale mining operations near populated areas.\n\nCemex, a building materials company headquartered in Mexico, purchased mining rights in Santa Clarita in 1990, sparking outrage from the surrounding community. Their planned Santa Clarita mine could cause additional noise, water, and air pollution in the city, as construction and operation would use a significant amount of water and resources.\n\nRep. Whitesides’ legislation would create new federal standards for mining extraction projects, requiring a series of assessments, management, and conservation plans before construction could be approved. It would directly address the community’s concerns and ensure any potential mine is developed responsibly and with input from impacted residents.\n\n“We expect a level of transparency when it comes to major developments and construction projects that will impact the surrounding community, and Santa Clarita residents deserve to know how their lives will be affected by Cemex’s proposed mining operation,” said Rep. Whitesides. “My bill will ensure that their plan – and any other future developments – will not disrupt local roads and pollute essential waterways that communities depend on. In Congress, I’ll keep pushing to make sure residents in our area are heard, for this and any future mining operations.”\n\n“The City of Santa Clarita has advocated for over three decades to protect Soledad Canyon from a proposed large-scale mining project,” said Mayor Laurene Weste of Santa Clarita. “The ‘Containing Effects of Mineral Extraction Act of 2026,’ is a critical piece of legislation to that effort, establishing a set of new federal requirements for mining contractors that have projects within a close proximity to cities or areas of critical environmental concern. I commend Congressman Whitesides for his work on this legislation and prioritizing such an important issue for those living in the Santa Clarita Valley. I remain committed in our fight to protect our vast open space areas, natural resources, and wildlife corridors that have become synonymous with who we are as a City. I look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman and the rest of our federal delegation to ultimately secure enactment of this critically important legislation.”\n\n“In the mid-1980’s, the State of California designated a corridor following the Santa Clara River Watershed as a Regionally Significant Construction Aggregate Resource Area setting the stage for what has become the biggest environmental and political challenge the Santa Clarita Valley has ever encountered,” said Andrew G. Fried President of Safe Action for the Environment (SAFE). “In 1991 Transit Mixed Concrete Company (TMC) now CEMEX, executed two ten-year contracts with the Bureau of Land Management to mine 56.1 million tons of sand and gravel over a 460 acre site and an additional forty acres for concrete processing facilities. U.S. Congressman George Whitesides, Agua Dulce (CA-27th District) understands the extensive problems with the project including significant air quality and major traffic issues, combined with water requirements created by mining in the middle of a drought affected growing community. Therefore, SAFE appreciates and fully supports the new legislation introduced by Congressman Whitesides designed to protect the health and well-being of the entire Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities.”\n\nThe Containing Effects of Mining Extraction (CEMEx) Act will:\n\nRequire companies to work with state and local agencies on a haul route impact assessment and trip management plan.\n\nMandate that companies measure ways in which hauling could negatively impact the environment through debris and emissions.\n\nOrder the creation of a water use and conservation plan which ensures a “net-zero” water impact on the local community.\n\nEnsure that applicants demonstrate they will implement submitted plans, coordinate with local governments in good faith, and obtain the necessary water rights.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-baldwin-kelly-young-scott-call-on-trump-to-stand-up-to-china-and-prioritize-us-shipbuilding-at-summit-with-president-xi", "title": "Senators Baldwin, Kelly, Young, Scott Call on Trump to Stand Up to China and Prioritize U.S. Shipbuilding at Summit with President Xi", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Todd Young (R-IN) and Tim Scott (R-SC) are calling on President Donald Trump to prioritize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and to not offer concessions to China in his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over the last twenty years, China has become the dominant shipbuilding force globally through unfair trade practices, decimating the U.S. shipbuilding industry and hurting American workers, companies, and communities. The Senators are pushing the President to hold China accountable for their cheating in the upcoming negotiations, help reverse the losses felt, and level the playing field for American workers.\n\n“The United States is at an inflection point and cannot cede additional ground to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC’s decades-long effort to decimate American shipbuilding as part of their effort to position themselves as the dominant global shipbuilding power affords them no grace or opportunity for compromise,” wrote the Senators in a letter to President Trump. “We urge you to stand strong during these negotiations as we work together to enact trade remedies and advance the SHIPS for America Act to level the playing field and create a strong commercial and military shipbuilding ecosystem in the United States. We urge you to prioritize America’s maritime industry and its workers during this summit, and we stand ready to support these goals through legislation.”\n\nThe Senators note that China has used unfair trade tactics, including subsidies and non-market practices, to dominate the global shipbuilding industry while weakening American shipyards over the past two decades. China now receives more than 60 percent of global commercial shipbuilding orders, while the United States lags behind several other countries in ship production. The Senators note that China’s unfair dominance threatens good paying jobs and local economies across the country, in addition to American national security.\n\n“These U.S. shipyards and their suppliers are major employers that provide a pathway to the middle class through good-paying and often union jobs and keep the knowledge and skill to build vessels used for military purposes and to carry goods around the world made in America. We must hold China accountable and reverse the loss felt over the last two decades to stand up for the hardworking Americans employed in the shipbuilding industry, those who serve in the military branches that need these vessels, and who live in communities supported by these jobs,” the Senators continued.\n\nSenator Baldwin continues to be a leading voice in revitalizing the shipbuilding industry and leveling the playing field for Wisconsin workers. Last December, Baldwin led a bipartisan group of her colleagues in calling on Donald Trump to strengthen and revitalize the Great Lakes shipbuilding industry. Baldwin also joined her colleagues in introducing the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, bipartisan, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. Baldwin led her Senate colleagues in pushing both President Biden and President Trump to investigate and crack down on China’s unfair trade practices in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.\n\nFull text of this letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write in advance of your planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to underscore the importance of this moment in our shared goal of revitalizing domestic shipbuilding and the broader American maritime industry. The United States is at an inflection point and cannot cede additional ground to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC’s decades-long effort to decimate American shipbuilding as part of their effort to position themselves as the dominant global shipbuilding power affords them no grace or opportunity for compromise. We urge you to stand strong during these negotiations as we work together to enact trade remedies and advance the SHIPS for America Act to level the playing field and create a strong commercial and military shipbuilding ecosystem in the United States. We urge you to prioritize America’s maritime industry and its workers during this summit, and we stand ready to support these goals through legislation.\n\nIn your conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, we encourage you to keep in mind the significant lack of fairness at play and action needed to level the playing field and deliver for American workers and American shipyards. Over the last twenty years, the PRC has successfully executed a comprehensive strategy to significantly diminish the shipbuilding industry in the United States and become the dominant shipbuilding force globally. In 2025, China once again dominated the world’s commercial shipbuilding orders, with more than 60 percent of all orders going to China, 16 percent to South Korea, and 9 percent to Japan. In contrast, the United States produced fewer ships than China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Italy, and Germany. This drastic difference in capacity is a result of the PRC’s anti-competitive practices to gain an advantage in shipbuilding through unfair and discriminatory tactics, such as government subsidies and favorable loans from PRC-operated banks. According to USTR's Section 301 Investigation’s findings, the non-market excess capacity in China’s steel sector significantly contributes to the price competitiveness of PRC-made vessels, and there are instances where Chinese steel intended for vessels in Chinese shipyards has been sold at a lower rate than Chinese steel intended for market economies. The PRC’s aggressive actions to target the United States’ shipbuilding, maritime and logistics sectors warrant the use of our trade laws to their fullest extent, including imposing trade remedies to counter these efforts and allow for fair competition on the global stage.\n\nThe actions that your Administration has taken to combat China’s cheating, including announced fees for Chinese ships that dock at U.S. ports and the extra charges for companies using ships built in China, were prudent and have the opportunity to be successful. From March to May 2025, following USTR’s February determination that China had employed non-market practices, Chinese shipyard orders fell by approximately 25%. Orders of Chinese ships rebounded later in the year due to market conditions and the fees being postponed. This demonstrated that these fees are structured to strategically shift future orders away from China and change the behaviors of the global maritime industry. The sudden decrease in Chinese shipping orders shows that when your Administration acts on this issue, the global maritime industry pays attention. The revenue generated from these fees will go towards rebuilding our own maritime industry, as stated in your Administration’s Maritime Action Plan. Ensuring these strong measures take effect will be a critical step towards promoting our domestic industrial base, growing America’s economy, creating good-paying jobs in these important sectors, and protecting our national security.\n\nMany of our states are home to companies and a workforce that specializes in shipbuilding and repair for both military and commercial vessels, as well as suppliers of important inputs to build ships. Standing strong on shipbuilding trade remedies, passing the SHIPS Act, and continuing to revitalize the domestic industry through the FY27 Appropriations process will create economic benefit throughout our communities and beyond. These U.S. shipyards and their suppliers are major employers that provide a pathway to the middle class through good-paying and often union jobs and keep the knowledge and skill to build vessels used for military purposes and to carry goods around the world made in America. We must hold China accountable and reverse the loss felt over the last two decades to stand up for the hardworking Americans employed in the shipbuilding industry, those who serve in the military branches that need these vessels, and who live in communities supported by these jobs.\n\nAs we strive to grow the American economy, compete with the PRC, and ensure the American military has the resources necessary to succeed, we encourage your Administration to execute the targeted actions that began to reshape existing global shipbuilding trends and revitalize our domestic maritime industry. We stand ready to work together to support this goal.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-celebrates-with-iu-national-champion-football-team-at-the-white-house/", "title": "Senator Banks Celebrates with IU National Champion Football Team at the White House", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined the Indiana University football team at the White House to celebrate the Hoosiers’ historic national championship season. IU secured the title on January 19, 2026, with a 27–21 victory over the University of Miami, capping off a perfect 16–0 season. With the win, Indiana University became the first program in the modern College Football Playoff era to finish a season undefeated at 16–0.\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Indiana University’s championship season showed the whole country what Hoosier grit is all about. These student-athletes carried themselves with real class all season and made Indiana proud. I was honored to join them and President Trump at the White House to celebrate this historic accomplishment for IU and our state.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-introduces-suite-of-mothers-day-bills-supporting-maternal-health/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Introduces Suite of Mother’s Day Bills Supporting Maternal Health", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today introduced three bills to support pregnant and postpartum moms in honor of Mother’s Day. The bipartisan Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act, which is co-led by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), would improve Medicaid coverage for pelvic physical therapy and raise awareness of this postpartum treatment. The bicameral Innovative Maternal Payment and Coverage (IMPACT) to Save Moms Act, which Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09) will introduce in the House, would give states the ability to test new payment approaches for maternity care under their Medicaid and CHIP programs. The bicameral Women Expansion for Learning and Labor Safety (WELLS) Act, which Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Ill.-02) introduced in March, would address safe discharge of laboring women and racial bias in the health care system.\n\n“As a mother and grandmother, I know first-hand the joys and challenges that motherhood brings,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud to lead legislation that strengthens the healthcare services afforded to moms across the country. It’s time that we ensure moms receive the same caliber of care that they so often give to others.”\n\n“I believe there is no greater gift than that of parenthood, and strong, healthy families start with making sure mothers and babies get the care they need,” Senator Sullivan said. “In Alaska, where our unique geography, distance, and weather can already create serious barriers to care, it can be especially challenging for new mothers and families. Our legislation will help improve outcomes across the country by strengthening access to health services and making sure women are not left to navigate this critical time alone.”\n\n“Black women in the US are still far more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and that is unacceptable,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “In the richest country in the world, every person deserves access to high-quality, equitable maternal health care before, during, and after pregnancy. I’m proud to reintroduce the IMPACT to Save Moms Act alongside Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester to help create innovative maternity care payment models and expand continuous health insurance coverage for pregnant women, helping ensure timely diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment throughout pregnancy and postpartum care. No one should lose their life because our health care system failed to provide the care they needed at one of the most critical moments of their lives.”\n\n“Black women’s pain is too often overlooked, dismissed, or minimized with devastating consequences,” said Congresswoman Kelly, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. “The WELLS Act is named after my constituent, Mercedes Wells, who was discharged while in active labor and forced to give birth on the side of the road. My bill ensures that every mother is heard, respected, and safely treated so no other mother goes through a similar traumatic situation. I’m proud to work with Senator Blunt Rochester to advance maternal health equity and improve the care moms receive during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.”\n\nThe Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act would:\n\nRequire the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance on coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for postpartum pelvic physical therapy.\n\nInstruct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on pelvic health programs and gaps in coverage for postpartum women.\n\nRequire the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a campaign to educate and train health professionals on the benefits of pelvic physical therapy, as well as educate postpartum women on the importance of pelvic physical therapy and how to receive these services.\n\nThe Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act is endorsed by American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), APTA Academy of Pelvic Health, and Bayhealth Medical Center. Click here for more information.\n\nThe IMPACT to Save Moms Act would:\n\nDirect the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 5-year Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model Demonstration Project, giving states the ability to test new payment approaches for maternity care under their Medicaid and CHIP programs.\n\nAdjust payment levels based on pregnancy risk level, helping ensure high-risk patients are directed to the appropriate level of care.\n\nTie payments to measurable health outcomes rather than volume of services.\n\nExplicitly incorporate non-clinical factors such as housing, nutrition, and access to transportation into the payment model.\n\nSupport interdisciplinary teams that include maternity care providers, mental and behavioral health professionals, registered dietitians, and perinatal health workers — with an emphasis on providers from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those trained on implicit bias and racism.\n\nRequire models to consider maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders.\n\nRequire HHS to evaluate the project’s impact on maternal health outcomes, state spending, and patient experience.\n\nClick here for more information.\n\nThe WELLS Act would:\n\nRequire hospitals to develop, implement, and document a Safe Labor Discharge Plan prior to discharging patients who present with signs and symptoms of labor.\n\nRequire regular racial bias training and reporting of training for all recipients of funding from the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) program under HHS.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-blunt-rochester-booker-representatives-barragan-desaulnier-lead-bicameral-opposition-to-new-epa-rule/", "title": "NEWS: Senators Blunt Rochester, Booker, Representatives Barragán, DeSaulnier Lead Bicameral Opposition to New EPA Rule", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10) led 34 members from both chambers in opposition of EPA Administrator Zeldin’s Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule. The Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention rule would weaken 2024 protections enacted to keep workers, emergency responders, and communities safe from chemical disasters.\n\n“[This] proposal would undo core preventive measures and unnecessarily threaten the lives and health of workers, emergency responders, and fenceline communities, including the one in three children who go to school in a chemical danger zone,” the Members wrote in a letter to Administrator Zeldin. “Recent chemical emergencies and disasters such as the deadly explosions at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma and at Koch foods in Fairfield, Ohio—along with the recent findings of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board—highlight the shortcomings of the proposed rule and demonstrate the risk these rollbacks pose to the workers at RMP facilities and to the communities near them.”\n\n“All communities deserve to live their daily lives free from toxic exposure,” the Members continued. “We call on you to fully implement, not undo, the 2024 Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule and we look forward to working with you to ensure that the communities we represent, and those across the country, are protected from the danger of chemical disasters by a truly preventative Risk Management Program.”\n\nIn addition to Senator Blunt Rochester, Senator Booker, and Congresswoman Barragán, the letter was signed by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), as well as Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), Elanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-Del.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Adam Smith (D-Wash.-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), Betty McCollum (D-Minn-04), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.-07), Madeline Dean (D-Penn.-04), Julia Brownley (D-Calif-26), Dwight Evans (D-Penn.-03), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Rob Menendez (D-N.J.-08), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.-09), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.-04), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.-06), Don Beyer (D-Va.-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.-07).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here, and below.\n\nDear Administrator, Zeldin:\n\nWe write to express our strong opposition to the Risk Management Program (RMP) proposed rule: Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention (EPA-HQ-OLEM-2025-0313) issued February 24, 2026. We write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fully implement and not weaken any protections included in the 2024 Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule. This rule included vital preventive measures to avoid chemical disasters and to keep workers, emergency responders, and fenceline communities safe.\n\nAs you know, the RMP, as enacted in Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, was intended as a tool to prevent chemical facility disasters following the deadly 1984 gas disaster in Bhopal, India—but to date the program has been largely reactive. During the first Trump administration, the EPA rolled back safety measures, ignoring the statute’s core prevention objectives and the demonstrated need for action to prevent chemical disasters. Under the Biden administration, significant data from tragic incidents, recommendations from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and other experts, and public input from workers, communities, states, industry and trade organizations supported a more robust final rule in 2024 that incorporated essential safety improvements. Despite this, we find ourselves with a proposed RMP rule that represents an industry wish list and takes us backwards on health and safety.\n\nThe proposal would undo core preventive measures and unnecessarily threaten the lives and health of workers, emergency responders, and fenceline communities, including the one in three children who go to school in a chemical danger zone. With 177 million Americans living in the worst-case scenario zones of RMP facilities, it is imperative that EPA fulfills its mission toprotect human health and the environment by restoring the 2024 Safer Communities RMP rule.\n\nRecent chemical emergencies and disasters such as the deadly explosions at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma and at Koch foods in Fairfield, Ohio—along with the recent findings of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board—highlight the shortcomings of the proposed rule and demonstrate the risk these rollbacks pose to the workers at RMP facilities and to the communities near them. EPA has the responsibility to prevent chemical disasters “to the greatest extent practicable,” and “to minimize accidental releases” of hazardous chemicals and “minimize the consequences of such releases. However, at a time when strong regulations are needed more than ever to save lives and protect communities from preventable toxic chemical exposures and releases that are particularly dangerous for children’s health, EPA’s proposed rule fails to meet the Clean Air Act’s vital chemical release prevention requirements and to fulfill the Congressional mandate to protect health and safety.\n\nFrom 2004 to 2025, facilities regulated by the RMP program have reported over 3,900 industrial chemical releases, including at least 2,814 that have reported harm to human life, injury, shelter in place or evacuation, or property or environmental damage. Chemical disasters have caused over $6.5 billion in damages (over the same time period), affecting families, businesses, and our nation’s economy— and have made homes and neighborhoods less affordable by decreasing neighbors’ property value. The average amount of monetized damages from industrial chemical emergencies was over $540.2 million per year, without even including many types of harm including health risks, property values, evacuation and shelter-in-place costs, and more.\n\nThe 2026 proposed RMP rule rolls back several preventative measures that were finalized in the 2024 Safer Communities rule. Some major changes are below:\n\nEliminates safer technologies assessment and implementation: The 2024 RMP rule called for some of the most hazardous facilities (oil refineries, chemical manufacturing plants) to conduct a Safer Technology and Alternatives Analysis (STAA). A STAA is important because it identifies opportunities for reducing risk by substituting a safer chemical, volume, or technology in place of a more hazardous one. Under the proposed rule, only a select few RMP facilities with new processes would be required to conduct a STAA. All currently covered facilities would not be required to conduct a STAA and no facilities would be required to assess the practicability of or implement safer alternatives found in their analysis.\n\nEliminates requirement to assess and plan for power loss as well as for natural hazards such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and earthquakes: Extreme weather and other natural hazards can cause or worsen accidental releases. One third of all RMP facilities are in known high climate risk areas, and alarmingly, many RMP facilities are not adequately preparing for flooding, hurricanes, wildfires or loss of power in their current risk management plans. In the proposed rule, EPA removes explicit requirements for facilities to evaluate natural hazards and power loss.\n\nEliminates stop work authority and other worker safety protections: Workers are the first line of defense for community safety against a chemical disaster, and in the 2024 final rule, there were important employee participation requirements to involve workers in hazard identification. These 2024 provisions included 1) stop work authority for the most hazardous facilities, 2) anonymous reporting of hazards and non-compliance, 3) training on workers’ rights under the RMP rule, and 4) consulting with workers to identify and address safety hazards. The proposed rule would eliminate these provisions.\n\nEliminates requirement for community response notification systems: The 2024 final rule required RMP facilities to ensure there is a system in place to alert communities about emergencies and to partner with local responders to ensure notifications were available in the primary language of all nearby communities. The proposed rule removes this requirement and instead has facilities coordinate with local officials to provide necessary information through emergency response notification channels, if they exist.\n\nWeakens information availability requirements: Communities have the right to know what chemical hazards they face from nearby industrial facilities. The proposed rule eliminates provisions that were finalized in the 2024 rule that require facilities to make public when they decline to implement safety recommendations related to natural hazards, power loss, siting, or decline to bring facilities up to current codes, standards, or practices. It also eliminates the requirement to share RMP information in locally-spoken languages. In spring 2025 before the proposed rule was published, EPA took down the RMP Public Data Tool. Instead of weakening information access provisions, EPA should immediately restore the RMP Public Data Tool with all the mapping and full search capability, and ensure the maintenance of this public dataset online.\n\nAll communities deserve to live their daily lives free from toxic exposure. No worker, no family, and no child should ever again experience a preventable chemical emergency. Instead of rolling back the 2024 rule, EPA should ensure that chemical facilities do all they can to protect our communities from industrial chemical disasters.\n\nWe call on you to fully implement, not undo, the 2024 Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule and we look forward to working with you to ensure that the communities we four represent, and those across the country, are protected from the danger of chemical disasters by a truly preventative Risk Management Program.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-blunt-rochester-barragan-desaulnier-lead-bicameral-opposition-to-new-epa-rule", "title": "Booker, Blunt Rochester, Barragán, DeSaulnier Lead Bicameral Opposition to New EPA Rule", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), co-chair of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), along with U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), led 34 members from both chambers in opposition to EPA Administrator Zeldin’s Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule. The Common Sense Approach to Chemical Accident Prevention rule would weaken 2024 protections designed to keep workers, emergency responders, and communities safe from chemical disasters.\n\n“[This] proposal would undo core preventive measures and unnecessarily threaten the lives and health of workers, emergency responders, and fenceline communities, including the one in three children who go to school in a chemical danger zone,” the Members wrote in a letter to Administrator Zeldin. “Recent chemical emergencies and disasters such as the deadly explosions at the Valero refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma and at Koch foods in Fairfield, Ohio—along with the recent findings of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board—highlight the shortcomings of the proposed rule and demonstrate the risk these rollbacks pose to the workers at RMP facilities and to the communities near them.”\n\n“All communities deserve to live their daily lives free from toxic exposure,” the Members continued. “We call on you to fully implement, not undo, the 2024 Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule and we look forward to working with you to ensure that the communities we represent, and those across the country, are protected from the danger of chemical disasters by a truly preventative Risk Management Program.”\n\nIn addition to U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Representatives Nanette Barragán and Mark DeSaulnier, the letter was also signed by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Dick Durbin (D-IL), as well as U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07).", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-directly-secures-893000-for-the-city-of-jasper-to-support-flood-prevention-infrastructure/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures $893,000 for the City of Jasper to Support Flood Prevention Infrastructure", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, recently directly secured $893,000 for the City of Jasper in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This funding will support flood prevention infrastructure. In total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding.\n\nVideo footage of flooding in Jasper can be viewed here, courtesy of the City of Jasper.\n\nThe City of Jasper has faced persistent drainage issues for years, with repeated flooding impacting heavily populated residential areas as well as local businesses, including Jasper Feed & Seed, and new businesses currently under construction.\n\nBecause Jasper has already completed extensive engineering and design work, the city is now positioned to move from the planning phase to construction and implementation thanks to the funding secured by Senator Britt. This investment will include upgraded drainage infrastructure, water flow management, and the relocation and modification of existing structures.\n\n“The funding I fight to bring home to Alabama is truly an investment in our communities and in the future of our great state. This $839,000 means Jasper will be better equipped to continue growing and supporting its residents and local businesses. I’m thrilled to see Alabamians’ taxpayer dollars strengthen infrastructure, improve public safety, and fuel economic growth—it’s exactly why I’m proud to sit on the Appropriations Committee and champion these important projects across our state,” said Senator Britt.\n\n“We are grateful to Senator Britt for her support in securing this funding for the City of Jasper. Investments in flood mitigation are critical to protecting our infrastructure, improving public safety, and supporting continued growth in our community. This funding will allow us to take important next steps in addressing long-standing drainage and flooding concerns.” – Mayor Josh Gates, Jasper, AL\n\n“This funding represents an important step forward for our community. Within my district, there are two areas that have experienced repeated flooding, impacting a significant number of residents. Through engineering consultation, we have identified meaningful flood mitigation strategies that this funding will help us address, alongside additional projects across the city.\n\n“One of these areas also connects with a previous downtown drainage project, allowing us to build on that work and complete key components of the overall plan. This is exactly the type of proactive investment that helps us get ahead of potentially damaging situations before they become catastrophic.\n\n“I appreciate Senator Britt’s efforts in securing this funding, which will allow the City to move forward with critical improvements to drainage infrastructure and water flow management that directly benefit our citizens.” – Jenny Brown Short, Jasper City Councilmember, District 1\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-applauds-pres-trumps-nomination-of-kasdin-mitchell-as-district-judge-for-the-northern-district-of-texas-in-dallas/", "title": "Cornyn Applauds Pres. Trump’s Nomination of Kasdin Mitchell as District Judge for the Northern District of Texas in Dallas", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after President Trump nominated Texan Kasdin Mitchell to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas – Dallas Division:\n\n“I applaud President Trump for nominating Kasdin Mitchell to serve as a federal judge for the Northern District of Texas,” said Sen. Cornyn. “She will bring a wealth of experience in the legal field and public service to the federal bench, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to join Senator Cruz and me in supporting her nomination.”\n\nSens. Cornyn and Ted Cruz (R-TX) recommended Kasdin Mitchell to President Trump following an extensive review and interview process of the candidate pool by the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC). The Senators established the FJEC, a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, to help identify the most qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies. The panel reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and made recommendations to the Senators, who interviewed individuals before making their recommendations to the President.\n\nKasdin Mitchell is a litigation partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where she focuses on complex litigation at the trial and appellate level. Previously, she clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and the Honorable William H. Pryor Jr. and served as a litigation associate for Maynard Cooper & Gale PC, assistant solicitor general in Alabama, and assistant press secretary for First Lady Laura Bush. Mitchell received her Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and her bachelor’s degree from Yale University.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-colleagues-urge-scotus-to-protect-women-babies-from-dangerous-chemical-abortion-drugs/", "title": "Cornyn, Colleagues Urge SCOTUS to Protect Women & Babies from Dangerous Chemical Abortion Drugs", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined more than 100 bicameral Republican lawmakers in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s lawsuit, Louisiana v. FDA, to protect women and unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs. This builds on the amicus brief he signed onto earlier this year and comes after the Supreme Court issued a temporary pause of the Fifth Circuit’s order to reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, which restored access to this dangerous chemical abortion drug nationwide until May 11, 2026. The amicus brief asks the Supreme Court to reconsider their decision and uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling to prevent women from obtaining abortion drugs sent through the mail.\n\nExcerpts from the amicus brief are below, and the full text of the brief can be viewed here.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote: “By deregulating chemical abortion drugs and permitting them to be sent through the mail, the Biden FDA violated that longstanding federal law. Unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats in Biden’s FDA therefore overrode the will of the American people as expressed through their elected representatives in Congress and in state legislatures and subverted Congress’s critical public policy interests in upholding patient welfare.”\n\n“Further, the Biden FDA’s lawless action also carries serious risks that were not properly analyzed. The Biden FDA did not have a sufficient evidentiary basis to conclude that eliminating the in-person dispensing requirement was safe. And because no in-person visit is required now, women cannot be meaningfully screened for serious contraindications for the use of this drug, such as ectopic pregnancy. It also increases the likelihood that some women are being coerced into taking these drugs against their will,” they continued.\n\n“As delegated by Congress, the FDA’s job is to ensure drug safety, not to encourage the risky use of drugs just to further former President Biden’s pro-abortion agenda. Exceeding its mandate is illegal and also harmful, both to the separation of powers and to women taking mifepristone. The Fifth Circuit was correct to grant a stay and the Court should deny the applications to stay that judgment,”they concluded.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-introduces-bill-to-designate-major-u-s-highway-as-interstate-47-in-honor-of-president-trump/", "title": "Cornyn Introduces Bill to Designate Major U.S. Highway as ‘Interstate 47’ in Honor of President Trump", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the I-47 Future Interstate Act to designate US-287, which is the second-longest three-digit highway in the U.S. and runs from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana, as the future Interstate 47, otherwise known as Trump Interstate:\n\n“Texas is Trump Country, and this bill cements that legacy by designating nearly 1,800 miles of open-road from Texas’ Gulf Coast to the edge of the U.S.-Canadian border as I-47 to forever be remembered as Trump Interstate,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By upgrading one of our nation’s longest highways to a future interstate, this legislation will increase economic growth and improve safety, all while honoring the most consequential president of our lifetime.”\n\nSenator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) is a cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe I-47 Future Interstate Act would designate US-287 as a future interstate. I-47, otherwise known as Trump Interstate, would advance freight movement, promote economic growth along the corridor, improve route safety in rural and urban areas, alleviate traffic congestion, and increase federal matching for Interstate System projects.\n\nUS-287 is a nationally significant transportation corridor that plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and demographic centers from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana. It is the second-longest three-digit highway in the U.S. and serves as a major trucking route. In 2022, more than 923 million tons of freight moved along US-287 within Texas alone. In addition to economic impact, sections of US-287 are part of the Strategic Highway Network, and the corridor supports defense deployment needs and strategic military ports and installations.\n\nThe Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) did a feasibility study in July 2025 and found that upgrading US-287 to an interstate facility would result in an estimated $5.4 billion in travel cost savings, a 46,885 total increase in jobs, and $11.6 billion in total annual increase in GDP by 2050, resulting in a 161% return on investment. Currently, 8.8 million Texans reside within the study area, and this number is projected to rise to 12 million, representing 28% of the state’s population, by 2050. An interstate upgrade would also reduce average travel time and expand travel capacity, with a 43% increase in daily traffic. Notably, the study also found that in 2050, the upgrade would reduce crash rates by 28%.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-praises-pres-trumps-nomination-of-angela-colmenero-as-district-judge-for-the-southern-district-of-texas-houston-division/", "title": "Cornyn Praises Pres. Trump’s Nomination of Angela Colmenero as District Judge for the Southern District of Texas Houston Division", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn released the following statement after President Trump announced his intention to nominate Angela Colmenero to be a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Texas – Houston Division:\n\n“I am proud to support President Trump’s nomination of Angela Colmenero to serve as a federal judge in Houston,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Angela has dedicated her career to serving Texas, and I trust she will carry that passion, paired with her astute understanding of the law, into her next role on the bench. I was honored to join Senator Cruz in recommending Angela for this position, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting her nomination.”\n\nSenators Cornyn and Ted Cruz (R-TX) recommended Angela Colmenero to President Trump following an extensive review and interview process of the candidate pool by the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC). Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Cruz established the FJEC, a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, to help identify the most qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies. The panel reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and made recommendations to the Senators, who interviewed individuals before making their recommendations to the President.\n\nColmenero has served in Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott since 2018, where she currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff. Prior to that, she served as Principal Deputy General Counsel to the Governor and Deputy General Counsel to the Governor. Colmenero previously held various leadership positions for nearly a decade at the Texas Attorney General’s Office, including as Chief of the General Litigation Division and Deputy Chief of the Special Litigation Division. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and the University of Texas at Austin.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/11/daines-fetterman-newhouse-bill-increasing-made-in-america-hydropower-signed-into-law-by-president-trump/", "title": "Daines, Fetterman, Newhouse Bill Increasing Made-In-America Hydropower Signed Into Law by President Trump", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) today announced that their “Build More Hydro” bill has been signed into law by President Trump. The bill, S.1020, allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve six-year extensions for hydropower projects licensed before 2020. Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“Today is a great day for Montana and the nation. America must meet the rise in energy demand, and the Build More Hydro bill will revive critical hydro projects and increase our domestic energy production. Thank you Senator Fetterman and Representative Newhouse for fighting with me to get this bill to the President’s desk. I’m grateful that President Trump and his administration strongly support Made-In-America energy, and I look forward to seeing the impact this will have across the country,” said Daines.\n\n“I’m proud to see our bipartisan Build More Hydro bill signed into law. This extension for our hydro projects keeps domestic energy production in our commonwealth—yet another reminder of the production powerhouse that Pennsylvania has always been. I’m grateful for the partnership with Senator Daines and his work to help get this across the finish line,” said Fetterman.\n\n“Our Nation needs more energy, and I am pleased President Trump has signed into law S.1020, the Senate companion of my “Build More Hydro” bill in the House. This allows hydroelectric dams with their FERC license additional time to commence construction, eventually adding over 2.5 GW of reliable, clean, baseload power. We need to get every available megawatt of power on the grid to meet our growing energy demand, and this new law gets us one step closer to that goal. I thank Senator Daines for his hard work moving this bill unanimously through Senate and for being a champion of hydroelectric dams,” said Newhouse.\n\nBackground:\n\nDaines introduced S.1020, the “Build More Hydro” bill, in March 2025- read the release HERE. It passed the Senate with unanimous consent in July 2025. Daines and Newhouse sent a letter to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson urging swift House passage of the bill in November 2025- read it HERE. It passed the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2026- read the release HERE.\n\nRead the bill text HERE.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\n“Today’s law is a breakthrough that delivers 2,600 MW of clean hydropower and $6.5 billion in private investment critical to powering American homes, businesses, and industries. We thank Sen. Daines, Sen. Fetterman, Rep. Newhouse, and the President for their leadership. NHA remains committed to expanding new development and preserving the existing hydropower fleet to meet America’s growing energy demand.” – Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association\n\n“I want to acknowledge Senator Daines leadership and persistence on this bill which provides extra time to get hydro projects and particularly energy storage under construction and in the ground.”— Carl Borgquist, CEO Absaroka Energy, Developer of the Gordon Butte Pumped Storage Hydro Project\n\n“Our thanks to Senator Daines for his strong support and bipartisan leadership in tirelessly shepherding this bill. We also thank his team, the co-sponsors, our collective advocates, fellow developers and the National Hydropower Association staff. Hydropower is such an important contributor to providing reliable energy for our country.” – David Sinclair, President, Advanced Hydro Solutions LLC\n\n“Hydropower delivers reliable, baseload energy that keeps the lights on throughout the county. Thanks to Senator Daines, projects delayed by the COVID pandemic will get a second chance to create thousands of jobs, spur economic development, and support a more resilient grid.”— Paul Jacob, CEO of Rye Development\n\n“At a time of surging electricity demand, building new hydropower capacity is critical to ensuring the United States can support economic growth while maintaining a reliable, clean power supply. Hydroelectricity offers a carbon emissions-free, firm energy resource that currently provides about 30% of electricity in the West. With President Trump’s signature, the Build More Hydro law is a commonsense policy solution that will enable an additional 2.5 gigawatts of domestic power, spurring jobs and strengthening the grid. Thank you to Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Dan Newhouse for your leadership in championing this bill in your respective chambers.” – Rich Powell, CEO of CEBA\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-files-amicus-brief-to-the-sixth-circuit-in-linneys-pizza-inc-v-board-of-governors-of-the-federal-reserve-system", "title": "Durbin Files Amicus Brief To The Sixth Circuit In Linney’s Pizza, Inc. V. Board Of Governors Of The Federal Reserve System", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The amicus brief states: “This Court should reverse the decision of the court below to give proper effect to the text and purpose of the Durbin Amendment by correcting the Board’s Final Rule, which will aid in the efficient operation of the debit system for the benefit of consumers and our nation.”\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of the Durbin Amendment, filed an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Linney’s Pizza, LLC, v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System calling for the Court to reverse the District Court’s decision. In September 2025, the District Court ruled that the Federal Reserve’s Regulation II (Reg II) rule, which establishes whether a debit card interchange fee is “reasonable and proportional” under the Durbin Amendment, is permitted to establish a “third category” of costs, justifying a higher debit interchange fee cap.\n\nThe amicus brief, however, argues that the “third category” costs conflict with the Durbin Amendment’s plain text and legislative history since the Amendment prohibits any costs other than the incremental costs of authorization, clearance, and settlement of a debit transaction from being included in interchange fee rates. Permitting the “third category” costs allows debit interchange fees to be higher than intended under the Durbin Amendment.\n\nThe amicus brief states, “After the Durbin Amendment was enacted, the Board initially issued a proposed rule that was consistent with the law’s text and purpose, but the Board later altered its proposed rule significantly in response to heavy lobbying by the banking industry. The result was a Final Rule that perpetuated the interchange system’s inefficient and excessive subsidization of banks’ fixed costs and fraud losses through high debit fees that are centrally fixed by the Visa and Mastercard card network companies. The excessive fees and inefficiencies permitted by the Board’s Final Rule are ultimately borne by consumers in the form of higher retail prices… The Board’s decision to include so-called “third category” costs, such as fixed costs and fraud losses, in the Final Rule was in conflict with the Durbin Amendment’s plain text and legislative history.”\n\nThe amicus brief continued, “The deviations that the Board made from the Durbin Amendment’s text and purpose in Regulation II have caused the debit system to suffer greater inefficiency and unnecessarily excessive fees with American businesses and consumers paying the price. The district court failed to recognize how the Board’s Final Rule contravened the text and purpose of the Durbin Amendment, and this Court should reverse the district court’s judgment.”\n\nDurbin’s amicus brief can be read in full here.\n\nDurbin has made it a priority to protect consumers. In 2010, the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act reduced Visa and Mastercard’s excessively high debit card fees. In May 2024, Durbin submitted a letter to the Federal Reserve, urging it to further lower the base component for debit interchange fees following years of decreasing transaction-processing costs for debit card issuers. This February, Durbin filed an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in support of the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota's ruling in Corner Post, Inc. v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Durbin also has filed amicus briefs in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in support of the state’s Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA). In his briefs, Durbin has argued that the Durbin Amendment established a rate ceiling for large card-issuing banks, not a uniform standard. Reg II, which is the regulation that implements the Durbin Amendment, is explicit that payment card networks may establish interchange rates that are lower than the ceiling, including by eliminating the five basis point component of the fee rate. It is consistent with the Durbin Amendment for a state law to regulate debit interchange fee amounts as long as it does not allow issuers to receive rates that exceed the maximum amount.\n\nDurbin expanded his efforts to curb Visa and Mastercard’s duopoly by introducing the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act, which would enhance competition and choice in the credit card network market. The bill would direct the Federal Reserve to ensure that the largest credit card-issuing banks offer a choice of at least two networks over which an electronic credit transaction may be processed. Today, Visa and Mastercard control about 85 percent of the credit card market and refuse to negotiate fair terms with Main Street merchants. In 2025, the average American family paid more than $1,200 per year in swipe fees, while Visa and Mastercard have profited $118.8 billion from swipe fees.\n\nThe legislation, co-led by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), was reintroduced earlier this year, and President Trump has endorsed the legislation.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-celebrates-national-small-business-week-with-iowa-entrepreneurs", "title": "Ernst Celebrates National Small Business Week with Iowa Entrepreneurs", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – In celebration of National Small Business Week, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) traveled across Iowa to recognize deserving small business owners with her Small Business of the Week award. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\nClick here to download photos from Ernst’s visits.\n\nIda County: Holstein Manufacturing\n\n“Holstein Manufacturing has grilled the competition with its craftsmanship and always meats the community where they are needed,” said Chair Ernst. “Today, under Darrin Schmidt’s leadership, the company continues to roast the standard for what local businesses can achieve, all while cooking up solutions for customers across the country and around the world.”\n\nBuena Vista County: Cobblestone Ballroom & Event Center\n\n“Cobblestone has succeeded in bringing people together with their delicious food, live events, and beautiful venues,” said Chair Ernst. “Through hard work and dedication, the Schumanns and Hustedts have restored a historic space for the Buena Vista County community to come together and create joyful memories.”\n\nPocahontas County: Heart ‘n Home\n\n“One arrangement at a time, Heart ‘n Home brings warmth and creativity to Pocahontas County,” said Chair Ernst. “As she has created memorable moments for folks across the community, Julie’s passion for crafting and her ‘couture arrangements’ have helped business bloom.”\n\nHumboldt County: Sister’s Home Style Entrees\n\n“Sister’s Home Style Entrees has served up success with hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of elbow grease,” said Chair Ernst.“What began in Deb Davis’ kitchen has simmered into a powerhouse operation that continues to warm hearts and homes across Iowa.”\n\nFranklin County: Latimer’s\n\n“Latimer’s has stocked the shelves with dedication and delivered for its neighbors year after year,” said Chair Ernst. “Under strong leadership, the store continues to raise the standard for what hometown businesses can achieve, all while serving up fresh solutions that keep rural communities thriving.”\n\nHamilton County: Boone River Financial\n\n“Boone River Financial has become a trusted partner for individuals and businesses in Webster City, delivering financial advice and services that pay dividends,” said Chair Ernst. “By prioritizing personal relationships, this small business continues to invest in their clients and empowers them to make confident financial decisions.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-green-real-estate-and-auction-co", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Green Real Estate & Auction Co.", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Green Real Estate & Auction Co. of Sac County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\n“Green Real Estate & Auction Co. proves that investing in Iowa land is truly evergreen,” said Chair Ernst. “For more than a century, the Greens have helped Iowa families navigate property sales, estate transitions, and agricultural transactions, while adapting to meet the evolving needs of local communities, farmers, and businesses.”\n\nFounded in 1894 by Col. Festus J. Green, Green Real Estate & Auction Co. has served western Iowa for more than 130 years as a trusted provider of auctioneering and real estate services. Originally established as an auction and real estate business, the company has expanded over time to include farmland sales, farm machinery and consignment auctions, and residential real estate. Today, the business is led by Jim Green, representing the fifth generation of family ownership.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-daines-newhouse-bill-to-increase-made-in-america-hydropower-signed-into-law-by-president-trump/", "title": "Fetterman, Daines, Newhouse Bill to Increase Made-In-America Hydropower Signed Into Law by President Trump", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Steve Daines (R-MN) announced that their “Build More Hydro” bill has been signed into law by President Trump. The bill, S.1020, allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve six-year extensions for hydropower projects licensed before 2020. U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“I’m proud to see our bipartisan Build More Hydro bill signed into law. This extension for our hydro projects keeps domestic energy production in our commonwealth—yet another reminder of the production powerhouse that Pennsylvania has always been. I’m grateful for the partnership with Senator Daines and his work to help get this across the finish line,” said Senator Fetterman.\n\n“Today is a great day for Montana and the nation. America must meet the rise in energy demand, and the Build More Hydro bill will revive critical hydro projects and increase our domestic energy production. Thank you Senator Fetterman and Representative Newhouse for fighting with me to get this bill to the President’s desk. I’m grateful that President Trump and his administration strongly support Made-In-America energy, and I look forward to seeing the impact this will have across the country,” said Senator Daines.\n\n“Our Nation needs more energy, and I am pleased President Trump has signed into law S.1020, the Senate companion of my ‘Build More Hydro’ bill in the House. This allows hydroelectric dams with their FERC license additional time to commence construction, eventually adding over 2.5 GW of reliable, clean, baseload power. We need to get every available megawatt of power on the grid to meet our growing energy demand, and this new law gets us one step closer to that goal. I thank Senator Daines for his hard work moving this bill unanimously through Senate and for being a champion of hydroelectric dams,” said Representative Newhouse.\n\nIn Pennsylvania, eight projects will benefit from the extension this law provides. Those projects include:\n\nAllegheny Lock and Dam 2\n\nEmsworth Back Channel Dam\n\nEmsworth Locks and Dam\n\nGrays Landing Lock and Dam\n\nMaxwell (Point Marion)\n\nMonongahela Locks and Dam 4 (Charleroi)\n\nMontgomery Locks and Dam\n\nPoint Marion Lock and Dam\n\nThe “Build More Hydro” bill is also supported by the National Hydropower Association, Advanced Hydro Solutions, Pumped Storage Hydro Project, Rye Development, and CEBA.\n\n“Today’s law is a breakthrough that delivers 2,600 MW of clean hydropower and $6.5 billion in private investment critical to powering American homes, businesses, and industries. We thank Sen. Daines, Sen. Fetterman, Rep. Newhouse, and the President for their leadership. NHA remains committed to expanding new development and preserving the existing hydropower fleet to meet America’s growing energy demand,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-calls-on-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-to-provide-public-updates-on-hantavirus-spread/", "title": "Gillibrand Calls On Centers For Disease Control And Prevention To Provide Public Updates On Hantavirus Spread", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fulfill its obligation to provide timely and accurate information about the spread of hantavirus to both health professionals and the public. Since April, the world has tracked the hantavirus outbreak that began among individuals on the MV Hondius cruise ship and has so far led to three fatalities. While reporting indicates that the pandemic potential remains low, there remains a heightened sense of fear and unease that still persists due to the residual impacts of COVID-19.\n\nIn the letter to Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya, Senator Gillibrand emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information, writing, “It is disappointing that the CDC has not yet held a public press briefing for Americans to learn about this outbreak and that it took over a month for the CDC to release a clinician brief.” She continued that it is incumbent on the federal government to be “transparent on the status of response efforts and articulating the potential risks of a pathogen to the public.”\n\nThe senator demanded that for the sake of public health, the CDC must “provide daily updates to the public, clinicians, and to Congress on their response efforts to the hantavirus. Cooperation among the federal government and our international partners is key during an infectious disease outbreak, and it is important for the public to see this collaboration continue.”\n\nThe CDC has long been known for “demonstrated excellence in its ability to conduct health surveillance as well as provide excellent technical collaboration with our international partners,” and the senator urged international coordination and cooperation. The senator underscored the importance of the agency having adequate staff and funding, as well as permanent leadership, to maintain an effective response to this outbreak and future public health risks.\n\nGillibrand closed by seeking transparency on the federal response to the hantavirus outbreak, specifically targeting improvements in public diagnostic protocols and the acceleration of medical countermeasures. Her request called for the agency to offer guidance on exposure and testing, provide transparent projections on the outbreak’s duration, and detail current efforts to bridge critical knowledge gaps regarding the virus’s transmission. Furthermore, the senator pressed for an account of the CDC’s strategic collaboration with domestic partners like the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration, as well as international bodies including the World Health Organization, to fast-track the development of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies while ensuring robust global surveillance.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-announces-legislation-to-suspend-the-gas-tax/", "title": "Hawley Announces Legislation to Suspend the Gas Tax", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced he is introducing legislation to suspend the gas tax. The legislation comes after President Trump announced support for pausing the 18 cent federal gas tax for a period of time.\n\nSenator Hawley has previously expressed support for making the gas tax holiday permanent.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-introduces-legislation-to-suspend-the-gas-tax/", "title": "Hawley Introduces Legislation to Suspend the Gas Tax", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation to suspend the gas tax. The legislation comes after President Trump announced support for pausing the 18 cent federal gas tax for a period of time.\n\n“President Trump has proposed to suspend the federal gas tax and he’s exactly right,” said Senator Hawley. “American workers and families deserve immediate relief and this legislation will do just that.”\n\nWhile some of the biggest corporations in the world are seeing record profits, the national average for regular gasoline now surpasses $4.50 per gallon. The national average for diesel fuel is nearly $5.70 per gallon. In the State of Missouri, the average price of regular gasoline today sits at over $4 per gallon—a 47% increase from one year ago—and the average price of diesel fuel sits at more than $5.20 per gallon—a 65% increase from one year ago. Senator Hawley’s new legislation would provide immediate relief from these prices by suspending taxes on gas and diesel for at least 90 days.\n\nThe Gas Tax Suspension Act will:\n\nTemporarily suspend the 18.4 cents-per-gallon federal tax on gasoline for 90 days after enactment.\n\nTemporarily suspend the 24.4 cents-per-gallon federal tax on diesel fuel for 90 days after enactment.\n\nAllow the President to extend the suspension for an additional 90 days if he determines that economic conditions merit an extension.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-cramer-white-house-nominates-dan-traynor-for-8th-circuit-court-of-appeals", "title": "Hoeven, Cramer: White House Nominates Dan Traynor for 8th Circuit Court of Appeals", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer today issued the following statement after the White House nominated U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Hoeven and Cramer have been working with the White House to advance a qualified nominee to fulfill a vacancy resulting from U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph Erickson assuming senior status, with both senators recommending Traynor for the position. Traynor currently serves on the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, a position he has held since 2020 after Hoeven and Cramer worked to secure his nomination and advance his confirmation by the U.S. Senate during President Trump’s first term.\n\n“Dan Traynor is well-qualified with a proven track record and a commitment to the rule of law, facts which have been reaffirmed during his time as U.S. District Judge,” said Senators Hoeven and Cramer. “We appreciate President Trump and his team for heeding our recommendation that Dan be nominated for the 8th Circuit. We thank Judge Erickson for his longtime service in the judiciary, and we look forward to advancing Dan’s nomination through the Senate.”\n\nTraynor previously worked in private practice covering areas such as tort law, insurance coverage and defense, business litigation, election law and Indian law. Traynor graduated with distinction from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1997, after which he served as an extern for U.S. District Judge Patrick Conmy and as a law clerk for North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle.\n\nTraynor also has a wide range of experience supporting the law profession and fulfilling public leadership positions, having served on the:\n\nJudicial Conference of the United States.\n\nJudicial Education Advisory Committee Board.\n\nAmerican Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates.\n\nABA Commission on the American Jury.\n\nNorth Dakota State Board of Higher Education.\n\nState Bar Association of North Dakota.\n\nDisciplinary Board of the North Dakota Supreme Court.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-working-with-va-to-advance-second-north-dakota-veterans-home", "title": "Hoeven Working With VA to Advance Second North Dakota Veterans Home", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – At a Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, Senator John Hoeven secured support from VA Secretary Doug Collins to expand long-term care access for veterans, including planning for a second veterans home in northwestern North Dakota. Hoeven also recently spoke with Governor Kelly Armstrong, who expressed support for moving forward with a second veterans home to expand long-term care access for veterans in the region.\n\n“We do have a veterans home in the southeast part of the state, but in the northwest part of the state, we don’t,” said Hoeven. “We are now working with the VA on an assessment and to look at another veterans’ home in that part of the state… we’ve embarked on the study that’s required, the needs assessment, but would want your help and support.”\n\n“I agree…our aging population is going to need this,” said Secretary Collins. “One of the reasons your nursing homes don’t take VA patients is because we require a double inspection process ….We’ve got to get away from that.”\n\nDuring the hearing, Hoeven also thanked Secretary Collins and VA leadership for their responsiveness and efforts to ensure veterans receive the care, benefits, and recognition they have earned, including progress on the Fargo National Veterans Cemetery Veterans Memorial Center and expansion of VA facilities nationwide. Secretary Collins noted that the VA has opened 34 new facilities over the past year and emphasized the department’s commitment to improving care and access for veterans.\n\nHoeven has consistently worked to improve access to long-term care services for veterans in rural areas, to include removing duplicative regulations for nursing homes seeking to partner with the VA. The senator is now working with the VA and state partners, including recent discussions with Governor Armstrong, to complete the required needs assessment for a potential second veterans home.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-honors-fallen-ohio-police-officers-on-senate-floor/", "title": "Husted honors fallen Ohio police officers on Senate floor", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“What you see in the lives of all of these officers who we lost was their love for their family, for their community, and for their country.”\n\nView Husted’s remarks here.\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) delivered a speech on the Senate floor today during National Police Week honoring Ohio law enforcement officers Deputy Larry Henderson, Officer Phillip Wagner, Deputy D. Weston Sherrer and Trooper Nicholas Cayton, who were killed in the line of duty in 2025.\n\nKey excerpts include:\n\n“Mr. President, I come today to the floor for a moment of reflection and remembrance of four courageous law enforcement officers in Ohio who we lost in 2025.”\n\n. . .\n\n“As those in this chamber and across our nation may know, it’s National Police Week, a dedicated time to honor the service and sacrifice of these heroes who protect us every day.”\n\n. . .\n\n“The four officers I’m highlighting today lost their lives in the line of duty in 2025. Each of them will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall to honor their lives and dedication to protecting and serving.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Deputy Henderson, of Hamilton County, was 57 years old.\n\n“He and his wife have five grown children, and he was also a foster father of two infants.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Deputy Henderson died on May 2, 2025, after being run down by a motorist while working a special detail for the University of Cincinnati graduation.\n\n“Deputy Henderson served his country and his community until his final day, and we remain forever grateful.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Officer Phillip Wagner.\n\n“Officer Wagner had served with the Lorain Police Department for four years and previously with the Sheffield Village Police Department, also for four years.”\n\n. . .\n\n“He died on July 24, 2025, the day after he and another patrolman were ambushed.\n\n“They were ambushed by a gunman as they ate their lunch in their cruisers.\n\n“Truly tragic event for that community and for this family. His wife and three children, an entire family, remain in our prayers. We’re forever grateful for the service of Officer Wagner.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Deputy D. Weston Sherrer was 31 years old and had just marked his fourth year with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Deputy Sherrer was fatally shot on Memorial Day last year during a domestic violence call in Monroe County.”\n\n. . .\n\n“He will be remembered, and we thank him for his service and his sacrifice to his country now and forever.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Trooper Nicholas Cayton was 40 years old, married to his high school sweetheart, and a father of two children.”\n\n. . .\n\n“Trooper Cayton was killed on Oct. 16, 2025, when his cruiser was struck by a truck while he was helping the driver of a disabled tractor trailer.”\n\n. . .\n\n“We will continue to mourn his loss and pray for all of those who loved him.”\n\n. . .\n\n“What you see in the lives of all of these officers who we lost was their love for their family, for their community, and for their country.\n\n“Mr. President, these heroes gave their lives for their communities and neighbors.”\n\n. . .\n\n“I thank you all for honoring their service and celebrating their lives.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-baldwin-young-scott-call-on-trump-to-stand-up-to-china-and-prioritize-u-s-shipbuilding-at-summit-with-president-xi/", "title": "Kelly, Baldwin, Young, Scott Call on Trump to Stand Up to China and Prioritize U.S. Shipbuilding at Summit with President Xi", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators call comes as China’s unfair practices have decimated U.S. shipbuilding industry, hurting American workers and national security\n\nRead in Reuters: US senators urge Trump to ‘stand strong’ on shipbuilding in talks with Xi\n\nToday, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Todd Young (R-IN), and Tim Scott (R-SC) are calling on President Donald Trump to prioritize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and to not offer concessions to China in his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\n\nOver the last twenty years, China has become the dominant shipbuilding force globally through unfair trade practices, decimating the U.S. shipbuilding industry and hurting American workers, companies, and communities. The Senators are pushing the President to hold China accountable for their cheating in the upcoming negotiations, help reverse the losses felt, and level the playing field for American workers.\n\nLast year, Kelly and Young, alongside Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), introduced the SHIPS for America Act to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.\n\n“The United States is at an inflection point and cannot cede additional ground to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC’s decades-long effort to decimate American shipbuilding as part of their effort to position themselves as the dominant global shipbuilding power affords them no grace or opportunity for compromise,” wrote the Senators in a letter to President Trump. “We urge you to stand strong during these negotiations as we work together to enact trade remedies and advance the SHIPS for America Act to level the playing field and create a strong commercial and military shipbuilding ecosystem in the United States. We urge you to prioritize America’s maritime industry and its workers during this summit, and we stand ready to support these goals through legislation.”\n\nThe Senators note that China has used unfair trade tactics, to dominate the global shipbuilding industry while weakening American shipyards over the past two decades. China now receives more than 60 percent of global commercial shipbuilding orders, while the United States lags behind several other countries in ship production. China’s unfair dominance threatens good paying jobs and local economies across the country, in addition to American national security.\n\n“These U.S. shipyards and their suppliers are major employers that provide a pathway to the middle class through good-paying and often union jobs and keep the knowledge and skill to build vessels used for military purposes and to carry goods around the world made in America. We must hold China accountable and reverse the loss felt over the last two decades to stand up for the hardworking Americans employed in the shipbuilding industry, those who serve in the military branches that need these vessels, and who live in communities supported by these jobs,” the Senators continued.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/ahead-of-beijing-summit-senator-kim-urges-president-trump-to-permit-taiwan-arms-sales/", "title": "Ahead of Beijing Summit, Senator Kim Urges President Trump to Permit Taiwan Arms Sales", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) joined a bipartisan group of Senators in sending a letter urging President Trump to formally notify $14 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan ahead of his summit with Chinese President Xi later this week.\n\nThe letter was signed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).\n\n“We strongly encourage your administration to formally notify the $14 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan that Congress pre-approved in January 2025,” wrote the Senators. “Following months of encouragement from bipartisan members of Congress and your administration, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan today approved a robust special defense budget of $25 billion to enhance the island’s self-defense capabilities. The vast majority of this new budget will fund U.S.-provided defensive arms pending notification to Congress, including counter-drone assets, an integrated battle command system and medium-range munitions.”\n\nThe Senators insisted to the President that American support for Taiwan not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Xi.\n\n“Just as Taiwan’s leaders demonstrated unity in support of their people’s defense, so too must we move ahead with pending U.S. arms sales vital to our own national interests,”continued the Senators. “You should make clear to Beijing that as you seek to level the economic playing field, American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation.”\n\nThe Senators outlined the negative consequences of PRC control of Taiwan would have on American families.\n\n“In a world in which Beijing moves decisively to seek control of Taiwan, American families would suffer from severe and long-term inflation, supply chain disruptions that would destroy manufacturing jobs at home and steep hikes in the cost of living,” concluded the Senators. “We would lose a vital democratic and technology partner to autocracy and our allies would be forced to readjust to a regional order dominated by Beijing. This future is not theoretical. It can and must be prevented and we have partners in Taipei stepping up to meet the challenge. That is why we urge you to formally notify the $14 billion package of arms to Congress as required by law.”\n\nRead the full letter to President Trump.\n\nThe letter builds on Senator Kim’s work to support Taiwan, a critical partner of the United States. Earlier this year, he helped lead the introduction of the bipartisan Taiwan Allies Fund Act to strengthen Taiwan’s global network as well as the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act that expands cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-andy-kim-statement-on-future-of-fema/", "title": "Senator Andy Kim Statement on Future of FEMA", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee that oversees FEMA, released the following statement after President Trump announced his nomination of Cameron Hamilton to head FEMA:\n\n“Communities across the country need us to turn the page on this Administration’s failed attempt to abolish FEMA and build an agency fully prepared to deliver on its mission. Looking after Americans’ safety and well-being must be our top priority in Congress, just as it has to be for the next FEMA Administrator. Before the next disaster strikes, it is critically important we get to work on reform legislation that sets FEMA and our country up for success.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1686AB98-5FB7-4E78-B4AD-DB24DEF77C1F", "title": "Graham Welcomes Over $200 Million Investment In U.S. Coast Guard Base Charleston", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today celebrated the U.S. Coast Guard’s announcement approving $212 million in funding to enhance readiness at Base Charleston in North Charleston. The Coast Guard stated that these funds will be used to improve the installation’s pier infrastructure and for the construction of a new medical and dental facility, among other mission-critical initiatives.\n\nThe funding for these investments was included as a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill. As Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Graham led the effort to push this legislation through the Senate, which included historic funding for modernizing the Coast Guard’s capabilities.\n\n“The Coast Guard’s announcement today, greenlighting multiple projects that will substantially upgrade operations at Base Charleston, is welcome news. It is imperative this base has the necessary tools to protect South Carolina’s coastline and prevent deadly drugs, such as fentanyl, from reaching our shores.” said Senator Graham. “These projects were made possible by the One Big Beautiful Bill’s generational funding for the Coast Guard. I was proud to help President Trump advance this legislation through the Senate, and I’m pleased that this funding is directly supporting members of the Coast Guard serving in South Carolina.”\n\n“I am excited for the incredible potential these projects have to improve the welfare of our Servicemembers and their families, to homeport our future fleet of Offshore Patrol Cutters and to operationalize the generous investments being made in our Service by the American people,” said Vice Admiral Jo-Ann Burdian, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “Our people are our greatest asset, and everything we do on their behalf, to ensure they are ready, trained and well-supported will enable us to act with clarity, cohesion, and purpose to deliver the outcomes our Nation expects.”\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-republicans-push-1000000000-for-trumps-ballroom-while-families-struggle-with-rising-costs/", "title": "Luján: Republicans Push $1,000,000,000 for Trump’s Ballroom While Families Struggle with Rising Costs", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Joint Economic Committee found that small businesses lost 4.5 times more jobs in 2025 than 2020 amid Trump’s tariffs\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on Congressional Republicans proposing $1 billion for President Trump’s ballroom, while doing nothing to lower costs for working families struggling with rising health care, grocery, energy, and housing prices:\n\n“Families across New Mexico are struggling with the rising costs of groceries, health care, housing, and energy. While President Trump continues fighting a war in Iran, gas prices are going through the roof. Instead of focusing on lowering costs, Congressional Republicans are pouring billions more into Trump’s rogue ICE operation while proposing another $1 billion for the president’s personal ballroom. That’s $1 billion that could be helping working families, but instead will be spent on President Trump.\n\n“Americans don’t need a ballroom. They need lower costs, affordable health care, and an economy that works for our families. I will fight this bill every step of the way because New Mexicans deserve leaders focused on lowering costs and delivering for our state.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-merkley-hirono-urge-bureau-of-prisons-to-reverse-policy-banning-gender-affirming-care", "title": "Markey, Merkley, Hirono Urge Bureau of Prisons to Reverse Policy Banning Gender-Affirming Care", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (May 11, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), today wrote to Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General, and William Marshall III, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), calling on the BOP to withdraw its policies endangering the health and safety of transgender people, including its policy statement issued in February that bans gender-affirming care for people with gender dysphoria. Left untreated, gender dysphoria is associated with elevated rates of depression, self-harm, and suicidality.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “On February 21, 2025, the BOP issued a memo to implement President Trump’s EO, requiring BOP staff to ‘refer to individuals by their legal name or pronouns corresponding to their biological sex,’ banning the use of funds for any ‘items that align with transgender ideology,’ and suspending clothing accommodations, pat search accommodations, and support programs offered to transgender individuals. In a second memo, issued one week later, the BOP banned the use of federal funds for ‘any medical procedure, treatment, or drug for the purpose of conforming an inmate’s appearance to that of the opposite sex.’ These changes have resulted in the denial—or threatened denial—of hormone treatment and gender-affirming accommodations for transgender individuals in BOP custody. On February 19, 2026, the BOP escalated its attacks, issuing a program statement titled, ‘Management of Inmates with Gender Dysphoria.’ It prohibits incarcerated people from receiving gender-affirming care, even if paid for with private funds. This practice forces incarcerated people to discontinue care, regardless of medical recommendations.”\n\nThe Senators continued, “The agency has repeatedly enacted policies that strip transgender individuals of their gender identity and dignity. This includes requiring staff to refer to transgender individuals by pronouns that ‘align with their biological sex’ rather than gender identity and to confiscate gender-affirming items, such as undergarments, clothing, cosmetics, and wigs. These policies risk triggering mental health crises, including increased suicidality, among incarcerated people with gender dysphoria. The BOP’s repeated guidance to roll back gender-affirming protections—despite a federal court order finding that the BOP’s actions to discontinue gender-affirming care are likely unlawful—generate confusion about the current state of regulations and convey the BOP’s indifference to court orders and the rule of law. By stripping away appropriate medical and psychiatric care, safety protections, and measures to provide dignity, the BOP is exposing transgender individuals to significant harm.”\n\nThe Senators requested answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:\n\nDoes the BOP plan to monitor and assess the impacts of recent policies that eliminate gender-affirming medical and psychiatric care?\n\nSince January 20, 2025, how many transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender diverse individuals have been transferred to a different facility to meet the EO’s goal of housing individuals “according to their biological sex?”\n\nGiven that the BOP has stopped enforcing Prison Rape Elimination Act regulations related to gender identity and collecting data on gender identity, how will the BOP protect the physical and emotional health and safety of incarcerated transgender individuals?\n\nHow does the BOP plan to monitor and assess the impact of eliminating protections against sexual violence for this population?\n\nDoes the BOP plan to institute a specific process by which transgender individuals may seek assistance or lodge complaints regarding harms they experience from the recent BOP policies and actions implementing President Trump’s EO?\n\nDescribe the specific criteria the BOP intends to use to determine whether it will allow a “social accommodation” for gender dysphoria.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-applauds-boeings-1-billion-investment-in-wichita-wichita-on-monday-u-s-senator-roger-marshall-m-d-r-kansas-joined-boeing-ceo-kelly-ortberg-at-a/", "title": "Senator Marshall Applauds Boeing’s $1 Billion Investment in Wichita", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Wichita – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Boeing CEO, Kelly Ortberg, at a “Boeing Backs America” event in Wichita, announcing $1 billion in investments into Wichita over the next 3 years.\n\n“Kansas is proud to be the Air Capital of the World, and this announcement by Boeing reaffirms Wichita’s place in the future of American aerospace,” said Senator Marshall. “This decision highlights Boeing’s long-term commitment to Kansas and will drive new jobs, innovation, and manufacturing growth across our state. We look forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.”\n\nThis announcement comes after Boeing announced a partnership with Wichita State University Tech last week to create a new workforce training center in South Wichita, providing an important educational pipeline in Kansas for future Boeing employees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-fights-to-deliver-water-infrastructure-funding-for-kansas-communities/", "title": "Senator Marshall Fights to Deliver Water Infrastructure Funding for Kansas Communities", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Manhattan – On Friday,U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined USDA Rural Development State Director Gimmie Jo Jansonius, Riley County Commissioner Kathryn Focke, and local officials at Keats Park Community Center to mark the start of the Riley County Wastewater System Improvement Project – an $11 million federal investment in the county’s water infrastructure.\n\nRiley County was one of seven communities awarded a share of $11 million in grants and loans through the USDA Rural Development Water and Wastewater Disposal Loan and Grant Program. The Riley County award, a $492,000 grant and $618,000 loan, will fund the upgrade and installation of approximately 12,000 linear feet of collection lines, 43 manhole replacements, 67 septic tank demolitions, five grinder stations, a new lift station and wet well, a backup generator, and related surface and electrical work.\n\n“Clean water and functional wastewater systems aren’t a luxury — they’re a basic necessity for every Kansas family and every Kansas community,” said Senator Marshall. “Riley County is getting this right, and I’m proud to have fought for the federal resources to help make it happen. This is exactly what good government looks like: dollars going directly to the communities that need them.”\n\nAcross Kansas, modernizing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure is a critical need. Too many communities rely on aging systems that strain local budgets and jeopardize public health. Senator Marshall has consistently prioritized federal water infrastructure funding through the annual appropriations process, advocating for the programs that help Kansas counties and municipalities modernize their water systems and safeguard the well-being of residents.\n\nAs part of the annual federal appropriations process, Senator Marshall has submitted the following funding requests to ensure Kansas communities have access to clean water:\n\nRobust funding for EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund\n\nRobust funding for EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund\n\n$490,000,000 for USDA’s Rural Water and Wastewater Disposal Loan and Grant Program, with a request that non-earmark funding be increased\n\n$200,000,000 in funding for USDA’s Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations Program\n\n$40,000,000 for USDA’s Community Facilities Program, with a request that non-earmark funding be increased\n\n$5,000,000 for USDA’s Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program\n\nRobust funding for USDA’s Watershed Rehabilitation Program\n\nRobust funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Activities\n\nRobust funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Inland Waterways Trust Fund\n\nRobust funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Grant Program\n\nHe also led a letter calling for robust funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-spends-day-in-junction-city-manhattan/", "title": "Senator Marshall Spends Day in Junction City & Manhattan", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Junction City – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent Friday in Junction City and Manhattan meeting with military families, mental health providers, educators, local leaders, and rural development officials to discuss support services for military-connected families, investments in early childhood education, and critical infrastructure improvements across Kansas communities.\n\nHighlights from the visit include:\n\nMilitary Family Mental Health Roundtable\n\nClick HERE for more photos.\n\nAt the USD 475 Early Childhood Center, Senator Marshall convened a roundtable discussion with military mental health providers, educators, and community organizations ahead of upcoming deployments from Fort Riley.\n\nSenator Marshall spoke about his own family’s military service and emphasized the importance of supporting military families during deployments. Participants discussed mental health resources, school-based support services, telehealth access, and opportunities for future federal grant funding.\n\nUSD 475 Early Childhood Center Ribbon Cutting\n\nClick HERE for more photos.\n\nFollowing the roundtable, Senator Marshall joined local educators for the ribbon-cutting of the new USD 475 Early Childhood Center in Junction City.\n\nThe new 71,000-square-foot facility will centralize early childhood services for the district, expand access to free pre-kindergarten opportunities, and provide modern classrooms and specialized developmental services for children and families across the community.\n\nSenator Marshall praised the district’s investment in early education and discussed federal efforts supporting Head Start, Impact Aid, and child care programs serving military-connected and rural communities.\n\nFoote Cattle Company Steak Feed\n\nClick HERE for more photos.\n\nIn Manhattan, Senator Marshall visited with Kansas ranchers and producers at the Foote Cattle Company steak feed.\n\nThe gathering brought together Kansas cattle producers to focus on herd health, beef quality, and market conditions, while continuing Foote Cattle Company’s tradition of hosting community events that connect agriculture and local families.\n\nUSDA Rural Development Check Presentation\n\nClick HERE for more photos.\n\nSenator Marshall also met with local officials for a USDA Rural Development check presentation supporting wastewater infrastructure improvements in Riley County.\n\nThe project will help modernize sewer and wastewater systems while supporting future growth and long-term infrastructure reliability for the community.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/markey-merkley-hirono-urge-bureau-of-prisons-to-reverse-policy-banning-gender-affirming-care/", "title": "Markey, Merkley, Hirono Urge Bureau of Prisons to Reverse Policy Banning Gender-Affirming Care", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), today wrote to Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General, and William Marshall III, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), calling on the BOP to withdraw its policies endangering the health and safety of transgender people, including its policy statement issued in February that bans gender-affirming care for people with gender dysphoria. Left untreated, gender dysphoria is associated with elevated rates of depression, self-harm, and suicidality.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “On February 21, 2025, the BOP issued a memo to implement President Trump’s EO, requiring BOP staff to ‘refer to individuals by their legal name or pronouns corresponding to their biological sex,’ banning the use of funds for any ‘items that align with transgender ideology,’ and suspending clothing accommodations, pat search accommodations, and support programs offered to transgender individuals. In a second memo, issued one week later, the BOP banned the use of federal funds for ‘any medical procedure, treatment, or drug for the purpose of conforming an inmate’s appearance to that of the opposite sex.’ These changes have resulted in the denial—or threatened denial—of hormone treatment and gender-affirming accommodations for transgender individuals in BOP custody. On February 19, 2026, the BOP escalated its attacks, issuing a program statement titled, ‘Management of Inmates with Gender Dysphoria.’ It prohibits incarcerated people from receiving gender-affirming care, even if paid for with private funds. This practice forces incarcerated people to discontinue care, regardless of medical recommendations.”\n\nThe Senators continued, “The agency has repeatedly enacted policies that strip transgender individuals of their gender identity and dignity. This includes requiring staff to refer to transgender individuals by pronouns that ‘align with their biological sex’ rather than gender identity and to confiscate gender-affirming items, such as undergarments, clothing, cosmetics, and wigs. These policies risk triggering mental health crises, including increased suicidality, among incarcerated people with gender dysphoria. The BOP’s repeated guidance to roll back gender-affirming protections—despite a federal court order finding that the BOP’s actions to discontinue gender-affirming care are likely unlawful—generate confusion about the current state of regulations and convey the BOP’s indifference to court orders and the rule of law. By stripping away appropriate medical and psychiatric care, safety protections, and measures to provide dignity, the BOP is exposing transgender individuals to significant harm.”\n\nThe Senators requested answers by May 21, 2026, to questions including:\n\nDoes the BOP plan to monitor and assess the impacts of recent policies that eliminate gender-affirming medical and psychiatric care?\n\nSince January 20, 2025, how many transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender diverse individuals have been transferred to a different facility to meet the EO’s goal of housing individuals “according to their biological sex?”\n\nGiven that the BOP has stopped enforcing Prison Rape Elimination Act regulations related to gender identity and collecting data on gender identity, how will the BOP protect the physical and emotional health and safety of incarcerated transgender individuals?\n\nHow does the BOP plan to monitor and assess the impact of eliminating protections against sexual violence for this population?\n\nDoes the BOP plan to institute a specific process by which transgender individuals may seek assistance or lodge complaints regarding harms they experience from the recent BOP policies and actions implementing President Trump’s EO?\n\nDescribe the specific criteria the BOP intends to use to determine whether it will allow a “social accommodation” for gender dysphoria.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-tillis-warren-senators-urge-education-department-to-promptly-release-funding-for-agencys-research-arm/", "title": "Merkley, Tillis, Warren, Senators Urge Education Department to Promptly Release Funding for Agency’s Research Arm", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, North Carolina’s U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, and Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren led their Senate colleagues in pressing U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to ensure the timely release of funding for the independent, non-partisan Institute of Education Sciences (IES). IES produces timely research, provides evidence-use products and assistance, and collects data to meet the needs of states, districts, and educators across the nation.\n\n“We write to urge you to take immediate steps to ensure the timely obligation of appropriations for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) consistent with bipartisan Congressional intent,” the bipartisan group of Senators wrote. “This will enable IES to fulfill its statutory responsibilities to expand fundamental knowledge about what works in education to improve student outcomes and provide reliable information on the condition and progress of education and effectiveness of federal and other education programs.”\n\n“As the statistics, research, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Education, IES plays a critical role in developing the research base for and evaluating the effectiveness of the nation’s education programs, as well as collecting education statistics. IES helps ensure that taxpayers’ money is being invested in efforts that are supported by rigorous research and demonstrated results,” the Senators stressed. “Education and policymakers at all levels, nationwide, depend on IES-supported evidence to inform the best decisions for these dollars.”\n\nThe Senators’ letter calls attention to IES’ massive workforce reductions, research grant competition cancellations, and contract terminations and reductions that have occurred over the last fifteen months. The letter brings special attention to the sharp decline of special education research and data gathering due to the lack of spending.\n\nThe Senators concluded, “We urge you to work with the Office of Management and Budget to allocate these funds in a timely manner in order for IES to meet its statutory obligations to support education research, statistics, evaluation, and evidence building to improve students’ academic outcomes.”\n\nJoining Merkley, Tillis, and Warren in signing the bipartisan letter were U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:\n\nDear Secretary McMahon:\n\nWe write to urge you to take immediate steps to ensure the timely obligation of appropriations for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) consistent with bipartisan Congressional intent. This will enable IES to fulfill its statutory responsibilities to expand fundamental knowledge about what works in education to improve student outcomes and provide reliable information on the condition and progress of education and effectiveness of federal and other education programs.\n\nAs the statistics, research, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Education, IES plays a critical role in developing the research base for and evaluating the effectiveness of the nation’s education programs, as well as collecting education statistics. IES helps ensure that taxpayers’ money is being invested in efforts that are supported by rigorous research and demonstrated results. While the vast majority of funding for public education comes from local and state sources, the federal government carries out a critical role in providing, supporting, and overseeing billions of supplemental dollars in public education each year, particularly for children, youth and students with disabilities and students from low-income families. Education and policymakers at all levels, nationwide, depend on IES-supported evidence to inform the best decisions for these dollars.\n\nCongress annually appropriates funding for IES programs on a bipartisan basis, and that funding can be used over a two-year period. This was done to allow sufficient time to plan to carry out its statutory functions in the most effective manner and ensure the best use of federal taxpayer resources. The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which President Trump signed into law, continued Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations of $793 million for IES. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which President Trump also signed into law, appropriated $789.6 million for IES and provided specific allocations for major statutory programs of IES.\n\nAccording to the latest IES apportionment data, significant available balances from FY2025 and FY2026 appropriations remain unallocated, with no less than $290 million at risk of lapsing at the end of this fiscal year. Special education research and statistical activities could experience the biggest impact from this lack of spending. This level of spending continues a sharp decline in IES spending evidenced in FY2025. We urge you to work with the Office of Management and Budget to allocate these funds in a timely manner in order for IES to meet its statutory obligations to support education research, statistics, evaluation, and evidence building to improve students’ academic outcomes.\n\nWe are also concerned with the recent reduction of IES staff. According to the Department of Education’s monthly reporting, in March 2025, IES staffing was reduced from 187 employees to 30 on-board staff from January 2025 to February 2026. These cuts were particularly felt at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), one of four education centers operating under the IES, which saw its staffing drop from approximately 100 staff to 11. These reductions in staff have directly contributed to significantly fewer research, data, and evidence-use products being published by IES.\n\nFurthermore, in March 2026, IES announced the closeouts of hundreds of unreviewed FY2025 grant proposals within the National Center for Education Research (NCER), and the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER). This resulted in no new awards being made over the past year, and these awards are crucial to addressing urgent educational challenges facing students.\n\nNCER funds research across all levels of the education ecosystem, and across all areas of education. Their findings have led to the development of programs used in schools across the nation, including literacy programs and practices that states are scaling up to improve reading achievement. This includes research and related activity underlying some of the Education Innovation and Research grant awards.\n\nThis work is also critical for supporting students with disabilities. For example, NCSER research has been used to develop educational programs that have decreased high levels of anxiety in youth with autism, taught reading to individuals with Down Syndrome, and assisted students with learning disabilities in the mastery of mathematical word problems. NCSER also provides special educators and administrators research-based resources that support public education and interventions to foster self-determination in students with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. Concerningly, after investing approximately $20 million in a long-term evaluation of transition support for students with disabilities and as services were being provided, the contract was cancelled. Further, NCSER spending dropped by $15 million last year and, to this date, IES has not announced FY 2026 NCER or NCSER grant opportunities.\n\nAs such, we urge the Department of Education to work with the Office of Management and Budget to allocate FY2025 funds to ensure funds are timely obligated and begin effectively spending FY2026 funds consistent with historical trendlines for IES to produce timely research, provide evidence-use products and assistance, and undertake data collections that meet the needs of states, districts, and educators across the nation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-wyden-introduce-new-bill-to-block-sale-of-federal-public-lands/", "title": "Merkley, Wyden Introduce New Bill to Block Sale of Federal Public Lands", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced they introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act, new legislation to ensure that America’s public lands cannot be sold as part of a fast-tracked process in a budget reconciliation bill.\n\nDuring consideration of the Republicans’ “Big, Ugly Betrayal” budget reconciliation bill that passed in July 2025 on a party-line simple majority vote, Senate Republicans nearly passed a provision to sell one to three million acres of federal public lands to generate revenue all to fund Republicans’ tax cuts for billionaires. Merkley and Wyden worked to build strong bipartisan opposition alongside lawmakers, states, counties, and sportsmen’s groups across the West. The Senate ultimately abandoned the provision. Today, under current rules, any senator could propose expedited public land sales in a future budget reconciliation bill, and the Public Lands Integrity Act would eliminate that option.\n\n“Oregonians and folks across America are united with a clear message—our public lands are not for sale,” said Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee. “These beloved natural treasures belong to all of us, contributing to the spirit and economies of communities all over the United States. As Republicans attempt to rip away public lands from public use, I will fight like hell to protect and preserve our public lands for generations to come.”\n\n“Republicans have proved they will stop at nothing to sell off our country’s public lands to the highest bidder,” said Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. “This bill would help keep public lands in public hands by closing arcane loopholes that allow Republicans to carry out their fantasies of selling our beloved forests and lands off to billionaires.”\n\nAmerica’s public lands are owned by the public and managed to provide public benefits in perpetuity. This legislation would prevent the sale of federal public lands through expedited Senate procedures under the budget reconciliation process by amending the Congressional Budget Act’s (CBA) “Byrd Rule.”\n\nThe reconciliation process – established under the CBA – allows legislation affecting revenue and spending to pass the Senate with a simple majority vote. To prevent the inclusion of unrelated policy, Congress amended the CBA to include the “Byrd Rule,” which makes “extraneous” provisions subject to a point of order and a 3/5th majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would define provisions resulting in the sale, transfer, or disposal of federal public lands as extraneous, making it significantly harder to permanently dispose of public lands that provide long-term benefits to the American people.\n\nSpecifically, the Public Lands Integrity Act would:\n\nDesignate any reconciliation provision resulting in the sale or disposal of federal public lands as “extraneous” under the “Byrd Rule”;\n\nAllow any Senator to raise a “Byrd Rule” point of order against the sale of federal public lands in a reconciliation bill; and\n\nEnsure that decisions about the future of federal public lands are debated through regular legislative order, rather than rushed through expedited and typically partisan budget procedures.\n\n“From the iconic vistas at Crater Lake National Park to the fossil record preserved in the John Day Fossil Beds, Oregonians are proud of the national parks that protect our shared heritage. The wildlife, clean water, and ancient forests that define these places don’t stop at park boundaries–they depend on the public lands that surround and sustain them. Decisions about these shared landscapes must not be rushed through a fast-tracked process that cuts out community voices. These public lands belong to all of us, and we deserve transparent, accountable and publicly-grounded decision-making, and the Public Lands Integrity Act would ensure just that,” said Colin Deverell, Northwest Region Acting Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association.\n\n“The Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers thanks Senator Merkley for his leadership on the Public Lands Integrity Act. Oregon’s hunters and anglers know that public lands are more than just green, yellow and blue polygons on a map — they are the places that sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations and connect Oregon families to our state’s wild lands and waters not as passive observers, but as active participants. This bill helps ensure that decisions about the future of America’s public lands, OUR public lands, are made openly and deliberately, not rushed through in a fast-tracked budget reconciliation process,” said Ian Isaacson, Co-Chair, Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.\n\n“Friends of the Owyhee supports the Public Lands Integrity Act because public lands should not be sold, transferred, or disposed of through rushed budget procedures. These lands are working landscapes, wildlife habitat, grazing country, recreation areas, cultural landscapes, and part of the backbone of rural communities like ours in Malheur County,” said Tim Davis, Founder and Executive Director Friends of the Owyhee. “The future of America’s public lands deserves daylight, public debate, and regular legislative order. This legislation helps ensure public land sell-off proposals cannot be buried inside fast-tracked budget bills without proper scrutiny. We strongly support this safeguard.”\n\n“Oregon’s high desert is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the West, including the John Day River, Owyhee Canyonlands and Steens Mountain. Millions of acres spanning hundreds of miles provide unparallelled habitat for wildlife, stunning natural beauty and expansive recreational opportunities, fueling local economies and sustaining Indigenous communities who have lived in the area since time immemorial. We applaud Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley for co-sponsoring the Public Lands Integrity Act to ensure that public lands remain in public ownership for the benefit of all Americans for generations to come,” said Ryan Houston, Executive Director, Oregon Natural Desert Association.\n\n“Public lands are part of the heritage and economy of rural communities like Polk County. Decisions about permanently selling those lands deserve full public debate and transparency, not a rushed budget process. Once public lands are sold, they are very difficult to get back,” said Jeremey Gordon, Polk County Commissioner.\n\n“In Central Oregon, our public lands are central to our identity. Public lands are beloved across America and across party lines and should never be sold off in pursuit of partisan objectives. As land use advocates, our organization strongly supports the Public Lands Integrity Act,” said Ben Gordon, Executive Director, Central Oregon LandWatch.\n\nPublic lands are a generational legacy for all Americans – an American birthright – and are part of our identity, culture, and rural economies. Once they are sold and in private hands, they’re gone forever. Our public lands provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and abundant opportunities for recreation, fishing, hunting, and solitude for every American, and they are the ancestral homes of our indigenous people. Our system of public lands is the envy of countries across the globe – we owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure these lands remain in public hands,” said Jana Johnson, Executive Director, Deschutes Trails Coalition.\n\n“Public lands are the heart and soul of Oregon. They provide all of us, regardless of status or wealth, with the opportunity to escape the pressures of modern life and be awed by Mount Hood’s majesty, thrilled by the Wild Rogue’s roaring whitewater, and to find peace and beauty among towering old-growth forests and rugged desert canyons. The Public Lands Integrity Act is an important step forward in preserving America’s natural treasures for everyone, forever,” said Steve Pedery, Conservation Director, Oregon Wild.\n\n“I am grateful that Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are cosponsoring the Public Lands Integrity Act to protect America’s public lands from short sales to fund budget ‘crises’ caused by the current or future administrations,” said Mary Faith Bell, Tillamook County Commissioner. “America’s public lands, meant to be held in trust for the benefit of the people in perpetuity, are our collective treasures, and they should be fiercely protected for generations to come.”\n\n“Our public lands are exactly that: public, owned by all of us for the benefit of Oregonians, Tribes, and every species living in every ecosystem. These lands are not for private or partisan profit. We at Sierra Club thank and applaud Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley for once again fighting to protect the lands that make Oregon the unique and wonderful place we call home,” said Damon Motz-Storey, Chapter Director, Sierra Club Oregon\n\n“Selling off public lands to the highest bidder is a terrible idea, and we are pleased to see Senator Merkley co-sponsor the Public Lands Integrity Act, alongside Senator Wyden. Oregon’s Senators have been champions for public land conservation and stewardship, and this bill would ensure that Congress makes decisions about public lands in regular order, and not through some expedited budget procedure,” said Michael Dotson, Director, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center.\n\n“Public lands are the crown jewel of America and provide habitat for critically imperiled species, clean water for communities, and unparalleled recreation opportunities that drive local economies. Senators Wyden and Merkley’s Public Lands Integrity Act must be supported to ensure Congress can’t fast track the privatization of our commons to the land barons who seek to maximize profits over all else,” said Josh Laughlin, Executive Director, Cascadia Wildlands.\n\n“A proposed provision in H.R. 1 (AKA the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) left 22,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service lands within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, including beloved places like Dog Mountain and Eagle Creek, vulnerable to sale. Protecting our public lands is at the heart of what Friends does. The Public Lands Integrity Act is a much-needed solution to protect our federal lands from being sold off for political purposes,” said Gabe Sheoships, Executive Director, Friends of the Columbia Gorge.\n\n“Our national parks and public lands reflect our shared history and values. Americans love our 433 national parks, from Gettysburg and the Statue of Liberty to Rocky Mountain and Crater Lake. And for more than a century, Congress has upheld a promise to protect them. We commend Senators Wyden, Merkley, Bennet, and Heinrich for standing up for that promise. America’s legacy isn’t for sale, and the Public Lands Integrity Act would help ensure these places are protected and preserved as they deserve to be,” said Tucker Johnson, Associate Director of Government Affairs for National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).\n\n“America’s public lands provide enduring benefits for people and nature, supporting healthy communities, outdoor economies, and wildlife habitat. This proposal helps ensure these lands — held in trust for all Americans — aren’t sold off through rushed budget maneuvers,” said Tom Cors, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, The Nature Conservancy.\n\nThe Public Lands Integrity Act was led by Colorado’s U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and also cosponsored by New Mexico’s U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. The text of the bill is available by clicking HERE. A summary of the bill is available by clicking HERE. Letters of support for the legislation can be found by clicking HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-honors-floridas-law-enforcement-heroes-during-national-police-week/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Honors Florida’s Law Enforcement Heroes During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody today kicked off National Police Week by cosponsoring a Senate Resolution honoring Florida’s law enforcement heroes. Since serving as Florida’s Attorney General to now as U.S. Senator, Moody has advocated for and advanced the mission of Florida law enforcement. This week, Senator Moody will also be hosting a reception to honor more than 100 Florida law enforcement officers, meeting with family members of fallen heroes and more.\n\n“During Police Week, we honor the brave men and women in law enforcement—those who serve with courage every day, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, this week is deeply personal to me,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “To every law enforcement officer in our great state—thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nNational Police Week runs May 10-May 16. Senator Moody cosponsored a Senate Resolution honoring Florida’s law enforcement heroes.\n\nSenator Moody is a long-time supporter of the rule of law and of law enforcement officers. Since becoming Florida’s newest Senator, Moody has:\n\nIntroduced the Halo Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty;\n\nSupported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence;\n\nIntroduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers;\n\nCo-Sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The new law assists law enforcement officers get fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;\n\nSponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and\n\nVoted to pass the largest pro-law enforcement package out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week last year.\n\nAs Florida’s Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/press-releases/moreno-statement-on-banking-lobbyists-attempt-to-kill-financial-innovation", "title": "Moreno Statement on Banking Lobbyists Attempt to Kill Financial Innovation", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.moreno.senate.gov", "scraper": "moreno", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001242", "name": "Bernie Moreno", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) released the following statement after banking lobbyists attempted to kill the Senate Banking Committee’s vote on landmark crypto legislation this week. The banking lobby is trying to distort reality and prevent valuable innovation that will help hardworking Americans maximize their finances.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/new-report-shows-child-care-subsidies-provide-relief-for-families-meanwhile-trump-requests-1-5-trillion-for-war-budget-while-costs-are-skyrocketing/", "title": "New Report Shows Child Care Subsidies Provide Relief for Families, Meanwhile Trump Requests $1.5 Trillion for War Budget While Costs Are Skyrocketing", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today—as Trump proposes to slash domestic investments to help pay for a defense spending increase of roughly half a trillion dollars—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after a new report found the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program saves participating Washington state families over $19,000 a year on child care.\n\n“Trump is asking Congress to increase his war budget by $500 billion dollars and even said: ‘’We’re fighting wars. We can’t take care of day care.’ Well, as a former preschool teacher and mom, I think that is just absurd,” said Senator Murray. “This is not a question of what’s possible—it’s a question of priorities. President Trump and congressional Republicans want to spend your taxpayer dollars on costly wars and golden ballrooms, and I’d like to help more families afford child care. Instead of dumping trillions of dollars into Trump’s reckless wars, we could be expanding crucial programs like CCDBG—we could be saving families thousands of dollars a year on child care. Half a trillion dollars would make high-quality child care affordable for every family that needs it, and it would mean employers wouldn’t have to worry about their employees missing work because they couldn’t find child care. The child care crisis is holding back families and holding back our economy. But putting the kind of money Trump is talking about for war into child care instead would make a world of change for all families.”\n\nA new report has detailed how CCDBG subsidies help families in Washington state afford child care for kids under the age of five. The average cost of child care in Washington state is over $21,000 a year, or almost $1,800 per month. For families who qualify, CCDBG brings the cost of child care down to a maximum of $1,980 a year, or $165 per month for a family of three in Washington state. But, of the over 118,000 children who are eligible in Washington state to be served by CCDBG, only 15,435 kids are being served at the current funding levels—that means only 13% of kids who have families who are struggling to afford child care, are receiving support. Senator Murray has long pushed to change that and played a critical role in securing historic funding increases for the CCDBG program to help serve more families.\n\nAs Trump proposes spending $1.5 trillion on the defense budget—roughly half a trillion more than this year—raising costs on everyday essentials for working families, Senator Murray is leading Democrats in Congress to continue their push to help working people make ends meet—including by tackling the child care crisis. In the FY26 appropriations bills Senator Murray secured $8.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program (CCDBG)—an $85 million or increase over fiscal year 2025—and $12.36 billion for Head Start, an $85 million increase over last year’s funding level. Sustained annual increases of federal investments in child care and Head Start are critical in tackling the child care crisis and helping to ensure more families can find and afford the quality, affordable child care and early childhood education options they need. Senator Murray also protected funding for Preschool Development Grants, which President Trump and House Republicans pushed to eliminate.\n\nSenator Murray is Congress’ top advocate for child care, and her Child Care for Working Families Act would tackle the child care crisis head-on: ensuring families can afford the child care they need, expanding access to more high-quality options, stabilizing the child care sector, and helping ensure child care workers taking care of our nation’s kids are paid livable wages. The legislation will also dramatically expand access to pre-K, and support full-day, full-year Head Start programs and increased wages for Head Start workers. Under the legislation, which Senator Murray has introduced every Congress since 2017, the typical family in America will pay no more than $15 a day for child care—with many families paying nothing at all—and no eligible family will pay more than 7% of their income on child care.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-upgrading-infrastructure-across-metro-atlanta-north-georgia/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Upgrading Infrastructure Across Metro Atlanta & North Georgia", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Stone Mountain, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering new resources to upgrade Georgia’s infrastructure.\n\nSen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to help upgrade infrastructure across metro Atlanta and North Georgia, including improving transportation safety in Stone Mountain, building new trails in Clarkston, remediating blight in Chickamauga, and more.\n\n“Georgians deserve world-class infrastructure. Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, I’m delivering these resources to upgrade infrastructure across metro Atlanta and North Georgia to keep families safe, support business and commerce, and keep our state moving,” Sen. Ossoff said.\n\nSen. Ossoff is delivering funding for the projects through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on February 3. GDOT will then distribute the funds to local communities to execute the projects.\n\nPlease find a summary of projects for which Sen. Ossoff is delivering funding below:\n\nSTONE MOUNTAIN ($1,781,000): The City of Stone Mountain will use the funding to improve safety, mobility and connectivity at Main Street and Mimosa Drive in Stone Mountain. Improvements include a variety of new pedestrian upgrades to ensure residents and visitors can safely navigate downtown and connect to Stone Mountain Trail.\n\nCLARKSTON ($2,000,000): The City of Clarkston will use the funding to construct part of the Clarkston Greenway Trail, which will connect to residential areas and provide direct access to downtown Clarkston.\n\nRIVERDALE: ($1,000,000): The City of Riverdale will use the funding to install sidewalks along Church Street in a residential area of Riverdale, which will improve safety and accessibility for residents.\n\nCHICKAMAUGA: ($1,450,000): The City of Chickamauga will use the funding to address the clean-up of an abandoned mill site, move electric transmission lines underground, and rehabilitate storefront blight, allowing the City to capitalize on its historic sites and proximity to tourist destinations.\n\nATLANTA ($1,200,000): The City of Atlanta will use the funding to design and construct streetscape improvements along in downtown Atlanta to improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life for residents and visitors.\n\n“The City of Atlanta is grateful for solid partners like Senator Ossoff who understand the value of meaningful investments in infrastructure. This $1.2 million for our Peachtree St. Streetscape project will help improve ADA accessibility, extend our network of safe and enjoyable bike lanes and enhance our pedestrian crossings. Thank you to Senator Ossoff and his team for being a true advocate for Atlanta’s communities,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.\n\n“As the City of Stone Mountain continues its transformation into a regional historic tourist destination similar to cities like Savannah, the $1,781,000 Main Street and Mimosa Drive Intersection Improvement Project represents a critical step forward. We would like to thank Senator Ossoff for supporting this meaningful investment, which will enhance safety, mobility and connectivity through key pedestrian upgrades, allowing residents and visitors to more easily navigate downtown and connect to the Stone Mountain Trail,” said Stone Mountain Mayor Jelani Linder. “By improving access across this important railroad crossing, the project will better link our community to Stone Mountain Park; our historic train depot soon to be a museum; and one of our oldest homes, the residence of Stone Mountain’s first mayor dating back to the mid to late 1800s. This project will make the intersection safer, easier to navigate and more attractive, while supporting downtown businesses and moving us closer to our vision of creating one of the most vibrant and appealing downtowns in the state of Georgia.”\n\n“Clarkston is a small city with a big vision, and this $2 million investment in our Greenway Project is a transformative step forward for our community. This funding will help us create safer, more connected spaces that support families, promote wellness, and strengthen our local economy. We are grateful to Senator Ossoff for recognizing the importance of investing in communities like Clarkston and for his continued commitment to equitable infrastructure and quality of life for all Georgians” said Clarkston Mayor Beverly Burks.\n\n“I am grateful to Senator Ossoff for delivering $1,000,000 in Federal funding to support the City of Riverdale’s sidewalk connectivity improvement project,” said Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon. “This Federal investment will allow the City to begin implementing vital pedestrian safety upgrades and improve connectivity for Riverdale residents.”\n\n“Chickamauga is like many small mill/mine towns across our country. When the Crystal Spring Print Works ceased operations in 2012 a slow decline began in the historic district. As plans to revitalize the area started to take root, a pandemic struck, and Chickamauga was caught in a challenging position. Emerging from the pandemic, Chickamauga has embraced tourism as a primary vehicle for recovery. Proximity to the nation’s first National Military Park and beautiful natural spaces, an approach coupling heritage tourism, outdoor recreation tourism and unique and fun events is helping recreate Chickamauga. A multi-agency cooperative initiative to build a multiuse pathway that connects the historic downtown district and the Chickamauga National Military Park is days from completion and this dove-tails perfectly with the City’s acquisition of the Crystal Springs Print Works property for redevelopment. The next phase will bring new commercial spaces, green spaces, and civic spaces,” said Eric Pullen, Director of Economic Development & Events, City of Chickamauga. “This is a long awaited enhancement and desperately needed redevelopment to the city’s future would not be possible without the leadership and support from Senator Ossoff’s office and the dedicated staff that came to Chickamauga to understand our situation and lead us through the process for a $1.45 Million grant to remediate the blight at the mill property and in our historic district.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trumps-poor-hantavirus-response-underscores-administration-is-ill-prepared-for-public-health-emergency", "title": "Reed: Trump’s Poor Hantavirus Response Underscores Administration is Ill-Prepared for Public Health Emergency", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed criticized the Trump Administration’s cuts to key federal public health programs, noting that a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard an international cruise ship that infected Americans who are now repatriated highlights the risks of slashing funding for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), and eliminating federal inspectors and port health workers who should be on the frontlines of tracking this virus and keeping deadly diseases off cruise ships and out of the United States.\n\n“I don’t want people to be worried, but I do want the U.S. government to be better prepared and more proactive. This was a known pathogen, so the risk should be low. Still, it exposed the Trump Administration’s ill-preparedness. President Trump unwisely cut funds, staff, and resources to study, prevent, and monitor hantaviruses and other infectious diseases that can spread quickly and sicken or kill people. Defunding public health and critical research isn’t just short-sighted, it inflicts a form of willful blindness. American lives should not be put at risk because of the Trump Administration’s lack of coordination between government centers and agencies, and weakened surveillance systems,” said Senator Reed.\n\nHantaviruses are a family of rare but potentially dangerous rodent-borne viruses that can cause flulike symptoms and severe lung or organ problems. Typically the virus is transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their excretions. The Andes strain of the virus is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread person-to-person. This spread is usually limited to people who have close contact with the ill person. The illness, which has a 40 percent mortality rate, has left three ship passengers dead and at least another eight infected.\n\nAccording to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials, one American who was on the infected cruise ship has already tested positive for hantavirus while another is experiencing some symptoms of the virus. All of the American passengers are being monitored under medical watch. However, the virus has potentially already spread beyond the ship because there were passengers who disembarked during the voyage before the first suspected case came to light. Public health officials in Arizona, California, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia are actively monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with the virus.\n\nLast year, the Trump Administration fired all full-time employees working for the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which helps the cruise industry prevent and control public health issues, including inspecting cruise ships and reporting violations, as well as providing information about outbreaks.\n\nReed noted that while the risk to the general public at this time is low, the fact that President Trump’s CDC took a back seat to WHO officials during the outbreak is troubling, especially since the Trump Administration retreated from the global data sharing and coordination network and reduced the U.S. capacity to lead the international response to the hantavirus outbreak.\n\n“After needlessly severing the U.S. relationship with the World Health Organization, the Trump Administration was completely missing-in-action during a major health incident that put American lives at risk. For decades, the CDC partnered with the WHO in similar situations and our experts were there to lead the response and investigations. But under the Trump Administration, while experts in other countries quickly responded, the U.S played a diminished role and the CDC was unacceptably slow to respond,” said Senator Reed.\n\nThe Trump Administration has proposed eliminating $750 million in federal preparedness grants for state and local health departments, firing Epidemic Intelligence Service fellows who serve as America's frontline disease detectives, and gutting infectious disease research, vaccine platform research, and viral-threat surveillance programs across HHS and the CDC.\n\nAccording to the Associated Press: “I don’t think this is a giant threat to the United States,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of Brown University’s Pandemic Center. But how this situation has played out “just shows how empty and vapid the CDC is right now,” she said.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/11/rosen-statement-celebrating-national-police-week/", "title": "Rosen Statement Celebrating National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement in honor of National Police Week.\n\n“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep Nevadans safe – often going above and beyond to build trust and foster relationships in our communities,” said Senator Rosen. “Today and always, we thank the police officers who work tirelessly to maintain law and order in Nevada, and we honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In the Senate, I’ve always worked across party lines to deliver the federal resources our police departments need to continue doing their jobs safely and effectively – and I’ll always stand with law enforcement.”\n\nSenator Rosen has consistently worked across party lines to support Nevada’s law enforcement officers. As part of a bipartisan funding bill for Fiscal Year 2026, Senator Rosen secured millions of dollars in federal funding to support police departments across Nevada. Earlier this year, a bipartisan bill she supported to expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters, law enforcement officers was signed into law. Senator Rosen also helped introduce legislation to redirect excess funding from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to invest it in Nevada’s local law enforcement programs, and help hire and train 200,000 local cops in communities across the U.S.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-upcoming-u-s-china-ai-talks/", "title": "NEWS: Sanders Statement on Upcoming U.S.-China AI Talks", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sanders.senate.gov", "scraper": "sanders", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000033", "name": "Bernard Sanders", "party": "Independent", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, May 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement on upcoming talks between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.\n\nWhen I convened leading American and Chinese scientists at the U.S. Capitol, they warned that the world is woefully unprepared for the threats posed by the rapid and uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence. That is why I welcome the news that the U.S. and China are planning to discuss the risks related to AI this week.\n\nTrump and Xi must seize this moment to make clear that humans, not machines, come first. In my view, this means:\n\nAllowing top scientists to share technical information and develop “AI redlines” about dangerous behavior;\n\nEnsuring that AI models are safe and effective; and\n\nMaking progress towards a treaty to ban superintelligence — an artificial mind smarter than any human, capable of operating independently beyond our control.\n\nAt the height of the Cold War, Reagan and Gorbachev found a way to negotiate nuclear arms control. The existential risk posed by AI demands nothing less from Trump and Xi.", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-congratulates-uh-mens-volleyball-team-on-ncaa-national-championship-win", "title": "Schatz Congratulates UH Men’s Volleyball Team On NCAA National Championship Win", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement congratulating the University of Hawai‘i’s men’s volleyball team on winning the 2026 NCAA National Championship.\n\n“Congratulations to the UH men’s volleyball team on an incredible championship win! Our team battled all season long, played with heart, and showed what Hawai?i volleyball is all about. We’re all proud of you. Go ‘Bows!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-tours-ventura-county-farm-highlights-farm-bill-priorities/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours Ventura County Farm, Highlights Farm Bill Priorities", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Ventura, CA – On Thursday, May 7th, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, toured the Carranza and McGrath Family Farms in Camarillo, California.\n\nSchiff, the first California Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, discussed his priorities for the 2026 Farm Bill with local farmers, and leaders of the Ventura County Farm Bureau and agriculture industry.\n\nSchiff highlighted his commitments to delivering a Farm Bill that empowers specialty crop and small-scale farmers, restores and strengthens nutrition programs, supports research investments, and provides farmers with increased opportunities to succeed in their businesses. And one that protects California’s proposition 12 and delivers the relief that California’s agricultural producers and families need.\n\nSchiff on serving in the Senate AG Committee, “I’ve loved traveling around the state and meeting farmers and trying to get to know and understand the issues and the challenges…I can’t imagine a more difficult time to be a farmer than right now, with everything that’s going on between increased input costs and perennial water challenges, regulation, tariffs, boycotts, now, even stuff getting through the Persian Gulf and fertilizer costs. Seems like a perfect storm of challenges. And even at the best of times, it seems like a very challenging line of work, but it’s been an inspiration to meet so many multi-generational farm families that are devoted to farming and making it work and feeding all the rest of us.”\n\nOn the Farm Bill Schiff said, “We continue to want to restore a lot of the SNAP funding that was cut. I want to make sure, apart from that priority, that we’re meeting these specialty crop farmers that don’t tend to get much attention or help in the Farm Bill.”\n\nBackground:\n\nLast week, Schiff 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. Over the past year and a half, Schiff has visited farms up and down California, including fields of strawberries, almonds, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-212-million-investment-in-u-s-coast-guard-base-charleston/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott Applauds $212 Million Investment in U.S. Coast Guard Base Charleston", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) today applauded the U.S. Coast Guard’s announcement of more than $212 million in infrastructure investments at U.S. Coast Guard Base Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina. The two projects are funded through the historic $25 billion investment in the Coast Guard included in the Working Families Tax Cuts and will modernize critical operational facilities, strengthen military readiness, and support Coast Guard service members and their families.\n\n“South Carolina continues to play a vital role in our national security and supporting the men and women who serve,” said Sen. Scott. “These investments at Base Charleston, made possible by the Working Families Tax Cuts, will strengthen Coast Guard operations, improve quality of life for service members and their families, and strengthen the Lowcountry’s position as a strategic military hub. I’m proud to support these efforts to modernize our military infrastructure while creating economic opportunity here at home.”\n\n“I am excited for the incredible potential these projects have to improve the welfare of our Servicemembers and their families, to homeport our future fleet of Offshore Patrol Cutters and to operationalize the generous investments being made in our Service by the American people,” said Vice Admiral Jo-Ann Burdian, commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “Our people are our greatest asset, and everything we do on their behalf, to ensure they are ready, trained and well-supported will enable us to act with clarity, cohesion, and purpose to deliver the outcomes our Nation expects.”\n\nThe announcement includes a nearly $117 million contract to fully rebuild and modernize Pier Mike, creating a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the permanent base for four Offshore Patrol Cutters and one visiting cutter. The Coast Guard also awarded a nearly $96 million contract for the construction of a new combined medical and dental facility, a new visitor’s center, and additional support for mission readiness.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/senator-shaheen-governor-ayotte-and-usda-announce-hubbard-brook-experimental-forest-will-remain-open", "title": "Senator Shaheen, Governor Ayotte and USDA Announce Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Will Remain Open", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – Following conversations between U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Governor Kelly Ayotte and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, Senator Shaheen and Governor Ayotte confirmed that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is not closing New Hampshire’s Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. USDA will continue to evaluate plans at Bartlett Experimental Forests to ensure the continued stability of these critical research sites in New Hampshire.\n\n“Research from Hubbard Brook and Bartlett has guided forest stewardship across New England for the better part of a century, and we simply can’t afford to lose that,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m relieved that the Administration heard New Hampshire’s calls, and I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ commitment to reexamine the initial proposal that would close facilities at Bartlett. It’s critical that we see a meaningful change in plans. I am also grateful for Governor Ayotte's partnership in protecting these cherished places. The lab and other facilities at Bartlett must remain open in New Hampshire to continue the decades-long research projects that serve our entire country while addressing new challenges.”\n\n“New Hampshire’s forests are an essential part of our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” said Governor Ayotte. “I had a productive conversation with Secretary Rollins and Senator Shaheen, and I appreciate USDA’s commitment to keeping these important research forests operating.”\n\nSecretary Rollins confirmed that there are no proposals affecting the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest or any of its associated facilities. Secretary Rollins also committed to review plans at Bartlett Experimental Forest. The Forest Service recognizes its significance to the community, the agency, and scientific partners and is currently developing a five-year research plan with the White Mountain National Forest.\n\nThe Governor and Secretary Rollins discussed the importance of New Hampshire's experimental forests, and their shared commitment for continued support of these research sites, along with New Hampshire's forestry and timber industries across the state.\n\nAdditionally, the Governor and the Secretary also reviewed opportunities for USDA to invest in improvements to facilities at the Bartlett Experimental Forest, including current repairs to the onsite bunkhouse. Senator Shaheen and Governor Ayotte additionally requested increased staffing support for the forests and agreed to further conversations about the topic. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen helped secure increased funding for research and language directing the Forest Service to fill vacancies at experimental forests in the Northeast.\n\nThe Hubbard Brook and Bartlett Experimental Forests are nationally recognized research sites that contribute to forest management, environmental science, and economic activity in New Hampshire and across the region.\n\nSenator Shaheen is a champion for New England’s experimental forests and pushed back against USFS reorganization earlier this month. Recently, Senators Shaheen and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) sent a letter to USDA expressing concern about the reorganization of the Forest Service following a roundtable they led in Bretton Woods with local conservation advocates and forest leaders. In April, Senator Shaheen questioned Secretary Rollins about the Forest Service’s plans to close Bartlett Experimental Forest. In the Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills that were signed into law, Shaheen helped boost funding for state and private forestry, as well as forest research.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6C554233-8E3C-4D44-A7C2-48FDB3581985", "title": "Thune Previews Senate Work Period, Honors Law Enforcement During Police Week", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, we have a lot to do over the next two weeks.\n\n“Confirm Kevin Warsh to the Federal Reserve.\n\n“Approve a nominations package.\n\n“And fund law enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security.\n\n“That last item, Mr. President, should not need to be on our agenda.\n\n“We should have been able to fund border security and immigration enforcement officers as part of the final Homeland Security funding agreement.\n\n“But my Democrat colleagues refused.\n\n“In fact, the Democrat leader said today that Democrats will fight legislation to fund law enforcement at DHS with ‘every tool we have.’\n\n“Mr. President, it’s difficult to believe that we’re here again.\n\n“We all remember the ‘Defund the Police’ movement embraced by the left and members of the Democrat Party.\n\n“We also remember how cities who moved to defund the police backtracked in pretty short order.\n\n“Because it turns out, Mr. President – as even some leftists came to realize – we need police officers.\n\n“We need law enforcement.\n\n“We live in a fallen world, and there are always going to be people out there who seek to hurt and exploit the innocent.\n\n“And we need men and women who will stand between the innocent and danger.\n\n“We need men and women who courageously dedicate their lives to law enforcement.\n\n“And all of this should go without saying, Mr. President.\n\n“I can scarcely think of anything more obvious.\n\n“But apparently the need for law enforcement is not obvious to my Democrat colleagues.\n\n“Because they’re right back to a defund the police position.\n\n“This time, it’s defunding law enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security – specifically Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement: the men and women who patrol our borders and take dangerous criminal illegal immigrants off of our streets.\n\n“And when I say defunding law enforcement at DHS, I don’t mean reducing the budget.\n\n“I mean complete and total defunding.\n\n“My Democrat colleagues refused to provide a single dollar for the men and women who protect our borders.\n\n“They refused to provide a single dollar for the men and women who take dangerous criminal illegal aliens off of our streets.\n\n“And I want you to think about that for just a minute, Mr. President.\n\n“My Democrat colleagues apparently believe that there should be no physical presence at our borders and no law enforcement officers to deport dangerous criminals who have entered our country illegally.\n\n“Mr. President, we had four years of chaos at the southern border under President Biden.\n\n“But at least we had the Border Patrol, overstretched as it was.\n\n“Now Democrats apparently believe in removing all law enforcement officers from our nation’s borders.\n\n“Mr. President, I shouldn’t need to state the obvious here – that we need border security and immigration enforcement officers to protect our nation, just as we need police officers and FBI agents and Secret Service agents and all of the law enforcement officers who serve our communities.\n\n“Democrats might like to pretend otherwise, but there are dangerous individuals who would like to make their way illegally across our border.\n\n“Drug traffickers. Human traffickers. Other criminals. Terrorists.\n\n“And the men and women of the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are the men and women who stand between us and these dangerous individuals – who turn them back at our borders and take them out of our communities if they do manage to make their way into our country.\n\n“These are the men and women that my Democrat colleagues want to defund.\n\n“Not reform, Mr. President.\n\n“No, my Democrat colleagues repeatedly rejected reforms.\n\n“They want to defund.\n\n“And defund completely.\n\n“Zero – zero – agents at our border.\n\n“Zero agents to deport criminals here in the U.S. illegally.\n\n“That’s what my Democrat colleagues opted for.\n\n“It’s Police Week this week, Mr. President.\n\n“A week to honor our nation’s law enforcement officers and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our communities.\n\n“Perhaps – perhaps – it will remind my Democrat colleagues of just how much we rely on law enforcement, and just how much we need all – all – of our nation’s law enforcement officers.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-urges-scotus-to-protect-women-and-babies-from-dangerous-abortion-drugs/", "title": "Tuberville Urges SCOTUS to Protect Women and Babies from Dangerous Abortion Drugs", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined more than 100 Republican lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting a lawsuit to protect women and their unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs. The brief argues that mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement must be reinstated.\n\nEarlier this year, Sen. Tuberville helped introduce the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act, which would withdraw Food and Drug Administration approval of mifepristone for abortion and empower women harmed by taking the drug to sue its manufacturers.\n\n“Mifepristone is extremely dangerous and has no place in this country,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The mainstream media won’t tell you this, but one in ten women who take this dangerous drug suffers serious health problems. The safety of America’s mothers and children should not be a political pawn. I urge the justices of the Supreme Court to affirm Louisiana’s decision and protect women and babies across the country.”\n\nSen. Tuberville was joined by Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Thune (R-SD), and Todd Young (R-IN) in signing the amicus brief.\n\nRead the full brief here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSen. Tuberville has long been a staunch pro-life advocate, raising awareness about illegal and immoral taxpayer-funded abortions being administered at the Biden-era Department of Veterans Affairs and the Biden-era Department of War. Sen. Tuberville’s efforts led to the reversal of both policies under the Trump administration.\n\nIn October 2025, Louisiana and Rosalie Markezich, a victim of Democrats’ harmful decision to remove the in-person dispensing requirement for dangerous chemical abortion drugs, filed a lawsuit to overturn the illegal policy. Because of Biden’s policy, Rosalie’s boyfriend was able to order chemical abortion pills online from an abortionist in California and coerced her to take the drug to kill her unborn child. The Republican lawmakers argue that Biden violated federal law by removing the in-person dispensing requirement, and that these protections should be reinstated.\n\nRecently, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Louisiana, issuing an order that put the in-person dispensing requirement back into place while the litigation continues. The amicus brief asks the Supreme Court to uphold the Fifth Circuit’s decision.\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville Calls on Trump Administration to Reevaluate Safety of Dangerous Abortion Pill\n\nTuberville, Banks Make Push for Transparency in Medicaid Payments to Abortion Providers\n\nTuberville Applauds Trump Administration’s Reversal of Illegal, Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Policy at the VA\n\nTuberville Releases Statement Following Pentagon’s Reversal of Illegal and Immoral Abortion Travel Policy\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-warnock-delivers-commencement-address-to-georgia-tech-class-of-2026-urges-graduates-to-hold-onto-hope/", "title": "ICYMI: Warnock Delivers Commencement Address to Georgia Tech Class of 2026, Urges Graduates to Hold onto Hope", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "On Thursday evening, Senator Reverend Warnock delivered the commencement address to Georgia Institute of Technology’s Spring 2026 graduating class in Atlanta, Georgia\n\nSenator Warnock encouraged the Class of 2026 to hold onto hope, use their voices to challenge the status quo, and help make America a better place for future generations\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “We need our best and brightest who have not only been trained in head, but they’ve been tuned in their heart to do the right thing—to recognize that, at the end of the day, we need each other”\n\nPhoto courtesy of Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal Constitution\n\nAbove: Senator Reverend Warnock at Georgia Institute of Technology’s 2026 commencement\n\nAtlanta, GA – Thursday evening, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) delivered the keynote commencement address to Georgia Institute of Technology’s Spring 2026 graduating class in Atlanta, Georgia. Senator Warnock urged graduates to challenge the status quo and think creatively to help make America a better place for future generations and bring the country closer to its constitutional ideals.\n\nDuring his remarks, Senator Warnock, an alum of Atlanta’s Morehouse College and the only sitting U.S. Senator to graduate from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU), encouraged the graduates to use their voices for good in pursuit of what Martin Luther King Jr., called the ‘Beloved Community’. He reminded graduates that the power to change the world resides within them, and that their hope and aspirations are strengths that they should continue to rely on.\n\n“You give us all hope,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “There were difficult days to get here, but you are here. It took grit. It took immense effort. It took sleepless nights. There were days when perhaps you felt like giving up, but you kept going, and you kept the faith. You did not allow yourself to get lost in a sea of despair.”\n\n“We are counting on you to build what Dr. King called the ‘beloved community’,” the Senator continued. “And I’m thinking a lot these days about the fact that through his activism and through the work of just ordinary people, we pushed our country closer to its ideals…And so I dare you, mighty class of 2026, if you see something wrong in the world that needs to be corrected, I dare you to keep walking, even if you don’t have it all figured out. I dare you to keep marching.”\n\nGeorgia Tech is the largest university in the state of Georgia and is nationally recognized as the best value public university in the country—providing the best return on investment to its graduates. Thursday’s undergraduate commencement ceremony featured 1,100 undergraduates from the school’s College of Computing and Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.\n\nA video link of Senator Warnock’s speech can be found HERE.\n\nPlease find a transcript of Senator Warnock’s speech at Georgia Institute of Technology below:\n\n“Good evening, Georgia Tech. What’s the good word?\n\n“And here I was looking for a Bible verse.\n\n“It’s great to be here.\n\n“I want to thank your amazing president, Dr Cabrera. Give him a great big round of applause for that introduction. So grateful for his leadership. Georgia Institute of Technology, thank you so very much. I mean it—from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for this great honor.\n\n“I’m always happy to do everything I can to deliver for the people of Georgia and for the Georgia Tech family because you deserve it. And you have contributed—and continue to contribute—so much to our great country.\n\n“Today is a high day. We stand on the mountain top. But I always like to remind students that while graduation may represent the end of this phase of your matriculation, commencement by definition, is not the end. It is the beginning. You have crossed the river, but the ocean lies ahead. In the words of Robert Frost—more than a century ago—the woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.\n\n“I want to thank not only your president, but this amazing faculty. What is an institution without its faculty? Come on, students, give the faculty a great big—everybody— give the faculty a great big round of applause. So grateful to the staff, the people you see, the people you don’t see, but who keep the lights shining bright and facilitate the work. Grateful to board members, alums, let’s hear it for the parents and grandparents! Your names are on these degrees, but there are a lot of hands on those degrees. This is the village that makes it possible.\n\n“Last but certainly not least, let’s take a moment, and really, I mean really, celebrate the future. Let’s hear it for the mighty class of 2026. Come on! Let me hear you, 2026!\n\n“We all have reason to rejoice. The future is unfolding before our very eyes. I mean it when I say you give us all hope. There were difficult days to get here, but you are here. It took grit. It took immense effort. It took sleepless nights. There were days when perhaps you felt like giving up, but you kept going, and you kept the faith. You did not allow yourself to get lost in a sea of despair. You remained hopeful. You found a way to make a way out of no way. That’s what we say often in my church and in my church tradition, sometimes you got to make a way, with God’s help, out of no way.\n\n“All of us are here, but it took some a little bit more just to get here. I speak from experience. I stand here as a member of the United States Senate, but I’m the first college graduate in my family. I’m number 11 out of 12. Clearly, my folks read the Bible: be fruitful and multiply. But I decided as a kid, growing up in the Kayton Homes housing projects of Savannah, Georgia, that my parents’ income did not need to determine my outcome. But the year, I went to Morehouse College—right up the street—the tuition, room, and board at Morehouse College was more than my family’s annual income, but I decided I just wanted to be there. Because that’s where Martin Luther King, Jr., Georgia’s greatest son, attended.\n\n“And I wanted to be there at that school. I didn’t know one day I’d be the pastor of the church. God always dreams a dream bigger than the one we’ve been dreaming for ourselves. But I remember the day my parents dropped me off. I should tell you that my folks are both Pentecostal preachers. They spoke to us all the time in King James English. My mom would say, ‘thou shalt wash the dishes, lest I smite thee with my rod and my staff’. And I turned to my parents, and I asked my dad, you know, I needed a few dollars to get started. My dad was very generous. God bless his memory. But things were tight. He didn’t have any money to give to me, and so Dean, he looked at me and he spoke to me in King James English. He said, ‘silver and gold hath I none, but such as I have, give I unto thee’. Who speaks like that? ‘God be with you, son.’ And he put his arms around me, and my mom put her arms around me. They gave me a great big hug, and then they got in the car and drove off in the horizon, left me standing there.\n\n“And there were guys there who hadn’t been to the first class, and they were already—if you’ve met Morehouse men—they were already dressed in suits, looking like they were working on Wall Street. Some of them were driving by in their fancy cars. Well, four years later, some of those guys in those fancy cars were driving by the stage. But I was standing on the stage getting my degree because I knew that my parents’ income did not have to determine my outcome.\n\n“And the thing that keeps me up at night—as a voice for Georgia, as a parent, as a citizen, as a Senator—is a recognition that it would be harder now for me to accomplish what I did as a kid growing up in the 80s than it was back then. And so that’s something that we’ve got to fix. We’ve got to make sure that every child has a chance. The God I know raises up genius and talent and intelligence all over town, all over the world, on both sides of the railroad track. It’s not about where you start, it’s about where you’re going. All of us have something to contribute, and we ought to create a world where every child can live up to their highest potential. That’s not just good for them, that’s good for all of us. And so today is a happy day.\n\n“And so, class of 2026 stand up. I didn’t mean literally, but since you’re standing up, —they really do follow instructions. Please be seated. I think they’re ready to get out of here [laughs].\n\n“So let me defy Baptist gravity and be relatively brief. I love these themes, this theme of progress and service. You passed the test. You’ve done the work, but now we’re counting on you to build what Dr King called the ‘beloved community’.\n\n“There are those in our country right now who are trying to divide us because people who have no vision traffic in division, they don’t know how to lead us, and so they’re trying to divide us. Here’s what I offer to all of us, no matter your politics. And I mean it, Democrats, Republicans, independents, red, yellow, brown, black and white, rich and poor, wherever you come from, we’ve all we got. There’s something magnificent about that American creed, e pluribus unum. Out of many, one. That’s the future, and we don’t have time to be divided. We don’t have time for this bigotry and xenophobia. It is in our enlightened self-interest to figure out how to live together in this world and how to get a get along in this country, and how to make sure we have a planet that is worthy of our incredible children, that’s in all of our enlightened self-interests. And so, we’re counting on you to do that work. We got many challenges in front of us.\n\n“At Georgia Tech, I think especially about the promise and the perils of AI. I met a couple of days ago with AI leaders and creators from all of the various companies, and they were laying out how quickly this thing is changing every day. We have got to make sure that it emerges in such a way that it is more helpful than hurtful. Implications for the labor market, implications for privacy, our national security—a whole range of things—we need our best and brightest who have not only been trained in head, but they’ve been tuned in their heart to do the right thing, to recognize that at the end of the day, we need each other.\n\n“And so, God bless all of you! Congratulations on this incredible achievement. I do hope, with your President, that you will go out, some of you at least, and make a whole lot of money and give back to Georgia Tech. But always remember, in the words of Benjamin Elijah Mays, that you make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give. It’s not simply about your education; it’s about your vocation. The issue is, what are you going to do with all that you have received?\n\n“And I hope that if you haven’t already figured it out, that you will begin to discern your own life’s project. Your life’s project that’s bigger than a career, your life’s project. And I submit to you that your life’s project ought to be larger than your life span. If your life’s project can be accomplished in your life span, it is too small. You ought to take on something that’s so big that at the end of your life you’ll have to pass it on to somebody else to finish it, on behalf of humanity and on behalf of what Dr. King called the ‘beloved community’.\n\n“And so, Dr. King who sat in these seats many decades ago, understood that he needed to make his education work for something. And I’m thinking a lot these days about the fact that through his activism and through the work of just ordinary people, we pushed our country closer to its ideals. And when they passed the civil rights movement, the Civil Rights Bill, into law. Dr. Cabrera—Dr. King and others went to see President Johnson. President Johnson was proud that they had passed the Civil Rights Bill into law. And Dr. King said, ‘great, we’ve got that Civil Rights Bill’. And without even missing a beat, he said, ‘I’m glad we got Civil Rights Bill. Now we need a Voting Rights Bill’. He said, ‘I need a voting rights law. And President Johnson began to say, ‘I can’t get that passed right now. I don’t have the power.’ And they left the meeting, and the staff was feeling all demoralized and dejected, and they began to say, ‘what are we going to do?’ ‘The president said he doesn’t have the power to give us voting rights.’\n\n“At that time, by the way—as you look at me as a United States Senator—there were 77 black people in political office throughout the whole country. I’m not just talking about in the in the Capitol of the United States. All over the country, 77 black people were in office prior to the Voting Rights Act.\n\n“And so, they left the meeting, and they began to say, ‘what are we going to do? The President said he doesn’t have the power.’ And Dr. King said, ‘Well, if the President doesn’t have the power, I guess we’re going to have to go and get him some’.\n\n“So, when you see John Lewis crossing that Edmund Pettus Bridge, know that he understood that it’s not about the people in power. It’s about the power that’s in the people. And he kept crossing that bridge with brute force under the color of law. On the other side of that bridge, he had no reason to think that he could win, but he kept on walking. And so, I dare you, mighty class of 2026, if you see something wrong in the world that needs to be corrected, I dare you to keep walking. Even if you don’t have it all figured out. I dare you to keep on marching. I dare you to keep on speaking up. I dare you to keep on showing up. I dare you to insist that your voice will be heard, because your vote is your voice, and your voice is your human dignity, and everybody deserves a chance to be heard.\n\n“So, to everyone that openeth up away and away and away. High soul climbs the highway and the low soul gropes to low and in between on Misty flats to rest, drift to and fro, but to each one, they openeth up a highway and a low and each one must decide the way his soul would go.\n\n“I hope that you will find your magnificent obsession. I hope that something will so captivate your attention and your imagination that you will spend sleepless nights working on it, not just to get richer, but to make the world better. I hope that if you encounter a mountain, you’ll climb it, a river, you’ll cross it, a dream, you’ll pursue it, a vision you’ll do it, a bad habit, you’ll break it, a handicap, you’ll overcome it, a testimony, you’ll tell it, a book, you’ll write it, a sermon, you’ll preach it. I hope you have a vote and you will cast it, but you will make sure that your voice is heard in this grand experiment called America, and together, we’ll stand up in the spirit and fulfillment of those three great words that are not just the first three words of the Constitution, but they are the American creed. We the People! Red, yellow, brown, black and white. We the People! Jews and Christians and Muslims and Hindus and those who claim no particular faith tradition at all. We the People will stand together and ensure that the 21st Century, like the 20th century, is the American century, and we will make the world safe for all of God’s children.\n\n“God bless you. Keep the faith and keep looking up.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/the-democracy-doesnt-belong-to-the-politicians-warnock-stands-with-faith-leaders-to-decry-gutting-of-voting-rights-act/", "title": "“The Democracy Doesn’t Belong to the Politicians” Warnock Stands with Faith Leaders to Decry Gutting of Voting Rights Act", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Last month, the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, greenlighting states’ ability to making it significantly easier for states to dilute the power of Black and brown voters\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock has long fought to protect the voting rights of Georgians, including introducing legislation to restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act and to ban gerrymandering\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “The same people who have robbed people of health care and robbed people of food are now trying to rob them of their vote and their voice and their democracy because they don’t want the people to hold them accountable come November. But I’ve got news for them. We’re going to show up not just in November, but in the months leading to November, because the democracy doesn’t belong to the politicians.”\n\nPhoto credit: WJCL Savannah\n\nSavannah, GA – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) stood with dozens of faith leaders and elected leaders across South Georgia. The Senator, along with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, and Reverend Thurmond Neill Tillman, stood in front of the historic First African Baptist Church. The speakers highlighted the legacy of Savannah’s Civil Rights heroes, including Rev. Ralph Mark Gilbert and Hosea Williams, and denounced the court’s decision, which undid their lifetimes of work.\n\n“So, let’s be very clear, Last week marked a devastating day in the history of our country and a massive step backwards in American democracy. And the impact of that massive step backwards will be felt by all Americans. I’m here because I’m worried about all Americans,” said Senator Warnock. “I promised that I would fight for all Georgians, and this is an assault on the ability of ordinary people to be heard, thanks to the Supreme Court’s deeply misguided decision, states are now free to racially gerrymander however they see fit.”\n\n“The same people who have robbed people of health care and robbed people of food are now trying to rob them of their vote and their voice and their democracy because they don’t want the people to hold them accountable come November,” continued Senator Warnock. “But I’ve got news for them. We’re going to show up not just in November, but in the months leading to November, because the democracy doesn’t belong to the politicians.”\n\nThe Senator’s full remarks can be found HERE and below:\n\n“Well, good morning, Savannah, Georgia, it’s great to see all of you here today. We really can’t overstate how important this moment really is. Thanks to my friend Mayor Van Johnson. Let’s give the mayor a great big round of applause, and the pastor who knew me when I was an elementary school student, you’re getting up there, Rev. But I used to spend evenings in the basement here for overnight retreats. And now I’m his Senator, and he’s forever my pastor, Reverend Thurman Tillman. None like him. Give him a great big round of applause.\n\nSo, let’s be very clear, Last week marked a devastating day in the history of our country and a massive step backwards in American democracy. And the impact of that massive step backwards will be felt by all Americans. I’m here because I’m worried about all Americans. I promised that I would fight for all Georgians, and this is an assault on the ability of ordinary people to be heard, thanks to the Supreme Court’s deeply misguided decision, states are now free to racially gerrymander however they see fit.\n\nThe court is bringing back so-called race-neutral policies. Let me be really clear, Black and brown voters are being targeted by these gerrymanders. This notion of race neutral is a lie on its face. We have seen so-called race-neutral policies before that completely erase the ability of Black and brown voters to be heard. Grandfather clauses, literacy tests, tell me how many jelly beans are in the jar. All of those policies were allegedly race-neutral. There’s nothing new about this.\n\nBlack and Brown voters are being targeted, but women are also being targeted because the same folks who cheer this awful decision by the Supreme Court were also trying to pass the so-called SAVE Act. And let me be clear, they’re not trying to save America. They are certainly not trying to save the democracy. They’re trying to save their power at any cost.\n\nSo the SAVE Act said that you’ve got to have your birth certificate in order to register to vote. Most people can’t find their birth certificate, or you’ve got to have a passport. Most Americans don’t have a passport. And if you’re a woman and your name is different from the name that’s on your birth certificate, you’ve got to find your birth certificate, then find your marriage certificate, which you may not want to find! And then go get an affidavit.\n\nYou’ve got to jump through all of these hoops just to vote. Voting is not a privilege, it’s a right, and I’m tired of people treating it like a privilege, it’s a right, it’s a right.\n\nAnd so I’m honored to stand here. We are on holy ground. This is First African Baptist Church. This is the church that was built by slaves who never gave up on the American promise. They really didn’t have much reason to believe, but they kept fighting. This is the church of Reverend Ralph Mark Gilbert, who was also the president of the NAACP, dedicated to ensuring that we had access to the ballot and he saw firsthand the challenges of black representation, again, under allegedly race-neutral policies. We’re standing on holy ground.\n\nFolks in Washington are playing with the blood of our ancestors. Jon Lewis, my own parishioner, who gave a little blood that day, as he used to say, on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Amelia Boynton, who was gassed, but not just African Americans, Schwerner, Chaney, and Goodman, two Jews and an African American, who died fighting for the right to vote. Viola Louisa, a white woman from Detroit, killed in the heart of the South, fighting for that basic American covenant, one person, one vote.\n\nAnd so all of these things must be seen as knit together, the SAVE Act, the assault on Section 2, after the assault on Section 5, the raiding of the Fulton County Board of Elections by the FBI about an election that was in 2020? And now a subpoena from a US Attorney in North Carolina demanding information about regular election workers in Georgia. Why? Why is the Trump administration harassing election workers? Why are they intimidating ordinary people that they might be afraid to volunteer just to be the gears that keep our system going?\n\nHe doesn’t believe in democracy. He believes in power. And he’s aided and abetted by cynical politicians who, just hours after the Supreme Court tore down Civil Rights Era protections, jumped into action, and they’re busy redrawing the maps, mid-decade in Louisiana, in Tennessee, threatening to do it in Mississippi, doing it in Alabama.\n\nThe same people who have robbed the people of their doctors with their draconian cuts to Medicaid, who robbed ordinary children of food through these awful cuts to SNAP, which, by the way, are disproportionately hitting red rural districts. I’m out here fighting because I don’t want to see poor little white children in rural Georgia hungry. I don’t want to see Black kids growing up in Kayton homes, [gestures in direction of Kayton homes] where I grew up hungry. I don’t want to see working people unable to get their health care because they can’t afford it, because this Congress would not provide those tax credits.\n\nThe same people who have robbed people of health care and robbed people of food are now trying to rob them of their vote and their voice and their democracy because they don’t want the people to hold them accountable come November. But I’ve got news for them. We’re going to show up not just in November, but in the months leading to November, because the democracy doesn’t belong to the politicians. They’re trying to turn the democracy upside down. That’s what gerrymandering is about, so that rather than the people picking the politicians, the politicians get to pick their voters. That’s what it is. That’s what gerrymandering is.\n\nBut I’ve got news for them: The democracy doesn’t belong to the politicians. It belongs to the people, and the people are coming to get their power back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-statement-onplans-to-reduceservices-at-fort-gordons-army-medical-center/", "title": "Warnock Statement on Plans to Reduce Services at Fort Gordon’s Army Medical Center", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "According to reporting by WRDW, the Defense Health Agency confirmed its intent to transition Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon in Augusta to an ambulatory care center\n\nThe proposed plan would end inpatient care and turn the emergency room into an urgent care facility\n\nAtlanta, GA – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement on the proposal to reduce medical services at Fort Gordon’s Eisenhower Army Medical Center.\n\n“I’m deeply troubled by the proposed cuts in services at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center. Fort Gordon military personnel and their families deserve comprehensive care options, not just urgent care.\n\n“Augusta’s already-strained civilian health care system is not equipped to handle the influx of military personnel.\n\n“I’m pushing Defense Health Agency Director Vice Adm. Darin K. Via and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to rethink this decision and reverse course. At minimum, the Defense Health Agency should delay this decision until there is a full plan in place to take care of our military heroes and their families.\n\n“I’m continuing to stay in contact with impacted Augustans as I work to reverse or mitigate the consequences of this shortsighted decision.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-introduce-new-bill-to-block-sale-of-federal-public-lands", "title": "Merkley, Wyden Introduce New Bill to Block Sale of Federal Public Lands", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced they introduced the Public Lands Integrity Act, new legislation to ensure that America’s public lands cannot be sold as part of a fast-tracked process in a budget reconciliation bill.\n\nDuring consideration of the Republicans’ “Big, Ugly Betrayal” budget reconciliation bill that passed in July 2025 on a party-line simple majority vote, Senate Republicans nearly passed a provision to sell one to three million acres of federal public lands to generate revenue all to fund Republicans’ tax cuts for billionaires. Merkley and Wyden worked to build strong bipartisan opposition alongside lawmakers, states, counties, and sportsmen’s groups across the West. The Senate ultimately abandoned the provision. Today, under current rules, any senator could propose expedited public land sales in a future budget reconciliation bill, and the Public Lands Integrity Act would eliminate that option.\n\n“Oregonians and folks across America are united with a clear message—our public lands are not for sale,” said Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee. “These beloved natural treasures belong to all of us, contributing to the spirit and economies of communities all over the United States. As Republicans attempt to rip away public lands from public use, I will fight like hell to protect and preserve our public lands for generations to come.”\n\n“Republicans have proved they will stop at nothing to sell off our country’s public lands to the highest bidder,” said Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. “This bill would help keep public lands in public hands by closing arcane loopholes that allow Republicans to carry out their fantasies of selling our beloved forests and lands off to billionaires.”\n\nAmerica’s public lands are owned by the public and managed to provide public benefits in perpetuity. This legislation would prevent the sale of federal public lands through expedited Senate procedures under the budget reconciliation process by amending the Congressional Budget Act’s (CBA) “Byrd Rule.”\n\nThe reconciliation process – established under the CBA – allows legislation affecting revenue and spending to pass the Senate with a simple majority vote. To prevent the inclusion of unrelated policy, Congress amended the CBA to include the “Byrd Rule,” which makes “extraneous” provisions subject to a point of order and a 3/5th majority vote. The Public Lands Integrity Act would define provisions resulting in the sale, transfer, or disposal of federal public lands as extraneous, making it significantly harder to permanently dispose of public lands that provide long-term benefits to the American people.\n\nSpecifically, the Public Lands Integrity Act would:\n\nDesignate any reconciliation provision resulting in the sale or disposal of federal public lands as “extraneous” under the “Byrd Rule”;\n\nAllow any Senator to raise a “Byrd Rule” point of order against the sale of federal public lands in a reconciliation bill; and\n\nEnsure that decisions about the future of federal public lands are debated through regular legislative order, rather than rushed through expedited and typically partisan budget procedures.\n\n“From the iconic vistas at Crater Lake National Park to the fossil record preserved in the John Day Fossil Beds, Oregonians are proud of the national parks that protect our shared heritage. The wildlife, clean water, and ancient forests that define these places don’t stop at park boundaries–they depend on the public lands that surround and sustain them. Decisions about these shared landscapes must not be rushed through a fast-tracked process that cuts out community voices. These public lands belong to all of us, and we deserve transparent, accountable and publicly-grounded decision-making, and the Public Lands Integrity Act would ensure just that,” said Colin Deverell, Northwest Region Acting Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association.\n\n\"The Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers thanks Senator Merkley for his leadership on the Public Lands Integrity Act. Oregon’s hunters and anglers know that public lands are more than just green, yellow and blue polygons on a map — they are the places that sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations and connect Oregon families to our state’s wild lands and waters not as passive observers, but as active participants. This bill helps ensure that decisions about the future of America’s public lands, OUR public lands, are made openly and deliberately, not rushed through in a fast-tracked budget reconciliation process,” said Ian Isaacson, Co-Chair, Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.\n\n“Friends of the Owyhee supports the Public Lands Integrity Act because public lands should not be sold, transferred, or disposed of through rushed budget procedures. These lands are working landscapes, wildlife habitat, grazing country, recreation areas, cultural landscapes, and part of the backbone of rural communities like ours in Malheur County,” said Tim Davis, Founder and Executive Director Friends of the Owyhee. “The future of America's public lands deserves daylight, public debate, and regular legislative order. This legislation helps ensure public land sell-off proposals cannot be buried inside fast-tracked budget bills without proper scrutiny. We strongly support this safeguard.”\n\n“Oregon's high desert is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the West, including the John Day River, Owyhee Canyonlands and Steens Mountain. Millions of acres spanning hundreds of miles provide unparallelled habitat for wildlife, stunning natural beauty and expansive recreational opportunities, fueling local economies and sustaining Indigenous communities who have lived in the area since time immemorial. We applaud Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley for co-sponsoring the Public Lands Integrity Act to ensure that public lands remain in public ownership for the benefit of all Americans for generations to come,” said Ryan Houston, Executive Director, Oregon Natural Desert Association.\n\n“Public lands are part of the heritage and economy of rural communities like Polk County. Decisions about permanently selling those lands deserve full public debate and transparency, not a rushed budget process. Once public lands are sold, they are very difficult to get back,” said Jeremey Gordon, Polk County Commissioner.\n\n“In Central Oregon, our public lands are central to our identity. Public lands are beloved across America and across party lines and should never be sold off in pursuit of partisan objectives. As land use advocates, our organization strongly supports the Public Lands Integrity Act,” said Ben Gordon, Executive Director, Central Oregon LandWatch.\n\nPublic lands are a generational legacy for all Americans – an American birthright - and are part of our identity, culture, and rural economies. Once they are sold and in private hands, they're gone forever. Our public lands provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and abundant opportunities for recreation, fishing, hunting, and solitude for every American, and they are the ancestral homes of our indigenous people. Our system of public lands is the envy of countries across the globe - we owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure these lands remain in public hands,” said Jana Johnson, Executive Director, Deschutes Trails Coalition.\n\n“Public lands are the heart and soul of Oregon. They provide all of us, regardless of status or wealth, with the opportunity to escape the pressures of modern life and be awed by Mount Hood's majesty, thrilled by the Wild Rogue's roaring whitewater, and to find peace and beauty among towering old-growth forests and rugged desert canyons. The Public Lands Integrity Act is an important step forward in preserving America's natural treasures for everyone, forever,” said Steve Pedery, Conservation Director, Oregon Wild.\n\n\"I am grateful that Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are cosponsoring the Public Lands Integrity Act to protect America's public lands from short sales to fund budget ‘crises’ caused by the current or future administrations,” said Mary Faith Bell, Tillamook County Commissioner. “America's public lands, meant to be held in trust for the benefit of the people in perpetuity, are our collective treasures, and they should be fiercely protected for generations to come.\"\n\n“Our public lands are exactly that: public, owned by all of us for the benefit of Oregonians, Tribes, and every species living in every ecosystem. These lands are not for private or partisan profit. We at Sierra Club thank and applaud Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley for once again fighting to protect the lands that make Oregon the unique and wonderful place we call home,” said Damon Motz-Storey, Chapter Director, Sierra Club Oregon\n\n“Selling off public lands to the highest bidder is a terrible idea, and we are pleased to see Senator Merkley co-sponsor the Public Lands Integrity Act, alongside Senator Wyden. Oregon's Senators have been champions for public land conservation and stewardship, and this bill would ensure that Congress makes decisions about public lands in regular order, and not through some expedited budget procedure,” said Michael Dotson, Director, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center.\n\n“Public lands are the crown jewel of America and provide habitat for critically imperiled species, clean water for communities, and unparalleled recreation opportunities that drive local economies. Senators Wyden and Merkley’s Public Lands Integrity Act must be supported to ensure Congress can’t fast track the privatization of our commons to the land barons who seek to maximize profits over all else,” said Josh Laughlin, Executive Director, Cascadia Wildlands.\n\n\"A proposed provision in H.R. 1 (AKA the \"One Big Beautiful Bill\") left 22,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service lands within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, including beloved places like Dog Mountain and Eagle Creek, vulnerable to sale. Protecting our public lands is at the heart of what Friends does. The Public Lands Integrity Act is a much-needed solution to protect our federal lands from being sold off for political purposes,” said Gabe Sheoships, Executive Director, Friends of the Columbia Gorge.\n\n“Our national parks and public lands reflect our shared history and values. Americans love our 433 national parks, from Gettysburg and the Statue of Liberty to Rocky Mountain and Crater Lake. And for more than a century, Congress has upheld a promise to protect them. We commend Senators Wyden, Merkley, Bennet, and Heinrich for standing up for that promise. America’s legacy isn’t for sale, and the Public Lands Integrity Act would help ensure these places are protected and preserved as they deserve to be,” said Tucker Johnson, Associate Director of Government Affairs for National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).\n\n“America’s public lands provide enduring benefits for people and nature, supporting healthy communities, outdoor economies, and wildlife habitat. This proposal helps ensure these lands — held in trust for all Americans — aren’t sold off through rushed budget maneuvers,” said Tom Cors, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs, The Nature Conservancy.\n\nThe Public Lands Integrity Act was led by Colorado’s U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and also cosponsored by New Mexico’s U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. The text of the bill is available by clicking HERE. A summary of the bill is available by clicking HERE. Letters of support for the legislation can be found by clicking HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-urge-scotus-to-protect-women-and-babies-from-dangerous-abortion-drugs/", "title": "Young, Colleagues Urge SCOTUS to Protect Women and Babies from Dangerous Abortion Drugs", "date": "2026-05-11", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined over 100 colleagues in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court supporting Louisiana’s lawsuit to protect women and their unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs. The brief argues mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement must be reinstated.\n\n“I’m proud to join with my Congressional colleagues in filing this amicus brief in the Supreme Court in support of protecting women and children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs,” said Senator Young.\n\nThe brief is supported by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rand Paul, M.D. (R-Ky.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala). U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) also joined the brief.\n\nIn October 2025, Louisiana and Rosalie Markezich, a victim of Democrats’ harmful decision to remove the in-person dispensing requirement for dangerous chemical abortion drugs, filed a lawsuit to overturn the illegal policy. Because of President Biden’s policy, Rosalie’s boyfriend was able to order chemical abortion pills online from an abortionist in California and coerced her to take the drug to kill her unborn child. The Republican lawmakers argue that the Biden Administration violated federal law by removing the in-person dispensing requirement, and that these protections should be reinstated.\n\nLast week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided with Louisiana, issuing an order that put the in-person dispensing requirement back into place while the litigation continued. The amicus brief asks the Supreme Court to uphold the Fifth Circuit’s decision.\n\n“We’re deeply grateful to pro-life champions Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Chris Smith for leading this amicus brief in support of Louisiana and courageous survivor Rosalie Markezich against the FDA’s reckless mail-order abortion policy,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. “The FDA’s decision to side with the abortion industry and allow dangerous abortion drugs to be shipped nationwide without an in-person doctor’s visit is unacceptable. This policy kills countless unborn children, enables coercion and abuse, and gravely endangers women and girls, while the FDA callously ignores the well-documented harms that states and survivors have warned about for years. We are thankful for the members of Congress fiercely supporting pro-life states like Louisiana and survivors who are seeking justice in court.”\n\n“The abortion pill has killed over seven million preborn American children since it was approved by the FDA. Mifepristone is designed to end the life of a living child in the womb, and the consequences have been devastating for women as well,” said Lila Rose, Founder & President, Live Action. “There are horrifying cases of women being deceived, coerced, and drugged with abortion pills against their will. Catherine Pressly Herring’s husband secretly put abortion drugs into her drink in an attempt to kill their preborn baby and was sentenced to prison. America should never allow dangerous abortion drugs to be mailed into homes and abusive relationships. The Supreme Court must act quickly to affirm the fifth circuit ruling and end mail-order abortions.”\n\n“National Right to Life stands with the State of Louisiana in defending women and girls from the dangers of mail-order abortion drugs and the Biden FDA’s unlawful removal of critical safety protections,” said Carol Tobias, President, National Right to Life. “Under the Biden administration, the FDA abandoned its responsibility to safeguard women’s health by eliminating the in-person dispensing requirement despite insufficient evidence that mail-order chemical abortions are safe. Women are now placed at greater risk of undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies, coercion, dangerous and potentially deadly complications, as well as delayed emergency care. National Right to Life joins Chairman Cassidy and members of Congress in support of Louisiana’s effort to restore accountability, uphold the rule of law, and protect women from the serious harms associated with chemical abortion drugs.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://aguilar.house.gov/2026/05/12/rep-aguilar-highlights-efforts-to-combat-mailbox-theft-and-vandalism-in-the-inland-empire/", "title": "Rep. Aguilar Highlights Efforts to Combat Mailbox Theft and Vandalism in the Inland Empire", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "domain": "aguilar.house.gov", "scraper": "aguilar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000371", "name": "Pete Aguilar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Press Releases\n\nRep. Aguilar Highlights Efforts to Combat Mailbox Theft and Vandalism in the Inland Empire\n\nRep. Aguilar is working to pass legislation to better protect victims of mail theft and strengthen protections for mail carriers\n\nREDLANDS, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference in front of the Redlands Post Office to highlight his efforts to combat mailbox theft and vandalism, protect mail carriers and improve public safety in the Inland Empire.\n\nAs a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured changes to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Financial Services and General Government funding (FSGG) bill, urging the United States Postal Service (USPS) to respond to mailbox theft and vandalism more quickly and strengthen protections for consumers. Passing through committee with bipartisan support, these changes urge USPS to notify victims of mail theft sooner so they can take immediate steps to protect their finances and personal information.\n\nAdditionally, as a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, Rep. Aguilar is working to strengthen protections for postal workers so they can do their jobs without fear of robbery or assault while delivering mail. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.\n\n“Whether you live in an apartment building or a house, people in the Inland Empire deserve to receive their letters and packages safely and on time,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’ve heard from countless constituents, law enforcement and mail carriers about their frustrations with mail theft and the risks it poses to our community. That’s why I pushed for bipartisan changes in a recent funding bill to urge the Postal Service to respond faster to these problems and why I’m proud to support legislation to make it safer for mail carriers to do their jobs. I’ll keep fighting for these policies until they become law so everyone in our region can send, receive and deliver mail securely and without delay.”\n\n“Residents can help prevent theft by retrieving mail daily and as soon as possible after delivery, since mail left unattended creates greater opportunities for theft,” said Chief Rachel Tolber, Redlands Police Department. “If you are traveling or away from home, consider placing a temporary mail hold through the United States Postal Service so your mail can be securely held until your return. And if you become the victim of mail theft, report it to your local police department as soon as possible. Timely reporting helps law enforcement identify patterns, connect related crimes, investigate and alert the community when necessary. Preventing mail theft requires a strong partnership between local police, the United States Postal Service, legislators, and the community. Awareness, prevention, and timely reporting remain some of the most effective tools we have to combat these crimes.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-12T06:07:57Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T06:09:10Z"}
{"url": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-suozzi-introduce-legislation-to-provide-relief-to-iranians-impacted-by-trump-administration-uscis-pause", "title": "Ansari, Suozzi Introduce Legislation to Provide Relief to Iranians Impacted by Trump Administration USCIS Pause", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "ansari.house.gov", "scraper": "ansari", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000381", "name": "Yassamin Ansari", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the first Iranian-American Democrat in Congress, along with Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act. This legislation would provide temporary immigration protections for certain eligible Iranians already in the United States who are at risk of losing legal status by granting Temporary Protected Status and work authorization while USCIS adjudications remain paused.\n\n“No one who has followed U.S. immigration law should lose their legal status or livelihood because the Trump Administration refuses to process their case,” said Rep. Ansari. “Creating deliberate processing delays for lawfully present individuals who have complied with every requirement is unjust. I’m introducing my Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act to protect Iranian immigrants who are already here legally and are contributing to our communities and economy, and would face serious danger if forced to return while ongoing conflict and repression persist in Iran.”\n\n“People who followed the law, passed background checks, and built lives contributing to our economy and communities should not lose their legal status because of bureaucratic delays and political turmoil beyond their control,” said Rep. Suozzi. “As the war continues and the Iranian regime intensifies its brutal repression of its own people, forcing lawfully present Iranian nationals back into the hands of the very regime they fled is both cruel and counterproductive. This narrowly tailored, temporary, and carefully vetted legislation protects individuals who played by the rules, strengthens our economy by retaining talented and highly skilled contributors, and prevents civilians from paying the price for administrative backlog.”\n\nKey Provisions of the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act:\n\nProvide Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Iranian nationals already present in the United States\n\nGrant work authorization to prevent economic hardship and workforce disruption\n\nMaintain lawful presence for individuals impacted by the USCIS adjudication pause while their immigration matters remain pending\n\nExclude individuals connected to the Islamic Republic and their family members\n\nAnsari and Suozzi’s legislation is endorsed by PAAIA; Iranian American Legal Defense Fund; and Pars Equality Center.\n\n“PAAIA is proud to support the Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act, a narrow and pragmatic measure that protects Iranian nationals who are already legally present in the United States and have complied with our immigration laws. At a time when many cannot safely return to Iran due to ongoing conflict and repression, this bill provides temporary relief to vetted individuals with no criminal backgrounds who are contributing to the United States as students, scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and other skilled professionals. Importantly, the legislation includes strong safeguards to ensure that individuals connected to or benefiting from the Iranian regime are not eligible for relief,” said the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA).\n\n“The adjudication pause has had devastating consequences to the Iranian American community and American society at large. Behind every case number caught in the adjudication pause is a person whose life has been placed in limbo — a student, a professional, a parent, a spouse, a neighbor — someone who came to this country, followed the rules, and built a future worth protecting. It also deprives America of talented researchers, scholars, and professionals who drive innovation and economic progress. That human reality is impossible to ignore: professionals, students, and families now risk losing their work authorization, their legal footing, and years of hard-earned progress, through no fault of their own. Congresswoman Ansari’s legislation offers a necessary lifeline to alleviate the human consequences of this shortsighted policy. We applaud her and other sponsors of the legislation,” said the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund.\n\n“The USCIS adjudication pause has created devastating uncertainty for Iranian nationals who complied with every aspect of U.S. immigration law and now face the loss of lawful status, employment authorization, and stability through no fault of their own. The Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act provides a narrowly tailored, commonsense solution that protects individuals who followed the law and strengthens our economy by retaining highly skilled talent. Pars Equality Center proudly supports this important legislation,” said Paris Etemadi Scott, Legal Director at Pars Equality Center.\n\nText of legislation HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=442475A9-F9C2-4CA6-A63A-D60C8B70E9B3", "title": "Rep. Austin Scott Leads House Letter Urging Action on Mexican Specialty Crop Imports Ahead of USMCA Review", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "austinscott.house.gov", "scraper": "austinscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001189", "name": "Austin Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C— Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) led a bipartisan group of 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to emphasize the importance of fair-trade measures for the U.S. specialty crop industry.\n\n“America’s growers and producers are the best in the world. Current Mexican trade practices have flooded our markets with products that are held to a lower production standard than those produced here by American farmers. The USMCA review process gives us an opportunity to reaffirm and recommit our support for domestic agriculture and the American farmer by forcing Mexico to play by the same rules if they want to import to the United States,” said Rep. Scott.\n\nThe letter urges the Administration to address the urgent crisis as unfairly traded imports from Mexico continue to undercut U.S. growers and creates a significant competitive disadvantage for American producers. The letter calls for improved trade measures, as part of the 2026 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review process, that protect the long-term viability of America’s fruit, vegetable, and certain tree nut industries, and ensure continued access to domestically grown food.\n\nIn the letter, the Members write: \"Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and to ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food—an issue fundamental to our national security.”\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nThe following state, regional, and national organizations have endorsed the letter:\n\nAmerican Farm Bureau Federation\n\nAlabama Farmers Federation\n\nCalifornia Table Grape Commission\n\nFlorida Blueberry Growers Association\n\nFlorida Farm Bureau Federation\n\nFlorida Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association\n\nFlorida Tomato Exchange\n\nGeorgia Agribusiness Council\n\nGeorgia Berry Exchange\n\nGeorgia Blueberry Commission\n\nGeorgia Farm Bureau\n\nGeorgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association\n\nGeorgia Pecan Growers Association\n\nGeorgia Watermelon Association\n\nMichigan Asparagus\n\nMichigan Vegetable Council\n\nMississippi Farm Bureau Federation\n\nNational Onion Association\n\nNational Pecan Federation\n\nNorth Carolina Sweetpotato Commission\n\nOklahoma Pecan Growers Association\n\nSouth Carolina Small Fruit Association\n\nSoutheastern Pecan Growers Association\n\nTexas Pecan Growers Association\n\nVidalia Onion Business Council\n\nWashington Red Raspberry Commission", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2895", "title": "Bacon, Raskin and Dexter Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Pension Payments for NOAA Corps, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bacon.house.gov", "scraper": "bacon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001298", "name": "Don Bacon", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“NOAA Corps and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers serve our nation in moments of crisis, from hurricane response and environmental disasters to disease outbreaks at home and overseas,” said Rep. Bacon. “These uniformed officers have answered the call in national emergencies and times of war, and they deserve a retirement structure that recognizes that service. I’m pleased to co-lead the bipartisan Pensions for Uniformed Services Retirees Act with Rep. Raskin to ensure all members of the uniformed services are treated fairly.”\n\n“NOAA Corps officers and USPHS Commissioned Corps officers have made immeasurable sacrifices for the health and safety of our people over decades of public service,” said Rep. Raskin. “Our bipartisan legislation will mean these patriots will get the pensions they earned so they don’t go hungry or struggle to pay their rent or mortgage during a government shutdown.”\n\n“The Commissioned Officers Association is pleased to endorse this important legislation, which would provide a stable and reliable financial foundation for retirement pay for members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps,” said CAPT. Jacqueline Rychnovsky, USN (Ret.), Executive Director of the Commissioned Officers Association of the United States Public Health Service. “Transitioning from annual discretionary appropriations to the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund — which currently supports retirement pay for the other six uniformed services — would help ensure that USPHS and NOAA Corps retirees are never again at risk of missing a paycheck during a government shutdown.”\n\n“All who serve our nation in uniform have earned their benefits, to include consistent and reliable retirement payments,\" said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret.), President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. \"MOAA strongly supports this legislation, which takes an important step toward ensuring parity across all uniformed services by aligning retirement funding for the USPHS and NOAA commissioned officer retirees with the existing Military Retirement Fund.”\n\nEstablished upon the outbreak of World War I, NOAA Corps Officers command ships and aircraft and support emergency response efforts, including hurricane response and oil spill mitigation. They lead a fleet of vessels and aircraft used for everything from deep ocean research to flying into hurricanes, and they can be brought into the armed services whenever the President requires their expertise.\n\nThe U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps was established in 1889 to root out smallpox and yellow fever and is now the largest public health program in the world. Driven by a passion for public service, the Commissioned Corps officers respond to public health crises and national emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and terrorist attacks, both at home and overseas.\n\nThe Pensions for Retired Uniformed Servicemembers Act is endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America and the Commissioned Officers Association.\n\nRead the full legislation here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9105", "title": "Beyer, Bacon, Salinas Welcome Rep. Mike Kelly as New Mental Health Caucus Co-Chair", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR) today welcomed Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) as a new Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus.\n\n“As more Americans recognize the importance of addressing and supporting mental health, Congress must continue to address these critical issues as well. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Don Beyer, Don Bacon, and Andrea Salinas as Mental Health Caucus co-chair. Mental health isn’t a partisan issue,” said Rep. Kelly.\n\n“I’m thrilled to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Mike has been a strong bipartisan partner on efforts to support youth mental health and expand investment in mental health research,” said Rep. Beyer. “His leadership will strengthen our work, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to advance meaningful legislation to build a stronger, more accessible system of care to tackle the mental health crisis.”\n\n“We know our country faces a mental health crisis, and that means we must keep working together toward solutions,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to welcome Rep. Kelly as a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus as we continue advancing bipartisan efforts to improve care.”\n\n“I am excited to welcome Congressman Mike Kelly as a fellow co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Congressman Kelly has worked across the aisle to ensure Americans can access the treatment they need,” said Rep. Salinas. “I look forward to working alongside him to strengthen bipartisan legislation to ensure every person can access high-quality, affordable mental healthcare.”\n\nKelly has worked on bipartisan efforts focused on youth mental health and mental health research. Together with Congressman Beyer, he co-leads the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act, which would help schools establish student-led peer support programs to identify and respond to youth mental health challenges. Kelly also leads the Mental Health Research Accelerator Act to encourage public-private partnerships and expand investment in mental health and neurological research.\n\nBeyer is a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus’ Suicide Prevention Task Force and author of the bipartisan Barriers to Suicide Act, which would require the Department of Transportation to establish grants to help state and local governments fund nets and barriers that have been shown to reduce suicide on bridges and other high-risk infrastructure. Beyer also leads an annual appropriations letter on bipartisan suicide prevention programs, which supports funding for 988, and suicide prevention programs at the CDC and SAMHSA.\n\nBacon leads mental health initiatives focused on crisis response and veterans’ mental health, including the STOP Suicide Act to expand federal support for services for individuals in crisis and recovery. He also introduced the Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act, which would improve coordination of mental health programs for veterans and transitioning servicemembers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9106", "title": "Trump’s War Drives Painful Price Spikes", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Inflation data released by the Trump Administration today via the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed prices surging, as inflation reached the highest levels in three years. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report found that prices rose at an annual rate of 3.8 percent in April. The increase was driven by skyrocketing fuel and gas prices amid President Trump’s unpopular war with Iran, but other items including groceries, electricity, and travel expenses also saw steep increases.\n\nRep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, said:\n\n“As the American people suffer the ill effects of higher prices inflicted on them through a foolish war they largely oppose, Republicans in Washington – who keep voting to continue that war – are preparing to spend a billion dollars in taxpayer money on a fancy golden ballroom for Donald Trump.\n\n“This is not the leadership of American statesmen, it is the behavior of deliriously out-of-touch Ancien Régime aristocrats. And no one is more out of touch than Trump himself, who keeps insisting that the affordability crisis is a ‘hoax’ while he does all he can to make life less affordable for American families. Prices are rising at a catastrophic rate thanks to this disastrous war of choice, and Trump is alternating between bloviating to his lackeys about his ballroom and yelling at clouds in manic late night social media tantrums.\n\n“The Constitution empowers Congress to make our country better and stronger, reflect the popular will, and rein in Executive Branch excesses. This Republican-led rubber stamp Congress is among the weakest in our history, and their surrender of power amid economic calamity and blatant presidential corruption is a national embarrassment that will be long remembered. The American people deserve better.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9107", "title": "SEEC Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Slams Trump Administration Decision to Gut America’s Conservation Legacy", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Reps. Doris Matsui (CA), Don Beyer (VA), and Maxine Dexter (OR) released a statement following the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) decision to formally strike down the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, or “Public Lands Rule”.\n\n“The Department of the Interior struck down much-needed guidance for our nation’s largest land agency that laid out a balanced approach when it comes to managing 245 million acres of America’s public lands,” said the Task Force Co-Chairs. “This is a devastating attack on our public lands and the freedom for our children and future generations to explore the great outdoors. The Bureau of Land Management's Public Lands Rule reiterated the simple and straightforward concept that conservation should be equally valued alongside energy extraction and mining uses of our public lands. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to go against the wishes of the American people and tilt the scales in favor of corrupt polluters. SEEC’s Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force will continue to fight alongside the overwhelming American majority who support the responsible management and conservation of our nation’s special places.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-introduces-bill-to-protect-parents-and-promote-childhood-independence", "title": "Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Bill to Protect Parents and Promote Childhood Independence", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "blakemoore.house.gov", "scraper": "blakemoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001213", "name": "Blake D. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Blake Moore introduced bipartisan legislation to promote childhood independence and protect parents who allow their children to play outside unsupervised, get off screens, and develop social skills.\n\nRepresentatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC) are original co-leads of this legislation.\n\nToday, more than ever before, children are spending time indoors, on screens, and alone rather than playing outside and socializing with other kids. This has caused increased anxiety, depression, and a lack of social skills. A culture shift in parenting has created a fear of investigation, separation, and even arrest if parents choose to allow their child to play and explore unsupervised, even though such activity is a key part of children growing into competent adults.\n\nA study by the Institute for Family Studies found that American kids spend enormous amounts of time online with very few significant restrictions. Yet they have very strict limits on their activities in the real world. The study also found that the key factor in determining whether or not children have rich social lives with their friends is simply how much freedom parents allow them.\n\nThe Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act underlines state efforts, including in Utah, to promote a freer, healthier childhood. It clarifies the definition of \"neglect\" to ensure parents aren't punished for allowing independent play—a critical component of childhood development. This legislation also requires a study by the Department of Health and Human Services on how states can best empower parents; pushes states to train child welfare staff; and ensures that grants to states for child abuse or neglect prevention can be used to educate child welfare staff on the importance of reasonable independence activities.\n\n“Neighborhood games, park days, errands, and bike rides with friends defined my childhood. Now raising my own boys, it’s clear that parents are too often forgoing unstructured activities for youth in favor of indoor time on screens,\" Rep. Moore said. \"We must restore the normalcy of outdoor exploration and protect parents who want to give their children more freedom to safely play unsupervised. While there are numerous pieces to this puzzle, we must ensure that parents aren’t acting out of fear of a child welfare report or investigation. Parents shouldn’t be judged for doing what is best for their kids; we need to make things easier on American parents, not increasingly harder. The Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act ensures that reasonable unsupervised activities do not constitute child neglect and educates child welfare agencies about the salience of independent activity. It’s time we empower parents to help the next generation play outside, get off screens, and learn independence and responsibility—just like my childhood memories, the time to come home is when the neighborhood parents yell, ‘Come on home boys!’”\n\n“In an increasingly digital world, our kids and teenagers spend less time exploring independent play and more time online,” Rep. McClellan said. \"The Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act will help chart a new path forward by encouraging children to participate in reasonable independent activities, promoting time outside with in-person socialization. At a pivotal time for children’s development, we must equip our next generation with the tools to thrive in adulthood.”\n\n“The formative years of a child’s life are meant to help build skills and develop an intricate understanding of the world around them – those years are meant to be spent far from screens. Parents who seek to instill independence in their children, whether it be in routines or simple activities away from screens, deserve to do so freely and without outdated and incompatible child welfare standards threatening their parental rights. I’m proud to support the Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act that will bring back a healthy dose of common sense to child welfare in our nation,” Rep. Foxx said.\n\n“'I’m not afraid of my kid getting kidnapped. I’m afraid of someone seeing my kid outside and calling Child Protective Services!' I hear that far too often from decent, loving parents. They’ve heard stories of parents investigated for letting their kids walk to the store, or go to the park. So they second-guess themselves even when they know their kids are ready to do some things on their own, including playing outside! Excess overprotection has been disastrous for kids’ mental health. As independence has gone down, anxiety has gone up. There’s a risk in trying to eliminate all risk. We’ve helped pass Reasonable Childhood Independence laws in 13 states, and this federal effort is an important step toward giving families the clarity and confidence they need. We’re grateful to Reps. Moore and McClellan for their leadership,” said Lenore Skenazy, President and Co-Founder, Let Grow.\n\n“Reasonable childhood independence is important for kids to grow into self-reliant and problem-solving adults. Parents shouldn’t be punished or investigated for letting their kids play in the yard or walk to school. Eight years ago, Utah passed the country’s first law to explicitly protect families who give their children independence, and I’m glad to see Congress recognizing these state-level successes and supporting parental rights nationwide,” Utah State Senator Lincoln Fillmore said.\n\n\"Throughout the country, parents have at least one thing in common: We all want our children to be safe. However, age-appropriate independence, such as a pre-teen taking a walk around their neighborhood alone, has led to undo child welfare investigations throughout the nation. As state lawmakers, we must find a balance between protecting our kids and allowing them the independence they need to develop socially and emotionally. Here in Indiana, we passed House Enrolled Act 1035, which I co-authored, to ensure parents are shielded from unnecessary investigations simply for allowing their kids to be kids. As a mother, I know the importance of keeping a close eye on your children, but I have also seen the mental health and developmental impacts of a child not being able to connect with their peers outside of the classroom or not having age-appropriate responsibilities and freedoms. House Enrolled Act 1035, and similar legislation throughout the country, will have a meaningful impact on the lives of our children and our families, without threatening safety or the ability for authorities to step in when necessary to protect children in need,” Indiana State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn said.\n\n\"Childhood in America is under threat, not least by legal and social norms that push parents to limit their children's autonomy and independence,\" said Lyman Stone, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies. \"By explicitly protecting reasonable independent activities from being considered negligence, this bill helps protect parents trying to foster resilient children from excess intervention in the home.\"\n\n“American children are in crisis – not because the world is more dangerous, but because we have systematically stripped them of the independence, free play, and real-world experience they need to grow into capable, resilient adults. What Rep. Moore and Rep. McClellan are doing at the federal level is the logical next step: ensuring that state child welfare plans include training and policies to prevent needless investigations, that CAPTA's definition of neglect cannot be weaponized against parents making reasonable, developmentally appropriate decisions, and that grant-funded child welfare programs actively support a culture of healthy independence rather than fear. This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that strengthens parental rights, reduces government overreach into family life, and puts children's developmental needs ahead of bureaucratic risk aversion. AFPI is proud to support it,”said Jennifer Bauwens, Director, America First Policy Institute.\n\n“At the Child First Policy Center, we believe putting children first means empowering parents to raise resilient kids through real-world experiences, not just screens. We support the Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act. It’s time we trust families across the nation to raise capable, confident children,” said the Child First Policy Center based in Utah.\n\nBackground:\n\nIt is becoming increasingly clear that American youth are suffering from collapsing mental and physical health, in part because of screen time, and in part due to a lack of independence, responsibility, and free play. Children today experience 50% less unstructured outdoor play compared to the 1970s, as well as significant declines in in-person socialization. A 2023 study found that over the decades, as children’s independence declined, their anxiety and depression have increased.\n\nIn Illinois, a woman was cited for child neglect after allowing her 11, 9, and 5-year-old children to play in a park near their home.\n\nIn Maryland, a couple was found responsible for child neglect after allowing their 10 and 6-year-old children to play outside and walk home by themselves.\n\nIn South Carolina, a mom was arrested for allowing her 9-year-old to play at a park.\n\nIn Virginia, CPS investigated parents who allowed their children to play outside in their yard.\n\nIn Pennsylvania, a single mother was placed on the state’s child abuse registry for having a 13-year-old babysit her one-year-old.\n\nIn Georgia, a mother was arrested when her 10-year-old son took a walk.\n\nThere have been far too many arrests and registry placements with no actual abuse or harm for parents who are simply giving their children developmentally appropriate experiences to help them thrive. These cases are exacerbating an environment of increased parental fear and anxiety, and they are undermining efforts to help children get outside, socialize with other kids, and engage in physical activity. The Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act is a step in the right direction toward healthier childhoods for the next generation.\n\nRead the one-pager here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/05/12/buchanan-griffith-urge-cms-to-protect-acos-while-cracking-down-on-medicare-fraud/", "title": "Buchanan, Griffith Urge CMS to Protect ACOs While Cracking Down on Medicare Fraud", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Write Letter to CMS Administrator Oz Praising CMS Initiatives, Calling for Stable Benchmarks\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Health Subcommittee, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Chair of the Health Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, led a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, asking him to continue strengthening Medicare program integrity while ensuring that accountable care organizations (ACOs) and other value-based care models are not unfairly harmed by fraudulent or inappropriate billing activity.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers praised CMS’s recent actions under the CRUSH initiative to address rapidly rising spending on products vulnerable to fraud, waste and abuse. They emphasized that ACOs have helped improve patient outcomes and reduce costs for taxpayers by promoting preventive care, chronic disease management and better care coordination.\n\n“We appreciate CMS’s leadership and its ongoing commitment to protecting the Medicare program while advancing innovative models of care,” write Buchanan and Griffith. “We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure that program integrity efforts and accountable care initiatives work in tandem to strengthen Medicare for beneficiaries, providers and taxpayers alike.”\n\nBuchanan and Griffith also expressed concern that unusual billing trends could distort Medicare benchmarking methodologies and create instability for providers participating in accountable care models. The lawmakers encouraged CMS to continue exploring targeted protections for ACOs impacted by high spending categories and to establish guardrails that limit the effect of inaccurate trend calculations on payment benchmarks. They argued that maintaining stable and predictable benchmarks is essential for physicians and providers who invest in care coordination and other services that improve outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries, while also supporting continued participation in innovative value-based care models.\n\nIn addition to being the Vice Chairman and most senior Republican on the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Buchanan is also the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over traditional Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug benefit program and Medicare Advantage.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nDear Administrator Oz:\n\nWe write to commend the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its ongoing work to strengthen program integrity across the Medicare program. In particular, we appreciate the agency’s recent actions through the Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH) initiative and other efforts to address the rapid growth in spending on skin substitutes and other services that may be vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA). These efforts mark an important shift toward proactive fraud prevention.\n\nAs Chairmen of the Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means Health Subcommittees, we have worked for years to strengthen Medicare program integrity, protect Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare-participating health care providers, and support payment models that properly reward high-quality, efficient care.\n\nAccountable care organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) and other ACO and value-based models offered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI)—are helping keep Americans healthier while lowering costs for the Medicare program and taxpayers. By equipping clinicians with tools to emphasize prevention, better manage chronic conditions, and coordinate care across settings, ACOs have generated billions in savings for Medicare over the past decade. Clinicians participating in these models consistently outperform traditional fee-for-service providers on quality and cost metrics, while reinvesting shared savings into services that improve outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.\n\nClinicians in ACOs are also frequently among the first to identify unusual billing patterns and sudden increases in spending across the Medicare program. We are encouraged by CMS’s recognition that certain products and services, including skin substitutes, have experienced rapid and potentially inappropriate spending growth that is negatively impacting clinicians in accountable care models. CMS’s recent announcement to remove expenditures for certain high-risk categories—such as catheters, dressings, and orthotics—will help protect clinicians from fraudulent spending that has occurred outside of their control.\n\nSpecifically, we appreciate the agency’s targeted approach within the ACO REACH model to remove a significant portion of skin substitute expenditures for performance year 2025 and the agency’s commitment to hold ACO REACH participants harmless from any associated downside risk. These actions reflect a thoughtful and responsive approach to emerging program integrity concerns and will help stabilize participation in advanced accountable care models as CMMI launches the new LEAD Model.\n\nAs CMS continues implementing these program integrity measures, we encourage ongoing consideration of how these policies intersect with accountable care benchmarks and financial methodologies. While we understand that Medicare’s truncation factor will help mitigate impacts of skin substitute expenditures for many MSSP ACOs, we are concerned that roughly 10 percent of ACOs may still experience significant impact from high spending on skin substitutes. Given that many of these ACOs treat complex and high-needs patient populations, we encourage CMS to continue exploring opportunities to support these ACOs in a targeted and programmatically consistent manner.\n\nIn addition, we note that broader spending trends influenced by unusual or inappropriate billing may continue to affect national growth factors used in accountable care model benchmarks. This includes the Accountable Care Prospective Trend (ACPT) in MSSP. We appreciate that, in the prior year, CMS reduced the weight of the ACPT in recognition of methodological concerns, and we thank the agency for acknowledging these issues and taking corrective action. As CMS evaluates lessons learned from recent program integrity actions, we encourage the agency to consider establishing prospective guardrails within ACPT to limit the impact of incorrect trend calculations. In particular, CMS should consider adopting guardrails similar to those outlined in the new LEAD Model that seeks to limit outlier cost growth and spending shocks to improve benchmark stability.\n\nThese considerations are particularly important for primary care providers and other clinicians who rely on stable benchmarks to sustain investments in care coordination, patient outreach, and other services that improve outcomes but are not traditionally reimbursed under fee-for-service Medicare. Maintaining a predictable and accurate benchmarking environment will help preserve these investments and support continued participation in accountable care models.\n\nLastly, we recognize the importance of timeliness and predictability in program integrity actions. As CMS continues to identify and respond to emerging FWA risks, minimizing the lag between the identification of concerning spending patterns and the implementation of corresponding policy adjustments will help reduce uncertainty for participating providers and support sustained engagement in accountable care models.\n\nWe appreciate CMS’s leadership and its ongoing commitment to protecting the Medicare program while advancing innovative models of care. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure that program integrity efforts and accountable care initiatives work in tandem to strengthen Medicare for beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayers alike.\n\nThank you for your attention to these important issues.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-and-bipartisan-lawmakers-demand-permanent-year-round-e15", "title": "Budzinski and Bipartisan Lawmakers Demand Permanent Year-Round E15 ", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), joined by Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), gathered outside the U.S. Capitol to urge their colleagues to support legislation allowing the year-round sale of fuel blended with 15% ethanol, commonly known as E15.\n\nA vote is scheduled for Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives on H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, a bill co-led by Rep. Budzinski which would eliminate an outdated regulation restricting year-round sales of E15. If passed and signed into law, the measure would expand consumer fuel choices, strengthen domestic energy production, and provide greater certainty for fuel retailers and agricultural producers.\n\nRep. Budzinski is a leader among House Democrats in fighting for passage. In March 2024, Budzinski and Reps. Adrian Smith (NE-03), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Mark Pocan (WI-02) sent a letter to House Leadership requesting a legislative solution to allow the voluntary sale of E15 year-round nationwide. In December 2024, a provision codifying the year-round nationwide sale of E15 was included in the year-end Continuing Resolution, but was then stripped out at the behest of Elon Musk.\n\nBudzinski remained engaged in discussions in 2025, which culminated in a bipartisan agreement to be included in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package. Ultimately, House Republican leadership decided to drop the policy from the funding bill and instead establish a Rural Energy Dominance Council, promising a vote no later than February 25. Budzinski led five of her Democratic colleagues in a letter to Speaker Johnson requesting that they be named to the Council as key bipartisan champions of the policy, but the Speaker declined and opted to move forward with a partisan task force. She also testified at an emergency hearing at the House Rules Committee, imploring leaders to bring the negotiated agreement up for a vote before the full House immediately.\n\nIn April, during the House’s consideration of the 2026 Farm Bill, Budzinski was a co-lead on an amendment to include the negotiated language into the Farm Bill. Speaker Johnson then separated the E15 effort from the Farm Bill, promising a full House vote on each policy. The Farm Bill passed, but he never called the E15 effort up for a vote.\n\nTo watch the full press conference with the members’ remarks, click HERE. Congresswoman Budzinski’s remarks as prepared for delivery are available below:\n\nGood morning, everyone, and thank you all for being here today. First, I want to thank my Republican colleagues, Representatives Smith and Fischbach, for their leadership and partnership on this issue.\n\nAs well as my Democratic colleagues who can’t be here today, including Representatives Sharice Davids, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Eric Sorensen, Greg Landsman, and Ranking Member Angie Craig.\n\nThank you to the National Corn Growers Association for bringing all of us together around a cause that should unite every one of us – regardless of party or geography.\n\nBecause this is bigger than politics. This is about American farmers. It’s about American consumers. It’s about American energy.\n\nAnd it’s about whether Congress is finally ready to provide the certainty our rural communities have been asking for – for far too long.\n\nWhen I first came to Congress in 2023, I made a promise to the people I represent – especially farmers – that I would always look for opportunities to work across the aisle and find common ground.\n\nI’ve worked hard to keep that promise. And nowhere has bipartisan cooperation made more sense than on E15.\n\nE15 is one of those rare issues where everybody wins.\n\nAmerican farmers win because it creates strong and stable markets for homegrown corn. American consumers win because E15 helps lower prices at the pump. Our economy wins because E15 supports jobs and investment in rural America.\n\nThat’s why this issue is deeply personal to me. I represent one of the leading corn-producing regions in the United States. I’ve sat down with family farmers, ethanol producers, and small business owners across Central and Southern Illinois who all understand the same thing:\n\nYear-round E15 works. It works for producers and it works for consumers.\n\nYet despite years of support, years of advocacy, and years of evidence proving its benefits, we are still relying on temporary waivers and short-term fixes to keep E15 available during the summer months.\n\nThose waivers may get us through another season, but they do not provide certainty. Farmers cannot plan their future around temporary decisions.\n\nProducers cannot invest with confidence when policy changes year to year. And consumers should not lose access to a cheaper fuel option simply because Washington refuses to finish the job.\n\nWe’ve been close before. In fact, it feels like every year we get right to the goal line – and every year politics, delay, or dysfunction gets in the way.\n\nWell, today we are here to say: enough. Enough excuses. Enough kicking the can down the road.\n\nThe time for permanent, nationwide, year-round E15 is now.\n\nThe evidence is staggering. Earlier this year, USDA projected U.S. corn production for the 2025–2026 marketing year at a record-breaking 17 billion bushels.\n\nAt the very same time, USDA warned that supply is outpacing demand.\n\nOur farmers are under growing economic pressure, and without stronger domestic markets, many producers are heading toward a crisis.\n\nFarmers are facing rising costs, shrinking margins, and growing unpredictability – not because they are failing, but because the system is failing them.\n\nAnd while our producers are struggling, American families are being squeezed. Especially at the gas pump.\n\nRight now, the average price of gas nationwide is around $4.50 a gallon.\n\nFamilies need relief. And year-round E15 is the solution.\n\nThat opportunity does not come around often. So we should seize it.\n\nThat is why today I am calling on my colleagues – Republicans and Democrats alike – to come together and finally pass permanent, year-round E15 nationwide.\n\nLet’s deliver certainty for our growers. Let’s deliver lower costs for consumers. Let’s strengthen American energy independence.\n\nAnd let’s show the American people that Congress is still capable of coming together to solve real problems.\n\nThank you.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-lieu-urge-doj-to-prosecute-insider-trading-on-prediction-market-platforms", "title": "Casten, Lieu Urge DOJ to Prosecute Insider Trading on Prediction Market Platforms", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "casten.house.gov", "scraper": "casten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001117", "name": "Sean Casten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Ted Lieu (CA-36) led 54 House Democrats in an effort to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms more aggressively.\n\n“Trading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets,” the lawmakers wrote. “...We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.”\n\nPrediction markets have grown rapidly in scope and visibility, allowing users to wager on outcomes ranging from elections and sporting events to military actions, geopolitical developments, and major cultural events. As these markets become more prevalent, so too does the risk that individuals with access to confidential government, corporate, or event-related information may use that information for personal profit.\n\nRecent events have underscored the need for stronger enforcement. There have been several high-profile incidents of suspected insider trading on prediction market platforms, including on both Polymarket and Kalshi. These incidents include suspiciously timed trades predicting U.S. military actions against Iran, the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, performances at major cultural events, the outcomes of congressional elections, and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.\n\n\"The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed,\" the lawmakers continued.\n\nOn April 23, 2026, the DOJ charged a U.S. servicemember with wire fraud for allegedly using classified information to make $400,000 from bets on Polymarket related to the U.S. military operation to remove Venezuela’s leader. This case highlights the significant national security, market integrity, and public trust risks posed when individuals allegedly exploit nonpublic information to trade on real-world events.\n\nIn addition to Reps. Casten and Lieu, the letter was signed by Reps. Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Joyce Beatty, Janelle Bynum, Greg Casar, Ed Case, Maxine Dexter, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Laura Friedman, Jesús García, Sylvia Garcia, Dan Goldman, Adelita Grijalva, Josh Harder, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Levin, Zoe Lofgren, Stephen Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Sarah McBride, Betty McCollum, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Robert Menendez, Grace Meng, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Pappas, Scott Peters, Chellie Pingree, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Deborah Ross, Raul Ruiz, Andrea Salinas, Hillary Scholten, Brad Sherman, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Ritchie Torres, Juan Vargas, Bonnie Watson Coleman, George Whitesides, and Nikema Williams.\n\nText of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter can be found here.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nWe write to express serious concerns about potential insider trading on prediction market platforms. Federal anti-fraud and market manipulation laws apply to these platforms, just as they do to traditional financial markets. We urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to further prioritize criminal investigations and civil actions targeting abuses in prediction markets to protect U.S. financial markets, investors, and the public from fraudulent conduct.\n\nRecent suspected violations implicate significant geopolitical, sporting, and cultural events and risk creating perverse incentives for persons with access to confidential or classified information. For example, one anonymous trader has made nearly $1 million from dozens of suspiciously timed and accurate bets on military actions the U.S. has taken against Iran. Another trader with the username “Magamyman” made more than $550,000 from placing bets that Iran’s Supreme Leader would be removed, just before his assassination. In addition, ahead of the Super Bowl LX halftime show, unusually large trades were placed on Polymarket and Kalshi predicting that Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin would perform before there was any public confirmation. One social media user estimated that these suspected insiders made up to $3 million across multiple platforms. Lastly, the Nobel Institute is investigating a bet placed by a newly-created account on Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado winning the Nobel Peace Prize hours before the announcement, resulting in a profit of more than $50,000.\n\nTrading on confidential, non-public information is illegal in traditional financial markets when it involves fraud, deception, or breach of duty. Failure to enforce these laws in the context of prediction markets risks creating a regulatory gap that rewards bad actors, incentivizes misconduct, and undermines confidence in the integrity of U.S. markets.\n\nThe DOJ has pursued several insider trading cases, including in coordination with U.S. financial market regulators, and criminally prosecuted individuals under federal wire fraud statutes. These cases include charging a Coinbase employee for tipping off others with insider information in order to trade cryptocurrencies, prosecuting Biotech’s CEO for misleading investors and engaging in insider trading in connection with Covid-19 and HIV drugs, and bringing charges against individuals who participated in an alleged insider trading scheme involving cancer treatment companies. The DOJ is poised to play an important role in addressing insider trading on prediction markets platforms, while U.S. financial regulators continue to divert their resources towards litigating against states and leave these abuses largely unaddressed.\n\nU.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton has stated that just “because it’s a prediction market, [it] doesn’t insulate you from fraud.” We appreciate that the DOJ recently took action against a U.S. soldier for allegedly using classified information to make profitable prediction market bets related to the U.S. mission that captured Venezuela’s leader.\n\nAt the same time, reports that the DOJ dropped its criminal investigation into Polymarket in July 2025, regarding whether the platform had been illegally serving U.S. customers, raise concerns about consistency in enforcement. Polymarket had previously been banned from the U.S. for operating as an unregistered platform and paid a $1.4 million civil penalty under a 2022 settlement agreement. Taken together, these developments risk undermining confidence in the DOJ’s commitment to also holding companies accountable for breaking the law.\n\nWe understand that this Administration is increasingly focused on gains in the U.S. stock market. That performance depends on integrity and accountability. We therefore urge the DOJ to continue to take decisive action against individuals who exploit prediction markets using nonpublic information for personal gain, and to rigorously enforce corporate compliance by ensuring that platforms implement effective safeguards to detect and prevent illegal activity.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415617", "title": "\"Mr. President: We're backing your request to release Jimmy Lai\"Smith thanks President Trump for continuing to raise cases of Jimmy Lai, Pastor Ezra Jin during upcoming summit in Beijing", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), recently joined EWTN News Nighty’s Veronica Dudo and LiveNOW From Fox’s Ryan Schmelz to highlight his recent letter to President Trump, which garnered the bipartisan support of more than 100 lawmakers, urging the President to call for the release of Hong Kong political prisoner Jimmy Lai during his upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Smith also raised the cases of other political prisoners who have been unjustly detained in China.\n\n“There is solidarity—it’s bipartisan in the House and the Senate—backing the President’s request to release Jimmy Lai on humanitarian grounds,” said Smith during his Sunday interview with LiveNOW From Fox.\n\n“The entire House and Senate stand in solidarity with the President in making that humanitarian parole request,” he continued.\n\nSmith underscored the time-sensitivity of Lai’s release, as the 78-year-old founder and publisher of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily suffers from a myriad of health conditions and endures inhumane living conditions while in prison.\n\nWhile speaking to the press, Smith—who has consistently advocated for Lai’s release since his arrest in 2020—appealed to President Trump to once again champion Lai’s case and call for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.\n\nSmith’s Friday night interview on EWTN News Nighty can be viewed here, and his Sunday morning interview on LiveNOW From Fox can be viewed here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415618", "title": "The abortion pill is extremely dangerous to womenICYMI: Smith slams Biden FDA’s mail-order abortion drug policy, urges Supreme Court to reinstate in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, recently sat down with Ryan Schmelz of LiveNOW From Fox to expose the dangerous and underreported complications of the chemical abortion pill mifepristone and urge the Supreme Court to reverse the Biden Administration’s dangerous mail-order abortion drug policy.\n\n“What was largely unknown is that [mifepristone] is very dangerous to women as well. The most recent study that was done found that one out of every eleven women has serious, serious adverse events that happen to them within about 45 days after taking the pill, including sepsis requiring hospitalization, as well as very severe hemorrhaging that could lead to death,” said Smith.\n\n“Louisiana, Texas, Florida, all these wonderful state legislators and governors, who have protected the lives of their unborn children, are having those laws undermined and usurped by an abortion industry that couldn’t care less about either the baby or the mother,” Smith continued.\n\n“The cover-up of the abortion pill, mifepristone, has to end, and it has to end now. And the data is right there to do so. At a minimum, the mail-order ‘big business’ has to end.”\n\nSmith’s Sunday morning interview on LiveNOW From Fox can be viewed here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415620", "title": "The Washington Times Op-Ed by Rep. Smith'Pass the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act'", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Rep. Chris Smith - Tuesday, May 12, 2026\n\nChina and human organ harvesting illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times\n\nOPINION:\n\nAs President Trump prepares to meet General Secretary Xi Jinping in China, Americans should remember that the Chinese Communist Party stands at the center of a pernicious global industry that treats the human body as inventory.\n\nIt generates as much as $1.7 billion a year, hidden behind shady networks of the corrupt and criminal and fueled by the oldest imbalance in medicine: Desperate patients need organs, and there are never enough lawful, voluntary donations to meet demand.\n\nIn that shortage, traffickers offer what ethical medicine cannot provide: organs on demand, fast matches, short waits and no hard questions about where that kidney, liver, heart or lung came from.\n\nThis market does not serve the powerless. It feeds on them.\n\nThe vulnerable supply the organs. The wealthy and well-connected buy the product. Brokers launder the paperwork. Complicit medical systems provide the operating rooms. Criminal syndicates find the donors. Corrupt officials look the other way — or, worse, participate.\n\nWhen the state controls the hospitals, prisons, police and data, as in communist China, a human being can disappear into the system or get buried as a nameless statistic.\n\nAnyone who doubts that lives can be sacrificed for profit and longevity has only to listen to the conversation caught on a hot mic in Beijing in September.\n\nAs Mr. Xi, Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un walked together toward a reviewing stand, the world heard an unguarded exchange about organ transplants, biotechnology and possibility of living to 150.\n\nIt was not just macabre small talk among aging autocrats. It was a glimpse into a politics that treats human beings as interchangeable parts and power as something to be medically engineered to last forever.\n\nAutocrats dream of permanence, but forced organ harvesting is not healing. It is murder masquerading as medicine. Nowhere is the evidence more alarming than in China.\n\nFor years, researchers, physicians, journalists, survivors and human rights advocates have warned of a transplant apparatus in China built on secrecy, speed and state control. Wait times are measured in days, and there are “on-demand” matches and a bureaucracy that blocks independent auditors.\n\nThe earliest, most persistent allegations centered on prisoners of conscience, especially Falun Gong practitioners, who were detained, dehumanized and allegedly turned into a captive organ pool. Beijing insists it has reformed and no longer relies on executed prisoners.\n\nYet without transparent registries, verifiable wait-time data and unfettered access to hospitals and detention facilities, there are no real assurances and no accountability.\n\nThe danger is especially acute today in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where the U.S. has determined that the CCP is committing genocide against the Uyghur people. The machinery that bulldozes mosques, separates families and forces sterilizations cannot be trusted to respect the line between voluntary donation and coercion.\n\nDisturbing reports have also alleged that Uyghur organs are being marketed to foreign transplant tourists, including patients seeking so-called “halal” organs.\n\nChina is the epicenter of concern, but the problem is global. Organ crimes flourish wherever coercion, poverty, corruption and demand intersect. Unless the international community demands sunlight, the practice will continue to flourish in the shadows.\n\nThat is why Congress must finish the job and pass the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act.\n\nThe House has already passed the bill twice with overwhelming bipartisan clarity. It is now in the Senate, where it has stagnated. I have held multiple hearings on this issue, the first in 1996.\n\nEvidence of the CCP’s complicity in forced organ harvesting is clear and compelling. The Senate must end delays and send this bill to the president’s desk.\n\nThe legislation is not a press release. It is enforceable policy. It targets enablers of forced organ harvesting with sanctions. It requires public reporting so that governments, universities, hospitals, researchers, insurers and companies cannot hide behind plausible deniability.\n\nIf you profit from coerced transplants, directly or indirectly, then you risk your money, your access to the United States and your ability to travel here.\n\nOne law may not instantly change Beijing’s behavior, but it will change ours. It will help scrub American institutions of complicity and expose research relationships that should have been audited years ago.\n\nIt will raise the cost for brokers and prestige-seeking medical institutions that look at China’s gleaming transplant hospitals and ignore the prisons, detention centers and military-linked systems that still treat the imprisoned and persecuted as spare parts for profit.\n\nThe hot-mic moment mattered because it stripped away the mask. When strongmen muse about living forever, the temptation is not theoretical. They have the power to turn bodies into an exploited resource.\n\nFree societies must draw a brighter line and demand transparency. No one wants a Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin to live forever.\n\nPassage of the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act will make it clear that the United States will not tolerate a global transplant marketplace built on coercion.\n\nTyrants will continue to seek immortality, but not with our expertise or money. Not with a dollar of American complicity.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415622", "title": "EWTN News article on Smith's advocacy for Jimmy Lai'Jimmy Lai's daughter says she's \"very hopeful\" ahead of Trump's meeting with Chinese president'", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Tessa Gervasini\n\nPublished May 12, 2026 at 4:41 PM ET\n\nDaughter of imprisoned Catholic activist Jimmy Lai said she is feeling “hopeful” ahead of President Donald Trumpʼs visit to China where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\n\n“My father, his fight, the rights and values that he stands for, and the urgency of his case is one that speaks to a lot of people,” Claire Lai said in an interview with EWTN News. “And we’re just extremely grateful for the people who have taken his case to heart.”\n\nJimmy Lai, founder and publisher of the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Feb. 9 over what Chinese officials claim were national security violations. He has already spent more than five years in detention, much of which was in solitary confinement.\n\nClaire Lai, daughter of imprisoned Hong Kong activist and Catholic Jimmy Lai, speaks with EWTN News President Montse Alvarado on “EWTN News Nightly” on Dec. 8, 2025. | Credit: “EWTN News Nightly”/Screenshot\n\nTrump is traveling to Beijing this week to meet with Xi Jinping about numerous topics including trade, Taiwan, and emerging technology issues. He has also said he will raise the release of multiple prisoners including Lai, whose case he previously brought up to the Chinese president.\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives was set to vote May 12 on a resolution that would condemn the People’s Republic of China for its prosecution and imprisonment of Lai and call for his immediate release. Catholic Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, sponsored the measure.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) jails people to silence their faith, speech, and conscience — and to scare their families here in America and beyond,” Smith said. “The CCP’s unacceptable and unfair practice of politically motivated detention must end.”\n\nThe push by lawmakers “absolutely does give more hope,” Claire Lai said. She also noted a May 7 letter to Trump spearheaded by Smith and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, and signed by more than 100 lawmakers “from both sides of the political aisle urging President Trump to bring up my father in the upcoming summit,” she said.\n\n“There were 68 senators, which is over two-thirds of all senators, which we are so incredibly grateful for,” she said. “Someone said once, ‘When’s the last time … two-thirds of senators agreed on anything?’ It’s such a privilege, and … we are just so extremely humbled that this is the one thing that they have agreed on.”\n\n“President Trump and his administration have continuously mentioned my father, and they have continuously mentioned their commitment to freeing him,” Claire said. “At least speaking for myself, I am extremely confident that it will be this administration that does secure my father’s freedom.”\n\nNeed for a humanitarian release\n\nLawmakers are urging a humanitarian release as Jimmy Lai’s health continues to worsen. While Claire Lai said her family has “basically stopped” receiving reports on her father and his health, they do “hear things here and there.”\n\n“He’s lost weight, he still has heart issues, he still has high blood pressure,” Claire Lai said. It is becoming increasingly urgent as it is “getting close to summer,” as the weather in Hong Kong will reach extremely hot temperatures and humid and wet conditions.\n\n“I heard that it’s not too hot in Hong Kong yet, but every summer he gets heat rashes and they’re … painful red bumps,” she said. He also gets “frequent and pretty severe back pains and waist pains.”\n\nHis “infections that last for months are … just another sign of a compromised immune system,” she said. “He has nails starting to fall off. He has teeth that are rotting and just skin that is drying and just a lot, a lot, of things that are … just cascading health issues.”\n\n“In terms of detailed reports — we just haven’t received those without really any reason since January. Not because we stopped asking; we’re still asking, but we haven’t received those,” she said.\n\nThe feast of Our Lady of Fátima offers hope ahead of summit\n\n“It would mean so much to have our father back,” Claire Lai said. “I think that tomorrow is when President Trump arrives and it’s the feast day of Our Lady of Fátima.”\n\nOur Lady of Fátima presented herself to three shepherd children “during the first World War,” Claire Lai explained. “So it was a sign of hope. It was a sign of hope during a time of turmoil.”\n\n“It reminds us of the power of prayer for the conversion of souls and just … that the Blessed Mother appears to the weakest among us. And my father is physically very weak right now,” she said.\n\nClaire Lai also noted an incident when her father fell in the shower while imprisoned, which “happened actually three days right before the feast day of Our Lady of Fátima.” She added: “And he prayed to the Blessed Mother and suddenly he was able to get up again.”\n\n“The Blessed Mother is watching over my father and … she continues to guide us under her mantle,” she said. “This month is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and I’m just extremely grateful that in times of doubt, in times where I have thoughts or emotions that I know don’t come from God, I can turn to her.”\n\n“My father’s trust in the provisions of divine providence has never wavered. So … it’s a reminder for mine not to either,” she said. “My father’s story isn’t really one of religious persecution per se, because he’s not in prison because of his faith, but his faith is a huge driving force of why he had the courage for the things that he did.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2026/05/12/higgins-leads-effort-to-initiate-investigation-into-foreign-seafood-importers-engaging-in-harmful-trade-practices/", "title": "Higgins Leads Effort to Initiate Investigation into Foreign Seafood Importers Engaging in Harmful Trade Practices", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "clayhiggins.house.gov", "scraper": "clayhiggins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001077", "name": "Clay Higgins", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Troy Carter (D-LA) penned a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging a Section 301 investigation into unfair practices affecting trade in seafood products. Read the full letter here.\n\nForeign seafood importers engaging in unfair trade practices, such as labor abuses and false labeling, have contributed to a significant decline in the domestic seafood industry. A Section 301 investigation offers an important tool for correcting trade imbalances and ensuring fair competition across the seafood sector.\n\nThe Members wrote, “Consistent with the Executive Order and your stated intent, we respectfully request that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) initiate a broad Section 301 investigation into unfair acts, policies, and practices affecting trade in seafood and seafood products… a Section 301 investigation encompassing a broad spectrum of unfair practices, including false labeling and species designations, the abuse of banned antibiotics and fungicides in aquaculture, export and production subsidies, environmental harm, structural excess capacity, labor abuses, and permissive standards with respect to gear usage, would allow the Administration to effectively leverage access to our market to improve conditions overseas and level the playing field for the American seafood industry within its own domestic market.”\n\n“Because of the breadth and complexity of these challenges, we encourage the USTR to pursue a seafood-specific Section 301 investigation that examines all unfair acts, policies, and practices across the full seafood supply chain from countries including, but not limited to: Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam, ” The Members continued.\n\nThe letter is supported by several seafood industry associations, including the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the Southern Shrimp Alliance, and the Catfish Farmers of America.\n\nRichard Fontenot, President of Louisiana Farm Bureau, said, “Time and again I hear from Louisiana Farm Bureau members who have a simple request of their lawmakers: help us do business on a level playing field. Congressmen Carter and Congressman Higgins clearly have heard that plea and are raising their voices for us in a big way. We appreciate them calling on USTR to initiate a Section 301 investigation on seafood and we join them in this request to give our crawfish farmers, shrimpers, and other seafood producers a fighting chance.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-announces-2026-congressional-art-competition-winner", "title": "Emmer Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "emmer.house.gov", "scraper": "emmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000294", "name": "Tom Emmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Emmer announced Marta LaFond of Buffalo as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District.\n\n“The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to celebrate the visual arts and to recognize the artistic abilities of high school students across the country. I want to congratulate Marta on winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition with her acrylic piece, As Kingfishers Catch Fire. We’re excited to see her work displayed in the U.S. Capitol and welcome her to Washington, D.C.,” Congressman Emmer said.\n\nMarta is a junior at Holy Spirit Academy in Monticello, MN. Her acrylic piece, As Kingfishers Catch Fire, was selected as the winning submission from Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District.\n\nThe Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition for high school students across the United States. The winning pieces from each district will be hung by the Architect of the Capitol in the tunnel connecting the U.S. Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building for a year. The winner from each Congressional District receives the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with their Representative and see their artwork displayed in the Halls of Congress. You can read more about the competition here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3171", "title": "Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Congresswoman Escobar’s Dignity Act", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement after the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed her bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform legislation, the Dignity Act:\n\n“Our immigration system has been broken for over 40 years. Families, businesses, and entire communities live with that sober reality every day. That’s why this endorsement from the Problem Solvers Caucus on my legislation, the Dignity Act, matters.\n\n“Their support demonstrates the growing bipartisan recognition that the status quo is failing our country and that the Dignity Act is the only serious effort in Congress to fix it with humanity, accountability, and real solutions.\n\n“I’m grateful for their endorsement as we continue moving immigration reform forward. The Dignity Act is a solution — for our economy, our national security and our future — and there is an urgent need for this reform right now.”\n\nTo learn more about the Dignity Act, click here.\n\nThe Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation. Learn more about the caucus here.\n\nWhat They’re Saying on the Dignity Act\n\nTexas Tribune: U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s bipartisan immigration bill draws GOP support — and backlash", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3174", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Shares Concerns with El Paso Public Service Board on Data Centers", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Last week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent the members of the El Paso Water Public Service Board (PSB) a letter requesting the PSB adhere to several suggestions to protect and prioritize El Pasoans while ensuring transparency and accountability from data centers.\n\nThe letter can be found here, and the full text can be found below:\n\nDear Chair Morris and the esteemed members of the Public Service Board,\n\nThank you for serving our community and the leadership you have provided in challenging times. When the City of El Paso established the Public Service Board (PSB) in 1952, their decision to create a governing body independent of politics gave you and your predecessors the ability to focus squarely on the management and control of our community’s water and wastewater. That visionary decision has helped protect our most precious resource: water. I’m writing to ask that the PSB swiftly act to provide safeguards for our community as we see AI Data Centers proliferate in our region.\n\nFor decades, El Paso Water has led the way in innovation and aggressive conservation efforts and has rightfully put in place common-sense policies that El Pasoans have supported and honored. Since 1991, the majority of El Pasoans have followed the mandatory water restrictions set in place by El Paso Water and its Public Service Board. El Paso Water has hastened changes in behavior by running several different educational campaigns, like the Home Water Use Calculator, that help residents estimate their household water usage and identify opportunities to conserve water. El Pasoans have complied with these limitations, including replacing water-thirsty lawns with xeriscaping and watering outdoors on limited days of the week. We’ve celebrated our water reduction and – thanks to the innovation at EP Water – our community has been at the forefront of inland desalination and wastewater reuse.\n\nThose of us who have water and wastewater connections are the fortunate ones. In El Paso County, there are still 1,878 individuals who live in colonias and cannot open their faucet for water, and without wastewater connections, must deal with septic tanks, many of which routinely fail. In the wealthiest country in the world, America still has residents who must truck in the water they use to cook, drink, shower and do laundry. I’m proud to work with El Paso Water to deliver as many resources as possible to help connect these citizens to water and wastewater, and I am grateful as well as to our partners at the County and our state delegation, who do everything possible to meet the water and wastewater needs of our shared constituents. Without EP Water’s dedication to these water and wastewater hookups, countless El Pasoans would not have had access to water. But we all still have much more work to do to close the gaps that remain.\n\nAn additional challenge we face is that El Paso is one of the fastest warming communities in the country, and as our summers get hotter, persistent drought conditions will continue to require EP Water to invest in innovative ways to diversify our water supply. Recent years in El Paso have ranked among the warmest on record, an unsettling trend and a danger we must recognize. While EP Water has been at the cutting edge of new technologies, alternative water supplies are increasingly costly, and residents are already feeling the strain on their pocketbooks.\n\nAdding multiple large volume industrial water users, specifically multiple data centers, threatens to strain our already limited water supply. Given the sacrifices El Pasoans have been willing to make and the increases in utility bills over time, it’s no wonder El Pasoans are deeply alarmed. It’s crucial that the PSB and EP Water create safeguards that protect ratepayers and users from the unexpected and significant demands and water usage that come with data centers.\n\nAs a federal legislator, I’ve joined my colleagues in legislation that creates federal guardrails on data centers to protect our communities. However, we need a whole-of-government approach on this issue, especially given how quickly data centers are being constructed, and the limited information and consultation they are providing our residents.\n\nAs the PSB reviews EP Water’s plans to provide water for data centers in El Paso County, I respectfully suggest the PSB consider the following:\n\nContractually obligating all AI data centers to use the “closed loop” liquid cooling system for cooling that recycles water;\n\nClear metering that can be reported regularly to the PSB;\n\nTransparency and reporting requirements that would ensure real-time reporting to the community and full public disclosure of usage:\n\nEnsuring commercial users like AI Data Centers are contractually obligated to subsidize infrastructure improvements rather than shifting the cost to residential ratepayers;\n\nProtections for the community during periods of drought, prioritizing residential and existing commercial users over AI Data Center users;\n\nA separate rate structure for data centers, including system development fees, charging for peak capacity, and up-front capital contributions; and\n\nEnsuring the investment that has been promised by Meta (and any other data center) is made and is appropriately deployed to sustainability.\n\nProtecting El Pasoans is a shared obligation and a priority of mine as well, so please let me know if and how my team and I can be helpful in this effort.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2126", "title": "Ezell, Rutherford Introduce Resolution Supporting Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ezell.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "ezell.house.gov", "scraper": "ezell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000235", "name": "Mike Ezell", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressmen Mike Ezell (MS-04) and John Rutherford (FL-05), both former sheriffs and career law enforcement officers, introduced a concurrent resolution expressing strong support for America’s law enforcement professionals during National Police Week.\n\nThe resolution honors the more than 840,000 law enforcement officers who serve communities across the country and recognizes the sacrifices made by officers and their families. It also calls for increased resources, stronger protections, and expanded mental health support for those who wear the badge.\n\n“In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in threats against law enforcement and a strain on departments across the country. We must ensure our officers are equipped, trained, and supported so they can continue protecting the American people,\" Ezell said. \"As a former sheriff, I understand the sacrifices that come with wearing the badge. Law enforcement officers across this country continue to step up and serve, even in increasingly challenging and dangerous environments. This resolution is about making sure they know we have their backs and are committed to supporting them.”\n\n“As a lifelong law enforcement officer and former sheriff, I know firsthand the dangers our officers face every day they put on their badges, say goodbye to their families, and stand between our communities they’ve vowed to protect and those they aim to hurt them,” Rutherford said. “Sadly, anti-police rhetoric continues to grow nationwide, putting our officers in even more danger. This National Police Week, I stand strongly with our men and women in blue and thank them for their dedication to protecting and serving our communities. We must protect those who protect us.”\n\nThe resolution highlights the critical role law enforcement has played in recent reductions in violent crime, while also addressing the growing challenges officers face, including increased assaults, staffing shortages, and the mental toll of the job.\n\nKey provisions of the resolution:\n\nHonors fallen officers and their families, with more than 24,000 names memorialized nationwide\n\nCalls for increased staffing, improved training, and modern equipment\n\nSupports stronger penalties for crimes committed against law enforcement\n\nEmphasizes the need for expanded mental health resources for officers\n\nUrges all levels of government to fully support law enforcement professionals", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=635", "title": "Leger Fernández, Luján, Davids, Bacon Lead Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Wrongful Detention of Native Americans During ICE Enforcement", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs introduced the bipartisan Respect Tribal IDs Act to improve how Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel recognize and interact with Tribal identification documents during immigration enforcement. The legislation comes amid growing reports of Native Americans being questioned, delayed, or detained after federal officers failed to recognize valid Tribal IDs and documentation as proof of citizenship.\n\nThe Respect Tribal IDs Act would require DHS, in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal Nations, to develop standardized training for officers and employees involved in immigration enforcement. The training would include how to identify Tribal documents, when Tribal IDs qualify as proof of U.S. citizenship, proper protocols for interacting with enrolled Tribal members, and the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribal Nations. The bill also requires DHS to create region-specific guidance and reference materials for officers, including examples of Tribal IDs used by federally recognized Tribes in areas where agents operate. Officers would be required to complete the training annually and whenever they are reassigned to a new region.\n\n“We’ve seen Trump’s Department of Homeland Security violate the rights of the first Americans countless times. Indigenous people in New Mexico and across the country have been unfairly questioned, harassed, and detained. This bill will require that DHS officers be trained to recognize Tribal IDs and prevent wrongful detentions,” said Representative Leger Fernández. “All law enforcement officials must respect tribal governments and the documents they provide their citizens. ICE and CBP agents must follow the law and respect tribal sovereignty.”\n\n“In New Mexico and across the country, our Tribal brothers and sisters deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Senator Luján. “Under the Trump administration, we’ve seen disturbing incidents where Tribal members were stopped, questioned, and harassed by ICE officers simply because of their appearance or because officers failed to recognize their Tribal IDs. That is unacceptable and deeply wrong. To address these failures, my legislation would establish clear standards and ensure DHS officers are properly trained to recognize and accept Tribal IDs. No one should have to fear being harassed because of a failure in training or accountability.”\n\n“Tribal sovereignty is a legal and constitutional recognition of Tribal Nations and their citizens, and the federal government has a responsibility to respect that,” said Representative Davids. “But lately, we’ve seen troubling reports of Native Americans being questioned or detained because federal officers lacked the training needed to recognize tribal documentation or understand Tribal Nation citizenship. This bipartisan bill is about preventing those failures, improving training and accountability, and making sure all people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”\n\n“The Respect Tribal IDs Act is a commonsense bill to ensure DHS personnel are properly trained to recognize Tribal IDs and work respectfully with Tribal communities,” said Representative Bacon. “Federal agencies have a responsibility to protect and support Tribal citizens, and this legislation helps ensure they do that.”\n\n“The National Congress of American Indians supports this legislation to ensure that federal agents within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are properly trained to recognize and respect Tribal identification documents,” said Larry Wright, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “Too often, the lack of consistent training has led to confusion, delays, and the improper treatment of Tribal citizens. By requiring comprehensive training on Tribal IDs, this bill affirms the validity of Tribal governments and strengthens the federal trust responsibility. NCAI urges its passage to promote respectful interactions, enhance security, and uphold the rights of Tribal citizens.”\n\nThe legislation follows multiple high-profile incidents and reports involving Native Americans whose Tribal documentation was reportedly rejected or questioned during federal enforcement encounters. Tribal leaders and advocates have raised concerns that inconsistent training and lack of familiarity with Tribal IDs have contributed to wrongful stops and confusion involving U.S. citizens, particularly in border states and regions with large Native populations. The legislation seeks to establish clearer standards and prevent future incidents by ensuring federal personnel are properly trained before conducting enforcement activities.\n\nCongresswoman Leger Fernández has repeatedly confronted the Trump administration’s abuses of Native Americans. She secured language in the FY26 House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee Bill Report for DHS to support Tribal governmental competency training to reduce immigration enforcement encounters with Native Americans. She also led a letter to President Trump in January 2025, demanding a stop to the unconscionable ICE Harassment and racial profiling of Native American Citizens. She further publicly sounded the alarm about ICE’s abuses against Native Americans through informing and questioning the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, about the issue. Additionally, she is leading a FY27 Homeland Security Appropriations request with 12 other Members for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to provide tribal government competency training for federal immigration enforcement officers. Further, she is working with Tribal leadership and continuously bringing attention to the Trump administration’s ICE racial profiling, harassment, and detention of Native Americans.\n\nFollowing major DHS scandals, Senator Luján introduced legislation to hold ICE and CBP accountable, increase transparency, and make communities safer. Senator Luján opposed the confirmation of Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as DHS Secretary. Senator Luján also voted against Kristi Noem’s confirmation as DHS Secretary and successfully pushed for her ouster. Additionally in January 2025, Senator Luján joined Representative Leger Fernández in a letter to President Trump demanding immediate action to address reports of ICE agents harassing, detaining, and questioning Native American Tribal members about their citizenship.\n\nFull bill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://fine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=209", "title": "Congressman Fine Introduces K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fine.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "fine.house.gov", "scraper": "fine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000484", "name": "Randy Fine", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Fine (R-FL) introduced the K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026 to modernize American education by updating the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and giving states and school districts clear authority to prepare students and teachers for the AI-driven economy using existing federal resources.\n\n“Artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy and our kids’ futures faster than anything since the internet, yet too many schools still don’t have the authority or the resources to keep up. That’s why I’m introducing the K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act — to let states and districts use existing federal dollars for AI instruction, train our teachers, and make sure every student learns to use this technology safely and responsibly. Florida has shown we can modernize education without new spending or Washington interference — this bill takes that common-sense approach nationwide so our kids are ready to compete and win,” said Congressman Fine.\n\n“With AI literacy quickly becoming a core workforce skill, students should have the opportunity to learn how to use these tools with confidence so the United States can fully capture the benefits of AI. CCIA commends Representative Fine for advancing the K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act, which would help schools use existing federal education funds for AI instruction, teacher training, and responsible classroom adoption,” said Michael Marn, Senior Manager for Computer and Communications Association.\n\nThe legislation amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to explicitly allow federal funds for:\n\n- Student instruction on the safe, effective, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (as defined in the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020).\n\n- Professional development for teachers, paraprofessionals, school librarians, media personnel, specialized instructional support staff, and administrators to use and teach AI effectively.\n\nThe bill has no fiscal impact and creates no new spending programs. It simply clarifies that existing education dollars can be used for AI curricula and training in a responsible way.\n\nThis legislation will empower the next generation of American students to lead in an AI-powered world. By bringing Florida’s forward-thinking approach to classrooms nationwide, the K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act ensures our children will not only be prepared for the future — they will shape it, compete successfully on the global stage, and thrive in the exciting opportunities ahead.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/05/12/finstad-calls-on-dot-to-support-united-airlines-service-between-rochester-and-chicago-ohare-international-airports/", "title": "Finstad Calls on DOT to Support United Airlines Service Between Rochester and Chicago O’Hare International Airports", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT), Sean Duffy, and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bryan Bedford, calling on the DOT and FAA to support United Airlines service between Rochester International Airport (RST) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as soon as possible.\n\n“By launching United Airlines flight service between Rochester and Chicago O’Hare, Rochester and its surrounding communities will be connected to 34 unique destination flights,” said Rep. Finstad. “This is not only important to the economic development of southern Minnesota but would also help improve health care access for those in our communities.”\n\nFinstad continued, “Minnesota’s First District is lucky and proud to have Mayo Clinic in our backyard. With the continued investment and expansion of the hospital on the horizon through their Bold. Forward. Unbound. initiative, reliable air service is essential to ensuring patients and employees have access to time-sensitive medical assistance. I’m hopeful that Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford will quickly authorize United’s service from RST to ORD, expanding transportation options for residents across southeastern Minnesota and neighboring areas.”\n\nBackground:", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-maxwell-frost-statement-on-the-closure-of-alligator-alcatraz", "title": "Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on the Closure of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frost.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "frost.house.gov", "scraper": "frost", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000476", "name": "Maxwell Frost", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released the following statement on the closing of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’.\n\nIn a statement, Rep. Frost says:\n\n“From the day ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ opened, I was on the ground conducting oversight into the inhumane conditions inside this facility — and I went back again and again to expose what was happening and fight to shut it down.\n\nNow, after wasting millions in taxpayer dollars and facing ongoing environmental lawsuits, this failed experiment in human suffering is finally closing.\n\nHuman beings were subjected to horrific conditions, denied dignity, and treated as less than human in a facility that never should have existed in the first place. Floridians deserve accountability for every dollar wasted and every abuse that took place behind those doors.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6074", "title": "Gomez: Trump’s War With Iran Is Driving Inflation Higher and Making Life More Expensive for Families", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jimmy Gomez warns that President Trump’s war with Iran is driving up inflation, raising costs for working families, and making it harder for Americans to afford basic necessities as gas prices and supply chain costs continue to climb.\n\nWatch full video here", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-during-national-police-week-gottheimer-announces-bipartisan-stop-the-doxx-act-to-protect-law-enforcement-officers-and-their-families", "title": "RELEASE: During National Police Week, Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan “Stop the Doxx Act” to Protect Law Enforcement Officers and their Families", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Announces Bipartisan PAL Act\n\nHighlights Critical Importance of Investing in Law Enforcement\n\nAbove: Gottheimer announces new bipartisan federal legislation to protect law enforcement.\n\nMIDLAND PARK, NJ — Today, to mark National Police Week, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) introduced two new bipartisan federal bills: one to protect law enforcement officers and their families from doxxing — the publishing of personal information online to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence — and the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Reauthorization Act. Gottheimer is the Co-Chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus.\n\nThe bipartisan “Stop the Doxx Act,” which Gottheimer is leading with Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) It will:\n\nMake it a federal crime — with strengthened penalties — to knowingly publish the personal information of a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, prosecutor, judge, or immediate family member with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence.\n\nThe legislation sets penalties of prison time, not just fines, which increases if the conduct results in bodily injury or death.\n\nThe bill also creates a national training program to help officers and public servants better protect their personal information online and understand their rights when their data is leaked.\n\nGottheimer also introduced the PAL Act, which funds grants to establish Police Athletic League chapters that partner local officers with kids through sports, mentorship, and youth development programming to build trust and prevent crime in their communities.\n\n“You can’t protect our communities if you can’t protect the people who sacrifice so much for us,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Doxxing isn’t harmless online behavior. It is targeted intimidation against the people who keep our families safe, and the law has simply not kept up with the threat. We must always get the backs of those who risk their lives every day to protect us, and that means making sure they and their families are safe both on the job and at home.”\n\nWatch Gottheimer’s remarks here.\n\n“Those who protect our communities and uphold the rule of law deserve protection from threats, intimidation, and violence,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2). “The Stop the Doxx Act makes clear that weaponizing personal information against law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, or their families is unacceptable and must carry real consequences. With threats and intimidation against these public servants continuing to rise, this legislation is needed now. I look forward to working with Rep. Gottheimer to get this bipartisan legislation signed into law.”\n\n“As a lifelong member of law enforcement and former sheriff, I saw firsthand the amazing work the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (JaxPAL) did in our community,” said Congressman John Rutherford (FL-5). “For more than 80 years, this organization has helped build relationships between young Americans and law enforcement that has led to safer, more connected communities. That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Gottheimer to introduce the National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act.”\n\n“The New Jersey State PBA applauds Congressman Gottheimer for proposing legislation to criminalize the doxxing of law enforcement officers. Intentionally releasing a law enforcement officer’s address for the purpose of threatening or murdering them is a heinous violation of the peace,” said Peter Andreyev, State President of New Jersey’s Policemen’s Benevolent Associations. “This is National Police Week where we remember and celebrate the lives, service and bravery of the thousands of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty since our nation’s founding. Congressman Gottheimer’s proposal is a common sense approach to prevent more names from being added to the Memorial Wall in Washington.”\n\n“Protecting those who protect our communities is a fundamental responsibility of our legal system. Congressman Gottheimer’s leadership in making the doxxing of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges a federal crime is a critical step toward ensuring that those on the front lines of justice can do their jobs without fear of targeted violence or intimidation against themselves and their families,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. “A national training program to help public servants understand their rights and protect their personal information online would be both practical and proactive. By establishing strict federal penalties and providing vital training resources, this initiative reinforces the shield that guards our public servants in an increasingly digital world.”\n\n“The STFA leadership thanks Congressman Gottheimer for his constant guardianship of our members and all of the men and women who serve on the front lines protecting our communities. The crime of doxxing presents a new intricate and technological threat to our law enforcement officers and their families and we applaud Congressman Gottheimer for addressing this threat head on,” said Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association. “This bill will hold those accountable who commit these cowardly threats on troopers and officers by doxxing with stiff criminal penalties, while providing training for law enforcement officers to keep themselves safe from these threats along with strong jurisdictional oversight of this issue.”\n\nTargeted doxxing campaigns have surged, with more than 11.7 million American adults having been doxxed overall, with officers’ home addresses, photos of their spouses and children, and direct threats spreading across social media. Only nineteen states currently have any anti-doxxing protections for public officials; thirty-one have none on the books at all. New Jersey is one of the protected states, having enacted Daniel’s Law in 2020, months after a gunman tragically shot and killed the son of a judge in her New Jersey home.\n\nGottheimer also announced bipartisan legislation, the National Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Reauthorization Act with Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL). PAL programs provide safe places for kids to go after school, offer mentorship and enrichment opportunities, and build trust between young people and the officers who serve their neighborhoods. There are more than two hundred PAL chapters nationwide, including fifteen in New Jersey, such as Northvale, Bergenfield, and Vernon Township.\n\n“Rep. Gottheimer has long championed support for communities, law enforcement, and delinquency and crime prevention, and his sponsoring of the National Police Athletic/Activities Leagues Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act is a further demonstration of that commitment,” said National Association of Police Athletics/Activities Leagues (National PAL) President and CEO, Dr. Stephen Coan. “Support, such as that of Rep. Gottheimer, will allow National PAL to connect more kids with law enforcement through consistent, positive activities — including sports, mentoring, STEM, and leadership programs — creating deeper respect for law enforcement, trust between kids and cops, and greater opportunities for stronger communities and better outcomes for youth.”\n\nIn this year’s appropriations package, Gottheimer helped claw back record federal investments for law enforcement, including:\n\nNearly doubling resources for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) programs, from $499 million to $964 million;\n\nNearly doubling resources for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs, from $417 million to $800 million;\n\n$30 million for bulletproof vests;\n\n$30 million for hate crime prevention initiatives;\n\n$18 million for accreditation programs for small and rural departments;\n\nClawed back over $17 million for police departments throughout New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office;\n\nFull lifetime resources for the World Trade Center Health Program, ensuring continued care for 9/11 responders and survivors.\n\nGottheimer continues to lead the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act, supporting small and mid-sized police departments — which make up more than ninety-four percent of agencies nationwide — with resources for recruitment, retention, training, and mental health support. He is also co-leading the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act, which creates stronger federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target law enforcement officers, and the bipartisan Helping Educators and Law Enforcement Personnel Earn Retirement (HELPER) Act, which would establish a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-style home loan program for first responders and eliminate the down payment requirement to get a mortgage. The HELPER Act is especially critical in New Jersey, which has the fifth-highest median home price in the nation.\n\nGottheimer was joined by Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Midland Park Mayor Harry Shortway Jr., Midland Park Police Chief Michael Powderley, Midland Park Council President Lorraine DeLuca, Midland Park Councilman Mark Braunius, Midland Park Councilwoman Nancy Cronk Peet, Midland Park Councilman Keith DeBlasio, Chris Spittler, Midland Park PBA Delegate John Aheran, and Hackensack PBA Delegate Frank Cavallo.\n\nBelow: Gottheimer announces new bipartisan federal legislation to protect law enforcement.\n\nRead Gottheimer’s full remarks below:\n\nGood morning, everybody, and thank you to our brave law enforcement officers, first responders, and elected officials who are here today. I especially want to thank our PBA representatives and our Mayor, who is former law enforcement himself.\n\nIt’s especially fitting that we’re gathered here in beautiful Midland Park, a proud Bergen County community with a long tradition of public service. Named after the New Jersey Midland Railway, Midland Park may be smaller geographically, but it’s always punched way above its weight when it comes to community spirit and supporting those who serve. Small but mighty. I like that. Standing up for the average Joe. That’s exactly what law enforcement does. Always looking out for us.\n\nThat’s why it’s so important that we always look out for them – and why I am honored to be here in Jersey this morning to kick off National Police Week.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, this week carries real weight for me. It is a chance to recognize the quiet courage of the men and women in our great state and across America who strap on a vest, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and head out into a shift with no guarantee of how it ends. They do it anyway — because protecting our communities and keeping our families safe is who they are. They get our backs and we must always get theirs.\n\nTo me, your badge represents service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. It stands for courage in the face of danger, a genuine care and compassion for your community, and a true bond with the people you serve. True community policing, especially in a place like Midland Park, or Vernon, or Ringwood.\n\nBut honoring our officers cannot just happen during Police Week. Supporting law enforcement must be something we do every single day — not only with words, but with real action. And the reality is, the threats facing law enforcement today are growing more dangerous, more sophisticated, and far more personal. Officers are dealing with increased violent crime, increased violent rhetoric, recruitment and retention challenges, and growing mental health pressures. And they’re dealing with it in a time when people trust authority less than ever, when police are often disrespected, yelled at, confronted, and often spat on. They are filmed, with videos clipped and put on YouTube and TikTok. They have to do their job in the face of all of that.\n\nSo, as a result, you’re not just facing danger on the job anymore. The danger follows law enforcement home. Through a practice called “doxxing,” officers and their families are being targeted and hunted online.\n\nPeople snap photos of the officers and post their faces and home addresses online for the world to see. They put up photos of their spouses and children on social media platforms, so they can’t go to church or the grocery store. These are threats aimed squarely at the people they love the most, and it’s not because these perpetrators like them. It’s because they want to see them harassed, marginalized, or something worse. In Denver, a cop was recently targeted online, with someone calling for a “pig roast.”\n\nWe are also seeing “swatting attacks” — where a criminal places a fake 911 call to lure officers into a deadly trap. And we are seeing coordinated intimidation campaigns built for one purpose: to scare our officers, silence them, and make them think twice about ever putting on the badge again. This is totally and completely unacceptable. You can’t protect our communities if you can’t protect the people who sacrifice so much for us.\n\nMake no mistake, this is not harmless online behavior. This is targeted intimidation against the very people who keep our communities safe. And right now, our laws have not kept up with the threat. More than 11.7 million Americans have already been doxxed. The Department of Homeland Security has reported a more than 1,000 percent increase in assaults on federal law enforcement officers, with their families being doxxed and threatened online at the same time.\n\nAnd yet — only nineteen states have any anti-doxxing protections for public officials on the books. Thirty-one states have nothing. Thankfully, Jersey is one of the nineteen. Daniel’s Law was signed in November 2020 — just months after twenty-year-old Daniel Anderl, the son of federal Judge Esther Salas, was tragically shot and killed at the front door of his family’s New Jersey home by a gunman who came looking for his mother.\n\nWhile Jersey did the right thing by adding protections, although it only includes a fine and not jail time, there is no federal legislation to protect state and local law enforcement. Now it is time for Washington to act and put clear, tough legislation on the books to protect not only judges and prosecutors, but law enforcement, too. We need a clear federal standard — and we need real, serious consequences for the people who violate it.\n\nThat is why today, to help kick off Police Week, I’m introducing new bipartisan legislation in Congress, the Stop the Doxx Act, with Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska. It’s new federal legislation to protect our officers and the families who love them from these increased incidents of doxxing. Our bill does three things. First, it makes it a federal crime to knowingly publish the personal information of law enforcement officers at every level — federal, state, and local.\n\nSecond, it extends those same protections to prosecutors, judges, and their immediate family members, because, as we saw here in New Jersey, with the brutal killing of Judge Salas’ son Daniel, these targeted attacks aren’t just against law enforcement officers. They follow up to prosecutors and judges. Third, when someone’s actions result in bodily injury or death, it ensures there are real, serious consequences for the people responsible, including up to 10 years in prison for a first-time offense, and up to 30 years for repeat offenders.\n\nYou go after a cop and their family, or a judge or prosecutor, you’re going to jail.\n\nAs I mentioned, targeted doxxing campaigns against law enforcement are skyrocketing. The growing accessibility of AI tools and automated data scraping technologies have significantly intensified the scale, precision, and anonymity with which these attacks are carried out.\n\nThat’s why our bill will also establish a national training program to help officers and public servants better protect their personal information online and understand their rights when their data is leaked.\n\nAt the same time, we need to invest on the front end to help build stronger relationships between law enforcement and young people in our communities. Because, let’s face it, it’s usually not the 80-year-old grandmother who’s scraping the internet for this sensitive info on officers.\n\nThat is why I’m also proud to announce the bipartisan National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act – or the PAL Act — with my fellow Law Enforcement Caucus Co-Chair Congressman, and former Sheriff, John Rutherford from Florida. PAL programs provide safe places for kids to go after school, offering them mentorship and enrichment opportunities, and building trust between young people and the officers who serve their neighborhoods.\n\nThere are more than two hundred PAL chapters nationwide, including fifteen right here in North Jersey, such as Northvale Bergenfield, and Vernon Township. These programs matter because they strengthen communities long before problems turn into crises. They teach our children that the men and women in uniform are there to protect them, to serve them, and to look out for them. And they help our young people understand the very real risks our officers face every single day they put on the badge.\n\nAs I’ve said for years, we must always get the backs of those who risk their lives every day to protect us.\n\nThis is part of a much broader fight I have been leading for years — a fight to invest in public safety and to stand with the men and women who serve. And let me say it again, because it cannot be said enough: you cannot cut your way to safer streets. You cannot defund your way to a better police department. The only way forward is to invest to protect.\n\nSlashing budgets to the bone only weakens the profession. It pushes good people out and fuels a race to the bottom. We need to fund — not defund — law enforcement so departments have the resources, staffing, technology, training, and mental health support they need to keep officers and communities safe. That is exactly why I first introduced the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act with Congressman Rutherford.\n\nInvest to Protect passed the House, and I will continue to fight until it passes the Senate and is signed into law. More than ninety-four percent of police departments across the country have fewer than one-hundred officers. These smaller departments are expected to handle everything from violent crimes and drug trafficking, to mental health crises and cyber threats, often without the resources larger departments have. Our legislation helps smaller departments recruit and retain officers, invest in training, and provide mental health resources.\n\nBecause investing in officers ultimately means investing in safer communities, but our smaller departments need the budget to do so.\n\nI’m also continuing to push the bipartisan Protect and Serve Act, where I serve as the Democratic lead. The bill is simple: if you deliberately hurt a cop, you’re going to jail. And if you kill a cop, you should get the death penalty.\n\nI was at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial earlier this month – I saw the names of those killed in the line of duty. We should have zero patience for those who kill cops.\n\nAnd as the Democratic lead on the HELPER Act, I am fighting to make sure our first responders can actually afford to live in the very communities they protect. The bill creates a new home loan program for first responders and eliminates the down payment requirement to get a mortgage.\n\nThat matters everywhere — but it matters especially here in Jersey, where housing costs are making it harder than ever for our departments to recruit and retain the officers we need.\n\nThis past year, I also led the charge to increase federal law enforcement funding, including nearly doubling funding for Byrne JAG grants for protective equipment and training and the COPS programs, to help our departments hire law enforcement. We’ve already received millions here in my district to help our departments.\n\nWe also secured new funding for bulletproof vests, hate crime prevention initiatives, and accreditation programs for small and rural departments. I also recently secured resources to upgrade the Wyckoff and Bergenfield Police Departments, more than two million dollars for the West Milford Police Department to hire additional officers, and more than two million dollars for technology upgrades for the Bergen County Sheriff’s office. And importantly, we helped secure full lifetime funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, so our 9/11 responders and survivors continue receiving the care they earned and deserve. We will never forget the sacrifices those heroes made for this country.\n\nAnd we are pushing even harder for the next fiscal year. Because I remain absolutely committed to fighting for our sworn officers and first responders — and to making sure our municipalities and police departments have the resources, equipment, technology, and training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.At the end of the day, supporting law enforcement should never be partisan. Every bill we are talking about today is bipartisan because this is not a red or blue issue.\n\nIt is about getting the backs of the people who get ours. It is about standing with the men and women who put their lives on the line every single day to protect our families and our communities.\n\nEspecially during Police Week, we must remember the true cost of that service and sacrifice. We should always honor the officers who gave everything in the line of duty and recommit ourselves to making sure those who continue to serve know that we stand firmly behind them.\n\nThere is nothing partisan about this. This is just what’s good for Jersey and good for our country.\n\nIn the greatest country in the world, and with our brave law enforcement officers protecting our communities, I know that if we work together, our best days will always be ahead of us.\n\nThank you, and God bless our officers and their families.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=859", "title": "Congressman Hamadeh Announces the Launch of the CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hamadeh.house.gov/news/", "domain": "hamadeh.house.gov", "scraper": "hamadeh", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001098", "name": "Abraham J. Hamadeh", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON DC - Congressman Abraham J. Hamadeh is proud to announce the launch of the CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative, a district-wide student recognition program designed to promote civic literacy, constitutional understanding, and academic excellence among Arizona’s high school students.\n\n“I firmly believe that preserving the strength of our Republic begins with educating the next generation about the Constitution, the principles of liberty, and the responsibilities of citizenship.” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “With graduation fast approaching, I want to make sure that our high school students are aware of this opportunity earn congressional recognition for their accomplishment.”\n\nCongressman Hamadeh is encouraging all Arizona high school students, parents, teachers, and school administrators to participate in the new CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe CD8 Congressional Civics Initiative is a district-wide student recognition program designed to celebrate an informed citizenry, promote civic literacy, and reward academic excellence in American government and history.\n\nThe Arizona Civics Test is a State-mandated requirement for high school graduation and the High School Equivalency Diploma. If you are a high school student, who has achieved a score of 95 or higher on the Arizona Civics Test, you are eligible to receive formal recognition from the Office of Congressman Abraham Hamadeh. Participation is open to all eligible high school students across public, charter, private, and homeschool institutions within CD8.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-hoyle-introduces-the-shared-micromobility-investment-act", "title": "REP. HOYLE INTRODUCES THE SHARED MICROMOBILITY INVESTMENT ACT", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "hoyle.house.gov", "scraper": "hoyle", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001094", "name": "Val T. Hoyle", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "EUGENE, OR – Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-4) introduced the Shared Micromobility Investment Act which would codify shared micromobility, including bikeshare and scootershare, as an eligible project type in three federal surface transportation programs: the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program, and the Carbon Reduction program. The bill was announced at an event hosted by Cascadia Mobility in Eugene, Oregon. Congresswoman Hoyle was joined by Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson and representatives from the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association.\n\n“Eugene and Springfield are a model of a successful multimodal transportation network, and this bill will help more cities expand bikeshare into more neighborhoods, create more jobs and give residents an affordable and accessible way to get around,” said Rep. Hoyle. “Biking is becoming an increasingly important mode of transportation for Americans everywhere. The Shared Micromobility Investment Act makes clear that bikeshare and shared micromobility projects are eligible for more federal funding opportunities where transportation funding has historically treated bikeshare as a lesser form of transportation.”\n\n“Shared micromobility is an essential transportation service that is continuing to grow, and federal policy should reflect that,” said Sam Herr, Executive Director of NABSA. “Congresswoman Hoyle’s bill will make federal programs work better for communities across the country. Codifying eligibility for shared micromobility in these programs removes barriers to accessing these critical federal funds. We are proud to support it and grateful for her leadership.”\n\nShared micromobility systems are already being funded through BUILD, STBG, and Carbon Reduction in practice, but that eligibility has never been written into federal statute. The legislation would formalize what communities across the country are already doing, reducing uncertainty for local governments and operators, streamlining the grant process, and sending a clear signal that shared micromobility is a recognized and valued part of the federal transportation system.\n\nThe North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA) has been advocating for these codifications as part of the upcoming reauthorization of the federal surface transportation law. Shared micromobility is growing across the United States. In 2024, 171 million trips were taken on shared micromobility systems across the United States in communities of all sizes, a 31.7% increase over the previous year. A 2023 study found that shared micromobility increased restaurant spending by approximately 5.2%, representing an estimated $85.6 million in additional economic activity annually across the 371 American cities operating shared micromobility.\n\n“This new federal language will make a big difference as Cascadia Mobility continues to invest in bikeshare in Eugene. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Hoyle and NABSA for their work on behalf of shared micromobility and for championing this legislation,” said Brodie Hylton, CEO of Cascadia Mobility.\n\nThe bill comes as Congress prepares to reauthorize the current surface transportation law, which is set to expire in September of 2026. NABSA has recommended that the reauthorization package expand shared micromobility’s access to existing federal programs, including by codifying eligibility in BUILD, STBG, and Carbon Reduction, all programs where shared micromobility is already an effective and active project type.\n\nAbout NABSA\n\nThe North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) industry association with the mission to collaborate across sectors to grow shared micromobility and its benefits to communities. Learn more at nabsa.net.\n\nAbout Cascadia Mobility\n\nCascadia Mobility is an independent Oregon public benefit 501(c)(3) professional shared and active transportation operations nonprofit, helping to bridge the gap between the deliberate, purposeful pace of city government and transit agencies, and the fast-paced ever-innovating transportation technology industry, optimizing outcomes for both. They are a “two-wheel transit agency”, working with small to mid-sized cities and equipment providers to plan, launch, and operate shared micromobility and active transportation programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2540", "title": "ICYMI: Pantex Facility Opens Following $136M+ Investment Secured by Rep. Ronny Jackson", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) highlighted the opening of Pantex’s new High Explosives Science and Engineering (HESE) facility, a major national security infrastructure project that replaces 15 World War II-era buildings with a modern, state-of-the-art center supporting high explosives research and nuclear weapons modernization in the Texas Panhandle.\n\nSince taking office, Rep. Jackson has secured $136.36 million in federal funding for the project through the National Defense Authorization Act and annual appropriations process.\n\nFunding secured includes:\n\nFY2025 – $15 million\n\nFY2024 – $101.36 million\n\nFY2023 – $20 million\n\n“The completion of Pantex’s new HESE facility is a major win for the Texas Panhandle and our national security,” said Rep. Jackson. “As Pantex continues to play a critical role in maintaining our nuclear deterrent, this investment modernizes the infrastructure needed to safely and effectively meet future mission demands. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to replace outdated WWII-era buildings with a cutting-edge facility, and I’ll continue working to strengthen our national defense while reinforcing the Panhandle’s vital role in America’s security infrastructure.”\n\nThe new HESE facility represents a significant modernization effort at Pantex and supports the continued advancement of the nation’s defense capabilities. The project is expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety standards, and support long-term mission readiness.\n\nThe Texas Panhandle remains a cornerstone of America’s defense enterprise, and Congressman Jackson has remained committed to advocating for investments that strengthen military readiness, support local jobs, and reinforce the region’s strategic role in protecting the United States.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/12/spokesperson-statement-on-congresswoman-jen-kiggans/", "title": "SPOKESPERSON STATEMENT ON CONGRESSWOMAN JEN KIGGANS", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Know Your Immigration Rights\n\nIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.\n\nAsk for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.\n\nYour right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.\n\nAlways consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.\n\nThe New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://joyce.house.gov/posts/joyce-organized-retail-crime-bill-passes-house", "title": "Joyce Organized Retail Crime Bill Passes House", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://joyce.house.gov/press", "domain": "joyce.house.gov", "scraper": "joyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000295", "name": "David P. Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Dave Joyce’s (OH-14) bill, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish a coordinated, multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail theft and combat these criminal operations.\n\nRepresentatives Susie Lee (NV-03), David Valadao (CA-21), Dina Titus (NV-01), Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Lou Correa (CA-46) co-lead this legislation in the United States House of Representatives. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the companion legislation in the United States Senate.\n\n“Organized retail crime is an issue that affects everyone. Whether you are a business owner, truck driver, or the average consumer, these criminal enterprises are hurting your wallet and putting communities in danger,” said Congressman Joyce. “The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act takes a targeted approach to apprehending these criminal networks by establishing an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center at the Department of Homeland Security and giving law enforcement the tools they need to do their job and protect our communities. I want to thank my colleagues in the House for supporting this legislation, and I urge the Senate to pass it swiftly .”\n\n“Organized retail crime remains a serious and ongoing threat to retail employees, customers, and communities across the country. We commend Congressman Joyce for his leadership on advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act and extend our gratitude to the House members who voted to support this critical bipartisan legislation. The bill enhances federal coordination and delivers much-needed resources to disrupt these criminal networks. We encourage the Senate to move quickly and send the legislation to the President for signature,” said National Retail Federation Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French.\n\n“Cargo thieves are stealing $18 million every day from the trucking industry, and motor carriers and consumers pay the price,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “CORCA will give our industry and law enforcement the tools we need to fight back against highly organized, technologically advanced cargo theft rings, which are often orchestrated by transnational criminal groups. Reps. David Joyce and Susie Lee deserve enormous credit for their bipartisan leadership of this critical legislation, and we thank their colleagues for voting in support.”\n\n“Organized retail crime is sophisticated, coordinated criminal activity that puts our associates, customers, and communities at risk,” said Scott Glenn, Vice President of Enterprise Asset Protection at The Home Depot. “This bipartisan legislation would strengthen coordination across federal, state, and local partners and provide the tools needed to investigate and prosecute these crimes at scale. We urge the Senate to swiftly pass CORCA and help disrupt organized criminal networks nationwide.”\n\n“Leading retailers are grateful to Representative Joyce and the bipartisan group of cosponsors for recognizing the urgent need to address the growing threat of organized retail crime,” said Sarah Gilmore, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). “Fraud-driven criminal networks engaged in cargo theft, gift card fraud, and all too often violent in-store ORC driven incidents threaten the safety and security of American communities. CORCA provides the tools necessary for coordinated action and information-sharing, ensuring that law enforcement and industry partners can prosecute and dismantle the criminal enterprises orchestrating these sophisticated schemes. RILA is thrilled to see this important piece of legislation pass the House.”\n\n“Today’s bipartisan passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act marks a major victory for communities, retailers, employees, and consumers across the country,” said Tom McGee, President and CEO of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). “Organized retail crime threatens public safety, disrupts local economies, and places enormous strain on retailers and property owners of all sizes. ICSC is proud to have worked alongside lawmakers, industry partners, and law enforcement since this legislation was first introduced, and we thank the House for advancing this critical bipartisan solution. We now urge the Senate to act quickly so this legislation can be signed into law.”\n\n“UPS applauds the passage of the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act, a critical step towards strengthening our national supply chain from rail to road to retail, which will help keep commerce moving safely and securely,” said Michael Kiely, President of Global Public Affairs at UPS.\n\n“Cargo theft and organized retail crime are growing threats to America’s supply chain, impacting transportation networks, businesses, workers, and consumers,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “This legislation strengthens coordination among law enforcement agencies and gives authorities additional tools to combat sophisticated criminal operations that target cargo moving through our nation’s ports, railways, and freight corridors.”\n\n“The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy applauds the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. Organized retail crime is not just a financial threat to businesses — it is a public health threat. Stolen and diverted medications frequently find their way back into the supply chain through illegitimate channels, putting patients at serious risk. CORCA provides law enforcement with critical tools to disrupt these networks, and NABP looks forward to supporting its implementation to protect the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the patients who depend on it,” said Al Carter, Executive Director and CEO of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).\n\n“Organized retail crime is a serious issue. It threatens worker safety, contributes to violence, and drains resources from communities,” said National Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes. “On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I want to thank Reps. Joyce and Lee for their leadership on this issue.”\n\n“Organized retail and supply chain crime is not a victimless issue. These increasingly sophisticated criminal networks threaten workers, disrupt legitimate commerce, and create ripple effects across the broader economy,” said James Wamsley, Group President of Global Operations at Milwaukee Tool. “Milwaukee Tool thanks Rep. Joyce and Rep. Lee for their leadership and supports the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act as an important step toward stronger coordination and enforcement to help disrupt these criminal operations.”\n\n“NSSF is committed to ensuring firearms remain out of the hands of those who should never possess them. Criminals victimize entire communities when they brazenly commit ‘smash-and-grab’ burglaries and robberies of firearm retailers,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act provides law enforcement and prosecutors the essential tools they need to dismantle these networks that plague our communities. NSSF is grateful for Congressman Dave Joyce for his leadership on this necessary legislation.”\n\nBackground:\n\nOrganized retail crime goes far beyond isolated theft and increasingly involves sophisticated, multi-state, and often international, criminal networks that steal large volumes of goods, engage in cargo theft, and launder proceeds through financial instruments such as gift cards. These criminal enterprises put retail employees, warehouse workers, truck drivers, rail workers, and customers at risk while disrupting access to goods. These are not isolated incidents, but coordinated, large-scale criminal operations. Cargo theft targeting goods in transit has grown significantly, compounding financial losses and operational disruptions, while gift card fraud enables stolen merchandise to be rapidly converted into illicit funds. Proceeds from these crimes frequently fuel broader criminal activity, including drug, human, and weapons trafficking. Given the scale, coordination, and cross-jurisdictional nature of these crimes, a federal response is needed.\n\nThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This Coordination Center would enable increased collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with retail crime associations and subject-matter experts, to develop a cohesive strategy to combat these crimes and share valuable resources.\n\nSpecifically, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would:\n\nEnhance coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat organized retail and supply chain crime;\n\nImprove safe information-sharing with retailers, manufacturers, and transportation providers to identify and respond to emerging threats;\n\nStrengthen legal tools to disrupt criminal financing, including clarifying that gift cards may be treated as monetary instruments for money-laundering investigations;\n\nEnable prosecutors to more effectively target large-scale criminal enterprises by aggregating theft values tied to organized schemes; and\n\nImprove transparency by reporting on national trends in organized retail and supply chain crime.\n\nSupporting Organizations: the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, the Association of American Railroads, the American Trucking Association, UPS, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), The Home Depot, the International Council of Shopping Centers, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the Port of Los Angeles, and Metrolink.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://massie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395836", "title": "Rep. Massie's NICS Data Reporting Act Passes House", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://massie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "massie.house.gov", "scraper": "massie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001184", "name": "Thomas Massie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release\n\nContact: massie.press@mail.house.gov\n\nContact #: 202-225-3465\n\nWashington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces that legislation he authored, the NICS Data Reporting Act of 2026 (HR 2267), passed the House of Representatives today by a unanimous voice vote.\n\n\"The NICS Data Reporting Act requires the Attorney General to submit to Congress a report that includes the aggregate demographic data of individuals determined to be ineligible to purchase a firearm based on a background check performed by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS),\" said Rep. Massie. \"Presently, NICS results in too many false denials, and I believe it creates a racial disparity. By showing this with data that’s already collected, but not currently reported, I hope to generate bipartisan interest in making NICS less prone to false denials so Americans of all backgrounds are not deprived of their right to keep and bear arms.\"\n\nLegislative text for the NICS Data Reporting Act is available at this link.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mast.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9300A3DD-77BE-499D-90D1-2BAD4DF167C4", "title": "Medal of Sacrifice Act Passes Unanimously", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mast.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mast.house.gov", "scraper": "mast", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001199", "name": "Brian J. Mast", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Brian Mast (R-Florida), U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of theMedal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) during National Police Week. The legislation would create a new presidential award to posthumously honor law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty. Mast is the lead sponsor of the legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on February 2nd. Graham introduced companion legislation in the Senate and helped ensure its passage.\n\n“I will never forget November 21, 2024, the day three lions of my community were taken after being struck on the side of the road. After we laid Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies Waller, Diaz, and Paez to rest, President Trump and I agreed that their sacrifice can never be forgotten. That’s what the Medal of Sacrifice is all about, and I’ve worked every single day since then to pass this bill to honor every officer and first responder killed in action. In the face of incomprehensible loss, families of the fallen will now know they have a nation standing firmly behind them, directed by the highest office of our land. I am deeply grateful to Senator Graham for sharing this mission and for carrying it across the finish line in the Senate,” said Rep. Mast.\n\n“Our law enforcement officers and first responders represent some of the best and bravest among us. These men and women selflessly put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. If these law enforcement officers and first responders perish in the line of duty, that sacrifice deserves the highest level of recognition,” said Senator Graham. “I am proud to have worked with President Trump and Rep. Mast on this important legislation so that we can ensure these heroes are never forgotten, and look forward to it being signed into law.”\n\n“Every single day, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities and keep our families safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The Medal of Sacrifice Act will go a long way to honoring those officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. This Police Week, I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Graham and Congressman Mast to get our bill to the President’s desk.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/5/chairwoman-mcclain-joins-oakland-county-sheriff-s-office-for-national-police-week-ride-along", "title": "Chairwoman McClain Joins Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for National Police Week Ride-Along", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mcclain.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclain", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001136", "name": "Lisa C. McClain", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "ORION TOWNSHIP, MICH.— House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) visited the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Orion Substation and joined them on a patrol for National Police Week.\n\n“Thank you to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Miehlke for bringing me along and showing me what our law enforcement officers do every day,” Chairwoman McClain said. “These men and women do not just respond when things go wrong. They help hold our communities together during difficult moments, including the water crisis families in Orion Township are facing right now. I also heard firsthand how No Tax on Overtime is helping officers who are putting in extra hours to keep our communities safe. House Republicans will always back the men and women in uniform who protect and serve.”\n\nChairwoman McClain met with deputies and thanked them for their service to the community before joining Deputy Miehlke for a patrol ride-along through Orion Township. During the patrol, Deputy Miehlke conducted two traffic stops for violations of Michigan’s Hands-Free Driving Law related to texting while driving.\n\nNational Police Week runs from May 10 through May 16, 2026, with Peace Officers Memorial Day observed on May 15. The week honors law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and recognizes the men and women who continue to serve.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/mciver-marks-anniversary-of-delaney-hall-visit-by-introducing-tougher-ice-oversight-rules", "title": "McIver Marks Anniversary of Delaney Hall Visit by Introducing Tougher ICE Oversight Rules", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watson Coleman and Menendez, who were present that day, are co-leading this bill.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) will introduce the No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act. The introduction coincides with the one-year anniversary of McIver’s first visit to Delaney Hall, which led to the Trump administration bringing baseless charges against her for conducting oversight. That case, and McIver’s fight to protect the constitutional and statutory authority to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is ongoing. The No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would protect the necessary congressional oversight Trump’s administration has worked to criminalize by tightening regulations on ICE and DHS. Specifically, the bill demands that members of Congress be granted immediate access to detention facilities, without having to give prior notice, in order to carry out their oversight responsibilities and places liability for noncompliance on private contractors.\n\nThis bill will permanently codify the existing right of members of Congress to conduct oversight of ICE and DHS. This right exists implicitly in Congress’s oversight prerogative of the executive branch, and explicitly in a 2019 appropriations rider. As the Trump administration continues to try to obstruct this right, dismantle it, and criminalize this legal prerogative, the No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would protect it permanently.\n\nRep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Rob Menendez (NJ-08), who were with McIver at Delaney Hall in May 2025, are co-leading the bill.\n\n“A year ago, ICE tried to stop me from exposing the cruel treatment, inhumane abuse, and their reckless lack of accountability—believing they could sweep their actions under the rug. Since then, the atrocities have only gotten worse. This has been ICE’s deadliest year in 30 years and the nation is calling for action,” said McIver. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to reaffirm the people’s right to have someone speak up for the voiceless, go where others are not allowed, uncover the abuses that we know take place in the dark, and stop the brutality against our immigrant neighbors. I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Reps. Watson Coleman and Menendez to stand up for detainees at Delaney Hall and nationwide.”\n\n“ICE is not the private army of any president or administration,” said Watson Coleman. “They are federal law enforcement; they are supposed to work for the American people and be accountable to them. Nothing should be happening inside an ICE facility that would require secrecy or concealment from the American people. The continued effort of DHS and ICE to prevent, delay, and obstruct oversight at facilities is unacceptable, and with this legislation, those contractors who fail to uphold the law will be held liable.\"\n\n“I am proud to stand with my friends and colleagues, Reps. McIver and Watson Coleman in leading this legislation to protect congressional oversight of immigrant detention centers across the country,” said Menendez. “Since we faced down over 20 armed ICE and HSI officers at Delaney Hall last year, this Administration has repeatedly and illegally blocked Members of Congress from visiting detention centers. We are taking action to protect our communities, to end this Administration’s lawlessness, and to shine a light on the horrific conditions at Delaney Hall and immigrant detention centers across the country.”\n\nIn 2025, ICE recorded the deadliest year for people in its detention facilities in the past three decades. Immediate access to detention centers for oversight purposes is critical to ensure those tasked with oversight are seeing the facility conditions as they truly are, not as the facade those in charge may seek to present. A 2020 Homeland Security Committee Report on ICE facilities “failing to meet basic standards of care” found that “as a result of this advance notice, facilities took steps to prepare for the visit by improving conditions.”\n\nThe No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would:\n\nRequire DHS to allow members of Congress to carry out oversight responsibilities in detention facilities without obstruction or delay.\n\nEnsure that members of Congress must be granted immediate access to detention facilities.\n\nCancels any agreement or contract between DHS and entities that do not comply with the requirements of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-mciver-and-watson-coleman-mark-anniversary-of-delaney-hall-visit-by-introducing-legislation-to-bolster-ice-oversight-rules", "title": "Menendez, McIver, and Watson Coleman Mark Anniversary of Delaney Hall Visit by Introducing Legislation to Bolster ICE Oversight Rules", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmembers Rob Menendez (NJ-08), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the No Delay for Immigrant Oversight Act. The introduction coincides with the one-year anniversary of Menendez, McIver, and Watson Coleman’s confrontation with over 20 armed ICE and HSI agents at Delaney Hall. The No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would protect the necessary congressional oversight Trump’s administration has worked to criminalize by tightening regulations on ICE and DHS.\n\n“I am proud to stand with my friends and colleagues, Reps. McIver and Watson Coleman in leading this legislation to protect congressional oversight of immigrant detention centers across the country,” said Congressman Menendez. “Since we faced down over 20 armed ICE and HSI officers at Delaney Hall last year, this Administration has repeatedly and illegally blocked Members of Congress from visiting detention centers. We are taking action to protect our communities, to end this Administration’s lawlessness, and to shine a light on the horrific conditions at Delaney Hall and immigrant detention centers across the country.”\n\n“A year ago, ICE tried to stop me from exposing the cruel treatment, inhumane abuse, and their reckless lack of accountability—believing they could sweep their actions under the rug. Since then, the atrocities have only gotten worse. This has been ICE’s deadliest year in 30 years and the nation is calling for action,” said Congresswoman McIver. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to reaffirm the people’s right to have someone speak up for the voiceless, go where others are not allowed, uncover the abuses that we know take place in the dark, and stop the brutality against our immigrant neighbors. I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Reps. Watson Coleman and Menendez to stand up for people at Delaney Hall and nationwide.”\n\n“ICE is not the private army of any president or administration,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “They are federal law enforcement; they are supposed to work for the American people and be accountable to them. Nothing should be happening inside an ICE facility that would require secrecy or concealment from the American people. The continued effort of DHS and ICE to prevent, delay, and obstruct oversight at facilities is unacceptable, and with this legislation, those contractors who fail to uphold the law will be held liable.\"\n\nThis bill will permanently codify the existing right of members of Congress to conduct oversight of ICE and DHS. This right exists implicitly in Congress’s oversight prerogative of the executive branch, and explicitly in a 2019 appropriations rider. As the Trump administration continues to try to obstruct this right, dismantle it, and criminalize this legal prerogative, The No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would protect it permanently.\n\nIn 2025, ICE recorded the deadliest year for people in its detention facilities in the past three decades. Immediate access to detention centers for oversight purposes is critical to ensure those tasked with oversight are seeing the facility conditions as they truly are, not as the facade those in charge may seek to present. A 2020 Homeland Security Committee Report on ICE facilities “failing to meet basic standards of care” found that “as a result of this advance notice, facilities took steps to prepare for the visit by improving conditions.”\n\nThe No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would:\n\nRequire DHS to allow members of Congress to carry out oversight responsibilities in detention facilities without obstruction or delay\n\nEnsure that members of Congress must be granted immediate access to detention facilities.\n\nHold private immigration detention facility operators accountable for complying with oversight laws\n\nThe text of the No Delay for Immigrant Oversight Act can be viewed here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=312", "title": "Messmer and Walberg Host Field Hearing on the Future of Mining in Southwest Indiana", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "messmer.house.gov", "scraper": "messmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001233", "name": "Mark B. Messmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) joined the chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), for a field hearing in Fort Branch, Indiana, titled “Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining.”\n\nThe hearing examined workforce development, mine safety, domestic energy production, and the future of the mining industry in Indiana and across the United States. The hearing was held at the Vincennes University Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics.\n\n“I am very impressed with the facilities and education programs at Vincennes University, which are improving the entire mining worker-safety component,” said Rep. Messmer. “VU is training future generations of leaders so that they meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry. I am so proud that Hoosier mining is powering our state grids, and that it is an essential contributor to the energy and economic security of our entire country.”\n\n“Collaboration between government and the private sector leads to safer workplaces, an educated workforce, and a stronger mining industry,” said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI). “I was grateful for the productive conversations with our witnesses about ways to unleash the mining industry’s potential in a way that protects miners and benefits the communities in which they live and work. America’s miners power our nation, and their wellbeing must always come first.”\n\n“Vincennes University appreciates Congressman Messmer and Chairman Walberg for highlighting the importance of mining safety, workforce development, and the future of American energy production,” said David Tucker, Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Services at Vincennes University. “As Indiana’s designated recipient of Mine Safety and Health Administration grant funding for miner training and retraining, VU remains committed to preparing the next generation of mining professionals through hands-on, industry-driven training that supports safe and reliable mining operations across the region.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nDuring the hearing, witnesses highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong domestic mining industry to support America’s energy independence, manufacturing sector, and electric grid reliability. Testimony also focused on the role Indiana coal continues to play in delivering affordable and reliable energy for families and businesses.\n\nWitnesses discussed how modern mining operations have evolved through advanced technology, stronger safety standards, autonomous equipment, and enhanced dust monitoring systems. Industry leaders also addressed workforce shortages and the need to combat outdated misconceptions surrounding careers in mining.\n\nAdditionally, witnesses raised concerns regarding the Biden-Harris Administration’s 2024 silica rule, arguing the regulation imposes costly burdens on operators without improving worker safety and could place additional strain on mining communities and jobs. Testimony also examined how previous enforcement practices under the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) created unnecessary compliance challenges for mine operators.\n\nBoth Messmer and Walberg emphasized the importance of supporting workforce training programs, promoting safe mining practices, and creating a regulatory environment that allows the mining industry to continue growing and supporting American energy production.\n\nTo learn more about how Rep. Messmer is fighting for Hoosier mining communities in the House of Representatives, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2882", "title": "Speaker Johnson Leads Candlelight Vigil in Honor of Fallen Officers", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — During National Police Week, Speaker Johnson hosted a candlelight vigil on the steps of the U.S. Capitol today to honor fallen police officers and commemorate their service to our local communities. Speaker Johnson was joined by Rep. John Rutherford, families of fallen officers, and House Members.\n\n“To the families of those fallen heroes and those who continue to stand guard in our communities: we have your back. We'll continue to advance policies here that support law enforcement and bring justice to those who seek to harm officers,” Speaker Johnson said.\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.\n\nBelow are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:\n\nGood evening, everyone. We want to thank you all for being here on this very somber occasion. Why are we gathered here this evening? Well, the Scripture tells us to give honor where honor is due, and today we're here to honor the service and the sacrifice of America's law enforcement personnel. We are here because every American who lives in freedom and safety has a duty to remember the story of those who provide it for us. That story—the story of American law enforcement—is one of honor and duty sacrifice, and it deserves to be told and repeated again and again at this moment in our country and its history.\n\nIt's not lost on anyone that we're living through some troubling times. In the last few months, just the last few months we've seen yet another attempt on the President's life. We've seen repeated attacks on synagogues and churches. We've seen horrific, heartbreaking tragedies like the one that struck my own hometown in Shreveport, Louisiana just several weeks ago, and took the lives of eight innocent young children. One act of unspeakable violence. There is a battle right now between good and evil, and we all feel it.\n\nAnd in spite of the darkness, every American town and city is undeniably safer and stronger because of that thin blue line. We owe our nation's law enforcement everything because they sacrifice everything to stand guard against evil and protect all of our communities. I come from a first responder family myself, and I understand the sacrifice personally. My dad was a firefighter and nearly lost his life to severe burns that left him permanently disabled for the next 32 years of his life. That sacrifice, the sacrifice that our first responders make, is one that is born by their entire family, and we can never forget the burden that they carry.\n\nI'm reminded today of Officer Marc Brock, an extraordinary young man, a police officer from Vivian, Louisiana in my district. In November, Officer Brock was tragically killed in the line of duty while serving a warrant. He was just 25 years old, but he touched countless lives through his service to our community and through his volunteer work. And he leaves behind Kambreigh, his beautiful fiancé, and a family who loved him immensely. I was honored to host Kambreigh and Officer Brock's mother, Shirley, as my guests for the State of the Union this year. Officer Brock's death is a somber reminder of the tremendous risks our law enforcement officers take every single day.\n\nJoining us today here is another proud law enforcement family represented by Linsey Timmins and her daughter, who you'll hear from shortly. Officer Tyler Timmins served in the Pontoon Beach Police Department just outside of St. Louis. While responding to a suspected stolen vehicle on October 26, 2021, Tyler was ambushed and killed by a repeat felon in an illegal possession of a weapon. Today, he leaves behind his lovely wife, Linsey and their daughter Chloe. Tyler made the ultimate sacrifice, and today we honor his selfless service and the service of more than 23,000 fallen officers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.\n\nTo the families of those fallen heroes and those who continue to stand guard in our communities: we have your back. We'll continue to advance policies here that support law enforcement and bring justice to those who seek to harm officers.\n\nWhile even one officer killed in the line of duty is too many, we are thankful to report that law enforcement deaths hit an 80-year-low in 2025. That represents a 25% decrease from 2024 to 2025. We're working to make our streets safer for American families, and we will continue to support the men and women who are on the front lines of cleaning them up. Our pledge is to support you in word and deed, and we will work hard to ensure that those who are tragically no longer with us are never forgotten.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2742", "title": "PHOTO RELEASE: Moran Tours East Texas to Spotlight WAGES Act", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) toured five East Texas employers and educational institutions to highlight the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act, legislation he introduced alongside Senator Todd Young (R-IN), to create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers who participate in Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).\n\n“Apprenticeships are one of the key pathways to greater prosperity and liberty in America,” said Rep. Moran. “What I saw across East Texas confirmed exactly why this legislation matters. From lumber mills in New Boston to collision shops in Tyler, employers are ready and willing to invest in the next generation of workers—they just need Washington to remove the financial barriers that have held them back.”\n\nWest Fraser Lumber Mill | New Boston\n\nRep. Moran tours the West Fraser Lumber Mill in New Boston with plant leadership and local economic development officials. The facility already operates an apprenticeship program, and leadership discussed the cost barriers that prevent rural manufacturers from expanding workforce training efforts.\n\nTexas High School | Texarkana\n\nRep. Moran joins Texarkana ISD Superintendent Dr. Brubaker and local community, education, and workforce leaders for a working lunch and roundtable on connecting classroom pathways to workforce needs, followed by a tour of the school’s newly renovated Career & Technical Education (CTE) facility.\n\nReliance Mechanical Contractors | Nash\n\nRep. Moran tours Reliance Mechanical with owner Cody Peek, where skilled tradespeople work daily in HVAC, electrical, and welding. A roundtable with local industry and economic development partners followed.\n\nTrane Technologies | Tyler\n\nRep. Moran visits Trane Technologies in Tyler to discuss employer-driven workforce pipelines. Tyler Junior College leadership joined the conversation to highlight coordination between college-level technical instruction and hands-on employer training.\n\nCaliber Collision | Tyler\n\nRep. Moran concludes the tour at Caliber Collision in Tyler, where a broad regional roundtable brought together employers, educators, and economic development leaders from across East Texas to discuss expanding apprenticeship access.\n\nRead more about the WAGES Act here.\n\nRead the WAGES Act one-pager here.\n\nLOCAL COVERAGE\n\nKLTV 7: Congressman Moran plans WAGES Act to expand apprenticeship programs in East Texas\n\nKETK: Rep. Moran pitches WAGES Act to skilled trade companies in East Texas\n\nKSLA: Rep. Moran introduces WAGES Act to support apprenticeship programs\n\nKTBS: Rep. Moran introduces legislation to expand apprenticeship programs\n\nTexarkana Gazette: Moran talks workforce bill at Texas High\n\nTexas GOP Vote: Moran, Young Introduce Legislation to Promote and Expand Apprenticeship Programs\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/12/nunn-announces-winner-of-2026-congressional-art-competition-for-iowas-third-district/", "title": "Nunn Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Iowa’s Third District", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Congratulations to Sierra for winning this year’s competition,” said Rep. Nunn. “‘God’s Country’ captures both the beauty of our nation and the values that make America special. I’m proud Sierra’s work will represent our state in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for the next year.”\n\nEstablished in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition provides high school students from across the country the opportunity to showcase their artistic talent. More than 650,000 students participated nationwide, with each Member of Congress selecting one winning submission from their district to be displayed in Washington, D.C. for one year.\n\nThe second, third, and fourth place winners for Iowa’s Third District are listed below.\n\nSecond Place\n\nStudent: Delilah Kinser\n\nSchool: Griswold High School\n\nSubmission: Lady Liberty\n\nThird Place\n\nStudent: Brayden Beck\n\nSchool: Griswold High School\n\nSubmission: America\n\nFourth Place\n\nStudent: Lydia AschanSchool: Murray High School\n\nSubmission: Whisper with Freedom\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/12/watch-nunn-announces-2-million-investment-for-dmacc-campus-to-expand-workforce-training/", "title": "WATCH: Nunn Announces $2 Million Investment for DMACC Campus to Expand Workforce Training", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“As Iowa’s economy evolves, our classrooms and training programs need to evolve with it,” said Rep. Nunn. “Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, transportation, or public safety, this investment will help equip the next generation of Iowa workers with the skills, hands-on training, and career pathways Iowa employers need filled right now.”\n\nRep. Nunn announced the funding at a press conference alongside DMACC leadership, workforce partners, employers, local elected officials, and community stakeholders. Following the press conference, Rep. Nunn toured the Ankeny campus and the future site of the new academic facility.\n\nThe planned 120,000-square-foot building will expand hands-on career training opportunities in high-demand fields including manufacturing, transportation, public safety, and the skilled trades — helping meet growing workforce needs across Iowa.\n\nB-roll from the visit is available here and photos are available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/12/video-following-palm-beach-hearing-pressley-calls-for-accountability-healing-restorative-justice-for-epstein-survivors/", "title": "VIDEO: Following Palm Beach Hearing, Pressley Calls for Accountability, Healing, & Restorative Justice for Epstein Survivors", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Following Palm Beach Hearing, Pressley Calls for Accountability, Healing, & Restorative Justice for Epstein Survivors\n\nHouse Oversight Committee Field Hearing\n\nMay 12, 2026\n\nREP PRESSLEY: We’re here at ground zero for where Epstein’s crimes occurred—crimes that were moral crimes, civil crimes, criminal crimes, crimes that I would consider, really, against humanity.\n\nGiven the systemic harm caused by really what was a global enterprise of trafficking girls, [it’s] impossible for me to not think about my own 17-year-old daughter.\n\nAgain, you see grown women before you who are courageous in their refusal to be silent, but they were mere girls. Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen. Talented artists, dancers, aspiring teachers, lawyers, models.\n\nTheir bodies were violated. Their dreams devastated. Their lives irreparably harmed.\n\nWhen you are violated in such a way as a child, it changes—on a very foundational and deep level—who you are. Forever. Your ability to love, to receive love.\n\nBut it’s not only an emotional toll, and certainly the cost of trauma is a high one.\n\nBut there are also economic expenses—an inability to pursue a job, to keep a job, 20 years of, 30 years, three decades of legal fees that no one was counting on.\n\nAnd not only was their innocence corrupted and their bodies violated and their lives changed, their very rights were violated.\n\nThe Crime Victims’ Rights Act grants individuals who are victims of federal crimes specific enforceable rights, including protection from the accused, reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of public proceedings, and the right to be heard.\n\nIt ensures victims are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.\n\nWell, that did not happen.\n\nTheir rights were violated, and I’m working closely with survivors for a legislative fix of restorative justice.\n\nThat’s what brings us here today—to learn from the survivors, to identify failures, to hold predators and abusers accountable.\n\nAnd although I commend the survivors for their courage, I look forward to a day where survivors do not have to relive their trauma in order to compel action from their government.\n\nAnd finally, although this is a fight specifically for justice, accountability, and healing for our survivors—who deserve so much more than sympathy, which is why I’m seeking to advance a legislative restorative justice fix, to acknowledge the economic abuse and financial hardship that many of them still carry today.\n\nBut this is a fight for all survivors that are victims of sexual assault and human trafficking.\n\nAnd so for that, to ensure that there is no erasure, I want to acknowledge the incredible work of Tarana Burke of the MeToo movement, Amber Tamblyn, and many more. And in my own district of the Massachusetts 7th, My Life My Choice and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.\n\nThis is a fight for all survivors.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/12/watch-in-palm-beach-hearing-pressley-highlights-economic-emotional-harms-borne-by-epstein-survivors/", "title": "WATCH: In Palm Beach Hearing, Pressley Highlights Economic & Emotional Harms Borne by Epstein Survivors", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Highlights Economic & Emotional Harm Borne by Epstein Survivors\n\nHouse Oversight Committee Field Hearing\n\nMay 12, 2026\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Thank you to Congresswoman Lois Frankel, thank you to Ranking Member Garcia, Congresswoman Summer Lee. Your efforts have made today possible. And of course, our courageous survivors.\n\nI’ve been on this Committee since I was a freshman, and Elijah Cummings, the great Elijah Cummings, our chair at the time, would often remind us that the role of the Committee on Oversight, our mandate, is to be in efficient and effective pursuit of the truth.\n\nNow that pursuit is what brings House Democrats here today. Because instead of Epstein’s victims being met with efficiency, they’ve been met with obstruction and delays by law enforcement and by the Department of Justice.\n\nInstead of Epstein’s victims being met with effectiveness, they’ve been met with systemic coverup, and I would add cowardice of those who were intimidated by the power and the privilege of Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and their co-conspirators.\n\nSo today, we’re here to shine a light. Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. We’re here to shine a light on the corruption, on the failures of this investigation.\n\nBut most of all, we’re here to center the survivors. To center the courageous.\n\nSurvivors who are grown women before you but who were children. Children whose innocence was corrupted. Whose bodies were violated. Whose dreams were destroyed. Whose lives were irrevocably changed.\n\nMaria, Courtney, Jena-Lisa, Danny, Roza, and Sky and Amanda, here for Virginia, we thank you.\n\nCongress enacted the Crime Victims Rights Act in 2004 to mandate specific obligations for the Department of Justice to ensure that survivors are protected, informed, and able to heal.\n\nMr. Kuvin, you spent decades representing survivors and fighting for transparency around the federal government’s handling of their cases. Can you speak to how the federal government violated, after their bodies were violated, after their dreams, their dignity, their lives were violated, how were their rights violated?\n\nSPENCER KUVIN: It was our understanding after the release of documents and the bravery of Ms. Wild here at the end in her case that was brought and the final disclosure of all those documents, it showed that the federal government and the state attorney’s office colluded together to not bring an indictment because they knew that if they did, then the Crime Victims Rights Act would then be triggered and they would have to inform the victims of what they were doing.\n\nSo what we learned was they intentionally kept it out of the hands of victims so that the victims co couldn’t object or have any say in the process by secretly doing this deal that they did. And the federal judge, very brave, federal judge Mara found there was a violation of the act here in the Southern District and unfortunately because the way the law was written, there was absolutely no way to get them any justice or remedy as a result.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: That’s right. So they weren’t notified, they were not consulted, they were not given the opportunity to participate in proceedings that directly affected their lives and their safety. These rights are supposed to be guaranteed by the Crime Victims Rights Act.\n\nNow would any survivor like to speak to any examples to share about how the federal government ignored or neglected your case? I see the clock is ticking here. Would anyone else like to speak to that?\n\nHow about this – let me just say this, as a survivor myself, I know that this is not only about your safety that you were robbed of, your innocence and your dreams.\n\nSurvivors are forced to carry the financial burden of abuse – lost wages, housing instability, medical expenses, legal fees, security costs, trauma that impacts their daily life.\n\nCan any of you speak to that?\n\nJENA-LISA JONES: We have put ourselves on the front line and spoke out and put our faces to the public when we should have never had to, and that comes with a huge toll. Now every job that we apply for, they Google us. They know our most personal information of things that happened to us as children. That is forever, forever going to follow us. We don’t get that back. We don’t get that luxury. So that is just the one, one of the most important things that comes with the weight of this all because the government couldn’t do their job.\n\nROZA: Like I heard this before from the survivors. I’m a really cool person if you meet me outside of here, I have life stories, but this release of documents made me something else, and I can’t do tasks, daily tasks, without certain help, and I have a support system, and I’m grateful for it, but if I didn’t, I don’t think I would be here today alive. So it’s really hard. I want to tell the world like it’s hard to be here today. I’m very uncomfortable. I’m trying to look like I’m okay, but I’m not okay.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Yes, would anyone else like to speak to the financial burden of abuse, loss of wages, housing instability, medical expenses, legal fees, security costs?\n\nCOURTNEY WILD: So I was gonna, when I was younger, when I we met, I met Jeffrey, I experienced a lot of homelessness, so I think I misunderstood your question.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: No, say whatever you’d like.\n\nMS. WILD: Yes, ma’am, I was just gonna say that, you know, just like you were walking over the bridge, you know, a 14-year-old going to Palm Beach. It was like, as soon as you go over that bridge, you just feel the money and power. And it’s just such a contrast. If you go down Okeechobee to Okeechobee and the Turnpike, there’s a road called Drexel, and it’s a mobile home street. There’s a lot of — that’s where I came, that’s where I was from. So to go from here to there is just, you know, it’s so confusing.\n\nI was homeless. My parents had addiction problems, you know. He preyed, he knew what he was doing. It was all very calculated, you know, and then later on, the fact that he used those things against me. We had the Feds pulling up our MySpaces and treating us like criminals because we were at a party at 16 and 17, drinking, you know, rather than going out — they had so for me, it’s just, it’s so sad that he — he knew who he preyed on. He preyed on young, especially in Palm Beach County, he preyed on us, kids who came from troubled backgrounds and everything else, and they portrayed us as these underage prostitutes, which is that, is that a real charge, like, what was the statute number on his charge that he took?\n\nMR. KUVIN: It was bizarre to us, even at the time, but, you know, it made absolutely no sense. The statutory guidance was very questionable, given that there were minors, but speaking to the representative’s questions specifically and representing survivors over the last 30 years now, you know, it affects not just the survivor.\n\nIt affects their family. It affects the way they raise their own children, if they have daughters, it affects their mental stability and ability to maintain employment. Try telling a survivor they’ve got to pay a lawyer for 20 years straight if they want to get justice. It’s impossible, especially with a law that doesn’t provide any remedy. So they’ve got to seek out victims advocates that are willing to do it for free, and there aren’t many of those, especially none that want to do it for 20 plus years to fight. So the financial ramifications of being a victim, especially of somebody with unlimited resources, is dramatic.\n\nDANI HANNAH BENSKY: I think, also, to continue this fight like we’re all here right now, and this isn’t the only thing I’m sure we’re all doing this week, to talk about getting the messaging out. Advocacy is expensive. Therapy and healing is expensive, you know? And we there’s no time to work because, honestly, we got to change it for our kids, because I don’t want to raise my kid in a world like this right now.\n\nLAUREN HERSH: I’ll just close out with one, one point to Courtney, to your question, about these prostitution charges. We need to eliminate the prostitution charges from the books altogether. We absolutely, absolutely should be holding sex buyers accountable for the harm they cause. But people in prostitution should not be criminalized for being in prostitution, because the vast majority of them are not there by choice. They’re there because of lack of circumstances, poverty, other vulnerabilities, and what we see so often is that traffickers deliberately use that notion, that the women and girls will be arrested for prostitution as a tactic.\n\nIt is the number one tactic in order to make sure that survivors, victims are too terrified and too traumatized to talk, so we’ve got a lot of work to do.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: And I just want to again, thank you all, and thank you for being prescriptive with a number of the legislative responses to address these systemic harms.\n\nI’ll just say that there is no amount of compensation that could ever fully account for what was stolen, but every single survivor certainly deserves much more than sympathy, and that is the work that I’m committed to doing alongside of you legislatively. Thank you.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/5/raskin-bacon-and-dexter-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-pension-payments-for-noaa-corps-u-s-public-health-service-commissioned-corps", "title": "Raskin, Bacon and Dexter Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Pension Payments for NOAA Corps, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08), alongside his colleagues Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03), introduced bipartisan legislation that safeguards the pensions of an estimated 8,000 retired uniformed servicemembers. The Pensions for Retired Uniformed Servicemembers Act would secure parity between retired members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps and all other federal retirees, ensuring they continue receiving pension payments during a government shutdown.\n\n“NOAA Corps officers and USPHS Commissioned Corps officers have made immeasurable sacrifices for the health and safety of our people over decades of public service,” said Rep. Raskin. “Our bipartisan legislation will mean these patriots will get the pensions they earned so they don’t go hungry or struggle to pay their rent or mortgage during a government shutdown.\"\n\n“The Commissioned Officers Association is pleased to endorse this important legislation, which would provide a stable and reliable financial foundation for retirement pay for members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps,” said CAPT. Jacqueline Rychnovsky, USN (Ret.), Executive Director of the Commissioned Officers Association of the United States Public Health Service. “Transitioning from annual discretionary appropriations to the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund — which currently supports retirement pay for the other six uniformed services — would help ensure that USPHS and NOAA Corps retirees are never again at risk of missing a paycheck during a government shutdown.”\n\n“All who serve our nation in uniform have earned their benefits, to include consistent and reliable retirement payments,\" said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret.), President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America. \"MOAA strongly supports this legislation, which takes an important step toward ensuring parity across all uniformed services by aligning retirement funding for the USPHS and NOAA commissioned officer retirees with the existing Military Retirement Fund.”\n\n“I served 27 years in uniform as a Commissioned Corps Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service,” saidSharon Gershon, a constituent of Rep. Raskin’s and retired USPHS Captain. “Serving in the USPHS was the honor of a lifetime. When I retired, I depended on my federal pension as my primary source of income, and thus became upset to learn that I wouldn't receive it during the last government shutdown. After reaching out to Rep. Raskin's office with my concerns, they responded quickly and I am so grateful the Congressman is introducing legislation to close this loophole and get a permanent fix to protect the pensions of the thousands of retired Commissioned Corps Officers like me.”\n\n“NOAA Corps and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officers serve our nation in moments of crisis, from hurricane response and environmental disasters to disease outbreaks at home and overseas,”said Rep. Bacon. “These uniformed officers have answered the call in national emergencies and times of war, and they deserve a retirement structure that recognizes that service. I’m pleased to co-lead the bipartisan Pensions for Uniformed Services Retirees Act with Rep. Raskin to ensure all members of the uniformed services are treated fairly.”\n\n“Last year, I heard from a constituent and retired United States Public Health Service officer who went weeks without a pension during the government shutdown,” said Rep. Dexter. “These are the public health professionals who respond to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and health emergencies across the country, and they should never have to worry about missing a paycheck they earned through a lifetime of service. This bipartisan bill closes a harmful loophole and ensures retired USPHS and NOAA officers can count on the retirement security they deserve.”\n\nRep. Raskin learned about this loophole in federal law by listening to concerns from his constituents in Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District who depended on their pension payments and feared for their ability to make ends meet during the recent government shutdown.\n\nThis legislation would protect the pensions of more than 1,166 Maryland residents and more than 7,500 people across the country.\n\nEstablished upon the outbreak of World War I, NOAA Corps Officers command ships and aircraft and support emergency response efforts, including hurricane response and oil spill mitigation. They lead a fleet of vessels and aircraft used for everything from deep ocean research to flying into hurricanes, and they can be brought into the armed services whenever the President requires their expertise.\n\nThe U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps was established in 1889 to root out smallpox and yellow fever and is now the largest public health program in the world. Driven by a passion for public service, the Commissioned Corps officers respond to public health crises and national emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and terrorist attacks, both at home and overseas.\n\nThe Pensions for Retired Uniformed Servicemembers Act is endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America and the Commissioned Officers Association.\n\nRead the full legislation here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://timmons.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=492", "title": "Timmons Bill to Rollback Regulatory Burdens and Help Small Businesses, Families Passes U.S. House", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "timmons.house.gov", "scraper": "timmons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000480", "name": "William R. Timmons IV", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Supervisory Modifications for Appropriate Risk-based Testing Act (SMART Act), legislation introduced by Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) to modernize the examination process for well-managed and well-capitalized community banks and credit unions.\n\n“Community banks and credit unions are the backbone of many local economies, especially in places like the Upstate,” said Congressman Timmons. “These institutions should be focused on serving families, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunity in their communities, not navigating unnecessary red tape from Washington. The SMART Act takes a commonsense, risk-based approach to supervision that reduces regulatory burden while maintaining strong oversight and accountability.”\n\nCommunity banks and credit unions play a vital role in local economies by supporting small businesses, helping families access credit, and driving economic growth in communities across South Carolina and the country. However, many smaller financial institutions face duplicative and time-consuming examination requirements that place unnecessary strain on their operations despite strong performance and compliance records.\n\nThe SMART Act creates a more practical, risk-based approach to supervision for qualifying institutions with $6 billion or less in assets. Under Rep. Timmons’ bill, qualifying institutions would alternate between full-scope and limited-scope examinations, allowing regulators to focus reviews on key risk areas while reducing unnecessary administrative burden.\n\nThe legislation also allows institutions, upon request, to combine certain examinations, including safety and soundness, consumer compliance, and cybersecurity reviews, into a single examination cycle. In addition, the bill directs regulators to adopt examination best practices aimed at improving efficiency and transparency while preserving regulators’ full authority to conduct additional reviews when warranted. Institutions subject to formal enforcement actions or recent changes in control would not qualify for the modified examination process.\n\n“By streamlining the examination process for well-managed institutions, this bill allows local lenders from Greenville to Spartanburg to spend more time helping South Carolinians grow businesses, buy homes, and build stronger financial futures,” Timmons continued.\n\nThe SMART Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://titus.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5891", "title": "Rep. Titus's Combating Organized Retail Crime Act Passes the House", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://titus.house.gov/news/", "domain": "titus.house.gov", "scraper": "titus", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000468", "name": "Dina Titus", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01)’s Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) to crack down on retail theft rings that are conducting large-scale robberies of merchants and cargo shipments.\n\n“These organized theft rings are costing merchants, shippers, and American consumers billions of dollars per year. They also put customers and staff at risk. A new approach is needed to combat retail and cargo theft,” Congresswoman Titus said. “These sophisticated operations go far beyond one bad actor shoplifting or stealing cargo and require a strong federal response to protect consumers, local businesses, and transportation networks. Often, these stolen goods are sold on the black market internationally to fund other illegal undertakings. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act establishes a coordinated federal response to mitigate this crime and gives law enforcement more tools to find and prosecute bad actors.”\n\nCORCA would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This coordination center would strengthen collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with retail crime associations, to create a cohesive strategy to combat organized retail and cargo theft.\n\nCongresswoman Titus has led this bipartisan effort with Congressman Ken Buck (CO-04) since the introduction of H.R. 9177 in 2022 and has worked most recently with Representative David Joyce (OH-14). As the Ranking Member of the Transportation & Infrastructure’s Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Representative Titus also hosted a roundtable to examine the issue of cargo theft on supply chains and consumer prices in April 2025.\n\n“Businesses throughout my district are facing the burdens of a rise in organized retail crimes and fraud schemes that are sweeping the nation,” said Congressman Joyce. “These criminal organizations are not only harming small businesses and retailers in our communities but are also putting American consumers at risk of violence and fraud. These crimes also have more widespread consequences for public safety, as these organized groups often resell stolen goods to finance other illicit activities, including drug and human trafficking operations.”\n\nAccording to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93 percent from 2019 to 2023, including a 90 percent increase in actual dollar loss. Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, compared to $93.9 billion in 2021, $61.7 billion in 2019, and $46.8 billion in 2017. In 2023, 84 percent of retailers reported that violence and aggression were a greater concern than in 2022. At the same time, product manufacturers and the supply chain are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27 percent increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023.\n\nThese crimes are often orchestrated by organized groups that resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act seeks to address these challenges by enhancing legal frameworks, improving enforcement capabilities, and fostering coordination across federal, state, and local agencies. The legislation responds to the limitations of state-level efforts, which struggle with resource constraints and the interstate and international nature of organized retail and supply chain crime, and it aims to safeguard commerce, consumer confidence, and national security.\n\nThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, Home Depot, UPS, the Intermodal Association of North America, the Association of American Railroads, the International Council of Shopping Centers, the American Trucking Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Reusable Packaging Association, DHL, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the National Milk Producers Foundation, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the PASS (Protect America’s Small Sellers) Coalition, the International Downtown Association, Amazon, the World Shipping Council, Pirate Ship, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Walgreens Co., CVS Health, Kroger, Walmart, and Target.\n\n“Large-scale retail theft operations are an ongoing problem that endanger retail workers, customers and the economic safety of communities nationwide. We commend Congresswoman Titus for her leadership on the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act and are grateful to those House members who voted for this bipartisan legislation. The bill strengthens federal coordination and provides critical resources to fight these criminal networks. We encourage the Senate to act quickly and send it to the president for signature,” National Retail Federation EVP of Government Relations David French said.\n\n“The Association of American Railroads applauds the House of Representatives for advancing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) and thanks Rep. Dina Titus for her leadership in championing this important legislation. Organized retail crime threatens supply chains, retailers, railroads, workers, and consumers across the country, and stronger coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement is critical to addressing these increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. We appreciate the House’s commitment to advancing policies that improve public safety and protect the movement of goods throughout the national supply chain, and we look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers as the legislation advances,” said Ian Jeffries, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads.\n\n“Leading retailers are grateful to Representative Titus and the bipartisan group of cosponsors for recognizing the urgent need to address the growing threat of organized retail crime,” said Sarah Gilmore, RILA Senior Director, Government Affairs. “Fraud-driven criminal networks engaged in cargo theft, gift card fraud, and all too often violent in-store ORC driven incidents threaten the safety and security of American communities. CORCA provides the tools necessary for coordinated action and information-sharing, ensuring that law enforcement and industry partners can prosecute and dismantle the criminal enterprises orchestrating these sophisticated schemes. RILA is thrilled to see this important piece of legislation pass the House.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-helps-lead-bipartisan-crackdown-on-organized-retail-crime-to-lower-local-costs", "title": "Congresswoman Torres Helps Lead Bipartisan CrackDown on Organized Retail Crime to Lower Local Costs", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), a co-sponsor of H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, celebrated the passage of bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal efforts against organized retail theft, cargo theft, and supply chain crime.\n\nThe bill expands federal enforcement tools to target criminal organizations involved in large-scale theft operations, strengthens money laundering penalties tied to organized retail crime, and improves coordination between federal law enforcement agencies.\n\nOrganized Retail Crime costs California billions, resulting in $13 billion in stolen goods and $3 billion in lost tax revenue in 2021 alone. These losses directly impact local communities by diverting funds away from public services and increasing costs for residents through higher prices, rising insurance premiums, and lost wages, totaling a $19 billion hit to the state’s economy. The scale of this issue is particularly high in the region, with the National Retail Federation recently ranking Los Angeles as the top city in the nation for retail crime.\n\n“Organized retail crime hurts workers, small businesses, and families already struggling with high costs,” said Congresswoman Torres. “These are not isolated thefts, they are coordinated criminal operations that drive up prices and threaten our communities. I proudly voted for and co-sponsored this bipartisan bill to give law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on these criminal networks.”\n\nThe Organized Retail Crime Act would:\n\nAllow authorities to total stolen goods over a full year to trigger higher federal penalties, ensuring repeat offenders face significant consequences.\n\nTie retail theft to money laundering laws, enabling the government to seize cars, cash, and property purchased with stolen profits.\n\nExpand federal oversight to include gift cards and prepaid cards, cutting off the primary method these rings use to “wash” stolen money.\n\nEstablish a Department of Homeland Security task force to provide local police with the data needed to track stolen property moving across state lines.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9205", "title": "Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment\n\nMay 12, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\n\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Karter Vahle, of Oxford, Mississippi, to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\r\n\r\nEach year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier… Read more »", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "trentkelly.house.gov", "scraper": "trentkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000388", "name": "Trent Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Karter Vahle, of Oxford, Mississippi, to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\n\nEach year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.\n\nKarter has distinguished himself as a dedicated student and leader at Oxford High School. He serves as a Captain in MCROTC and has held the role of Company Commanding Officer since last spring. His leadership and commitment have earned him numerous honors, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bronze Medal, the Navy League Youth Medal, and the Raider Nationals Achievement Medal. He also serves as President of DECA, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, and held leadership roles at Boys State, including positions in the Federalist Party Executive and House of Representatives.\n\nAcademically, Karter has excelled through rigorous coursework, including multiple dual credit classes, and has earned strong standardized test scores and several academic awards. In May 2026, he is expected to graduate from both Oxford High School and Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he will earn an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.\n\nBeyond the classroom, Karter is actively involved in athletics and extracurricular activities. He competes on the Oxford High School Cross Country and Archery teams and has contributed to MCJROTC through the drill team, color guard, and raider team. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to service, completing 143 hours of community service.\n\nKarter's achievements reflect his dedication to excellence and leadership. He has been recognized as a Boys State delegate and National Honor Society member and has completed several prestigious programs, including the Air Force Academy Summer Seminar (Session C), the Naval Academy Summer Seminar (Session 2), the MCJROTC Senior Leadership Course, and the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Course.\n\n\"I would like to commission into the United States Marine Corps and be a fixed wing pilot,\" Karter said. \"I am most excited for the opportunity to learn from others, to better my leadership skills, and to get stronger mentally and physically.\"\n\nFor more information about the Service Academy nomination process through our office, visit trentkelly.house.gov.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9206", "title": "Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment\n\nMay 12, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\n\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Noel \"Trice\" McMichael III, of Shannon, Mississippi, to the United States Naval Academy.\r\n\r\nEach year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier… Read more »", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://trentkelly.house.gov/newsroom/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "trentkelly.house.gov", "scraper": "trentkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000388", "name": "Trent Kelly", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Noel \"Trice\" McMichael III, of Shannon, Mississippi, to the United States Naval Academy.\n\nEach year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.\n\nTrice is a dedicated and high-achieving student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS), where he maintains a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the 2024 NEMBDA Honors Band. Prior to attending MSMS, he attended South Pontotoc High School, where he was a member of the National Beta Club and earned several top academic awards.\n\nIn addition to his academic success, Trice has excelled in martial arts, earning honors including Innovative Martial Arts Systems Top Ten recognition and the title of First Martial Arts National Champion. His commitment to the sport extends beyond competition, as he has volunteered as a judge for First Martial Arts and served as an event supervisor for Spark Submission Sports.\n\nTrice is also known for his strong work ethic and hands-on experience. He has worked several years as an assistant plumber alongside his father and has pursued research opportunities in science and technology. He served as a lab technician and research student for ARISE at the University of Mississippi and conducted research for Tales from the Crypt at MSMS.\n\n\"I am most excited about the classes,\" said Trice. \"At MSMS, our teachers are great and so is the curriculum, but I know the Naval Academy is a completely different level. Right now, I wish to major in Foreign Area Studies, specializing in Russian.\"\n\nFor more information about the Service Academy nomination process through our office, visit trentkelly.house.gov.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3777", "title": "House Passes Legislation to Combat Organized Supply Chain Theft and Retail Crime", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime (CORCA) Act. This bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Reps. Dave Joyce (OH-14), Susie Lee (NV-03), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Dina Titus (NV-01), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Michael Baumgartner (WA-05). The CORCA Act takes important steps to strengthen legal tools for law enforcement and crack down on interstate and transnational crime.\n\nThe CORCA Act builds off initiatives included in the Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act, which was introduced by Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) in the 118th Congress.\n\n“Organized retail crime and cargo theft are hurting small businesses and families across the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “These are coordinated criminal operations that put public safety at risk, disrupt supply chains, and drive-up costs for consumers. The CORCA Act gives law enforcement stronger tools to investigate and dismantle organized theft rings, and I’m especially proud to see language from my Safeguarding our Supply Chains Act included. This Police Week, I’m honored to help pass this bipartisan bill to hold criminals accountable and support the law enforcement officers working every day to keep our communities safe.”\n\nThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would:\n\nStrengthen legal tools for law enforcement by allowing criminal forfeitures for interstate shipment, transportation of stolen goods, or sale of stolen goods convictions\n\nExpand money laundering statutes\n\nEnable prosecution of organized retail and supply chain groups using interstate or foreign commerce to facilitate crimes\n\nMandate the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the Department of Homeland Security\n\nBackground:\n\nSophisticated criminal organizations have been increasingly involved in theft, fraud, and other property crimes against retail stores and various components of the supply chain. These crimes have escalated in scope and impact, threatening the national economy, consumer safety, and public security. According to the National Retail Federation, retail larceny incidents increased by 93% from 2019 to 2023, and stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023. This surge in retail crime is often orchestrated by organized groups to resell stolen goods through physical and online marketplaces, further fueling illicit profits and financing additional criminal enterprises.\n\nAt the same time, product manufacturers and supply chains are experiencing a rise in organized cargo theft across rails, roads, and the various distribution points across the United States. CargoNet reported a 27% increase in cargo theft incidents in 2024 over 2023. These thefts range from large-scale physical theft of goods from containers and storage to sophisticated cybercriminal methods that divert shipments to illicit receivers. This causes significant financial losses and operational supply chain disruptions.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-van-epps-announces-mobile-office-hours-for-may-and-june", "title": "Rep. Van Epps Announces Mobile Office Hours for May and June", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vanepps.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vanepps.house.gov", "scraper": "vanepps", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000139", "name": "Matt Van Epps", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Clarksville, TN—Rep. Van Epps’ district team will hold mobile office hours in communities across Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District throughout May and June. If you need assistance with a federal agency, our team will be available to help start a casework request and connect you with the appropriate federal resources.\n\nWhile Congressman Van Epps maintains district offices in Clarksville and Franklin, our team is committed to making constituent services accessible across the entire district. Through mobile office hours, staff members are able to meet Tennesseans closer to where they live and work, ensuring residents across TN-07 have direct access to assistance from their congressional office\n\nIf you need help with a federal agency but are unable to attend one of the mobile office hour events listed below, please contact our office at (629) 223-6050 or visit our website here.\n\nRep. Van Epps said, “From Montgomery County to Wayne County and from Benton County to Davidson County, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible Tennesseans across our district. One of my top priorities in Congress has been building a team that is responsive, accessible, and committed to serving the people of TN-07. Whether you need help with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS, passport services, or another federal agency, our office is here to help. It would be our honor to serve you.”\n\nPlease come prepared to fill out a privacy release form, also found on the website here!\n\nListen to Rep. Van Epps' announcement by clicking below!\n\nImage\n\nMay\n\nBenton County\n\nDate: Tuesday, May 19, 2026\n\nTime: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM\n\nLocation: Benton County Mayor’s Office, 1 Court Square, Room 102, Camden, TN, 38320\n\nHouston County\n\nDate: Tuesday, May 19, 2026\n\nTime: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM\n\nLocation: Houston County Mayor’s Office (Courthouse), 4725 E Main St, #101, Erin, TN, 37061\n\nDecatur County\n\nDate: Tuesday, May 19, 2026\n\nTime: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM\n\nLocation: Ayers Center Conference Room, 443 Virginia Ave. South, Parsons, TN, 38363\n\nDickson County\n\nDate: Wednesday, May 20, 2026\n\nTime: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM\n\nLocation: Dickson County Mayor’s Office, Dickson County Administration Building, 4 Court Square, Charlotte, TN, 37036 (Upstairs Conference Room)\n\nHickman County\n\nDate: Wednesday, May 20, 2026\n\nTime: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM\n\nLocation: Hickman County Mayor’s Office, 114 N Central Avenue, Suite 204 Centerville, TN, 37033\n\nWayne County\n\nDate: Thursday, May 21, 2026\n\nTime: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM\n\nLocation: Wayne County Courthouse, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 100 Court Circle, Waynesboro, TN, 38485\n\nJune\n\nStewart County\n\nDate: Monday, June 15, 2026\n\nTime: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM\n\nLocation: Stewart County Visitors Center, 117 Visitors Ctr Ln, Dover, TN, 37058\n\nPerry County\n\nDate: Wednesday, June 17, 2026\n\nTime: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM\n\nLocation: Azbill Community Center, U.T. Extension Room, 113 Factory Street, Linden, TN, 37069\n\nDavidson County\n\nDate: Wednesday, June 17, 2026\n\nTime: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM\n\nLocation: Nashville Downtown Library Conference Room, 615 Church Street, Nashville, TN, 37219\n\nHumphreys County\n\nDate: Thursday, June 18, 2026\n\nTime: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM\n\nLocation: Rawlings Building Conference Room, 102 Thompson Street, Waverly, TN, 37815\n\nCheatham County\n\nDate: Monday, June 22, 2026\n\nTime: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM\n\nLocation: David McCullough Community Room, 334 Frey St, Ashland City, TN, 37015\n\nRobertson County", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3497", "title": "Wasserman Schultz Statement on the Everglades Internment Camp’s Reported Closure", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement on the reported closure of the Everglades Internment Camp, otherwise known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’:\n\n\"The Everglades internment camp’s closure is long overdue. This monument to cruelty, waste and environmental and tribal lands abuse should have never been built. At my surprise oversight inspection last month, I saw atrocious conditions that Florida taxpayers were forced to spend over $1 million a day on, just to cram people with no criminal history into cages and trample our sensitive Everglades.\n\n\"This camp isn't closing because ICE leaders found a conscience. It’s closing because the Trump Administration still refuses to pay back Florida taxpayers more than $1 billion in tax dollars they basically lit on fire. I’m proud to have fought it at every turn, in Congress, in court, and alongside environmental advocates, Miccosukee tribal leaders, human rights defenders, and ordinary Floridians who rejected this abomination.\n\n\"But this fight isn't done. Democrats will investigate this atrocity and demand accountability. We will keep fighting for reforms to stop ICE brutality and let law-abiding people live their lives.\"\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mciver-watson-coleman-menendez-mark-anniversary-of-delaney-hall-visit-by-introducing-tougher-ice-oversight-rules", "title": "McIver, Watson Coleman, Menendez Mark Anniversary of Delaney Hall Visit by Introducing Tougher ICE Oversight Rules", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "McIver Marks Anniversary of Delaney Hall Visit by Introducing Tougher ICE Oversight Rules\n\nWatson Coleman and Menendez, who were present that day, are co-leading this bill.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Rob Menendez (NJ-08) will introduce the No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act. The introduction coincides with the one-year anniversary of their first visit to Delaney Hall, which led to the Trump administration bringing baseless charges against McIver for conducting oversight. That case, and McIver’s fight to protect the constitutional and statutory authority to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is ongoing.\n\nThe No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would protect the necessary congressional oversight Trump’s administration has worked to criminalize by tightening regulations on ICE and DHS. Specifically, the bill demands that members of Congress be granted immediate access to detention facilities, without having to give prior notice, in order to carry out their oversight responsibilities and places liability for noncompliance on private contractors.\n\nThis bill will permanently codify the existing right of members of Congress to conduct oversight of ICE and DHS. This right exists implicitly in Congress’s oversight prerogative of the executive branch, and explicitly in a 2019 appropriations rider. As the Trump administration continues to try to obstruct this right, dismantle it, and criminalize this legal prerogative, the No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would protect it permanently.\n\n“A year ago, ICE tried to stop me from exposing the cruel treatment, inhumane abuse, and their reckless lack of accountability—believing they could sweep their actions under the rug. Since then, the atrocities have only gotten worse. This has been ICE’s deadliest year in 30 years and the nation is calling for action,” said McIver. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to reaffirm the people’s right to have someone speak up for the voiceless, go where others are not allowed, uncover the abuses that we know take place in the dark, and stop the brutality against our immigrant neighbors. I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Reps. Watson Coleman and Menendez to stand up for detainees at Delaney Hall and nationwide.”\n\n“ICE is not the private army of any president or administration,” said Watson Coleman. “They are federal law enforcement; they are supposed to work for the American people and be accountable to them. Nothing should be happening inside an ICE facility that would require secrecy or concealment from the American people. The continued effort of DHS and ICE to prevent, delay, and obstruct oversight at facilities is unacceptable, and with this legislation, those contractors who fail to uphold the law will be held liable.\"\n\n“I am proud to stand with my friends and colleagues, Reps. McIver and Watson Coleman in leading this legislation to protect congressional oversight of immigrant detention centers across the country,” said Menendez. “Since we faced down over 20 armed ICE and HSI officers at Delaney Hall last year, this Administration has repeatedly and illegally blocked Members of Congress from visiting detention centers. We are taking action to protect our communities, to end this Administration’s lawlessness, and to shine a light on the horrific conditions at Delaney Hall and immigrant detention centers across the country.”\n\nIn 2025, ICE recorded the deadliest year for people in its detention facilities in the past three decades. Immediate access to detention centers for oversight purposes is critical to ensure those tasked with oversight are seeing the facility conditions as they truly are, not as the facade those in charge may seek to present. A 2020 Homeland Security Committee Report on ICE facilities “failing to meet basic standards of care” found that “as a result of this advance notice, facilities took steps to prepare for the visit by improving conditions.”\n\nThe No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act would:", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-votes-against-bill-to-expand-criminalization-and-power-of-ice", "title": "Watson Coleman Votes Against Bill to Expand Power of ICE", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted against legislation to expand the power of ICE. H.R. 2853 would have required the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations. H.R. 2853 gives DHS sweeping new authority to collect, analyze, and share Americans’ personal data without meaningful civil liberties safeguards, adequate oversight, or accountability mechanisms. The Department of Homeland Security has shown itself to be a reckless organization resistent to even the barest of oversight. Given DHS's abusive and illegal actions under the Trump Administration, expanding their power and scope is an irresponsible decision.\n\nH.R. 2853 is opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Vera Institute, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Dream.org, Federal Public and Community Defenders, Fwd.us, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, the National Immigration Law Center, the Center for Popular Democracy, and Common Cause.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410770", "title": "Chairman Womack Questions HUD Secretary Scott Turner at Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 12, 2026…Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) led a public hearing on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fiscal Year 2027 budget request with Secretary Scott Turner serving as witness.\n\nChairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “We share a common goal: constraining costs, promoting housing affordability, and serving our most vulnerable citizens. HUD's FY27 request is $62 billion in new budget authority, a reduction of about $15 billion below the FY26 enacted level. A significant portion of the proposed savings come from eliminating programs like CDBG, HOME, and self-sufficiency initiatives—programs that have strong bipartisan support among our Members. Our markup may reflect some differences with the budget request as we weigh Member input. […] Our shared goal is to make HUD's programs as effective as possible—creating opportunity for citizens to prosper while ensuring a responsible safety net for those who need it. Mr. Secretary, the work you are doing matters. This subcommittee is a partner in getting it right.”\n\nChairman Womack’s full remarks as prepared are available HERE.\n\nA video of Chairman Womack’s opening remarks is available HERE.\n\nA video of Chairman Womack’s questions for Secretary Turner can be found HERE.\n\nA full recording of the hearing is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410772", "title": "Womack Votes to Combat Retail and Supply Chain Theft", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 12, 2026…Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. This bill would expand criminal penalties for organized retail and supply chain crime, in addition to establishing a center within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate related law enforcement activities.\n\nCongressman Womack said, “Organized retail theft is a serious and intensifying crisis that affects both Main Street shops and national retailers. Higher rates of organized retail and supply chain crime not only hurt these businesses’ bottom lines but also increase prices for consumers—a reality that hardworking Americans cannot afford. This bill builds upon the work I’ve done as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, and I’m proud to support it.”\n\nIn Chairman Womack’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 THUD appropriations bill, he provided the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy a $3 million increase in funding above FY 2025 levels. This office is tasked with coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and DHS to combat cargo theft on America’s highways and rail lines.\n\nThe bill text for H.R. 2853 is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-statement-on-marty-makary-resignation/", "title": "Alsobrooks Statement on Marty Makary Resignation", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "May 12, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) issued the following statement after news that Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary resigned after pressure from the White House:\n\n“Marty Makary is just one of the many unqualified conspiracy theorists and sycophants working for RFK Jr. The more of his cronies that are fired or resign, the better.\n\n“Makary proved all my fears about him true. His entire tenure at the FDA has been marked by chaos – from reckless staffing cuts that gutted the institutional knowledge at the agency, upending the scientific review process and undermining access to vaccines, and leaving patients with rare diseases behind by slow-walking approvals of life-saving treatments.\n\n“At his confirmation hearing, Marty Makary tried to convince me that the swaths of civil servants RFK Jr. fired at FDA deserved it – that they were lazy, shiftless, and didn’t show up to their jobs. Well, it took a year, but thankfully, now, the most unqualified person at the FDA is finally out of the building.\n\n“Even with this ouster, I am concerned that this Administration has ramped up politicization at the FDA, pushing it to abandon public health considerations and approve tobacco products that can get in the hands of children. While Makary leaving is a step in the right direction, we cannot restore trust in public health and safety until RFK Jr. resigns or is fired.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/report-trumps-1-billion-ballroom-funding-could-help-wisconsin-families-make-ends-meet", "title": "REPORT: Trump’s $1 Billion Ballroom Funding Could Help Wisconsin Families Make Ends Meet", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WISCONSIN – Following news that President Donald Trump and Republicans are trying to use $1 billion for the White House ballroom, Senator Baldwin released a fact sheet on how the $1 billion could be invested to actually lower costs for Wisconsinites.\n\n“Everywhere I travel in Wisconsin, I hear from families struggling to make ends meet as the cost of housing, gas, groceries, healthcare, and childcare continues to go up. At a moment when Wisconsinites are demanding some breathing room, President Trump and Republicans are instead trying to force families to foot the bill for a $1 billion glitzy ballroom that no one asked for,” said Senator Baldwin. “A billion dollars is a lot of taxpayer money, and Wisconsinites deserve those resources to be invested back in their communities to make their lives easier and less expensive.”\n\nBelow are estimates of how $1 billion could instead be used to help Wisconsinites afford childcare, healthcare, groceries, and more:\n\nSave 275,000 Wisconsinites $3,500 on Health Care Costs: Before Donald Trump and Republicans terminated enhanced premium tax credits, 275,000 Wisconsinites on the Affordable Care Act saved an average of $585 per month. $1 billion could fund just over six months of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits at this level in Wisconsin – saving 275,000 Wisconsinites on average $3,510 in total.\n\nSave Medicaid for 63,000 Wisconsinites: Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill took nearly $1 trillion out of the Medicaid program. In 2022, Wisconsin’s median Medicaid enrollee spent $7,311, meaning $1 billion could pay for Medicaid coverage for over two years for the 63,000 adults who are at high risk of losing care because of Republicans’ new law.\n\nChildcare for 66,000 Kids: The annual cost of childcare for a 4-year-old in Wisconsin is $15,039 on average, more than in-state tuition at UW-Madison. $1 billion could pay for a full year of childcare for over 66,000 Wisconsin children.\n\nRestore SNAP for Wisconsinites Who Had Benefits Cut: As of April 2026, just over 650,000 Wisconsinites received SNAP benefits, down nearly 50,000 Wisconsinites since Donald Trump and Republicans made the largest cut to SNAP in history last summer. With the average monthly benefits at $303 per household as of April 2026 in Wisconsin, $1 billion could fund 275,000 households’ SNAP benefits for a year.\n\nA one-pager on these findings can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-baldwin-secures-1-million-for-4-wisconsin-projects-to-respond-to-emergencies-and-keep-communities-safe", "title": "Senator Baldwin Secures $1 Million for 4 Wisconsin Projects to Respond to Emergencies and Keep Communities Safe", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced she secured $1 million in federal funding for four projects across Wisconsin to help communities respond to emergencies, prepare and build resiliency for disasters, and keep families safe. Senator Baldwin secured the funding in the Department of Homeland Security annual funding legislation that was passed into law recently.\n\n“Wisconsin families need to know that when an emergency strikes, their communities have what they need to keep them safe and help them recover,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to help communities across our state strengthen infrastructure, improve emergency preparedness, and keep Wisconsin families safe for years to come.”\n\nThe funding package included direct support for four projects across Wisconsin. The following projects were funded:\n\nIron County Forestry Department\n\n$375,000 to implement coastal resiliency strategies to stabilize the Lake Superior shoreline, as well as the public roadway located west of Saxon Harbor.\n\n“The funding for the Saxon Harbor Lake Superior Restoration Project is one that the Town of Saxon and Iron County Forestry have been working towards for more than 8 years. The project will protect over 500 feet of Lake Superior shoreline to the west of the Saxon Harbor marina,” said Eric Peterson, Iron County Forest Administrator. “This project will use a combination of rock and other nature-based methods to mitigate erosion of the steep claybanks and prevent the loss of Harbor Drive, protecting the only alternate access to Saxon Harbor. The Iron County Forestry Department and the Town of Saxon appreciate Senator Baldwin's efforts to help us make this project a reality.”\n\nVillage of La Farge\n\n$250,000 to install storm water infrastructure drainage at the 300-Block of West Adams Street.\n\n“This is vital funding for a necessary stormwater project that has been needed for many years on a busy street in the Village of La Farge, which is the main access to our K-12 school and Village Park. This infrastructure funding will be a significant and positive impact on our community and visitors,” said Aaron Nemec, La Farge Village President.\n\nUW-Whitewater Police Department\n\n$225,000 to upgrade the campus and community Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with sustainable redundancies to ensure durational functionality during emergencies and large-scale events.\n\nResilient Southwest Wisconsin/Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission\n\n$150,000 to conduct a regional vulnerability assessment and build resilience coalitions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-baldwin-presses-hegseth-for-answers-on-delayed-health-care-for-wisconsin-troops-injured-in-iran-war", "title": "WATCH: Baldwin Presses Hegseth for Answers on Delayed Health Care for Wisconsin Troops Injured in Iran War", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the Trump Administration’s lack of preparedness for the illegal war with Iran, including pushing him on the delayed care that injured Wisconsin servicemembers received after sustaining brain injuries from Iranian attacks in Kuwait. While Secretary Hegseth testified in front of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee today to defend President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, it was also his first time in front of Baldwin since the war began months ago.\n\nService members injured in the March 1 Iranian drone attack in Kuwait contacted the Senator’s office and reported they were not getting the care they needed for injuries they sustained in the opening days of President Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Baldwin then demanded action from the Administration to get these servicemembers care, and only after pressure, and nearly a month since the attack, did they get proper care for the injuries, including traumatic brain injury. This week, Baldwin met with some of these servicemembers from Wisconsin to hear their stories and ensure they were now getting proper care.\n\nSenator Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of President Trump’s illegal war with Iran, forcing the Senate to vote on her War Powers Resolution to immediately bring an end to the illegal Iran war.\n\nA recording of Senator Baldwin’s questions is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-calls-on-senate-to-fix-americas-costly-complex-and-cumbersome-permitting-process/", "title": "Barrasso Calls on Senate to Fix America’s Costly, Complex, and Cumbersome Permitting Process", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“America is a nation of builders. We are not a nation of waiters. It’s time for America’s permitting process to get out of the way.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today discussed the challenges facing American builders because of the costly, complex, and cumbersome permitting process.\n\nSenator Barrasso previewed his legislation that would streamline permitting for new energy projects in Wyoming and across America.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:\n\n“It takes too long to build anything big in America. Americans want to build. Americans are ready to build. The problem is, to build today, it is costly, it is complex, and there is a cumbersome permitting process. In America, you need to get permission from the government to build just about anything.\n\n“I represent Wyoming. Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. We have world-class coal. Abundant supplies of oil and natural gas. And the richest uranium deposit in the world. All of these affordable, available, and reliable forms of American energy are ready to power our country. Not just now, but for generations to come.\n\n“We have world-class energy workers in Wyoming and energy workers around the country. They are ready to do the job. The federal permitting process is standing in their way.\n\n“The federal permitting process is fundamentally broken. Permitting has become burdened by bureaucracy and weaponized by litigation. We have a system that won’t let work begin. American energy, mining, roads, bridges, and buildings –\n\nall of them are caught in the crosshairs of a culture of no.\n\n“Energy projects have been especially delayed by the bureaucrats and trial lawyers. These are individuals who have never built anything, yet believe they deserve veto power over those who do. Meanwhile, energy demand in America is rising dramatically. The new energy demand in America is like adding another California to the grid.\n\n“Every permitting delay costs our economy. They mean higher utility bills. They mean paychecks are delayed or lost. They mean fewer investments in our communities. This is all unacceptable.\n\n“We need to produce more American energy. We need to produce more in order to lower costs. The best way to spur the government to issue permits is to impose strict deadlines and stop endless litigation. Builders need a clear yes or no. Once approved, they need certainty that their permits will endure.\n\n“A law called the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, is the biggest obstacle. NEPA essentially halts any and all development in its tracks. NEPA was enacted in 1970. It requires costly and sprawling environmental reviews.\n\n“America was built by men and women of daring. Now, they face delays.\n\n“Our forefathers laid steel across mountains. They poured concrete into canyons. They built towering skyscrapers that still inspire the world. They forged our nation’s future with speed and purpose.\n\n“America built the Empire State Building in just 400 days. We built the Hoover Dam in just five years. We built the 2,000-mile Transcontinental Railroad in just six years.\n\n“Today, a single environmental review under NEPA takes four years on average. That means you can’t start construction without spending at least four years in the penalty box.\n\n“It is embarrassing that it takes as long to approve everyday projects today as it took to build the wonders of the modern world.\n\n“Right now, $1.5 trillion in critical infrastructure is trapped on the desks of unelected, unaccountable, and heavy-handed bureaucrats. Americans pay for every year a project sits on those desks.\n\n“To make matters worse, NEPA is also one of the most litigated of all federal environmental laws. On average, 100 lawsuits related to NEPA are filed every year. Malicious lawsuits filed by radical environmental activists lead to higher costs, more delays, and no progress. Too many prefer legal molasses to affordable oil and gas.\n\n“Just last year, the Supreme Court voted unanimously to limit the scope of NEPA’s environmental review, which have grown dramatically. Justice Kavanaugh wrote in the majority opinion that NEPA has become ‘a blunt and haphazard tool employed by project opponents… to try to stop or at least slow down new infrastructure or construction projects.’ The Supreme Court is right. NEPA was once called the ‘environmental Magna Carta.’ Today, it is a regulatory Berlin Wall.\n\n“Since Day One, President Trump has prioritized rolling back burdensome regulations. The President has accelerated the federal permitting process. Americans are already seeing the results. America is producing a record amount of energy. We can do more, and we can do it fast. Now is the time for Congress to act.\n\n“I will soon introduce legislation to break the bottlenecks in federal permitting. That is the number one way to boost American energy and mineral dominance. It will also lower energy costs. My legislation will encourage access to oil and gas resources on federal lands and offshore. It will also enact common sense judicial reforms to NEPA.\n\n“The Senate has a good start on permitting reform. Senator Manchin and I introduced the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024. This was bipartisan legislation to fix the nation’s broken permitting rules. It was carefully negotiated over the course of a year. It earned strong, bipartisan support. It passed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee 15 to 4.\n\n“Today, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Senator Mike Lee of Utah are taking the lead to advance common sense permitting reform. Senator Capito chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Senator Lee chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. They are the key committees for permitting reform. Senator Capito and Senator Lee are doing exemplary work. It is time for all Senators to find common ground.\n\n“Americans still know how to build. Americans build the best in the world. Americans want to build. America is a nation of builders. We are not a nation of waiters. It’s time for America’s permitting process to get out of the way.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/senate-unanimously-passes-barrasso-lujan-suicide-lifeline-bill/", "title": "Senate Unanimously Passes Barrasso, Luján Suicide Lifeline Bill", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing their bipartisan legislation Monday night to increase the efficiency of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by assessing challenges to transmitting geolocation information.\n\n“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a vital tool that saves lives in Wyoming and across the country,” said Senator Barrasso. “I applaud the Senate for unanimously passing our bipartisan bill to help us better connect callers with local emergency services through geolocation information. The House should take up and pass our bill without delay so we can update this critical lifeline to better help those who need it most.”\n\n“The 988 hotline is a critical resource for those facing mental health crises and has saved countless lives in New Mexico and across the country,” said Senator Luján. “Senate passage of our bipartisan bill is an important step toward making the 988 hotline more reliable, efficient, and responsive for those in need. I applaud my Senate colleagues for unanimously passing this vital legislation to help ensure people are connected with the local resources and emergency services they need. Now, I urge the House to act swiftly to send this bill to the President’s desk.”\n\nIn 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took action to require service providers to route phone calls to 988 to the nearest call center based on geographic location. Last July, the FCC took steps to require geo-routing for texts. Previously, calls and texts were routed based on the phone’s area code, often resulting in a geographic mismatch.\n\nThe 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.).\n\nThis legislation is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act would:\n\nInstruct the FCC to open a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to address the challenges to transmitting geolocation information with calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.\n\nDirect the FCC to consider legal authorities, protection of consumer privacy, feasibility, technical implementation standards, assessment of funds, technical challenges for callers with disabilities, and current technology available.\n\nRequire the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the opportunities and challenges related to implementing geolocation in consultation with representatives from telecommunications, emergency centers, 911 service providers, small and rural local governments, community mental health centers, and individuals who have experience providing services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/photo-blackburn-joins-parents-urging-congress-to-pass-kids-online-safety-act-at-mother-s-day-rally", "title": "PHOTO: Blackburn Joins Parents Urging Congress to Pass Kids Online Safety Act at Mother’s Day Rally", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The landmark social media verdicts in California and New Mexico have reminded our nation of one thing: Courts can punish past harms, but it is up to Congress to prevent future ones,” said Senator Blackburn. “Americans are not interested in toothless reforms, which is why we need to get the Senate version of KOSA to the President’s desk. It’s time for Congress to choose the American people over Big Tech’s bottom line.”\n\nClick here to download photos of Senator Blackburn at the rally.\n\nClick here to watch her remarks.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-out-trumps-fda-for-pattern-of-political-interference-in-lifesaving-scientific-research", "title": "Blumenthal Calls Out Trump's FDA for Pattern of Political Interference in Lifesaving Scientific Research", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today wrote to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary, raising concerns about the Trump Administration’s disturbing pattern of political interference in the publication of scientific research about vaccines. Blumenthal’s letter comes after scientists at the FDA reportedly were ordered to withdraw from publication or refrain from submitting studies regarding the safety of vaccines against COVID-19 and shingles.\n\n“Recent reporting indicates that, beginning last October, FDA officials ordered scientists to withdraw two studies about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines that had already been accepted by prestigious medical journals. One of these, which had been accepted by the journal Drug Safety, looked at health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries receiving COVID-19 vaccines in 2023 and 2024, and found that for people 65 and older there were ‘no new safety signals,’” Blumenthal wrote.\n\nBlumenthal continued, “The other COVID-19 vaccine study, which had been accepted by the journal Vaccine, examined people with private insurance between the ages of six months and 64 years of age who received COVID-19 vaccines during the same time period, found no safety concerns that had not already been acknowledged by health officials, and concluded that for people in this age group ‘the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.’”\n\nBlumenthal pointed to the Trump Administration’s broader pattern of political interference at the FDA, “I am deeply concerned that under the Trump Administration the FDA is no longer concerned with ensuring that vaccines are safe and effective and is instead focused on presenting a distorted vision of vaccine science to the public. Just weeks into his tenure, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. cancelled the public meeting of the FDA advisory body responsible for selecting the strain for the flu vaccine.”\n\nBlumenthal continued, “This manipulation of science has only been possible because you and top political appointees have consolidated control while marginalizing FDA staff. Reports indicate that at least seven senior leaders in the agency’s vaccine center were forced out of their positions, and that conditions became so dire, many people sought to leave for other parts of the agency.”\n\n“Anti-vaccine activists, including the current HHS Secretary, stake their authority on claims that the country’s scientific agencies are hopelessly corrupt. But the current Trump Administration has overseen an unprecedented campaign of suppression and censorship of vaccine science, and wasted tens of millions of taxpayer dollars in the process by hiding the results of studies that had already been paid for,” Blumenthal concluded.\n\nIn April, Blumenthal pressed Acting Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya about his reported interference in the publication of a study demonstrating that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the likelihood of hospitalization and emergency room visits during the most recent respiratory virus season.\n\nThe full text of today’s letter to Commissioner Makary is available here and below.\n\nDear Commissioner Makary:\n\nI write regarding the latest incident in a disturbing pattern for Trump Administration health agencies: political interference in the publication of scientific research about vaccines. Over the last several months, scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reportedly been ordered to withdraw from publication or refrain from submitting studies regarding the safety of vaccines against COVID-19 and shingles (“the studies”). The studies, which apparently bolstered widely accepted scientific conclusions about the safety of approved vaccines, should be read and assessed by the research community, and the censorship that has blocked them from broader access should trouble anyone concerned about the fate of American science. Accordingly, I write to request that you immediately allow the FDA-employee authors to resubmit the studies and desist from further censorship of agency scientists.\n\nRecent reporting indicates that, beginning last October, FDA officials ordered scientists to withdraw two studies about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines that had already been accepted by prestigious medical journals. One of these, which had been accepted by the journal Drug Safety, looked at health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries receiving COVID-19 vaccines in 2023 and 2024, and found that for people 65 and older there were “no new safety signals.”[1] The other COVID-19 vaccine study, which had been accepted by the journal Vaccine, examined people with private insurance between the ages of six months and 64 years of age who received COVID-19 vaccines during the same time period, found no safety concerns that had not already been acknowledged by health officials, and concluded that for people in this age group “the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.”[2] Then, in February, FDA officials declined to sign off on the submission of abstracts of two studies about a shingles vaccine for a scientific conference, one describing the safety of the shingles and the other its efficacy; the agency is apparently not permitting the studies to go forward.[3]\n\nConfronted with these blatant acts of meddling in scientific research, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has said the COVID-19 studies’ “broad conclusions” were not supported by the gathered data.[4] This vague critique is strikingly similar to the concerns about “appropriate methodology” invoked when Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, recently blocked from publication in the CDC’s in-house journal a study demonstrating significant protection against hospitalization that COVID-19 vaccines provided last winter.[5] Former FDA officials have reacted to this latest example of politicization at HHS by noting “a pattern here for not letting information out that might support the general safety of vaccines, with methodological rationales given by non-scientist spokespersons.\"[6]\n\nI am deeply concerned that under the Trump Administration the FDA is no longer concerned with ensuring that vaccines are safe and effective and is instead focused on presenting a distorted vision of vaccine science to the public. Just weeks into his tenure, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. cancelled the public meeting of the FDA advisory body responsible for selecting the strain for flu the vaccine.[7] Kennedy subsequently fired Dr. Peter Marks, the head of the FDA division responsible for regulating vaccines, because Marks refused to allow Kennedy to “edit” entries in a database for reporting vaccine side effects.[8] Several months later, you and Dr. Vinay Prasad, who at the time was FDA’s top vaccine official, announced a new “approach” to evaluating COVID-19 vaccines but, as a former FDA advisory committee member pointed out, you failed to follow agency practice for such a change, and gave the scientific community no opportunity for public comment before announcing it.[9]\n\nIn perhaps the most overt example of politicization at FDA, late last year Dr. Prasad issued a memo to agency staff—which was quickly leaked and widely reported on—calling for an overhaul of regulatory requirements for approval of vaccines based on an agency finding that at least 10 children had died “because of” COVID-19 vaccines, a finding scientists received with skepticism because it was accompanied by no supporting data.[10] In that memo Prasad wrote, of you, “There is no doubt that without this FDA commissioner, we would not have performed this investigation and identified this safety concern.”[11] But despite the significant public attention it generated, to date you have provided no data to substantiate the claim of child deaths.\n\nThis manipulation of science has only been possible because you and top political appointees have consolidated control while marginalizing FDA staff. Reports indicate that at least seven senior leaders in the agency’s vaccine center were forced out of their positions, and that conditions became so dire many people sought to leave for other parts of the agency.[12] Among those demoted was Dr. Richard Forshee, a former top vaccine safety official who is also a listed author for both of the suppressed COVID-19 studies.[13] Earlier this year, after he resigned as FDA’s top drug regulator, Dr. Richard Pazdur described a climate of fear and politicized retribution under your leadership, and said that key decisions about approval of pharmaceuticals were being made “in a conference room that is adjacent to the Commissioner’s personal office; there’s not even enough room in that office for the entire review staff that has worked on the application to attend this meeting.”[14]\n\nAnti-vaccine activists, including the current HHS Secretary, stake their authority on claims that the country’s scientific agencies are hopelessly corrupt.[15] But the current Trump Administration has overseen an unprecedented campaign of suppression and censorship of vaccine science, and wasted tens of millions of taxpayer dollars in the process by hiding the results of studies that had already been paid for. In order for the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to understand the Trump Administration’s efforts to interfere in the publication of scientific reports, please provide the following information and records by May 26, 2026:[16]\n\nAll communications between your office and the FDA staff listed as authors of the studies between September 2025 and the present;\n\nAll projections, budgets, or other documents related to money the agency had already expended on the studies at the time they were pulled from publication or submission;\n\nAll records reflecting policies currently in force related to publication in medical journals by agency staff, including requirements for review or clearance of studies by political appointees;\n\nAll records reflecting policies currently in force related to communication of scientific findings with the public, including the authority of political appointees to edit or modify work product of agency scientists;\n\nA list of all studies or abstracts since January 20, 2025, on which agency employees are included as co-authors that, have been accepted for publication by a scientific journal or presentation at a scientific conference but have been otherwise blocked from public view, including:\n\nThe names of the study’s authors;\n\nA description of the study’s subject matter;\n\nThe names of the official or officials who ordered the study held back;\n\nA detailed description of the reason the study was held back from publication or submission.\n\nPlease contact the Subcommittee if you have questions about the procedures for transmitting documents. Thank you for your attention to this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-\n\n[1] Christina Jewett, F.D.A. Blocked Publication of Research Finding Covid and Shingles Vaccines Were Safe, N.Y. Times (May 5, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/05/us/politics/fda-covid-vaccine-studies.html.\n\n[2] Lizzy Lawrence, How two top FDA officials are quietly upending vaccine regulations, Stat (Nov. 12, 2025), https://www.statnews.com/2025/11/12/fda-vaccine-policy-controlled-by-vinay-prasad-tracy-beth-hoeg/.\n\n[3] Christina Jewett, F.D.A. Blocked Publication of Research Finding Covid and Shingles Vaccines Were Safe, N.Y. Times (May 5, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/05/us/politics/fda-covid-vaccine-studies.html.\n\n[4] Padmanabhan Ananthan, US FDA blocked publication of COVID, shingles vaccine safety studies, Reuters (May 5, 2026), https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-fda-blocked-research-publication-that-covid-shingles-vaccines-are-safe-nyt-2026-05-05/.\n\n[5] Lena Sun, CDC delays publishing report showing covid vaccine benefits, Wash. Post (Apr. 9, 2026), https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/04/09/covid-vaccine-report-delayed/.\n\n[6] Maya Yang, FDA blocked studies finding Covid and shingles vaccines safe, HHS official says, The Guardian (May 5, 2026), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/05/covid-shingles-vaccines-studies-fda\n\n[7] Dan Levine and Michael Erman, Meeting of US FDA vaccine advisers canceled, committee member says, Reuters (Feb. 26, 2025), https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/meeting-us-fda-vaccine-advisors-canceled-committee-member-says-2025-02-26/.\n\n[8] Matthew Perrone, Ex-official says he was forced out of FDA after trying to protect vaccine safety data from RFK Jr., Associated Press (Apr. 7, 2025), https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/ex-official-says-he-was-forced-out-of-fda-after-trying-to-protect-vaccine-safety-data-from-rfk-jr/\n\n[9] Kathryn Edwards, The FDA is circumventing key roles and procedures for licensure and use of Covid vaccines, Stat (May 22, 2025)\n\n[10] Matthew Herper and Helen Branswell, Experts say top FDA official’s claim that Covid vaccines caused kids’ deaths requires more evidence, Stat (Nov. 29, 2025), https://www.statnews.com/2025/11/29/covid-vaccine-deaths-fda-memo-vinay-prasad/.\n\n[11] Email from Dr. Vinay Prasad, Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration, to CBER staff, Nov. 28, 2025, https://www.fda.gov/media/191442/download?attachment.\n\n[12] Lizzy Lawrence, Under Vinay Prasad, employees at a key FDA center fear speaking out, look for the exits, Stat (Oct. 31, 2025), https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/31/vinay-prasad-fda-cber-management-issues-insiders-say/.\n\n[13] Joann F. Gruber et al, Safety Monitoring of Multiple Health Outcomes Following 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccination among Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 65 Years and Older in the Untied States, medRxiv (Jan. 5, 2025), https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.03.25319975v1.full-text; Abstract for Carla E. Zelaya et al, Safety Monitoring of Multiple Health Outcomesfollowing 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccination among Commercial Health Plan Enrollees Aged 6 Month-64 Years in the United States, Annual Meeting of the Internatinal Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (Aug. 24, 2025), https://2025ispe.eventscribe.net/fsPopup.asp?PosterID=744059&mode=posterInfo.\n\n[14] Stat, Former FDA official has grave concerns about the agency, YouTube (Jan. 13, 2026), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkE1YgH9uyM&t=1587s.\n\n[15] Robert King, RFK Jr. said CDC employees were ‘killing children,’ former director says, Politico (Sept. 17, 2025), https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/09/17/congress/rfk-jr-said-cdc-employees-were-killing-children-former-director-says-00568626.\n\n[16] “Records” include written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, Signal, WhatsApp, or other encrypted messages, and any other electronically-created or stored information), calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-23-billion-contract-modification-for-electric-boat", "title": "Blumenthal Statement on $2.3 Billion Contract Modification for Electric Boat", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[Hartford, CT] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released a statement following the announcement that Electric Boat has been awarded a $2.3 billion contract modification from the U.S. Navy for materials and manufacturing associated with Virginia Class submarines.\n\n“This $2.3 billion is fantastic news for Electric Boat and their supply chain. Submarines are at the core of our commitment to national defense and Electric Boat has shown time and again that they are capable of handling this incredibly important work. This funding is a boon for our state’s talented workforce and our economy, and I will keep fighting for more investments for our defense manufacturing industry,” Blumenthal said.\n\nWork will be performed in Windsor Locks at a subcontractor, as well as in Sunnyvale California, Chesapeake, Virginia and other locations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-blunt-rochester-pens-opinion-piece-in-newsweek-calling-for-president-trump-to-fire-secretary-kennedy/", "title": "ICYMI: Senator Blunt Rochester Pens Opinion Piece in Newsweek Calling for President Trump to Fire Secretary Kennedy", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, today published an op-ed in Newsweek calling on President Trump to fire Secretary Kennedy as the Measles continues to spread across the country.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s full op-ed can be found here. A key excerpt is below.\n\n“History shows us that the Trump administration once supported vaccinations. They put time and money behind the creation of scientific research into life-saving vaccines. Flu seasons were normal and vaccination rates remained high. Now, measles, a vaccine-preventable disease, is spreading across America at a rate we haven’t seen since 1991, and we have experienced one of the worst flu seasons in 15 years.\n\n“What changed? An administration that once supported science-based vaccination has elevated an anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist to the highest public health office in the nation—Robert F. Kennedy Jr… A dangerous disease of misinformation has corrupted the White House, and the president is the only person who has the cure: Fire Kennedy.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-boozman-van-drew-bera-launch-congressional-international-exchanges-caucus", "title": "Booker, Boozman, Van Drew, Bera Launch Congressional International Exchanges Caucus", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), and U.S. Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-2) and Ami Bera (D-CA-6) announced the launch of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. The members are launching this caucus to bolster engagement and support for international exchange programs, particularly those administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).\n\n“I am thrilled to join my colleagues in launching the first bipartisan, bicameral Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. Exchange programs strengthen all parts of American society and give back to local communities around the country. They help the United States remain internationally competitive, bolster our nation’s economy, and dramatically increase the United States’ global reach while enhancing national security. Through creation of this caucus, I am proud to continue the long tradition of bipartisan support for international exchanges and look forward to working with my colleagues to secure strong, sustained backing for these proven, cost-effective programs, ” said Senator Cory Booker.\n\n“Cultural exchange is foundational to effective diplomacy, and strengthening our nation’s investment in these initiatives will encourage greater collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships for generations to come. Arkansas has played an outsized role in those efforts over many years, and we have seen firsthand how it can change the world. I’m proud to help launch the Congressional International Exchange Caucus and look forward to the opportunity to bolster this mission in a bipartisan, bicameral way,” said Senator John Boozman.\n\n“International exchange programs are a smart investment in America’s future. They strengthen our relationships around the world and give people a firsthand look at our American values and our way of life. In South Jersey, the impact is clear. Programs like BridgeUSA help support our shore economy each summer, giving small businesses the workforce they need during our busiest time of year. I am proud to help launch this bipartisan caucus to support these programs, ” said Representative Jeff Van Drew.\n\n“Educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for building goodwill, strengthening our alliances, and advancing American values and strategic interests. These programs create lasting people-to-people ties that build mutual understanding and open doors for cooperation on shared challenges. I am pleased to help launch this bipartisan caucus to ensure Congress continues to support and strengthen these critical programs so they remain effective, sustainable, and central to America’s global leadership,” said Representative Ami Bera.\n\nInternational exchange programs provide unique opportunities for Americans to experience the world and develop critical skills. The Congressional International Exchanges Caucus is the platform for Members of Congress to hear directly from these Americans, their constituents, about the impact of international exchange programs on their states and districts. Finally, the Caucus enables its members to ensure ECA’s long-term programmatic sustainability and success by offering exclusive opportunities to engage with Administration officials on the latest topics impacting international exchange programs.\n\n“International exchange programs are major contributors to the U.S.’ success at home and on the world stage and have long enjoyed bipartisan support. The creation of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus reflects that enduring commitment and showcases Congress’ continued investment in the success of these programs. The Alliance for International Exchange proudly supports the caucus and looks forward to working with its members to promote and protect international exchange programs,” said Mark Overmann, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kennedy-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-give-law-enforcement-more-tools-to-solve-crimes", "title": "Booker, Kennedy Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Law Enforcement More Tools to Solve Crimes", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Kennedy (R-LA), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced theViolent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act to establish a grant program at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to help state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to solve more crimes and improve clearance rates for homicides and firearm-related violent crimes.\n\n“Solving violent crime is the most powerful deterrent we have, and it starts with giving law enforcement what they actually need: detectives, forensic technology, and investigative training. When murders go unsolved, it denies victims and their communities justice, signals that authorities don't care about public safety, and leaves perpetrators without consequences. With nearly half of homicide cases remaining unsolved, we cannot afford to keep shortchanging law enforcement. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation, which dedicates critical resources to improve clearance rates so that law enforcement can solve these cases and every family gets the accountability they deserve,” said Senator Booker.\n\n“When our heroes in blue do not have the resources to solve violent crimes, families and communities pay the price. In Louisiana and across America, too many police departments are being asked to fight today’s violent criminals with yesterday’s tools. The VICTIM Act would give law enforcement the key financial and technical support they need to put violent criminals behind bars and deliver justice for victims,” said Senator Kennedy.\n\nU.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-2) and Dwight Evans (D-PA-3) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“The VICTIM Act will provide law enforcement with the funding, training, and technology needed to solve more homicide and non-fatal shooting cases. By helping agencies investigate these serious crimes more effectively, this legislation will deliver justice for victims’ families, support the officers working these cases, and strengthen public safety across Nebraska,” said Representative Bacon.\n\n“I appreciate the partnership of Congressman Bacon and Senators Kennedy and Booker in continuing to work together on this important bill. Prosecutors can't bring cases that don't reach them, so this would help make our neighborhoods and communities safer. And as someone who has pushed for help for victims of gun violence, I'm very pleased that this bill would help to provide victims and family members with emergency food, housing, clothing, travel, and transportation,” said Representative Evans.\n\nThe Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police (LACP), Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association (LSA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), the Niskanen Center, and the R Street Institute all support the bill.\n\n“The Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police (LACP) proudly supports the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act of 2026 introduced by Senators John Kennedy and Cory Booker. Violent crime leaves lasting impacts not only on victims and their families, but on entire communities. Far too many homicide and firearm-related violent crime cases remain unresolved, leaving families without answers and hindering the pursuit of justice. This bipartisan legislation recognizes the critical need to ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources, personnel, training, and technology necessary to improve investigative outcomes, strengthen public safety, and better support victims and their families throughout the investigative process. The Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police appreciates efforts to provide state and local law enforcement agencies with meaningful tools and resources that will assist in reducing violent crime, improving clearance rates, and helping make communities safer throughout Louisiana and across the nation,” said Fabian Blache, LACP Executive Director.\n\n“On behalf of Louisiana’s 64 sheriffs and the over 14,000 deputies they serve, the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association is proud to support the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act of 2026 (VICTIM Act). This bipartisan bill will provide our sheriffs with additional resources to investigate and close violent crime cases. Our detectives across the state see the toll homicides and firearm-related crimes take on victims, their families, and the communities they serve. They want nothing more than to solve these violent crimes as swiftly as possible. The VICTIM Act will go a long way in helping our detectives do just that by arming them with the financial and technical support they need to take violent criminals off our streets while bringing closure to the victims. We thank Senators Kennedy and Booker for their leadership on the VICTIM Act and look forward to seeing this legislation enacted,” said Sheriff Kevin Cobb (Ret.), LSA Executive Director.\n\n“Homicide cases can be very difficult to clear—and violent firearms-related cases can be even more so. Closing these types of crimes requires diligence, manpower, and a sustained investigative effort. Given the limited resources of law enforcement agencies, it’s important to provide the significant, dedicated resources that clearing these crimes requires, especially given their oftentimes heinous nature. The resources the VICTIM Act would provide would improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to punish the perpetrators of these crimes, provide justice for the victims and their families, and grant peace of mind for communities and the dedicated law enforcement officers that serve them. When we can clear more crimes like these, our communities are safer places to live and work,” said Patrick Yoes, FOP President.\n\n“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) is proud to support the VICTIM Act and thanks Senators Kennedy and Booker for their continued leadership on this important bipartisan legislation. The VICTIM Act would provide law enforcement agencies with critical resources to strengthen violent crime investigations, support victims and their families, and improve public safety outcomes in communities across the country. Specifically, the legislation would help agencies hire and train investigative personnel, expand access to forensic and investigative technologies, and enhance the tools needed to identify offenders, solve cases, and prevent future violence. MCSA stands ready to support efforts to advance this important legislation and ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources necessary to protect the communities they serve,” said Megan Noland, MCSA Executive Director.\n\n“Building capacity across state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate violent crime is an important priority. The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senators Kennedy and Booker for their leadership on the VICTIM Act, which would provide new resources to help agencies strengthen their abilities to efficiently, fairly, and accurately analyze forensic evidence, investigate, and solve violent crimes,” said Drew Evans, ASCIA President.\n\n“The National District Attorneys Association supports the VICTIM Act as a critical step to help solve more violent crimes, improve clearance rates for homicides and firearm offenses, and ensure victims and their families receive the justice and support they deserve,” said Nelson Bunn, NDAA Executive Director.\n\n“The VICTIM Act sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated, and criminals will not be allowed to terrorize American neighborhoods without consequence. By giving law enforcement, the tools needed to solve more violent crimes, this legislation will help restore order, protect families, and bring offenders to justice. We thank Senator Kennedy for his continued leadership on this issue,” said Greg Newburn, Director of Criminal Justice at the Niskanen Center.\n\n“The R Street Institute strongly supports the VICTIM Act of 2026. Decades of research confirm that the certainty of apprehension is the most powerful deterrent to crime, yet clearance rates for serious offenses remain alarmingly low. This critical legislation would provide targeted grants to improve clearance rates by supporting detective recruitment and retention, forensic and digital evidence capacity, and sophisticated analytic methods like Gun Violence Problem Analysis. Furthermore, it funds trauma-informed investigator training and direct services for victims and surviving family members. We applaud Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) for their bipartisan leadership and urge their colleagues to join this essential effort,” said Jillian Snider, Resident Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute, and a retired NYPD officer.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe VICTIM Act would help law enforcement:\n\nTrain detectives and police personnel to investigate, solve, and respond to homicides and non-fatal shootings.\n\nHire additional detectives and investigative personnel.\n\nInvest in the technology needed to solve crimes.\n\nTrain police personnel to address the needs of victims and family members of homicides and firearm-related violent crimes.\n\nProvide victims and family members with mental health resources and temporary assistance.\n\nThe bill would also require recipients of VICTIM Act grants to report how they use the funds to the DOJ. The DOJ would collect and provide that information to Congress.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-joins-president-donald-trump-cms-administrator-dr-mehmet-oz-hhs-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-in-maternal-healthcare-event/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins President Donald Trump, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in Maternal Healthcare Event", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "‘Moms are the heartbeats of our families, our communities, and our country. President Trump knows that, and he’s made sure we’ve created a comprehensive culture of life.’\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined President Trump, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Mehmet Oz, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and other Administration officials and maternal health advocates in the Oval Office to highlight a new proposed rule to help employers offer in vitro fertilization (IVF) services and reduce the cost of fertility treatments for American families and the launch of Moms.gov.\n\nThis website, launched on Mother’s Day this year, is a one-stop resource hub for mothers, including financial and medical assistance, nutrition information, adoption, breast feeding, and mental health resources, how to sign up for a childcare flexible spending account, how to enroll in Trump Accounts, and more. Senator Britt’s legislation, the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Actoriginally introduced in 2024, mirrors this initiative to provide critical support to women during typically challenging phases of motherhood – prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development – to help mothers and their children thrive.\n\nYou can view excerpts of Senator Britt’s remarks below or watch her full remarks here.\n\nOn President Trump’s work to create a comprehensive culture of life across the country:\n\n“This is another example of promises made, promises kept. I mean, we look at what President Trump did when we dealt with this issue in Alabama. He stepped up to the plate immediately to make sure that we had nationwide access to IVF, to making sure that we had comprehensive fertility treatment so that … couples who were longing for their child could continue to have that hope and also have that reality. Today doubles down on that yet again. … So now more people are going to have access through their employer, just like they would dental or vision insurance.”\n\nOn celebrating and supporting America’s moms:\n\n“When you look at the comprehensive nature of what we’re doing today and coming on the heels of Mother’s Day, I mean, we are thrilled to support mothers everywhere. Whether it’s that mom that is getting to experience growing life for the very first time, or the one chasing toddlers or wrangling teenagers, or being there when their adult child calls for advice. Moms are the heartbeats of our families, our communities, and our country. President Trump knows that, and he’s made sure we’ve created a comprehensive culture of life. That’s what you see right now with Moms.gov. It supports moms through the prenatal, postpartum and early childhood development stages of motherhood.”\n\nOn tackling maternal mortality rates and investing in rural healthcare:\n\n“Also, as we tackle rural health, look, I stand up here in front of you, not only as a mom of two, but also as someone who lives in the great state of Alabama, where about 28% of women live in a current maternal care desert. The work that we did in the Working Families Tax Cuts, guys, that hits it head on. We have an opportunity now to reach those who haven’t been reached. When we look at maternal mortality rates, we continue to invest both in the research that will help us resolve that issue, but also in the women that deal with so many issues during their pregnancy, we want them to be supported.”\n\nOn Republicans’ historic efforts to address childcare affordability in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act:\n\n“So we know last year alone, you had about 455,000 women leave the workforce due to affordability and accessibility of childcare. …[I]f you have or want the opportunity to stay home, we want that for you. But if you want or need the opportunity to reenter the workforce … we don’t want affordability or accessibility to be an impediment to that. … I was proud to lead the effort in the Working Families Tax Cuts (Act) to modernize the tax code to make sure that childcare was front and center for the first time since Ronald Reagan … But today, that comprehensive nature of whether you’re staying home or you’re in a faith-based provider or you have a childcare center that you love … as you work to provide for your family, today that is easier as a result. And we are proud of what that means for the economy. … So, Mr. President, thank you for all that you’ve done, creating a comprehensive culture of life. This is this is really groundbreaking.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-colleagues-seek-end-taxpayer-funded-abortions-urge-scotus-to-protect-women-and-babies-from-dangerous-abortion-drug/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Colleagues Seek End Taxpayer-Funded Abortions, Urge SCOTUS to Protect Women and Babies From Dangerous Abortion Drug", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and 16 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act to ban federal Title X family-planning grants from going to any entity, like Planned Parenthood, that performs abortions or funds abortion providers.\n\n“Taxpayers shouldn’t have their hard-earned dollars used to fund elective abortions,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to support the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act to ensure federal taxpayer dollars are not funding abortions—I will continue to fight to defend life, support parents and families, and protect the unborn.”\n\nThe Title X Family Planning Program is intended to assist low-income women with family planning services. Unfortunately, this program has a history of subsidizing massive organizations that engage in abortion activities such as Planned Parenthood. Since 1976, federal law has prohibited use of federal funds for abortions.\n\n“Taxpayers should not have to spend a penny on abortions,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act would protect life and stop federal funds from going to entities that perform abortions by closing loopholes in federal law.”\n\nSection 1008 of the Public Health Service Act explicitly states that Title X funds “shall not be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning,” but Clinton-era rules require all grantees to refer patients for abortions and allow abortion facilities to be co-located within Title X clinics. As a result, Planned Parenthood clinics that receive federal family planning funds can share the same facility, staff, and waiting room as abortion clinics, and often refer women for on-site abortions.\n\n“Louisiana families want their tax dollars to support families, not abortion businesses that kill unborn babies and hurt mothers,”said Senator Cassidy. “I’m proud to co-lead this bill to end a policy that subsidizes Planned Parenthood on the taxpayers’ dime.”\n\nThe Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from providing federal family-planning grants to entities that perform abortions, or provide funds to entities that perform abortions, strip the abortion giant Planned Parenthood and other Title X clinics of taxpayer funding that ought to go to comprehensive healthcare alternatives instead, and require that HHS provide an annual report to Congress that includes: information on grantees who perform abortions under the exceptions; and a list of entities to which grant funds are made available. You can read the full text of the bill here.\n\nSusan B Anthony Pro-Life America, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, March for Life Action, National Right to Life Committee, Americans United for Life, and the Students for Life Action support the legislation.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Britt was one of 113 Republican bicameral lawmakers who filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement must be reinstated to protect women and the unborn. The brief supports the State of Louisiana’s lawsuit to protect women and their unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs and argues mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement must be reinstated.\n\nIn October 2025, Louisiana and Rosalie Markezich, a victim of Democrats’ harmful decision to remove the in-person dispensing requirement for dangerous chemical abortion drugs, filed a lawsuit to overturn the illegal policy. Because of Biden’s policy, Rosalie’s boyfriend was able to order chemical abortion pills online from an abortionist in California and coerced her to take the drug to kill her unborn child. The Republican lawmakers argue that Biden violated federal law by removing the in-person dispensing requirement, and that these protections should be reinstated.\n\nRecently, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Louisiana, issuing an order that put the in-person dispensing requirement back into place while the litigation continued. The amicus brief asks the Supreme Court to uphold the Fifth Circuit’s decision. You can read the full brief here.\n\n“The abortion pill has killed over seven million preborn American children since it was approved by the FDA. Mifepristone is designed to end the life of a living child in the womb, and the consequences have been devastating for women as well,” said Lila Rose, Founder & President, Live Action. “There are horrifying cases of women being deceived, coerced, and drugged with abortion pills against their will. Catherine Pressly Herring’s husband secretly put abortion drugs into her drink in an attempt to kill their preborn baby and was sentenced to prison. America should never allow dangerous abortion drugs to be mailed into homes and abusive relationships. The Supreme Court must act quickly to affirm the fifth circuit ruling and end mail-order abortions.”\n\n“National Right to Life stands with the State of Louisiana in defending women and girls from the dangers of mail-order abortion drugs and the Biden FDA’s unlawful removal of critical safety protections,” said Carol Tobias, President, National Right to Life. “Under the Biden administration, the FDA abandoned its responsibility to safeguard women’s health by eliminating the in-person dispensing requirement despite insufficient evidence that mail-order chemical abortions are safe. Women are now placed at greater risk of undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies, coercion, dangerous and potentially deadly complications, as well as delayed emergency care. National Right to Life joins Chairman Cassidy and members of Congress in support of Louisiana’s effort to restore accountability, uphold the rule of law, and protect women from the serious harms associated with chemical abortion drugs.”\n\n“I’m grateful for the Senators and Representatives who have signed this brief in support of Louisiana’s right to protect unborn children and their mothers,” said Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council. “The rise of mail-order abortion has not only endangered women and unborn children, but also created new avenues for coercion and abuse. The FDA’s policy, which overrides state pro-life protections, undermines both the rule of law and the safety of those it claims to serve. It must be reversed.”\n\nSenator Britt is a strong champion for pro-life policies. In the 119th Congress, she joined Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to protect newborns that survive abortion attempts by requiring they receive care from health care practitioners and urged the FDA to reevaluate the approval of generic abortion pill mifepristone. The Senator has received an A+ grade from the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America scorecard for her work in protecting the lives of the most vulnerable.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-meets-artemis-ii-crew-and-presents-senate-resolution-honoring-their-historic-journey-around-the-moon", "title": "Cantwell Meets Artemis II Crew & Presents Senate Resolution Honoring Their Historic Journey Around the Moon", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Meets Artemis II Crew & Presents Senate Resolution Honoring Their Historic Journey Around the Moon\n\n41 WA state companies played a key role in sending the first manned mission to the moon in over 50 years; Cantwell to Artemis II crew: I invite you all to come to WA\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, met the Artemis II crew -- Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen – and presented the crew with a Senate resolution celebrating their historic journey around the moon.\n\n“Human spaceflight turns space exploration into a shared national and civilization event, and the world watched as Artemis II and the people who were on board inspired a new generation of Americans. The crew’s impressive accomplishment was made possible through the efforts of more than 2,700 hundred companies across the United States, including 41 in the State of Washington – yes, there is a reason we are known for the Space Needle,” Sen. Cantwell said.\n\n“In the Senate, our colleagues and the people on this committee have worked hard to ensure that NASA has the direction and the resources on this bold and ambitious program and will open access to the moon as a platform for exploration, science and economic development,” she continued. “Our NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 calls for the establishment of a sustained lunar base. The Artemis mission laid down the foundation for that endeavor by proving that our deep space transportation system actually works with a crew on board.”\n\nVideo of Sen. Cantwell’s remarks are HERE and a transcript is HERE; video of Commander Wiseman’s remarks are HERE; video of Pilot Glover’s remarks are HERE; video of Mission Specialist Koch’s remarks are HERE; and video of Mission Specialist Hansen’s remarks are HERE.\n\nPhotos are HERE.\n\nOn April 9, while they were still on their mission, Sen. Cantwell spoke live to the Artemis II crew about the future of human space exploration. NASA’s livestream of that exchange is available HERE; Video showing Sen. Cantwell as she spoke to the astronauts from her Seattle office is available HERE.\n\nOn March 30, Sen. Cantwell visited two of the dozens of Washington state companies that are supplying NASA’s Artemis Mission – Karman Space & Defense in Mukilteo, and L3Harris in Redmond. Karman Space & Defense is a manufacturer of mission-critical subsystems for launch vehicles, spacecraft, and hypersonic systems. The company’s Mukilteo campus produces components for the Orion capsule that flew on the Artemis II mission. L3Harris specializes in rocket propulsion, holding contracts to provide many of the thrusters used on Artemis. The company’s Redmond facility has manufactured spacecraft thrusters for NASA since 1968 and has supported famous missions such as Viking and Voyager.\n\nREAD MORE:\n\nThe Seattle Times: Washington’s space economy powers the Artemis II moonshot\n\nKIRO 7: Artemis II: Washington’s hand in the upcoming historic flight around the moon\n\nGeekWire: Watch NASA count down to the launch of humanity’s first moon voyage in nearly 54 years\n\nSen. Cantwell has been a champion for our nation’s space industry and its aerospace workforce, and currently oversees NASA and the space industry as Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee. In March, Sen. Cantwell led bipartisan, unanimous passage through the Commerce Committee of the NASA Authorization Act of 2026, which confirms support for the Artemis missions.\n\nFact Sheet: Washington’s Space Economy and Sen. Cantwell’s Support for the Artemis Program\n\nArtemis II was the first crewed flight of the Artemis missions, designed to confirm that the SLS rocket and Orion space vehicle operate as designed with crew onboard in a deep space environment. The crew spent a total of 10 days in space and completed a lunar flyby, reaching the farthest point humans have ever traveled, before returning to Earth and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-inflation-rising-to-38", "title": "Cantwell Statement on Inflation Rising to 3.8%", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Statement on Inflation Rising to 3.8%\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released this statement after data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the Consumer Price Index has risen 3.8% over the last 12 months:\n\n“American families got another painful reminder this morning that the cost of living continues to be unaffordable. Inflation is up 3.8% and the pressure on household budgets is getting worse. This Administration is waging a war in the Middle East that has sent oil and gas prices through the roof. Every business and every consumer is feeling the pain. Instead of planning a summer vacation, many families are trying to just figure out how to pay their bills. While in Congress, instead of doing something to ease these financial burdens, Republicans are getting ready to spend $1 billion to build a White House ballroom.”\n\nThe Consumer Price Index increased 0.6% in April after rising 0.9 percent in March, translating to a year-over-year increase of 3.8% percent. Energy prices are also up 17.9% over last year; the price for gasoline is up 28.4%; the price for fuel oil is up 54.3%; and electricity is up 6.1%. Food prices have also risen by 3.2%, and housing costs have risen by 3.3% over last year.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-14-9-million-for-louisiana-airport-upgrades-from-his-infrastructure-bill/", "title": "Cassidy Secures $14.9 Million for Louisiana Airport Upgrades from His Infrastructure Bill", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $14,887,241.00 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding will protect against flooding, expand taxiways, rehabilitate pavement, and support airport planning and development.\n\n“I worked to bring this funding home to Louisiana so our airports can keep up with demand and stay safe,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These projects help keep our people and our state’s economy moving.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-than-136-million-for-airport-improvements-across-maine", "title": "Senator Collins Announces More Than $13.6 Million for Airport Improvements Across Maine", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that multiple Maine airports will receive a total of $13,647,939 to support important infrastructure improvements. The funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which Senator Collins helped to author.\n\n“As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to ensure we make investments that benefit the State of Maine, allowing airports across our state to make much-needed improvements, some of which are long overdue. Ensuring that transportation needs across the state are met is a priority of mine,” said Senator Collins. “A key focus of our negotiations over the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 was addressing outdated infrastructure at our nation’s airports. That is why we included historic investments in airport grant programs so that municipal, regional, and international airports and jetports across the country can provide safer and more efficient travel. Today’s funding announcement builds on those investments.”\n\nSpecifically, the funding from the AIP has been allocated as follows:\n\nMillinocket Municipal Airport (MLT) – $6,845,251 to reconstruct 3,200 feet of Runway 11/29 to maintain pavement integrity and minimize foreign object debris.\n\nKnox County Regional Airport (RKD) – $3,618,016 to rehabilitate and reconstruct portions of the main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nPortland International Jetport (PWM) – $2,620,106 to design and reconstruct 17,600 square yards of terminal apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nWiscasset Municipal Airport (IWI) – $468,816 to reconstruct 4,100 square yards of main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.\n\nOxford County Regional Airport (81B) – $53,000 to update the existing airport layout plan.\n\nPresque Isle International Airport (PQI) – $42,750 to acquire two acres of land for future development.\n\nSince joining the Appropriations Committee in 2009, Senator Collins has helped to secure more than $1 billion in competitive transportation grants for the State of Maine. Additionally, in the past five years, Senator Collins has secured more than $25.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for improvement projects at airports in Presque Isle, Fryeburg, Machias, and Brunswick.\n\nIn addition to her work as Chair of the Senate Appropriation Committee, Senator Collins was one of 10 senators who negotiated the IIJA, which provided $15 billion for federal airport improvement grant programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-coons-leads-bipartisan-group-of-senators-highlighting-chinese-threat-to-american-interests-ahead-of-xi-summit/", "title": "ICYMI: Senator Coons leads bipartisan group of senators highlighting Chinese threat to American interests ahead of Xi Summit", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, earlier this month, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) led a bipartisan group of 16 senators affirming concern over the growing threat China poses to our nation’s security and economic prosperity. The introduction of the resolution came shortly before this week’s expected summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping in Beijing.\n\nPresident Trump has shown a willingness to make major concessions to China that affect America’s security as Beijing threatens our allies, partners, and the homeland, and seeks a reduction in export controls on frontier computer chips so the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army can surpass us in the artificial intelligence race. The resolution reiterates that the United States must continue to address the security, economic, technological, diplomatic, and strategic threats posed by China as a top foreign policy priority. It goes on to call on the United States to continue prioritizing several of these key issues.\n\nIn addition to Senators Coons and Ricketts, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nNOTUS: Bipartisan Senators Push Tough China Stance Before Trump-Xi Summit\n\nA bipartisan group of 16 senators is urging Congress to take a tough stance on China policy ahead of this month’s summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping…“In the run-up to next month’s U.S.-China summit, the United States Senate is sending a clear message: remember who Xi Jinping and the PRC are,” Coons, the Senate’s lead Democrat on the defense appropriations subcommittee, said in a statement.\n\nTaipei Times: US lawmakers condemn China threats\n\nUS lawmakers across party lines on Friday introduced a resolution to express concern over China’s threats toward Taiwan, focusing on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) later this month… In the run-up to the US-China summit, “the United States Senate is sending a clear message: Remember who Xi Jinping and the PRC [People’s Republic of China] are,” Coons said in the statement. “We must stand with our allies and partners, and work with every tool of the US government to combat these aggressive practices.”\n\nFocus Taiwan: U.S. lawmakers propose China threat resolution ahead of Trump-Xi summit\n\nU.S. lawmakers across party lines on Friday introduced a resolution to express their concerns over China’s threats toward Taiwan, with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as its stated focus, ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-May.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/remarks-ranking-member-coons-presses-secretary-hegseth-on-iran-strategy-at-hearing-how-do-i-explain-to-my-constituents-the-cost-of-this-war/", "title": "REMARKS: Ranking Member Coons presses Secretary Hegseth on Iran strategy at hearing: “How do I explain to my constituents the cost of this war?”", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for answers on the Trump administration’s strategy in the war with Iran and the administration’s alienation of key allies in a subcommittee hearing today regarding President Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget request.\n\n“What’s the cost of the war we’re in in Iran? How long will it go? What damage has been done to our security and our strategic position? When will we get a supplemental request, and of what scale? When will we be requested to authorize this war? And when will the American people get a clear answer about our strategic goals and how we will achieve them?” said Senator Coons.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Senator Coons emphasized that the U.S. faces a more dangerous world as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea grow increasingly aligned, and warned that the Trump administration has created distance with our allies at a moment when the U.S. needs coordination and clarity.\n\n“I share the chairman’s concern that we have created real distance with our allies, most principally our NATO allies, who have stepped up and contributed tens of billions of dollars more to purchase the munitions for the defense of Ukraine and to dramatically increase their long-overdue investments in our joint defense in Europe,” said Senator Coons.\n\nSenator Coons criticized the department’s failure to adapt to the needs of modern warfare, particularly by learning the lessons from the war in Ukraine, including Ukraine’s success in developing and deploying drone and counter-drone technologies. He highlighted that the administration requested zero funding for Ukraine and key NATO allies in the Baltic states before the committee provided $400 million on a bipartisan basis. Instead, the administration is pouring money into a new line of outmoded “Trump class” naval destroyers.\n\n“We have a president who seems more focused on a billion-dollar ballroom and a victory arch, rather than achieving actual victory,” said Senator Coons. “The world of warfare is changing. Every major service can and should embrace smaller, lighter, faster, more distributed, lethal capabilities that will mostly be autonomous. This move towards a Golden Fleet, towards a new battleship, strikes me as moving in exactly the wrong direction, giving our adversaries a bigger target rather than a more capable platform.”\n\nSenator Coons also questioned Secretary Hegseth’s focus on culture war issues, including book bans, erasing DEI efforts, anti-vaccine positions, and the dismissal of senior military leaders while we are in the middle of a conflict in Iran.\n\nA video of Senator Coons’ opening remarks is available here.\n\nA transcript of Senator Coons’ opening remarks is included below:\n\nSenator Coons: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Secretary Hegseth, General Caine – Chairman Caine, for appearing before us and for your testimony today. Let me just begin by expressing my gratitude to the service and sacrifice of the 2.8 million members of the joint forces and the civilians who support them, and in this urgent moment, to focus on a few simple and clear questions.\n\nIt bears repeating that the regime in Iran is a terrible regime that has the blood of thousands of American soldiers on their hands over decades, and that they pose a sustained and real threat to the United States in the region. And it bears repeating that our allies are increasingly distanced from us as our adversaries are increasingly aligned.\n\nI agree with much of what the chairman said, including that we are in a moment of real contest and danger, in no small part because Russia, China, DPRK, and Iran are partnering. Russia and China are helping resupply Iran and the drones that they’re using to contest and close the Strait of Hormuz, to target and kill Americans, and degrade our facilities. And so, if our adversaries are increasingly aligned, I think a core question is: are we?\n\nWe have so many questions, Mr. Secretary, about this budget proposal, this $1.5 trillion budget request. And at the core is going to be: What’s the cost of the war we’re in in Iran? How long will it go? What damage has been done to our security and our strategic position? When will we get a supplemental request, and of what scale? When will we be requested to authorize this war? And when will the American people get a clear answer about our strategic goals and how we will achieve them?\n\nI share the chairman’s concern that we have created real distance with our allies, most principally our NATO allies, who have stepped up and contributed tens of billions of dollars more to purchase the munitions for the defense of Ukraine and to dramatically increase their long-overdue investments in our joint defense in Europe. But, unfortunately, the way that the move towards war was launched 74 days ago – without consent, without consultation – has caused a real rift with our vital European allies.\n\nAnd again, as the chairman said, and I agree, there is also a critical and urgent need for us to recognize and embrace that in the most important test field – the battlefield in Ukraine – where the Ukrainians are fighting bravely and successfully against Russian aggression, they have innovated. They have delivered the most lethal and capable drone and counter-drone technologies in the world.\n\nWhat is bedeviling us in Iran right now? Their ability to use thousands of cheap, effective Shahed drones to hit our allies, their military facilities, and their oil and gas production facilities, and to target and hit civilian shipping. Who is the world’s best at intercepting Shahed drones? Ukraine.\n\nLast year, the administration requested zero for Ukraine and zero for our key NATO allies in the Baltic states. And, on a bipartisan basis, this committee put in $400 million.\n\nWhen we met just about a month ago for the first time over at the Pentagon – thank you for that conversation – we all emphasized the importance of coming to us with a spend plan for these $400 million. This is a $1.5 trillion request in front of us. Why am I taking your time on $400 million? Because I think it shows a key piece, a missing piece, in strategic vision. We should not be standing aside from the war in Ukraine and saying, eventually we want to be a part of some peace between Russia and Ukraine. We should be learning the lessons of Ukraine.\n\nOur allies in the Persian Gulf are. They’re buying their interceptor systems at scale. Some of our current and former leaders in our military were working very hard to learn the lessons of Ukraine. I must say, in a recent briefing for this subcommittee, I was very encouraged by two very senior members of the United States Army who are in Ukraine and have been helping our armed forces learn. But my heart fell when I left and was told that those two senior officers were being forced out.\n\nI am concerned that we have a distracted administration and a distracted department. From your written testimony, Mr. Secretary, it seems at times you’re more passionate about fighting culture wars than winning the real war that we’re in – at banning books, at cleaning alleged DEI off of websites, at taking on an anti-vaccine position rather than continuing the long-standing public health policies, and interfering with promotions. I’m stunned that you fired the 44-year chief of staff of the Army in the middle of a hot war and dismissed the Secretary of the Navy in the middle of a naval blockade. As dozens of senior flag-rank officers have been dismissed, I am worried about what that does to focus and morale.\n\nWe have a president who seems more focused on a billion-dollar ballroom and a victory arch rather than achieving actual victory – and a piece, a small piece, of the $1.5 trillion request in front of us, is for a new Trump class of battleships, a so-called Golden Fleet, which I think goes in the wrong direction.\n\nLet me come back to the basic point I was trying to make. The world of warfare is changing. Every major service can and should embrace smaller, lighter, faster, more distributed, lethal capabilities that will mostly be autonomous. This move towards a Golden Fleet, towards a new battleship, strikes me as moving in exactly the wrong direction, giving our adversaries a bigger target rather than a more capable platform.\n\nHow do I explain to my constituents the cost – the cost of this war, and the cost that we are looking together to invest in our national defense?\n\nI share the chairman’s concerns about reconciliation. Last year, $150 billion was provided to the department, but the mismatch between base year and one year, between long-term and short-term, caused tens of billions of dollars in errors, errors in how shipbuilding was handled, errors in how new munitions are being acquired, and working together on a bipartisan basis, we fixed many of those problems. This year’s budget proposal triples that request to $350 billion.\n\nI agree with you about the urgency of our national defense. In your written testimony, you lay out four key goals: defend the homeland, deter China, increase burden sharing with our allies and partners, and supercharge the defense-industrial base.\n\nAs you’ve seen, in the last Congress, I’ve worked with you and with Deputy Secretary Feinberg on multi-year munitions. I cheer the goal of finally passing an audit in 2028. I think we have critical investments to make in our defense-industrial base. I think we are absolutely in the fight of our lives as a republic to win AI, and quantum space, and surveillance, and the capacity to fight drones and launch drones. But I’m concerned that you, sir, and this department is distracted by issues that are not focused on the core thing we need to achieve.\n\nI could not agree more with what you said in your written testimony: ‘For a generation, the United States was largely distracted by open-ended wars of regime change and nation building.’ And, as you summarize this administration’s approach, ‘we will not send America’s best to advance foolhardy or reckless adventures halfway around the world.’\n\nMr. Secretary, I agree that the Iranian regime is a terrible regime. I am grateful for the service and the sacrifice of the Americans who have been wounded or who have lost their lives in this current conflict. But I do not understand the strategy, and as the average American is seeing the costs at the pump and at the grocery store, and as this committee is being asked to approve the largest single-year increase in defense spending in decades, I need to better understand the answers to the urgent questions I’ve put before you.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-on-new-bill-to-end-birth-tourism-protect-americas-sovereignty/", "title": "Cornyn on New Bill to End Birth Tourism, Protect America’s Sovereignty", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his Barring American Citizenship by Keeping Out Foreign Fraudsters (BACK OFF) Act, legislation he introduced today that would put a stop to birth tourism, a long-abused system that America’s foreign adversaries like China and Russia have exploited to undermine our nation’s sovereignty and ensure their children are born on American soil to automatically gain U.S. citizenship. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.\n\n“This bill is designed to address a problem that’s been festering in our country for some time, and that is the crime of birth tourism.”\n\n“Entire cottage industries have sprung up over the past several decades designed to actually help facilitate foreign nationals to visit the United States on a temporary basis solely to obtain the coveted privilege of United States citizenship for their children.”\n\n“Citizenship in this country, the greatest country in the world, is a great privilege, and the practice of birth tourism undermines what it means to be an American. This is why I’m introducing the BACK OFF Act, which will make aliens involved in birth tourism inadmissible and deportable from the United States.”\n\n“This legislation would create new criminal penalties and enforcement actions against those running birth tourism rings, including new criminal penalties under the Immigration and Nationality Act for those who facilitate this practice.”\n\n“There is no greater privilege in the world than to be a citizen of this great country, and we must treat U.S. citizenship as such, but the practice of birth tourism trivializes this great privilege, and I hope the Senate will adopt my legislation to crack down on this atrocity.”\n\nBackground:\n\nSpecifically, the Barring American Citizenship by Keeping Out Foreign Fraudsters (BACK OFF) Act would put a stop to birth tourism by:", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-young-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-kids-get-to-school-safely/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Young Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Kids Get to School Safely", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help students get to school safely. The Safe Bus Routes to School Act would modify the Safe Routes to School program so that projects to improve the safety of school bus routes and stops are eligible for federal funding.\n\n“Clark County has the largest school bus fleet in the entire country, and 130,000 kids rely on those buses to get from home to school and back again every day,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s our responsibility to make sure our students are as safe as possible. This commonsense bill would open up more funding for cities and towns across the country to make school bus routes safer.”\n\n“This bill will support improvements in our communities to better ensure that young Hoosiers are safe as they travel to and from school,” said Senator Young. “This legislation builds on my previous work to help increase the safety of school bus routes.”\n\nThe Safe Routes to School program was created to help communities improve the safety of pedestrian and bike routes to schools, making funding available for projects such as building safer street crossings in a school zone. However, more than half of all K-12 students nationwide ride school buses. While school buses provide the safest mode of school transportation, safety challenges still exist. Students are the most vulnerable when waiting at bus stops, loading or unloading from buses, and while walking to the bus stop. The Safe Bus Routes to School Act would allow communities to use Safe Routes to School funding to improve the safety of school bus routes and stops through planning, education, and infrastructure improvements. Senator Cortez Masto previously passed legislation in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand the Safe Routes to School program to include high school students.\n\n“Our community has seen a huge increase in the number of students hit by vehicles on their way to or from school,” said Clark County School District Superintendent Jhone Ebert. “By expanding the Safe Routes to School Program, we can better educate our students and our community about the importance of following the rules of the road so that all students can travel to and from school safely.”\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s students, including ensuring their safety on the way to school. She recently secured close to two million in funding for school zone flashing beacons in Reno. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included Cortez Masto provisions to invest in school infrastructure upgrades and to improve broadband access for rural students. She recently introduced bipartisan legislation to help students develop the skills they would need to become entrepreneurs and business owners. Cortez Masto has fought to ensure that English Language Learners and students with disabilities have equal access to education. She has also consistently worked to make Nevada’s roads safer. Cortez Masto has introduced bipartisan legislation to protect roadside workers and has secured millions to improve road safety throughout the Silver State.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/passed-unanimously-cortez-masto-and-graham-led-medal-of-sacrifice-act/", "title": "PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: Cortez Masto and Graham-Led Medal of Sacrifice Act", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), as well as U.S. Representative Brian Mast (R-Fl.), applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Medal of Sacrifice Act during National Police Week. The legislation would create a new presidential award to posthumously honor law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty. Following its Senate passage, this legislation now heads to President Trump to be signed into law.\n\n“Every single day, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities and keep our families safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The Medal of Sacrifice Act will go a long way to honoring those officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. This Police Week, I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Graham and Congressman Mast to get our bill to the President’s desk.”\n\n“Our law enforcement officers and first responders represent some of the best and bravest among us. These men and women selflessly put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. If these law enforcement officers and first responders perish in the line of duty, that sacrifice deserves the highest level of recognition. I am proud to have worked with President Trump and Rep. Mast on this important legislation so that we can ensure these heroes are never forgotten, and look forward to it being signed into law,” said Senator Graham.\n\n“I will never forget November 21, 2024, the day three lions of my community were taken after being struck on the side of the road. After we laid Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies Waller, Diaz, and Paez to rest, President Trump and I agreed that their sacrifice can never be forgotten. That’s what the Medal of Sacrifice is all about, and I’ve worked every single day since then to pass this bill to honor every officer and first responder killed in action. In the face of incomprehensible loss, families of the fallen will now know they have a nation standing firmly behind them, directed by the highest office of our land. I am deeply grateful to Senator Graham for sharing this mission and for carrying it across the finish line in the Senate,” said Congressman Mast.\n\nRead the bill here. The Medal of Sacrifice Act is supported by the National Police Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), and the Police Officers Defense Coalition.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a leading advocate in the Senate for our police officers. The Senator introduced the PUBLIC SAFETY Act to redirect almost $75 billion in funding to local law enforcement programs to help hire and train 200,000 local cops in communities across the U.S. She has fought for funding for the Byrne JAG grant program, the leading source of criminal justice funding in the country. Her bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide, provide mental health resources to police officers, and support families of retired fallen law enforcement officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-senators-to-dow-invest-in-high-grade-arkansas-lithium", "title": "Cotton, Senators to DoW: Invest in High-Grade Arkansas Lithium", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cotton.senate.gov", "scraper": "cotton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001095", "name": "Tom Cotton", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353\n\nMay 12, 2026\n\nCotton, Senators to DoW: Invest in High-Grade Arkansas Lithium\n\nWashington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Department of War Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) Director David Lorch. The letter requests that domestic lithium production, particularly in the Smackover Formation, be treated as a priority investment. Domestic production from the Smackover Formation in south Arkansas would reduce dependence on foreign-controlled lithium, a change vital to American national security. Classifying domestic lithium production as a priority investment would allow for streamlined, non-standard deal structures to help ensure Department investment strategies adequately fund this crucial need.\n\nIn part, the Senators wrote:\n\n“We write seeking clarity about the Department’s prioritization and support of domestic critical mineral supply chains, particularly lithium resources. Lithium is foundational to the precision munitions and advanced weapons systems that underpin American military superiority. Critical systems and platforms such as Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Patriot Batteries/PAC-3 missiles, Hellfire missiles, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, among many others, rely on lithium-based battery technologies for guidance, power, and reliability.\n\nThe Smackover Formation is a brine-rich geological stratum stretching across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Recent assessments indicate the Formation may represent one of the most significant lithium brine deposits in the Western Hemisphere. Domestic production from this region could materially reduce American dependence on foreign-controlled lithium sources and provide a reliable upstream supply for domestic defense manufacturers.”\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nMay 12, 2026\n\nMr. David Lorch\n\nDirector, Office of Strategic Capital\n\nUnited States Department of War\n\n3030 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, DC, 20301\n\nDear Director Lorch,\n\nWe write seeking clarity about the Department’s prioritization and support of domestic critical mineral supply chains, particularly lithium resources. Lithium is foundational to the precision munitions and advanced weapons systems that underpin American military superiority. Critical systems and platforms such as Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Patriot Batteries/PAC-3 missiles, Hellfire missiles, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, among many others, rely on lithium-based battery technologies for guidance, power, and reliability.\n\nThe Smackover Formation is a brine-rich geological stratum stretching across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Recent assessments indicate the Formation may represent one of the most significant lithium brine deposits in the Western Hemisphere. Domestic production from this region could materially reduce American dependence on foreign-controlled lithium sources and provide a reliable upstream supply for domestic defense manufacturers.\n\nWe know you share our conviction that allowing strategic vulnerabilities in our mineral supply chains is not an option that the United States can afford. We urge the Department to treat Smackover lithium development as a priority investment target worthy of OSC engagement, Title III Defense Production Act authorities, and other available financing mechanisms. We respectfully request answers to the below questions by May 25, 2026.\n\nWhat criteria and process does OSC employ to evaluate and rank critical minerals for prioritized investment or industrial base support? What protections are in place to ensure a long-term strategic commitment that withstands short term shifts?\n\nIs lithium designated as a high-priority material in the Department’s critical minerals framework? If so, how is that prioritization reflected in OSC’s project pipeline? If not, what is the rationale?\n\nWhat is the Department’s coordination process to ensure critical mineral supply chains efforts are synchronized? What mechanisms exist to ensure OSC’s financing activities are aligned with the requirements of the military services and combatant commands?\n\nHas OSC (or other offices within the Department) coordinated with other agencies, to include the Department of Energy, United States Geological Survey, and Department of Commerce, on domestic critical mineral development? If so, how is that coordination structured? How are investment signals and strategic priorities communicated?\n\nWhat legislative provisions or resources would materially enhance OSC's ability to support lithium projects such as those in the Smackover Formation?\n\nThe urgency of this issue demands we move with speed. We are confident that the Department shares this urgency. We look forward to working with you on this issue of critical importance.\n\nSincerely,\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-cramer-holds-airland-subcommittee-hearing-on-air-force-modernization", "title": "Chairman Cramer Holds Airland Subcommittee Hearing on Air Force Modernization", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cramer Emphasizes Importance of ISR, Counter-UAS Capabilities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – The future of U.S. airpower was on full display at today’s Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee hearing, where Chairman U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) led a review of Air Force modernization priorities tied to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Defense Authorization Request and Future Years Defense Program. Lawmakers examined how the Air Force is racing to sharpen its technological edge and strengthen readiness against rapidly evolving global threats.\n\n“I want to start by saying how much I appreciate the work you have all done and the work that went into this budget request,” said Cramer in his opening remarks. “Putting together an Air Force budget in this environment is no small task, even with a pretty good topline number. You’re balancing today’s threats with tomorrow’s challenges, and you’re doing it while the world seems to get more dangerous by the day, hour, and week. From my perspective, I think this is a thoughtful budget that clearly puts an emphasis on modernization. I think that’s the right direction.”\n\n“We can’t deter China, support our allies, and maintain air superiority with aging equipment and good intentions,” continued Cramer. “The investments in next-generation capabilities, advanced munitions, command-and-control, and collaborative combat aircraft show the Air Force understands where the fight is headed. That doesn’t mean Congress shouldn’t ask some tough questions—I expect we will—because that’s our job. […] At the end of the day, the Air Force is being asked to do a lot with pressure coming from every direction. This subcommittee understands that.”\n\n***Click herefor video. Click herefor audio.***\n\nCramer warned about reductions in the MQ-9 fleet, saying current numbers are falling well below levels needed to meet operational requirements. The issue is especially significant for the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” whose MQ-9 Reapers continue supporting global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike missions. The aircraft have played a key role in counterterrorism operations, maritime surveillance, force protection, and regional deterrence, although recent operations have also highlighted vulnerabilities against advanced air defenses and electronic warfare capabilities.\n\nCramer asked Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs Lt. Gen. David Tabor and Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi how the service plans to sustain and eventually replace the MQ-9 fleet without creating capability gaps for the warfighter.\n\nLt. Gen. Tabor said the Air Force is monitoring the MQ-9 “very, very closely.” He said Operation Epic Fury has demonstrated the value of the MQ-9 and its impact has been “remarkable.”\n\n“We’re still able to fulfill our contract of 56 combat lines worldwide,” said Lt. Gen. Tabor. “With that said, we are concerned about how they’ve attrited and we’re looking at options to buy back as many of the MQ-9As as we possibly can right now.” He said this is a short-term goal that’s transitioning to a longer-term goal.\n\nMaj. Gen. Niemi said the MQ-9 is serving the nation well in the conflict in the Middle East but noted the advantages of modular packages to reducing costs.\n\n***Click here for media resources.***\n\nCramer raised concerns about the Air Force’s future airborne ISR posture as legacy surveillance platforms face retirement without a clearly defined replacement strategy. The RQ-4 Global Hawk fleet based at Grand Forks Air Force Base has played a major role in recent ISR operations, including Operation Epic Fury, but the Air Force plans to retire its remaining RQ-4 aircraft by the end of FY 2027.\n\nCramer asked Lt. Gen. Tabor about plans for the RQ-4 and its replacement capability to avoid any gaps.\n\n“It is our eventual plan to retire those,” said Lt. Gen. Tabor. He said the Air Force has worked hard over the last eight months to articulate a road map showing where it can make trade-offs from some of the “older, less productive systems into some of the new systems that we’re looking at, as well as some of the space-based capabilities.”\n\nCramer also asked Lt. Gen. Tabor how space assets have performed in modern conflicts. He responded by noting space has been “impressive” and there are more military successes due to space than generally known.\n\nBecause a layered defense begins at the closest level by protecting U.S. bases with counter small-UAS systems, Cramer asked whether Air Force bases across the United States are protected with the tools and authorities in the Air Force’s arsenal against such attacks. Lt. Gen. Tabor said they are “bullish” on the promise of Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401 and are actively looking into incorporating those capabilities. Maj. Gen. Niemi agreed the Air Force recognizes the need to bolster capabilities to protect assets against drone threats from adversaries.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/fireside-chat-keynote-highlights-the-interdependence-between-defense-communities-and-the-missions-they-support", "title": "Fireside Chat Keynote Highlights the Interdependence Between Defense Communities and the Missions They Support", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Click herefor media resources.***\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) sat down with Grand Forks County Administrator Tom Ford for his keynote address to the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), highlighting how policy changes, modernization and oversight are improving our military capabilities and the communities around them. In the detailed discussion, Cramer talked about how Congress, the U.S. military, educational institutions, and defense industry partners are aligning policy, technology, and on-the-ground power to counter the growing capabilities of our adversaries.\n\n“I want to know if they're willing to move faster than the speed of the bureaucracy, at least as fast as our adversaries,” said Cramer. “But more importantly, I want them to know I will never be the senator on the rostrum who says, ‘Gotcha,’ the first time you make a mistake or the first time something you tried doesn’t work. But I will hold you extra accountable if you fail to try.”\n\nThe two discussed how creating a shared ecosystem of excellence around military bases, like leaders have done in Grand Forks, provides an example of how to leverage civilian infrastructure to achieve U.S. Department of War (DOW) objectives and build strong, lasting communities which become indispensable partners in America’s national defense mission.\n\nCramer continued, “Everybody's got to be pulling in the same direction. And it's not just having power—persuasion comes from good behavior and good acting. That’s where communities are just as important—if not more important—than leadership. Leadership can open the doors, but the performers are the communities… it's everybody pulling in the same direction.”\n\nIn North Dakota, the Grand Forks region has built a world-class ecosystem around Grand Forks Air Force Base, the University of North Dakota, and Grand Sky, bringing together local leaders, private industry, research institutions, and the DOW to accelerate innovation in aerospace, unmanned systems, hypersonic testing, and satellite technology. This framework demonstrates how communities surrounding military infrastructure can create opportunities to leverage their own unique attributes. This crucial interface between the nation’s military might and its volunteer manpower is a competitive advantage U.S. adversaries cannot match. Cramer has encouraged communities and base leadership to build strong relationships as a component of long-term economic growth in the community, but also as an incubator for innovative private sector ideas which make their way into the defense industry.\n\nThe ADC is made up of nearly 300 communities, states, regions, and organizations and acts as a connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military, and industry on community-military issues by enhancing knowledge, information sharing, and best practices. They annually recognize great defense communities like Minot, which was a 2025 awardee. North Dakota is also well represented by having Tom Ford as the ADC’s President.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/12/daines-sheehy-downing-introduce-bill-to-provide-clean-water-to-eastern-montana-authorize-construction-of-dry-redwater-rural-water-system/", "title": "Daines, Sheehy, Downing Introduce Bill to Provide Clean Water to Eastern Montana, Authorize Construction of Dry-Redwater Rural Water System", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy today introduced a bill to authorize construction of the Dry-Redwater rural water system, which will help provide clean and reliable water to eastern Montana. Representative Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“Montanans shouldn’t have to use dirty water for drinking, eating, cleaning, or other basic necessities. The Dry-Redwater rural water system is a critical project that must be completed as soon as possible, and I’ll work with Senator Sheehy and our colleagues to get this bill across the finish line,” said Daines.\n\n“The construction of the Dry-Redwater Rural Water System will be a gamechanger for Eastern Montana, ensuring reliable access to clean water for our rural communities. I’m proud to lead this legislation in the Senate with Senator Daines and will fight alongside our whole delegation to ensure this project gets completed as quickly as possible,” said Sheehy.\n\n“Access to clean and reliable water is essential for Montana families, ranchers, farmers, and rural communities. Eastern Montana has dealt with poor water quality for far too long, and this project would deliver the long-term infrastructure needed to support our communities across the region. I’m proud to support this effort to expand access to safe water, strengthen rural development, and invest in the future of eastern Montana,” said Downing.\n\nRead the bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Dry-Redwater rural water system would impact Dawson, Garfield McCone, Prairie, and Richland counties- all areas which have historically had very poor water quality. The system will include a water treatment plan, over 1,300 miles of pipeline, 116 miles of electrical lines, twelve pump stations, and six storage tanks.\n\nStatements of Support:\n\n“Senator Steve Daines has been a determined champion of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water System since his first days in Congress in 2013 and the Montana Congressional delegation deserves tremendous credit for advancing legislation to federally authorize the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority and deliver a long-overdue regional water system to Eastern Montana. This effort will provide clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to communities that have waited far too long for this kind of investment.” – Mike Trotter, Chairman, Board of Directors, Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority\n\nRead a letter of support from Ben Rugby, Executive Director of Montana Rural Water Systems HERE. Read a letter of support from Joni Sherman, General Manager of Dry Prairie Rural Water HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-secures-commitment-from-army-secretary-on-more-communication-less-confusion-for-rock-island-arsenal-staff", "title": "Duckworth Secures Commitment from Army Secretary on More Communication, Less Confusion for Rock Island Arsenal Staff", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today secured a commitment from U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll for more advance warning and communication going forward for any additional workforce changes at Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) in her home state of Illinois. During today’s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Duckworth highlighted the chaos and confusion experienced earlier this year when as many as 155 RIA employees were originally identified as “surplus,” with some told they were mistakenly identified and others offered reassignments out of the area as part of Army-wide personnel action, with only two to five days to make this life-altering decision. Driscoll today admitted this timeline in hindsight was “not sufficient.” Video from today’s hearing is available on the Senator’s YouTube.\n\n“I was very concerned to hear in March that the Army was suddenly reassigning employees who manage our munitions and sustainment—in the middle of a war,” Duckworth said. “Over the past two months, I’ve heard from constituents who, instead of focusing on their missions, were thrust into personal turmoil by the Army through a hasty personnel campaign. … Some of these so-called ‘surplus’ employees were given two to five days to accept a job out of state and uproot their families or face termination from civil service. Two to five days to make a life-altering career decision. I don’t think this is how we should be treating our patriotic career civilians.”\n\nDuckworth has been a strong advocate in pushing to protect the workforce at Rock Island Arsenal. Last month, Duckworth led U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) in a letter demanding answers from Driscoll on these workforce assignments. Duckworth and the Members have continued to push for answers from the Army and called for briefings on any command and personnel changes at Rock Island Arsenal. Last year, the Members also introduced the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act to incentivize private industry to partner with arsenals by giving preference to public-private partnerships in Army contracting, helping the RIA to maintain existing union jobs, attract new projects and workers and keep costs down.\n\nIn the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, Duckworth secured a key provision to restrict the Secretary of the Army from using any funds allocated for restructuring until the Army provides more information about their proposed plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command, helping ensure operations at Rock Island Arsenal are not affected unnecessarily.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-gas-prices-rise-durbin-presses-defense-secretary-hegseth-chair-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff-general-caine-about-the-rationale-for-the-iran-war", "title": "As Gas Prices Rise, Durbin Presses Defense Secretary Hegseth, Chair Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff General Caine About The Rationale For The Iran War", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In today’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Durbin also urged the DoD to obligate bipartisan appropriated FY26 funds for Ukraine and the Baltics\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Request for the Department of Defense (DoD) where he questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. Durbin first brought up international security cooperation. Durbin urged Secretary Hegseth and General Caine to obligate the stalled $400 million in security assistance funding in the FY 2026 defense appropriations bill for Ukraine. Durbin also inquired about the $200 million appropriated by Congress in FY 2026 for the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), a program he first created in 2021 and that was codified in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n“I would like to ask… about the $200 million in that same appropriation bill (FY26) designated for the Baltic Security Initiative. Has that money been released?” Durbin asked.\n\nSecretary Hegseth responded that if “it has not been, it should be.” Jules Hurst, performing the duties of the Undersecretary of Defense/Comptroller, responded that the Department is making sure “we have sufficient funds in the account.”\n\nDurbin followed up by stating that he will work with DoD to ensure those funds go toward the BSI, amid reports that the Trump Administration continues to delay security cooperation support to our allies.\n\nDurbin then asked about the President’s war of choice in Iran. The war has cost nearly $29 billion, with 14 U.S. military personnel tragically killed, and a tenuous ceasefire in place.\n\n“General Caine, the President has claimed on several occasions over the past couple months that this war is over—has this conflict [with Iran] concluded? What were the goals of the U.S. conflict in Iran and have we achieved them?” Durbin asked.\n\nGeneral Caine reiterated that the goal is to target Iran’s ballistic missile system. He also deferred to the President and Secretary Hegseth on “strategic” objectives.\n\n“Do you feel the situation in the Strait of Hormuz indicates a victory on our side?” Durbin asked.\n\nIn his response, General Caine dodged the Senator’s question.\n\nDurbin then asked about the rising costs of gasoline and the financial strain Americans are under because of this war.\n\n“Can you explain to the American people who are facing these gasoline and diesel oil prices what is going on… as the Strait of Hormuz is at a standstill with 1,500 tankers waiting for permission or a peaceful circumstance to navigate?” Durbin asked.\n\nGeneral Caine responded, “it’s a case where Iran is choosing to hold the world’s economy hostage.”\n\n“Can you explain to the American people why with the vast investment we have made in the national defense and military [defense], how Iran, after they were attacked by us, is still capable of stopping the traffic in the Strait of Hormuz?” Durbin asked.\n\nGeneral Caine responded that is a “complex situation out there.” And he again stated that Iran is “holding the global economy hostage through the Strait.” He continued to say that Iran has the choice to open the Straits.\n\n“They certainly do [have that choice]. I guess the question in my mind is—as we talk about a trillion dollar plus budget for our military, it appears that a very small budget is holding us hostage in the Strait of Hormuz,” Durbin concluded.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-delivers-opening-statement-during-spotlight-forum-on-protecting-dreamers-trump-threats-to-daca-renewed-urgency-to-pass-the-dream-act", "title": "Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Spotlight Forum On Protecting Dreamers, Trump Threats To DACA, Renewed Urgency To Pass The Dream Act", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Witnesses include a wrongfully deported DACA recipient, a wife whose husband is currently wrongfully detained, a police chief, and business and immigration advocates\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of the Dream Act, today delivered an opening statement at a spotlight forum he is hosting on the need to protect Dreamers, threats to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and the urgency to pass the bipartisan Dream Act.\n\nBeginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Over the years, Durbin has told the stories of 150 Dreamers on the Senate floor. At the urging of Durbin and the late Senator Lugar (R-IN), President Obama established DACA in 2012 to allow these young people to gain temporary status.\n\nKey Quotes:\n\n“When DACA went into effect in August 2012, I was at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Congressman Luis Gutierrez was with me. We expected several hundreds of people. We hoped to have enough volunteer attorneys to take care of them. It turned out, more than 10,000 showed up… Many of these parents waited hours to get their kids registered for DACA. They would come up to me and say, ‘Durbin, we’re disclosing all our information about our family to the government. Will they use it against us?’ And I said, ‘no, you follow the law, you follow the executive order, and we’ll be able to help you.’ I had no way to imagine what we would face today for those who trusted the government when they signed up.”\n\n“We were shocked when thousands of young people showed up [at Navy Pier]. In the end, 830,000 young people became DACA protected. In 2022 alone, DACA recipients contributed nearly $2.1 billion to Social Security and Medicare, working as doctors, teachers, police officers, and more.”\n\n“Unfortunately, the [Trump] Administration has launched an assault on DACA. President Trump tried but failed to end the program in his first term, with the courts ultimately blocking that effort. [In his second term], he has tried again.”\n\n“My office has heard from constituents who are filing renewals up to 150 days in advance, as recommended by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and still losing their protections due to delayed adjudication. As a result, the number of people with active DACA status has dropped by 32,000. Additionally, USCIS is applying so-called ‘processing holds’ on applications from DACA recipients from 39 countries which the President said we will accept no one from. And there is no timeline for when processing will resume.”\n\n“And, just a few weeks ago, the Board of Immigration Appeals… which has been politicized by the Trump Administration, issued a controversial decision holding that DACA status will no longer necessarily protect [Dreamers] from deportation. According to data from the Administration itself, [DHS] arrested 261 DACA recipients in 2025, and 86 have been removed from the country.”\n\n“Let’s be clear—the cruelty is the issue here. These are people who have lived in the U.S. for years, graduated alongside our kids, married and had their own U.S. citizen children, and are contributing to our communities.”\n\n“I have spent more than 20 years fighting for Dreamers, and I will spend the rest of my time in the Senate continuing that fight.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.\n\nThe first Trump Administration’s attempts to end the DACA program were deeply unpopular and ultimately blocked in the courts. With an injunction preventing formally ending the program, the second Trump Administration has opted for a collateral attack to strip DACA holders of their protections.\n\nBetween January 1 and November 19, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported 261 arrests of DACA holders and 86 deportations, and recent reports show a continuation of these enforcement actions. Processing time delays for DACA renewal applications have skyrocketed, leaving these Dreamers without work authorization or protections from detention and deportation. Despite a court-ordered stay keeping DACA in place for current DACA holders, processing bans on applications from 39 countries have been applied to DACA, leaving hundreds of DACA holders in limbo.\n\nA recent Board of Immigration Appeals decision has paved the way for current DACA holders to be issued removal orders, increasing their likelihood of detention and deportation even with valid DACA authorization. The impacts are even worse for Dreamers who cannot obtain protections pursuant to DACA.\n\nThis spotlight forum provides the opportunity to discuss the contributions of DACA holders in our communities; the impacts of these attacks on Dreamers, families, and employers; and the importance of a path to citizenship to provide Dreamers with stability and a chance to stay in the United States, the only home they have ever known.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reintroduces-legislation-to-ensure-stable-robust-funding-for-biomedical-research-deliver-hope-for-patients", "title": "Durbin Reintroduces Legislation To Ensure Stable, Robust Funding For Biomedical Research, Deliver Hope For Patients", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The American Cures Act would offer consistent, guaranteed funding to research institutions that helped defeat polio, map the human genome, improve cancer treatment, and more\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today reintroduced the American Cures Act, legislation that restores the United States’ commitment to breakthrough scientific and biomedical research. The American Cures Act would create mandatory funds to provide steady, predictable funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies, allowing the U.S. to remain a leader in development and discovery for decades to come.\n\nThe American Cures Act would overcome the uncertainty of the annual discretionary appropriations process—in which critical investments for biomedical and scientific research risk being crowded out by other spending—and instead set a steady growth rate in mandatory federal spending for biomedical research conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Each year, the bill would increase medical research funding for these agencies at a rate of medical inflation plus five percent.\n\nOver the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $49 billion today. The American Cures Act would codify this push ahead of Durbin’s retirement at the end of this term.\n\n“Every family, mine included, has experienced a serious health condition or disease. When you or a loved one receives that devastating diagnosis, there is only one question on your mind: ‘Is there a cure or a treatment?’ Often, the answer is yes. America’s world-class medical researchers and institutions have pushed the boundaries of science and achieved so many important and life-saving breakthroughs,” Durbin said. “But today, we have an Administration that is hellbent on dismantling our nation’s medical research infrastructure, making this legislation more important than ever. American leadership comes with the responsibility to move forward—to never be satisfied while there are those suffering from sickness and to push the boundaries of what is possible. My American Cures Act would give families facing terrible illnesses today the hope of treatment and cures tomorrow.”\n\nThe reliable, long-term investment that the American Cures Act would provide would allow the agencies to plan and manage strategic growth while maximizing efficiencies and providing certainty to young researchers that there will be opportunities to pursue federally funded research. It also would make additional funding available within the relevant annual appropriations bills—paving the way for other important health, education, labor, veterans’, and defense programs to benefit.\n\nLast year, President Trump’s budget sought to cut NIH’s budget by 40 percent, or an $18 billion reduction. Thankfully, Congress rejected that proposal on a bipartisan basis and instead increased funding for NIH. This year, the President offered a budget that seeks to cut $6 billion from NIH, or 12%, and $3 billion from CDC programs.\n\nU.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) are cosponsors of the legislation.\n\nThe American Cures Act is endorsed by: American Association for Cancer Research; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Research!America; Defense Health Research Consortium; American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; UsAgainstAlzheimer’s; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; University of Illinois System; CURE Epilepsy; National Fragile X Foundation; PKD Foundation; Fight Colorectal Cancer; ZERO Prostate Cancer; KidneyCAN; LUNGevity Foundation; Hope for Stomach Cancer; TSC Alliance; National Ataxia Foundation; and Solve M.E.\n\n“The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) sincerely appreciates Senator Durbin’s long-standing commitment and leadership in championing sustained and robust annual funding increases for the lifesaving medical research that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports,” said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), Chief Executive Officer, AACR. “Therefore, AACR remains a proud supporter of Senator Durbin’s American Cures Act, which would provide 5% real growth (medical inflation + 5%) to medical research conducted at NIH and other important federal agencies.”\n\n“Finding cures for Americans requires hard work every year,” said Research!America President and CEO Russ Paulsen. “The American Cures Act provides solid, secure funding for this hard work, without funding rollercoasters. It’s the smart way to ensure progress.”\n\nA copy of the bill text is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-the-resignation-of-fda-commissioner-marty-makary", "title": "Durbin Statement On The Resignation Of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement regarding the resignation of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary:\n\n“I voted for Dr. Makary to head the FDA based upon his commitment to say ‘no’ if President Trump asked him to do something that would harm America. Dr. Makary kept his word. He resisted Trump’s plan to expose millions of children to the dangers of vaping.\n\n“I hope Dr. Makary will inspire others within the Trump Administration to grow a spine and put the families of America ahead of blind loyalty to this President.”\n\nDurbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14 years old. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to bans on smoking in restaurants, office buildings, trains, and other locations. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools.\n\nDuring last month’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products, especially those targeting children.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=128B0105-DD8F-4E26-81D9-46C82FD08E18", "title": "Fischer, NE Delegation Urge Major Disaster Declaration for Wildfires in Letter to Trump", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Donald Trump supporting Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration following wildfires across the state.\n\nRead the letter below:\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed wildfires that have broken out and forced evacuations, for the Nebraska counties of Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morrill Counties over periods during March and April of 2026.\n\nThe Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby, and Minor Fires collectively burned over 800,000 acres across Nebraska, with the Morrill Fire alone burning over 640,000 acres, a Nebraska record. Extreme drought combined with high winds and low humidity led to unpredictable behavior and mass destruction.\n\nWe know our Nebraskan communities will prove their resilience as they continue to recover from this hardship, as they have exhibited many times in previous years. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in their ongoing efforts to contain these wildfires and provide assistance where it is needed.\n\nWe stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.\n\nView a copy of the transmitted letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ECC7FF14-226D-46FD-BCA1-9CBC8F5D5C21", "title": "At Politico’s Security Summit, Fischer Highlights Strategic Forces Priorities", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Also discusses China visit, Iran, defense funding\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, discussed her recent official visit to China, nuclear modernization, the expiration of the New START Treaty with Russia, sustained funding for Golden Dome, President Trump’s record $1.5 trillion defense budget request, and U.S.-Iran tensions.\n\nWatch the full interview here or by clicking the image above.\n\nOn her recent trip to China:\n\nFischer: “Senator Daines did lead a bipartisan Senate delegation to China — we just got back Friday evening, and I think it was quite successful. China is a nation that cannot be ignored. They are a peer nuclear adversary. We now have two peer adversaries — Russia and China. To be able to carry on conversations on any number of topics with high Chinese officials was beneficial for both sides, and we stressed the importance of maintaining those relationships.\n\n“We talked about trade — all members of the delegation were extremely interested in reciprocal trade, whether in agriculture products or Boeing airplanes. … We had frank conversations about fentanyl precursors, Iran, supply chains, and more. It wasn't planned to coincide with President Trump's trip to China, but I think that raised the level of interest in having the fourth Congressional CODEL to China since COVID.”\n\nOn the New START Treaty’s expiration:\n\nFischer: “China has not been party to past arms control agreements, and I think it's extremely important to bring them into any future discussions. We've learned from Russia that they don't honor treaties — they ignore them. But having a treaty with open, verifiable discussions with both nations is essential.\n\n“Second is continuing to modernize our nuclear triad — not only the platforms, but the weapons for those platforms. Sentinel has had some challenges. We now have the program manager, General White, with a direct line to the Secretary, which has been helpful. There's one throat to choke, and that's General White. He's the right person for the job.\n\n“On bombers, we've heard from multiple combatant commanders — STRATCOM, INDOPACOM — that we need to raise the number of B-21s in the modernization schedule. When all of this was set up in 2010, the geopolitical atmosphere was very different. They've said publiclywe need 200 bombers, accounting for maintenance cycles and the combined demands of STRATCOM and INDOPACOM. We also need to accelerate the Columbia-class submarine program.\n\n“Beyond that, there's the [National Nuclear Security Administration]. I'm very passionate about that — we'll actually have a hearing tomorrow on energy with the Secretary, and I'll be focused on ensuring NNSA has the resources it needs.”\n\nOn defense funding:\n\nFischer: “Providing for the common defense is the core duty and priority of Congress. When we look at what's proposed, I'll note that under the Biden administration, the Armed Services Committee consistently increased what was submitted — we raised it in our deliberations and in the NDAA.\n\n“I applaud President Trump for going in with his eyes wide open, understanding the threats we face. And to meet those threats, $1.5 trillion is needed. We need to approach this with our eyes open as well.”\n\nOn continued support for Golden Dome:\n\nFischer: “First, we have to sustain the funding throughout — the $24 billion already in place covers radars, sensors, and interceptors. This is going to require sustained investment.\n\n“Senator King, the ranking member on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, and I meet regularly with General Guetlein — often every other week — and I think he's done a good job explaining the purpose of Golden Dome and the layered defense approach. …\n\n“I do want to be careful about discussing specifics publicly — and I recognize that may sound like a cop-out, but our adversaries are watching this program very carefully. That said, I am comfortable with what is being proposed and the thought that has gone into it.”\n\nOn Iran:\n\nFischer: “People are worried about price increases. I hear from ag producers about fertilizer costs, and from consumers about gas prices. But I also believe people have a deep understanding of the threat this country faces. If Iran becomes a nuclear nation capable of reaching the United States — and they have significantly advanced their ballistic missile capabilities; we saw that with their strikes on Diego Garcia, and they can now reach London — it's not a large step to reaching the U.S. People understand that. The message I give to Nebraskans and all Americans is: we cannot have a nuclear Iran.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-push-secretary-hegseth-to-restore-collective-bargaining-rights-to-300000-department-of-defense-employees/", "title": "Gillibrand, Schumer Push Secretary Hegseth To Restore Collective Bargaining Rights To 300,000 Department Of Defense Employees", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Yesterday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, along with Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Congressmen Paul Tonko (D-NY) and John Mannion (D-NY), criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unilateral termination of collective bargaining rights for 300,000 Department of Defense (DoD) employees. These include more than 1,400 civilian defense workers at Fort Drum and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Rome, New York in addition to nearly 800 civilian employees at Watervliet Arsenal in New York’s Capital Region.\n\nThe termination, which took place on April 9, impacted employees who have “dedicated decades of service to the American people, including by previously serving in the military—support the readiness of our armed forces, manage essential financial operations, and sustain mission critical Department of Defense infrastructure and support elements.”\n\nIn the letter, the members emphasized, “Stripping these employees of their collective bargaining rights undermines not only their workplace protections, but also the stability, morale, and effectiveness of the civilian workforce that our military depends on so our servicemembers—especially those who are forward deployed—can focus on their warfighting missions.”\n\nThe civilian-led operations at Fort Drum, DFAS Rome, and Watervliet Arsenal are vital pillars of national security. Their work is essential to ensuring the military remains combat-ready and capable of responding to global threats at a moment’s notice. Fort Drum has the largest in-house Directorate of Public Works (DPW) in the U.S. Army, consisting of more than 300 civilian employees, and Watervliet Arsenal is the oldest continuously active arsenal in the United States, run almost entirely by its civilian workforce for the last 212 years.\n\nThe members continued the letter by underscoring the urgency of collective bargaining rights restoration, writing, “When workplace protections are stripped away, it creates uncertainty, lowers morale, and increases the risk of workforce attrition in highly specialized roles that cannot be easily or quickly replaced.” For example, they wrote, “Breakdowns in reimbursement systems could hinder troop mobility, slowing deployments and reassignments at a time when agility and precision are essential.” Weakening the Department of Defense’s civilian workforce doesn’t just impact personnel; it actively erodes the combat readiness of the entire military.\n\nThe members continued their letter by writing that eliminating collective bargaining rights amid existing staffing shortages creates a dangerous cycle of instability. In today’s hyper-competitive labor market, these actions will inevitably drive away seasoned professionals and cripple recruitment efforts. This is a national security risk that threatens to hollow out the readiness of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum and the entire U.S. military.\n\nThe members closed the letter by underscoring, “National security and labor rights are not mutually exclusive. A strong and secure nation depends on a federal workforce that has robust job protections and is treated with the respect it has earned.”\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-trump-causing-consumer-prices-to-hit-three-year-high/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Trump Causing Consumer Prices To Hit Three-Year High", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) issued the following statement after a new consumer price report found that prices have surged to their highest level in three years, driven by Donald Trump’s war in Iran and his administration’s cost-increasing policies:\n\n“At the gas pump, in the grocery store, and across everyday life – Donald Trump’s reckless agenda continues to drive up costs for working families. Republicans have rubber-stamped his policies that have made it more difficult to afford the essentials Americans need to get by.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-5-12-26", "title": "Capitol Hill Report, 5-12-26", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Audio from this morning’s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: cancer in Iowa, term limits, the federal gas tax, the Iowa gubernatorial race, Iran and fuel and fertilizer prices.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-presses-for-answers-on-high-fertilizer-prices-calls-for-increased-transparency-to-drive-down-costs", "title": "Grassley Presses for Answers on High Fertilizer Prices, Calls for Increased Transparency to Drive Down Costs", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, pressed for answers on the high cost of fertilizer at a committee hearing today.\n\nGrassley repeated his call for the Trump administration to remove the Biden Phosphate Duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco that are driving up costs for family farmers. Grassley spoke about the need to increase transparency on the market factors driving the high cost of fertilizer, including through his Fertilizer Research Act. In his response to Grassley’s question, South Dakota Corn Growers President Trent Kubik endorsed Grassley’s Fertilizer Research Act.\n\nGrassley is working hard to bring down input costs for Iowans. He is a cosponsor of Sen. Roger Marshall’s (R-Kan.) package of legislation aimed at bringing down fertilizer costs. In March, Grassley joined Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to introduce the Fertilizer Transparency Act to help producers access timely and accurate information on prices for fertilizer and fertilizer products. Last fall, he held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on competition in the fertilizer industry.\n\nVideo and a transcript of Grassley’s questions are below.\n\nVIDEO\n\nOn the need to remove the Biden Phosphate Duties:\n\nIn 2021, countervailing duties were first applied to Moroccan phosphate. A study published at Texas A&M in January found that farmers paid nearly $7 billion in additional costs between the ‘21-‘25 growing seasons because of countervailing duties.\n\nOne company, Mosaic, has 80% of the market in the United States, yet they feel like they need protection [through] 18% tariffs on Moroccan phosphate coming into this country. Trump has tried to help with dollars from the U.S. Treasury. But, what I hear, even last week in 12 different counties in Iowa that I toured, farmers want to get their money from the marketplace, not from the U.S. Treasury. So, I think this administration ought to get rid of that 18% tariff on Moroccan phosphate, lowering production costs. [It] would be as much help as increasing [payments] farmers are getting from the federal treasury.\n\nOn the need for more transparency in the face of increased fertilizer market consolidation:\n\nFor many years now, farmers have felt that, when commodity prices increase, input prices are bound to increase with them. Since 2020, even as the price of corn has decreased, fertilizer prices have remained elevated. We know the talking points of the fertilizer industry. The cause would be the Ukraine [war], Chinese export controls on fertilizer, all contributing to the prices farmers are facing, and increased prices those are. However, farmers have also been seeing increased consolidation of the fertilizer industry. So, farmers want to know exactly why they’re paying the price that they have for fertilizers, and I think we need more transparency on that. So, for you, Mr. Kubik, as a consumer of fertilizer, how much insight do you have into the price of the fertilizer you use?\n\n…\n\nMy second question I think you just addressed. But, [would] more transparency and knowledge and data on fertilizer prices would be very beneficial to you?\n\nOn the need for additional reporting by USDA:\n\nIs there a reason that the fertilizer industry may not want a study to be published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture?\n\nOn providing farmers with more data:\n\nMr. Rosenbusch, does The Fertilizer Institute support a report that provides insights to farmers on why they have paid certain prices for fertilizers, including factors such as market concentration?", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-iowas-selection-as-vylor-headquarters", "title": "Grassley Welcomes Iowa’s Selection as Vylor Headquarters", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement applauding the selection of Johnston, Iowa, as the global headquarters for Vylor, Corteva’s seed spinoff company.\n\n“Since the day we learned of Corteva’s plans to spin off its seed unit, the Iowa delegation knew there was no better location for its headquarters than Johnston, Iowa. One hundred years ago, Pioneer, Corteva’s flagship seed brand, was founded by Henry A. Wallace in the ‘Tall Corn State.’ It’s only fitting that Vylor will call Iowa home. With deep roots in our soil, I know the innovators and farmers of Iowa will continue to yield fields of opportunities for centuries to come,” Grassley said.\n\nBackground:\n\nCorteva announced plans to spin off its seed business on October 1, 2025. That same day, Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds wrote to Corteva Agriscience’s CEO Chuck Magro urging Corteva to headquarter its new seed company in Johnston, Iowa.\n\nIn January, Grassley spoke to Magro by phone encouraging investment in Johnston.\n\nPresently, Corteva has 3,000 jobs in Iowa, including senior leadership, nine research and development locations, ample test plots and access to the best growers in the world. Iowa is the number one commercial state for Corteva with $1.3 billion in sales.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-statement-on-resignation-of-fda-commissioner-makary/", "title": "Hawley Statement on Resignation of FDA Commissioner Makary", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statement on the resignation of Marty Makary as FDA Commissioner.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/caroline-dias-goncalves-wins-key-legal-victory-against-ice/", "title": "Caroline Dias Goncalves Wins Key Legal Victory Against ICE", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "20-year-old Goncalves was wrongfully detained by ICE after a traffic stop in Colorado\n\nHickenlooper hosted Goncalves as his guest for the State of the Union to highlight her case\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper welcomed the District Court decision to rebuke ICE’s lawlessness and side with Caroline Dias Goncalves and the three other plaintiffs. Judge R. Brooke Jackson ruled that ICE has violated the injunction preventing ICE from making warrantless arrests without determining if someone is a flight risk or living in the country undocumented.\n\n“Almost one ago, 20-year-old Dreamer Caroline Dias Goncalves was wrongfully detained by ICE after a traffic stop in Colorado,” said Hickenlooper. “Today, she helped secure a major legal victory requiring ICE to retrain agents and curb unlawful arrests in Colorado. Caroline’s courage helped hold ICE accountable. But it’s not her responsibility. Republicans need to join Democrats in reining in ICE’s lawlessness. Then we can finally begin to fix our broken immigration system.”\n\nDias Goncalves is a 20-year-old Dreamer who was detained by ICE in Colorado last year and a student at the University of Utah. Last June, Dias Goncalves was pulled over during a traffic stop in Colorado, where she was arrested by ICE and detained in the Aurora ICE detention facility for 15 days. Dias Goncalves is a Dreamer and raised in the U.S. since she was seven years old. Hickenlooper, his office, and organizations like TheDream.US were involved in demanding answers from ICE about Dias Goncalves’ arrest and ensuring that Dias Goncalves was released. Hickenlooper invited Goncalves to be his State of the Union Guest to highlight the cruelty of the President’s immigration crackdown.\n\nWatch the video they filmed together on Hickenlooper’s Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Bluesky, and TikTok accounts.\n\nHickenlooper has been outspoken in the face of ICE’s lawlessness and has voted against funding for ICE. He’s demanded a top-to-bottom overhaul of the agency to stop ICE from terrorizing our communities.\n\nHe has consistently pushed for more oversight and transparency for federal immigration enforcement efforts, and has worked to help families desperately searching for loved ones arrested by ICE.\n\nHickenlooper has spoken on the Senate floor to denounce the horrifying killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, condemn the reports that families in Eagle County found “Death cards” left in the cars of family members taken by ICE agents, and to demand the overhaul of ICE.\n\nHe’s shown up at ICE facilities to conduct congressional oversight visits and raise concerns about ICE disregarding due process. He helped launch an investigation into ICE’s unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight and introduced bills to ban ICE from wearing masks, prevent immigration enforcement from targeting schools, hospitals, polling locations, and places of worship, and cut back the excessive funding that MAGA Republicans gave them.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-bennet-welcome-release-of-47-million-in-federal-funding-for-four-colorado-projects-to-address-colorado-river-crisis/", "title": "Hickenlooper, Bennet Welcome Release of $47 Million in Federal Funding for Four Colorado Projects to Address Colorado River Crisis", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Follows a year and a half delay for Colorado’s “Bucket 2” water projects\n\nUnfrozen funding comes after Hickenlooper highlighted the pressing need for these projects in a Senate ENR Hearing with Secretary Burgum\n\nSenators continue pushing to release additional $92M in funding for remaining Colorado projects\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) announcement of $47 million in federal funding for four projects in Colorado to combat the Colorado River crisis. Earlier this month, Hickenlooper urged Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee to release funding for Colorado’s water projects, which provide resilience for the entire Colorado River system.\n\n“This year’s extremely poor snowpack has made the Colorado River crisis even more dire. We don’t have time to stall and hope for a wet summer,” said Hickenlooper. “We’re relieved that this funding from our historic Inflation Reduction Act will continue to flow to help our communities manage the drought impacts on the Upper Basin. We won’t let up until all of the obligated funding is released.”\n\n“Colorado communities, Tribal leaders, water users, and local advocates fought for years to secure these funds and keep critical projects moving forward,” said Bennet. “The funding released will support the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project, drought-resilient infrastructure across the Southwest, and endangered species recovery efforts, which are all essential to Colorado’s future. While this is an important step forward, the Administration must still release the full funding Congress approved, including for Shoshone. I’ll keep pushing to make sure Colorado gets the certainty and resources we were promised.”\n\nThe federal funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, which included $4 billion to mitigate the impacts of drought, including activities to support environmental benefits and promote ecosystem and habitat restoration.\n\nLast August, the senators and Representatives Jeff Hurd, Jeff Crank, Joe Neguse, Gabe Evans, Brittany Pettersen, Lauren Boebert, Diana DeGette, and Jason Crow called on top officials at the Department of the Interior (DOI) and USBR to release $140 million in previously awarded federal funding for 15 Colorado projects to help fight the Colorado River crisis.\n\nSix of the 17 projects have now been awarded a total of more than $59 million. The Shoshone Permanency Project and 10 other drought projects remain unfunded. The senators are continuing to push USBR to release the additional $92 million.\n\nThe four projects will receive $47 million in funding from the USBR’s Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program, referred to as “Bucket 2E.”\n\nHickenlooper and Bennet fought for $8 billion for western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nDetails on the projects receiving B2E funding are below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-slams-trumps-rollback-of-public-lands-rule/", "title": "Hickenlooper Slams Trump’s Rollback of Public Lands Rule", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Hickenlooper: “This rollback is a blatant attack against the long-term health of our public lands.”\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement criticizing the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule, which made conservation an equal priority with other uses – like mining and grazing – on public lands.\n\n“This rollback is a blatant attack against the long-term health of our public lands. It is a slap in the face of participatory democracy!\n\n“The West is drying up before us, and the Trump administration wants to undo these protections anyway.\n\n“They tried to sell off public lands last year, and now they’re back, stripping protections and betting we won’t push back.\n\n“They’re wrong. Out West, stewardship is a way of life. We’ll fight tooth and nail to protect it.”\n\nSpecifically, the Public Lands Rule provides the BLM with modern, science-based tools needed to protect the more than 245 million acres of public lands, including 8.3 million acres in Colorado, that the agency manages. The rule helps BLM restore degraded landscapes, conserve intact habitats, plan for responsible development, and protect cultural and natural resources.\n\nWhen the Trump administration first announced plans in 2025 to rescind the rule, Hickenlooper and Representative Jared Huffman led 59 of their congressional colleagues to demand the Trump administration protect public lands and end its plans to overturn the rule. Hickenlooper supported the creation of the BLM rule in 2024 and worked with DOI and BLM to make sure stakeholders such as grazers, Tribes, and the renewables industry were included in the conversation as the rule was finalized.\n\nThe Trump administration’s decision to rescind the Public Lands Rule follows their consistent efforts to undermine our public lands and national parks. Last summer Democrats defeated congressional Republicans’ last-ditch effort to sell off millions of acres of public lands to pay for their tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the broad public support for the BLM rule when it was originally proposed. Roughly 92% of the more than 150,000 comments submitted were in support and numerous local and state officials, Tribal governments, scientists, businesses, and other stakeholders throughout the West advocated for the rule.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-bicameral-resolution-recognizing-national-aanhpi-mental-health-day", "title": "Hirono, Chu Introduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing National AANHPI Mental Health Day", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hirono.senate.gov", "scraper": "hirono", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001042", "name": "Mazie K. Hirono", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) introduced a resolution marking May 10, 2026 as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. The resolution recognizes the importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and acknowledges the importance of raising awareness around mental healthcare.\n\n“With suicide rates among Native Hawaiians in Hawaii being close to double the national average and mental health treatment utilization among Asian Americans remaining alarmingly low, it’s clear our AANHPI communities need more mental health support,” said Senator Hirono. “Everyone deserves access to mental health care that is culturally informed and linguistically appropriate, and I’m proud to lead this resolution that calls on us all to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about resources available for AANHPI communities.”\n\n“For far too long, our AANHPI community has suffered in silence while facing some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Language barriers, cultural stigma, a lack of culturally competent care, and insufficient disaggregated data have all contributed to this crisis and left far too many people without the support they need,” said Representative Chu. “As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to once again lead this resolution recognizing May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day to reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care for AANHPI communities. As the Trump Administration continues to slash staff and funding at the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we must recommit ourselves to expanding access to mental health care and supporting the well-being of our communities.”\n\nBetween 2018 and 2024, AANHPI youth ages 15 to 24 in the United States were the only racial or ethnic group in this age category whose leading cause of death was suicide. This devastating crisis is made worse by longstanding barriers to mental health care, including the high cost of health care, low mental health literacy, language access challenges, and cultural stigma that too often discourages individuals from seeking help.\n\nThe National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the critical importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and raises awareness to break down the stigma that too often prevents individuals from seeking care. The resolution also encourages health agencies to adopt policies that improve access to and utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities.\n\nIn addition to Representative Chu, the companion resolution in the House of Representatives was cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA).\n\nSenator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono’s resolution recognizing May as AANHPI Heritage month passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Last year, Senator Hirono and Representative Chu introduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, which instructs SAMHSA to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth. Last May, she introduced a bill to promote the teaching of Asian Pacific American history for high school students and teachers who enroll in the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Academies programs. In 2022, Senator Hirono’s bill to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture was signed into law by President Biden.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-presses-secretary-driscoll-on-continued-commitment-to-good-faith-land-lease-negotiations", "title": "Hirono Presses Secretary Driscoll on Continued Commitment to Good Faith Land Lease Negotiations", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hirono.senate.gov", "scraper": "hirono", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001042", "name": "Mazie K. Hirono", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "~ Watch Senator Hirono’s Question Line Here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), pressed U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll on the Army’s continued commitment to good faith negotiations regarding land leases in Hawaii that are set to expire. During the full committee hearing, Senator Hirono reiterated the importance of transparency and community engagement as the Army continues its negotiations with the state of Hawaii and pressed Secretary Driscoll on the need for the Army to submit updated Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to address deficiencies identified by the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) last summer, which led to their rejection.\n\n“We are now at a point where the leases are almost up, and final negotiations need to occur with meaningful community engagement and input, especially from the Native Hawaiian community,” said Senator Hirono. “Secretary Driscoll, you previously committed to negotiating in good faith. Do you still stand by that commitment?”\n\nThe U.S. Army’s current leases for training lands on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu are set to expire in 2029. During her question line, Senator Hirono emphasized that while these leases are vital to military training and readiness, this land—such as Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on Hawaii Island—is culturally significant to the Native Hawaiian community and therefore requires, in addition to good faith, fair negotiations with the state of Hawaii, and transparency and engagement with the community.\n\nIn response to Senator Hirono, Secretary Driscoll confirmed his commitment to continuing to negotiate in good faith. Senator Hirono also made clear her opposition to any attempt by the Army to unilaterally condemn the land.\n\nFor years, Senator Hirono has pushed for good faith negotiations between the U.S. military and the State of Hawaii regarding land leases, with robust community engagement. In April, she highlighted the importance of continued negotiations to Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Jr., Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). At his confirmation hearing in January, 2025, Senator Hirono questioned Mr. Driscoll on his approach to the renewal of land leases in Hawaii for miliary training areas. Senator Hirono’s public oversight and advocacy on the importance of this issue goes back to 2021 when she brought attention to the looming land lease expiration to then-Secretary of Defense nominee General Lloyd Austin, emphasizing the importance of “early, often, and open” communication between the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), state authorities, and the Native Hawaiian community.\n\nThe full transcript of Senator Hirono’s exchange with Secretary Driscoll is available below. Video of Senator Hirono’s question line can be found here.\n\nSen Hirono: Secretary Driscoll, I want to ask you about your approach to the negotiations surrounding Hawaii's military plans consisting of 25,000 acres. I understand the importance of these lands for Army readiness. I also understand the importance of this land, of these negotiations to the people of Hawaii and the Native Hawaiian community and that is why I have engaged with leaders about how these negotiations will proceed, expressing the need for a community input for a number of years.\n\nDuring a confirmation hearing you committed to negotiating in good faith with the state and the community. So, it was concerning that instead of what I would consider open communication and transparency, the Army last year pursued unilateral condemnation language as shown by your attempt to add last-minute language to support condemnation and Congress responded by reinforcing a continuing need for good faith negotiations.\n\nA unilateral decision to condemn state lands would bypass the community, the state government and the Congressional delegation. The relevant condemnation statute requires the army to exhaust all available options before starting condemnation proceedings so I don't see how the Army can meet that requirement when it has not even resubmitted corrected EISs to address the deficiencies noted by the Board of Land and Natural Resources which may lead to their disapproval of the Army-submitted EISs.\n\nIt has been a year. I hope this is not the case that the Army is trying to run the clock and leave unilateral condemnation as the only viable course of action. I want to say for the record that I oppose unilateral condemnation. What we need is a negotiated approach to each of these lands. I have taken that position for years and we are at the point where the leases are almost up, and final negotiations need to occur with meaningful community engagement and input especially from the Hawaiian Native community.\n\nSecretary Driscoll, I have a number of questions about your plans going forward.\n\nYou previously committed to negotiating in good faith. Do you still stand by that commitment?\n\nSecretary Driscoll: Yes, unequivocally.\n\nSen. Hirono: The Army EISs were rejected by the Hawaii Land Board last summer because of several deficiencies including the failure to adequately assess the cultural and historical impacts of continued training.\n\nMr. Secretary, can I get your commitment that the Army will resubmit their EISs to address these deficiencies?\n\nSecretary Driscoll: When you talk to our soldiers and families who spend their lives on the Hawaiian islands, they are grateful to the community. The community has been fantastic to them so we have been wanting to be respectful of the deep relationship that those people have with the land. I commit to following up with your office.\n\nSenator Hirono: I hope that means that you will be resubmitting your EISs because to me, resubmitting EISs is part of even what the condemnation statutes require which is to exhaust all avenues of these negotiations.\n\nNext question, what is the status of your negotiations with Hawaii and can you describe what steps you plan to take in the next 60 days? Time is running out on these leases to advance a negotiated agreement with the state.\n\nSecretary Driscoll: We have aspired over the years before I was given the seat I think we have had a number of meetings and I can speak more to that. We have engaged with the delegation both to represent here in Washington, D.C. But we have also had conversations with state leadership and what we have tried to do is balance out fairness to the local population with this idea and this commitment that the United States Army must maintain this land. We need it for training, for the Indo-Pacific and with the timeline you are referencing coming up very soon.\n\nSenator Hirono: Frankly, negotiations must occur with the State of Hawaii. That means negotiating with the governor basically. Those need to proceed in good faith.\n\nI want to urge you again to resume these good-faith negotiations because that is what is going to take for us to come to a resolution that is going to be fair to all parties and that certainly includes the input of the Native Hawaiian community.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-backs-national-police-week-resolution-law-enforcement-safety-bill/", "title": "Husted backs National Police Week resolution, law enforcement safety bill", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“I will always support and honor our law enforcement—this week and every week.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) is backing a resolution and a bill to support law enforcement during National Police Week.\n\nHusted joined the National Police Week Resolution as an original cosponsor. This resolution would designate May 10, 2026, to May 16, 2026, as National Police Week and honor fallen law enforcement officers. This includes four Ohio officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2025: Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton, Police Officer Phillip C. Wagner, Deputy Sheriff D. Weston Sherrer and Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson Jr.\n\nHusted honored the fallen Ohioans on the Senate floor.\n\n“Ohioans remain thankful for the service and dedication of our police officers, including Deputy Larry Henderson, Officer Phillip Wagner, Deputy D. Weston Sherrer and Trooper Nicholas Cayton, who gave their lives while protecting our communities. I will always support and honor our law enforcement—this week and every week,” said Husted.\n\nHusted also joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ben Ray Luján’s (D-N.M.) bipartisan Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This bill would protect law enforcement from ambush-style attacks.\n\nThe bill would strengthen protections for law enforcement officers by enhancing data collection on anti-police attacks and expanding access to mental health support for officers.\n\n“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they deserve every tool and resource available to keep them safe. As targeted attacks against police officers continue to rise, this bipartisan bill would help us better understand these threats, improve officer safety and ensure law enforcement have access to the mental health support they need,” said Husted.\n\nThere were 67 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers in 2025, resulting in 90 officers shot, and 22 officers killed. One of those attacks claimed the life of Officer Wagner of Lorain County and wounded two of his colleagues.\n\nThis bill builds on Husted’s work to support law enforcement officers. He recently joined the LEOSA Reform Act, a bill that would expand the concealed-carry rights of qualified law enforcement officers.\n\nHusted is also backing the Protect and Serve Act, a bill that would establish strong federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/new-how-1-billion-could-fund-law-enforcement-instead-of-trumps-ballroom", "title": "New: How $1 Billion Could Fund Law Enforcement Instead of Trump’s Ballroom", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – During National Police Week, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following report outlining how the $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to pay for Donald Trump’s ballroom project could instead be used to fund several federal programs that would support hiring and training for law enforcement agencies across the country, and benefits programs for officers and their families.\n\n“Taxpayer dollars should be directed toward the priorities that matter most to Americans – not Donald Trump’s extravagant vanity projects,” said the senators. “One billion dollars could be spent helping local governments hire and train law enforcement officers, supporting first responders, and strengthening public safety. Instead, Republicans in Congress are preparing to put it towards a ballroom.”\n\nLast week, Warner and Kaine released data on the many ways $1 billion could help Virginians instead of funding Trump’s ballroom – including a year’s worth of groceries for nearly 120,000 Virginia families, rent for more than 46,000 Virginia households, or child care for nearly 60,000 Virginia infants.\n\nBelow are estimates of what $1 billion in funding for Trump’s ballroom could do for crucial law enforcement programs instead:\n\nCOPS Hiring Program:\n\n$1 billion could fund nearly four years of the COPS Hiring Program.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2026, over $250 million was appropriated for this program, which is designed to provide funding directly to local law enforcement agencies to hire and/or retain officers and support community policing efforts.\n\nPublic Safety Officer Benefits Program:\n\n$1 billion could fully fund four years of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2026, $236 million was appropriated for this program, which provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.\n\nByrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program:\n\n$1 billion could fund a full year of the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.\n\nThis program is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and provides flexible funding to support personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, for a multitude of programs, including:\n\nLaw enforcement;\n\nPrevention and Education;\n\nCorrections;\n\nDrug treatment;\n\nWitness protection; and\n\nMental health and behavioral programs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-21-million-in-federal-funding-to-upgrade-8-virginia-airports", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $21 Million In Federal Funding to Upgrade 8 Virginia Airports", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $21,024,663 in federal funding to improve airport infrastructure across Virginia. This funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which the senators have supported robust funding for through the annual federal budget process.\n\n“Travelers deserve the comfort of knowing they can move safely and efficiently through Virginia airports,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce this funding to modernize and improve our airport infrastructure and passenger experience.”\n\nThe program grants are allocated as follows:\n\n$18,397,704 for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to conduct projects at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to reconstruct existing paved runways that have reached the end of their useful lives.\n\n$600,000 for the Stafford Regional Airport Authority to rehabilitate existing taxiways, associated taxiway connectors, and taxiways connectors lighting systems to extend their useful lives.\n\n$465,500 for the County of Fauquier to conduct projects at the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport to reconstruct runway lighting, end identifier lights systems, and precision approach path indicator systems, as well as rehabilitate existing paved runway to maintain structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.\n\n$450,000 for the Winchester Regional Airport Authority to reconstruct existing terminal apron pavement, as well as construct a new terminal apron and parallel taxiway to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\n$439,850 for the City of Danville to conduct projects at the Danville Regional Airport to rehabilitate existing taxiway and runway lighting that have reached the end of their useful lives.\n\n$300,000 for the County of Louisa to conduct a project at the Louisa County Airport to update the existing airport layout plan.\n\n$261,647 for the Tazewell County Airport Authority to fund a portion of the new construction of a non-exclusive use hanger for aircraft storage to assist the airport in its mission to generate new revenue and be self-sustaining.\n\n$109,962 for the County of New Kent to carry out projects at the New Kent County Airport to remove trees identified as obstructions by the FAA and purchase an avigation easement.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have been fierce supporters of efforts to modernize Virginia’s airports. Last year, the senators announced almost $106 million in federal funding for airports across Virginia. Many of these grants were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation the senators helped pass that has secured billions in federal funding for airport infrastructure since 2021.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-hickenlooper-fetterman-release-gao-report-highlighting-gaps-in-black-lung-benefits-for-miners-and-families", "title": "Warner, Kaine, Hickenlooper, Fetterman Release GAO Report Highlighting Gaps In Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Families", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced the release of a study conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the adequacy of black lung benefits to meet the income and health care needs of disabled miners and their families. The senators requested the report from the GAO in March 2023 in order to inform policy aimed at helping coal miners and their families in the Appalachian region.\n\n“For years we have heard from coal miners and their families about how hard it is to secure federal black lung benefits and how it’s often not enough to support their families. As miners in central Appalachia get sicker and at younger ages, we are grateful GAO accepted our request to examine the benefits they receive once they do get sick,” the senators said. “GAO also confirmed what we have heard for years: miners face drawn-out, years-long fights to secure black lung benefits, the spouses and families left behind often struggle to access the survivor benefits they’re owed, and benefit amounts are too low for many families to make ends meet. Although we’re glad the Department of Labor agreed to provide more oversight of the medical benefits that mine operators provide, Congress must still enact legislation to ensure miners receive the benefits they need to support themselves and their families once they’re too sick to continue working in the mines.”\n\nSens. Warner, Kaine, and Fetterman have introduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act and the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, bills that would remove barriers to benefits and ensure that miners and their families are properly compensated. The senators previously issued a statement on the Trump administration’s decision to pause enforcement of a Department of Labor rule to protect miners from silica dust, which is contributing to a significant uptick in severe black lung disease, particularly among younger miners in their thirties and forties.\n\nThe report included feedback from focus groups with 64 miners to gather their opinions on the application process and benefits received due to black lung disease. There was a total of six focus groups with miners in the four states with the largest numbers of Black Lung Benefits Program beneficiaries: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.\n\nThe one key recommendation focused on miners’ difficulty accessing medical benefits – particularly when those benefits were the responsibility of mine operators rather than the Department of Labor (DOL). After hearing repeated concerns in focus groups, the GAO recommended that DOL collect information on and monitor the extent to which responsible mine operators are providing required medical benefits. The DOL agreed with the recommendation and said it will add questions about medical benefits to its survey of miners.\n\nOther takeaways from the report include:\n\nIn 2024, about 16,000 miners and their survivors were beneficiaries of the Black Lung Benefits Program, with half being living miners and the other half being surviving family members of deceased miners. Eighty percent resided in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Ninety percent were age 62 or older, and 10 percent were under age 62.\n\nGAO noted that miners in most focus groups suggested changes such as increasing the benefit amount, improving benefits for survivors, and expediting the application process.\n\nTwenty-four percent of federal black lung benefits beneficiaries under age 62 received only federal black lung benefits payments, which average about $13,400 annually, well below the federal poverty line. Sixty-one percent of younger miners received both federal black lung benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance, which can still be “below the average annual wages of extraction miners in their state.” At least one miner in all six focus groups said that the benefit payments did not provide enough money for them to make ends meet and that “miners in most groups recommended raising the benefit amount.”\n\nAppealed claims could take more than three years to close, and miners expressed frustration with the length of the process. GAO noted that “miners in most groups described the financial strain of the application process, such as paying for more testing to support an application” and that “miners in most groups described appeals judges who had limited knowledge of mining.” Of the nearly 53,000 closed miner claims filed from January 2013 through mid-August 2024, GAO identified 11 claims that took more than 10 years to close. GAO heard from black lung clinics about how challenging it can be for a surviving spouse to prove their partner died of black lung if the miner had not already been approved for benefits. GAO found that among miners whose claims were ultimately approved by mid-August 2024 and who died between January 2013 and mid-August 2024, 2,620 died before their claim was closed. Many received interim benefits.\n\nThe potential need to repay interim benefits creates uncertainty for miners. Only a small number of claims (less than 1 percent) are denied after an appeal, but when that happens, miners must repay those interim benefits. GAO found that while some families use these benefits, others are afraid to spend them.\n\nGAO acknowledged the growing concern about worsening outcomes from silica exposure: “According to one of [the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s] studies, between 1999 and 2016, the average years of lost life expectancy attributable to black lung disease increased from 8.1 to 12.6 years, likely due to increase disease severity resulting from cutting through rock to reach thinner coal seams”\n\nGAO found that cases of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) are increasing. PMF is the most severe and disabling form of black lung disease and may affect younger miners more than other forms of the disease.\n\nRead the full report here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-hickenlooper-fetterman-release-gao-report-highlighting-gaps-in-black-lung-benefits-for-miners-and-familiesgaps-in-black-lung-benefits-for-miners-and-families", "title": "Warner, Kaine, Hickenlooper, Fetterman Release GAO Report Highlighting Gaps In Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Families\r\nGaps In Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Families", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced the release of a study conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the adequacy of black lung benefits to meet the income and health care needs of disabled miners and their families. The senators requested the report from the GAO in March 2023 in order to inform policy aimed at helping coal miners and their families in the Appalachian region.\n\n“For years we have heard from coal miners and their families about how hard it is to secure federal black lung benefits and how it’s often not enough to support their families. As miners in central Appalachia get sicker and at younger ages, we are grateful GAO accepted our request to examine the benefits they receive once they do get sick,” the senators said. “GAO also confirmed what we have heard for years: miners face drawn-out, years-long fights to secure black lung benefits, the spouses and families left behind often struggle to access the survivor benefits they’re owed, and benefit amounts are too low for many families to make ends meet. Although we’re glad the Department of Labor agreed to provide more oversight of the medical benefits that mine operators provide, Congress must still enact legislation to ensure miners receive the benefits they need to support themselves and their families once they’re too sick to continue working in the mines.”\n\nSens. Warner, Kaine, and Fetterman have introduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act and the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, bills that would remove barriers to benefits and ensure that miners and their families are properly compensated. The senators previously issued a statement on the Trump administration’s decision to pause enforcement of a Department of Labor rule to protect miners from silica dust, which is contributing to a significant uptick in severe black lung disease, particularly among younger miners in their thirties and forties.\n\nThe report included feedback from focus groups with 64 miners to gather their opinions on the application process and benefits received due to black lung disease. There was a total of six focus groups with miners in the four states with the largest numbers of Black Lung Benefits Program beneficiaries: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.\n\nThe one key recommendation focused on miners’ difficulty accessing medical benefits – particularly when those benefits were the responsibility of mine operators rather than the Department of Labor (DOL). After hearing repeated concerns in focus groups, the GAO recommended that DOL collect information on and monitor the extent to which responsible mine operators are providing required medical benefits. The DOL agreed with the recommendation and said it will add questions about medical benefits to its survey of miners.\n\nOther takeaways from the report include:\n\nIn 2024, about 16,000 miners and their survivors were beneficiaries of the Black Lung Benefits Program, with half being living miners and the other half being surviving family members of deceased miners. Eighty percent resided in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Ninety percent were age 62 or older, and 10 percent were under age 62.\n\nGAO noted that miners in most focus groups suggested changes such as increasing the benefit amount, improving benefits for survivors, and expediting the application process.\n\nTwenty-four percent of federal black lung benefits beneficiaries under age 62 received only federal black lung benefits payments, which average about $13,400 annually, well below the federal poverty line. Sixty-one percent of younger miners received both federal black lung benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance, which can still be “below the average annual wages of extraction miners in their state.” At least one miner in all six focus groups said that the benefit payments did not provide enough money for them to make ends meet and that “miners in most groups recommended raising the benefit amount.”\n\nAppealed claims could take more than three years to close, and miners expressed frustration with the length of the process. GAO noted that “miners in most groups described the financial strain of the application process, such as paying for more testing to support an application” and that “miners in most groups described appeals judges who had limited knowledge of mining.” Of the nearly 53,000 closed miner claims filed from January 2013 through mid-August 2024, GAO identified 11 claims that took more than 10 years to close. GAO heard from black lung clinics about how challenging it can be for a surviving spouse to prove their partner died of black lung if the miner had not already been approved for benefits. GAO found that among miners whose claims were ultimately approved by mid-August 2024 and who died between January 2013 and mid-August 2024, 2,620 died before their claim was closed. Many received interim benefits.\n\nThe potential need to repay interim benefits creates uncertainty for miners. Only a small number of claims (less than 1 percent) are denied after an appeal, but when that happens, miners must repay those interim benefits. GAO found that while some families use these benefits, others are afraid to spend them.\n\nGAO acknowledged the growing concern about worsening outcomes from silica exposure: “According to one of [the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s] studies, between 1999 and 2016, the average years of lost life expectancy attributable to black lung disease increased from 8.1 to 12.6 years, likely due to increase disease severity resulting from cutting through rock to reach thinner coal seams”\n\nGAO found that cases of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) are increasing. PMF is the most severe and disabling form of black lung disease and may affect younger miners more than other forms of the disease.\n\nRead the full report here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-on-cnn-kelly-responds-to-hegseths-new-retaliatory-threat-what-hes-trying-to-avoid-is-accountability/", "title": "ICYMI: On CNN, Kelly Responds to Hegseth’s New Retaliatory Threat: “What He’s Trying to Avoid is Accountability”", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Not only is he ill-prepared, unprepared, unqualified for this job, he doesn’t want to be held accountable for his actions.”\n\nIn case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly was on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper and responded to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s threat to launch a review of his speech.\n\nKelly also sounded the alarm on the real costs of Trump’s Iran war for American servicemembers and everyday Arizonans.\n\nSen. Kelly speaks to Jake Tapper.\n\nWatch the full conversation here. See key excepts below:\n\nOn Hegseth’sthreatto investigate Kelly forquotingcommentsHegsethmade in an open hearing…\n\n“He doesn’t want to be held accountable. They’ve expended an enormous amount of munitions. The only investigation we need, the one we need right now, is after 15,000 strikes, all we got out of this, we have 13 dead Americans, we got the Strait of Hormuz closed, gas prices in Arizona are $4.80 a gallon, seem to be heading up. And we have a Secretary of Defense, not only is he ill-prepared, unprepared, unqualified for this job, he doesn’t want to be held accountable for the actions.”\n\nOnHegseth avoiding accountability…\n\n“Nothing I said was classified. We had this discussion in an open hearing. When you are going to hit 15,000 targets, you’re going to use a lot of munitions. […] And by the way, he’s asking for $25 to $50 billion to replenish these munitions where he said it’s going to take years. So again, what he’s trying to avoid is accountability. This thing is not going the way they expected. They went into this without a strategic goal, without a plan, without a timeline…\n\n“When somebody like me starts asking them questions, whether it’s I make a point on a show like yours or in an open hearing, they don’t want to give specific answers because they probably, at this point, they realize that they’ve made a number of mistakes.”\n\nOn theAdministrationthreatening retiredservicemembers’First Amendment rights…\n\n“This is about 2 million retired servicemembers. And for anybody who listened to that hearing last week, one of the really interesting parts was at the end when Pete Hegseth’s lawyer, which is a DOJ lawyer, said that if any servicemember, like myself, who served 20 or 25 years in the military, if they want their First Amendment rights, they should give up their retirement, give up their pension, give up their health care, and then they would be free to speak out. How un-American is that?\n\n“People who have given the most for this country are being asked now by this administration or told, ‘Hey, if you don’t do this, if you don’t shut up, you could lose your pension, you could lose your rank and retirement.’”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-calls-on-congress-to-pass-permanent-solution-for-dreamers/", "title": "Kelly Calls on Congress to Pass Permanent Solution for Dreamers", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) held a press conference alongside TheDream.US to call for a permanent legislative fix for Dreamers as DACA processing delays, detentions, and deportation threats leave hundreds of thousands unable to work and live safely in the country they call home.\n\nJen Rickling, mother-in-law of Annie Ramos, was also in attendance to share her perspective as a mother and a community member whose family has been directly impacted by America’s broken immigration system. Annie is a military spouse who was detained on base and Kelly helped secure her release.\n\nSen. Kelly speaks on Capitol Hill.\n\nWatch the full press conference here. See key excerpts from Kelly’s remarks below:\n\nKelly emphasized that enforcing immigration lawsdoesn’thave to meantearing families apart: “I think most of us, and most Americans, agree that we can enforce our laws without chaos in the streets or tearing hardworking families apart. And that our country would benefit from an immigration system that is fair and actually works. Instead, in Arizona and across the country, we’ve seen the targeting of law-abiding individuals including Dreamers, grandmothers, business owners, veterans— and even young children.”\n\nKellyalsohighlighted the thousands ofpeoplelike Annie still in detention: “There are thousands of people like Annie who were brought to this country as kids, with no criminal record, who pay taxes and contribute to our country, being held by ICE right now and facing deportation to countries they don’t know. In what world does it make sense to focus time and resources chasing down and holding people like Annie, rather than serious criminals?”\n\nKelly closed with a call on Congress and the White House toact: “We can build an immigration system where people like Annie have a pathway to staying here without the constant fear of detention and deportation. A system that treats her and other Dreamers with fairness and dignity while ensuring our country remains safe and secure. That kind of progress can happen if Congress and the White House are serious about passing a long-term solution for Dreamers. And we can make it happen.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-sasc-hearing-kelly-presses-army-secretary-on-electronic-warfare-testing-cuts-and-aviation-budget/", "title": "WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Presses Army Secretary on Electronic Warfare Testing Cuts and Aviation Budget", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing on the annual defense budget, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly (D-AZ) pressed Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll on the Army’s lack of communication about ongoing changes at the Electronic Proving Ground in Fort Huachuca and a dramatic cut to Army aviation in the current budget request.\n\nKelly talked about the Army failing to communicate changes already underway at the Electronic Proving Ground near Fort Huachuca: “We’ve tried to engage with the Army multiple times. My office has learned about staffing reductions and mission impacts after they’ve happened. […] when the Army reduces capacity there without clearly articulating some kind of long-term plan, it raises real questions about how these decisions align with the Army’s stated priorities with regards to modernization.”\n\nDriscoll committed to remedy the lack of communication.\n\nKelly also raised the alarm over the Army’s aviation budget: “Your requests include zero H-64 Apaches, zero Chinook Block IIs, and one UH-60 Blackhawk. And while I understand the intent of the Army Transformation Initiative, I’malso concerned that we’re divesting in some capabilities that fill a critical requirement. […] We don’t have a validated replacement for these systems.”\n\nKelly warned of the impact the budget could have: “This budget, I think, threatens the health of the defense industrial base in that regard. Industry has been very clear that foreign sales on these systems are not enough to sustain the production lines past maybe the early 2030s. We’ve also been hearing from some small businesses. I heard one that says, ‘Hey, the writing is on the wall here’, and he wants to get out of the business of supporting Army helicopters.”\n\nSen. Kelly questions Secretary Driscoll during a SASC hearing.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s remarks. See the transcript below:\n\nSenator Kelly:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, thank you for being here today. Secretary Driscoll, the Electronic Proving Ground (EPG) near Fort Huachuca provides a very unique electronic warfare testing capability, largely because it has very favorable geography, protected airspace surrounded on all sides by terrain. And because of that, we’ve got an ability there to conduct very aggressive electronic warfare and jamming tests with minimal interference that goes beyond the area. This is the kind of testing we need to understand how our systems would perform if we were up against near-peer adversaries. And that’s why I’ve been kind of frustrated by the Army’s lack of communication regarding changes that are already underway at EPG. We’ve tried to engage with the Army multiple times. My office has learned about staffing reductions and mission impacts after they’ve happened, even though we’re trying to communicate with the leadership. So, we’re trying to proactively engage, but we’re not getting the response that we would normally expect. And it’s one of the Army’s premier facilities for E-W and spectrum operations. So, when the Army reduces capacity there without clearly articulating some kind of long-termplan, it raises real questions about how these decisions align with the Army’s stated priorities with regards to modernization. So, I’d just like a commitment from you if we could work with your office to try to figure out what’s going on and make sure that the decisions we are making are in the best interest of the Army.\n\nSecretary Daniel P. Driscoll:\n\nSenator. Absolutely. And just to go back a step, one of the things we’ve tried to model out in the last 18 months is ultra-responsiveness, ultra-transparency, ultra-clarity, both to the private sector, to our larger defense partners, to the primes and the smaller mids, and then also to all of you. And so, I apologize that we haven’t been faster and more clear, but we will remedy that.\n\nKelly:\n\nAll right. Thank you. And then on another subject, I’m a bit concerned about the Army’s direction here on aviation. You know, this year you’re spending $4 billion next year. You’re requesting half of that. Your requests include zero H-64 Apaches, zero Chinook Block IIs, and one UH-60 Blackhawk. And while I understand the intent of the Army Transformation Initiative, I’m also concerned that we’re divesting in some capabilities that fill a critical requirement. We talked a little bit about this about learning the correct lesson from the former conflict. And we’ve got to be really careful here. And we don’t have a validated replacement for these systems. A reasonable path forward, I think, would be to sustain Army aircraft we have and use their capacity until we integrate new technologies, but instead we’re facing a budget request that leaves Congress no assurances that the Army, and especially the National Guard, will not suffer from a significant capability gap in its ability to move people, and weapons, cargo, but also put fire downrange, especially with regards to the Apache. I’m concerned that we might be repeating a mistake that we saw with the Air Force in the A-10, where the service spent years arguing it could retire the platform, only to realize that there’s a critical mission need and nothing to fill it. And then suddenly, with extra costs now, extend the aircraft’s life after the industrial capacity and its sustainment challenges have gotten worse once production lines and suppliers and workforce capacity disappear, rebuilding them can be rather costly and time consuming. And this budget, I think, threatens the health of the defense industrial base in that regard. Industry has been very clear that foreign sales on these systems are not enough to sustain the production lines past maybe the early 2030s. We’ve also been hearing from some small businesses. I heard one that says, ‘Hey, the writing is on the wall here’, and he wants to get out of the business of supporting Army helicopters. So that could be something you’re going to have to deal with. But, Mr. Secretary, you continue to say that the Apache, Blackhawk, Chinook, have a role and need to be modernized, but the budget doesn’t actually get us there. So, can you explain? I know I’m over my time here, how do we do this and sustain these systems under this existing budget request?\n\nDriscoll:\n\nAbsolutely, Senator. So, our intent we’ve– as you rightly pointed out, tried to say on the record a number of times, these systems will be in the Army’s life for a very long time. What we are trying to do is get out in advance of the number that we will have at total as we start to bring on things like Flora, what is that ideal balance look like? And so that’s what you see reflected in the current budget. I think we are optimistic that FMS will make up a lot of the cases to keep these lines on.\n\nKelly:\n\nBut still in the budget, you know, right now one Blackhawk, zero Apache, zero Chinook and the FMF thing, as my office has looked into this, it just doesn’t seem like enough to sustain the helicopter industrial base. So, thank you. I’m sorry. I’m over my time.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kims-statement-on-todays-decision-to-temporarily-pause-further-development-of-the-roxbury-detention-center/", "title": "Senator Kim’s Statement on Today’s Decision to Temporarily Pause Further Development of the Roxbury Detention Center", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) put out the following statement in response to today’s decision to temporarily pause further development of the Roxbury Detention Facility so that the Department of Homeland Security can conduct a proper review of the facility and surrounding community:\n\n“This temporary pause proves what we already knew – DHS rushed this process without undertaking the proper legal reviews,” said Senator Kim. “The people of Roxbury don’t want this massive detention center; they’ve been very clear about that. I will continue pressing Secretary Mullin to abandon this project and will continue to fight attempts by this administration to impose broken immigration policies on New Jersey.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=3B0FA761-6DF8-4D57-AE99-4E0E3A21C111", "title": "Klobuchar Meets with Artemis II Crew", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "From L-R: Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met with the Artemis II crew, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, during their visit to Washington, D.C.\n\n“It was great to meet with the four members of the Artemis II crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — in Washington,” said Klobuchar. “Their historic trip around the moon — the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years — showcased American leadership, innovation, and the next chapter of exploration in outer space.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=46A2D5C0-3874-49A5-9337-2D60A641C488", "title": "Graham, Cortez Masto, Mast Welcome Unanimous Senate Passage of Medal of Sacrifice Act During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "Legislation Now Heads to President’s Desk\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), and U.S. Representative Brian Mast (R-Florida) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) during National Police Week. The legislation would create a new presidential award to posthumously honor law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty. Mast is the lead sponsor of the legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on February 2. Graham introduced companion legislation in the Senate and helped ensure its passage in the Senate.\n\nAs a strong supporter of law enforcement officers, Graham worked hand in hand with President Trump and Mast on this legislation. The sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, as well as firefighters and other first responders, in service of their communities are worthy of presidential tribute and distinction.\n\n“Our law enforcement officers and first responders represent some of the best and bravest among us. These men and women selflessly put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. If these law enforcement officers and first responders perish in the line of duty, that sacrifice deserves the highest level of recognition,” said Senator Graham. “I am proud to have worked with President Trump and Rep. Mast on this important legislation so that we can ensure these heroes are never forgotten, and look forward to it being signed into law.”\n\n“Every single day, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities and keep our families safe,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The Medal of Sacrifice Act will go a long way to honoring those officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. This Police Week, I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Graham and Congressman Mast to get our bill to the President’s desk.”\n\n“I will never forget November 21, 2024, the day three lions of my community were taken after being struck on the side of the road. After we laid Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies Waller, Diaz, and Paez to rest, President Trump and I agreed that their sacrifice can never be forgotten. That’s what the Medal of Sacrifice is all about, and I’ve worked every single day since then to pass this bill to honor every officer and first responder killed in action. In the face of incomprehensible loss, families of the fallen will now know they have a nation standing firmly behind them, directed by the highest office of our land. I am deeply grateful to Senator Graham for sharing this mission and for carrying it across the finish line in the Senate,” said Rep. Mast.\n\nThe Medal of Sacrifice Act is supported by the National Police Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) and the Police Officers Defense Coalition.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A1BD5DA6-EAF1-4611-AB18-1A69B2243243", "title": "FBI Director To Graham: We Need Logan's Law", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – During today’s hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) questioned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel on Graham’s legislation to create a Violent Criminal Offender Database, known as Logan’s Law.\n\nGraham introduced Logan’s Law in response to the murder of Logan Federico at the hands of a violent repeat offender in Columbia, South Carolina. The bill seeks to shine a light on judges and prosecutors who fail to adequately hold criminals accountable.\n\nGRAHAM: “Director Patel, when it comes to systems, do you think the country would be well-served to have a law like I’m proposing called Logan’s Law, that would require states to report to the Attorney General of the United States the results of all cases involving violent crime…to include the charge and the plea bargain, so we would know better about soft-on-crime prosecutors and judges?”\n\nDIRECTOR PATEL: “That bill is critical to providing the information that we at the FBI house at our criminal justice information center - CJIS property - in West Virginia. We are only as good as the data we are given. We don’t go out and proactively and legally obtain that data from our partner enforcement agencies around the country.”\n\nGRAHAM: “So you would support Logan’s Law, requiring that to be done?”\n\nDIRECTOR PATEL: “Absolutely, we need it.”\n\nGRAHAM: “Yeah, I think so too.” https://youtu.be/FTDDMyrs4nw?si=n7p9JFHb7D85AhDk&t=146\n\nThe actions of soft-on-crime judges and prosecutors directly affect Americans across the country. This week, a career criminal in Massachusetts fired 50 to 60 rounds while walking down a busy Massachusetts road. The perpetrator hit two innocent bystanders, leaving them in critical condition, and traded gunfire with both a police officer and a former Marine.\n\nGRAHAM: “The man, who in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who shot at a bunch of drivers, he had a long criminal record. Are you familiar with that?”\n\nDIRECTOR PATEL: “Yes, sir.”\n\nGRAHAM: “As a matter of fact, while he was on probation, he shot at police officers and not much happened. Are you familiar with that?”\n\nDIRECTOR PATEL: “Yes, sir.”\n\nGRAHAM: “Do you agree that we need to break the cycle of catch-and-release and looking the other way when it comes to violent crime in this country?”\n\nDIRECTOR PATEL: “I think catch-and-release is the number one cause of recidivist violent crime in the history of the United States of America.” https://youtu.be/FTDDMyrs4nw?si=ex8aFQh_118h78Gl&t=202\n\nWatch Graham’s full exchange with Director Patel HERE.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-leger-fernandez-davids-bacon-lead-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-wrongful-detention-of-native-americans-during-ice-enforcement/", "title": "Luján, Leger Fernández, Davids, Bacon Lead Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Wrongful Detention of Native Americans During ICE Enforcement", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the bipartisan Respect Tribal IDs Act to improve how Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel recognize and interact with Tribal identification documents during immigration enforcement. The legislation comes amid growing reports of Native Americans being questioned, delayed, or detained after federal officers failed to recognize valid Tribal IDs and documentation as proof of citizenship.\n\nThe Respect Tribal IDs Act would require DHS, in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal Nations, to develop standardized training for officers and employees involved in immigration enforcement. The training would include how to identify Tribal documents, when Tribal IDs qualify as proof of U.S. citizenship, proper protocols for interacting with enrolled Tribal members, and the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribal Nations. The bill also requires DHS to create region-specific guidance and reference materials for officers, including examples of Tribal IDs used by federally recognized Tribes in areas where agents operate. Officers would be required to complete the training annually and whenever they are reassigned to a new region.\n\n“In New Mexico and across the country, our Tribal brothers and sisters deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Senator Luján. “Under the Trump administration, we’ve seen disturbing incidents where Tribal members were stopped, questioned, and harassed by ICE officers simply because of their appearance or because officers failed to recognize their Tribal IDs. That is unacceptable and deeply wrong. To address these failures, my legislation would establish clear standards and ensure DHS officers are properly trained to recognize and accept Tribal IDs. No one should have to fear being harassed because of a failure in training or accountability.”\n\n“We’ve seen Trump’s Department of Homeland Security violate the rights of the first Americans countless times. Indigenous people in New Mexico and across the country have been unfairly questioned, harassed, and detained. This bill will require that DHS officers be trained to recognize Tribal IDs and prevent wrongful detentions,” said Representative Leger Fernández. “All law enforcement officials must respect tribal governments and the documents they provide their citizens. ICE and CBP agents must follow the law and respect tribal sovereignty.”\n\n“Tribal sovereignty is a legal and constitutional recognition of Tribal Nations and their citizens, and the federal government has a responsibility to respect that,” said Representative Davids. “But lately, we’ve seen troubling reports of Native Americans being questioned or detained because federal officers lacked the training needed to recognize tribal documentation or understand Tribal Nation citizenship. This bipartisan bill is about preventing those failures, improving training and accountability, and making sure all people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”\n\n“The Respect Tribal IDs Act is a commonsense bill to ensure DHS personnel are properly trained to recognize Tribal IDs and work respectfully with Tribal communities,” said Representative Bacon. “Federal agencies have a responsibility to protect and support Tribal citizens, and this legislation helps ensure they do that.”\n\n“The National Congress of American Indians supports this legislation to ensure that federal agents within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are properly trained to recognize and respect Tribal identification documents,” said Larry Wright, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “Too often, the lack of consistent training has led to confusion, delays, and the improper treatment of Tribal citizens. By requiring comprehensive training on Tribal IDs, this bill affirms the validity of Tribal governments and strengthens the federal trust responsibility. NCAI urges its passage to promote respectful interactions, enhance security, and uphold the rights of Tribal citizens.”\n\nThe legislation follows multiple high-profile incidents and reports involving Native Americans whose Tribal documentation was reportedly rejected or questioned during federal enforcement encounters. Tribal leaders and advocates have raised concerns that inconsistent training and lack of familiarity with Tribal IDs have contributed to wrongful stops and confusion involving U.S. citizens, particularly in border states and regions with large Native populations. The legislation seeks to establish clearer standards and prevent future incidents by ensuring federal personnel are properly trained before conducting enforcement activities.\n\nFollowing major DHS scandals, Senator Luján introduced legislation to hold ICE and CBP accountable, increase transparency, and make communities safer. Senator Luján opposed the confirmation of Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as DHS Secretary. Senator Luján also voted against Kristi Noem’s confirmation as DHS Secretary and successfully pushed for her ouster. Additionally in January 2025, Senator Luján joined Representative Leger Fernández in a letter to President Trump demanding immediate action to address reports of ICE agents harassing, detaining, and questioning Native American Tribal members about their citizenship.\n\nCongresswoman Leger Fernández has repeatedly confronted the Trump administration’s abuses of Native Americans. She secured language in the FY26 House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee Bill Report for DHS to support Tribal governmental competency training to reduce immigration enforcement encounters with Native Americans. She also led a letter to President Trump in January 2025, demanding a stop to the unconscionable ICE Harassment and racial profiling of Native American Citizens. She further publicly sounded the alarm about ICE’s abuses against Native Americans through informing and questioning the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, about the issue. Additionally, she is leading a FY27 Homeland Security Appropriations request with 12 other Members for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to provide tribal government competency training for federal immigration enforcement officers. Further, she is working with Tribal leadership and continuously bringing attention to the Trump administration’s ICE racial profiling, harassment, and detention of Native Americans.\n\nFull bill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-bipartisan-lujan-barrasso-suicide-lifeline-bill/", "title": "Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Luján, Barrasso Suicide Lifeline Bill", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) applauded the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing their bipartisan legislation Monday night to increase the efficiency of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by assessing challenges to transmitting geolocation information.\n\n“The 988 hotline is a critical resource for those facing mental health crises and has saved countless lives in New Mexico and across the country,” said Senator Luján. “Senate passage of our bipartisan bill is an important step toward making the 988 hotline more reliable, efficient, and responsive for those in need. I applaud my Senate colleagues for unanimously passing this vital legislation to help ensure people are connected with the local resources and emergency services they need. Now, I urge the House to act swiftly to send this bill to the President’s desk.”\n\n“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a vital tool that saves lives in Wyoming and across the country,” said Senator Barrasso. “I applaud the Senate for unanimously passing our bipartisan bill to help us better connect callers with local emergency services through geolocation information. The House should take up and pass our bill without delay so we can update this critical lifeline to better help those who need it most.”\n\nIn 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took action to require service providers to route phone calls to 988 to the nearest call center based on geographic location. Last July, the FCC took steps to require geo-routing for texts. Previously, calls and texts were routed based on the phone’s area code, often resulting in a geographic mismatch.\n\nThe 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.).\n\nThis legislation is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act would:\n\nInstruct the FCC to open a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to address the challenges to transmitting geolocation information with calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.\n\nDirect the FCC to consider legal authorities, protection of consumer privacy, feasibility, technical implementation standards, assessment of funds, technical challenges for callers with disabilities, and current technology available.\n\nRequire the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the opportunities and challenges related to implementing geolocation in consultation with representatives from telecommunications, emergency centers, 911 service providers, small and rural local governments, community mental health centers, and individuals who have experience providing services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-cantwell-schumer-colleagues-slam-trump-for-terminating-national-science-board-continuing-war-on-science", "title": "Markey, Cantwell, Schumer, Colleagues Slam Trump for Terminating National Science Board, Continuing War on Science", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (May 12, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security and member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, along with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee, today wrote to President Donald Trump and Brian Stone, acting head of the National Science Foundation (NSF), demanding answers on why the President dismissed all members of the NSF’s National Science Board (NSB), the advisory group that governs the agency. This mass firing of NSB members follows a pattern under this administration of terminating medical and scientific advisors, including the NSF’s outside advisory committees and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and 23 senators also signed the letter.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators wrote, “This is yet another attack in this administration’s relentless war on science, forcing an agency into crisis. NSF now lacks a board, a permanent director, and a deputy director. The agency has also lost more than 30 percent of its staff since January 2025 due to the administration’s reckless mass terminations. In addition, the NSF terminated hundreds of active research awards and has been issuing new awards at the slowest pace in at least 35 years. The timing of the NSB terminations also raises significant suspicion of the motivation for the firings. The board was next scheduled to meet on May 5, 2026, and reporting indicates that a report on the United States ceding scientific ground to China was set to be released as part of the meeting—a report Congress urgently needs as experts and recent forecasts indicate that our country’s scientific and innovation leadership is at risk due to this administration’s actions undermining research.”\n\nThe lawmakers continued, “We are also greatly concerned by political interference by the White House over this independent agency. Terminated NSB members have stated that OMB instructed NSF leadership not to share details of the agency’s budget plans with the full board, despite the NSB’s statutorily mandated role in approving NSF’s spending. With the NSB now entirely vacated, there is no independent check on OMB’s influence, if not control, over NSF grant-making, strategic direction, and spending priorities. As one former board member warned, NSF could ‘essentially become a pass-through for implementing things in the domain of sciences and technology that the administration just wants to do.’”\n\nThe Senators requested the following information by May 29, 2026:\n\nThe legal and constitutional basis for the President’s termination of all NSB members on April 24, 2026.\n\nHow NSF will perform the NSB’s statutory functions—including approval of major awards and expenditures, establishment of NSF policies, and provision of advice to the President and Congress—during any period in which there is no functioning board.\n\nWhether President Trump intends to appoint new NSB members and, if so, by what timeline.\n\nCommunications between OMB, the White House, or any other Executive Office of the President and NSF leadership directing NSF not to share budget, grant-making, or strategic planning information with NSB members.\n\nWhat steps NSF has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that the mandated report on the state of science and engineering in the United States—including the forthcoming report on United States’ scientific competitiveness relative to China—is completed and transmitted to Congress in accordance with the agency’s statutory obligations.\n\nAdditional cosigners include Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-honors-law-enforcement-officers-during-national-police-week/", "title": "Senator Marshall Honors Law Enforcement Officers During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – As the nation recognizes National Police Week, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) is honoring the brave law enforcement officers across Kansas who put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities. Across all 105 counties, Kansas law enforcement officers are on the front lines of combating violent crime. In rural Kansas, especially, officers often cover hundreds of square miles, answering calls at all hours and serving not only as law enforcement officers, but as trusted members of the communities they protect.\n\nSenator Marshall joined a bipartisan resolution, led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), designating May 10–16, 2026, as National Police Week. The resolution honors law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2025. Tragically, Kansas lost four officers last year:\n\nUndersheriff Brandon Gaede, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office\n\nDeputy Elijah Ming, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office\n\nOfficer Hunter Simoncic, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department\n\nSergeant Scott Heimann, Hays Police Department\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here.\n\n“Growing up as the son of the Chief of Police in El Dorado, I learned early on about the sacrifices that our law enforcement officers make every single day,” said Senator Marshall. “These men and women leave their homes not knowing what dangers they may face, but they answer the call anyway because they care deeply about the safety of their communities. During National Police Week, we honor the brave officers who continue to serve and remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers are the backbone of law and order in this country, and we owe them our gratitude and support.”\n\nSenator Marshall has been a consistent advocate for law enforcement throughout his time in the Senate. He has supported legislation to increase penalties for assaults on law enforcement officers, backed measures to ensure officers have access to the equipment and training they need, and fought to fully fund federal grant programs that flow directly to Kansas agencies.\n\nAs part of the annual federal appropriations process, Senator Marshall has submitted the following funding requests on behalf of Kansas law enforcement:\n\nRobust funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which provides support for a range of programs related to crime prevention, law enforcement, prosecution, corrections, and mental and behavioral health.\n\nRobust funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) Program to support intelligence sharing and coordination among law enforcement agencies.\n\nRobust funding for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, which assists federal, state, and local agencies in combatting drug trafficking.\n\nHighest possible funding for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), which coordinates the nation’s efforts to combat drug use and trafficking.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-kansas-farmers-need-competitive-affordable-fertilizer-markets/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Kansas Farmers Need Competitive, Affordable Fertilizer Markets", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Questions Witnesses at the Senate Ag Committee\n\nWashington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned witness Mr. Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute, at the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing. The hearing focused on the fertilizer industry and ways to ensure a stable and affordable supply for American producers.\n\nSenator Marshall’s focus was on rising fertilizer input costs, and his concerns over limited market competition and domestic supply constraints that he argued are contributing to higher costs for American farmers. He directly asked if the Fertilizer Institute supports removing the 16% countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate, to which the CEO declined to answer.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nHighlights from the hearing include:\n\nSenator Marshall: “Thank you so much, Chairman and Ranking Member, for your leadership on this as well. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, crop insurance and reference prices have been taken care of for the most part, but now input costs are the number one issue concerning American farmers. In fact, fertilizer costs now account up to 40% of input costs. That is now the number one issue. American farmers are price takers on both ends, paying monopoly prices for inputs they must buy, then accepting commodity prices they cannot control with no pricing power on either side. That’s not a market. It’s a trap for the American farmers. I do point out that prices for fertilizer were higher for some 18 months when Russia invaded Ukraine, and those prices came now, but of course, now they’re up significantly. I’ll speak to Mr. Rosenbush first. As you know, one particular company controls 64% of us, phosphate rock, mind, and they account for 90% of retail sales to farmers. It’s being reported that this largest domestic supplier of phosphate is closing plants, which will reduce domestic supplies, while we have a 16% duty on Moroccan imports of phosphate. So, I guess the other question I would ask you is, what are these countervailing duties protecting? Aren’t farmers now getting squeezed from both sides with less domestic supply and restricted imports?”\n\nMr. Rosenbusch: “Yeah. Thank you, Senator Marshall, for that question. And really, an interesting topic that I think is going to be the hot topic going forward into the future. I can’t speak for a specific company’s business decisions. And as you are aware, those are companies that are all TFI members on opposite sides of that case, so we remain neutral when it comes to that specific case.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “I’m not asking you to comment on their plan, but I think you would agree with me that the farmers are getting squeezed on both sides now that there’s less domestic supply and restricted imports. Does the Fertilizer Institute support free market competition and fertilizer pricing? Yes or no? But if the answer is yes, you must justify the duties that block the world’s largest phosphate producer from competing for American farmers’ business.”\n\nMr. Rosenbusch: “There’s no question, Senator, that farmers are going through a really difficult economic time, and TFI does support policies that promote open, fair, predictable, and transparent trading environment.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “We understand all that. We understand there’s a shortage of sulfur when you need the sulfur to mine the phosphate. That’s pretty elementary chemistry. I’m just going to ask you directly, does the Fertilizer Institute support or oppose removing the 16% countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate? The farmers in Kansas deserve an answer.”\n\nMr. Rosenbusch: “Senator, I understand how challenging that is for farmers, because we have member companies that are both on both sides of that case. We do not take a position on that particular case at the ITC right now.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “American farmers paid almost $7 billion in excess costs over five years because of that 16% countervailing duty. Does the Fertilizer Institute believe American farmers should pay above market prices to protect a single company’s market position?”\n\nMr. Rosenbusch: “Senator, we definitely believe that farmers need access, and if five member companies are committed to ensuring they have supply, and that that supply is in line with what global markets are. In many cases, we have seen that the US market is actually traded at a bit of a discount right now, almost $150 cheaper than what Brazil pays for their phosphates. And that commitment that I think the US fertilizer suppliers have been to the farmer to get an affordable and abundant supply of fertilizers.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “Would you agree that the American farmers deserve access to the lowest cost, highest quality fertilizers available regardless of where it’s produced?”\n\nMr. Rosenbusch: “We 100% agree that fertilizer manufacturing and bolstering the domestic supply of fertilizer is incredibly important to deliver to us growers the fertilizer they need in order to be profitable.”\n\nSenator Marshall: “I just want to reiterate that the number one challenge with American farmers today is input cost. And fertilizers now account for up to 40% of those input costs. Look trade exports are up. We went from 2.3 to 2.8 billion bushels of corn last. Last year we had a 20% increase in corn and ethanol exports again this year, the problem is the input cost, and the fertilizer is the biggest chunk of those that we need to address. And I appreciate, again, the chairman and ranking member for giving us this opportunity to discuss these. We’ve been working on these again since Russia invaded Ukraine, and we need to give the American farmer some relief now, getting rid of those countervailing duties would be the quickest, most immediate impact that the American farmer could see in the real world today.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=AB413AA7-CECA-4A3F-84C3-93EEDE578CE4", "title": "McConnell Remarks at SAC-D FY27 Defense Budget Hearing", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "domain": "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", "scraper": "mcconnell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000355", "name": "Mitch McConnell", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing, “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Department of Defense”:\n\nSecretary Hegseth, General Caine – welcome. I’m looking forward to discussing the President’s budget request and I’m encouraged by this opportunity to work together for the common defense.\n\nToday, the need for significant defense investments is as urgent and obvious as it is overdue. Quantity has a quality all its own. And the sheer scale of our defense commitments sends a powerful signal.\n\nBut what goes on under that topline matters. The way this budget request is structured matters. This is not a $1.5 trillion dollar defense appropriations request. It’s a request for $1.1 trillion in base appropriations and another $350 billion in reconciliation.\n\nThe good news? The base request reflects real growth, unlike the net cut in the FY26 request… and unlike the Biden-level CR for FY25.\n\nBut some of the most pressing items on the FY27 to-do list are downstream of missed opportunities in FY26… Like the failure to fully fund $28 billion in multiyear contracts for critical munitions. This subcommittee did what we could to increase munitions purchases above the FY26 requested levels. But we couldn’t do it all without sufficient topline.\n\nThis year, the FY27 request sets a higher topline…High enough, one would think, to build the Department’s highest priorities into the base budget request, instead of shunting them off into a one-time reconciliation request.\n\nWhich brings me to the bad news: The FY27 request fails to make room in the base budget for some of the military’s top priorities.\n\nThis distinction between base and reconciliation matters. Base funding is what creates budget stability for the services and sends consistent demand signals to industry. And base funding is what gets extended by short-term continuing resolutions when work on full-year appropriations is unfinished.\n\nAs I said last year, reconciliation should be a supplement to, not a substitute for, sustained annual funding.\n\nPolitical realities will not always allow for party-line budget reconciliation, and if the Department’s top priorities aren’t built into annual appropriations, we’re taking a big risk.\n\nThe Department is right to make Golden Dome, munitions, the F-35 program, and drone dominance top priorities.\n\nBut these key lines of effort only work if we put them on solid fiscal footing.\n\nSo why is the Department requesting funding for multi-year munitions contracts – which, by definition, require steady year-on-year funding – via one-time reconciliation?\n\nAnd why risk some of the President’s top priorities like Golden Dome by not firmly building them into the Department’s base budget?\n\nNational missile defense will require sustained funding over many years, not a one-off expenditure.\n\nOther key platforms, like a second destroyer and the E-7 battle management aircraft aren’t requested in base or reconciliation.\n\nMr. Secretary, you’ve been outspoken about the place of America’s armed forces as the “most powerful, most lethal, and most prepared military on the planet”.\n\nI’m as committed as you are to sustaining that role… But that’s precisely why I’m confused by the Administration’s failure to prioritize key systems in year-on-year base-budget spending.\n\nMr. Secretary, I hope you’ll also explain the Department’s current approach to allies and partners. The stunning success of Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury illustrates the importance of the access, basing, and overflight granted by allies in Europe and the Gulf.\n\nI’m as frustrated as anyone about Spain, but they are the exception to the rule when it comes to European allies carrying more of the burden.\n\nLikewise, it’s impossible to conceive of U.S. power projection in INDOPACOM without the reach that comes from decades-old alliance relationships.\n\nSo I’ll want to hear the Department’s view on the role of longtime allies in support of U.S. interests across the globe… Because it’s quite clear now that our expectation for European allies is no longer the “focus on your own continent” message they received from your subordinates for most of last year.\n\nOur adversaries are working together to undermine America and the West.\n\nStrained relations with our partners – who are making generational commitments to collective defense and driving investment into American-made weapons and systems – serves our adversaries’ interests and limits our capacity and deterrent power globally.\n\nSo I’ll want to hear about the future of capacity-building with committed allies and partners, from the Baltic States to Taiwan and the Philippines. And I expect that European capacity-building investments intended specifically for Ukraine reach their destination without further delay.\n\nWars in Ukraine and the Middle East clearly show that we have things to learn from our friends. If we want Drone Dominance, it makes perfect sense to deepen cooperation with the world’s foremost drone warfare experts.\n\nThis isn’t charity. When our partners are capable, deterrence is stronger and the risk to US servicemembers is lower. This is as true in the Middle East today as it is in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nOur allies and partners share many of our global interests, and if fail to take advantage of this alignment, we’re only hurting ourselves.\n\nI’ll end with one final observation on the prospect of supplemental appropriations: The deficiencies of our critical munitions stocks and industrial capacity existed long before conflict with Iran and Russia’s escalation in Ukraine.\n\nIf the Administration sends Congress a supplemental appropriations request, it’ll be an important step toward fixing a longstanding problem and investing in future deterrence. It shouldn’t be a referendum on war in Iran.\n\nI supported a national security supplemental in 2024 even though I thought President Biden’s approach to Russia and Iran was too weak.\n\nI did it not only because supporting Ukraine is in our strategic interests, but because these funds helped replenish American stockpiles and restore our own defense industrial base.\n\nToday, the need to expand munitions production and replace battlefield losses is even more urgent.\n\nAnd if we get the chance to consider an emergency supplemental, I would urge each of our colleagues – even those who object to the president’s use of force against Iran – to leave politics at the door and help restore readiness.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/four-years-following-killing-of-palestinian-american-journalist-shireen-abu-akleh-van-hollen-merkley-welch-again-press-for-justice-accountability-in-her-death/", "title": "Four Years Following Killing of Palestinian-American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, Van Hollen, Merkley, Welch Again Press for Justice, Accountability in Her Death", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, four years following the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) once again pressed the Trump Administration to pursue justice and accountability in her death. The Senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to release the report conducted by the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) in 2023 into her death and to provide an update on the FBI’s investigation into her death.\n\nThe Senators begin, “We write regarding the pursuit of transparency and accountability for the shooting death of American citizen and respected journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. It has now been four years since Ms. Abu Akleh was shot and killed by Israeli Defense Forces while she was reporting in the West Bank. There was reportedly deep disagreement over the Biden Administration’s public conclusions about the intentionality of the shooting from among the U.S. officials who closely examined the case. This reporting further underscores the need to release the summation report on the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh produced by the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) in 2023. Additionally, we request a fulsome update from the FBI regarding their investigation into Ms. Abu Akleh’s killing.”\n\n“As the New York Times outlined in October 2025, several U.S. officials in the USSC office believed that the Israeli soldier who shot Ms. Abu Akleh must have been aware he was targeting a journalist ‘based on the circumstances of the shooting and the available evidence.’ In particular, Col. Steve Gabavics – a career military policeman who was serving as chief of staff to Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel in the USSC office at the time of Ms. Abu Akleh’s shooting – was ‘flabbergasted’ that the July 4, 2022, State Department statement attributed the shooting to ‘tragic circumstances’ and he believes that the U.S. government soft-pedaled the USSC’s findings to appease the Israeli government,” the Senators continued.\n\nThey additionally noted, “In November 2022, the FBI reportedly opened its own investigation into the shooting death of Abu Akleh. And yet, to date, the FBI has not released any findings, nor has it shared an expectation that it may do so in the future. Last year, the FBI was supposed to provide a briefing for relevant Senate Appropriations Committee staff on the status of the Shireen Abu Akleh case. However, the FBI officials who conducted the briefing were not familiar with Abu Akleh’s case and only spoke at a high level about the FBI’s abilities and constraints in these types of cases. On May 7, 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide a public update on the status of the investigation and reasons for delay, and to commit to a timeline for the FBI to complete a thorough, impartial, and independent criminal investigation and to publicly release its findings. Given the enormous public interest at stake in Abu Akleh’s case, as well as its implications for subsequent cases of violence against American citizens in the West Bank, it is long past time for the FBI to provide an update to Congress on its investigation into the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh.”\n\n“Since Abu Akleh’s death in May 2022, there have been at least seven additional American citizens killed in the West Bank. The killings of these Americans in the West Bank have been met by a lack of accountability from the Netanyahu government and an inability to secure justice by the U.S. government. The public release of the USSC summation report on Abu Akleh’s killing, as well as an update on the FBI’s investigation, are critical to ensuring transparency and accountability in Abu Akleh’s case, and also to avoid future preventable and wrongful deaths – goals we should all support,” the Senators concluded.\n\nThe text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rubio and Director Patel:\n\nWe write regarding the pursuit of transparency and accountability for the shooting death of American citizen and respected journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. It has now been four years since Ms. Abu Akleh was shot and killed by Israeli Defense Forces while she was reporting in the West Bank. There was reportedly deep disagreement over the Biden Administration’s public conclusions about the intentionality of the shooting from among the U.S. officials who closely examined the case. This reporting further underscores the need to release the summation report on the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh produced by the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) in 2023. Additionally, we request a fulsome update from the FBI regarding their investigation into Ms. Abu Akleh’s killing.\n\nAs the New York Times outlined in October 2025, several U.S. officials in the USSC office believed that the Israeli soldier who shot Ms. Abu Akleh must have been aware he was targeting a journalist “based on the circumstances of the shooting and the available evidence.” In particular, Col. Steve Gabavics – a career military policeman who was serving as chief of staff to Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel in the USSC office at the time of Ms. Abu Akleh’s shooting – was “flabbergasted” that the July 4, 2022, State Department statement attributed the shooting to “tragic circumstances” and he believes that the U.S. government soft-pedaled the USSC’s findings to appease the Israeli government.\n\nThe Biden Administration had tasked the USSC office with examining the case of Ms. Abu Akleh’s shooting and writing a report on the evidence. Colonel Gabavics described himself as the lead U.S. investigator on the case and said he assessed the shooting was intentional due to several factors, including records of Israeli military radio traffic, visibility on that day, and the precision of the shots. Colonel Gabavics reportedly wrote these findings and strong language into a draft of the USSC report on the shooting, but General Fenzel disagreed with the assessment of intentionality and repeatedly softened the report language. According to the New York Times, this back-and-forth culminated in Gen. Fenzel ordering Col. Gabavics off the case and threatening his dismissal.\n\nUltimately, the final USSC summation report that was selectively shared with some members of Congress did not shed light on the state of mind of the individual responsible for firing the fatal shot, mainly because the Israeli government did not grant the USSC access to key witnesses. Nevertheless, the report does provide very important insights into the circumstances that led to Ms. Abu Akleh’s wrongful death, including relevant information and findings about the conduct of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit involved in that operation – as well as other IDF units operating in the West Bank. Following Ms. Abu Akleh’s death, Secretary Blinken asked the Israeli government to review the IDF rules of engagement in the West Bank, but he was rebuffed. Such a review remains necessary today to protect innocent civilians, including American citizens, in the West Bank. In addition, we urge the Administration to release the USSC summation report to the public to help ensure transparency and accountability in the shooting death of Ms. Abu Akleh.\n\nIn November 2022, the FBI reportedly opened its own investigation into the shooting death of Abu Akleh. And yet, to date, the FBI has not released any findings, nor has it shared an expectation that it may do so in the future. Last year, the FBI was supposed to provide a briefing for relevant Senate Appropriations Committee staff on the status of the Shireen Abu Akleh case. However, the FBI officials who conducted the briefing were not familiar with Abu Akleh’s case and only spoke at a high level about the FBI’s abilities and constraints in these types of cases. On May 7, 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide a public update on the status of the investigation and reasons for delay, and to commit to a timeline for the FBI to complete a thorough, impartial, and independent criminal investigation and to publicly release its findings. Given the enormous public interest at stake in Abu Akleh’s case, as well as its implications for subsequent cases of violence against American citizens in the West Bank, it is long past time for the FBI to provide an update to Congress on its investigation into the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh.\n\nSince Abu Akleh’s death in May 2022, there have been at least seven additional American citizens killed in the West Bank. The killings of these Americans in the West Bank have been met by a lack of accountability from the Netanyahu government and an inability to secure justice by the U.S. government. The public release of the USSC summation report on Abu Akleh’s killing, as well as an update on the FBI’s investigation, are critical to ensuring transparency and accountability in Abu Akleh’s case, and also to avoid future preventable and wrongful deaths – goals we should all support.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=12D04457-9D6B-497C-8190-C2AD3106CDD0", "title": "VIDEO: Sen. Moran Reaffirms Support for the ROTOR Act During Hearing with Secretary Hegseth", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – today underscored the need to pass and enact the ROTOR Act during a subcommittee hearing with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He also questioned Secretary Hegseth on the department’s reversal of support for the bill on the day before it was considered in the House, after its unanimous passage in the Senate.\n\n“I worked closely with Senator Cruz to introduce and secure the unanimous Senate passage of the ROTOR Act,” said Sen. Moran. “There was an airplane that originated from Kansas that saw the death of 67 people near Reagan Airport. The department in December – December the 17th – released a statement in support of the ROTOR Act, and yet, when the House considered the ROTOR Act, the department released an additional statement and claimed that enactment would create significant unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks affecting national defense activities.”\n\n“Can you explain what happened between the first statement and the second statement that caused there to be a different reaction?” continued Sen. Moran. “I ask this because it’s still very important to me that the ROTOR Act, or something very similar to the ROTOR Act, is enacted into law, and apparently for it to be passed, it needs to be something that the Department of Defense is supportive of. So, what is it that changed between this initial statement and the second statement so that we can bring the legislative endeavor to fruition?”\n\nClick HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/press-releases/moreno-statement-following-trumps-call-for-passage-of-housing-legislation-institutional-investor-ban", "title": "Moreno Statement Following Trump’s Call for Passage of Housing Legislation, Institutional Investor Ban", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moreno.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.moreno.senate.gov", "scraper": "moreno", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001242", "name": "Bernie Moreno", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON –Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) released the following statement after President Trump called for the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and thanked him for his work in securing the ban on institutional investors purchasing single family homes in the legislation.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-to-hegseth-on-iran-war-history-is-not-on-your-side-time-is-not-on-our-side", "title": "Murphy to Hegseth On Iran War: History Is Not On Your Side, Time Is Not On Our Side", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday questioned U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. With the Strait of Hormuz still closed, and price increases on gas and basic goods fueling an economic crisis at home, Murphy grilled both witnesses on the Trump administration’s fundamentally misguided strategy in Iran. Murphy also highlighted significant inconsistencies between President Trump’s premature declarations of strategic victory in Iran and intelligence reports showing the regime retains most of its pre-existing missile and drone capacity.\n\nMurphy pressed Hegseth on the Trump administration’s plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring down gas prices for Americans: “In other briefings, people that work for you have told us in plain terms that there is no military mechanism to reopen the strait, that ultimately it will be a political decision made by Iran. How are we going to get the strait open? Because nothing matters more to our constituents than doing something about these spiraling gas prices which are bankrupting families and farmers all across the country.”\n\nMurphy warned Trump’s long-game strategy in Iran guarantees economic doom for countless American farmers, small businesses, and families: “Time is not on our side here. I believe you are being way too optimistic in your assessment of their potential to cave. But, if this goes on for another 30 days, there are going to be thousands more farms that will go bankrupt. There are going to be families that are going to be ruined. And so, time is not on our side. And I just don't believe that Iran is ready to capitulate yet. And if they capitulate in a year, there is going to be a whole lot of families and businesses that are ruined in the United States.”\n\nMurphy laid out the long history of failed economic pressure campaigns that dragged on for years: “The Russians believed, years ago, that Ukraine would cave because of the economic pressure they were putting on Ukraine. We thought the North Vietnamese would cave because of the economic pressure we were putting on them. Your own intelligence estimates, as has been reported, suggest that in fact, the Iranians are in a position to hold out for potentially years. This is a high risk strategy, to hope that this economic pressure will eventually cause [Iran]to voluntarily reopen the strait when there's plenty of evidence from military history to show that countries that are being attacked or invaded or occupied are actually willing to put up with a whole lot of economic misery in order to preserve national pride.”\n\nMurphy called for transparency from Hegseth and Caine after they repeatedly refused to answer basic questions about whether the war’s objectives had been met: “How do we or the American public assess the success of the mission when you’ve stated publicly the purpose of the mission is to destroy their missile and drone capabilities? How do we assess whether we should continue funding this?”\n\nA full transcript of the exchange is available below.\n\nMurphy: Thank you Madame Chair, thank you all for being here. Let me give you a chance, Mr. Secretary, to answer Senator Coons’s question, which is a really simple one: how are we going to get the Strait open? Because nothing matters more to our constituents than doing something about these spiraling gas prices which are bankrupting families and farmers all across the country.\n\nAnd maybe let me ask it this way: this is the first time you’ve come before this committee, but in other briefings people that work for you have told us in plain terms that there is no military mechanism to reopen the Strait, that ultimately it will be a political decision made by Iran. And I think you’re confirming that here today, by suggesting that it will be economic pressure that will create a political imperative inside Tehran to open the strait.\n\nSo can you just confirm for the committee that there is not a military mechanism or means to reopen the Strait? That ultimately we have to, essentially, use diplomacy, economic diplomacy in this case, in order to convince Iran to make the decision to reopen the strait.\n\nHegseth: I would say, Senator, there most certainly are military means by which we could open the Strait. Both targets on land and also what we do with our naval capabilities, not to mention our naval blockade, demonstrated by-\n\nMurphy: Why haven’t you done that? If that's true and that's not what has been testified to us in private briefings, why haven’t you done that already?\n\nHegseth: Ultimately, a preferred long-term approach would be a deal where they open it up. Where they stop being pirates of an international waters, and allow countries from all nations to flow. You know, these aren’t US ships that are being blockaded there, these are ships from all around the world, creating much more pressure for other countries than ours. So the bad guy here is Iran, who is closing the Strait through piracy effectively, because they really only have fast boat capabilities. We’re blockading them, none of their stuff is getting out, they’re feeling all the pressure.\n\nMurphy: Ok so here's my follow up question: you don’t worry that through a study of history you might come to the conclusion that you are overestimating their willingness to cave based upon economic pressure? The Russians believed, years ago, that Ukraine would cave because of the economic pressure they were putting on Ukraine. We thought the North Vietnamese would cave because of the economic pressure we were putting on them. Your own intelligence estimates, as has been reported, suggest that in fact, the Iranians are in a position to hold out for potentially years.\n\nThis is a high risk strategy, to hope that this economic pressure will eventually cause them to voluntarily reopen the Strait, when there's plenty of evidence from military history to show that countries that are being attacked or invaded or occupied are actually willing to put up with a whole lot of economic misery in order to preserve national pride.\n\nHegseth: Well aware. We understand all of those historical case studies. And it’s not just economic pressure: there is military pressure, diplomatic pressure, we certainly have a lot more military pressure we can bring to bear - if the President were to choose to do so. I think there are a lot of different dynamics that we can, cards that the president can play, holding all of them to ensure even greater economic pressure or even greater military pressure in Iran. And they know that and that’s why the negotiations are serious and ongoing right now about giving up their nuclear capabilities, because they understand that.\n\nMurphy: The problem is time is not on our side here. I believe you are being way too optimistic in your assessment of their potential to cave. But, if this goes on for another 30 days, there are going to be thousands more farms that will go bankrupt, there are going to be families that are going to be ruined. And so, time is not on our side. And I just don't believe that Iran is ready to capitulate yet. And if they capitulate in a year, there is going to be a whole of families and businesses that are ruined in the United States.\n\nMurphy: General Caine, let me finally ask you a question about what seems to be a difference of opinion between the intelligence services you rely on and the public statements of the President of the United States, with respect to our war objectives. The Secretary and others in the president's cabinet have said very clearly that our war objective is to destroy Iran's missile and drone program. The president said just a week ago that Iran maybe had 18% to 19% of their missile capacity left. But there is public reporting suggesting that our intelligence agencies say that Iran still has 70% of their missile and drone capability, which would be a failure of our objectives if that were to be true. What can you tell us about the number of missiles and drones they have left and do you dispute that intelligence estimate?\n\nCaine: Sir, I'm not going to comment, with deep respect for the question, I am not going to comment in this forum, on what may or may not have been opined on by the IC, which would suggest a leak or a confirmation of any intel. So while I appreciate the question, I hope you will also appreciate my not answering it.\n\nMurphy: The president said that 80% of-\n\nCaine: I'm not going to comment either way Sir.\n\nMurphy: How do we or the American public assess the success of the mission when you’ve stated publicly the purpose of the mission is to destroy their missile and drone capabilities? How do we assess whether we should continue funding this? If you can't state-\n\nCaine: I am not going to answer what you guys in Congress consider decision criteria around continued funding or not. What I know is that I have not read the report you are talking about. All of our battle damage assessment matters are classified and it would be inappropriate for me to comment in this forum on that. I appreciate the question but I'm not going to answer it.\n\nMurphy: Let me put it to Secretary Hegseth. The president said that 80% of the missile capacity had been destroyed. This public report says it’s only 30%. Can you give an answer?\n\nHegseth: I mean I would answer the same way as the chairman.\n\nMurphy: Not talking to this committee about the damages?", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-grills-hegseth-on-iran-war-trumps-astronomical-1-5-trillion-war-budget-and-spending-priorities/", "title": "Senator Murray Grills Hegseth on Iran War, Trump’s Astronomical $1.5 Trillion War Budget, and Spending Priorities", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pressed by Murray on Trump’s comments that the U.S. can’t afford child care or health care—only fighting wars, Hegseth defends Trump’s budget request: “I certainly support this.”\n\nICYMI: Senator Murray on President Trump’s FY27 Budget Request\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Department of Defense (DoD)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary Pete Hegseth on the extraordinary cost of the Iran war, the president’s astronomical $1.5 trillion defense budget, and the administration’s position that there is no money for child care but plenty of money for war.\n\n[INCREASING COSTS OF WAR WITH IRAN]\n\nSenator Murray began her questioning by pressing Secretary Hegseth about the cost of the war with Iran, noting how the war has cost servicemembers their lives and cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and counting. Acting Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III also responded to Senator Murray’s questions about the damage to U.S. facilities in the war with Iran.\n\nMURRAY: Mr. Secretary, the war in Iran has not only cost 13 American servicemembers lives, it is also costing American taxpayers dearly. Tens of billions of dollars and counting—and that’s money that could be helping people perhaps get health care, but instead we’re paying for bombs dropped in a war that American people overwhelmingly oppose.\n\nNow, earlier this morning, I know that your team testified Trump’s war with Iran cost $29 billion so far. That is $29 billion blown on a war of choice—and that’s what it would have cost actually to save the ACA tax credits. But, as my colleagues have already stated, what is concerning as well is it seems quite clear that cost estimate is suspiciously low.\n\nNow, your acting comptroller suggested that damage to U.S. facilities was not factored into that figure. It is clear that there has been extensive damage to American military assets. New reporting from the Washington Post and others indicates that Iran has hit at least 228 structures or pieces of equipment at U.S. military sites.\n\nCan you tell us what the cost of damage done to U.S. facilities is because of this war is?\n\nHEGSETH: Well, I think Jay covered pretty clearly what we can or cannot share, but I would simply respond that, and I think it’s an important point considering what the president is undertaking, is what is the cost of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and the fact that this president has been willing to make a historic and courageous choice to confront that, it comes with costs, and we recognize that and we honor that but—\n\nMURRAY: I understand what your judgement is, and we have a judgement as well. I’m asking if you can tell us, and at what point you can tell us, what the cost of damage done to U.S. facilities is because of this war?\n\nHURST: Yes ma’am, thanks for the question, and so for future posture in the Middle East we don’t know what that’s going to look like, we don’t know how we’re going to design these bases—\n\nMURRAY: The damage to date, you do not have any cost estimate on it at all?\n\nHURST: For the military construction, I do not have a cost estimate to provide you at this time.\n\nMURRAY: Well, when will we get that?\n\nHURST: Again, it depends on what the future posture is, how we decide to construct those bases—\n\nMURRAY: To date, to date. You know what has happened to date. We can’t get that number and that is a real concern to us—our job is to appropriate dollars, and we’re just told “it’s coming, it’s coming” and we don’t get it, so it’s very hard to do our budgets.\n\nAnd right now, Mr. Secretary, people are paying four, five, even six, seven dollars for gas—and American taxpayers are now on the hook as well for paying for this disastrous war.\n\nYou’re spending families’ hard-earned tax dollars on a war that many strongly oppose. And you’re forcing people to pay more at the pump—and yet you’re not even providing a real breakdown for the cost of this war so far. We have no real details, you have indicated that, and yet now you want Congress to send you $1.5 trillion more.\n\nTo me, that is unacceptable—and I hope our Republican colleagues will join us in not only rejecting that absurd request, but in insisting that the American people get the actual answers on how much money—their money—we are spending on this.\n\n[CUTTING CHILD CARE AND HEALTH CARE FOR DEFENSE BUDGET]\n\nSenator Murray continued by pressing Secretary Hegseth on Trump’s FY27 budget request and his comments that the U.S. can only afford to pay for war, not child care or health care.\n\nMURRAY: Let me turn and say, Secretary Hegseth, the president has called Medicaid, Medicare, and child care “little scams” and said, quote, “we’re fighting wars, we cannot take care of day care.”\n\nI’m just trying to understand that, is it your position, since you’re asking taxpayers for another half trillion dollars for the war, that American families should be forced to give up child care and health coverage so that you can have a $1.5 trillion for this budget?\n\nHEGSETH: Senator, that’s not my department and I certainly support this and I also support the president’s efforts to find and remove fraud wherever possible and in general sense. And we do that in our department as well—\n\nMURRAY: Well, I’m not talking about fraud, I actually asked whether an American family should lose their health care or their child care to pay for this budget. That is literally what the president suggested.\n\nHEGSETH: The president has proposed a historic $1.5 trillion budget that will defend the nation and confront threats like Iran, which previous presidents allowed to happen, as Senator Graham pointed out. Previous administrations said they wanted to take care of this problem and they did not, and he’s doing it.\n\nMURRAY: The question in front of this committee, the question in front of the American people, is what are they being asked to give up for this $1.5 trillion? That’s [what] I was talking about.\n\n[CLOSING COMMENTS]\n\nMURRAY: And lastly, Mr. Secretary, your budget request cuts through Trump’s ramblings and really to me makes the truth clear that you and the president don’t value families, as much as you value defense contractors. You want to increase the war budget—\n\nHEGSETH: I meet every family at Dover, okay? Don’t tell me we don’t care about families, we sure do and we take care of them in every way we possibly can.\n\nMURRAY: Let me finish, Mr. Secretary. I’m asking you about taxpayer dollars that everybody has to—when we’ve been to war before we’ve asked people to do victory gardens, we’ve asked them to pay more, you are not doing that. You are taking—asking for $1.5 trillion which means something else has to be given up— that’s what this committee is looking at.\n\nYou want to increase the war budget for next year by half a trillion dollars. That is taxpayer money that could be used to feed families, or build new, affordable homes, or wipe out some diseases completely, or increase [child care] investments twenty times over. But you are asking us to blow it all on war—and that’s not even counting the money you’ve spent bombing Iran—or that you may still request in a separate supplemental.\n\nAnd to me, this budget wasn’t even strategically crafted. 1.5 trillion dollars? It’s like the president decided that was the number and you all filled in the blanks. So, what I am here today to say is you asked for a massive laundry list of unnecessary spending—a huge payday for defense contractors, and you still don’t even ask to give DOD’s civilian workers a pay raise, and to me, this is absurd!\n\nI know you don’t care what I have to say. So let me quote you someone you might actually listen to: President Eisenhower. He said: “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.”\n\nThat is what this budget proposal is asking. It’s going to leave Americans cold and hungry to fund Trump’s wars and make defense contractors a fortune. So that is why I hope this committee throws that in the trash and comes together with a budget that works for all American families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-grills-kash-patel-on-tenure-at-fbi/", "title": "Senator Murray Grills Kash Patel on Tenure at FBI", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Murray: “We need somebody at this agency who’s focused on solving criminal cases, not passing out branded bourbon, or jetting around the globe. Your job is to be reachable. … If you want to pass out liquor, or pop bottles in a locker room, stick to podcasting.”\n\nICYMI: Senator Murray on President Trump’s FY27 Budget Request\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget requests for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned FBI Director Kash Patel on steps he’s taken that have undermined the Bureau’s mission and on his fitness for the role.\n\nAppearing at the hearing as witnesses were: Kash Patel, Director of the FBI; Robert Cekada, Director of the ATF; Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Terrance C. Cole, Administrator of the DEA.\n\n[PRESIDENTIAL PARDONS UNDERMINE FBI’S WORK]\n\nSenator Murray began by drawing attention to the FBI successfully going after fraud and how Trump’s recent pardons undermine that important work.\n\nMURRAY: Director Patel, I want to start by recognizing important work by the FBI to crack down on fraud. In one case, the FBI helped bring to justice multiple former business owners who orchestrated a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme on the American people.\n\nAnd those business owners filed nearly a million false claims for services that they never provided to any patients. Literally stealing from American taxpayers and preying on vulnerable people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s, and dementia, and substance abuse. But thanks to the FBI, those crooks were held accountable.\n\nSo, I just wanted to ask you today if you would pass along my gratitude to those FBI agents for their tireless work bringing those criminals to justice?\n\nPATEL: I will, ma’am. The fraud work is often overlooked, and I greatly appreciate that.\n\nMURRAY: And very important, but I do have to say unfortunately, President Trump—the guy who says he’s going after fraud—granted this man, Lawrence Duran, clemency last June. He was set free and let off the hook for the $87 million he owed in restitution. And Trump granted clemency to Duran’s business partner last February–cutting well short her 35-year prison term.\n\nHe literally undid the important justice work the FBI served and let fraudsters off the hook, and I find that deeply disturbing.\n\n[TAKING FBI AGENTS OFF THE BEAT]\n\nSenator Murray continued by pressing Director Patel on how his efforts to reassign FBI agents en masse to support Trump’s mass deportation agenda have pulled resources away from critical missions and jeopardized public safety.\n\nMURRAY: I want to take a moment to reiterate the important role of DOJ law enforcement in keeping all of us safe. Those agents and deputy marshals are absolutely critical to making sure public safety and solving crime, but I worry that instead of pursuing these child abusers, or terrorists, or drug traffickers, or other criminals, you have our agents spending time carrying out Stephen Miller’s mass deportation agenda and harassing families and children.\n\nI want to ask you, Director Patel, how many FBI agents have been reassigned to work on immigration enforcement?\n\nPATEL: No one at the FBI has been reassigned to work solely on immigration, ma’am.\n\nMURRAY: Well, I would differ with you because according to the Cato Institute, more than two thousand FBI agents were reassigned to work on immigration enforcement in 2025.\n\nAnd by the way, it’s not just the FBI. More than 2,000 agents from the DEA, more than 600 from the Marshals Service, and more than 1,000 ATF agents are spending their time on immigration enforcement.\n\nThat has, really, pulled critical, highly trained assets off of work to keep our communities safe from drugs, guns, and other threats, and I find that deeply disturbing.\n\n[INVESTIGATING JOURNALISTS]\n\nSenator Murray then addressed grave concerns about Patel’s fitness for the role that have been underscored in recent reports and pressed him on reporting suggesting he is using FBI resources to investigate reporters who’ve covered him.\n\nMURRAY: Now, Director Patel, I want to ask you about a number of extremely troubling stories recently about your leadership and temperament, and what’s happened to the FBI with you at the top.\n\nAnd in response to all the concerns about your leadership, instead of righting the ship, you’ve taken to polygraphing your employees to scare them and attempt to rat out leakers. There are reports that you are using FBI resources to investigate journalists for reporting what’s going on. That is absolutely not what this committee intended when we funded the Bureau.\n\nSo, can you commit to this committee today that no agent-hours have been pulled from other work, like counterterrorism or violent crime investigations, to work on matters related to negative press about you or your personal lawsuit?\n\nPATEL: Senator, I greatly appreciate the question, and I can tell you unequivocally this FBI is targeting and investigating no journalists. This FBI is targeting no journalists. The Obama and Biden administrations targeted dozens of journalists, sent out 1200 interviews—\n\nMURRAY: I didn’t ask you about the Biden administration, I asked if you could commit to this committee that no agent hours have been pulled from other work.\n\nPATEL: We have not done so.\n\nMURRAY: Okay well there are reports that you’re using FBI resources to investigate journalists. You are saying to this committee today that is not true.\n\nPATEL: That’s correct, ma’am.\n\n[PATEL’S FITNESS TO LEAD FBI]\n\nMURRAY: Let me just say, Director Patel. We need a serious budget for the FBI, but we also need serious leadership. And I will say this; there is one clear priority in Trump’s overall budget—and it isn’t law and order. It is war.\n\nBecause while Trump is proposing cuts to programs that really do keep people safe, he wants to increase war spending by half a trillion dollars. And I don’t need to tell anyone here: we are not going to bomb our way to safer communities.\n\nSo, I intend to help rip that budget up and help write bills that keep families safe.\n\nBut beyond that budget, we need serious leadership at the FBI that the American people can trust. And I am deeply concerned about the reports that your leadership has not been serious. We need somebody at this agency who’s focused on solving criminal cases not passing out branded bourbon, or jetting around the globe. Your job is to be reachable.\n\nAnd I know Senator Van Hollen asked you about this, but I have got to say, if you want to pass out liquor, or pop bottles in a locker room, stick to podcasting. Leave law and order to people who really do care more about justice and appearances, that is really critical. It’s what I am really deeply concerned about and so are many people.\n\nPATEL: Can I respond? This is what real leadership looks like at the FBI. Every one of you was given it. This is what’s happened under my tenure at the FBI and the Trump administration. Twenty-point drop in the homicide rate. 45,000 violent offenders arrested last year, twice as many as 2024. 2,450 criminal gangs disrupted, that’s a 322% increase from 2024. 6,900 child victims have been located since I’ve been in the seat, that’s a 144% increase. 2,900 child predators and human traffickers arrested, that’s a 70% increase and we’ve arrested eight of the top ten want of most wanted fugitives in the world in fourteen months, that’s twice as many in the four years combined. That is what the men and women of the FBI are doing—well-resourced. Everyone should take a look at this, if people want to continue the baseless, fraudulent, false personal attacks at me—that’s great. Keep the target on me as I’ve always said, but the mission has never been better.\n\nMURRAY: I appreciate the work of our FBI agents, but leadership—serious leadership is a concern. And we are seeing the pictures of passing out branded bourbon and what happened at the Olympics, jetting around the globe and all the rest of it—and that, I will say again, Mr. Chairman, is of deep concern to me.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-introducing-legislation-to-cut-taxes-for-farmers/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Introducing Legislation to Cut Taxes for Farmers", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Sen. Ossoff’s new “Farm Disaster Tax Cut Act” would give farmers tax relief after natural disasters, revenue losses, or pest outbreaks\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing legislation to cut taxes for Georgia farmers.\n\nToday, Sen. Ossoff introduced the Farm Disaster Tax Cut Act to provide eligible farmers with a tax cut after natural disasters, revenue losses, or pest outbreaks.\n\nThe bill would exclude crop insurance indemnity payments, which are made to farmers after they face qualified losses, from farmers’ taxable income after natural disasters, revenue losses, or pest outbreaks.\n\n“Georgia’s farmers are the cornerstone of our state’s economy and many of our communities. After facing soaring costs from Hurricane Helene, recent droughts, and other outbreaks, they are in desperate need of relief,” Sen. Ossoff said.“My new bill will cut taxes for Georgia farmers.”\n\nKey Georgia agricultural leaders are backing Sen. Ossoff’s new bill.\n\n“As a farmer, I am grateful for Senator Ossoff’s understanding of the ongoing farm economic crisis and the complexities of taxation on the farm. Crop insurance indemnities (and disaster relief) are intended to keep producers with enough resources to meet obligations during a crisis. This legislation will help farmers, family businesses, and rural communities afloat until the situation on the farm improves,” said Bart Davis, Colquitt County Cotton Producer.\n\n“We want to thank Senator Ossoff for offering legislation that will exclude crop insurance indemnity payments made due to losses experienced from August 2024 to December 2028. Our growers that have been hit by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, know that these crop insurance payments do not make you whole. Many of the crop insurance products available to specialty crop growers already fall short of what’s needed in a crisis. To pay taxes on these payments diminishes the value of these risk management tools even further. We look forward to working with the Senator and his Team to move this bill forward,” stated Chris Butts, Executive Vice President, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia agriculture.\n\nIn March, Sens. Ossoff and Ashley Moody (R-FL), alongside Rev. Raphael Warnock and Rick Scott (R-FL), introduced the bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026 to improve research and development for advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanization technology.\n\nAlso in March, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock announced more than $531 million in Hurricane Helene Federal relief for Georgia’s farmers after Sen. Ossoff successfully fought to pass a bipartisan disaster relief package in December 2024 that included $21 billion in agricultural disaster funding to help Georgia farmers recovering from the disastrous impacts of Hurricane Helene and farmers nationwide impacted by natural disasters.\n\nEarlier this year, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan Buying American Cotton Act of 2025 to incentivize retailers to sell products made with U.S. cotton to boost demand for cotton grown in the U.S., becoming the first Senate Democrat to back the bill.\n\nIn November, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan Securing American Agriculture Act to decrease dependence on China for agricultural imports.\n\nIn September, Sen. Ossoff joined lawmakers across the aisle to urge the United States Trade Representative to prioritize American pecan producers in ongoing trade negotiations with India.\n\nIn August, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan United States Citrus Protection Act alongside Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) to support and protect Georgia’s citrus growers by banning imports of fresh citrus from China, which can often undercut domestic citrus producers and hurt the rapidly growing citrus industry in Georgia.\n\nClick here to read the Farm Disaster Tax Cut Act.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/today-padilla-joins-kelly-durbin-and-immigration-advocates-to-speak-on-why-threats-to-daca-dreamers-make-case-for-legislative-fix/", "title": "Padilla Joins Kelly, Durbin, and Immigration Advocates to Speak on Why Threats to DACA, Dreamers Make Case for Legislative Fix", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON D.C. —Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and lead author of the Dream Act, and Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), joined immigration experts and advocates at a press conference and spotlight forum to highlight examples and implications of the growing threats to Dreamers, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) processing delays and detention and deportation concerns.\n\nAt the press conference, speakers highlighted examples of DACA recipients being unable to work and live safely in the United States due to the Trump Administration’s unjustified processing delays on their renewal applications, including a San Francisco-based DACA recipient who is at risk of losing her job. Held directly before the DACA spotlight forum, Padilla and his Democratic colleagues uplifted Dreamers’ stories and called attention to the devastating impact of unnecessary processing delays. Padilla emphasized the importance of passing the Dream Act and the urgent need for a permanent legislative fix that creates a pathway to citizenship to support our Dreamers who significantly contribute to our communities and economy.\n\n“We hear cases of both DACA participants, and Dreamers more broadly, being detained and deported. Many DACA recipients just simply waiting for what used to be, and should be, a routine renewal of their status,” said Senator Padilla. “We’ve heard reports of the Justice Department’s handpicked panel of judges saying that DACA protections, ‘don’t actually protect dreamers from deportation.’ Why the change? This is the entire point of the DACA program – to recognize that young people who are contributing to our country and have no criminal record, who were brough here as children, should not be deported. They deserve protections.”\n\n“Since the beginning of this year, my office alone has seen an increase in requests for help from hundreds of people dealing with delays in getting their renewals and bureaucratic chaos. Let me tell you about one woman named Ariel – a nurse in San Francisco who has lived in the United States since she was just two years old,” continued Padilla. “Ariel filed her renewal paperwork at the beginning of the year, 135 days before her expiration date. She followed every rule. She did everything she was supposed to do just like she always does, every two years like clockwork. But Ariel’s DACA status expired in April, and to this day her renewal status still hasn’t been processed. That’s not her fault! Yet she’s about to lose her job caring for sick people and the promotion she was working towards, because of the failures and cruelty of the Trump Administration. And here’s the thing that they don’t seem to understand in the gilded Oval Office: it’s not just Dreamers who are hurting because of these actions. It’s all of us.”\n\nFollowing the press conference, Padilla and his Democratic colleagues participated in a spotlight forum on protecting Dreamers, hosted by Senator Durbin, to further highlight the contributions of DACA recipients and Dreamers in our communities, the threats that the Trump Administration has inflicted on DACA recipients, and the importance of a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.\n\nPadilla discussed the impacts of wrongful detention and deportation exercised by the Trump Administration, highlighting testimony from Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, a DACA recipient who was wrongfully detained at her green card interview and quickly deported, and who Padilla met with earlier this year. As countless stories of wrongful detention and deportation of DACA recipients under this Administration increase, Padilla emphasized the need for permanent protections and immigration reform.\n\n“DACA is so much more than a work permit. It’s a promise. A promise to young people […] who proudly contribute so much to their families, their communities, and their countries,” said Senator Padilla. “A promise that if you come out of the shadows and you work hard and follow the rules, you will be protected. Because this is your home and you belong here. But tragically we’ve seen, in recent months, this administration doing everything they can to break that promise.”\n\nPadilla further discussed the administration’s wrongful targeting of DACA recipients in its mass deportation campaign. In 2025, 261 DACA recipients were detained and at least 86 deported, despite having active DACA protections. DACA renewal processing times have skyrocketed; Padilla highlighted the growing number of Californians who have reached out to his office for assistance. Padilla emphasized the need for DACA and Dreamer protections from detention and deportation and criticized President Trump’s cruel attempt to cease DACA application processing.\n\nPadilla has long championed permanent protections for Dreamers and DACA recipients and has been a leading voice in Congress for providing long-term undocumented immigrants with pathways to citizenship. In 2025, Padilla joined U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Durbin in introducing the Dream Act of 2025 to provide permanent protections for Dreamers and DACA recipients. The legislation would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence and a pathway to citizenship. Padilla and his Democratic colleagues have joined immigration experts and advocates to renew their urgent call for the passage of the Dream Act to provide a permanent pathway to citizenship.\n\nEarlier this year, Padilla and his Democratic colleagues demanded that former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow reduce the severe delays in processing DACA renewal applications. In February, Padilla, Durbin, and Senator Kelly blasted DHS for wrongfully targeting and removing DACA recipients in a joint statement. Padilla has called attention to the increased risk of detention and deportation faced by DACA recipients when their renewal applications are not processed before their status expires. He emphasized that these long-term residents — who were brought to the country as children — have been working, studying, and living legally in the United States since 2012 and are vital members of American communities.\n\nPadilla’s remarks at the press conference are available here.\n\nPadilla’s remarks at the spotlight forum are available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-the-job-for-michigan-former-us-congresswoman-candice-miller-discusses-peters-work-to-establish-northern-border-mission-center-at-selfridge-air-national-guard-base", "title": "ON THE JOB FOR MICHIGAN: Former U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller Discusses Peters’ Work to Establish Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.peters.senate.gov", "scraper": "garypeters", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000595", "name": "Gary C. Peters", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "HARRISON TOWNSHIP, MI – In a new “On the Job” video from U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) office, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner and former U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller highlights how Peters has helped bolster Selfridge Air National Guard Base’s role in protecting U.S. national and homeland security by establishing the Northern Border Mission Center collocated at the base. The Center, which DHS is already working to set up, will support wide-ranging efforts to strengthen border security. The video with Miller is a part of the On the Job for Michigan series, which highlights Peters’ leadership and advocacy on behalf of constituents and communities across Michigan.\n\n“When I was in the Congress, I was trying to do something with Selfridge in regards to northern border security,” said Miller. “When you think about the Ambassador Bridge, the Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge, and then you have this beautiful base, Selfridge, our National Guard base, that is like custom ready, I think, to be able to provide some northern border security.”\n\n“But Senator Peters and I did talk about this, and I'll tell you, he delivered,” Miller continued. “Nothing is more important than protecting America. Selfridge is perfectly positioned, I think, as we go out into the future to be a critical component of our National Defense, and we thank Senator Peters for his involvement in that.”\n\nWatch Miller’s “On the Job” video here.\n\n“The Northern Border Mission Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a critical asset in safeguarding our nation’s security,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “The Center will serve as an invaluable resource to strengthen security at our Northern Border by addressing threats like illicit drug trafficking and the rise of illegal drone use. I am proud of the important work underway at Selfridge, and I look forward to the Center’s continued advancements in research and technological innovation that will strengthen our national security for generations to come.”\n\nThe Northern Border Mission Center will serve as a training location for DHS personnel and act as a testing ground for border security technology. The Center will coordinate with state, local, and Tribal governments, and other key stakeholders, to ensure DHS can fulfill its border security mission and address evolving threats at the Northern Border.\n\nPeters authored and passed into law the Northern Border Coordination Act in 2024 to expand operations and responsibilities of the Northern Border Mission Center. Peters also secured $3 million to support the Center’s operations.\n\nThe Northern Border Mission Center builds on Peters’ consistent efforts to position Selfridge for long-term success. Prior to the Air Force’s announcement in April 2025 that it will base a new F-15EX fighter jets at Selfridge, Peters sent a letter urging the Air Force to base a new fighter mission at Selfridge. Last year, Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation seeking to preserve the U.S. Air Force’s fighter force structure and support the recapitalization of Air National Guard fighter missions, including at Selfridge. In January 2024, he announced that the U.S. Air Force selected Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County to host a new squadron of twelve KC-46A refueling tankers. The decision came after Peters led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Michigan delegation members in urging U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to select Selfridge for a new squadron of these next-generation tankers, which will be deployed by the U.S. Air Force for the next 50 years.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-calls-for-better-scrutiny-of-private-credit-and-warns-trump-is-weakening-retirement-security-for-americas-workers", "title": "Reed Calls for Better Scrutiny of Private Credit & Warns Trump is Weakening Retirement Security for America’s Workers", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- As warning signs flash about increased risk in the murky private markets, the Trump Administration is throwing billionaire private fund managers a lifeline at the expense of average working Americans and their retirement security.\n\nUnlike stocks and bonds, private credit is not publicly traded and not subject to the same transparency or the same scrutiny from regulators, making it more difficult for retail investors to assess risks and returns. Just as big, sophisticated investors are starting to pull out of private credit because of concern about growing risk, President Trump is swooping in to allow private fund managers to sell these products to “mom-and-pop” investors. The Trump Administration is proposing to undercut long-standing rules that have shielded retail investors and retirement savers from higher risk, less liquid, and higher-fee investments that lack transparency and are difficult to value.\n\nAs the Trump Administration moves toward opening the retirement savings and 401(k)s of millions of small investors to riskier assets, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says the Trump Administration’s moves could threaten the retirement security of millions of American workers and spill economic damage into the broader economy. Reed is once again urging the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Department of the Labor (DOL) to pause their deregulation efforts and take proactive steps to protect the savings and retirement accounts of working Americans.\n\nReed says private credit needs more transparency before it is offered to Main Street investors in their most important investment accounts—their 401(k)s. He says regulators should improve current regulation, which is supposed to help investors understand the risks of their investments and make the broader U.S. financial system stronger and more resilient. He also points out that President Donald Trump’s erratic economic policies – including tariffs, attacks on the Federal Reserve’s independence, and war with Iran is increasing fluctuations in the bond and equity markets and could tip the U.S. economy into a crisis.\n\nSenator Reed sent a letter to the head of the SEC and a letter to the Acting Secretary of Labor urging them to pause efforts to place alternative assets, including private market investments, into Americans’ 401(k) and other defined-contribution retirement plans. Reed, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee is asking the SEC to “conduct a review of valuation and sales practices for retail private credit vehicles.” Senator Reed also writes: “it would be irresponsible at this time to fling open the doors to these new financial instruments and expose Americans’ defined-contribution pensions to the unknown risk of private credit funds and underlying illiquid assets.”\n\nSenator Reed’s letter to the SEC notes the concerning development that: “Questions about credit quality have led retail investors to request $21 billion from vehicles holding private credit during the first quarter of this year, and most funds have exercised their discretion under the SEC’s rules to temporarily suspend a portion of these redemptions.”\n\nReed’s letters were sent on the heels of the Financial Stability Board (FSB) -- which is made up of central bankers, regulators and finance ministers from the G20 countries -- issuing a “Vulnerabilities in Private Credit” report that identifies potential trends and risks related to private credit and interlinkages with banks. The report found that the healthcare, services, and tech sectors – including AI companies, which have increasingly turned to private lenders to fund data centers and other infrastructure -- have become the biggest borrowers of private credit while also highlighting a lack of transparency that causes challenges in collecting and analyzing data for effective oversight of the sector itself.\n\nUsing 2024 data, the FSB estimated the private credit market at $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion. However, the Alternative Investment Management Association estimates that the global private credit market has reached $3.5 trillion in assets under management.\n\nFederal Reserve Governor Michael Barr, who serves on the FSB, flagged one particular private credit issue for urgent attention: payment-in-kind (PIK) arrangements or structures in which borrowers satisfy interest obligations by taking on additional debt rather than paying cash. “Basically, that just means you default on your loan, and it’s not counted as a default,” Barr told Bloomberg News. “You can’t look at the book and know which loans are really actually under stress.”\n\nReed requested that the SEC take several concrete steps, including:\n\n• Examine sales practices used to place private credit with retail investors, focusing on communications regarding redemption limitations, asset diversification, fees and expenses, valuation practices, and the basic risk-reward profile of these funds.\n\n• Review prospectuses for retail private credit funds, focusing on whether redemption limitations and valuation practices were fully and fairly disclosed.\n\n• Reimpose the limitation, which the SEC rescinded in May 2025, on retail closed-end funds investing no more than 15% of their assets in private funds. Do not drop similar limitations that remain in place for open-end funds.\n\n• Bolster systemic risk reporting by private credit funds through Form PF, so the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) can assess systemic risk.\n\nFull text of Senator Reed’s letters follow:\n\nDear Acting Secretary Sonderling:\n\nI write to urge you to pause efforts to place alternative assets, including private market investments, into Americans’ 401(k) and other defined-contribution retirement plans.\n\nWe have begun to see cracks emerging in the credit markets, centered in the less transparent private credit market. Many private credit loans have been packaged into investment vehicles that have been marketed and sold to retail investors as offering the best of all worlds: high returns on investment grade assets and varying levels of liquidity on illiquid underlying assets. Recent questions about credit quality and economic uncertainty have accelerated requests by retail investors to get their money out of these vehicles, but managers have imposed gates on one-third of these requests totaling around $4.6 billion. At the same time, we have seen a record number of workers making early withdrawals from their 401(k) plans in order to deal with higher expenses in the current economy.\n\nGiven these developments, it would be irresponsible at this time to fling open the doors to these new financial instruments and expose Americans’ defined-contribution pensions to the unknown risk of private credit funds and underlying illiquid assets. I have asked SEC Chair Atkins to conduct an examination of valuation and sales practices for retail private credit vehicles and for Treasury Secretary Bessent to conduct a forward-looking analysis of systemic risk. It would be premature to open Americans’ retirement accounts to these investments until these reviews are completed.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDear Chairman Atkins:\n\nI write to urge you to pause efforts to place alternative assets, including private market investments, into Americans’ 401(k) and other defined-contribution retirement plans and to conduct a review of valuation and sales practices for retail private credit vehicles.\n\nWe have begun to see cracks emerging in the private credit market. Questions about credit quality have led retail investors to request $21 billion from vehicles holding private credit during the first quarter of this year and most funds have exercised their discretion under the SEC’s rules to temporarily suspend a portion of these redemptions. Given these developments, I request that the SEC take the following steps:\n\n1. Examine sales practices used to place private credit with retail investors, focusing on communications regarding redemption limitations, asset diversification, fees and expenses, valuation practices, and the basic risk-reward profile of these funds. This examination should also cover how brokers and advisers determined that these investments were in the best interests of their clients and the financial incentives(including servicing fees, placement fees, and commissions) to distribute these products.\n\n2. Review prospectuses for retail private credit funds, focusing on whether redemption limitations and valuation practices were fully and fairly disclosed.\n\n3. Reimpose the limitation, which you rescinded in May 2025, on retail closed-end funds investing no more than 15% of their assets in private funds. Do not drop similar limitations that remain in place for open-end funds.\n\n4. Bolster systemic risk reporting by private credit funds through Form PF, so the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) can assess systemic risk.\n\n5.Pause efforts to make alternative assets available in defined-contribution retirement accounts, which you are actively pursuing, pending a systemic risk review that I have asked Treasury Secretary and FSOC Chair Bessent to conduct.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-trump-to-stop-insulting-americans-over-rising-inflation", "title": "Reed Urges Trump to Stop Insulting Americans Over Rising Inflation", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, after a new Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report shows the annualized Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate for April 2026 was 3.8 percent, its highest level in three years, and President Trump told reporters “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation” while also calling a White House reporter a “stupid person” because she accurately pointed out that he promised to bring inflation down, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement:\n\n“President Trump should stop insulting people and start working with Congress to implement smarter policies that would actually lower prices instead of raising them.\n\n“The facts are clear and overwhelming: President Trump’s reckless policies continue to increase prices and drive up costs at an alarming rate.\n\n“Even after he’s been rebuffed by the courts, his tariffs are still costing working families thousands of dollars. His disastrous war in Iran, which he claims he already won, continues to drive up prices for gas, food, clothing, and more. And his dangerous attacks on Fed independence threaten permanent and profound economic damage.\n\n“Today’s inflation data confirms what everyone knows: President Trump is making life more expensive for American families. Trump’s tariffs have added about $20,000 to the price of home construction and consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since 2014. The president’s tariffs have driven average new car prices above $50,000 for the first time ever, while household credit card balances hit record levels. Families are getting squeezed, but the Trump Administration continues to force Americans to pay more while getting less. And he has alienated close U.S. allies and trade partners who now see the U.S. as unreliable.\n\n“The Trump-Republican response to all of this isn’t to try to improve the economy, but to redraw Congressional maps in so-called red states so that voters have less of a say. The American people are smart. Donald Trump and his Republican enablers don’t want change, but it is very clear the American people do.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/sen-rick-scott-sends-letter-to-sec-rubio-regarding-concerns-ahead-of-colombia-s-upcoming-presidential-elections", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Sends Letter to Sec. Rubio Regarding Concerns Ahead of Colombia’s Upcoming Presidential Elections", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for a report of State Department actions to support electoral integrity in Colombia ahead of the country’s upcoming election amid growing concerns over political violence, intimidation, deteriorating security conditions, and the expanding influence of illegal armed groups in that country.\n\nIn the letter, Senator Scott specifically requested information on election integrity efforts, international observation support, diplomatic engagement and contingency planning should violence escalate closer to election day. He also emphasized the importance of sustained and visible leadership by the United States given the stakes for Colombia and the broader region.\n\nAs a longtime advocate for Florida’s Colombian-American community, Senator Scott has remained consistent in supporting Colombia and strengthening the U.S. relationship with one of America’s strongest historic allies in Latin America.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio:\n\nI write regarding Colombia’s upcoming presidential election. Historically, as one of the United States’ closest democratic and security partners in the hemisphere, Colombia’s ability to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election is of vital importance to our shared interests in regional stability, rule of law, and democratic governance.\n\nThe International Republican Institute’s (IRI) pre-election assessment highlights a deeply concerning electoral environment. The report notes that Colombia has entered this electoral cycle amid heightened insecurity, weakened state security capacity, and increasing political polarization. It further underscores the expanding territorial influence of illegal armed groups, which continues to restrict candidates’ freedom of movement and voters’ ability to participate safely in certain regions.\n\nIndependent reporting further indicates that the election is unfolding amid serious violence and instability, including rising attacks and expanding territorial control by armed groups, assassinations of political figures, and the disruption of campaigning in some regions. These developments reinforce concerns about whether all Colombians will be able to participate fully and freely in the democratic process.\n\nEqually troubling is the documented rise in political violence and intimidation. Reports of targeted killings, threats against candidates and community leaders, and broader risks to human rights defenders suggest a climate that could suppress participation and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.\n\nIn light of these findings, I would appreciate greater detail on the specific actions the Department of State is taking to support electoral integrity in Colombia.\n\nWhat technical or logistical assistance is being provided to Colombian electoral authorities to strengthen transparency and security?\n\nHow is the United States supporting credible international and domestic election observation efforts to enhance public trust and accountability?\n\nGiven the deteriorating security conditions described in the IRI report, what additional diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, or contingency planning is the United States prepared to support should violence escalate in the final weeks of the campaign?\n\nHow is the Department coordinating with international partners, including multilateral organizations and allied governments, to ensure a unified and proactive approach to safeguarding Colombia’s democratic process?\n\nGiven the stakes for both Colombia and the broader region, sustained and visible U.S. leadership will be essential. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2026/5/psi-chairman-johnson-to-secretary-kennedy-hhs-must-speed-up-production-of-relevant-records-on-covid-19-vaccines", "title": "PSI Chairman Johnson to Secretary Kennedy: HHS Must Speed Up Production of Relevant Records on COVID-19 Vaccines", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.ronjohnson.senate.gov", "scraper": "ronjohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000293", "name": "Ron Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI” or “the Subcommittee”), sent Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), a letter calling for the immediate production of records relating to pediatric deaths following COVID-19 vaccination.\n\nIn response to Chairman Johnson’s December 15, 2025 letter about an internal Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) document acknowledging that the COVID-19 vaccines led to the death of at least 10 children, HHS produced another internal memorandum containing more information about pediatric deaths.\n\nThis December 5, 2025 FDA memorandum described 96 pediatric deaths following COVID-19 vaccination, some of which were labeled as “possibly” or “probably” related to the vaccine.\n\nGiven that HHS produced this document four months after Chairman Johnson’s initial request, he called on Secretary Kennedy to immediately provide the Subcommittee with the remaining responsive records.\n\n“We must speed up the discovery process. As a result, I am requesting, at your earliest convenience, a meeting with you and the officials within HHS that can discuss how to make that happen,” Chairman Johnson wrote.\n\n“The public deserves complete transparency about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. HHS must ensure that there is no delay in achieving that objective,” Chairman Johnson concluded.\n\nThis recent letter to HHS follows a series of revelations uncovered by Chairman Johnson’s Subcommittee relating to the Biden administration’s failure to warn the public about the safety risks associated with the COVID-19 vaccines, including myocarditis and ischemic stroke. Nearly two weeks ago, Chairman Johnson held a hearing and issued an interim Majority staff report showing that Biden health officials knew their COVID-19 vaccine safety analytic system was insufficient and they refused to implement a superior, updated system that could better detect safety signals for vaccine adverse events.\n\nIn addition to uncovering the Biden administration’s efforts to downplay and ignore serious COVID-19 vaccine adverse events, to date, Chairman Johnson has released over 5,000 pages of HHS records supporting the Subcommittee’s findings.\n\nRead more about the chairman’s letter in Catherine Herridge’s reporting here.\n\nFull text of the letter to HHS can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/12/new-report-how-one-billion-dollars-can-fund-law-enforcement-in-u-s-instead-of-trumps-ballroom/", "title": "NEW REPORT: How One Billion Dollars Can Fund Law Enforcement in U.S. Instead of Trump’s Ballroom", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following report outlining how the $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to pay for Donald Trump’s ballroom project could instead be used to fund several federal programs that would support hiring and training for law enforcement agencies across the country, and benefits programs for officers and their families.\n\n“Washington Republicans always seem to struggle to fund critical programs that help hardworking families, but are more than willing to use Americans’ tax dollars for Donald Trump’s vanity projects. Instead of using a billion dollars in taxpayer money for a White House Ballroom, we could be using this funding to increase funding for our law enforcement to fight crime, hire more officers, and support loved ones of officers who are killed,” said Senator Rosen. “During National Police Week, I call on my Republican colleagues to redirect this funding towards supporting our law enforcement and investing in public safety instead of Trump’s Ballroom.”\n\nBelow are estimates of what this funding could do for these crucial police programs instead of a ballroom:\n\nCOPS Hiring Program:\n\n$1 billion could fund nearly 4 years of full funding for the COPS Hiring Program.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2026, over $250 million was appropriated for this program, which is designed to provide funding directly to local law enforcement agencies to hire and/or retain officers and support community policing efforts.\n\nPublic Safety Officer Benefits Program:\n\n$1 billion could fully fund four years of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2026, $236 million was appropriated for this program, which provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.\n\nByrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program:\n\n$1 billion could fund a full year of the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.\n\nThis program is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and provides funding to support personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, for a multitude of programs, including:\n\nLaw enforcement,\n\nPrevention and Education\n\nCorrections\n\nDrug treatment\n\nWitness protection\n\nMental health and behavioral programs\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/12/rosen-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-reverse-decision-to-block-funding-for-fentanyl-detection-strips/", "title": "Rosen, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Reverse Decision to Block Funding for Fentanyl Detection Strips", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senate colleagues in sending a letter calling on Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse new guidance that blocks funding for drug use prevention and harm reduction technology. The new guidance ends the ability of federal grant recipients under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to use federal funding for test strips that detect fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and help reduce overdoses and drug-related deaths.\n\nThe efficacy of fentanyl strips have made them critical for many state and county health authorities and law enforcement entities nationwide for counter-fentanyl strategies. In addition to fentanyl test strips, the Trump Administration also ended funding for test strips that detect xylazine and medetomidine, both powerful veterinary sedatives, which are increasingly found in illicit fentanyl and contributing to overdose deaths.\n\n“Your actions will directly undermine the work of law enforcement and put lives at risk,” the senators wrote. “Doing away with this mainstay of overdose prevention runs directly counter to this administration’s own promises to crack down on the addiction epidemic in the United States. We demand that you reinstate this funding before American lives are lost as a direct result.”\n\nThe senators further noted that less than five months ago, Donald Trump signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act into law with strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate, which expressly provides that federal grant funding be used for harm-reduction tools like test strips.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nSenator Rosen has been on the frontlines in the fight against fentanyl and other illicit drugs. She successfully pushed to reverse the Trump Administration’s decision to withhold $140 million that had been appropriated to combat the fentanyl crisis. The Senator has also secured millions in federal funding for health centers in Nevada that provide substance abuse treatment, recently securing funding for a health care center in Fallon. Last Congress, Senator Rosen helped introduce a bill to prevent fentanyl trafficking through U.S. transportation networks through non-intrusive detection technology. That same year, the Rosen-backed FEND Off Fentanyl Act was signed into law, requiring the President to sanction drug rings involved in international drug trafficking and cracking down on fentanyl-related money laundering. Earlier in 2024, her END Fentanyl Act became law, requiring the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to update its drug interdiction guidance at least once every three years to ensure it is up to date. Previously, many CBP policies that outlined drug interdiction practices were outdated and did not provide guidance on how to handle drugs like fentanyl.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-presses-hegseth-on-administrations-iran-war-planning-amid-scramble-to-relocate-weapons-systems-evacuate-personnel-after-war-started", "title": "Schatz Presses Hegseth On Administration’s Iran War Planning Amid Scramble To Relocate Weapons Systems, Evacuate Personnel After War Started", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the Trump administration’s preparedness for the Iran war given the scramble to move weapons systems from the Indo-Pacific and evacuate American personnel in the region after the war started. President Trump previously said the administration was “shocked” by Iran’s response.\n\nSenator Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, asked Secretary Hegseth, “There are data points that seem to indicate that we did not see all of this coming. Parts of the THAAD and Patriot systems in South Korea were moved to the Middle East – this is after the [start of the] war. There was a rush to evacuate United States personnel. And Iran struck more than 200 structures and equipment at 16 U.S. sites. So Secretary, can you just reassure us that this was all foreseen and part of the plan? Or can you tell us whether there were any surprises here?”\n\nSecretary Hegseth responded, “I can reassure you that it was all accounted for.”\n\n“I’m wondering why the president of the United States – our commander-in-chief – said that he was shocked that Iran would retaliate by striking other countries in the region. This was not just foreseeable, it was foreseen,” said Senator Schatz. “I’m just trying to figure out – for those of us on the left and the right – who are wary of regime change war, who are wary of happy talk, who have learned through terrible experience the cost of this kind of adventurism – why is this any different?”\n\nVideo of Senator Schatz’s exchange with Secretary Hegseth is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-presses-hegseth-senior-pentagon-officials-on-ukraine-funding-and-relaxing-sanctions-on-russia-amid-war-in-iran", "title": "Shaheen Presses Hegseth, Senior Pentagon Officials on Ukraine Funding and Relaxing Sanctions on Russia Amid War in Iran", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**Shaheen questioned why the U.S. is not ramping up pressure on Russia as they aid Iran and financially benefit from the conflict**\n\n(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a top member of the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees, today questioned U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and Department of Defense Comptroller Jules Hurst in a Senate hearing examining the Pentagon’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. Shaheen again pressed the senior Pentagon officials for clear details regarding how the DoD plans to spend $400 million in Congressionally appropriated funds that were specifically allocated for Ukraine. Hurst told Shaheen they expect to see the final spend plan this week and intend to share with Congress once available.\n\nAmid reports that Iran is receiving intelligence support from Russia to target U.S. service members, Shaheen also questioned Hegseth why the U.S. is loosening sanctions on Russia—underscoring how Russia continues to financially benefit from the conflict. Click HERE to watch Senator Shaheen’s remarks and questions.\n\nKey quotes from Senator Shaheen:\n\nPressing for details on Ukraine funding, Shaheen asked: “Since your testimony two weeks ago, Secretary Hegseth, before the Armed Services Committee, the Department has sent over your legal review for use of security assistance money for Ukraine. However, as was determined earlier in the testimony, funding still has not gone out the door. And I didn’t hear you give a date when this Committee or the Armed Services Committee can expect to hear or receive a spend plan for those dollars. General Caine, the day of the testimony, got back to us, as he said he would, and explained he had coordinated on the spend plan on April 13th—so that's been almost a month, and we still haven’t gotten anything. So, when are we going to see the spend plan for Ukraine?”\n\nQuestioning why the U.S. isn’t doing more to pressure Russia, Shaheen asked: “Secretary Hegseth, a number of members of Congress have expressed our concern that Iran is receiving intelligence support from Russia to target our service members even as we loosen sanctions on the Kremlin. Russia is making $4 billion from oil sanctions relief because we’ve loosened those sanctions, as has been testified to, an Iranian Shahed drone costs about $35,000. That’s enough money for hundreds of thousands of drones supporting Russia's war in Ukraine and billions for Iran to reconstitute its industrial base. So, if one of the goals that’s been outlined by the President as part of this war is to destroy Iran's defense industrial base, don't you think we ought to be putting more pressure on Russia and putting those sanctions back on those Russian oil ships so that they are not continuing to fund Iran in this war?”\n\nNoting the shifting rhetoric and objectives coming from the White House, Shaheen concluded: “If Iran still has almost 50% of their missile capacity and the ability to pull drones out of caves and still injure our allies and U.S. service members, then we have not won the war.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-alaska-press-highlights-marine-corps-expanded-presence-in-the-last-frontier", "title": "ICYMI: Alaska Press Highlights Marine Corps’ Expanded Presence in the Last Frontier", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Sullivan announced the U.S. Marine Corps Expansion Friday, including Marine Rotational Force-Alaska and a persistent 6th ANGLICO Reserve presence at JBER\n\nWASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support and a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, recently announced the United States Marine Corps’ “Campaign–Alaska,” a new strategic initiative to expand the Corps’ operational capabilities in the Arctic. Sen. Sullivan has long advocated for a stronger Marine Corps presence in Alaska, arguing that the state’s geography, training ranges, airspace, military infrastructure, and proximity to the Arctic and Indo-Pacific make it uniquely suited for Marine Corps operations.\n\nAs reported by Alaska’s News Source and the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, the announcement was made at the University of Alaska Fairbanks alongside Lt. Gen. Roberta L. Shea, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces North. The initiative includes two major components: Marine Rotational Force–Alaska, which will bring Marines to Alaska for Arctic training and operational readiness, and a persistent Marine Reserve presence at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson through a Supporting Arms Liaison Team from 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, or 6th ANGLICO.\n\nClick here or the image above to watch the video.\n\nAs reported by Alaska’s News Source, Lt. Gen. Shea said Marine Rotational Force–Alaska will take advantage of Alaska’s unmatched training environment, ranges, command and control structure, and joint partners to strengthen homeland defense, Arctic readiness, deterrence, and interoperability with allies. The persistent 6th ANGLICO detachment at JBER will bring what Shea called “a vital Marine Corps capability” to Alaska through some of the Corps’ top Joint Terminal Attack Controllers.\n\nThe Fairbanks Daily News-Miner also highlighted that this is part of a broader buildup of the military in Alaska:\n\n“Sullivan noted that the Marine Corps’ announcement signifies the latest ‘in a historic military buildup in our state.’ He cited other examples, such as a multi-million fighter jet simulation training center and $7 billion recapitalization effort at JBER, multimillion-dollar investments at Eielson and Fort Wainwright, the buildup of the 11th Airborne Division and improvements in missile defense systems at Fort Greely and Clear Space Force Station.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe Campaign–Alaska announcement comes amid a broader military comeback in Alaska, including major investments in Arctic defense, fifth-generation fighter infrastructure, missile defense, Coast Guard expansion, and renewed recognition of Alaska’s strategic role in U.S. national security.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4D944766-DF6C-460C-9326-7B64D1BDE302", "title": "Thune: Senate Republicans Work to Secure America", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Well, good afternoon, everyone.\n\n“Most of us – or at least all of us here – and I think a lot of people this week are celebrating National Police Week.\n\n“It’s the week when we honor those who serve us in law enforcement.\n\n“And I think it’s safe to say that we need law enforcement officers in this country.\n\n“We need them to apprehend violent criminals.\n\n“We need them to keep our border safe.\n\n“To ensure that our immigration laws are being enforced.\n\n“To protect these buildings.\n\n“We need law enforcement officers.\n\n“Tragically, this calendar year already, there have been 38 law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty.\n\n“And so this is a week when we honor them and we express our gratitude and appreciation to them, and to their families, for all that law enforcement does in this country to keep our country and our communities safe.\n\n“The Democrats, on the other hand, as has been very clear for some time, seem to be very comfortable with allowing this defund law enforcement, defund police movement with which they have been associated for some time now to continue.\n\n“And have blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security.\n\n“For ICE.\n\n“For Customs and Border Patrol.\n\n“The folks who keep our border safe and secure.\n\n“And have been blocking it, now, for several months.\n\n“And as a consequence, we will have to move forward – and we will next week – with the Secure America Act, which is a bill that will fund those critical law enforcement agencies and ensure that they’re funded not only today, but into the future through the duration of President Trump’s term.\n\n“So, like I said, I think it’s shameful that we are even having to have a conversation like this, but we have a Democrat Party that has embraced the ideas of open borders and defunding the police.\n\n“And as a consequence of that, we’re having to deal in a way that allows us to do this with Republican votes.\n\n“Because Republicans have law enforcement’s back – and we will do everything that we can to ensure that they have all they need to keep our country, our border, and our communities safe.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=70AB11D4-EC49-4824-8DC8-6E73E36048E0", "title": "Thune Welcomes President of South Dakota Corn to Provide Insights on Fertilizer Market at Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhere to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today welcomed Trent Kubik, a farmer from Hamill, South Dakota, and president of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, to testify on the fertilizer market before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry at a hearing entitled “Perspectives on the Fertilizer Industry: Ensuring a Stable and Affordable Supply for American Producers.” Thune, a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee who introduced legislation in March to provide producers with greater transparency on fertilizer pricing, asked the witnesses questions about the industry and effective ways to reduce input costs for producers.\n\nOn supporting South Dakota’s producers:\n\n“It’s my pleasure … to introduce to the committee Trent Kubik. And he is not only the current president of the South Dakota Corn Growers, but also a farmer and a rancher … I’m very pleased to have him here today and look forward to hearing a South Dakota perspective on this issue.”\n\n[…]\n\n“These high input costs, adverse weather conditions, low commodity prices all impact our ag economy, and it’s important that Congress continue its work toward long-term solutions that support the entire ag industry. And I am very proud of what we did last summer in the Working Families Tax Cuts to increase reference prices for [Agriculture Risk Coverage] and [Price Loss Coverage], improve crop insurance protection, and update disaster programs.\n\n“But I will say there remains more to be done, and all of the members of this committee know that rising input costs have been eating into producers’ bottom lines over the last several years, particularly, I would add, the price of fertilizer. This steep increase would shrink or altogether eliminate any grower’s profit margins, even during times of strong commodity prices, so it needs to be addressed.”\n\nOn the availability of nitrogen in South Dakota:\n\n“[I]t predates current events, but nevertheless … this is something that’s going back a long ways. And there are some structural things … here that need to be addressed, which is why we have some of these transparency bills.”\n\nOn market access in the fertilizer industry:\n\n“As we know, there are a small number of manufacturers who have the lion’s share of domestic fertilizer production … In the United States, what percentage of sales for potash, nitrogen, and phosphorus, respectively, to U.S. retailers come from manufacturers other than the largest companies?”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C8165690-5BF6-4F99-8033-04674EC0EA30", "title": "Thune: Working Families Tax Cuts Delivers Major Tax Relief for South Dakota Small Businesses", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, last week was Small Business Week.\n\n“And I was glad to be able to host a business roundtable last Monday in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and hear directly from small business owners in my state.\n\n“I was also able to visit the Business and Health Innovation Center on the campus of Northern State University, which houses the Northern Innovation and Startup Center that provides support for aspiring entrepreneurs in northeastern South Dakota.\n\n“Mr. President, Small Business Week is an important celebration, but the impact that small businesses have is felt literally every day of the year.\n\n“Nearly half of Americans in the private sector work for a small business.\n\n“Small businesses are responsible for a majority of the new jobs in this country.\n\n“And a lot of Americans’ first jobs were at a small business – mine included.\n\n“Mr. President, there’s nothing small about the impact that small businesses have in our country.\n\n“And Republicans know that any path to economic strength runs through small businesses.\n\n“And that’s why they were a key focus of the tax relief we delivered in the Working Families Tax Cuts last year.\n\n“This landmark bill locked in the lower small business tax rates that Republicans enacted in 2017, giving them certainty to plan for the future.\n\n“It also made the 199A small business deduction permanent.\n\n“Mr. President, I’ve heard positive feedback on 199A across industries in my state.\n\n“In South Dakota, an agricultural cooperative estimates the impact of this one policy at over $100 million since 2017 – and that money has been able to be passed on to the farmers that are members of that co-op.\n\n“And I’m sure that those farmers – like so many small businesses across the country – are relieved that 199A is here to stay.\n\n“Mr. President, 199A is just one of the policies in the Working Families Tax Cuts that helps free up money so small businesses can invest in their operations and in their employees.\n\n“Another is 100 percent bonus depreciation, which is also now a permanent feature of the tax code.\n\n“Bonus depreciation allows business owners to deduct the full cost of a new piece of equipment the year they start using it, rather than spreading that deduction out piecemeal over several years.\n\n“Say you’re a farmer and you need to replace your combine.\n\n“Or a manufacturer who needs to upgrade your machinery.\n\n“Or a plumber who needs a new truck.\n\n“Those are all big expenses – especially for a small – maybe even, in some cases, one-person – operation.\n\n“So bonus depreciation helps small businesses take on that big expense by allowing them to deduct the entire thing in that one year.\n\n“And the impact can be significant.\n\n“In fact, a car dealership in my state was able to build an addition and hire 10 more people because of bonus depreciation.\n\n“Mr. President, a lot of our small businesses and farms and ranches in South Dakota are family-run operations.\n\n“Many of them have been in the family for generations, and the plan is to keep them – keep them – in the family for generations to come.\n\n“Unfortunately, the death tax has too often threatened these plans.\n\n“When one generation passes the business on to the next, the death tax can take a big bite out of it.\n\n“It can be devastating, forcing families to sell all or part of their family business, farm, or ranch just to satisfy a big tax bill.\n\n“Not to mention the costly estate planning expenses that many families incur to keep their business from being ruined by a death tax bill.\n\n“Mr. President, I’m very proud that the Working Families Tax Cuts protects a lot more family businesses from this unfair tax.\n\n“In this bill, Republicans permanently raised the exemption threshold on the death tax, and a lot of small business owners, farmers, and ranchers breathed a sigh of relief that they don’t have to worry about losing their livelihood when they lose a loved one.\n\n“Mr. President, last week was Small Business Week; it was also Travel and Tourism Week.\n\n“In South Dakota, tourism is one of our leading industries.\n\n“Last year, 15 million people visited the Mount Rushmore State.\n\n“They came to see that iconic monument.\n\n“To see the South Dakota Badlands.\n\n“And the bison herds at Custer State Park.\n\n“Some came for conferences in Sioux Falls.\n\n“Others for our legendary pheasant hunting.\n\n“All told, Mr. President, last year tourism brought $5 billion to South Dakota’s economy.\n\n“And I have to think that a lot of that money was spent at our state’s small businesses.\n\n“At our restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.\n\n“With tour operators.\n\n“Hunting guides and outfitters.\n\n“And many more.\n\n“Mr. President, like the other small businesses in our state, businesses in the tourism industry are benefiting from tax relief in the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n“Lower small business tax rates.\n\n“Investment incentives.\n\n“The 199A small business deduction.\n\n“Mr. President, some of the most positive feedback I’ve heard from small business owners about the Working Families Tax Cuts is how much this bill helps their employees.\n\n“The no tax on tips and no tax on overtime provisions in this bill are especially – especially – game-changing for folks in hospitality and tourism.\n\n“That includes waiters and bartenders, of course.\n\n“It also includes people who work as tour guides, entertainers, and drivers.\n\n“Mr. President, many Americans look forward to the summer for a few days away with their families.\n\n“And … for those who work in hospitality and tourism, summer means more customers and more money.\n\n“And the Working Families Tax Cuts ensures that more of the money they earn stays in their pockets.\n\n“Mr. President, Democrats may try to claim the Working Families Tax Cuts was about billionaires, but the American people know the truth.\n\n“Farmers, ranchers, and small business owners know it’s helping them free up money to meet their expenses and invest in their operations and in their employees.\n\n“And hardworking Americans can see that the Working Families Tax Cuts lets them keep more of their hard-earned money.\n\n“We call it the Working Families Tax Cuts for a reason, Mr. President.\n\n“And I’m proud to report that working families are benefiting.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-assimilate-or-go-home/", "title": "Tuberville: “Assimilate or Go Home”", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) delivered impassioned remarks on the Senate floor about the United States’ broken immigration system. In his speech, Sen. Tuberville explained how living in the United States is a privilege, not a right, and argued that federal immigration policy should stop rewarding those who break our laws, reject our values, and disrespect our institutions. He previewed legislation he will introduce this week called the ASSIMILATION Act, which would end chain migration, eliminate the diversity visa lottery, establish a statutory national-interest standard, and make additional reforms to protect American workers.\n\nRead the speech below or watch on YouTube and Rumble.\n\n“Mr. President, we’re blessed to live in a nation that has withstood the test of time for 250 years. This country has had its fair share of problems. We’ve been able to overcome […] because we believe in America and what it stands for. America was founded on a core set of values that have persisted through the years and have given hope to so many who were seeking a better life. American values are rooted in liberty, equality, opportunity, self-governance, and the rule of law.\n\nLiberty means freedom, freedom from tyranny, whether it’s political, religious, economic. Since our founding individual freedoms have been the foundation of American society, you’re free to choose, what you believe, how you worship, what kind what works you pursue, and how you build a life for yourself. Equality means that in a country, we don’t have a caste system. We don’t tell people they’re stuck where they’re born. We believe all men are created equal and everyone has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background—an opportunity that makes this country very special.\n\nI used to tell my players all the time this country owes you nothing but an opportunity to achieve what you wanna achieve. Now, you might get knocked to the ground and not make it to that point as soon as you’d like, but the country that you love so much, that we all love so much, gives that chance to get back up and go again. We’re the only country that does that out of 200 in the world we live in. What you decide to do with that opportunity after you achieve it is up to you. That’s the American Dream. That’s what this country is about—the belief that if you’re willing to work hard, you can build a better life. The American dream is unique to this country alone.\n\nFor centuries now, people have fled dictatorships, failed governments, and oppression to come here because they knew that dream was real. And then there’s a rule of law, the cornerstone for why our country is so great. No one is above the law, not citizen, not newcomer, not even the government itself. In America, if you live here, you are expected to follow the law. Period. Those are the values that have made this country great. Those are the values that drew generations of immigrants to our shores [for] over 250 years.\n\nSadly, today, we are not seeing immigrants with the same mentality moving to this country. For most of our history, people have come here to become Americans. They came here to assimilate. They worked hard. They learned. They followed the law, and they contributed. That’s what this country is all about. Today, we’re seeing large numbers, and I mean large numbers, of people coming into this country with no intentions of assimilating into our culture or our way of life. People from third world hellholes are being let into this country who have no desire to adapt to our way of life. They not only refuse to work, but they also choose to take advantage of Americans welfare system, forcing hardworking Americans to bank roll their lives. The question must be asked: why are we letting these people who don’t share values and refuse to assimilate? Why are we letting them in our country? The word assimilate is often treated with suspicion because it is often related to racism. But assimilation has absolutely nothing to do with race.\n\nIt’s about values. Assimilation doesn’t mean you abandon your heritage or your faith or forget where you’re from. It’s about embracing a new shared belief system. People that came here in the past understood this. Examples would be Italian Americans, Greek Americans, German Americans who brought elements of their heritage with them, but they understood that they had new responsibilities. When they embraced this country, they embraced our values. Respect the law, be committed to a constitutional government, and participate in the civic duties that enable a society to remain free. So why are we letting people in this country that don’t want to assimilate? Why are we doing that?\n\nImmigration is a privilege. It’s not an entitlement. This country doesn’t owe anyone entry. We don’t owe anybody. And somewhere along the way, we lost the ability to discern who we choose to welcome into our great country. We lost it somewhere. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to solve this problem. It really doesn’t. Those who come to this country that want to assimilate, embrace the nation’s core center values, and contribute to our society should be welcomed with open arms because we are all descendants of immigrants who love this country. We should accept the best and the brightest. Those who are hard workers, intelligent, with skill sets who can provide a quality service to their communities. And people who understand and share the core American values that we all have. But the problem is for whatever reason Western Civilization has been guilt trip into accepting anyone who wants to come here. And that’s wrong. That’s not what this country is built on.\n\nThe Biden and Obama administration brought in millions of immigrants who have done nothing to make the United States a better place to live. Instead, they have been like leaches, taking advantage of the welfare system and are treating hard work in American taxpayers as their personal ATM machine. In the last two decades, we’ve seen a dramatic, I mean, a dramatic transformation in our society. It’s changed and not in a good way. Every time you turn on the news today, you hear about immigrants, robbing stores, killing Americans, sexually assaulting and raping women, protesting, carrying their home country flags and still the American flag. And where are these immigrants coming from? Who are committing most of these crimes? Well, you guessed it, from third world countries.\n\nThese aren’t the kind of people we should be letting into the greatest country on the face of the earth. It’s a privilege. Not a right to live in the United States or America. A privilege. But unfortunately, our immigration system is absolutely broken. How many more rapes, assaults, murders, stories of these people scamming American taxpayers out of their money do we need to hear before we say enough is enough? Our immigration system is broken, but no one wants to fix it—nobody in this building or on the other end of this building.\n\nWhen attempts are made to fix it, Washington resists. Take Temporary Protective Status, for instance. The U.S. House of Representatives, a few weeks ago, voted to extend Temporary Protective Status for roughly 250,000 Haitians. When the Trump administration announced that they were going to terminate the Temporary Protective Status of Haitians, the D.C. swamp had an absolute meltdown. ‘You can’t do that. These will be voters for us.’ As usual, the Swamp came out in full force to ensure that these people remain on American soil, putting American taxpayers in harm’s way. According to a House judiciary committee report 91 percent of Haitians with Temporary Protective Status, 91 percent, entered the United States illegally, and over 50 percent of them are in households that [are on] at least one welfare program. 53 percent. Mind boggling.\n\nTemporary Protective Status was never supposed to be a permanent amnesty program. It was supposed to help people temporarily, give them time to get back on their feet, but that’s not what’s happening. Programs meant to be temporary are becoming permanent right in front of our eyes, and we’re not doing anything about it. Policies meant to be limited are being expanded. American taxpayers are left out in the cold, and the American people are paying every single dime for this huge amnesty bill. Let me be clear about something, this country is a Christian nation. We are called to love our neighbor and minister to the poor. That’s our job. But we have enough Americans in this country who are in poverty for us to look after, and [we have] barely enough money to take care of them. We can’t take care of all poor people in the world, folks. That can happen. For us to remain a society that’s free with values, we have to take care of our own first, and then we take care of other people.\n\nAnother problem we’re having is immigrants who come here and bring their radical beliefs with them. I’ve talked to this on the floor many times in the last few months. These people openly chant, death to America, and yet we allow them to live here among us. You can’t make it up. Middle Easterners who are predominantly Muslim come here, take advantage of our welfare system, and they refuse to assimilate. Their entire goal is to turn this country into a Muslim country and to be governed by the Islamic Cult and Sharia Law. Now, they are good Muslims who come to this country that embrace the values that we have, contribute to our society, don’t follow Sharia Law, and they are 100 percent welcome to be here. This is about a group of people that want to change our country and wanna kill every American in this country. […]\n\nThe Center for Immigration Studies published a report stating that more than half of the non-citizen households from the Middle East use at least one major welfare program. Think about that. We’re having to fund most of these people that are coming here. Islamists aren’t coming here and looking for a better life. […]\n\nThey’re coming here to impose their radical beliefs on us and to mooch off the American taxpayers. Game. Set. Match. That’s exactly why they’re here. They’re coming to impose everything they possibly can on the United States of America, get by with it and tear us down at the same time. They have no interest in adapting to American national identity. They wanna change the national identity to mirror their death cult Islamic beliefs. You heard that. They’re here to kill us all. They believe that. Just look at what’s happening in Europe.\n\nThey stopped enforcing their own laws. Europe stopped enforcing immigrants to adapt to their way of life. And now they’re dealing with the consequences. We’re about 10 years behind Europe. Europe’s gone. They’re being run by a different cult. They’ve lost their values. They’ve lost everything that was built in Europe […] because they closed their eyes and they thought that they were doing the right thing, and politicians got them in trouble. We should be learning from that, not repeating it. Americans open your eyes. Look, what’s happening. We’re losing. We’re losing our country as we know it to people that want to destroy us. But this issue doesn’t affect today. It affects us today and future generations.\n\nMass migration is destroying our educational system. It is destroying it. Go to any high school and I can show you examples. More and more American kids are entering the classroom, hearing multiple languages being spoken around them every day and have a difficult time making friends because they are now the minorities in the schools. We’re having enough problems with our education system when our kids can’t understand the language that the other people are speaking. That goes with our higher education who have teachers and professors coming from other countries that can’t speak English that are teaching our kids in higher education, and our kids are paying a fortune to go these four-year schools. Enough’s enough.\n\nThis is an English language country, and that’s how we speak. That’s how we communicate. Approximately 5 million students in US public schools are classified as English learners. That many can’t speak English in our public schools across the country. It is destroying us. 10-11 percent of [the] K-12 population and growing every day, and we got our eyes closed. Our kids already have enough problems. Many of our kids were set back during COVID, it was disastrous. What the federal government did to our kids of closing our schools was a disaster, and it was our fault. People in this building right here. But we’re running and hiding now when the truth is coming out. Now, our kids are being left behind the classroom because school resources are being reallocated for kids that come from other countries. We need to be spending money on our kids to educate them and give them better lives. We’re leaving our kids behind, and our country will not survive without teaching and developing the next generation.\n\nThe purpose of our immigration system should be to benefit hardworking American taxpayers. Do you think mass immigration is benefiting this country? Absolutely not. There’s not one benefit to it. It’s the exact opposite of what we should be doing. Mass immigration is a leech that is slowly bleeding this country dry and politicians and the people across the country better open their eyes. There has been a lot of talk over the past few years about deportation. I’m 100 percent [supportive] of what President Trump’s doing. They got to go home. We can’t afford them. American taxpayers, they need help. We can’t help people if we can’t help ourselves. We also need to have a national conversation about who we want in this country in the first place. The American taxpayer deserves that right to say who’s here and who’s not. Politicians are taking credit for letting all these people in. They need to be taking credit for destroying this country. We need to be asking ourselves what is our national identity? Many of our immigration laws were made decades ago. They were made in a different time.\n\nThat is why, tomorrow, I will be introducing the Assimilation Act. My bill is simple. It says America has a right to set immigration policy in the national interest. It says our system should favor people who will work hard, contribute, support themselves, and strengthen the United States of America. It says we should move away from chain migration policies and away from visa lottery systems that treats every entry into the United States like a raffle drawing. What an embarrassment. It says legal immigration should place higher value on skilled merit, economic contribution, and the ability to succeed without becoming a dependent on the American taxpayers. It says temporary worker programs should serve the American economy, not undercut the American worker. It says we should take visa overstays seriously, address pro abuse, and restore credibility to the rule of law. And it says that citizens in the United States should once again reflect commitment, character, and real civic integration.\n\nNone of this means America shuts the door. America has always been a nation that can strengthen immigration. History proves that. But it works only when our borders are enforced, the rule of law is followed, and when those who desire to come here build a better life and are expected to assimilate into American culture, not destroy our culture. Without those conditions, the logic of immigration begins to change. Obama and Biden were hellbent on permanently changing the immigration landscape of this country. They were letting them in right and left. A nation can’t survive and won’t survive when mass migration occurs, and there isn’t any expectation of assimilation. It’s never talked about. Come on in. Do whatever you want. Preach whatever you want. Teach whatever you want. Destroy whatever you want. We’re not gonna watch you. We’d better open our eyes. There is no obligation for immigrants to commit to participate in the way Americans live. […] We have to start pushing assimilation.\n\nSo, in that case, I believe we’re seeing this right now in the United States. Immigration is no longer a good thing for our society. It’s not doing us one bit of good. It is just destroying the American dream. It’s just destroying our generation and the generations to come. There’s a reason why we stopped all immigration in the 1920s. Did you know that? We stopped it all for the same reasons. We had to get back on our feet. Folks we’re $39 trillion in debt and rising. We can’t afford these people that can’t help themselves. Mass migration without assimilation will erase our country’s identity. We’re turning into Europe and in serious danger of losing the core of who we are.\n\nI wanna be clear about this, United States has zero obligation to roll out the red carpet for third world countries around the world. Zero. We’re here to help America, first. We have enough of our own problems without taking up everybody else’s. America is a nation built on shared values. People from all walks of life could come here and live peacefully because they understood what being an American meant. Do they know that today? That’s what has always made [our country] an exception because people know what America is about, our core principles. But in a country as diverse as ours, it can only function properly when we accept the duties of citizenship and our constitution. The United States is at a crossroads. We will decide to try sharing a common civic identity or we will go the way of Europe and let mass migration without assimilation erode the civic duties and responsibilities Americans boldly carried out over the last two and half centuries.\n\nThe national conversation around immigration and citizenship has been framed almost entirely in terms of giving rights, protection, benefits, while saying less about loyalty, duty, and shared obligation to make this country better. A free country cannot survive solely on entitlement. This country was built on hard work.\n\nIt requires citizens who understand that American life is not just something to receive, it is something to uphold. If the United States is to remain what it has long claimed to be, it must be clear about the answer to a simple question. What does it mean to be an American? And we must be willing to insist that the answer still matters. Because when a nation loses the courage to define itself, it invites others to redefine it beyond recognition. We cannot allow people to redefine our country. Thank you, Mr. President, and I yield the floor.”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/four-years-following-killing-of-palestinian-american-journalist-shireen-abu-akleh-van-hollen-merkley-welch-again-press-for-justice-accountability-in-her-death", "title": "Four Years Following Killing of Palestinian-American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, Van Hollen, Merkley, Welch Again Press for Justice, Accountability in Her Death", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, four years following the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) once again pressed the Trump Administration to pursue justice and accountability in her death. The Senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to release the report conducted by the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) in 2023 into her death and to provide an update on the FBI’s investigation into her death.\n\nThe Senators begin, “We write regarding the pursuit of transparency and accountability for the shooting death of American citizen and respected journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. It has now been four years since Ms. Abu Akleh was shot and killed by Israeli Defense Forces while she was reporting in the West Bank. There was reportedly deep disagreement over the Biden Administration’s public conclusions about the intentionality of the shooting from among the U.S. officials who closely examined the case. This reporting further underscores the need to release the summation report on the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh produced by the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) in 2023. Additionally, we request a fulsome update from the FBI regarding their investigation into Ms. Abu Akleh’s killing.”\n\n“As the New York Times outlined in October 2025, several U.S. officials in the USSC office believed that the Israeli soldier who shot Ms. Abu Akleh must have been aware he was targeting a journalist ‘based on the circumstances of the shooting and the available evidence.’ In particular, Col. Steve Gabavics – a career military policeman who was serving as chief of staff to Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel in the USSC office at the time of Ms. Abu Akleh’s shooting – was ‘flabbergasted’ that the July 4, 2022, State Department statement attributed the shooting to ‘tragic circumstances’ and he believes that the U.S. government soft-pedaled the USSC’s findings to appease the Israeli government,” the Senators continued.\n\nThey additionally noted, “In November 2022, the FBI reportedly opened its own investigation into the shooting death of Abu Akleh. And yet, to date, the FBI has not released any findings, nor has it shared an expectation that it may do so in the future. Last year, the FBI was supposed to provide a briefing for relevant Senate Appropriations Committee staff on the status of the Shireen Abu Akleh case. However, the FBI officials who conducted the briefing were not familiar with Abu Akleh’s case and only spoke at a high level about the FBI’s abilities and constraints in these types of cases. On May 7, 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide a public update on the status of the investigation and reasons for delay, and to commit to a timeline for the FBI to complete a thorough, impartial, and independent criminal investigation and to publicly release its findings. Given the enormous public interest at stake in Abu Akleh’s case, as well as its implications for subsequent cases of violence against American citizens in the West Bank, it is long past time for the FBI to provide an update to Congress on its investigation into the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh.”\n\n“Since Abu Akleh’s death in May 2022, there have been at least seven additional American citizens killed in the West Bank. The killings of these Americans in the West Bank have been met by a lack of accountability from the Netanyahu government and an inability to secure justice by the U.S. government. The public release of the USSC summation report on Abu Akleh’s killing, as well as an update on the FBI’s investigation, are critical to ensuring transparency and accountability in Abu Akleh’s case, and also to avoid future preventable and wrongful deaths – goals we should all support,” the Senators concluded.\n\nThe text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Rubio and Director Patel:\n\nWe write regarding the pursuit of transparency and accountability for the shooting death of American citizen and respected journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. It has now been four years since Ms. Abu Akleh was shot and killed by Israeli Defense Forces while she was reporting in the West Bank. There was reportedly deep disagreement over the Biden Administration’s public conclusions about the intentionality of the shooting from among the U.S. officials who closely examined the case. This reporting further underscores the need to release the summation report on the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh produced by the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) in 2023. Additionally, we request a fulsome update from the FBI regarding their investigation into Ms. Abu Akleh’s killing.\n\nAs the New York Times outlined in October 2025, several U.S. officials in the USSC office believed that the Israeli soldier who shot Ms. Abu Akleh must have been aware he was targeting a journalist “based on the circumstances of the shooting and the available evidence.” In particular, Col. Steve Gabavics – a career military policeman who was serving as chief of staff to Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel in the USSC office at the time of Ms. Abu Akleh’s shooting – was “flabbergasted” that the July 4, 2022, State Department statement attributed the shooting to “tragic circumstances” and he believes that the U.S. government soft-pedaled the USSC’s findings to appease the Israeli government.\n\nThe Biden Administration had tasked the USSC office with examining the case of Ms. Abu Akleh’s shooting and writing a report on the evidence. Colonel Gabavics described himself as the lead U.S. investigator on the case and said he assessed the shooting was intentional due to several factors, including records of Israeli military radio traffic, visibility on that day, and the precision of the shots. Colonel Gabavics reportedly wrote these findings and strong language into a draft of the USSC report on the shooting, but General Fenzel disagreed with the assessment of intentionality and repeatedly softened the report language. According to the New York Times, this back-and-forth culminated in Gen. Fenzel ordering Col. Gabavics off the case and threatening his dismissal.\n\nUltimately, the final USSC summation report that was selectively shared with some members of Congress did not shed light on the state of mind of the individual responsible for firing the fatal shot, mainly because the Israeli government did not grant the USSC access to key witnesses. Nevertheless, the report does provide very important insights into the circumstances that led to Ms. Abu Akleh’s wrongful death, including relevant information and findings about the conduct of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit involved in that operation – as well as other IDF units operating in the West Bank. Following Ms. Abu Akleh’s death, Secretary Blinken asked the Israeli government to review the IDF rules of engagement in the West Bank, but he was rebuffed. Such a review remains necessary today to protect innocent civilians, including American citizens, in the West Bank. In addition, we urge the Administration to release the USSC summation report to the public to help ensure transparency and accountability in the shooting death of Ms. Abu Akleh.\n\nIn November 2022, the FBI reportedly opened its own investigation into the shooting death of Abu Akleh. And yet, to date, the FBI has not released any findings, nor has it shared an expectation that it may do so in the future. Last year, the FBI was supposed to provide a briefing for relevant Senate Appropriations Committee staff on the status of the Shireen Abu Akleh case. However, the FBI officials who conducted the briefing were not familiar with Abu Akleh’s case and only spoke at a high level about the FBI’s abilities and constraints in these types of cases. On May 7, 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide a public update on the status of the investigation and reasons for delay, and to commit to a timeline for the FBI to complete a thorough, impartial, and independent criminal investigation and to publicly release its findings. Given the enormous public interest at stake in Abu Akleh’s case, as well as its implications for subsequent cases of violence against American citizens in the West Bank, it is long past time for the FBI to provide an update to Congress on its investigation into the shooting death of Shireen Abu Akleh.\n\nSince Abu Akleh’s death in May 2022, there have been at least seven additional American citizens killed in the West Bank. The killings of these Americans in the West Bank have been met by a lack of accountability from the Netanyahu government and an inability to secure justice by the U.S. government. The public release of the USSC summation report on Abu Akleh’s killing, as well as an update on the FBI’s investigation, are critical to ensuring transparency and accountability in Abu Akleh’s case, and also to avoid future preventable and wrongful deaths – goals we should all support.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-congressional-delegation-members-statement-on-key-bridge-settlement", "title": "Maryland Congressional Delegation Members’ Statement on Key Bridge Settlement", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all D-Md.) released the following statement on the settlement in the case regarding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore:\n\n“Just over two years ago, the collision of the Dali with the Key Bridge left devastation in its wake. Six lives were lost, access to the Port of Baltimore was cut off, and a key transportation artery for our region was rendered unusable. The bridge’s collapse hurt not only our region but our entire nation, impacting our economy and the livelihoods of thousands. However, over the last two years, we have worked together to recover and rebuild. Today’s settlement is another important step towards those efforts. We’re glad to see this action to hold the liable parties accountable and to assist in our progress towards building back stronger.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-gillibrand-lujan-lee-reintroduce-legislation-to-expand-community-schools", "title": "Van Hollen, Gillibrand, Luján, Lee Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Community Schools", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03) reintroduced the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act, legislation to provide essential resources for school districts to plan for, implement, expand, and support full-service community schools. Community schools are public schools that provide wraparound support services, such as medical, mental, and nutrition health services, mentoring and youth development programs, technical assistance, and continuing education courses for students and families. Full-service community schools have a proven track record of producing tangible results for students – including advancing academic achievement, as well as reducing chronic absenteeism and suspensions. There are more than 700 community schools serving students across all 24 of Maryland’s school districts.\n\n“A quality education is a cornerstone of our children’s success, but for many students, the challenges they face outside of the classroom impact their success inside the classroom. Community schools offer a solution – empowering local education and community leaders to connect families with vital services they need while providing a top-notch education. As we’ve seen across Maryland, this innovative approach has been proven to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and their families. This bill will further invest in and create a pathway for more community schools, ensuring all of our students have the support they need to succeed,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n“Factors affecting student success extend well beyond the classroom. Unfortunately, many students in southern Nevada cannot meet their basic needs off school grounds, then struggle to keep up their mental and physical health and academics,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “That’s exactly why we need a fully resourced Full-Service Community Schools Program to help schools meet students where they are and bridge these gaps in education. I’m proud to join Senator Van Hollen to reintroduce the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act to support the essential programs our students need.”\n\n\"Every student deserves the chance to succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” said Senator Gillibrand. \"The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act will help provide critical academic opportunities, mentoring programs, and nutritional services so that students in all communities can thrive. I am proud to lead this legislation alongside my colleagues and will continue to work to provide comprehensive support to students and parents in New York and across the country.”\n\n“Community schools bring community resources into school buildings to improve children’s well-being, especially in low-income and rural schools. Investing in our community schools is an investment in the well-being and success of future generations,” said Senator Luján. “To support our students, families, and communities, I’m partnering with my colleagues to reintroduce the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act. Our bill will expand access to community schools and ensure more schools can adopt this holistic model to support students in New Mexico and across the country.”\n\nIn addition to Senators Van Hollen, Gillibrand, and Luján, the legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).\n\nThe Full-Service Community School Expansion Act would:\n\nInvest $3.65 billion over the next five years to plan, implement, expand, and support full-service community schools serving low-income students;\n\nProvide renewable grant opportunities and additional resources to existing community schools to build collaborative leadership structures and strengthen wraparound services that support the needs of students, families, and neighborhoods.\n\nBuild out community school infrastructure by funding the establishment of state-level teams that provide professional development opportunities and resources for community school staff, and collaborate with local education agencies on integrating supports for community schools;\n\nEnsure Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations receive priority consideration in the application process and are included in stakeholder coordination efforts;\n\nSet aside up to 5% of funds for technical assistance and support to leverage federal, state, and local resources that address healthcare and early childhood education, connect local education agencies with other statewide institutions, and inform LEAs of funding opportunities.\n\nThe Full-Service Community School Expansion Act is endorsed by the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National Indian Education Association, Institute for Educational Leadership, Coalition for Community Schools, First Focus on Children, National Association for Elementary School Principals, MENTOR, Journey 4 Justice, Maryland Out of School Time Network, Maryland State Education Association, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT NM); CA Partnership for Future of Learning, EdTrust, Forum for Youth Investment, Healthy Schools Campaign, Idaho Community Schools Coalition, Maryland Center for Community Schools, National Center for Community Schools, Netter Center, University of Pennsylvania, North Carolina Community Schools Coalition, and the Nevada State Education Association.\n\n“Every day, the challenges that students and families face outside the classroom reveal themselves inside the classroom—challenges like poverty, food insecurity and a lack of access to healthcare. That is why the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act is so critical; it invests in the proven strategy of wrapping services around students—from mental and physical healthcare to nutrition and after-school programs—paired with strong academic supports and parent engagement. This bill is a vital step toward ensuring every child, no matter their ZIP code, has the support system they need to succeed,” said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers.\n\n“The Coalition for Community Schools, including our hundreds of national, state, and local partners, is excited to support the Full-Service Community Schools Expansion Act of 2026. We are proud to work with Senator Van Hollen and our community school leaders across the country to inform legislation that reflects how community schools make a difference in the lives of students and families, and to be bold in funding level that recognizes the high need and demand across the country for this evidence-based strategy. We are grateful for the support and leadership of Senators Van Hollen, Luján, and Gillibrand, and look forward to working with them and other members of Congress to champion this significant legislation,” said Eddie Koen, President at the Institute for Educational Leadership.\n\n“Community Schools are reshaping education in Maryland, driving stronger academic outcomes and deeper connections between schools, families, and communities. To keep this momentum going, we must invest in quality, broaden access, and equip districts with the tools needed to realize and sustain the benefits of Full-Service Community Schools,” said Ellie Mitchell, Director, Maryland Out of School Time Network\n\n“Educators understand firsthand that our students learn best when their needs are met. Community schools are a proven model, address the ‘whole child,’ and ensure that students and families receive the community-centered support they need to succeed. The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026 would enable us to build upon the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future that has made Maryland a leader in community school expansion. We appreciate Senator Van Hollen’s support for community schools in Maryland, and we invite Congress to take up this critical legislation,” said Paul Lemle, President of the Maryland State Education Association\n\n“All students, no matter who they are or where they come from, deserve a safe, welcoming, and affirming learning environment where they can thrive and learn without limits. Community schools offer the chance for success to students through creative and targeted educational opportunities. Students, parents, community members, and educators come together to create spaces where students want to be, reducing chronic absenteeism, meeting vital needs of both students and families, as well as a working environment where educators and staff want to pursue excellence each day. We commend Senator Van Hollen and Representative Susie Lee for introducing the Full-Service Community Schools Expansion Act of 2026, which would improve and increase the federal investment in the community schools program. They understand and share in the vision that every student must be prepared to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world, and this federal legislation helps communities put students on that path,” said Kimberly Johnson Trinca, Director, Government Relations, National Education Association.\n\n\"The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland is proud to support the reintroduction of the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026. Community schools are a central component of the nationally recognized Blueprint for Maryland’s Future—a 10-year reimagining of the delivery of public education. Many community schools have outpaced traditional schools in standardized test performance increases across Maryland. This innovative model addresses students' needs holistically by partnering with their communities. PSSAM applauds Senator Van Hollen for his steadfast support and leadership on this important legislation,\" said Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-leads-entire-fulton-county-congressional-delegation-in-letter-to-department-of-justice-demanding-answers-on-fulton-county-elections-raid-subpoena/", "title": "Warnock Leads Entire Fulton County Congressional Delegation in Letter to Department of Justice Demanding Answers on Fulton County Elections Raid Subpoena", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Reverend Warnock is demanding answers from the Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on the recent subpoena issued in the Fulton County Elections Raid case\n\nThe Senator organized multiple lawmakers to join his efforts\n\nSenator Warnock and lawmakers: “The subpoena does not appear limited to a specific alleged incident, precinct, witness or irregularity. Instead, it seeks personal identifying information for thousands of people who helped administer an election more than five years ago.”\n\nICYMI from Capitol Beat: Georgia Democrats seek answers from Justice Department over Fulton election worker subpoena\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is demanding answers from the Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche relating to the subpoena issued by U.S. Attorney based in North Carolina regarding the recent Fulton County Election Raid. The Senator’s efforts were joined by the entire Fulton County Congressional delegation of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), and Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA-06),\n\n“Fulton County election workers have already endured years of threats and harassment from false claims about the 2020 election,” said Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers. “The Department’s subpoena risks compounding that harm by demanding the residential addresses and personal contact information of thousands of people who served in election administration.”\n\nOn April 17, 2026, a federal grand jury subpoena was issued to the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections seeking rosters and information of election staff members, including person’s name, position, residential address, email address, and personal telephone numbers. The subpoena was issued in the Northern District of Georgia, but it identifies an Assistant United States Attorney from the Middle District of North Carolina as the requesting prosecutor.\n\nIn January, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at an elections office in Fulton County and seized nearly 700 boxes of original ballots and records from the 2020 presidential election. The search was related to an effort by President Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate alleged voter fraud in the county, which has long been a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s baseless claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him. A review by President Trump’s own DOJ during his first term was unable to find any evidence to support allegations of widespread fraud that could have changed the result of the 2020 presidential election.\n\n“The 2020 Presidential election in Georgia has been counted, recounted, audited, certified, litigated, and repeatedly confirmed,” continued Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers. “Nevertheless, false claims about the 2020 election have continued to erode trust in our elections and fuel harassment against election workers and volunteers.”\n\nIn addition to the January raid in Fulton County, the DOJ has filed a lawsuit against Fulton County for its election records. The DOJ is also suing two dozen states for non-public voter roll information. In February, Senator Warnock, Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), and Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding answers and an immediate briefing from the DOJ following the raid of the Fulton County elections center.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche:\n\nAs elected representatives of Fulton County, Georgia, we write with grave concerns regarding the Department of Justice’s (the Department) recent federal grand jury subpoena seeking sensitive personal information for individuals who served as election workers, staff, contractors, or volunteers in Fulton County during the November 2020 General Election. We request an immediate briefing on this matter from the Department of Justice and answers to our written questions below.\n\nOn April 17, 2026, a federal grand jury subpoena was issued to the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections seeking rosters of election staff members sufficient to identify each person’s name, position or function, residential address, email address, and personal telephone number. The subpoena applies broadly to individuals assigned to review mail-in ballots, serve on voter review panels, work at mobile voting locations, transport ballots or election media, work or volunteer on Election Day, participate in the risk-limiting audit or recount, serve as precinct managers or assistant managers, or otherwise work for or contract with the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections.\n\nThis demand is deeply troubling. The subpoena does not appear limited to a specific alleged incident, precinct, witness, or irregularity. Instead, it seeks personal identifying information for thousands of people who helped administer an election more than five years ago. Many of these individuals were or remain public servants, temporary workers, or volunteers who performed routine election administration duties. Their service should not expose their home addresses, personal email accounts, or phone numbers without a clear, lawful, and narrowly tailored basis.\n\nThe Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections has moved to quash the subpoena, arguing that the request is “unprecedented,” “harassing,” “overbroad,” and “untethered to any reasonable need.” The motion also notes that the subpoena is unlikely to support a federal prosecution because the statutes of limitations for any conceivable 2020 election-related federal offense appear to have expired.\n\nThe structure of the subpoena raises additional concerns. Although the subpoena was issued in the Northern District of Georgia, the materials identify an Assistant United States Attorney from the Middle District of North Carolina as the requesting prosecutor. The subpoena attachment also instructs Fulton County to send responsive materials to the identified Assistant United States Attorney and a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, rather than clearly directing production to the grand jury itself.\n\nThe 2020 Presidential election in Georgia has been counted, recounted, audited, certified, litigated, and repeatedly confirmed. Nevertheless, false claims about the 2020 election have continued to erode trust in our elections and fuel harassment against election workers and volunteers.\n\nFulton County election workers have already endured years of threats and harassment from false claims about the 2020 election. The Department’s subpoena risks compounding that harm by demanding the residential addresses and personal contact information of thousands of people who served in election administration.\n\nWe expect your full compliance with federal law and regulations governing grand jury subpoenas, the handling of sensitive personal information, and the protection of election workers from intimidation or misuse of federal law enforcement authority. The Department must also avoid even the appearance that federal criminal process is being used to revive baseless claims about a settled election or to target the people who administered it.\n\nGiven these concerns, we request that your office provide a briefing to our offices no later than May 22, 2026, and provide written responses to the following questions by June 1, 2026:\n\nWhat is the legal and factual basis for seeking personal identifying information of Fulton County election workers, staff, contractors, and volunteers?\n\nClarify the legal and factual basis for the substantial breadth of categories of individuals regarding whom the subpoena seeks information.\n\nDid a federal grand jury authorize the issuance of the subpoena? If so, where is that grand jury impaneled? Why is the return of the subpoena directed to an Assistant U.S. Attorney and not to the grand jury?\n\nWhat specific federal offense(s) is the Department investigating through this subpoena? Identify the statute of limitations timeframe for each specific federal offense.\n\nWhy did the Department seek residential addresses, personal email addresses, and personal telephone numbers, rather than less sensitive records sufficient to identify job function or role?\n\nWhy does the subpoena cover thousands of individuals rather than a narrower set of records tied to specific incidents, precincts, witnesses, or identified investigative needs?\n\nWhat supervisory approvals at the Department of Justice were required before the U.S. Attorney’s Office sought personal information from election workers and volunteers?\n\nWhy is the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina involved in grand jury proceedings in the Northern District of Georgia concerning Fulton County election workers?\n\nHas the Department served similar subpoenas, preservation requests, records requests, search warrants, or demands to other Georgia counties, other states, election boards, election offices, election vendors, or state officials related to the 2020 election?\n\nWhat safeguards will the Department apply to protect the personal information of election workers, including limits on access, retention, sharing, disclosure, and future use? Which individuals will have access to this personal information?\n\nWill the Department commit that the information sought in the subpoena, if received, will not be shared with individuals or entities outside the Department, including state officials, political actors, private parties, or members of the public?\n\nWhat steps did the Department take before issuing this subpoena to evaluate its effect on election worker safety, recruitment, retention, and public trust in election administration?\n\nDid the Department consider less intrusive means of obtaining any information it claims is relevant to its investigation? If so, please explain what alternatives were considered and why they were rejected.\n\nGeorgia’s election workers and the public deserve to know why the Department is seeking their personal information and what safeguards will prevent misuse of this sensitive information.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-statement-on-president-trumps-renewed-call-to-ban-private-equity-from-mass-purchasing-single-family-homes/", "title": "Warnock Statement on President Trump’s Renewed Call to Ban Private Equity from Mass Purchasing Single-Family Homes", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, President Trump called on the House to pass Senator Reverend Warnock’s ban on large corporations’ mass purchasing single-family homes, denying first-time homebuyers access to homeownership\n\nThe Warnock private equity ban was included in the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the Senate 89-10\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement after President Trump again called on the House to pass Senator Warnock’s ban on large corporations’ mass purchasing single-family homes, denying first-time homebuyers access to homeownership. Georgia’s housing market is suffocated by private equity, with more than one in four single-family rental homes in metro Atlanta owned by large corporations. The American people believe homes should be for people, not corporations—recent polling shows 73% of Americans want to ban Wall Street from owning single-family homes.\n\n“Private equity’s greed is squeezing first-time homebuyers out of the market and pushing the American Dream further out of reach. I welcome anyone who wants to join my fight to finally ban private equity from mass-purchasing single-family homes. The Senate passed my ban 89-10, let’s get this signed into law this week!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-hearing-warren-army-secretary-calls-for-congress-to-authorize-the-military-right-to-repair-debunks-defense-contractors-claims-undermining-reforms", "title": "At Hearing, Warren, Army Secretary Calls for Congress to Authorize the Military Right to Repair, Debunks Defense Contractors’ Claims Undermining Reforms", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "At Hearing, Warren, Army Secretary Calls for Congress to Authorize the Military Right to Repair, Debunks Defense Contractors’ Claims Undermining Reforms\n\nDriscoll: “We, the U.S. Army and the broader military, must maintain the right to take advantage of all the new tools because if we don't, our adversaries will and we are put at a meaningfully worse position.”\n\nVideo of Exchange (YouTube)\n\nWashington, D.C. — At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll on claims from big defense contractors’ lobbyists opposing reforms. Secretary Driscoll agreed with the senator on the importance of the military’s right to repair its own equipment.\n\nThe Department of Defense (DoD) spends billions of dollars buying equipment, but contractors impose repair restrictions preventing servicemembers from fixing their weapons and often overcharge. Senator Warren pointed to Black Hawk helicopter knobs, used to scroll through information, that could be replaced for $15 but instead cause the helicopter to go entirely out of commission when broken unless the Army agrees to pay the contractor $47,000 to replace the entire system’s screen.\n\nLast year, Senator Warren fought to include her and Senator Tim Sheehy’s (R-Mont.) bipartisan Warrior Right to Repair Act in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA). Both the House and Senate bills included bipartisan military right to repair reforms that were stripped out at the eleventh hour behind closed doors under pressure from major defense contractor lobbyists.\n\nDuring the hearing, Secretary Driscoll rebuked claims made by defense contractors against right to repair that the Army can’t be trusted with sensitive data as “one of the more preposterous things I have heard,” noting that the Army is highly capable of handling sensitive data and does not want to take data but to purchase it.\n\nSenator Warren also slammed defense contractors’ counterproposal of “data as a service,” which would allow companies to “meter and bill” the DoD every time they access the materials. One defense contracting company already charges the Air Force $900 a page for upgrades to its maintenance manuals. Secretary Driscoll said soldiers already have trouble in peacetime accessing this information. In a war, not having access to the right to repair “could be the decisive point between us being successful somewhere 6,000 miles away in the Indo-Pacific or failing our mission if we cannot repair our equipment.”\n\n“Data as a service is just another attempt to gouge American taxpayers and put our servicemembers at risk,” said Senator Warren.\n\nSecretary Driscoll also reaffirmed his commitment to passing a right to repair law this Congress as “one of the most important things.”\n\nSecretary Driscoll continued, “We, the U.S. Army and the broader military, must maintain the right to take advantage of all the new tools because if we don’t, our adversaries will and we are put at a meaningfully worse position.”\n\nSenator Warren concluded the hearing by calling on Congress to pass right to repair reforms in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. She has been a leader on right to repair in the military, securing support from defense officials and military leaders in the Trump administration to make sure servicemembers can repair their own equipment. Last year, Secretary Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right to repair provisions are included in future Army contracts.\n\nTranscript: Hearings to examine the posture of the Department of the Army in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program.Senate Armed Services CommitteeMay 12, 2026\n\nSenator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We need a military right to repair law.\n\nGot an example today, and that is Black Hawk helicopters. There’s a tiny knob that pilots need to scroll through for information, and every month, about four of them break. The Army could replace them for about $15 bucks, but because the Army doesn’t have the right to repair, the whole helicopter goes offline, and the contractor charges $47,000 to replace the entire screen.\n\nLet that sink in: $15 or $47,000.\n\nNow, Secretary Driscoll, you and other military leaders have repeatedly said that Congress needs to pass the right to repair law. Last year, both the House and Senate both passed reforms, but the big defense contractors’ lobbyists killed it behind closed doors.\n\nSo, let’s talk out in the open about what those lobbyists are claiming. Let’s just get it out here.\n\nNumber one: They say contractors can’t hand over their IP and data because the Army would steal it.\n\nSecretary Driscoll, what do you say to big contractors that claim the Army can’t be trusted with sensitive data?\n\nSecretary Dan Driscoll: Senator, I would say that’s one of the more preposterous things I have heard in the last 18 months.\n\nSenator Warren: But you have heard it?\n\nSecretary Driscoll: I have heard it often that we, the United States Army, would take this data and do something nefarious at worst, or perhaps at best, from a moral perspective, we would haphazardly handle it. The U.S. Army and the Pentagon in particular are exceptionally good at handling sensitive data, and we have incredible processes in place. I would say more so than any other organization, and so my reply is, and has always been, we don't want to take any data. We just want to purchase it.\n\nSenator Warren: OK, so let’s do another one. Big contractors claim that DoD doesn’t need right to repair reforms because you already have all the authority you need to access technical data for repairs. Now, it turns out, when you look at that existing legal authority, it explicitly says that technical data “does not include computer software.”\n\nSecretary Driscoll, it’s 2026. Most weapons run on software. If the Army can’t use software to repair its own equipment and weapons, is that a problem for readiness?\n\nSecretary Driscoll: Unequivocally yes.\n\nSenator Warren: Yeah. So, in fact, for example, the Army is already unable to repair the Avenger air defense system because it doesn’t have the software it needs. So, right to repair must include software.\n\nLet’s do one more. Big contractors have floated the idea of “data as a service,\" which is really just code for “Pay per View.” It means that the Department is “metered and billed” every single time they access the materials. It’s pretty easy to see how costs would add up in those circumstances since one contractor is already charging the Air Force $900 a page for upgrades to its maintenance manuals.\n\nSecretary Driscoll, aside from the cost of pay-per-view, what happens if the Army is trying to repair a piece of broken equipment in a remote area and has to keep messaging the contractor to get access to the manual?\n\nSecretary Driscoll: Senator, this is what happens frequently, whether the specifics are true today or directionally true. Directionally, soldiers struggle mightily to keep a lot of our equipment online, and this is not in a moment of conflict. That could be the decisive point between us being successful somewhere 6,000 miles away in the Indo-Pacific or failing our mission if we cannot repair our equipment.\n\nSenator Warren: It is a reminder. We've got to have this access. I just want to say, this business of “data as a service” is just another attempt to gouge American taxpayers and put our servicemembers at risk.\n\nLast question, Secretary Driscoll. Does the Army need Congress to pass right to repair reforms in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, or should we let big contractors kill it once again behind closed doors? What do you think here? This one is known as low and slow over the plate.\n\nSecretary Driscoll: Yes. This is one of the most important things, and I don't say this to be over the top. I am not intending to play into the set of questions. We, the U.S. Army and the broader military, must maintain the right to take advantage of all the new tools because if we don't, our adversaries will, and we will be put at a meaningfully worse position.\n\nSenator Warren: I very much appreciate the job you are trying to do.\n\nSenator Warren has been a leader on right to repair in the military:\n\nIn March 2026, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Warren debunked large defense contractor claims that right to repair would infringe on trade secrets and secured commitments from military leaders from all services on providing Congress with data to identify programs lacking technical data needed for repairs by the end of the month.\n\nIn December 2025, Senators Warren and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) released a statement in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA) not including bipartisan language from their bill to give the military the right to repair their own equipment.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Warren, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, wrote to the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), the trade association for big DoD contractors, regarding its opposition to the bipartisan right to repair reform in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nIn July 2025, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sat down with CBS’s Caitlin Huey-Burns to highlight their Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025.\n\nIn July 2025, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025, legislation that would require contractors to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with access to technical data and materials the military needs to repair and maintain its own equipment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-blackburn-celebrate-senates-unanimous-passage-of-bill-to-require-baby-changing-stations-on-amtrak-trains/", "title": "Welch, Blackburn Celebrate Senate’s Unanimous Passage of Bill to Require Baby Changing Stations on Amtrak Trains", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan, bicameral Baby Changing on Board Act. The Senators’ bill would require each Amtrak train to be outfitted with baby changing stations in all accessible restrooms and to post adequate signage indicating their availability. The Baby Changing on Board Act also directs Amtrak to utilize current funding streams to install baby changing stations on new cars until Amtrak can meet a minimum service requirement.\n\nThe House companion bill, led by Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), passed the House with bipartisan support in June. The amended Senate bill now heads to the House for final passage before reaching the President’s desk.\n\n“Not having safe and sanitary spaces for parents to care for their children while traveling can make any journey more challenging. Amtrak can—and must—do more to increase access to private, sanitary spaces for parents to care for their children,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to have earned unanimous support from the Senate on our bipartisan legislation and urge my colleagues in the House to make Amtrak more family-friendly.”\n\n“The route from Memphis to New Orleans – one of the main Amtrak routes used by Tennesseans – is almost nine hours, meaning traveling families need access to changing facilities for their children,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Baby Changing on Board Act would ensure that each Amtrak train is outfitted with baby changing stations at no additional cost to the American taxpayer, ensuring that families can care for their children. I’m glad to see this bipartisan legislation pass the Senate and better support traveling families.”\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2025, Amtrak set an all-time ridership record with 34.5 million passenger trips and operated routes connecting 46 states, Washington D.C., and three Canadian provinces. The average duration of a trip on Amtrak’s most traveled route, the Northeast Regional, can last between 3.5 and 8 hours, from D.C. to New York and from D.C. to Boston, respectively. Amtrak’s longest daily route, connecting San Francisco to Chicago, can take passengers 52 hours to travel. Parents and families who are traveling often need to change a newborn child’s diaper every two hours, making accessible, safe, and comfortable changing facilities essential.\n\nLearn more about the Baby Changing on Board Act.\n\nRead the full text of the bill.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-highlights-bills-to-support-farmers-protect-creators-in-hearing-with-director-of-the-u-s-copyright-office/", "title": "Welch Highlights Bills to Support Farmers, Protect Creators in Hearing with Director of the U.S. Copyright Office", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, questioned Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office, in an oversight hearing for the U.S. Copyright Office.\n\nSenator Welch questioned Director Perlmutter on two bills he has championed, the Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance (FARM) Act, and his bipartisan TRAIN Act, which would help creators—musicians, artists, writers, journalists, and others—access the courts to protect their copyrighted works if, and when, they are used to train generative AI models. The legislation would also allow copyright holders to access training records used for AI models to determine if their work was used—a process currently used for internet piracy.\n\nSen. Welch: First of all, I speak to you as a Senator from Vermont, which is, as you all know, is the music capital of the world: Noah Kahan in Strafford, Vermont; Phish in Burlington; Grace Potter in Moretown. So, I’ve got my plug in. But here’s a concern they have: the TRAIN Act, which Senator Blackburn and I introduced, is about having copyright enforcement for people whose works have been utilized in large language models. And what it would do is create a good faith opportunity for people to get information, get a subpoena, to determine whether their work has been used and them not being compensated. Do you have a point of view on the TRAIN Act and what it’s intended to do?\n\nDirector Perlmutter: Well, definitely I support the idea that we need transparency for copyright owners to be able to know when their works are used. The TRAIN Act seems to me to be a very creative idea of how to go about doing that. And it is similar, in some ways, to an approach being discussed in France right now. I think we should consider all options on the table. The issue has been in many of these areas, if you require—if you just on its own require disclosure—how much detail needs to be disclosed, and that’s where a lot of the debate has been. And the TRAIN Act represents an alternative approach.\n\nSen. Welch: But absent the ability of the artist to actually get information about the use of her or his product, they basically lose any protection that copyright is intended to provide, correct?\n\nDirector Perlmutter: Yes, I agree that this needs to be dealt with.\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s full remarkshere:\n\nSenator Welch also discussed the importance of his legislation to allow farmers the opportunity to repair their own equipment, called theFreedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance (FARM) Act:\n\nSen. Welch: One of the concerns I’ve had is that farmers these days no longer can fix their tractors. They’re under prohibitions from the tractor companies, and if there’s anything that farmers do well, it’s fix things. And it’s estimated that the farmers lose about $4.2 billion a year. $3 billion to tractor downtime and $1.2 billion in excess repair costs. Now, it may seem odd that I’m asking you about Right to Repair, but I understand that you are involved in the Right to Repair with respect to how copyright has an impact on it. Could you elaborate on that?\n\nDirector Perlmutter: Copyright ends up being a very important part of Right to Repair because so much of the machinery and technology these days is software-enabled and software is protected by copyright. And the law makes it illegal to circumvent technical measures used to protect copyrighted works like software, so copyright does get implicated. And over the years, in the tri-annual rulemaking that we operate for the Librarian of Congress, we have recommended and the Librarian has adopted various exceptions to allow the repair of machinery. We believe that the time is ripe for Congress to consider making some of those exceptions permanent, including for repairing farm machinery.\n\nSen. Welch: So, this is a tractor, for instance, that you might buy for—at least can be a half a million dollars—and it would allow the person who bought it to fix it?\n\nDirector Perlmutter: Yes.\n\nSen. Welch: Well, I appreciate your cooperation on the Right to Repair and giving the consumer—the person who paid the big price—the opportunity to keep that equipment going without all this downtime and expense. Thank you.\n\n•••\n\nSenator Welch has led bipartisan efforts to protect the arts and artists’ creativity in the Senate, including as a lead cosponsor of the TRAIN Act. Senator Welch also joined Senator Blackburn in leading the introduction of the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA), bipartisan legislation to modernize copyright registration for visual artists to make it easier and less costly for high-volume visual artists to register and protect their works.\n\nThe Senator has also championed legislation to give farmers and consumers the right to repair their own equipment and restore competition in the agricultural repair market, including the FARM Act and the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act) to ensure car owners and independent repair shops have expanded options for automobile repairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-markey-cantwell-schumer-and-22-colleagues-in-slamming-trump-for-terminating-national-science-board-continuing-war-on-science/", "title": "Welch Joins Markey, Cantwell, Schumer and 22 Colleagues in Slamming Trump for Terminating National Science Board, Continuing War on Science", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and 22 colleagues in demanding answers from President Trump and Acting Head of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Brian Stone on why the president dismissed all members of the NSF’s National Science Board (NSB), the advisory group that governs the agency.\n\nPresident Trump’s mass firing of NSB members follows a pattern of his administration terminating medical and scientific advisors, including the NSF’s outside advisory committees and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee.\n\nThe Senators wrote: “This is yet another attack in this administration’s relentless war on science, forcing an agency into crisis. NSF now lacks a board, a permanent director, and a deputy director. The agency has also lost more than 30% of its staff since January 2025 due to the administration’s reckless mass terminations. In addition, the NSF terminated hundreds of active research awards and has been issuing new awards at the slowest pace in at least 35 years. The timing of the NSB terminations also raises significant suspicion of the motivation for the firings. The board was next scheduled to meet on May 5, 2026, and reporting indicates that a report on the United States ceding scientific ground to China was set to be released as part of the meeting—a report Congress urgently needs as experts and recent forecasts indicate that our country’s scientific and innovation leadership is at risk due to this administration’s actions undermining research.”\n\n“We are also greatly concerned by political interference by the White House over this independent agency. Terminated NSB members have stated that OMB instructed NSF leadership not to share details of the agency’s budget plans with the full board, despite the NSB’s statutorily mandated role in approving NSF’s spending,” the Senators continued. “With the NSB now entirely vacated, there is no independent check on OMB’s influence, if not control, over NSF grant-making, strategic direction, and spending priorities. As one former board member warned, NSF could ‘essentially become a pass-through for implementing things in the domain of sciences and technology that the administration just wants to do.’”\n\nThe Senators requested the following information by May 29, 2026:\n\nThe legal and constitutional basis for the President’s termination of all NSB members on April 24, 2026.\n\nHow NSF will perform the NSB’s statutory functions—including approval of major awards and expenditures, establishment of NSF policies, and provision of advice to the President and Congress—during any period in which there is no functioning board.\n\nWhether President Trump intends to appoint new NSB members and, if so, by what timeline.\n\nCommunications between OMB, the White House, or any other Executive Office of the President and NSF leadership directing NSF not to share budget, grant-making, or strategic planning information with NSB members.\n\nWhat steps NSF has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that the mandated report on the state of science and engineering in the United States—including the forthcoming report on United States’ scientific competitiveness relative to China—is completed and transmitted to Congress in accordance with the agency’s statutory obligations.\n\nIn addition to Senators Welch, Markey, Cantwell, and Schumer, the letter is signed by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nRead and download the Senator’s full letter to President Trump and Acting Head of NSF Stone.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-millions-dropping-federal-marketplace-health-care-coverage/", "title": "Welch Statement on Millions Dropping Federal Marketplace Health Care Coverage", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NOTUS Finds 1 in 5 ACA marketplace enrollees dropped coverage since January\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, today released the following statement in reaction to new reporting from NOTUS that one in five Americans enrolled in health coverage through HealthCare.gov lost insurance coverage after President Trump and Congressional Republicans declined to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits:\n\n“This reporting should be a wake-up call for Republicans. The data makes clear that Democrats’ warnings were right: Millions of hardworking Americans are being forced to go without health care coverage because we failed to extend critical health care tax credits. This is a bipartisan problem that will be felt in red and blue states alike,” said Senator Welch. “Instead of spending billions on tax cuts for the rich, a reckless war, and glitzy ballrooms, we should invest in making health care more affordable and accessible to everyday Americans. I urge my Republican colleagues to come back to the table and work with Democrats to extend these vital tax cuts, so families can access the care they need.”\n\nMore than 30,000 Vermonters access health coverage through the ACA marketplace and utilize the expanded premium tax credits that expired at the end of 2025. Nationally, nearly 20 million working Americans who rely on the ACA marketplace are now facing higher premiums, with many seeing their premiums double, or even triple. Compared to 2025, nearly 1 million fewer Americans have selected an insurance plan through the ACA marketplace. In the face of unaffordable premiums, 40% of marketplace enrollees who chose to stay with a marketplace plan selected lower tier coverage.\n\nCongressional Democrats have repeatedly urged their Republican colleagues to work with them to extend the tax credits and protect access to care for millions. Senator Welch helped unveil Senate Democrats’ plan to extend the tax credits for three years, but Republicans opposed the bill. Senator Welch was part of a bipartisan working group fighting to extend the credits, and spoke with President Trump and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy in the Oval Office about the urgent need to extend the credits.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-marshall-introduce-legislation-to-fix-delays-in-care-for-seniors/", "title": "Whitehouse, Marshall Introduce Legislation to Fix Delays in Care for Seniors", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) have introduced the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation designed to reform Medicare Advantage (MA) and ensure seniors receive the reliable, patient-centered care the program promises.\n\nMedicare Advantage now serves more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries — and that number is growing. But as enrollment has surged, so have reports of delayed approval, surprise denials, confusing appeals processes, and disruptions to care that seniors depend on. Prior authorization is a requirement imposed by insurers that forces patients and providers to seek advance approval for care, often delaying treatment and adding administrative hurdles even when the services are medically necessary. This bill directly addresses those failures while preserving benefits.\n\n“Americans are rightfully fed up with health care bureaucracy, and prior authorization is one of the worst offenders: delaying treatment, driving up costs, and putting paperwork ahead of patients. We need to cut this red tape so providers can deliver timely, high-quality care,” said Whitehouse.\n\n“As a physician and someone who ran a hospital, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when bureaucratic barriers get between a patient and the care they need — and it is not acceptable,” said Marshall. “This bill makes expectations clearer, timelines shorter, and protections stronger. It fixes what’s broken without changing what’s working. Our seniors deserve better, and this bill delivers.”\n\nWhitehouse has been a leading voice for prior authorization reform in the Senate. Earlier this year, Whitehouse reintroduced his Prior Authorization Relief Act to cut the administrative burdens associated with prior authorizations in value-based payment models and provide faster, easier, and cheaper care to patients.\n\nThe Medicare Advantage Improvement Act would:\n\nRequire standard prior authorization approvals within 72 hours, expedited decisions within 24 hours, and real-time approvals for routine low-risk services integrated with electronic health records — and once care is approved, plans cannot require new authorizations mid-treatment.\n\nEnsure that once a service is authorized, coverage cannot be retroactively denied (except for fraud or error), automated denial algorithms are prohibited, and prompt-pay protections ensure providers are reliably compensated for approved care.\n\nRequire MA plans to publicly report detailed prior authorization data, giving patients, providers, and policymakers the information they need to hold plans accountable.\n\nPrevent MA plans from applying stricter medical necessity standards than original Medicare and codify clear inpatient admission standards to protect seniors from unexpected costs and coverage disputes.\n\nStrengthen network adequacy requirements for rehabilitation hospitals and long-term care hospitals, improving access to post-acute care for seniors recovering from serious illness or injury.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available here. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/5/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-on-u-s-army-posture-for-fiscal-year-2027", "title": "Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on U.S. Army Posture for Fiscal Year 2027", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch Video Here\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to examine the posture of the United States Army amid growing global threats from adversaries, ongoing modernization efforts, and the Army’s role in supporting joint operations.\n\nSecretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Acting Chief of Staff of the Army General Christopher C. LaNeve both testified before the committee.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized the growing importance of land power in deterring and responding to threats from Russia, China, Iran, and other adversaries. The Chairman also highlighted the critical role of the U.S. Army in supporting joint operations, strengthening logistics and sustainment capabilities, and applying lessons learned from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.\n\nRead Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.\n\nThe Senate Armed Services Committee meets today to receive testimony on the posture of the United States Army. I want to thank our witnesses, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Acting Chief of Staff of the Army General Chris LaNeve, for being here. Thank you gentlemen.\n\nToday, the Army is being asked to conduct more demanding missions, in more locations against more capable adversaries, than at any time in a generation. Russia’s war of choice in Ukraine has underscored the enduring importance of land power in high-intensity conflict. In that theater, the U.S. Army has played a critical role in helping Ukrainians plan for and resource their forces through the Security Assistance Group, Ukraine. Our Army has also harvested many lessons from that partnership to inform our modernization.\n\nAt the same time, we are witnessing the Army’s essential contributions to ongoing operations in CENTCOM. U.S. Army Soldiers, like those from the 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, are using Patriot systems to help defend our service members, partners, and allies against persistent missile and drone threats. Similarly, the Arkansas National Guard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade is employing ground-based missiles to strike enemy targets deep inside Iran. These actions demonstrate both the reach of America’s Army only five years since President Trump rightly chose to build new weapons instead of tolerating Vladimir Putin’s constant violations of the INF Treaty.\n\nMeanwhile, the pacing challenge posed by China demands that the Army be prepared to support Joint Force operations across vast distances, under persistent threat, and at a tempo we have not seen in decades. Many think of the Western Pacific as a solely naval and air theater, but our two witnesses certainly do not agree with that. Our ground forces continue to make absolutely crucial contributions to security in the First Island Chain, including through massive and growing partnerships with our South Korean, Japanese, and Filipino treaty allies.\n\nAll these demands underscore the importance of fielding and sustaining the most advanced and capable systems in the world, from missile defense and long-range strike weapons to resilient command and control systems and new methods of breaching defensive lines. These capabilities are not theoretical. They are being employed today to protect American lives and uphold stability. The Army provides the backbone of our global logistics. This enables joint operations, and it delivers the land combat power that it takes to deter aggression and, if necessary, to win decisively.\n\nThe Army must be ready, but our readiness today is frankly, uneven. Modernization efforts have produced promising capabilities, but not at the speed or scale required by the threat. I think our witnesses will agree with that. At the same time, the Army continues to struggle with the operational readiness rates of its primary equipment, its maintenance backlogs, and its munitions stockpiles. All are under extreme strain.\n\nUnder Secretary Driscoll, the Army has made very significant strides to prepare for changing combat conditions. So, I commend the Secretary on that. The Army has acted with discipline and foresight to develop a new generation of weapons: the Precision Strike Missile, low-cost munitions, the new MV-75 helicopter, the M1E3 tank, and finally, after 20 years of struggles, a more coherent command and control system. I also appreciate the Army’s improved approach to modernization of our organic industrial base.\n\nI remain troubled that the Pentagon is not moving fast enough or has not been moving fast enough to improve the logistics capability and capacity of the joint force. The secretary will want to talk about that certainly, today. Logistics, sustainment, and prepositioning will be decisive in any future conflict. The Army must demonstrate how it will enable the joint force to operate effectively across that theater. This will require additional resources to bring unmanned surface and air vehicles into the force at scale and to purchase next-generation capabilities to sustain U.S. forces in dispersed locations.\n\nI want to also commend the Army, led by U.S. Army Europe, in developing new methods of warfare in response to tactical and operational lessons learned in Ukraine. The Eastern Flank Deterrence Line concept consists of a largely unmanned tripwire combined with layered missile defenses and distributed strike capabilities. It is exactly the direction we need to go, and I hope the Army will field those capabilities to European Command rapidly.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-encourage-president-trump-to-stand-up-to-china-and-prioritize-u-s-shipbuilding/", "title": "Young, Colleagues Encourage President Trump to Stand Up to China and Prioritize U.S. Shipbuilding", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump encouraging him to prioritize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and not to offer concessions to China in his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over the last twenty years, China has become the dominant shipbuilding force globally through unfair trade practices, decimating the U.S. shipbuilding industry and hurting American workers, companies, and communities. The Senators are urging the President to hold China accountable for its cheating in the upcoming negotiations and level the playing field for American industry.\n\n“The United States is at an inflection point and cannot cede additional ground to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC’s decades-long effort to decimate American shipbuilding as part of their effort to position themselves as the dominant global shipbuilding power affords them no grace or opportunity for compromise,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to stand strong during these negotiations as we work together to enact trade remedies and advance the SHIPS for America Act to level the playing field and create a strong commercial and military shipbuilding ecosystem in the United States. We urge you to prioritize America’s maritime industry and its workers during this summit, and we stand ready to support these goals through legislation.”\n\nThe Senators noted that China has used unfair trade tactics, including subsidies and non-market practices, to dominate the global shipbuilding industry while weakening American shipyards over the past two decades. China now receives more than 60 percent of global commercial shipbuilding orders, while the United States lags behind several other countries in ship production. The Senators highlighted that China’s unfair dominance threatens good paying jobs and local economies across the country, in addition to U.S. national security.\n\n“These U.S. shipyards and their suppliers are major employers that provide a pathway to the middle class through good-paying and often union jobs and keep the knowledge and skill to build vessels used for military purposes and to carry goods around the world made in America. We must hold China accountable and reverse the loss felt over the last two decades to stand up for the hardworking Americans employed in the shipbuilding industry, those who serve in the military branches that need these vessels, and who live in communities supported by these jobs,” the Senators continued.\n\nSenator Young continues to be a leading voice in revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, emphasizing the national security imperative of domestic shipbuilding.\n\nIn April 2025, Senator Young re-introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, bipartisan, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write in advance of your planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to underscore the importance of this moment in our shared goal of revitalizing domestic shipbuilding and the broader American maritime industry. The United States is at an inflection point and cannot cede additional ground to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The PRC’s decades-long effort to decimate American shipbuilding as part of their effort to position themselves as the dominant global shipbuilding power affords them no grace or opportunity for compromise. We urge you to stand strong during these negotiations as we work together to enact trade remedies and advance the SHIPS for America Act to level the playing field and create a strong commercial and military shipbuilding ecosystem in the United States. We urge you to prioritize America’s maritime industry and its workers during this summit, and we stand ready to support these goals through legislation.\n\nIn your conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, we encourage you to keep in mind the significant lack of fairness at play and action needed to level the playing field and deliver for American workers and American shipyards. Over the last twenty years, the PRC has successfully executed a comprehensive strategy to significantly diminish the shipbuilding industry in the United States and become the dominant shipbuilding force globally. In 2025, China once again dominated the world’s commercial shipbuilding orders, with more than 60 percent of all orders going to China, 16 percent to South Korea, and 9 percent to Japan. In contrast, the United States produced fewer ships than China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Italy, and Germany. This drastic difference in capacity is a result of the PRC’s anti-competitive practices to gain an advantage in shipbuilding through unfair and discriminatory tactics, such as government subsidies and favorable loans from PRC-operated banks. According to USTR’s Section 301 Investigation’s findings, the non-market excess capacity in China’s steel sector significantly contributes to the price competitiveness of PRC-made vessels, and there are instances where Chinese steel intended for vessels in Chinese shipyards has been sold at a lower rate than Chinese steel intended for market economies. The PRC’s aggressive actions to target the United States’ shipbuilding, maritime and logistics sectors warrant the use of our trade laws to their fullest extent, including imposing trade remedies to counter these efforts and allow for fair competition on the global stage.\n\nThe actions that your Administration has taken to combat China’s cheating, including announced fees for Chinese ships that dock at U.S. ports and the extra charges for companies using ships built in China, were prudent and have the opportunity to be successful. From March to May 2025, following USTR’s February determination that China had employed non-market practices, Chinese shipyard orders fell by approximately 25%. Orders of Chinese ships rebounded later in the year due to market conditions and the fees being postponed. This demonstrated that these fees are structured to strategically shift future orders away from China and change the behaviors of the global maritime industry. The sudden decrease in Chinese shipping orders shows that when your Administration acts on this issue, the global maritime industry pays attention. The revenue generated from these fees will go towards rebuilding our own maritime industry, as stated in your Administration’s Maritime Action Plan. Ensuring these strong measures take effect will be a critical step towards promoting our domestic industrial base, growing America’s economy, creating good-paying jobs in these important sectors, and protecting our national security.\n\nMany of our states are home to companies and a workforce that specializes in shipbuilding and repair for both military and commercial vessels, as well as suppliers of important inputs to build ships. Standing strong on shipbuilding trade remedies, passing the SHIPS Act, and continuing to revitalize the domestic industry through the FY27 Appropriations process will create economic benefit throughout our communities and beyond. These U.S. shipyards and their suppliers are major employers that provide a pathway to the middle class through good-paying and often union jobs and keep the knowledge and skill to build vessels used for military purposes and to carry goods around the world made in America. We must hold China accountable and reverse the loss felt over the last two decades to stand up for the hardworking Americans employed in the shipbuilding industry, those who serve in the military branches that need these vessels, and who live in communities supported by these jobs.\n\nAs we strive to grow the American economy, compete with the PRC, and ensure the American military has the resources necessary to succeed, we encourage your Administration to execute the targeted actions that began to reshape existing global shipbuilding trends and revitalize our domestic maritime industry. We stand ready to work together to support this goal.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-cortez-masto-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-kids-get-to-school-safely/", "title": "Young, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Kids Get to School Safely", "date": "2026-05-12", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help students get to school safely. The Safe Bus Routes to School Act would modify the Safe Routes to School program so that projects to improve the safety of school bus routes and stops are eligible for federal funding.\n\n“This bill will support improvements in our communities to better ensure that young Hoosiers are safe as they travel to and from school,” said Senator Young. “This legislation builds on my previous work to help increase the safety for children on their way to and from school.”\n\n“Clark County has the largest school bus fleet in the entire country, and 130,000 kids rely on those buses to get from home to school and back again every day,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s our responsibility to make sure our students are as safe as possible. This commonsense bill would open up more funding for cities and towns across the country to make school bus routes safer.”\n\nThe Safe Routes to School program was created to help communities improve the safety of pedestrian and bike routes to schools, making funding available for projects such as building safer street crossings in a school zone. However, more than half of all K-12 students nationwide ride school buses. While school buses provide the safest mode of school transportation, safety challenges still exist. Students are the most vulnerable when waiting at bus stops, loading or unloading from buses, and while walking to the bus stop. The Safe Bus Routes to School Act would allow communities to use Safe Routes to School funding to improve the safety of school bus routes and stops through planning, education, and infrastructure improvements.\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-13T06:12:22Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-13T06:13:52Z"}
{"url": "http://houlahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5034", "title": "Houlahan Leads Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers to Introduce Multigenerational Caregiving Data Act to Quantify and Support America’s “Sandwich Generation” of Caregivers ", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://houlahan.house.gov/news/rss.aspx", "domain": "houlahan.house.gov", "scraper": "houlahan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001085", "name": "Chrissy Houlahan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) led a bipartisan and bicameral group of colleagues to introduce the Multigenerational Caregiving Data Act, legislation aimed at closing a critical data gap affecting millions of Americans who care for both aging parents and children. Co-leading the legislation are Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Mike Turner (R-OH) and Ro Khanna (D-CA). A companion bill in the U.S. Senate is being introduced by Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ).\n\nOften referred to as the “sandwich generation,” caregivers who are responsible for minor children and aging parents play a vital but undervalued role in the nation’s economy. Despite growing awareness, no major federal survey currently identifies and counts individuals providing care across generations—leaving policymakers without the data needed to understand the economic and societal impacts and develop methods to support these caregivers.\n\n“Millions of Americans are balancing the demands of raising children while caring for aging loved ones, often at great personal and financial cost,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Today, our federal data systems don’t clearly capture the number of Americans involved in caregiving at this scale. This bipartisan bill takes a simple, practical step to ensure their contributions and challenges are no longer invisible.”\n\n“I feel the isolation of being a sandwich generation caregiver every day as I look after my dad with Alzheimer's and my two boys. It’s a challenge that millions face across our country and yet we too often go unheard and overlooked. This legislation works to change that. The better our federal data represents the true experience of caregivers and how many of us there are, the better we can deliver the support and resources caregivers deserve,” said Senator Kim, who is introducing the Senate companion.\n\n“Americans who care for their aging parents while also raising children at the same time are subject to a unique pressure that federal data fails to fully recognize,” said Rep. Luna. “This bill aims to better understand the critical role multigenerational caregivers play in families and communities across America,” said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.\n\n“Across Ohio and the country, families are doing the difficult work of caring for aging parents while also raising children. These caregivers strengthen our families and communities, but too often their challenges go unseen. This bipartisan legislation is a practical step to better understand their needs, recognize their contributions, and ensure policymakers have the information necessary to support them,” said Congressman Mike Turner.\n\nThe legislation would require at least one federal survey to include a question identifying individuals who provide unpaid care to both older adults and children, leveraging existing infrastructure at minimal cost. By establishing the first nationally consistent data on multigenerational caregiving, the bill will help improve policymaking, better target resources, and track trends over time.\n\nJason Resendez, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, added, “Family caregivers cannot remain invisible in our nation’s health data. The Multigenerational Caregiver Data Act is an important step toward better understanding the realities of caregivers balancing care across generations and ensuring policymakers have the data needed to build more effective supports for families.”\n\n“As our population ages, working people – especially women – are simultaneously providing care for aging parents, children, disabled loved ones and other family members,” said Katherine Gallagher Robbins, Senior Fellow, National Partnership for Women & Families. “Their caregiving supports not only their families but also strengthens communities and the broader economy. As today’s workers strive to juggle the many responsibilities they carry at home and at work, it is more important than ever that the federal government accurately captures data around who workers are providing care for so that policy choices being made meet their needs. We are grateful to Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Anna Paulina Luna, Ro Khanna, and Mike Turner for their efforts to improve this critical data collection.”\n\nRead the bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1604", "title": "Alford Proudly Supports Year-Round E-15: Delivering Lower Gas Prices, Stronger Rural Economies, and American Energy Dominance", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) released the following statement after he voted in favor of legislation for year-round E-15 sales through H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act:\n\n“As a proud Member of the House GOP Rural Domestic Energy Council, I’m fighting to put Missouri farmers, rural communities, and American drivers first,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “I’ve heard from many hardworking Missouri families about how the pain at the pump is making everyday activities unaffordable. Allowing the nationwide, year round sale of E15 blends would address the supply crunch that is driving up gas prices while creating new markets for Missouri farmers—a real win-win. That’s why I was proud to support the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to do just that.”\n\nYear-round E-15 will deliver real results for Missouri and America:\n\nSaves drivers an average of 15–40 cents per gallon\n\nCreates a permanent market for American corn growers\n\nSupports more than 120,000 new jobs and adds $66 billion to the U.S. economy\n\nReduces dependence on foreign oil by using homegrown energy\n\nKeeps energy dollars in rural communities instead of sending them overseas\n\nProvides fuel retailers the stability they need to invest in E-15 pumps\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4527", "title": "'There Are Only Two Sexes: Male and Female.' Arrington Leads Effort to Restore Biological Sex Standard in Title IX", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced the Title IX Clarification Act, legislation to codify that Title IX nondiscrimination requirements tied to federal education funding are based on the biological reality of sex. This legislation would further uphold President Trump’s revocation of a Biden-era Executive Order that directed the Secretary of Education to interpret Title IX anti-discrimination language – “on the basis of sex” – to cover “discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.”\n\n“Title IX was created to provide equal opportunity for our daughters, not to push a radical gender ideology that jeopardizes their safety,” said Chairman Arrington. “My Title IX Clarification Act stops the abuse of Title IX by affirming a simple truth: there are only two sexes - male and female - and taxpayer dollars should not be used to advance extreme social policies. I’m proud to lead this effort to protect opportunities for women and girls, rein in bureaucratic overreach, and restore clarity and common sense to federal law.”\n\nCongressional Support:\n\n“As a father of three daughters who compete in sports, protecting their opportunities on and off the field is of the utmost importance to me,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). “Title IX has been a cornerstone of fairness for women and girls for over five decades, and the Title IX Clarification Act ensures that promise endures for the next generation. Every female athlete across America deserves to compete on a level playing field. I am proud to support this effort and am grateful to my good friend and colleague Congressman Jodey Arrington for his leadership in introducing this important legislation.”\n\n“Title IX was created to protect women and girls, not erase them. The Title IX Clarification Act restores common sense by reaffirming that sex means biological sex, just as Congress originally intended,” said Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36). “This bill protects fairness in women’s sports and ensures taxpayer dollars are not used to impose radical gender ideology in our schools. I’m proud to support legislation that preserves opportunities for women and girls and puts truth ahead of radical political activism.”\n\n“As a longtime supporter of Title IX, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this much-needed legislation,” said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04).“Our Nation has rightfully enshrined equal opportunity for women in all educational activities, and Congress must ensure that States recognize the reality of biological sex and protect opportunities for women and girls at every level.”\n\n“I have two daughters and seven granddaughters, and Title IX was written to protect their opportunities – and those of all women and girls – both in the classroom and in sports,” said Rep. Mike Bost (IL-14).“That law was passed to level the playing field, not to be twisted beyond recognition by the misguided Biden administration. This bill restores congressional intent, and I am proud to cosponsor it.”\n\n“Unelected bureaucrats do not have the authority to rewrite federal law to fit a far-left political agenda,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24). “The Title IX Clarification Act restores the original meaning of Title IX, protects women’s sports, and gives schools the clear statutory guidance they need. Congress must defend the rights and opportunities Title IX was designed to secure for women and girls.”\n\n“Title IX was written to protect women and girls from discrimination, not erase the biological reality of sex,” said Rep. Sheri Biggs (SC-03).“I am proud to join Congressman Arrington and support his leadership on this important issue. The Title IX Clarification Act restores clarity, protects female students and athletes, and ensures taxpayer-funded education programs uphold the plain meaning of the law.”\n\n“Women deserve equal opportunity in academics and athletics, and Title IX exists to protect exactly that,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01). “The Biden administration spent years trying to rewrite federal law through executive overreach—using education dollars meant for the classroom to force a woke gender ideology that biology rejects. This legislation closes the door on activist reinterpretations of Title IX and upholds the law’s original intent.”\n\n“Title IX was written to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls,” said Riley Moore (WV-02).“The Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 restores the law’s original intent by clearly defining ‘sex’ in law, ensuring that females will never be forced to unfairly compete against men again. I’m proud to cosponsor this commonsense legislation to protect fairness in women’s sports, uphold the rule of law, and defend women and girls against the Radical Left’s gender insanity.”\n\n“When Title IX was created, the intent was clear,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03).“Unfortunately, the Left has spent years trying to blur definitions and undermine the intent of the law. The Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 would ensure that Title IX protections are based on the biological reality of sex, not a social abstraction. I am grateful to work with Rep. Arrington and our colleagues to provide schools and students with the fairness, clarity, and privacy they deserve.”\n\n“Democrats love to say, ‘trust the science,’ and that’s exactly what the Title IX Clarification Act does,” said Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17).“That’s why I’m continuing the fight for biological truth alongside Congressman Arrington. This legislation clearly defines sex under Title IX as biological male or female and ensures federally funded schools adhere to those definitions. Americans are tired of watching common sense get thrown out the window to appease radical gender ideology, especially when it comes at the expense of women and girls.”\n\n“Idaho led the charge as the first state to protect fairness in women's sports in response to the Biden administration’s radical rewrite of Title IX. Americans must never forget this insanity, which would have jeopardized the safety and rights of girls and women nationwide,” said Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02).“To combat the Left's delusions and prevent future misinterpretations, Congress must clarify and restore Title IX's original meaning.”\n\n“I’m proud to co-sponsor the Title IX Clarification Act of 2026,” said Rep. Russ Fulcher (ID-01). “This legislation restores clarity to Title IX by reaffirming Congress’s original intent that ‘sex’ is defined in law based on a person’s biology at birth—plain and simple.”\n\n“God made mankind in two distinct categories: Male and Female. This distinction is not just the foundation of created order, but essential for interpreting Title IX and the Fourteenth Amendment,” said Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01).“America will not tolerate men in women’s sports. They are distinct, and this bill will leave no room for error.”\n\n“Actual scientists, as opposed to political scientists, inform us that men and women are biologically different,” said Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04).“Congress created Title IX to protect women and girls by ensuring that they would not be excluded from federally funded activities on the basis of their biological sex. Woke activists want to eliminate the traditional understanding of sex by expanding Title IX’s definition and include sexual orientation and gender identity, a change that would open the door to allowing men to play in women’s sports. Congress should pass the Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 to ensure the plain meaning of the law isn’t undermined by unelected bureaucrats advancing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda.”\n\n“The Democrats have lost their minds. They spent four years trying to erase biological women from federal law,” said Rep. Mike Rulli (OH-06).“Not through a vote, not through debate, but through backroom bureaucratic rewrites that nobody asked for. Biological women are not a political talking point. They are our mothers, our daughters, our sisters. Title IX was written to protect them; the left can call it controversial all they want. In Ohio's 6th District, we call it common sense.”\n\n“Title IX exists to protect our women and girls in the education system. That means protecting them from biological males trying to enter spaces intended for females,” said Rep. Addison McDowell (NC-06).“This bill clarifies the original intention of Title IX and ensures that our daughters will have fair access to athletic opportunities, private spaces, and everything else they are entitled.”\n\n“Children should be learning their ABCs, not woke DEI. I work tirelessly so my six incredible granddaughters never have men in their locker rooms or on sports teams,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-01).“It’s outright dangerous. The Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 codifies President Trump’s Executive Order on gender identity, which is common sense. There are two sexes, man and woman, period. I’m for protecting our kids and their childhoods and for preventing liberal politicians from altering biological facts.”\n\nOutside Support:\n\n“Since its enactment over 50 years ago, Title IX has opened the door for millions of young women to access equal educational opportunities and experience the thrill of victory on the playing field,” said Matt Sharp, Senior Counsel and Director of the Center of Public Policy, Alliance Defending Freedom. “But previous administrations tried to redefine \"sex\" and allow males to take away the opportunities rightfully belonging to women. We applaud Rep. Arrington’s proposal to re-affirm the original meaning and intent of Title IX and safeguard its promise of equal opportunities for countless generations to come. From privacy to sports to healthcare, our laws should recognize and respect that women and men are biologically different, and they should uphold the dignity and safety of women and girls.”\n\n“The Title IX Clarification Act is unfortunately necessary legislation to stop gender ideology activists in school, the courts, and future Democrat administrations from harming women,” said MaryBeth Waddell J.D., Director of Federal Affairs, Family and Religious Liberty, Family Research Council. “Part of Title IX’s original intent was to bring equal opportunity to female athletes. However, we have seen successive Democrat presidents push schools and athletic associations to allow biological males to invade women’s sports, taking away awards and opportunities from women and girls. Not only have men been allowed to compete directly against women, outperforming and sometimes seriously injuring them, women’s and girl’s privacy has been ignored and their safety jeopardized as males have been allowed in private spaces such as women’s locker rooms. This bill reaffirms the plain meaning of Title IX. It should be supported by all members who claim to support women’s rights.”\n\n“For too long, the very law meant to protect women and girls from sex discrimination has been wielded by those who deny biological reality in order to undermine them in their sports, locker rooms, bathrooms, and campuses. We are committed to fighting for the unique dignity of women and girls, and we believe that restoring Title IX enforcement to its original intent is a much-needed course correction,” said Penny Nance, CEO and President, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee. “Rep. Jodey Arrington’s Title IX Clarification Act will restore Title IX to its original intent, securing permanent protections for women and girls on the basis of sex, not false ‘gender identity.’”\n\n“Family Policy Alliance supports the Title IX Clarification Act because it ensures that federal education funding under Title IX is based on commonsense support for women, not woke ideology,” said Craig DeRoche, President and CEO, Family Policy Alliance. “This legislation will protect women’s athletic opportunities as Title IX intended.”\n\n“While Title IX was originally passed in recognition of biological reality and the need to protect women's sports, privacy, and safety, it has lately been distorted to serve the $4.5 billion transgender industry that preys on young women and children,” said Terry Schilling, President, American Principles Project. “This is why Congress must pass the Title IX Clarification Act to address one of the most important education issues of our time. The American people are watching, and this is the moment for lawmakers to choose truth over delusion. APP stands with Congressman Arrington in fighting for common sense in an age of madness.”\n\nBackground:\n\nClarifies that Title IX protections are based on biological sex by defining “sex” in federal law as male or female for purposes of education programs and activities receiving federal funding.\n\nRestores the original intent of Title IX and prevents future administrations from reinterpreting the law to include gender identity or sexual orientation without congressional approval.\n\nEstablishes clear statutory definitions for “male” and “female” in Title IX to provide certainty for schools, students, parents, and states receiving federal education funding.\n\nReinforces President Trump’s reversal of the Biden administration’s attempt to expand Title IX through executive action and agency rulemaking.\n\nAddresses concerns raised during recent Supreme Court arguments regarding whether Congress has clearly defined the meaning of “sex” under Title IX for states accepting federal funds.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4528", "title": "Arrington Leads Effort to Eliminate China's Tariff on American Cotton", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led a group of lawmakers representing districts with significant cotton production in sending a letter to the Trump Administration calling for elimination of China's 10 percent tariff on American cotton as part of the ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations.\n\nThe letter thanks Ambassador Greer for his continued efforts to eliminate foreign trade barriers and open new market access for American farmers and ranchers while highlighting the critical importance of China as an export market for U.S. cotton.\n\n“As you continue efforts to achieve reciprocal and balanced trade with China, we write in advance of the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi to underscore the critical importance of China as a market for U.S. cotton,” the letter reads, in part. “Excluding India, China is as large as the combined textile industries in the next seven importers – Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico, and Egypt. We are grateful for the Trump Administration’s efforts to open markets for U.S. agriculture and look forward to supporting your efforts as the negotiations progress.”\n\nClick HERE to read the full letter.\n\n“The National Cotton Council applauds Congressman Arrington for leading this effort to address the barriers limiting U.S. cotton exports to China,” said Gary Adams, President and CEO, National Cotton Council. “At a time of significant challenges across the Cotton Belt, restoring access to this critical market is essential to strengthening demand for our producers and supporting the broader industry.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-auchincloss-warren-harshbarger-hawley-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-rein-in-pharmacy-benefit-managers-pbms-cut-drug-costs", "title": "RELEASE: Auchincloss, Warren, Harshbarger, Hawley Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Rein in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), Cut Drug Costs", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "auchincloss.house.gov", "scraper": "auchincloss", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000148", "name": "Jake Auchincloss", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss)\n\nRELEASE: Auchincloss, Warren, Harshbarger, Hawley Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Rein in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), Cut Drug Costs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), alongside Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), reintroduced the Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act with expanded bipartisan support to rein in drug pricing middlemen, known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), from enriching themselves and crushing competition at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies.\n\nIn the 119th Congress, new original cosponsors include Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), alongside Representatives Greg Landsman (D-OH) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Troy Nehls (R-TX) of the Judiciary Committee.\n\nSince the PBM Act was first introduced in 2024, states across the country have sought to break up these giant conglomerates. In early 2025, Arkansas passed a law to prevent the joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies. Later that year, 39 state attorneys general wrote a letter urging Congress to “pass[] an act prohibiting PBMs, their parent companies, or affiliates from owning or operating pharmacies.” In April, Tennessee lawmakers passed a law to ban joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies, and the Tennessee Governor is expected to sign the bill into law as soon as this week. This growing bipartisan momentum in support of the goals of the PBM Act from across the nation sends an important signal to Congress that the work to rein in PBMs is not yet finished.\n\nOver the past decade, PBMs have morphed into large health care conglomerates that exercise control over nearly every link of the prescription drug delivery chain. Today, the largest health care conglomerates each own a PBM — which pays for pharmacy services — as well as the pharmacy chains that provide those services. This inherent conflict of interest results in higher drug costs for patients and fewer independent pharmacies, but bigger profits for the corporate health care giants.\n\nThe Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act will address this by:\n\nProhibiting a parent company of a PBM or an insurer from owning a pharmacy business;\n\nRequiring that a parent company in violation of the PBM Act divest its pharmacy business within one year of the bill’s enactment;\n\nCreating automatic penalties if a company fails to divest in a timely manner, including disgorgement of profits and forced sales of assets in the event of noncompliance;\n\nEnabling the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), and state attorneys general to bring lawsuits requiring violators of the PBM Act to divest their pharmacy business and disgorge any revenue received during the period of such violation;\n\nEnabling private parties, including independent pharmacists, to bring lawsuits against violators of the bill, and secure treble damages in successful lawsuits;\n\nDirecting the FTC to distribute any revenue raised by penalties to harmed communities, including consumers overcharged at vertically integrated pharmacies; and\n\nAllowing the FTC and DOJ to review and block future actions that would recreate the anticompetitive conditions addressed by the bill or harm the public interest.\n\n“Like so many small business owners in America, independent pharmacists are working hard and playing by the rules but getting ripped off by monopolies,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “The PBM industry is rife with self-dealing and price gouging. Congress made modest but meaningful reforms earlier this year, and now the next step is banning PBMs from owning pharmacies. It's an unacceptable conflict of interest and yet another example of the vertical integration in health care that is raising prices for patients.”\n\n“Our PBM Act is gaining momentum because people are realizing that you can’t lower health care costs without tackling corporate greed in the health care system,” said Senator Warren. “It’s time we finally rein in the health care middlemen that are jacking up drug costs and driving small pharmacies out of business.”\n\n“Americans are paying more and more for healthcare while seeing less in return. PBMs are at the center of a broken system that rewards middlemen while driving up costs for patients and pushing out independent pharmacies,” said Senator Hawley. “Working Americans deserve better. This legislation is a major step toward restoring transparency and making healthcare more affordable for every American.”\n\n“As a lifelong pharmacist, I’ve seen firsthand how PBMs game the system. When the same corporate giant that sets reimbursement rates also owns the pharmacy collecting them, that’s not a free market—it’s a rigged one,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger. “We have antitrust laws for a reason. When monopolies squeeze out independent pharmacies, raise costs for patients, and reduce consumer choice, Congress has a duty to restore fair competition. The Patients Before Monopolies Act ends this blatant conflict of interest once and for all.”\n\n\"Pharmacy Benefit Managers drive prices up for patients and run independent pharmacies out of business,” said Rep. Jerry Nadler. “These greedy corporations have dodged regulation at the cost of American patients and small businesses for far too long. For my entire career, I have fought to make healthcare accessible for all Americans, and I am proud to support this bill reining in PBMs and enforcing fair business practices.”\n\n“We’re taking on these giant healthcare companies to get prescription drug prices down, and to protect our family-owned pharmacies,” said Rep. Greg Landsman. “These companies make billions in part because they control so much of the market, but our bill will change that and put patients first.”\n\n“Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have been stealing hope and health from the American people for decades, inflating prescription drug costs, forcing pharmacy closures, and blocking access to medications.” As a pharmacist from coastal Georgia, I came to Congress with the goal of building a health care system that puts patients before profits,” said Congressman Buddy Carter. “I proudly support the Patients Before Monopolies Act, which builds on my previous PBM legislation signed into law last January, to continue cracking down on PBMs’ anti-competitive practices.”\n\n“Americans are sick and tired of giant corporations putting profits over patients,” said Congressman Troy Nehls. “For too long, the largest Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have manipulated the prescription drug market supply chain, crushed independent pharmacies, and have driven up costs for patients. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor on this bipartisan legislation to restore accountability, protect local pharmacies, and lower costs for American families.”\n\n“PBM vertical integration with retail, mail-order, and specialty pharmacies has led to reduced patient choice and higher drug prices for patients and payers. The Patients Before Monopolies Act cuts out PBM conflicts of interest at their root by breaking up PBM ownership of and affiliation with pharmacies. APCI commends Senators Warren and Hawley, and Representatives Harshbarger and Auchincloss on fighting against PBM anticompetitive practices and advancing policies that will restore competition to the prescription drug marketplace,” said Greg Reybold, Vice President of Public Policy, American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc.\n\n“With the reintroduction of the Patients Before Monopolies Act (PBM Act), we are grateful to Senators Warren and Hawley and Representatives Harshbarger and Auchincloss for standing up for patients and pharmacies. For too long, the largest health insurers have resorted to fear and intimidation tactics, expending substantial resources in order to scare and confuse the public into thinking PBM reform will be bad for them. With this new legislation, PBMs will finally be held accountable for years of abusing their role as ‘benefits administrators’ to undercut pharmacy providers while also profiteering off the backs of unsuspecting employers, patients and taxpayers,” said Monique Whitney, Executive Director, Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency.\n\n“Divesting PBMs from owning pharmacies will stop the conflict of interest that drives patients into PBM-owned specialty pharmacies where specialty generic drug prices are kept artificially high. The Patients Before Monopolies Act levels the playing field for community pharmacists and finally puts patients ahead of PBM profits,” said Madelaine Feldman, MD, FACR; Rheumatologist; Vice President, Advocacy & Government Affairs; Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations; New Orleans, Louisiana.\n\n“Giant PBMs and insurers owning their own pharmacies has driven independent pharmacies out of business and reduced patient access to quality care. The Patients Before Monopolies Act addresses the root cause of this problem — consolidated market power — by eliminating the inherent conflicts of interest within the 'Big Three' PBM business model,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy, American Economic Liberties Project. “We are thrilled to see Sen. Warren and Sen. Hawley and Reps. Harshbarger and Auchincloss lead this bipartisan effort to lower drug costs, protect independent retail pharmacies, improve patient access to care, and break up Big Medicine.”\n\n“The Patients Before Monopolies Act takes an important step toward restoring integrity and competition in healthcare by ending the deeply flawed model where PBMs and insurers can own the very providers they oversee and reimburse,” said Robert Levin, MD, President, Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions. “When the same corporations control the financing, administration, and delivery of care, patients and independent providers are put at a disadvantage. Healthcare decisions should be driven by what is best for patients, not by vertically integrated corporations maximizing profits through self-preferencing and consolidation.”\n\n“American Pharmacies strongly supports the Patients Before Monopolies Act. When PBMs own pharmacies, the resulting self-dealing and conflicts of interest distort the marketplace and too often undermine affordable, accessible, patient-centered care. American Pharmacies and our 700 independent pharmacy members across the country thank the bill’s sponsors for their leadership in confronting one of the root causes of rising costs and barriers to care,” said Steve Hoffart, R.Ph., Chairman, American Pharmacies.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2896", "title": "During National Police Week, Bacon and Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan “Stop the Doxx Act” to Protect Law Enforcement Officers and their Families", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bacon.house.gov", "scraper": "bacon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001298", "name": "Don Bacon", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – To mark National Police Week, U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) alongside Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) introduced a bipartisan federal bill to protect law enforcement officers and their families from doxxing — the publishing of personal information online to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence — and the Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Reauthorization Act.\n\n“Those who protect our communities and uphold the rule of law deserve protection from threats, intimidation, and violence,” said Rep. Bacon. “The Stop the Doxx Act makes clear that weaponizing personal information against law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, or their families is unacceptable and must carry real consequences. With threats and intimidation against these public servants continuing to rise, this legislation is needed now. I look forward to working with Rep. Gottheimer to get this bipartisan legislation signed into law.”\n\n“You can’t protect our communities if you can’t protect the people who sacrifice so much for us,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “Doxxing isn’t harmless online behavior. It is targeted intimidation against the people who keep our families safe, and the law has simply not kept up with the threat. We must always get the backs of those who risk their lives every day to protect us, and that means making sure they and their families are safe both on the job and at home.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2562", "title": "Congressman Baird Votes to Support Indiana Farmers and Make E-15 Available Year-Round", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "baird.house.gov", "scraper": "baird", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001307", "name": "James R. Baird", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act:\n\n“For states like Indiana and districts like mine, this legislation is not just about fuel policy. Year-round E-15 nationwide will support the countless corn farmers in my district, strengthen our rural economies, and lower energy costs for hardworking families. This legislation will provide a strong, reliable market for corn farmers in Indiana, giving them more confidence to plan for the future. E-15 is also an American-made fuel that will help us reduce our dependence on foreign energy while supporting domestic manufacturing and agriculture. This is key to unleashing American energy dominance and reducing prices at the gas pump. I was proud to join with my House colleagues to pass this legislation, and I strongly urge the Senate to quickly take up and pass this critical bill so it can be signed into law.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=728", "title": "Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces Over $20 Million in FEMA Funding to Help Vermont Rebuild and Recover from 2023 Floods", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "balint.house.gov", "scraper": "balint", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001318", "name": "Becca Balint", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), today announced the delivery of $20.83 million in federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to support the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) and the City of Montpelier to repair damage caused by severe storms, flooding, and washouts in July 2023.\n\nThe federal funding will deliver nearly $12 million in long-overdue funding to support permanent repairs to Montpelier’s City Hall, Fire Department, Police Department Buildings, and Fire Department Sidewalk and Ramp. VTrans will receive an additional $9 million to help rebuild portions of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the Washington County railroad.\n\n“The 2023 floods were brutal, causing long-lasting damage for Vermonters and Vermont communities. This newly released federal funding, totaling more than $20 million, will help repair Montpelier’s hard-hit municipal buildings and state rail and trail infrastructure. Much of this funding was delayed by FEMA for years—it never should have taken so long to get to Montpelier, and is a glaring example of how this agency needs reform. We will continue to fight for the FEMA funding our state needs, and will work with new leadership at the agency to deliver the assistance Vermonters need to fully rebuild and recover,” said the Vermont Delegation.\n\nThe federal funding grants announced include:\n\n$11,782,017 to the City of Montpelier to repair severe damage the capital’s City Hall, Fire Department and fire station concrete ramp/sidewalk, and Police Department buildings as a result of severe flooding in July 2023. This funding will help restore these facilities back to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function utilizing current codes and standards, including repairing damage to windows, interior and exterior doors, drywall, insulation, flooring, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, stairs, and more. The project includes a hazard mitigation proposal (HMP) to reduce the risk of future damage by adopting multiple wet and dry floodproofing measures.\n\n$6,168,905.58 to the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) to repair a culvert on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail that was washed away by floodwater in July 2023.\n\n$2,880,995.41 to the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) to rebuild railroad ballast and associated embankments along the railroad in Washington County, which was damaged by flooding in July 2023.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1530", "title": "Bergman's PLOW Storms Act Prioritizes Public Safety Over Burdensome Federal Regulations", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "bergman.house.gov", "scraper": "bergman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001301", "name": "Jack Bergman", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Rep. Jack Bergman, joined by Reps. Tony Wied and Pete Stauber, introduced the Protecting Lifesaving Operations during Winter Storms Act, or the PLOW Storms Act, legislation aimed at ensuring snowplow operators and road commissions can keep critical winter response vehicles operational during severe winter weather events.\n\nThe legislation addresses growing concerns from road commissions and public works departments regarding increasingly unreliable diesel emissions systems that can force snowplows into reduced-power “derate” modes or sideline trucks entirely during dangerous winter storms.\n\n“For communities across the First District, snowplows are not optional - they are lifesaving equipment,” said Rep. Bergman. “When plow trucks are disabled during winter storms because of federal emissions mandates, lives are put at risk. The PLOW Storms Act restores common sense by ensuring our road commissions have the flexibility and reliability they need to keep roads open, emergency vehicles moving, and families safe.”\n\nThe legislative proposal was developed following conversations between Rep. Bergman and road commission leaders in Chippewa County.\n\nRobert Laitinen, Manager of the Chippewa County Road Commission, noted, “The (PLOW Storms Act) is a tremendous step forward that will provide the Chippewa County Road Commission and all other agencies like us the regulatory certainty that we need to be able to modify our existing heavy diesel fleet and to order new units in a configuration that allows us to regain the reliability that we once enjoyed and that the motoring public deserves.\"\n\nLaitinen continued, \"Having multiple plow trucks down during a winter storm event due to unreliable diesel emissions equipment or enduring imposed loss of engine power (derate events) due to overzealous emissions regulations is not simply an inconvenience - in our line of work it endangers many lives. Thank you to Congressman Bergman for having the fortitude to bring this issue to light and for offering a very reasonable and functional solution. This measure, if passed, will be a major improvement in overall public safety for every resident in Michigan and the rest of the snowbelt states.”\n\nThe PLOW Storms Act seeks to provide local agencies with greater certainty and operational flexibility to maintain dependable winter maintenance fleets capable of responding effectively during severe snow and ice events.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9109", "title": "Beyer, Kelly, Cramer, Coons Introduce Charity Parity Act", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), Senator Cramer (R-ND), and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced the Charity Parity Act, which would allow taxpayers to make direct qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their employer sponsored retirement plans.\n\nCurrently, retirement savers can exclude up to $111,000 in QCDs from their gross income annually. However, QCDs must be made directly from an individual’s IRA to eligible charitable organizations. Distributions from employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are not eligible for QCD treatment. Individuals who wish to make charitable contributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to first roll over the funds to an IRA, creating unnecessary costs and additional steps for retirement savers.\n\nThe Charity Parity Act would allow direct QCDs from employer-sponsored retirement plans. By doing so, it would ensure retirement savers are treated equitably regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. Eliminating rollover-related fees, financial burdens, and the administrative complexity for savers who would otherwise need to transfer assets from employer plans to IRAs before making a charitable contribution would make it easier to give to charity and in higher amounts.\n\n“Charities provide a critical range of services across the country and have been facing mounting pressures in recent years, both from rising demand and higher prices. While progress has been made in Congress to support the generosity of the American people, further work is needed to put the charitable sector on more stable footing,” said Rep. Beyer. “The Charity Parity Act would reinforce recent bipartisan successes and encourage additional giving by providing equal treatment for savers wishing to donate to charity regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. I want to thank Rep. Kelly, and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and hope to see it enacted into law as soon as possible.”\n\n“Our laws should encourage charitable giving and seek to make such generosity as easy to carry out as possible. Giving to others in need is a hallmark of the American character and part of what makes our country great,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a practical step toward ensuring Americans can contribute and donate to the causes of their choice without issue.”\n\n“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Senator Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”\n\n“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Senator Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), both of whom serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Text of the Charity Parity Act is available here.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of charities and other nonprofits, including: American Heart Association; Association of Fundraising Professionals; American Retirement Association; Mental Health America; Salvation Army; National Council of Nonprofits; Independent Sector; The Nonprofit Alliance; National Association of Charitable Gift Planners; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; United Way Worldwide; Infant Crisis Services; Mountain Area Health Education Center; The Church Alliance; Mountain Aging Partners, Inc.; Association of Art Museum Directors.\n\n“The Charity Parity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that empowers seniors to support the causes they care about while strengthening the charitable organizations that help people live longer, healthier lives. By building on the Legacy IRA Act and expanding Qualified Charitable Distributions to include 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, this legislation makes charitable giving more accessible and equitable for retirees. We are grateful to Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer for their leadership in helping nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy for the American Heart Association.\n\n\"Nonprofits are America’s backbone, delivering critical services effectively, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities,\" stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. \"Despite this vital role, nonprofits today are facing significant, unprecedented financial challenges that have forced many local organizations to cut back on the services they provide, reduce staff, or even close their doors. I applaud Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for introducing bipartisan legislation to make it even easier for Americans to support nonprofits that provide essential services to their neighbors.\"\n\n“We thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Cramer and Coons for introducing this important bipartisan bill to expand charitable giving opportunities for retirement-age Americans,” said Michael Kenyon, President & CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “QCDs from IRAs have long been a valuable tool for donors to support causes they believe in, and extending this option to employer-sponsored plans is a commonsense step that will unlock greater philanthropic support. As gift planners, we support policies that reduce friction in giving and empower donors to act on their generosity and leave their legacy. This proposal would do just that.”\n\n“American retirement savers should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to support charitable causes simply because their savings are held in a 401(k), 403(b), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan instead of an IRA,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “The Charity Parity Act builds on the success of SECURE 2.0 by ensuring retirement savers are treated fairly regardless of where they hold their assets, while making it easier for Americans to give back to the organizations and communities they care about most. By reducing administrative burdens, this legislation can help encourage greater charitable giving while strengthening retirement security.”\n\n\"The Nonprofit Alliance welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Charity Parity Act. This legislation will allow seniors to make qualified charitable distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts and is an important step toward increasing participation in charitable giving by expanding options to do so. We sincerely thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for their introduction of this timely legislation,” said Shannon McCracken, President and CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance.\n\n“Since its creation in 2006, the IRA Charitable Rollover has helped older Americans use their retirement accounts to make a difference and support the causes they care about. Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer each have a long history of working to advance charitable giving, and Independent Sector applauds them for their continued leadership. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and fees, this commonsense legislation will help more charitable dollars reach their intended target: American communities and our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector.\n\n“Fundraisers work every day to connect generosity with community needs, and the Charity Parity Act removes unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of that generosity. By allowing seniors to give directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, this bipartisan legislation modernizes charitable giving and puts donors—not paperwork—at the center of the process. The Association of Fundraising Professionals strongly supports policies that make it easier for people to give and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities,” said H. Art Taylor, President & CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://budzinski.house.gov/posts/budzinski-celebrates-house-passage-of-permanent-year-round-e15", "title": "Budzinski Celebrates House Passage of Permanent Year-Round E15", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://budzinski.house.gov/press", "domain": "budzinski.house.gov", "scraper": "budzinski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001315", "name": "Nikki Budzinski", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement following the passage of H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, of which Budzinski is a Democratic lead. The bill would eliminate an outdated regulation restricting year-round sales of E15 and would ultimately expand consumer fuel choices, strengthen domestic energy production, and provide greater certainty for agricultural producers. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.\n\n“For years, I’ve championed permanent, year-round E15 as a win for American farmers, energy producers, and consumers. At a time when farmers are under pressure and families are feeling the strain of high gas prices, this legislation delivers much needed relief,” said Budzinski. “Today’s bipartisan action shows what’s possible when we put American energy, rural communities, and working families first. I’m proud to have helped lead this effort and urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill and get relief to the American people.”\n\nRep. Budzinski has been a leading House Democrat advocating for year-round nationwide E15 sales since being elected to Congress. She engaged in debate on the House Floor earlier today where she outlined the importance of passage of the bill. After introduction of the bill, in March 2024, she joined Reps. Adrian Smith, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Mark Pocan in a letter urging House leadership to pass a legislative solution allowing permanent year-round E15 sales. Later that year, the policy was included in the year-end Continuing Resolution before being removed during final negotiations. Budzinski then led Democratic colleagues in requesting seats on the Rural Domestic Energy Council and testified before the House Rules Committee urging leadership to immediately bring the negotiated agreement to the House floor.\n\nIn April, Budzinski also co-led an amendment to include the negotiated E15 language in the 2026 Farm Bill. Although Speaker Johnson pledged separate votes on both the Farm Bill and E15 policy, only the Farm Bill ultimately received a vote.\n\nToday, the Congresswoman was proud to join nearly 100 House Democrats in standing up for new market access for growers and lower gas prices for consumers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3483", "title": "Carbajal, Moore Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support Transit Infrastructure in Mid Sized Cities", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Blake Moore (R-UT-01) introduced the bipartisan Medium Transit Intensive Cities (MTIC) Authorization Act, a bill to provide more federal support for transportation infrastructure in medium-sized cities. The bill would create a new Medium Transit Intensive Cities (MTIC) category within the Section 5307 transit‑funding program. The program would be modeled on the successful Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) formula but designed for medium‑sized urban areas with 200,000 to 999,999 residents.\n\nRead the full text of the legislation here.\n\nWhile medium‑sized urban areas often provide transit service comparable in quality and intensity to large metropolitan systems, the current federal funding formula for infrastructure projects does not adequately recognize or reward their performance.\n\n“Many medium‑sized cities on the Central Coast and across the country have strong transit systems that people depend on to get to work, school, and to stay connected with their communities,” said Rep. Carbajal. “But the current federal transit funding framework isn’t adequate for these communities, leaving too many of them without the support they need. My bipartisan bill closes that gap by ensuring we invest in transit systems that serve their riders effectively, no matter the community’s size.”\n\n\"Existing transit programs often favor either small or large cities, overlooking medium-sized cities such as Ogden and Layton in Northern Utah. By creating a federal set-aside to reward high-performing transit agencies operating in medium-sized cities, we can ensure that transit agencies are able to meet citizens' needs and make the long-term investments necessary to support growing populations. I’m excited to work with Representative Carbajal to introduce the Medium Transit Intensive Cities Authorization Act to support medium-sized communities that are providing high-quality transit options,” said Rep. Moore.\n\n“Communities shouldn’t be penalized for population growth. The Medium Transit Intensive Cities Authorization Act would ensure that high-performing transit providers who connect people with jobs, school, and opportunity have the resources to do so,” said Jerry Estrada, General Manager of Santa Barbara MTD.\n\n“The Bus Coalition strongly supports the Medium Transit Cities Authorization Act as a smart, targeted step toward a more equitable and performance-driven federal transit program. Across the country, mid-sized transit systems are delivering high-quality, efficient service that connects people to jobs, education, and essential services, yet too often they are disadvantaged by a funding formula that doesn’t fully recognize their impact.\n\n“By creating a Medium Transit Intensive Cities set-aside, this legislation rewards strong performance, encourages continued innovation, and ensures that communities of all sizes have a fair opportunity to compete for federal resources. We commend Congressman Carbajal for advancing a proposal that strengthens mobility, supports economic growth, and better aligns federal investment with real-world transit outcomes,” Ed Redfern, Executive Director of The Bus Coalition.\n\nUnder current law, transit agencies in medium-sized regions are effectively measured against—and must compete with—large urban areas with populations over 1 million, which benefit from scale, density, and significantly greater resources. As a result, even high-performing medium-sized transit systems are at a structural disadvantage and are less able to access performance-based funding opportunities available within the existing framework.\n\nThe MTIC program would dedicate 1.5 percent of Section 5307 funding to reward transit agencies in these mid-sized regions that meet or exceed performance benchmarks. Metrics such as ridership, service frequency, and service provided per capita would be used to ensure that funding is directed toward systems delivering strong results for their communities.\n\nBy aligning incentives with performance, this proposal would:\n\nReward high-performing transit agencies in medium-sized regions that are often overlooked in the current formula;\n\nEncourage improved service delivery and efficiency, strengthening transit systems nationwide;\n\nPromote equity across urbanized areas by recognizing that strong transit outcomes are not limited to the largest cities;\n\nSupport economic growth and mobility in communities that rely on robust transit but lack proportional federal support.\n\nAs a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Carbajal has long worked to support infrastructure projects on the Central Coast and beyond.\n\nIn 2021, Carbajal helped write and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the largest investment in American infrastructure in nearly a century. Since its passage, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered more than $1 billion in funding to projects up and down the Central Coast.\n\nIn July 2025, Carbajal introduced the bipartisan National Infrastructure Investment Corporation (NIIC) Act, which would authorize the creation of a national infrastructure bank. The bank created by the NIIC Act would be authorized to provide loans and loan guarantees to local infrastructure projects, giving local governments another potential funding source in addition to support provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or other federal and state funding sources.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4906", "title": "Case Opposes Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill That Slashes Billions For Scientific Research, Technology Development And STEM Education", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his House Appropriations Committee today approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and Related Agencies funding measure.\n\nThe measure would provide $80 billion, a $1.2 billion decrease from the current year, for the U.S. Department of Commerce (including the International Trade Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology), the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and more.\n\nRep. Case opposed the overall bill, warning that its sweeping funding cuts “would weaken programs central to Hawaii’s environmental protection, public safety, civil rights enforcement and economic opportunity.”\n\nNow in his eighth year on the House Appropriations Committee, Case said the legislation would also scale back critical federal support for conservation efforts, community services, STEM education and assistance for vulnerable populations across Hawai‘i and the nation. Programs significantly cut or eliminated include:\n\n· Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Protection, which safeguards our Hawaiian monk seals, dolphins, false killer whales and green sea turtles.\n\n· Habitat Conservation and Restoration, which helps to restore and maintain crucial ecosystems and watersheds across Hawai‘i .\n\n· Marine Debris Program surveys and cleans up derelict fishing nets and ocean plastics from the reef and habitats at Hawaii’s shores.\n\n· Marine Mammal Commission, which provide science-based oversight of domestic and international policies and actions of federal agencies with mandates to address human impacts on marine mammals, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the humpback whale.\n\n· Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, the leading federal source of criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, which assists a range of initiatives including law enforcement, prosecution and court, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation and technology improvement, and crime victim and assistance.\n\n· Community Relations Service, which offers assistance to communities where disputes, disagreements, or difficulties regarding discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin threaten peaceful relations among citizens.\n\n· Legal Services Corporation, which provides civil legal aid for low-income Americans.\n\n· Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.\n\n· Minority University Research Education Project, which focuses on STEM training for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students at our local universities and colleges.\n\n· Minority Business Development Agency, which assists with the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.\n\nDespite these deficiencies, Case secured ten of his Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that specifically focus on local needs in Hawai‘i, with funding for these projects totaling $7.25 million. His successful CPFs are:\n\n· $772,000 for Loko I’a Restoration in Pu’uloa by the University of Hawai‘i. The Pu’uloa estuary (today commonly referred to as Pearl Harbor) once supported 35 highly productive fishponds. After years of watershed degradation, elevated levels of contaminants have led to unsafe seafood consumption and diminished ecosystem function. This project would support a coordinated effort to restore fishponds in Pu’uloa through remediation planning, restoration of fishpond infrastructure and invasive species management.\n\n· $772,000 for the Enhancing Hawai‘i Cargo Security through Advanced High-Energy Cargo Screening Systems Project at the Hawai‘i State Department of Law Enforcement. With these funds, the Hawai‘i State Department of Law Enforcement would develop advanced high-energy cargo screening systems for Honolulu's ports.\n\nThis targeted investment will enhance the state's ability to interdict illegal fireworks, weapons, narcotics and other contraband, while also strengthening Hawaii's first line of defense against invasive species and other biosecurity threats entering through commercial freight pathways.\n\n· $772,000 for the Food Analysis Research and Extension Lab at the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. This funding would establish the Food Analysis Research and Extension (FARE) Lab, which will serve as a hub for standardized data necessary to support local farmers and food innovators. The FARE Lab will use national standards to document differences across local species and cultivars that serve as staple foods in the diets of people living in Hawai‘i and the broader Pacific.\n\n· $772,000 for the Marine Finfish Hatchery for Stock Enhancement Project at the Hawai‘i State Department for Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources. This project would establish the first state-operated marine finfish hatchery on Oahu at the Division of Aquatic Resources Anuenue Fisheries Research Center to support the protection, restoration and sustainable management of reef fish populations.\n\n· $772,000 for the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Project at the Honolulu Police Department. This project will use automated drones and intelligent surveillance cameras to improve emergency response. The system will include drone launch stations, secure storage, maintenance areas, and real-time video streaming so drones can arrive at incidents within minutes.\n\n· $772,000 for the Waikiki Flood Watch Test Project at the University of Hawai‘i. This project would develop a cyberphysical testbed that would transform how Hawaii predicts and responds to flooding. Unlike traditional systems that rely on rainfall alone, this platform captures the full picture of compound flooding, including sensors, computer models, digital twins and AI alerts to provide faster and sharper predictions of floods in Waikiki. By providing earlier and more actionable guidance to city and state emergency managers, the project strengthens preparedness, reduces risk to businesses and residents and helps safeguard one of Hawaii's most vital coastal communities, while demonstrating best practices for similarly situated communities nationally.\n\n· $772,000 for a Critical Incident Response Apparatus for the Honolulu Police Department. This apparatus is a vital asset that enhances the Honolulu Police Department's rescue and recovery capabilities across the island of Oahu. Designed as a shield and barricade tool for rapid deployment, CIRA provides critical protection for the public and first responders during emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters, hazardous material incidents, terrorist attacks and other large-scale critical events.\n\n· $772,000 for the Hawai‘i Port Resilience and Coastal Erosion Study at the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. This study would address vulnerabilities from coastal erosion and changing sea conditions impacting Hawaii's commercial ports by enhancing a digital twin model with wave modeling, vulnerability assessments, drone-based pier inspections and bathymetric surveys to advance resilience planning for Hawaii's maritime system.\n\n· $772,000 for the Applied Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Research Laboratory at the Hawai‘i Pacific University. This project would establish a laboratory to conduct hands-on, applied research focused on securing AI systems, strengthening AI-enabled cyber defense and defending against AI-driven cyberattacks, while developing practical tools, testing environments and implementation guidance tailored to Hawaii's defense contractors and critical infrastructure operators.\n\n· $300,000 for the Security Water Quantity and Quality in the Ala Wai Watershed Project at the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The Ala Wai watershed is currently heavily invaded by Miconia, an invasive plant that increases the propensity for erosion and landslides by limiting understory growth, destabilizing soil and decreasing water absorption. With these funds, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife will manage the invasive plant throughout the Ala Wai watershed by establishing field crews to remove the invasive plant, data management staff and coordinator positions.\n\nThe House’s CPF rules require that each project must have demonstrated community support, must be fully disclosed by the requesting Member and must be subject to audit by the independent Government Accountability Office. Case’s disclosures are here.\n\nOther provisions which Case requested and were included in the measure to fund the Department of Justice include:\n\n· $762.5 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The COPS program provides funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.\n\n· $148 million for grants to reduce the sexual assault kit backlog.\n\n· $48 million for the Anti-Methamphetamine and Anti-Heroin Task Forces.\n\n“Rising crime, both related and unrelated to gun violence, is of great concern to us all, and must be combatted at all levels of government,” said Case. “State and local law enforcement need increased assistance from our federal government to address crime at the state and local level.”\n\n“The funding I secured in the bill will help local and state law enforcement to not only investigate and prosecute crime but will also go to prevention and education programs to stop crime before it happens.”\n\nCase also won support to fund various science initiatives, including:\n\n· $26 million for the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, which enhances the research competitiveness of Hawai‘i by strengthening STEM capacity and capability.\n\n· $92.5 million for the Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes program to support the maintenance and needed repairs at the Atmospheric Baseline Observatories, including the Mauna Loa Observatory where the famous Keeling Curve proving rapid climate change was developed.\n\n· $33.5 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program.\n\n· $6 million for Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas, which supports Papahānaumokuākea and our Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale sanctuaries.\n\n· $56 million for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which supports our Hawaii’s Pacific Island (Pac) IOOS. PacIOOS provides easily accessible coastal and ocean observing and forecasting to increase ocean safety and protect public and environmental health.\n\n· $20 million for the Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments program, which provides vital research that allows communities to prepare for and respond to long-term shifts in weather patterns, resource availability and coastal conditions.\n\n· $34 million for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, which includes support for education and restoration of coastal and marine habitats in He‘eia.\n\n· $80 million for the Sea Grant Program, which supports the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaiʻi that promotes healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient communities and economies and environmental literacy and workforce development.\n\nProvisions which Case secured to promote commerce in Hawaiʻi include:\n\n· $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. This public-private partnership has centers in all 50 states, including Hawaiʻi, dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers.\n\n· $1 million for the Minority Business Development Agency specifically for the Native American Business Development Program that awards grants to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian entities qualified to provide business, financing and technical assistance.\n\n· $3.5 million for the Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism position, which Case worked to establish in the Visit America Act to drive a cohesive federal response to the challenges facing the industry.\n\nThis measure is the fifth of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026).\n\nDespite Case’s opposition, the bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.\n\nA summary of the CJS and Related Agencies Appropriations bill is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405207", "title": "U.S. Rep. Castor Announces $10.9 Million Federal Grant for TPA Improvements", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "castor.house.gov", "scraper": "castor", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001066", "name": "Kathy Castor", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced a $10,992,431 federal grant for Tampa International Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The funding will support the reconstruction of airport infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. Specifically, this award funds the first phase of a larger project to repave 9,100 feet of existing taxiway and 8,300 feet of existing runway.\n\n“Investing in Tampa International Airport means investing in Tampa Bay’s economy, tourism industry and good-paying local jobs,” said Rep. Kathy Castor. “These federal funds will help modernize airfield infrastructure at TPA by repaving taxiways and runways, improving reliability and efficiency for the millions of travelers and businesses alike that rely on TPA every year. Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the world, but to keep it that way, we must ensure that the airport keeps pace and is constantly modernizing.”\n\n“We’re grateful for the continued strong support from U.S. Representative Kathy Castor and our congressional delegation, as well as the FAA, in helping fund critical infrastructure improvements at Tampa International Airport,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens. “TPA serves as a key economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, and as passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that this repaving project moves forward in a timely and efficient manner. This Airport Improvement Program grant will help us modernize and maintain our airfield infrastructure, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for our passengers and airlines while supporting the continued growth of our region.”\n\nCastor has championed federal infrastructure investments across Tampa Bay to improve roads and bridges, strengthen airport infrastructure and support Port Tampa.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415619", "title": "“America will not be silent while the CCP imprisons the innocent”House unanimously passes Smith resolution urging Trump to raise cases of political prisoners in China during impending meeting with Xi", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) debates on the House floor in support of his H.Res.1259, \"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\"\n\nToday, by a margin of 414-0, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)’s resolution, H.Res.1259, which urges President Trump to highlight the cases and call for the release of political prisoners in the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—including Pastor Jin Mingri; Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife, Pang Yu; Dr. Gulshan Abbas; and Jimmy Lai—during his upcoming meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping in Beijing. During the floor debate on the legislation, Smith delivered the following remarks:\n\nMr. Speaker, I—like many in the House and Senate—thank President Trump for requesting that Xi Jinping release Jimmy Lai and other women and men who are gravely sick.\n\nHundreds of innocent Americans languish in Chinese prisons today, including Nelson Wells of New Orleans and Dawn Michelle Hunt from Chicago. At a hearing I chaired in September 2024, “Bringing Home Americans Detained in China,” we heard heartbreaking stories from their families and loved ones. I’ve introduced legislation (HR 5491) to create a comprehensive strategy to obtain their release. According to the Foley Foundaton, more United States nationals are wrongfully detained in China than in any other country.\n\nThis resolution is also about Pastor Ezra Jin, founder of Zion Church, detained and denied needed medical care. It is about Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, detained for peaceful religious leadership. It is about Dr. Gulshan Abbas, serving a 20-year sentence because her sister, Rushan Abbas, dared to tell Congress the truth about the CCP’s genocide against Uyghurs. The CCP imprisoned one sister to silence another. That is hostage-taking, plain and simple.\n\nAnd this resolution is about Jimmy Lai, the courageous founder of Apple Daily, imprisoned because he defended freedom of the press, democracy, and the rule of law in Hong Kong. His son, Sebastien Lai, testified in 2023 at a hearing I chaired in the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that his father is “still speaking truth to power and refusing to be silenced,” even though “he may die in prison.” That testimony should haunt us—and move us to action. Jimmy Lai should not spend one more night in a Hong Kong prison.\n\nLike Sebastian, Jimmy Lai’s daughter, Claire, has bravely and tenaciously and prayerfully advocated for her dad’s release. Claire told the AP last December that her dad “just wants to reunite with his family. He wants to dedicate his life to serving our Lord, and he wants to dedicate the rest of his days to his family.” Claire and Sebastian’s love for their father is inspiring beyond words.\n\nFor decades, the United States has seen that naming prisoners works. It can improve prison conditions. It can secure access to lawyers, family, and medical care. It can save lives. And yes, it can lead to releases—especially when it is done by the President.\n\nThat matters. It matters to their families. It matters to every prisoner of conscience languishing in a cell because he or she dared to pray, publish, speak, worship, or advocate for fundamental freedoms. And it matters to the Chinese Communist Party, because autocrats listen when the President of the United States names names.\n\nBut silence does the opposite. Silence tells the jailer no one is watching. Silence tells the prisoner the world has moved on. Silence tells Beijing that hostage diplomacy, coercive exit bans, and transnational repression can be normalized. We must not normalize it.\n\nSenator Rick Scott and I led a letter last week, signed by over 100 Congressional colleagues, asking the President to continue pressing for Jimmy Lai’s release. We said, in pertinent part:\n\n“The humanitarian case for Mr. Lai’s freedom is urgent and undeniable. He is a devout Catholic and successful entrepreneur who has already spent five years in detention, much of it in solitary confinement. His health has declined in custody, and prolonged isolation and inadequate prison conditions only increase the risk of permanent harm.\n\n“Mr. Lai’s family is understandably anxious about his deteriorating health condition. His family, his friends, and supporters, have indicated that if he is released, he will leave Hong Kong and withdraw from public life. It is a clear, practical path forward that reunites a family and prevents this case from becoming an irreversible tragedy—and an enduring symbol of repression that will echo far beyond Hong Kong.\n\n“Mr. President, we greatly appreciated that you have discussed this case personally with Xi Jinping in the past, and in light of the urgent health concerns, we urge you to do so again.\n\n“Now is a key time to re-emphasize the case, not only given Mr. Lai's age and health, but also because this will be the first time you are meeting with Xi Jinping since the Hong Kong legal proceedings against Mr. Lai came to an end...”\n\nThis resolution reaffirms America’s commitment to defending political and religious freedom and advocating for those unjustly detained for exercising fundamental freedoms.\n\nMr. Speaker, this is not a partisan issue. It is a matter of American leadership, American credibility, and American security. When the CCP threatens families in the United States to silence advocacy here at home, that is not just repression over there—it is intimidation aimed at us. Today, the House should speak with moral clarity and strategic purpose.\n\nName the prisoners. Confront the hostage-taking. Make clear that America will not be silent while the Chinese Communist Party imprisons the innocent and reaches across borders to threaten their families.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415621", "title": "Save Jersey article on Smith's advocacy for Jimmy Lai'Chris Smith Urges Trump to Press China on Political Prisoners Ahead of Summit'", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By The Staff\n\nPublished May 13, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Donald Trump prepares for a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, bipartisan pressure is mounting for the administration to prioritize human rights and the release of political prisoners held by the Chinese Communist regime.\n\nLeading that effort is New Jersey’s Congressman Chris Smith (R, NJ-04), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. Smith revealed this week that more than 100 lawmakers have backed a letter urging Trump to demand the release of imprisoned Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai during talks with Beijing.\n\nSpeaking on LiveNOW from FOX and EWTN News Nightly ahead of the summit, Smith praised Trump for continuing to raise Lai’s case and said there is overwhelming bipartisan support behind the effort.\n\n“There is solidarity—it’s bipartisan in the House and the Senate—backing the President’s request to release Jimmy Lai on humanitarian grounds,” Smith said.\n\nLai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has been imprisoned since 2020 under Hong Kong’s controversial national security law. International human rights advocates have warned that Lai’s health has deteriorated significantly while in custody.\n\nSmith said the situation is becoming increasingly urgent, citing Lai’s age, medical conditions, and reportedly harsh prison treatment. He urged Trump to continue pressing for Lai’s immediate humanitarian release during negotiations with Xi.\n\nThe New Jersey congressman also highlighted the plight of other prisoners detained by the Chinese government, including Christian pastor Pastor Ezra Jin, whose case has drawn concern from religious freedom advocates.\n\nSmith has long been one of Congress’s most outspoken critics of the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights abuses, particularly its treatment of political dissidents, religious minorities, and pro-democracy activists.\n\nThe renewed congressional push comes as Trump seeks to balance ongoing economic and geopolitical tensions with China while also projecting a tougher stance on human rights issues that many lawmakers say previous administrations failed to adequately confront.\n\nFor supporters of Lai and other political prisoners, the upcoming summit represents a critical opportunity for the United States to apply direct pressure on Beijing at the highest level.\n\nWatch below:\n\nThis article was published on May 13, 2026 and can be found online at:", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415624", "title": "The Asahi Shimbun article on Smith's advocacy for Jimmy Lai'U.S. Lawmaker Calling for Jimmy Lai's Release Expresses Hope for Summit: \"A Golden Opportunity\"'", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Chris Smith speaks to the press. — March 24, 2026, Washington. Photo by Shotaro Hata.\n\nBy Sotaro Hata\n\nPublished May 13, 2026 at 9:51 AM\n\nOn May 11, U.S. President Trump indicated his intention to raise the case of Jimmy Lai (78)—the founder of the now-defunct Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily, who is currently imprisoned following his conviction for violating the Hong Kong National Security Law—during an upcoming summit meeting. Representative Chris Smith (Republican), a U.S. House member who has long advocated for Lai, spoke with The Asahi Shimbun ahead of President Trump’s visit to China.\n\nA House member for 46 years, Rep. Smith serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee and has dedicated his efforts to issues of international cooperation and human rights. In March, he invited Lai’s daughter, Claire, to attend the President’s State of the Union address.\n\nRep. Smith praised Apple Daily—known for its editorial stance critical of the Chinese Communist Party—as a \"voice of integrity and good faith.\" He condemned Lai’s conviction as \"unjust,\" citing the fact that the verdict was based on charges stemming from his journalistic work and his meetings with U.S. government officials, through which he advocated for sanctions against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments.\n\nFurthermore, he stated, \"Now that a guilty verdict has been handed down, it is highly desirable that he be released on humanitarian grounds and allowed to return to his family.\"\n\nChina: Hong Kong’s Judiciary Is an \"Internal Affair\"\n\nSince Lai’s arrest, Rep. Smith has actively lobbied both the previous Biden administration and the current administration to provide U.S. support for his cause. On May 7—as President Trump’s visit to China drew near—he organized an open letter signed by members of both the House and Senate, urging the President to raise the issue of Lai’s release during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\n\nLast December, following Lai’s conviction, President Trump remarked that the verdict was \"extremely disappointing.\" He also revealed that he had \"asked Mr. Xi to consider his release.\" When asked why Mr. Trump has chosen to raise the issue of Mr. Lai, Mr. Smith explained that it stems from \"Mr. Trump's humanitarian convictions.\"\n\nJimmy Lai (center) being arrested by the Hong Kong Police in Hong Kong on April 18, 2020. — AP\n\nHowever, securing the release of a convicted individual directly implicates the judicial systems—and the \"face\"—of both China and Hong Kong; consequently, it is widely believed that it will not be easy for the Chinese side to make such a concession. While acknowledging that China \"may not necessarily heed our pleas,\" Mr. Smith noted that if the Chinese side were to demonstrate a positive gesture regarding Mr. Lai, it would present \"a golden opportunity for Mr. Xi to declare to the entire world that China possesses a conscience.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415625", "title": "HR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, and HR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick ActSmith bills on stem cell research, Lyme disease pass out of Energy & Commerce’s Health Subcommittee, head to full committee markup", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Two critical public health reauthorization bills authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)—HR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, and HR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick Act—today passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health, where they now head to the full committee markup slated for next week.\n\n“I am grateful to the Subcommittee on Health, especially Chairman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), for advancing these critical, life-enhancing bills to assist the millions of Americans suffering from chronic health conditions,” said Smith.\n\nHR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025\n\n“HR 5160 will authorize more than $280 million over five years for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory, ensuring that two collaborative programs can continue providing treatments and therapies derived from ethically-sourced stem cell lines,” stated Smith, the author of the original law (the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 – PL 109-129) that created those programs and connected patients with genetically-matched, ethically-gleaned stem cells.\n\n“Uninterrupted funding and support for these programs will save more lives, as stem cell treatments have been used to treat, and even cure, more than 75 diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma and sickle cell anemia,” Smith continued. “I urge the Committee and House Leadership to quickly advance this much-needed reauthorization, and I look forward to seeing it be signed into law.”\n\nHR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization\n\nSmith’s second reauthorization that passed out of the Health Subcommittee, the Kay Hagan Tick Act (HR 4348), will provide continued funding for Lyme disease research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).\n\n“Specifically, this bill will allocate $10 million for the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence, allowing the agency to conduct comprehensive research on tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, and thoroughly train public health professionals on how to prevent, identify, and treat tick bites, as well as track the pathogens they spread,” said Smith.\n\nSmith, a longtime leader in the national fight against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, also explained that his Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization provides $20 million to states in regions where Lyme or other tick-borne disease outbreaks are more likely, enabling such states to work with the federal government to quickly identify, cauterize, and respond to vector-borne disease outbreaks.\n\n“Lyme and other tick-borne disease infections are exploding in the United States – in 2025 alone, my home state of New Jersey recorded 6,098 cases of vector-borne illnesses, with 5,211 of those solely attributed to Lyme,” stated Smith, who, since 1993, has authored comprehensive amendments and legislation to improve research, federal collaboration, and the lives of those suffering from Lyme disease.\n\n“Today, the Health Subcommittee recognized the critical threat that Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses pose to our Nation’s health and well-being. The federal government must do more to help the hundreds of thousands of Americans suffering from these debilitating conditions, and this legislation provides the proper vehicle to do so.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415628", "title": "The New York Times article on Smith-Scott letter to President Trump'Activists, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Call for Release of Jimmy Lai and Dong Yuyu'", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Catie Edmondson\n\nPublished May 13, 2026\n\nHuman rights activists, lawmakers and family members are calling on President Trump to press China’s leader, Xi Jinping, for the release of Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy media mogul, and Dong Yuyu, a prominent Chinese journalist, at the summit in Beijing.\n\nSupporters have framed the meeting as a critical opportunity for Mr. Trump to use his leverage to win the freedom of prominent members of the press and religious leaders who have been jailed, amid a broader crackdown by the Chinese government to eliminate dissenting views.\n\nMr. Lai, 78, was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison, in the culmination of Beijing’s yearslong effort to undercut the Hong Kong publisher whom it blamed for leading major antigovernment protests in the city nearly seven years ago.\n\nJimmy Lai at his home in Hong Kong in 2020. He was sentenced in February to 20 years in prison after Beijing blamed the Hong Kong publisher for leading the city’s major protests nearly seven years ago. Credit...Lam Yik Fei for The New York Times\n\n“President Trump has mentioned his commitment to freeing my father a number of times,” Claire Lai, Mr. Lai’s daughter, said on Newsmax on Wednesday night. “Of course I know it’s not an easy task, but I believe if anyone can do it, President Trump can.”\n\nMr. Dong, 64, is a prolific editor and writer who has expressed support for the rule of law and constitutional democracy. In 2024 he was sentenced to seven years in prison on espionage charges. He was recently diagnosed with what appears to be lung cancer, adding urgency to calls for his release.\n\n“Dong Yuyu requires immediate attention for a fast-growing lung tumor and a host of other medical concerns,” Beh Lih Yi, the Asia-Pacific director for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement. “His advanced age and the harsh conditions of his imprisonment make this an imperative.”\n\nSupporters also hope Mr. Trump will push for the release of Jin Mingri, a Christian pastor who also goes by the name Ezra and was detained in China last October as part of a major crackdown on Christians in the country.\n\nIt remains to be seen whether Mr. Trump and other U.S. officials will present their Chinese counterparts with a list of detainees or prisoners they would like released. But Mr. Trump has said he will press the cases of Mr. Lai and Mr. Jin. He acknowledged in Washington earlier this week that winning Mr. Lai’s release could be difficult.\n\nMr. Trump said Mr. Lai had “caused a lot of bedlam.”\n\n“It’s like saying to me, ‘If Comey ever went to jail, would you let him out?’ Might be a hard one for me,” he added, referring to James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director, whom Mr. Trump has repeatedly attacked and was indicted last month over a social media post.\n\nHe said Mr. Lai had “tried to do the right thing” and added “I’ll bring him up again.” Mr. Trump has appeared primarily focused on economic deals with China, showing less appetite for wading into the human rights issues that U.S. presidents have raised at previous summits in Beijing.\n\nWhen President Joseph R. Biden Jr. met with Mr. Xi in California in 2023, he “raised concerns regarding PRC human rights abuses, including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong,” according to a U.S. readout of the summit. President George W. Bush said in 2008 that he “constantly” discussed human rights and political freedom with the Chinese leader, Hu Jintao.\n\nMr. Trump is also facing calls from several Republican members of Congress, many of them longtime China hawks, to press for Mr. Lai’s freedom. Late last week, more than 100 lawmakers, including the Senate majority and minority leaders, implored Mr. Trump in a bipartisan letter to use the summit to call for Mr. Lai’s release.\n\nThe lawmakers — led by Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey and Senator Rick Scott of Florida, both Republicans — urged a renewed appeal for Mr. Lai, citing his declining health and the fact that this is Mr. Trump’s first meeting with Mr. Xi since Mr. Lai’s legal proceedings concluded in March.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415629", "title": "The Hill article on Smith's H.Res.1259'House unanimously passes resolution urging Trump to secure release of detainees in China'", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Sudiksha Kochi\n\nPublished May 13, 2026 at 6:58 PM ET\n\nThe House on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution urging President Trump to push to secure the release of five people detained in China.\n\nThe resolution, sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), passed the lower chamber by a vote of 414-0.\n\nIt states that Trump “should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People’s Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.”\n\nTrump arrived in China on Wednesday for a high-stakes meeting with President Xi Jinping. The meeting marks the first state visit to China since Trump’s last trip in 2017.\n\nThe U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom notes that Jin was detained in October of last year for his “Christian activity” and role as pastor of the Zion Church. The commission also notes that Chinese authorities accused Gao, pastor of Light of Zion Church, of “using superstition to undermine law enforcement” and his wife, Pang, of “fraud based on the church’s collection of voluntary tithes.”\n\nAbbas has been detained in China since 2018. Ziba Murat, her daughter, and Rushan Abbas, Murat’s aunt, have long publicly said they believe Dr. Gulshan Abbas was detained in retaliation for Rushan Abbas’s activism against China’s treatment of Uyghurs, including mass incarceration and forced labor.\n\nAnd Lai, a high-profile Hong Kong business magnate and democracy advocate, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chinese officials back in February.\n\nThe resolution urges Trump to “seek verifiable proof of life and access to independent legal counsel, family communication, and medical care for such detainees.”\n\nSmith argued in floor remarks earlier this month that “this is not a partisan issue.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2026/05/13/higgins-nehls-legislation-to-protect-american-shrimpers-from-taxpayer-funded-foreign-competition-passes-house/", "title": "Higgins, Nehls Legislation to Protect American Shrimpers from Taxpayer-Funded Foreign Competition Passes House", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "clayhiggins.house.gov", "scraper": "clayhiggins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001077", "name": "Clay Higgins", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after the House passed H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act. Higgins introduced the bill in March 2025 alongside Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX). The legislation directs the United States to oppose taxpayer-funded projects that bankroll foreign shrimp farming and processing. Read the bill text here.\n\n“Domestic shrimpers have been undercut by foreign competitors who often receive U.S. taxpayer dollars by way of international financial institutions. This legislation orders an end to American subsidization of foreign seafood production,” said Rep. Higgins. “I will not stop fighting for Louisiana agriculture. If I had full control, I’d stop all or most imported seafood and rice. One day at a time though, we’re winning because we’re in the fight.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2683", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Cline Introduced Legislation to Counter CCP Infiltration of Federal Agencies", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "cline.house.gov", "scraper": "cline", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001118", "name": "Ben Cline", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/krishnamoorthi-and-cloud-lead-bipartisan-push-to-ban-congressional-stock-trading-and-prediction-market-trading", "title": "Krishnamoorthi and Cloud Lead Bipartisan Push to Ban Congressional Stock Trading and Prediction Market Trading", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Representative Krishnamoorthi Press Release | May 12, 2026\n\nLawmakers urge House leadership to adopt ethics reforms through House rules package to restore public trust and prevent conflicts of interest.\n\nWASHINGTON — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) led a bipartisan group of House lawmakers on Monday in calling on Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to adopt new House rules prohibiting Members of Congress, their families, and congressional staff from trading individual stocks and participating in prediction markets. Additional signers of the letter included Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Elijah Crane (R-AZ), Dina Titus (D-NV), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Josh Riley (D-NY), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Chip Roy (R-TX), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY).\n\nIn a letter to House leadership, the Members urged immediate action to strengthen congressional ethics rules and address growing public concerns about lawmakers using privileged information for personal financial gain. The lawmakers argued that Congress should move quickly to adopt clear and enforceable standards through the House rules process.\n\n“We are writing to urge immediate changes to the rules package for the 119th Congress to include a clear, enforceable ban on Members, their families, and staff trading in individual stocks and in prediction markets,” the Members wrote. “If such changes are not adopted in the current Congress, we urge that these provisions be included in the rules package for the 120th Congress.”\n\nThe letter points to bipartisan efforts already underway to restrict congressional stock trading and notes that the Senate recently updated its own rules to prohibit Senators and Senate staff from participating in prediction markets. The lawmakers warned that the House should not fall behind in addressing clear ethical concerns and restoring public confidence in Congress.\n\n“Members of Congress are privy to information the average hard-working American is not, so we should end both the appearance and reality of conflicts of interest and special privileges for elected officials,” the lawmakers continued. “The House of Representatives should not lag behind the Senate in closing obvious avenues for conflicts of interest and the appearance of corruption.”\n\nThe Members emphasized that the reforms are about protecting the integrity of Congress and ensuring Americans can trust that lawmakers are serving the public interest rather than their own financial portfolios.\n\n“These reforms are not partisan; they are about restoring trust in Congress as an institution,” the lawmakers wrote. “Members from across the political spectrum have heard the same message from our constituents: they want clear rules that prevent lawmakers from personally profiting from nonpublic information or from the outcomes of the very processes we oversee.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3593", "title": "Rep. Clyde Applauds Lanier Parks Local Access Act in Action", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clyde.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "clyde.house.gov", "scraper": "clyde", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001116", "name": "Andrew S. Clyde", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement in response to a recent announcement that Hall County Parks & Leisure will assume the management of 11 additional recreation sites along Lake Lanier through a new partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE):\n\n“I’m thrilled to see my successful legislative effort in action for the Ninth District,” said Clyde. “Last year, I offered a simple yet effective solution to help keep Lake Lanier parks open for residents and visitors alike. Due to my hard-fought efforts, this measure was signed into law by President Trump through the appropriations process — delivering a critical win for our beloved Lake Lanier and surrounding communities. I applaud Hall County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ partnership, and I look forward to these additional recreation sites remaining open, safe, and well-maintained for years to come.”\n\nOn January 23rd, President Donald J. Trump signed H.R. 6938, the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, into law. The spending package included Congressman Clyde’s legislation to protect and improve Lake Lanier’s recreation sites.\n\nDue to Rep. Clyde’s hard-fought efforts, the FY26 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill included a provision (Sec. 109) that allows local partners that manage multiple recreation sites at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works project to spend collected user fees across all sites they oversee at that project, rather than being limited to using the fees only at the specific site where the funds were collected.\n\nThe measure mirrors Rep. Clyde’s Lanier Parks Local Access Act, which aims to incentivize local governments to manage recreation sites on civil works projects like Lake Lanier.\n\nBackground\n\nLast year — just days ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, the USACE Mobile District, which oversees Lake Lanier, announced the temporary closure of 11 Corps managed recreation sites due to staffing shortages.\n\nWeeks later, Rep. Clyde introduced the Lanier Parks Local Access Act to help keep Lake Lanier’s parks and boat ramps open by incentivizing local governments to manage more sites.\n\nLess than one year later, Rep. Clyde’s measure was signed into law by President Trump through the FY26 appropriations process and utilized by Hall County to manage 11 additional sites on Lake Lanier, including seven that were temporarily closed ahead of Memorial Day last year.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://crane.house.gov/2026/05/13/rep-crane-applauds-release-of-federal-funding-for-arizona-health-care-and-tribal-infrastructure/", "title": "Rep. Crane Applauds Release of Federal Funding for Arizona Health Care and Tribal Infrastructure", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crane.house.gov/media/", "domain": "crane.house.gov", "scraper": "crane", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001132", "name": "Elijah Crane", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the release of federal grants for the Arizona Department of Emergency & Military Affairs, the Arizona Department of Health Services, Dignity Community Care, Dignity Health, the Havasupai Tribe, HonorHealth, and Valleywise Health.\n\nRep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) welcomed the announcement, which reimburses major health care operations, strengthens statewide emergency response capacity, and supports critical infrastructure across Arizona.\n\nStakeholders throughout Arizona will receive more than $282 million in federal support. These funds reimburse the hiring of medical personnel, the purchase of essential supplies and equipment, diagnostic testing, temporary medical infrastructure, alternative care facilities, post-acute bed reserve programs, and statewide emergency food distribution operations.\n\nToday’s announcement also includes more than $5.5 million for the Havasupai Tribe to address severe damage caused by flash flooding in 2024. The plan covers the replacement of four damaged bridges, with the new structures designed to withstand major flood events, including 100-year scenarios. Additional funding protects the Tribe’s ancestral burial grounds through new fencing and the installation of erosion-control systems to secure culturally significant sites.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=412363", "title": "Congressman Cuellar, Ambassador Flores Bermúdez Address Human Smuggling Networks Following Laredo Rail Yard Deaths", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cuellar.house.gov/news", "domain": "cuellar.house.gov", "scraper": "cuellar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001063", "name": "Henry Cuellar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) met today with Ambassador Roberto Flores Bermúdez of Honduras to discuss regional issues affecting both the United States and Central America, including the ongoing investigation into the deaths of Mexican and Honduran nationals found inside a shipping container at a Union Pacific rail yard in Laredo.\n\nDuring the meeting, Congressman Cuellar and Ambassador Flores Bermúdez discussed the dangers posed by human smuggling networks operating across the U.S.-Mexico border and throughout Central America as authorities continue investigating the incident as a potential human smuggling event.\n\n“As a representative for border communities, I see firsthand how decisions made across the region directly impact families in South Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I spoke with Ambassador Flores Bermúdez about the need for heightened cooperation between the United States, Honduras, and our regional partners to combat human smuggling networks, strengthen border security, and prevent further loss of life. I pray for the families mourning the loss of their loved ones. May God grant them comfort in sorrow and peace in His loving embrace.”\n\nCongressman Cuellar and Ambassador Flores Bermúdez also discussed broader regional issues, including migration trends, economic development, trade, and cooperation between the United States and Honduras on security and economic growth.\n\nCongressman Cuellar continues working with federal, state, and local partners to keep South Texas communities safe, strengthen border security, and address the criminal networks that exploit individuals for profit.\n\nHoy, el congresista estadounidense, el Dr. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), se reunió con el embajador de Honduras, Roberto Flores Bermúdez, para conversar sobre temas regionales que afectan tanto a Estados Unidos como a Centroamérica, incluido la investigación en curso sobre las muertes de ciudadanos mexicanos y hondureños encontrados dentro de un contenedor de carga en un patio ferroviario de Union Pacific en Laredo.\n\nDurante la reunión, el congresista Cuellar y el embajador Flores Bermúdez discutieron los peligros que representan las redes de tráfico de personas que operan a lo largo de la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México y en toda Centroamérica, mientras las autoridades continúan investigando el incidente como un posible caso de tráfico de personas.\n\n“Como representante de las comunidades fronterizas, veo de primera mano cómo las decisiones que se toman en toda la región impactan directamente a las familias del sur de Texas,” dijo el congresista Cuellar. “Hablé con el embajador Flores Bermúdez sobre la necesidad de fortalecer la cooperación entre Estados Unidos, Honduras y nuestros socios regionales para combatir las redes de tráfico de personas, reforzar la seguridad fronteriza y prevenir una mayor pérdida de vidas. Rezo por las familias que hoy sufren la irreparable pérdida de sus seres queridos. Que Dios les conceda fortaleza, consuelo en medio del dolor y que encuentren consuelo en su infinita misericordia.”\n\nEl congresista Cuellar y el embajador Flores Bermúdez también discutieron temas regionals más amplios, incluidas las tendencias migratorias, el desarrollo económico, el comercio y la cooperación entre Estados Unidos y Honduras en materia de seguridad y crecimiento económico.\n\nEl congresista Cuellar continúa trabajando con socios federales, estatales y locales para mantener seguras a las comunidades del sur de Texas, reforzar la seguridad fronteriza y combatir las redes criminales que explotan a las personas con fines de lucro.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://dean.house.gov/2026/5/congresswoman-dean-files-amendments-to-restore-gun-violence-prevention-programs-community-safety-funding", "title": "Congresswoman Dean Files Amendments to Restore Gun Violence Prevention Programs & Community Safety Funding", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "dean.house.gov", "scraper": "dean", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000631", "name": "Madeleine Dean", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) — member of the House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee — filed amendments to Congressional Republicans’ fiscal year 2027 funding bill to reinstate funding to prevent gun violence, support law enforcement, and protect the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein.\n\nAfter the FY26 funding bill cut $200 million from for Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIP) programs, Congresswoman Dean introduced an amendment to restore this critical support in FY27. CVIP programs give states and local law enforcement the resources and freedom to address crime at the local level. In Pennsylvania, CVIP programs have helped decrease gun homicides by 46% since their 2022 peak. Governor Shapiro is leading efforts statewide to address the program deficits due to federal cuts.\n\nAdditionally, Congresswoman Dean also introduced an amendment to reestablish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms’ Demand 2 program. The Demand 2 program helps law enforcement trace guns used in crimes by imposing additional reporting requirements on firearms dealers whose guns have been traced to criminal activity. In 2025, the program was shuttered and dealers who qualify no longer needed to report information on used guns they have purchased to ATF hampering law enforcement efforts to reduce gun violence and gun trafficking investigations. Without Demand 2, more than 100,000 guns annually would not have been traceable.\n\n“Our obligation as the Appropriations Committee is to ensure our congressional funding upholds justice, democracy, and the rule of law. The FY27 funding bill proposed by my Republican colleagues not only weakens gun violence prevention programs — intervention that we know works — it also guts funding for law enforcement,” Rep. Dean said. “My amendments would ensure that communities have the resources they need to keep residents safe.”\n\nFinally, Congresswoman Dean filed an amendment to protect the identities of survivors and victims of Jeffery Epstein. The passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act mandated the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified materials related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The public deserves to know this information, yet House Appropriation Committee members are concerned that the DOJ has not fully removed or redacted survivor and victim personally identifiable information (“PII”) from the publicly released documents. This amendment would require the DOJ to remove all PII within 30 days of enactment.\n\n“The safety ensured by these amendments extend to the survivors of years of grotesque sexual abuse committed and orchestrated by Jeffrey Epstein. I cannot begin to grasp the pain, stress, and anger that comes with the DOJ carelessly forcing survivors to relive their trauma publicly on their website,” Rep. Dean said. “This amendment has been drafted for survivors, with their input, and has their support. It does not even begin to make amends for the harm caused by that, but getting their information off the DOJ’s website is step one.”\n\nRead the full text of Congresswoman Dean’s amendments here.\n\nRep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6873", "title": "DINGELL TO FOX NEWS: Americans Should Be Worried About President Trump’s China Summit", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "As President Trump arrives in China for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) is calling on the president to keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. or let Chinese car companies disrupt the American auto industry.\n\n“The president must keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. This is not about hostility toward the Chinese people or opposition to trade. It is about protecting American workers, safeguarding supply chains, defending privacy, and preserving America’s long-term economic independence,” Congresswoman Dingell wrote in a new op-ed for Fox News. “Sometimes the strongest dealmaking strategy is knowing when to walk away — because a bad deal with China that undercuts American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and communities would cost the United States far more than it would gain.”\n\nThe new op-ed from Congresswoman Dingell follows her bipartisan legislative efforts alongside Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China, on the Connected Vehicle Security Act. The legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.\n\nCongresswoman Dingell’s op-ed can be found HERE and below:\n\nAmericans should be worried about President Trump’s upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Recent musings out of the White House sound like President Trump may be willing to allow Chinese manufacturers to produce in the U.S. This is a serious threat to both our economic and national security, and something many of us in the Congress – in a rare bipartisan effort – will fight with all our might. These days, when you can get both sides of the aisle to agree on anything, it’s usually a sign that something should be done.\n\nThat is true for the new bipartisan legislation I am leading alongside Congressman John Moolenaar to ban Chinese car companies from doing business here to disrupt our manufacturing economy, put American auto workers out of a job, and put our national security at risk.\n\nFor decades, the United States embraced globalization under the assumption that deeper economic integration would be mutually beneficial and create American jobs. Free trade was the cry of billionaires, economists, and corporate leaders. The reality is far from what was predicted. America has witnessed entire industries be destroyed and hollowed out. Steel mills closed, semiconductor production moved overseas, suppliers built in Asia, Mexico and around the world and manufacturing communities from Michigan to Pennsylvania lost jobs that once supported middle-class families.\n\nChina does not play under the same free-market rules that America does. Their global dominance rose because no one competing with them is playing on a level playing field and the global marketplace is at a significant disadvantage. Chinese companies receive massive subsidies from their government (the Chinese Communist Party), preferential financing, intellectual property advantages, manipulated currency, and strategic direction from Beijing. Allowing those same firms to produce inside the United States will give a geopolitical adversary leverage over America’s economy from within.\n\nNowhere is this concern more urgent than in the auto industry. Modern vehicles are no longer simply cars and trucks — they are rolling computers. Autonomous and connected vehicles continuously collect enormous amounts of information, including location data, driving patterns, camera footage, mapping information, and personal information tied to drivers and passengers. Vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and software that track where Americans live, work, worship, seek medical care, and send their children to school. While these metrics are essential for improving safety and innovation, we must also protect this information from our adversaries.\n\nI led more than 70 Democrats in the House in warning the administration that Chinese-connected vehicles engage in extensive data collection and transmission, including GPS locations, driving behaviors, and in-car conversations. I warned that this data, if routed to servers controlled by Chinese entities, will ultimately be accessed by the Chinese government under its national security laws.\n\nThat possibility alarmed not only my Democratic colleagues who signed my letter to the president, but the over 50 Republican colleagues in the House who signed a similar letter. We are all warning that any effort to lower barriers for Chinese automobiles or otherwise facilitate their entry into the U.S. market would pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, workers, and national security. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are also urging President Trump to maintain existing bans and close loopholes that could allow Chinese vehicles assembled in Mexico or Canada to enter the United States through USMCA trade provisions.\n\nIndustry leaders themselves are sounding the alarm. Ford CEO Jim Farley recently warned that allowing Chinese automakers into the U.S. market would be \"devastating\" for domestic manufacturing and raised concerns about the enormous amount of data collected through cameras and connected vehicle technologies.\n\nThis is ultimately about resilience and sovereignty. A nation that cannot produce its own critical goods — or protect the data generated by its citizens — cannot fully control its own future. The United States should welcome fair competition and international investment from partners who share democratic values and market principles. But when it comes to strategic industries central to national security, economic stability, and personal privacy, America must ensure the next generation of manufacturing and mobility is built by companies committed to America’s interests — not controlled by an authoritarian rival.\n\nThe president must keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. This is not about hostility toward the Chinese people or opposition to trade. It is about protecting American workers, safeguarding supply chains, defending privacy, and preserving America’s long-term economic independence. Sometimes the strongest dealmaking strategy is knowing when to walk away — because a bad deal with China that undercuts American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and communities would cost the United States far more than it would gain.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6874", "title": "Dingell, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Tax Credit to Offset Early Expenses for New Families", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce a bipartisan tax credit to offset early expenses for new families. The Supporting Newborn Parents Act would create a newborn tax credit, in addition to the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC), to help new families cover the significant costs associated with welcoming a child. In the United States, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care alone can cost families thousands of dollars, and expenses during a child's first year of life can exceed $17,000. This legislation would provide targeted relief to help ease the financial burden on parents during one of the most important and expensive times in their lives. In addition to Congresswoman Dingell, the legislation is led by U.S. Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), and David Valadao (R-CA-22).\n\nThe Supporting Newborn Parents Act would:\n\nCreate a standalone tax credit of up to $2,000 for families welcoming a newborn child, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC).\n\nEnsure low- and middle-income working parents can qualify for the credit, with benefits increasing alongside earned income.\n\nAllow families to receive the credit either as part of their annual tax refund or as an advance payment shortly after a child is born.\n\nGive parents flexibility to calculate eligibility using either their current-year or prior-year income.\n\nAlign eligibility rules and income thresholds with the Child Tax Credit to simplify administration and avoid sudden benefit cutoffs.\n\nAdjust the credit amount over time to account for inflation.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3175", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Statement on Eminent Domain Action of Mt. Cristo Rey", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration has filed an eminent domain suit for possession of nearly 15 acres of land at Mt. Cristo Rey:\n\n“Mt. Cristo Rey's cultural and religious significance is central to our region. Seizing this community asset in order to build a border wall is consistent with the Trump administration’s blatant disregard for what communities like ours value.\n\n“There are a number of other ways to provide border security. Instead, the Trump administration prefers to destroy this sacred site.\n\n“I support the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces in their opposition to the federal government’s actions to degrade a site so significant to our shared identity, and I have reached out to my New Mexico colleagues so we can collaborate on ways to save this site.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://fernandez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=636", "title": "Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández and Kat Cammack Announce Bipartisan Partnership to Combat Workplace Sexual Misconduct in Congress", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fernandez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "fernandez.house.gov", "scraper": "fernandez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000273", "name": "Teresa Leger Fernandez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswomen Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) and Kat Cammack (FL-03) along with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) today announced a bipartisan partnership between the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Republican Women’s Caucus to combat workplace sexual misconduct in Congress. The two Caucuses will work together to identify reforms and solutions to make Congress a safer work environment for women and all survivors.\n\nAs the Chairs of the Democratic and Republican Women’s Caucuses in the House, Rep. Leger Fernández and Rep. Cammack were designated by Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson respectively to lead this bipartisan effort. Next steps and any proposed reforms will be done in coordination with House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25), who will both participate in this effort in an ex-officio capacity.\n\n“All women deserve a safe working environment—including the brilliant public servants who work in Congress. That’s why the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Republican Women’s Caucus are partnering to address the procedural and cultural problems that have led to pervasive sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill. Together, we will push for bipartisan changes to make the reporting process faster and more accessible and increase education and training resources, prioritizing staff and survivors at every step. This effort builds on the work of members of the DWC, who have pushed for better support and protections for survivors for years. We bring that expertise and dedication to this partnership,\" said Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03).\n\n“It is sickening that Congressmen sexually harassed and assaulted women staff instead of treating them with the respect they deserved. We know these women are not alone—women across America have been sexually assaulted and harassed by men at work who think they will never face any consequences. We will continue to stand with survivors, break the silence, and fight for a future free of sexual misconduct—in Congress and everywhere across this country.”\n\n\"No woman — regardless of party, title, or position — should ever feel unsafe in her workplace. Period,” said Republican Women’s Caucus Chair Kat Cammack (FL-03). “As Chair of the Republican Women’s Caucus, I am proud to be leading a bipartisan effort alongside the Democratic Women’s Caucus to take a hard look at the systems, reporting mechanisms, and workplace culture on Capitol Hill surrounding sexual harassment and assault. This effort has the support of Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries because this issue transcends politics. It’s about dignity, accountability, and ensuring that every person who comes to work in the People’s House is treated with respect and protected from abuse. The reality is that coming forward is extraordinarily difficult. Fear of retaliation, damage to careers, public scrutiny, and institutional pressure often silence victims long before justice has a chance to speak. We cannot claim to support women while ignoring the very real barriers that prevent them from reporting misconduct in the first place. Yes, bad actors must be held accountable and removed when warranted. But if we are serious about fixing this problem, we also have to confront the environment that allowed the behavior to occur, persist, or be concealed. Accountability cannot begin and end with punishment after the fact. It must include prevention, transparency, education, and systems people can actually trust. Congress should set the standard — not lag behind it. This effort is about restoring confidence that Capitol Hill is a workplace where professionalism, respect, and safety are non-negotiable. Every staffer, intern, employee, and Member deserves that.”\n\n“Led by Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Kat Cammack, the principled effort to end sexual violence and harassment in Congress has the complete and unequivocal support of the House Democratic Caucus,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “All women and survivors working on Capitol Hill and in district offices throughout the country must always be treated with dignity and respect. We support an ironclad policy so we can bring about a safe, professional atmosphere for all Congressional staff members. I am thankful for the efforts of all the members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and look forward to the urgent work that must be done by this bipartisan group to end sexual violence and harassment.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/05/13/finstad-releases-statement-following-house-authorization-of-year-round-nationwide-e15/", "title": "Finstad Releases Statement Following House Authorization of Year-Round, Nationwide E15", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, legislation which would authorize the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 fuel:\n\n“Throughout my time in Congress, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to delivering year-round, nationwide E15 for our farmers, rural economies, and consumers,” said Rep. Finstad. “I am extremely proud of our work to pass this commonsense, win-win solution that will provide much-needed certainty to our fuel supply chain. I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same and quickly pass this legislation.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-valerie-foushee-introduces-war-powers-resolution-to-end-trumps-illegal-immoral-war-with-iran", "title": "Rep. Valerie Foushee Introduces War Powers Resolution To End Trump’s Illegal, Immoral War With Iran", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "foushee.house.gov", "scraper": "foushee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000477", "name": "Valerie P. Foushee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, introduced a War Powers Resolution to end Trump’s illegal war with Iran.\n\n“Trump is plunging our country into another forever war that has already claimed the lives of American servicemembers, killed thousands of civilians, and wastes taxpayer dollars every single day. We cannot continue to stand by as Republicans lie and claim our government cannot afford to provide our communities with healthcare or fully fund SNAP, all while spending billions on a war the American people never asked for,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Though the White House brands Trump as the ‘President of Peace,’ the facts are clear: Trump has escalated U.S. military involvement in Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran. This Administration has fostered little-to-no change while endangering innocent lives and further destabilizing entire regions. Congress has a moral obligation to end this illegal war immediately.”\n\nAccording to Professor Linda Bilmes of the Harvard Kennedy School, the war with Iran costs America two billion dollars each day and will cost at least one trillion overall. In comparison, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill cuts SNAP by $187 billion through 2034, and cuts just over $1 trillion from Medicaid and ACA marketplaces respectively.\n\nCongresswoman Foushee cosponsored the bipartisan War Powers Resolution introduced by Reps. Khanna and Massie in June of 2025. She voted in favor of passing Rep. Massie’s War Powers Resolution in March of 2026, and in favor of passing Rep. Meeks’ War Powers Resolution in April of 2025.\n\nCongresswoman Foushee is also a cosponsor of the Block the Bombs Act, Rep. Nydia Velazquez’s War Powers Resolution to stop Trump’s military blockade of Cuba, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s War Powers Resolution to stop the U.S. military from further assisting the Israeli government’s hostilities in Lebanon.\n\nCongressional Progressive Caucus members Reps. Balint, Garcia, Garamendi, Dexter, Huffman, Jayapal, and Khanna have previously introduced War Powers Resolutions.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-leads-bill-to-protect-generational-farms", "title": "Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Leads Bill to Protect Generational Farms", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "May 13, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON D.C. — Last month, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced the bipartisan No Capital Gains Tax on Family Farms Act to remove capital gains on the sale or exchange of a farm between family members provided that the land stays in agricultural production.\n\n“The health of our nation is married to the wealth of our soil and generational stewardship – this bill recognizes that traditional financial models like 30-year mortgages are out of sync with the long work of building healthy soil,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “When a loved one dies and ag land is split up to pay tax bills, it disrupts the generational work that it takes to build healthy soil. We can’t treat land like any other financial asset, as though we’re just dividing nickels and dimes, and expect good results.”\n\nUnder current law, if a farmer were to sell their land to a child and retire, the transfer would incur steep capital gains taxes of up to 20 percent. The Congresswoman’s legislation changes this by excluding agricultural land transfers between parents, children, and spouses from capital gains tax so long as the land continues to be used for farming, timber, and other agriculture activities. This bill will make it easier for farmers to sell down to their kin, keeping more farms with families – not strip malls. The bill includes protections to encourage long-term family ownership while deterring short-term speculation.\n\nThe bill would:\n\nAllow the sale or transfer of family farms to qualified family members without the seller being subject to capital gains tax;\n\nPrevent immediate resale to developers or corporations through a 10-year anti-flip rule;\n\nPreserve the seller’s original tax basis during the 10-year holding period to ensure deferred gains are taxed if the property leaves the family;\n\nProvide a step-up in basis to fair market value if the farm remains within the family for at least 10 years after the initial transfer.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez previously introduced the HOMEGROWN Soil Health Act to support small, generational farm ownership and long-term soil health. She also introduced the bipartisan Farmland Security Act to increase oversight of foreign ownership of American farmland, the PACA Act to help producers improve soil health and build extreme weather resilience, and the Agricultural Right to Repair Act to ensure farmers can repair their equipment where, how, and when they want.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FE5DF17C-7BCF-4F2F-A76B-744CD64ACA35", "title": "Gooden Cracks Down on Mexican Rail Crews Operating Inside U.S.", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://gooden.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "gooden.house.gov", "scraper": "gooden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000589", "name": "Lance Gooden", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the Protecting American Railroad Workers Jobs Act, legislation to close a dangerous loophole that allows foreign rail crews to operate deep into the United States—undermining American jobs and weakening border security.\n\nUnder current policy, foreign rail crews can bypass crew changes and safety inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border, taking work from American crews and creating vulnerabilities for drug smuggling. This bill restores long-standing protections by requiring trains entering the U.S. from Mexico to stop at the border for mandatory crew changes and safety checks.\n\n“This America-First bill puts an end to Mexican exploitation of U.S. rail standards that threatens American railroad jobs and border security,” said Congressman Gooden. “Freight moving through the United States should be operated by workers legally authorized to work here and held to American safety standards.”\n\nSpecifically, the bill:\n\nRequires crew interchange at the U.S.–Mexico border before trains continue operations in the United States.\n\nEnsures trains operating domestically are staffed by workers legally authorized to work in the U.S.\n\nStrengthens safety oversight for cross-border rail operations through federally required testing and clear operating standards.\n\nThe bill was featured in an exclusive article by the Washington Reporter.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-joins-letter-urging-president-trump-to-address-skyrocketing-energy-prices/", "title": "Goodlander Joins Letter Urging President Trump to Address Skyrocketing Energy Prices", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This month, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined a letter with her colleagues in the Lowering Costs Caucus urging President Trump to immediately address the energy affordability crisis straining household budgets across the country. The members highlighted how the Trump administration’s policies, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) and chaotic tariffs, are driving these skyrocketing costs.\n\n“More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade,” the Representatives wrote in part.\n\n“Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet,” the Representatives continued. “Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices.”\n\nRep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) led the letter. Congresswoman Goodlander joined alongside Reps. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), and Greg Landsman (D-OH-01).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found below:\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nWe write as members of the Lowering Cost Caucus to urge your Administration to take immediate action to provide American consumers with relief from skyrocketing energy prices. Families across our districts carefully plan their budgets between their mortgage or rent, grocery bills, retirement investments, and health care needs. When the energy market becomes unpredictable and costs increase, Americans are forced to make hard decisions to make ends meet.\n\nAmerican families have been saddled with an energy affordability crisis. More than 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, resulting in a 30 percent rise in household utility debt in the U.S. The Administration’s policies have exacerbated these economic pressures, with electricity prices rising faster than inflation and ballooning as much as 13 percent nationwide. Looking ahead, your signature domestic policy legislation, H.R. 1, will increase electricity prices by 61 percent over the next decade.\n\nIn 2026, gas prices have soared more than 30 percent. The national average sits at $4 per gallon, up over a dollar since February. This is the most significant jump in gas prices in six decades. This reality–in conjunction with tariffs raising the cost of imported goods by nearly seven percent, and domestic goods by almost five percent–is untenable and places a significant strain on communities throughout the nation. In addition to rising prices at the pump, global market oil shortages have jacked up the price of jet fuel by over 14 percent compared to this time last year. Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in fewer flight options, increased fares, and other fees for Americans. This will inevitably limit our constituents from traveling for work or leisure, as well as being there for their loved ones during significant life events such as weddings or funerals. Our constituents deserve not only to get by, but to thrive–that starts with ensuring critical markets have the certainty necessary to provide stable, low gas prices.\n\nWe share the goal of lowering costs for all Americans, and that includes taking swift action to lower gas and energy prices. The Lowering Cost Caucus stands ready to work with our colleagues in Congress to bring immediate relief to families across the nation, and we encourage your Administration to support these efforts. Thank you for your time and attention to this pressing matter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=AF29B554-175E-47A3-A4FA-9E17EACAC61D", "title": "Representatives Himes, Williams Introduce Legislation to Reduce Noise Pollution in Communities Near Federal Highways", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "himes.house.gov", "scraper": "himes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001047", "name": "James A. Himes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04) and Nikema Williams (GA-05) announced the introduction of the Negating Neighborhood Noise Act, legislation that would allow communities that abut interstate highways to build noise barriers using federal funds. The Representatives introduced similar legislation in the 117th and 118th Congresses.\n\n\"Far too many Americans have come to accept highway noise as the grating soundtrack of their lives. A cacophony of car horns, emergency vehicle sirens, and truck engines fills communities all along the I-95 corridor in Southwestern Connecticut, reducing my constituents’ quality of life,” said Congressman Himes. “The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act would empower localities to build noise barriers of their choosing with federal funds so residents impacted by road racket can finally get some peace and quiet.\"\n\n“Constituents and elected officials have made it clear: we must address the disruptions caused by congested highways. For too many communities—particularly those intentionally divided by the construction of our interstate system—these roads have long brought not just displacement, but lasting harm,” said Congresswoman Williams. “Today, the constant noise and pollution from those same highways continue to burden the neighborhoods they cut through and more. The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act is a simple solution that allows existing federal resources to be used for desperately needed noise barriers. This is exactly how infrastructure investments should be made: tailored to the needs of communities. The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act would bring meaningful relief from the noise and air pollution affecting families living near our interstate highways.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404339", "title": "Huizenga, Correa, Walberg Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Mental Health Outcomes, Prevent Veteran Suicide", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://huizenga.house.gov/news/", "domain": "huizenga.house.gov", "scraper": "huizenga", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001058", "name": "Bill Huizenga", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced the Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving mental health outcomes for veterans and helping reduce veteran suicide rates by expanding access to evidence-based suicide prevention care. The legislation seeks to increase the number of Community Care Network providers who complete evidence-based suicide prevention training administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs while also creating a publicly available preferred provider list to help veterans identify providers who best meet their needs.\n\nUnder current law, providers in local communities outside the VA healthcare system may participate in the Veterans Health Administration Community Care Network without completing VA-administered suicide prevention training. The Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act encourages greater participation in that training and improves transparency for veterans seeking care options in their communities. Joining Representatives Huizenga and Correa as original cosponsors are Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ).\n\n“When our servicemembers come home at the end of their service, our responsibility to them does not end,” said Congressman Huizenga. “Too many veterans continue to struggle with invisible wounds after returning home, and they deserve access to the highest quality mental health care available, wherever they receive it. This bipartisan legislation will help connect veterans with providers who have completed evidence-based suicide prevention training and improve transparency for veterans and families seeking care.”\n\n“All gave some, and some made the ultimate sacrifice. Our veterans were willing to give their lives to defend American freedom and democracy. It is now our moral duty to provide them with the highest-quality mental health care,” said Congressman Correa. “I joined Representative Bill Huizenga in introducing the Veteran Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act because veterans face a high risk of suicide. Not all wounds are visible, and we need to make sure that medical care is available to meet their needs. It is the least we can do to thank veterans for their sacrifice.”\n\n“Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, yet too many of these brave men and women struggle in silence,” said Congressman Walberg. “I am proud to join Representatives Huizenga and Correa on this bipartisan legislation, which will equip providers with the proper training to deliver high-quality mental health care to America's veterans so that we can honor these heroes’ service with the care, dignity, and compassion they so rightfully deserve.”\n\n\"Expanding suicide prevention training for Community Care Network providers connects veterans with better-informed care, said Congressman Mike Lawler. “This also inspires greater confidence in our veterans that their providers are prepared to recognize warning signs and respond with the support they need. Our veterans are more than deserving of access to providers who understand the unique challenges they face after serving our country,”\n\nAccording to the VA’s 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, an average of 17.5 veterans per day. The report also found that 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received VA healthcare services in the year prior to their death.\n\nThe Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act is supported by organizations including the American Legion Department of Michigan and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2543", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Introduces Bill to Fight Somali Fraud", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) recently introduced the Taxpayer Protection and Somalia Accountability Act, legislation aimed at protecting American tax dollars from fraud, abuse, and diversion to corrupt government officials and terrorist organizations in Somalia.\n\nThe legislation comes amid growing concerns surrounding credible reports and criminal convictions involving Somali individuals accused of defrauding U.S. government programs and transferring funds overseas. Evidence suggests that some of these funds ultimately benefit corrupt Somali government officials and al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization operating in the region.\n\n“American taxpayers should never be forced to subsidize corruption, fraud, or terrorism abroad,” said Rep. Jackson. “My legislation will ensure that not one more American dollar is used to benefit corrupt government officials in Somalia or terrorist organizations like al-Shabaab. We must demand full transparency, rigorous oversight, and real consequences for anyone stealing from the American people.”\n\nThe Taxpayer Protection and Somalia Accountability Act would:\n\nSuspend U.S. aid to Somalia if adequate safeguards are not in place to prevent fraud and diversion,\n\nImpose visa bans on corrupt current and former Somali government officials and their immediate family members involved in aid diversion, and\n\nAuthorize Global Magnitsky sanctions on individuals tied to the Somali government involved in fraud schemes seeking to disenfranchise the American people.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/05/13/jayapal-jacobs-resolution-recognizing-three-years-of-war-in-sudan-passes-committee/", "title": "Jayapal, Jacobs Resolution Recognizing Three Years of War in Sudan Passes Committee", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) today passed a resolution through the House Foreign Affairs Committee, with original cosponsor Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), condemning the attacks on civilians in Sudan and calling for a negotiated end to the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The measure passed 44-2 with bipartisan support.\n\n“The ongoing civil war in Sudan is one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has ever seen. It is critically important that today the House Foreign Affairs Committee recognized that fact in a bipartisan way and moved this resolution forward,” said Jayapal. “50 million people are caught in the crossfire as two military forces have waged a war with absolutely shocking atrocities against civilians. And that suffering has only been exacerbated by rampant malnutrition and famine as armed actors impede humanitarian aid. The full House must take up this resolution urgently to call for our government to use its leverage to bring an end to this war that has gone on for far too long.”\n\n“For three years, the international community has essentially ignored the devastating war in Sudan that has evolved into the biggest humanitarian and displacement crisis in the world,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs. “The health system has largely collapsed, millions of people are hungry, and some have even resorted to eating leaves or animal feed because they can’t find enough food. But today we took an important step forward. I’m so grateful that the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed our resolution to condemn the attacks on civilians in Sudan and call for an end to external support to the RSF and SAF. The United States has leverage with the external actors who are fueling this horrific war, and it’s long past time that we use it.”\n\n“I thank Rep. Jayapal for this urgent resolution,” said Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks. “We must do more to end this brutal conflict, which is only being prolonged by the steady flow of arms from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other external actors to the warring parties. The Trump Administration must take decisive steps to curb the flow of arms to the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces, press them to ensure unfettered humanitarian access to populations in need of assistance, and work to negotiate an end to this conflict to prevent any further atrocities against Sudanese populations.”\n\nMore than 400,000 people have been killed and over 14 million displaced since the start of the war. It has been determined by the State Department that both the SAF and RSF have committed war crimes, and that the RSF has committed crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and genocide.\n\nIt is estimated that 20 million Sudanese people are facing acute levels of food insecurity, and nearly 34 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance.\n\nJayapal and Jacobs introduced the resolution on the third anniversary of the war’s start. The resolution formally denounces this crisis and calls for safety and security for the Sudanese people, an end to external, material support to the SAF and RSF from outside actors, recognizes the continued resilience of Sudanese civil society and calls on the Trump administration to take clear steps to help negotiate an end to the war.\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be read here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/13/leader-jeffries-the-economy-is-a-disaster-because-republicans-dont-give-a-damn-about-the-personal-finances-of-the-american-people/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES: “THE ECONOMY IS A DISASTER BECAUSE REPUBLICANS DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE PERSONAL FINANCES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he made clear that while inflation is skyrocketing as a direct result of Republican policies, Donald Trump and his sycophants in Congress are using taxpayer dollars to rip away healthcare and drag us further into a reckless war of choice instead of making life better and more affordable for everyday Americans.\n\nLEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump has made clear that he and the Republican Party don’t give a damn about the personal finances of the American people. It’s an extraordinary admission. But the reality of the Trump presidency and Republican control of the House and the Senate has regularly made that very point because under the presidency of Donald Trump and Republican control in Congress, the economy is a disaster. Costs haven’t gone down, costs have gone up. And it’s a direct result of Republican policies. The Trump tariffs have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars per year. At the same period of time, Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice, where billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted, has resulted in life becoming more expensive for the American people, particularly as it relates to the dramatic increase in gas prices.\n\nIn the Trump-Republican economy, inflation is at a three or four year high. The cost of groceries is out of control, gas is out of control, goods are out of control, housing prices are out of control and the Republican assault on the healthcare of the American people has ripped away the ability of millions of everyday Americans to be able to go see a doctor when they need one. Donald Trump and Republicans promised to love and cherish Medicaid. They turned around and enacted their One Big Ugly Bill, which is the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. And as a result, hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health centers [are] closing all across the country, particularly in rural America. The economy is a disaster and we know why—because Donald Trump and Republicans don’t give a damn about the personal finances of the American people. Donald Trump said it and he meant it.\n\nFull conference can be watched here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1A0C92A8-7FB9-49FE-B603-B510137740F3", "title": "Whip Clark on CNN: GOP Agenda Is a “Fundamental Betrayal” of Americans", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined CNN’s The Situation Room, where she slammed Republican efforts to rig our elections and Donald Trump’s admission that he doesn’t care about Americans’ financial situation. Below are excerpts from the conversation:\n\nOn Democrats’ Fight for Free and Fair Elections:\n\n\"We know we're in a fight for the American people. And what the American people are telling us is that they are not making it economically. [That’s] the terms I'm hearing from small business owners; from the mom who described that her husband has lost his job and is now selling plasma so they can afford childcare in this country.\n\n\"And what we are seeing is an effort by the Republicans to further rig the system against them. They are going to cheat and use every tool they can come up with in order to retain power. And we are going to fight back with the same fury and intensity. The gloves are off. There is no pretense here. They are decimating Black political power in order to retain power and keep a system that works against the American people.\n\n\"So we are going to be strategic. We are going to be as aggressive as they are. And we are going to fight for the American people at this moment.\"\n\nOn Republicans Working Against the American People:\n\n\"They know they are losing. The president's numbers on the economy? He has 70% disapproval. And they are doing nothing to change that through the policies that they are putting in place, whether that's the price of gas or groceries or housing or energy. They are doing nothing.\n\n\"So they decided on this course, and we have to meet them because we cannot let them continue to work against working people in this country by stealing elections.\n\n...\n\n\"This is so beyond party politics...this is about the American people.\n\n\"And right now, we're seeing attacks on Black communities and their voting power. But this is about the voting rights of everyone.\n\n\"What we are seeing is an effort from the Supreme Court down to statehouses across the South to take away the political power of voters in order to continue to rig this economy against them.\n\n\"So this transcends party. This is about who will rise up in this moment. Who is going to stand up for the fundamental right to vote and for an economy that should be working for opportunity for the American people? That’s the Democrats.\"\n\nOn the GOP’s Billionaire-First Agenda:\n\n\"Every single election comes down to this: Do you see my family? And are you going to fight for me?\n\n\"And what we've seen from Mike Johnson and House Republicans and this president is not only are they not fighting, they are actively and aggressively hurting them. They've stripped away their health care and jacked up the price. They're closing rural hospitals as a result. They've taken away veterans' benefits, food programs, all of that. Now we're seeing gas prices through the roof.\n\n\"All of it, to follow along and give money and tax cuts to the billionaire class. That is what Mike Johnson stands for. And he will turn a blind eye to corruption, to overtly racial redistricting, in order to retain power and to retain power for the very wealthiest of Americans.\n\n\"So we are in communities. We are talking to voters. We are fighting for their right to have opportunity, to have a solid floor and no ceiling on their success. And that starts with securing the right to vote.\n\n\"You can have the president of the United States, yesterday, say he doesn't think about Americans' financial security. We get the message. He is not looking out for the American people, and they are drowning. They are saying to us, 'We are not making it in this economy.'\n\n\"We are going to fight for them at every turn, and we are going to fight to preserve fair and secure elections.\"\n\nOn Trump Breaking His Promise of Lower Costs:\n\n\"This is the fundamental betrayal of people who supported him.\n\n\"He told them he'd lower costs on day one. What has he done? He's imposed tariffs that have ruined the soybean market for farmers across this country. He's taken away people's healthcare, and we haven't even seen the worst of those cuts hit home yet. But we're already seeing hospitals close — people's premiums skyrocket. He's taken away food programs from people. He's dismantling our public schools.\n\n\"But what is he doing with full pursuit, that's taking up all his time and energy? Building a ballroom. $1 billion is what he proposed to the American taxpayer, when they are working so hard and have no breathing room. That's where his priority is.\n\n\"Everything comes back to: How does Donald Trump personally benefit? It is the Gilded Age in his mind.\n\n\"He hasn't done one thing in Iran to help move us farther away from them ever obtaining a nuclear weapon. But what he has done is brought this [war] home once again to working families. $1 billion a day that could be going to help people reduce the cost of rent and mortgages, expand housing, groceries, energy bills, childcare.\n\n\"These are the issues the American people need us to be working on, and they are living in some world where it is all about the very wealthiest Americans. He's taking Elon Musk over to China. It is always about — from the day he was sworn in — that billionaire class and how the Trump family and Donald Trump can do better and bring his wealthy donors with him.\"\n\nTo watch the full interview, click HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=879111CF-CECF-419D-8115-3E9F997C7FEA", "title": "Whip Clark: \"The Single Fastest Way to Bring Down Costs is to End This War\"", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) spoke on the House Floor calling for an end to Donald Trump’s war with Iran. Below is a transcript of her remarks:\n\n\"We have been at war with Iran for two and a half months. And what do we have to show for it? There's no victory. There's no strategy. We still don't have an objective.\n\n\"In fact, the president keeps saying this war is over. But we have 50,000 troops deployed to the region. The strait is still closed. Shipping is still blockaded. And negotiations that should be about making sure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon are completely stalled out. And meanwhile, every single day, working Americans are paying the price.\n\n\"Gas prices have spiked — have skyrocketed through the roof. Utility bills are going up. Because of increased shipping costs, we are seeing further increases in the price of food, clothes, toys, car parts, everything that you can imagine a family needs. And there is still no end in sight. And there won't be an end in sight, unless Republicans decide to work for the American people and do their job.\n\n\"The single fastest way to bring down costs is to end this war. And once again, Republicans are going to have an opportunity to do just that. Once again, they have a chance to bring our servicemembers home and end this chaos. Once again, they have a chance to side with working families and our troops.\n\n\"The American people deserve better than they are getting from the GOP. Vote yes. Show the American people you are on their side.\"\n\nTo watch the complete floor speech, click HERE.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5908", "title": "Chairman Lawler Pushes UK to Designate IRGC as a Terrorist Organization", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 5/13/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, joined Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Brad Sherman (CA-32) in sending a bipartisan letter urging the United Kingdom to immediately proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.\n\nUnder President Donald Trump’s first term, the United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization due to its role in orchestrating terrorism abroad, supporting proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and carrying out plots targeting Americans and U.S. officials. The letter calls on the UK government to join the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union in applying maximum pressure on the IRGC and the Iranian regime.\n\n“The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in standing up to a brutal regime that uses the IRGC to suppress dissent at home and export terror abroad. The United Kingdom should move without further delay to formally proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization and stand in solidarity with the thousands of innocent Iranians who have risked and, in many cases, lost their lives in pursuit of freedom,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\n“The United States and our allies must remain united in applying maximum pressure on the Iranian regime and holding the IRGC accountable for its violence, repression, and destabilizing activities around the world,” concluded Congressman Lawler.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers cite growing evidence of Iranian-backed hostile activity across Europe and the United Kingdom, including alleged links to anti-Semitic firebomb attacks, cyber operations, assassination plots, and intimidation campaigns targeting dissidents and critics of the Iranian regime.\n\n“The IRGC is one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations and has the blood of innocent civilians, Americans, and dissidents on its hands. The Iranian regime continues to export terrorism, threaten our allies, and brutally suppress its own people through the IRGC and its proxy networks. The United Kingdom should immediately join the United States and our allies in formally designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization and send a clear message that the free world will not tolerate terrorism, political violence, or antisemitic attacks,” said Congresswoman Tenney.\n\n“Every day the British Parliament fails to vote on this legislation is another day that the IRGC evades the full impact of our nations’ combined sanctions,” said Congressman Sherman.\n\n“For years, American Jewish Committee (AJC) and our Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) interparliamentary group have called on governments to recognize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for what it is: a terrorist organization. The IRGC has repeatedly targeted Jewish communities on European soil and beyond, posing a direct and ongoing security threat. Recent actions by an increasing number of countries to blacklist the IRGC have created renewed momentum, and the United Kingdom (UK) should urgently align with the United States, the European Union, and other transatlantic partners. We welcome the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Brad Sherman, Claudia Tenney, and Michael Lawler in pressing the UK to act swiftly and follow suit,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC).\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5910", "title": "Lawler, Gottheimer Press for Accountability From AI Companies Ahead of 2026 Elections", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 5/13/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler and Congressman Josh Gottheimer sent a bipartisan letter to the CEOs of leading artificial intelligence companies, raising concerns about the role AI platforms will play in the 2026 midterm elections and the need to ensure voters receive accurate, unbiased information.\n\nThe letter, sent to executives at OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, Meta, Perplexity, and X Corp., requests information on how companies are addressing political bias, misinformation, transparency, and source reliability in large language models ahead of the upcoming election cycle.\n\n“AI is going to play a defining role in this election cycle, whether the industry is ready for it or not. The question is whether companies in this space will get ahead of the problem or be forced to address it after the damage is done. We stand ready to work with you and your teams to get this right,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-fights-to-stop-cancellation-of-offshore-wind-energy-leases-that-would-lower-costs", "title": "Rep. Mike Levin Fights to Stop Cancellation of Offshore Wind Energy Leases That Would Lower Costs", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "levin.house.gov", "scraper": "levin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000593", "name": "Mike Levin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Watch Rep. Levin’s Remarks Here\n\nWashington, D.C.—Today, during a House Appropriations Committee markup, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced an amendment to prevent taxpayer funds from being used by the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Department of the Interior (DOI) to kill offshore wind energy projects and hand over billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to foreign companies. The amendment was rejected by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee.\n\nRecently, the Trump Administration struck deals with three offshore wind companies to cancel four different wind leases: TotalEnergies off of North Carolina and New York, Bluepoint Wind off of New York and New Jersey, and Golden State Wind off of California. These projects would have provided affordable power to over three million homes, but instead the Trump Administration is paying these companies nearly $2 billion of taxpayer funds to stop the energy projects from ever being built.\n\nRep. Levin’s amendment would have prevented the Trump Administration from striking these shady deals. At a time of skyrocketing energy prices and risks to grid reliability, America should be adding more power to our system, not using taxpayer dollars to pay companies to abandon their energy projects. The Administration’s unchecked actions will ensure that energy prices keep rising and our grid is less reliable.\n\nThese deals are a ripoff for the American people both as electricity ratepayers and as federal taxpayers.\n\nRead Rep. Levin’s remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nI’d like to draw the Committee’s attention to the alarming use of nearly $2 billion dollars of American taxpayer funds to pay foreign owned companies to keep our constituents’ utility bills sky high.\n\nAcross the country right now, as families open their electric bills month after month, they are increasingly facing impossible decisions to pay to keep the lights on or to put food on the table.\n\nElectricity bills have risen 34 percent over the past five years, including more than 6 percent in the past year alone, significantly outpacing inflation.\n\nToday, nearly 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills month after month.\n\nAs electricity demand from data centers and manufacturing rises faster than new power supply can be built, we are increasingly at risk of dual crises of energy affordability and grid reliability.\n\nA decline in grid reliability threatens national security, public health, economic competitiveness, and during heat waves and cold snaps—human lives.\n\nRight now, we need all the energy that we can get on the grid.\n\nAnd yet, the Administration has decided that instead of deploying more energy, we should provide foreign companies with billions of taxpayer dollars —without any sort of consideration from this Committee—to stop developing projects that would have helped bolster grid reliability and bring down costs.\n\nThat’s right, the Administration has circumvented the Appropriations process to pay nearly $2 billion dollars out of the Judgement fund to entice companies to walk away from their offshore wind projects in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and California, and more deals just like this could be coming.\n\nThe projects in New York and New Jersey would have powered more than two million homes.\n\nThe project in North Carolina would have powered 300,000 homes.\n\nAnd the project in California would have powered 1.1 million homes.\n\nThese cancellations are a massive loss at a moment of unprecedent energy demand growth and will make our grid less reliable.\n\nBut don’t just take my word for it, the grid operators themselves in the Northeast, New York, and mid-Atlantic have all said that offshore wind helps them solve the reliability challenges they are facing now.\n\nI want to be clear that these cancellations will also hit many of our constituents right in the pocketbooks.\n\nSince offshore wind has a low operating cost—the wind blows for free after all—it can bid into the electricity market at the low end of the cost curve.\n\nSo, when you have offshore wind on the grid, it pushes out the higher cost resources and lowers the system-wide price of electricity.\n\nThe result of deploying more offshore wind? Lower costs for our constituents.\n\nThe offshore wind projects that have been cancelled won’t just hurt those of us from coastal states like New York, North Carolina, New Jersey, and California.\n\nWhen you add offshore wind to the system in PJM, it lowers the system-wide price, including in Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Tennessee. Any future cancellations in PJM will leave these states facing higher costs and a less reliable grid.\n\nThese project cancellations are a bad deal for our constituents as both taxpayers and ratepayers.\n\nAnd they are a bad deal for all of us as Americans since these buyouts were likely unlawful.\n\nI am deeply concerned by this new playbook the Administration is using to kill off energy projects that it does not like.\n\nRegardless of what your preferred energy sources are, we all should be able to agree that no Administration should have the ability to negotiate backdoor deals with companies to abandon projects that our country needs. If you stand for “all of the above energy” you should be as incensed by these actions as I am.\n\nMy amendment would block these payouts for the next fiscal year so that we in Congress and the American people can understand the legal authority under which these deals are being struck and the full impact that these cancellations will have on grid reliability and costs for our constituents.\n\nThank you and I yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://mcclain.house.gov/2026/5/chairwoman-mcclain-pays-tribute-to-hometown-hero-deputy-bradley-reckling-during-national-police-week", "title": "Chairwoman McClain Pays Tribute to Hometown Hero Deputy Bradley Reckling During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mcclain.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "mcclain.house.gov", "scraper": "mcclain", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001136", "name": "Lisa C. McClain", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) joined House Republicans to highlight legislation supporting law enforcement officers and reaffirm House Republicans’ commitment to public safety during National Police Week.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nGood morning everyone. This week is National Police Week.\n\nAnd House Republicans are making something very clear: We Back the Blue.\n\nNot just with words. With action.\n\nBecause while too many Democrats demonize police officers, excuse violent criminals, and side with chaos, Republicans are standing with the men and women who put on the badge and walk toward danger every single day.\n\nAnd this week, we’re bringing bills to the Floor to support law enforcement and help keep our communities safe.\n\nLet’s remember what this week is really about.\n\nIt’s about people. It’s about families.\n\nIt’s about heroes like Deputy Sheriff Bradley Reckling.\n\nDeputy Reckling, from my hometown of Romeo, Michigan, was a nine-year veteran of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.\n\nIn 2024, he was ambushed and murdered in the line of duty, leaving behind his wife, three young daughters, and a baby on the way.\n\nDeputy Reckling stood between violent criminals and innocent people. And he is exactly why we must Back the Blue.\n\nEarlier this week, I joined the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department for a ride-along and spent time with Deputy Miehlke, who has served in law enforcement for more than twenty years.\n\nWe talked about House Republicans’ push for No Tax on Overtime and the difference it is making for officers and their families.\n\nBecause when officers put in extra hours protecting their communities, they deserve to keep more of what they earn.\n\nBut what stuck with me most was hearing that after twenty years on the job, his wife still worries every time he leaves for work.\n\nThat fear never fully goes away for police families.\n\nAnd yet too many on the Left continue attacking the very people who stand between law and order and chaos.\n\nPublic safety matters.\n\nLaw and order matters.\n\nAnd it is the brave men and women in law enforcement who make both possible.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-menefee-celebrates-100-days-of-delivering-for-tx-18", "title": "Rep. Menefee Celebrates 100 Days of Delivering for TX-18", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) marks his first 100 days in office after being sworn in on February 2, 2026. Before his election, Texas’ 18th Congressional District went 334 days without representation in Congress.\n\n“Today marks 100 days in office, and we’ve already gotten a whole lot done for the people of TX-18,” said Congressman Menefee. “From introducing legislation and standing up for environmental justice and voting rights, to rebuilding this office from the ground up, every single day has been focused on delivering for our communities.”\n\nDuring his first 100 days in Congress, Congressman Menefee has:\n\nIntroduced three pieces of legislation, including the Special Elections Timeliness Act (or SET Act), to ensure no congressional district experiences the prolonged vacancy TX-18 faced following the passing of the late Congressman Sylvester Turner.\n\nCo-sponsored 49 pieces of legislation focused on lowering costs, holding President Trump accountable and expanding opportunity for working families.\n\nDebated 13 bills on the House floor, advocating for environmental justice, voting rights, and policies that uplift underserved communities.\n\nParticipated in more than 100 meetings with local stakeholders, community leaders, advocacy organizations, and residents both in D.C. and across TX-18.\n\nBuilt a congressional office from the ground up, hiring staff in both Washington and Houston to ensure constituents receive strong representation and responsive service.\n\nBeen appointed to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he is working to protect scientific research, strengthen innovation, and keep Houston at the center of America’s space future.\n\nOpened more than 200 constituent casework requests, helping residents navigate issues involving Social Security, immigration services, Veterans benefits, and other federal agencies.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-republicans-block-congressman-menendezs-amendment-to-protect-department-of-veterans-affairs-workers-honoring-the-life-of-alex-pretti", "title": "House Republicans Block Congressman Menendez’s Amendment to Protect Department of Veterans Affairs Workers Honoring the Life of Alex Pretti", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menendez.house.gov", "scraper": "menendez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001226", "name": "Robert Menendez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Menendez called out House Republicans for refusing to consider his amendment to H.R. 8469 – legislation that provides FY 2027 appropriations for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). Menendez’s amendment would bar spending taxpayer dollars on investigating employees for participating in honoring the life of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota earlier this year, following reports of targeted and punitive investigations by the Trump Administration.\n\n“Today, we presented House Republicans with an opportunity to protect VA employees who are being targeted for honoring Alex Pretti – a fellow VA worker who was killed by Border Patrol officers in broad daylight,” said Congressman Menendez. “Instead of standing up for our federal employees, House Republicans chose to allow the Trump Administration to intimidate and punish dedicated VA employees grieving the loss of a colleague and friend with baseless investigations.”\n\nMenendez’s amendment would have:\n\nBarred funds from H.R. 8469 from being used to implement, carry out, or enforce the investigation of employees or workers at the VA for participating in vigils honoring the life of Alex Pretti.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2883", "title": "Speaker Johnson: There is Not a Single Democrat Who Believes Border Security or Immigration Enforcement Should Exist", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — This morning, at the House Republican Leadership press conference, Speaker Johnson addressed Republicans’ reconciliation bill to fund border security and immigration enforcement and discussed Democrats’ failed scheme to gerrymander along racial lines. Speaker Johnson also highlighted House Republicans’ honoring fallen law enforcement officers during National Police Week.\n\n“Look at the California Governor’s race. Nearly all those Democrats, including a former House Democrat and a Biden Cabinet Secretary, proudly said ‘yes’ when they were asked if they supported providing healthcare to illegal aliens. We’re supposed to believe this is a serious political party?” Speaker Johnson asked. “Democrats are chomping at the bit to regain power, reopen our borders, and allow violent, criminal illegal aliens to continue to roam our streets. And we’re not going to let them. So, we’re eager to quickly finish this reconciliation process and get this bill to President Trump’s desk.”\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.\n\nOn Republicans’ reconciliation bill to fund ICE/CBP:\n\nBefore Republicans returned to work in our districts last week, we ended the majority of the shameful record-long Democrat Department of Homeland Security shutdown. And I'm happy to report that we are right on schedule to finish the process and get our reconciliation bill to the President's desk by the June 1 deadline. We will fully fund both border security and immigration enforcement for the balance of President Trump's term, and we're going to do this for two reasons. Number one, obviously maintaining border security and deporting dangerous criminal legal aliens is the baseline that the American people demand and deserve. They told us that in the last election cycle, and they say it all the time, every day since. We do not have a country, if we do not have borders, that's just the bottom line. I'm grateful every day that America once again has a President who understands that.\n\nThe second reason is it's very sad and shocking fact. And, it's almost unbelievable to say this, but there's not a single Democrat in Congress, House or Senate, who believes that border security and immigration enforcement should exist. They do not believe that we should fund those at the federal level. It's a stunning statement, but it is true. And it's proven time and time again by their word and by their votes, they prove to you what they're about. I think everybody needs to keep that in mind.\n\nLook at the California's Governor's race. I mean, what a spectacle. Nearly all the Democrats, including a former House Democrat and a Biden Cabinet Secretary proudly said ‘yes’ when they were asked the simple question if they support providing healthcare to illegal aliens. We're supposed to believe this is a serious political party right now? I mean, Democrats are chomping at the bit to regain power and reopen our borders and allow violent, criminal illegal aliens to continue to roam our streets. These are facts. This is not political talking points. This is what they are and what they're about. And we're not going to let them do that. So we're eager to quickly finish this reconciliation process and get this bill to the President's desk.\n\nOn National Police Week:\n\nAmericans are honoring the courage and the dedication and the sacrifice of law enforcement officers, and they well deserve that sadly. We mourn the men and women who have lost their lives in a line of duty for the safety and protection of our neighbors. And we owe our law enforcement officers everything because they sacrifice everything to stand guard against evil and protect in all these communities around our great country. When law enforcement officers put on their uniform and they lace up their boots every morning, they just don't have a guarantee that they're going to return after that last shift.\n\nAs I mentioned, we had 111 [fallen officers] for this year alone, and it's something that we have to keep in mind all the time. One law enforcement death is too many, but we've received welcome news this year. This is one bright spot: the amount of law enforcement deaths in the line of duty dropped 25% from 2024 to 2025. And that's the lowest number of law enforcement line of duty deaths since 1943. So we're very thankful for that. And it matters who's in charge. Elections have consequences, and if you have elected officials, legislatures, and a Congress that supports those in law enforcement, then it assists with these statistics. That's an objective fact and it's a direct correlation to public policy. Republicans are going continue to pursue legislation that makes officers safer and will also continue to advance transformational policies like No Tax on Overtime, as you heard, which tens of thousands of law enforcement officers and their families have already benefited from and they’re telling us about it when we go home.\n\nOn the Democrats’ failed scheme to gerrymander along racial lines:\n\nIn the Callais case at the US Supreme Court, the court restored a simple but profound truth. Yes, the Constitution protects every American equally. And that's a very important concept for us to maintain. This is another fact. Democrats spent decades trying to engineer electoral maps that divided Americans. And this decision from the Supreme Court hopefully ends that terrible practice once and for all. We find it amusing that Democrats are suddenly concerned about fair Congressional representation, they say. And I challenge those Democrats to raise those concerns with the Republican Congressmen from Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island. They’ll have a hard time doing that, of course, because Democrats have gerrymandered Republicans completely out of those states.\n\nAnd in Virginia last week, the Virginia Supreme Court, of course, affirmed what Republicans believed from the very beginning. We fought hard to win that ballot initiative and we invested there. But ultimately, we knew that was a hastily drawn gerrymandered that was unconstitutional. It’s a power grab. And thankfully the courts restoring and upholding the rule of law, did the right thing there. Democrats, by the way, put all their chips in the middle on that one. You saw it. And they burned through countless goodwill with the people of the state of Virginia and elsewhere. Democrats nationwide, they spent more than $65 million and they even had Barack Obama cutting ads and robocall, and it wasn't enough because it was such a crazy overreach. And it was all in pursuit of an unconstitutional scheme to dilute the power of Republicans of Virginia. And fortunately, the plan failed spectacularly. They got a lot to answer for. Their press conference this week ought to be interesting. Look, this decision doesn't change our posture for one minute. Republicans are laser focused. We don’t look to the right or the left, we charge straight forward.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2745", "title": "Dallas Morning News: Texas GOP House members: What we must do to keep the border secure", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For four years, the Biden administration’s open-border policies placed extraordinary strain on our state. Millions of illegal immigrants poured across our border, drug and human trafficking surged, and communities across Texas were ravaged – straining law enforcement, public services and local resources.\n\nWhen Texas stepped up to protect its citizens, the federal government didn’t just fail to help – it actively stood in the way. The Biden Department of Justice repeatedly sued Texas for taking action to secure the border and enforce the law, forcing our state to shoulder the burden of a crisis it did not create. This dereliction of duty at the federal level cost Texas taxpayers more than $11 billion through Operation Lone Star.\n\nBut the security of our border and the safety of our communities cannot depend solely on who occupies the White House. Fortunately, the Constitution provides a remedy that ensures states are not left defenseless if and when future administrations attempt to return us to open-border policies.\n\nCongress now has a critical opportunity to assert this fact.\n\nArticle IV, Section 4 is clear that it is the responsibility of the federal government to “protect each [state] against invasion.” But the founders also recognized that this duty might not always be fulfilled. That is why Article I, Section 10 preserves the sovereign authority of states to act in self-defense when they are “actually invaded” or “in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.”\n\nWhat does this mean? States do not have to be passive victims of a failed federal government.\n\nHouse Resolution 50, authored by U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Lubbock, and endorsed by every Texas Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, affirms what the Constitution already provides and clarifies the law around when states may exercise their authority to act in self-defense. It does not expand state power or create new law. It provides critically needed clarity. Specifically, the resolution makes clear that border states experienced such a surge in lawlessness from an insecure border that it constituted an imminent danger to our states, cities and communities.\n\nBiden-era legal challenges exposed how ambiguity can be used to block states from defending themselves. Courts will ultimately be asked to resolve this issue. When they do, they will look to Congress for guidance on what constitutes an invasion or imminent danger.\n\nWithout that guidance, states like Texas will face the same uncertainty in future legal battles against administrations that seek to reverse strong border policies.\n\nPassing House Resolution 50 will reaffirm the constitutional balance between the federal government and the states and ensure that Texas is never again forced to bear the consequences of Washington’s failures without the ability to fully defend its communities.\n\nCongress has both the opportunity and the responsibility to act now.\n\nThis op-ed is submitted by the Texas GOP Caucus, representing Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives from the State of Texas, including Reps. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Keith Self (TX-03), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Michael McCaul (TX-10), August Pfluger (TX-11), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Randy Weber (TX-14), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Chip Roy (TX-21), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Roger Williams (TX-25), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Michael Cloud (TX-27), John Carter (TX-31), and Brian Babin (TX-36).", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/posts/moskowitz-discusses-bipartisan-dhs-reform-package-on-535-news", "title": "Moskowitz Discusses Bipartisan DHS Reform Package on 535 News", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moskowitz.house.gov/press", "domain": "moskowitz.house.gov", "scraper": "moskowitz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001217", "name": "Jared Moskowitz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz joined Scott MacFarlane of the MeidasTouch Network for an interview with 535 News to discuss his bipartisan legislative package to reform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During the interview, Moskowitz outlined the need to restructure key agencies and align them with departments better suited to their missions.\n\nDuring the conversation, Moskowitz discussed why he believes DHS has become too large and bureaucratic to function effectively, arguing that agencies like FEMA, TSA, and the Secret Service are increasingly being slowed down by political dysfunction and administrative red tape.\n\n“Scott, DHS has simply grown too big and too vulnerable to political dysfunction,” said Moskowitz. “When a department becomes this massive, the mission gets lost. FEMA needs to move faster when disaster strikes, TSA officers and travelers should not be caught in the middle of shutdown politics, and protecting the President should not depend on the bureaucracy of a massive department.”\n\nAs part of the package, Moskowitz’s legislation would:\n\nMove the United States Secret Service to the Executive Office of the President\n\nRestore FEMA as an independent, Cabinet-level agency\n\nTransfer TSA back to the Department of Transportation\n\nAs the only former Emergency Management Director in Congress, Congressman Moskowitz brings a unique perspective to the conversation around DHS reform and government efficiency. Earlier this Congress, Moskowitz reintroduced the FEMA Independence Act with Congressman Byron Donalds to remove FEMA from DHS and restore it as an independent, Cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President.\n\nThe broader legislative package builds on Moskowitz’s continued bipartisan efforts to make government work better and ensure critical agencies are able to focus on their core missions without being bogged down by unnecessary bureaucracy or political gridlock.\n\nTo watch the full interview with 535, click below", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-nikema-williams-introduces-legislation-to-reduce-noise-from-nearby-interstate-highways-in-underserved-neighborhoods", "title": "Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduces Legislation to Reduce Noise from Nearby Interstate Highways in Underserved Neighborhoods", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nikemawilliams.house.gov/press", "domain": "nikemawilliams.house.gov", "scraper": "nikemawilliams", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000788", "name": "Nikema Williams", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) reintroduced the Negating Neighborhood Noise Act, legislation to give communities the ability to build noise barriers along existing federal interstate highways. Currently, federal funds cannot be used for noise barriers.\n\nThe Negating Neighborhood Noise Act allows Highway Trust Fund dollars to be used to build noise barriers in residential areas built before the interstates that are now impacting them. Communities will also have the power to create noise barriers that are aesthetically pleasing and can be used for dual purposes, such as hosting broadband infrastructure or solar panels. Highways I-20, I-75, I-85, and I-285 are some of the loudest, most disruptive interstates in the country and all run through neighborhoods in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District.\n\nCongresswoman Williams introduced similar legislation in the 117th and 118th Congress. Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) is co-leading the introduction of the Negating Neighborhood Noise Act.\n\nCongresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:\n\n“Constituents and elected officials have made it clear: we must address the disruptions caused by congested highways. For too many communities—particularly those intentionally divided by the construction of our interstate system—these roads have long brought not just displacement, but lasting harm. Today, the constant noise and pollution from those same highways continue to burden the neighborhoods they cut through and more. The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act is a simple solution that allows existing federal resources to be used for desperately needed noise barriers. This is exactly how infrastructure investments should be made: tailored to the needs of communities. The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act would bring meaningful relief from the noise and air pollution affecting families living near our interstate highways.”\n\nCongressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said:\n\n“Far too many Americans have come to accept highway noise as the grating soundtrack of their lives. A cacophony of car horns, emergency vehicle sirens, and truck engines fills communities all along the I-95 corridor in Southwestern Connecticut, reducing my constituents’ quality of life. The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act would empower localities to build noise barriers of their choosing with federal funds so residents impacted by road racket can finally get some peace and quiet.”\n\nEndorsing Organizations: Quiet Communities\n\nClick here to read the text of the Negating Neighborhood Noise Act.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/13/house-passes-nunn-resolution-backing-law-enforcement-173-democrats-vote-no/", "title": "House Passes Nunn Resolution Backing Law Enforcement — 173 Democrats Vote No", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“It shouldn’t be controversial to stand with the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Nunn. “But from the ‘defund the police’ radicalism to sanctuary city policies that prevent cooperation with federal law enforcement, too many politicians have put ideology ahead of public safety — and Americans are paying the price. This Police Week, the House sent a clear message: we back the blue. I’m proud to have led that effort.”\n\nAccording to the FBI, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers were assaulted in the line of duty in 2024 — the highest rate in a decade. At the same time, police departments nationwide continue to face severe recruitment and retention challenges, straining understaffed agencies and making it harder to keep communities safe.\n\nThe resolution also highlights the impact of sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local and federal law enforcement. The Center for Immigration Studies currently identifies 13 states and more than 225 localities as sanctuary jurisdictions. In 2025 alone, those jurisdictions declined to honor almost 18,000 ICE detainer requests, releasing individuals back into communities instead of transferring them to federal custody — increasing risks for both officers and the public.\n\nObserved each May, National Police Week honors the more than 23,000 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in service to their communities. Rep. Nunn’s resolution recognizes that when law enforcement is supported and laws are adequately enforced, communities are safer — with homicide rates falling to some of the lowest levels recorded in more than a century and drug overdose deaths declining to their lowest point since 2019.\n\nThe resolution puts the House firmly on record in support of the men and women who wear the badge and against the sanctuary policies that make their jobs harder and communities less safe.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/13/nunn-bills-to-protect-retirees-from-fraud-combat-ai-threats-pass-financial-services-committee/", "title": "Nunn Bills to Protect Retirees from Fraud, Combat AI Threats Pass Financial Services Committee", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Financial Services Committee today advanced two bipartisan bills introduced by Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) — the GUARD (Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception) Act and AI PLAN (Artificial Intelligence Practices, Logistics, Actions, and Necessities) Act — aimed at protecting retirees from financial fraud and strengthening America’s defenses against emerging AI-driven threats to the financial system.\n\n“Iowa families lost nearly $100 million to fraud last year, and scammers are increasingly using sophisticated technology to target seniors,” said Rep. Nunn. “The GUARD Act gives state and local law enforcement the tools they need to track down criminals, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for victims.”\n\nAccording to the FBI, Iowans lost $96 million to fraud in 2025 — an increase of more than $44 million from the previous year. The bipartisan GUARD Act would strengthen the ability of state and local law enforcement to investigate financial fraud and “pig butchering” scams targeting retirees. The legislation expands access to federal grant funding for fraud investigations and authorizes federal agencies to provide blockchain tracing tools to help track and recover stolen funds.\n\n“Foreign adversaries like China are weaponizing artificial intelligence to manipulate financial markets, spread misinformation, and defraud American consumers,” continued Rep. Nunn. “Our bill ensures the federal government has a coordinated strategy to identify and counter these threats while keeping the United States at the forefront of AI innovation.”\n\nThe AI PLAN Act would require the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and Homeland Security to develop a coordinated national strategy to defend America’s financial systems against AI-enabled fraud, misinformation, and cyber threats from foreign adversaries. The bill strengthens safeguards against the misuse of emerging technologies while supporting continued American leadership in AI innovation.\n\nWith today’s committee passage, both bills now advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The GUARD Act and the AI PLAN Act both passed unanimously. A companion Senate version of the GUARD Act has already advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://nunn.house.gov/2026/05/13/nunn-statement-on-passage-of-year-round-nationwide-e15/", "title": "Nunn Statement on Passage of Year-Round, Nationwide E15", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "domain": "nunn.house.gov", "scraper": "nunn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "N000193", "name": "Zachary Nunn", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“Today is a major victory for Iowa farmers, consumers, and American energy independence,” said Rep. Nunn. “There were plenty of forces in Washington trying to prevent this vote from ever happening, but we held the line, demanded a vote, and delivered results. Every gallon of ethanol we blend is fuel we don’t have to import from foreign adversaries. Every dollar saved at the pump is money back in the pockets of working families. Iowa-grown, homegrown energy won today. I’m proud to have delivered this win for Iowa, and I’ll keep fighting to get this bill to the President’s desk and signed into law.”\n\nE15 — a fuel blend of 15% ethanol — is currently averaging 42 cents per gallon less than regular gasoline at participating stations. According to Growth Energy, nationwide year-round access to E15 could save American consumers an estimated $20.6 billion annually in fuel costs. E15 is now sold at more than 5,000 stations nationwide, with sales increasing 23% in 2025 alone.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/13/watch-pressley-slams-republican-bill-that-ignores-unemployment-crisis-strips-federal-reserves-mandate-to-maximize-employment/", "title": "WATCH: Pressley Slams Republican Bill that Ignores Unemployment Crisis, Strips Federal Reserve’s Mandate to Maximize Employment", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Slams Republican Bill that Ignores Unemployment Crisis, Strips Federal Reserve’s Essential Mandate to Maximize Employment\n\nU.S. House of Representatives\n\nMay 13, 2026\n\nLike Ranking Member Waters and my Democratic colleagues, I vigorously oppose this legislation to strip the mandate from maximum employment from the mission of the Federal Reserve.\n\nI mean, I never thought that my Republican colleagues would need a lesson on the importance of gainful employment and having a job. Even Ronald Reagan said that he believed the best social program is a job. And yet, here we are.\n\nThe best way to support working families is to keep them working, plain and simple.\n\nMaximizing employment is good for our economy. It’s good for our communities. It’s good for our families. And to deny that truth is to deny reality.\n\nSo I’m confident that the American people will see through these baseless talking points and agree with Democrats that everyone should be able to get a job, to work a job, and to earn a living.\n\nWork is, is pride. It’s dignity. It’s essential to survive, to thrive, to provide, even to dream.\n\nI’ve been working, I’ve been employed since I was thirteen, fourteen years old. Many young people pursue jobs, whether it’s being a bagger at a grocery store or work in retail, not just for enrichment or for exposure, but because it is essential. I was working at the age of fourteen to contribute to my household income.\n\nOr what of young adults, recent graduates from college or a trade school, who want to save for a house or maybe even start a business one day?\n\nOr, you know, as a mother, I think about what it means to be able to see the light behind my child’s eyes when I can provide them with a vacation or some gift that they’ve been begging for.\n\nAnd for our elders, increasingly so, under Trump’s administration and economy, retirement is farther and farther out of reach, and many of our elders have no choice but to work in order to pay for life saving medication, to keep a roof over their heads.\n\nSo all this to say that having a job is not a statistic. It is essential. It is dignity.\n\nThe dignity of work is transformational. That’s what the Fed’s mandate for maximum employment is about.\n\nThis mission was not created in a vacuum. It dates back to the Great Depression in recognition that people should be able to earn a living, provide for themselves and their family. There was nearly unanimous support by Republicans and Democrats for maximum employment when the mandate passed Congress.\n\nThe Federal Reserve Board of Governors is the only independent agency that works on improving employment. Some argue that this is the role of the Department of Labor, but in Trump’s America, the Labor Department is a joke. We don’t even have a Secretary of Labor right now.\n\nSo the Fed’s mandate is essential, and always has been.\n\nDuring the Great Recession of 2008—massive job loss—the Fed stepped in to maximize employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic and record layoffs, the Fed once again pursued its mandate of maximum employment. And in this moment, we need the Fed to do more, not less.\n\nFor months, I’ve been sounding the alarm about the current unemployment crisis. The unemployment rate has increased to 4.3% due to Trump’s reckless policies like firing government workers, attacking small businesses.\n\nAnd when you analyze the data, Black unemployment specifically is at 7.3%. These are the worst rates we’ve seen since the pandemic.\n\nBlack workers are the canaries in the coal mine. What happens to our community first, happens to everyone next. So folks should take heed.\n\nPeople are looking for jobs. People want to work, but Trump’s economy won’t let them.\n\nJust last week, Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced the jobs numbers and said something that Republicans need to hear. There is little hiring going on, and for many Americans, it doesn’t feel like a good labor market.\n\nSo the solution to the current unemployment problem is not to tell the Fed to abandon the goal of maximum employment. The solution is to empower the Fed to do even more. Recent graduates deserve more.\n\nHaving a job and earning a paycheck is a beautiful and essential thing.\n\nSo I just want to say this to folks at home, in the midst of all of this, these anti-worker policies against paid leave, child care, supporting tariffs, suppressing wages.\n\nTo those who keep applying to jobs but still aren’t hearing back,\n\nTo those who are wondering how they’re going to pay their bills without a paycheck,\n\nTo those who are doing everything right but the economy is all wrong,\n\nTo those who know and appreciate the dignity of work, I see you. I’m fighting for you.\n\nAnd that is why I oppose this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/5/raskin-statement-on-h-r-1346", "title": "Raskin Statement on H.R. 1346", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "\"In a desperate attempt to put a Band-Aid on the Trump Administration’s ongoing public relations debacles, the Republican-led House passed a bill they claim will lower the astronomically high gas prices caused by the President’s illegal war of choice on Iran. What this bill will actually do is further degrade our environment and exacerbate the climate crisis. E15 will make our air and water quality dramatically worse: scientists warn that it will increase smog, particularly during the summer months, and threaten water supplies through the runoff from millions of acres of new corn fields. It will sharply increase carbon emissions and reduce biodiversity while destroying the forests and grasslands we need to absorb carbon dioxide. As for the reputed financial benefit to consumers E15 yieldslower gas mileage than the gasoline most widely available now, meaning that Americans will need to fill their tanks more often.”\n\n“Theaverage gas price in Maryland has surpassed $4.40 per gallon and thenational average is even higher. This bill is a farce, not a solution, and the American people won’t be fooled. When my Republican colleagues are ready to bring down these exorbitant, Trump-induced fuel costs for our people, I’d welcome them into our bipartisan coalition working to pass a War Powers Resolution to end this lawless and extraordinarily costly conflict in Iran. They have another chance to vote with us this week.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://riley.house.gov/2026/05/13/riley-bill-to-reduce-crime-protect-upstate-workers-and-small-businesses-passes-house/", "title": "RILEY BILL TO REDUCE CRIME, PROTECT UPSTATE WORKERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES PASSES HOUSE", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://riley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "riley.house.gov", "scraper": "riley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000622", "name": "Josh Riley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bipartisan legislation cracks down on organized retail crime, strengthens law enforcement, and protects working families from rising costs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) announced House passage of his bipartisan bill, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA). Riley’s legislation will crack down on organized theft rings, strengthen law enforcement, and protect Upstate families and small businesses from rising crime and higher costs.\n\n“Working families and small businesses across Upstate New York are already stretched thin, and organized retail crime is making it worse,” said Rep. Riley. “These criminal networks drive up prices and put a massive strain on the small businesses and local job creators our communities depend on. This bipartisan bill gives law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on organized crime, keep costs low for hardworking families, and ensure criminals who prey on our communities are held accountable.”\n\nThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would:\n\nExpand federal prosecution authority over organized retail and supply chain theft by allowing prosecutors to aggregate stolen goods over a 12-month period\n\nStrengthen anti-money laundering laws targeting criminal enterprises profiting from organized theft\n\nAuthorize criminal forfeiture of assets gained through organized retail and supply chain crimes\n\nCrack down on prepaid cards and gift cards used to launder criminal proceeds\n\nEstablish a Department of Homeland Security coordination center to improve federal enforcement efforts\n\nNationally, organized retail crime costs businesses and consumers more than $121 billion annually, while these criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In 2025, 50 percent of retailers reported increased cargo and supply-chain theft tied to organized crime groups, while majorities also reported rising digital fraud, phone scams, and large-scale theft operations. In New York alone, State Police have recovered more than $2.6 million in stolen goods, conducted over 1,000 targeted operations, made more than 1,200 arrests, and filed over 2,100 criminal charges—underscoring the enormous scale of this threat and the urgent need for stronger federal enforcement tools.\n\nNational Police Weigh In:\n\n“Organized retail crime is a serious threat to consumers, our economy, and to the safety of innocent civilians.“This bill goes a long way toward better equipping law enforcement agencies with the resources they need and allowing law enforcement partners at all levels to work in tandem to fight these crime syndicates.” ” — National Police Association\n\n“These criminal enterprises are not isolated shoplifters—they are sophisticated networks that use violence, fraud, and money laundering to undermine commerce and public safety.” — Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General\n\n“CORCA would provide the necessary resources at the state and federal level to bring the organizations and individuals behind this nationwide problem to justice.” — National Association of Attorneys General\n\nRiley has made public safety and protecting local communities a top priority:\n\nApril 29, 2025 — Introduced the Stop Fentanyl Smuggling Act to strengthen fentanyl interdiction at borders and correctional facilities\n\nMay 15, 2025 — Became the first Democrat to co-sponsor the Supporting Local Law Enforcement Officers Act\n\nJune 13, 2025 — Voted to toughen federal fentanyl trafficking laws through the HALT Fentanyl Act\n\nMarch 2026 — Secured $30 million in federal funding for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, helping equip 20 law enforcement agencies across NY-19 with life-saving protective gear\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://ross.house.gov/2026/5/passed-the-house-ross-schmidt-bill-to-strengthen-police-background-checks", "title": "PASSED THE HOUSE: Ross, Schmidt Bill to Strengthen Police Background Checks", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "ross.house.gov", "scraper": "ross", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000305", "name": "Deborah K. Ross", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — During National Police Week, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Derek Schmidt’s (KS-02) bipartisan legislation, the Criminal History Access Act of 2026, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. The legislation will ensure that state law enforcement training and certification agencies can access the criminal history information they need to properly screen and approve officers.\n\nClick here to download Congresswoman Ross’ remarks from the House floor\n\nThe Criminal History Access Act clarifies existing federal law to explicitly authorize the sharing of federal criminal history records to state Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agencies. These agencies are responsible for setting standards for the hiring, training, certification, and ethical conduct of law enforcement officers.\n\n“It’s essential that we give police and sheriff’s departments in North Carolina and across the country the tools and resources they need to hire qualified, trusted officers,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure local law enforcement can access critical data when vetting and hiring new officers. I’m grateful that the House has passed this commonsense solution and urge the Senate to act quickly.”\n\n“Law enforcement agencies and the public alike depend on strong standards and thorough vetting,” said Rep. Derek Schmidt. “By passing the Criminal History Access Act, the House has taken an important step to ensure certifying agencies can access the information they need to keep unqualified individuals from serving as law enforcement officers and to strengthen confidence in those who wear the badge.”\n\nThe Criminal History Access Act of 2026 is supported by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://rulli.house.gov/2026/05/13/rulli-bill-will-keep-natural-thyroid-on-shelves-ahead-of-august-deadline/", "title": "Rulli Bill Will Keep Natural Thyroid on Shelves Ahead of August Deadline", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rulli.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "rulli.house.gov", "scraper": "rulli", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000619", "name": "Michael A. Rulli", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last Friday, Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06) introduced the Protecting Equal Access to Thyroid (PEAT) Act of 2026, legislation to protect patient access to desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), a treatment Americans have safely relied on since the late 1800s.\n\nNearly 2 million Americans living with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and related conditions depend on desiccated thyroid extract to manage their health and maintain their quality of life. The Food and Drug Administration’s recent decision to classify this treatment as a biologic would force manufacturers to obtain a Biologics License Agreement by August 2026, an unrealistic and burdensome timeline that threatens to disrupt access to this essential medication. The reclassification would also eliminate the ability of pharmacists to compound this treatment, cutting off a critical lifeline for many patients.\n\n“After meeting with pharmacists across our district, one issue kept coming up again and again,” said Congressman Rulli. “Compounding pharmacists, many of them small business owners who have served their communities for decades, are being crushed by yet another out-of-touch regulation that ultimately hurts patients. This legislation is the direct result of those conversations and the real-world impact this reclassification is having.”\n\nThe PEAT Act clarifies that a drug should not be classified as a biologic solely because it contains a clinically inactive protein, aligning federal policy with the Food and Drug Administration’s own guidance on inactive ingredients and preventing unnecessary regulatory overreach.\n\n“Washington should not be in the business of taking away treatments that patients have relied on for generations,” Rep. Rulli continued. “This is about common sense and basic access to care. At a time when more Americans are struggling with hormone-related health issues, desiccated thyroid extract has remained a safe, effective option for over 100 years. A sudden regulatory shift should not be allowed to put that treatment out of reach. We are standing up for patients, for providers, and for the right to access proven care.”\n\nThe legislation is supported by the National Community Pharmacists Association, the Professional Compounding Centers of America, and the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.\n\nFor bill text and a full summary, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://sewell.house.gov/2026/5/rep-sewell-speaks-out-against-continued-erosion-of-the-voting-rights-act-following-callais-decision", "title": "Rep. Sewell Speaks Out Against Continued Erosion of the Voting Rights Act Following Callais Decision", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "sewell.house.gov", "scraper": "sewell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001185", "name": "Terri A. Sewell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. — Last night, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) joined her colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus for a Special Order Hour on the House Floor condemning the continued erosion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 following the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais.\n\nWatch on YouTube here.\n\nIn her remarks, Sewell warned that recent Supreme Court decisions are undermining hard-fought voting rights protections secured during the Civil Rights Movement and threatening fair representation for Black communities across the South.\n\n“For me, this fight is personal,” said Rep. Sewell. “I grew up in Selma in the shadow of the Civil Rights Movement. I represent the historic cities of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Marion, and the Black Belt. Our communities carry the scars of Bloody Sunday, the Birmingham church bombings, fire hoses, police dogs, and violent resistance to the simple idea that Black Americans deserve the full promise of citizenship.”\n\nSewell condemned the systematic effort to dismantle the protections guaranteed under the Voting Rights Act.\n\n“People in my district bled for the right to vote. Some died for it,” Sewell said. “And now, six decades later, extremists are trying to drag this country backward. They are trying to erase our hard-fought progress and silence the voices of the very communities that marched, that sacrificed, that organized to make American democracy real for everyone.”\n\nDuring the Special Order Hour, Sewell connected the Court’s ruling in Callais to the broader weakening of federal voting rights protections since the Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder.\n\n“In 2013, the Supreme Court’s disastrous decision in Shelby v. Holder gutted the heart of the Voting Rights Act...” Sewell said. “And what happened next? Exactly what voting rights advocates warned would happen. States across the South rushed to impose restrictive voting laws. They closed polling places, purged voter rolls, and redrew maps designed to dilute Black political power.”\n\n“Now, with the Court’s recent decision in Callais, we are witnessing yet another dangerous step backward, another attack on the principle of fair representation and equal justice under the law,” she continued.\n\nSewell also renewed her call for Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation she introduced to restore and modernize the protections of the Voting Rights Act.\n\nClosing her remarks, Sewell delivered a forceful call to action and highlighted the upcoming \"All Roads Lead to the South\" mass rally planned for Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Alabama State Capitol.\n\n“If your vote didn’t matter, they wouldn’t be working so hard to take it away,” Sewell said. “We are not going back. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever... We will march, we will fight, we will organize, and we will vote until victory is won.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401974", "title": "Rep. Simpson Cosponsors the Title IX Clarification Act", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Title IX Clarification Act. This bill would codify that Title IX nondiscrimination requirements tied to federal education funding are based on the biological reality of sex. This resolution is sponsored by Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX).\n\n“Idaho led the charge as the first state to protect fairness in women's sports in response to the Biden administration’s radical rewrite of Title IX. None of this would have been possible without Idaho State Representative Barbara Ehardt’s courageous leadership. Common sense was under attack, and Americans must never forget this insanity. which would have jeopardized the safety and rights of girls and women nationwide. To combat the Left's delusions and prevent future misinterpretations, Congress must clarify and restore Title IX's original meaning,” said Rep. Mike Simpson.\n\n“Title IX was created to provide equal opportunity for our daughters, not to push a radical gender ideology that jeopardizes their safety,” said Rep. Arrington. “My Title IX Clarification Act stops the abuse of Title IX by affirming a simple truth: there are only two sexes - male and female - and taxpayer dollars should not be used to advance extreme social policies. I’m proud to lead this effort to protect opportunities for women and girls, rein in bureaucratic overreach, and restore clarity and common sense to federal law.”\n\nRep. Simpson has been a strong advocate for protecting women’s sports. He recently joined a rally to save women’s sports on the steps of the United States Supreme Court as the Justices listened to oral arguments on Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. Rep. Simpson also signed an Amicus Brief supporting Idaho’s law and defending the integrity of women’s sports. Additionally, Rep. Simpson has supported and cosponsored several key bills to prohibit males from participating in athletic programs or activities designated for women.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401975", "title": "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for ISU’s Efforts to Expand Research in Critical Minerals", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2,069,000 in funding for the Expanding the Research Core: Advanced Imaging, Sequencing, Omics, and Critical Materials Capabilities Project in Pocatello, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“Recovering critical minerals can significantly enhance the long-term energy, environmental, and national security of our state and nation. I have long advocated for expanding access to critical minerals, and I am proud to support Idaho State University’s efforts to expand its research capacity into this recovery happening right here at home,” said Rep. Simpson.\n\n“We appreciate Congressman Simpson's leadership in helping ISU fulfill its Contract for Idaho. This investment in ISU's research capacity enhances ISU's state-of-the-art imaging, sequencing, and critical mineral capabilities. It ensures our students are trained on the tools industry requires, while our faculty solve the real-world challenges facing Idaho’s energy and mineral sectors. Together, we are securing a self-reliant future for our state by connecting science, industry, and workforce development to create a lasting economic impact,” said Idaho State University President Robert Wagner.\n\n“Acquiring these instruments represents a major advancement for ISU’s education and research mission. These resources will provide students with hands-on training, preparing them for high-paying careers in industry and research. In addition, the enhanced infrastructure will strengthen ISU researchers’ competitiveness for federal funding focused on critical minerals, water systems, and environmental challenges. This investment will help position Idaho as a leader in sustainable resource recovery by connecting science, industry, and workforce development,” said Kavita Sharma, PhD. ISU Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.\n\nThis funding will allow Idaho State University to purchase specialized equipment, enabling further research into critical mineral recovery.\n\nAs Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.\n\nThe Expanding the Research Core: Advanced Imaging, Sequencing, Omics, and Critical Materials Capabilities Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-introduces-the-ice-frost-act/", "title": "Rep. Steube Introduces the ICE FROST Act", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube Introduces the ICE FROST Act\n\nWASHINGTON — Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today introduced the Increased Compensation for Enforcement and Federal Retention for Officers in Strategic Theaters or (ICE FROST) Act to increase pay for federal law enforcement officers performing immigration enforcement operations in high-risk areas across the country.\n\n“Federal law enforcement officers performing immigration enforcement operations are being sent into increasingly dangerous environments created by sanctuary city policies, violent criminal activity, and the consequences of the Biden administration’s open-border crisis,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “While radical Democrats continue attacking ICE officers for enforcing federal law, these men and women are risking their lives to protect American communities. The ICE FROST Act ensures officers are properly compensated for the dangers they face while enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.”\n\nThe ICE FROST Act establishes an annual 25% supplemental bonus payment for federal law enforcement officers performing immigration enforcement operations. The bill also provides an additional annual 15% supplemental bonus payment for such personnel serving in hazardous duty areas designated as having elevated violent crime levels, transnational criminal organizations, significant concentrations of illegal aliens, and documented threats or assaults against federal law enforcement officers.\n\nHazardous duty areas designated under the legislation include the Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Washington-Baltimore metropolitan areas, among others.\n\nThe legislation also establishes additional surcharges on certain overseas remittance payments to help offset the cost of the supplemental bonus payments. This includes a $199 surcharge for remittance payments to Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, as well as a $99 surcharge for payments to countries with a visa overstay rate exceeding 2%.\n\nBackground: Federal immigration enforcement personnel increasingly operate in jurisdictions facing elevated violent crime, growing transnational gang activity, and large concentrations of illegal aliens unlawfully present in the United States.\n\nIn recent years, ICE officers and other federal immigration personnel have faced growing hostility while carrying out enforcement operations in major metropolitan areas across the country, including documented incidents of assaults, threats, and interference directed at law enforcement personnel.\n\nHazardous conditions for immigration enforcement personnel are especially prevalent in large urban regions with elevated violent crime rates and significant activity tied to transnational criminal organizations.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-leads-bipartisan-resolution-reaffirming-us-taiwan-relations-ahead-of-presidential-summit-in-beijing", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Leads Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming U.S.-Taiwan Relations Ahead of Presidential Summit in Beijing", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming the longstanding U.S. policy towards Taiwan. Introduced alongside Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) following a recent hearing, the measure underscores that Taiwan’s future must be determined solely by peaceful means. It further reiterates U.S. opposition to any use of force or coercion against Taiwan and its people.\n\nThe resolution comes ahead of President Trump’s high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.\n\n\"As we navigate a critical window for diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, Congress must send a clear and unified message: our commitment to Taiwan is not a bargaining chip,” said Rep. Tokuda. \"This resolution reaffirms that the Taiwan Relations Act remains the cornerstone of our relationship, ensuring our support for Taiwan’s democracy and security remains firm and non-negotiable. Now more than ever, the United States must lead with consistency and resolve to strengthen trust with our allies and demonstrate that our commitments are lasting, credible, and backed by action.”\n\n“America’s commitment to Taiwan is grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, cornerstones of a bipartisan policy that has preserved peace and stability for decades. As the CCP escalates its coercive behavior, cyber-attacks, and gray zone aggression against Taiwan, Congress is sending a clear message that it opposes any effort to change Taiwan’s status and will continue to support Taiwan’s democratic future,” said Chairman Moolenaar.\n\n“When President Trump meets with Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, Taiwan cannot be on the table. The president must make clear that the United States’ robust and longstanding ties with Taiwan, who is a fellow democracy and critical economic partner, are not up for negotiation. This resolution affirms Congress’s longstanding leadership on Taiwan policy and reminds Beijing that any attempts to resolve differences with Taiwan through coercion or non-peaceful means is unacceptable,” said Ranking Member Khanna.\n\nSince 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act has guided relations between the United States and Taiwan, and supported Taiwan’s development as a vibrant democracy and major economic partner. Additionally, the Six Assurances reinforce the U.S. framework for supporting Taiwan’s defense and self-determination, including that the United States did not agree to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, did not agree to prior consultation with the People’s Republic of China on arms sales to Taiwan, did not agree to play any mediation role between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, did not agree to revise the Taiwan Relations Act, did not agree to take any position regarding sovereignty over Taiwan, and will not exert pressure on Taiwan to enter into negotiations with the People’s Republic of China.\n\nAdditional cosponsors of the legislation include: Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. André Carson (D-IN), Rep. Neil Dunn (R-FL), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rep. Dave Min (D-CA), Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rep. Ed Case (D-HI).\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-torres-presses-hud-secretary-and-trump-administration-for-delaying-la-wildfire-disaster-aid", "title": "Congresswoman Torres Presses HUD Secretary and Trump Administration for Delaying LA Wildfire Disaster Aid", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C – This week, during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, Congresswoman Norma Torres demanded answers on why the Trump Administration has failed to request disaster recovery funding for communities devastated by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the first step in order for supplemental disaster funding aid to reach families, businesses, and local governments.\n\nMore than 100,000 Californians were displaced by the fires, and many families are still unable to return home more than a year later.\n\n“When Texas was hit by Hurricane Harvey, I voted to deliver disaster aid because helping Americans recover should never be political,” said Torres. “Now California families are waiting, and this Administration has not requested a single dollar for long-term recovery.”\n\nTorres highlighted the importance of HUD’s Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and criticized the Administration for failing to submit a supplemental funding request for California’s more than $34 billion in recovery needs.\n\n“The only supplemental funding I keep hearing about is for the President’s war in Iran,” Torres said. “There should be no supplemental conversation that leaves wildfire survivors behind.”\n\nTorres also submitted bipartisan letters from California’s congressional delegation urging immediate federal disaster assistance for the hearing record.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3778", "title": "Congressman Valadao Introduces Tax Credit to Offset Early Expenses for New Families", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) introduced the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 to create a newborn tax credit, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC), to help new families cover the significant costs associated with welcoming a child. In the United States, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care alone can cost families thousands of dollars, and expenses during a child's first year of life can exceed $17,000—especially in California. This legislation would provide immediate, targeted relief to help ease the financial burden on parents during one of the most important and expensive times in their lives. Original co-leads of the bill include Reps. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06).\n\n“One of the most exciting moments for any expecting family is preparing to welcome a new child, but unexpected expenses can quickly add up and leave new parents facing costs far beyond what they planned,” said Congressman Valadao. “As a father of three, I know how quickly costs can pile up—from diapers and clothing to strollers, childcare, and other essentials during a baby’s first year. While the existing Child Tax Credit has provided important relief for many working families, parents often need support long before tax season arrives. That’s why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which would provide up to $2,000 per newborn as an advance payment to help families cover the immediate costs that come with welcoming a child into the world. This commonsense bill gives working parents greater financial flexibility and peace of mind so they can focus on growing their family instead of worrying about how to make ends meet.”\n\n“Welcoming a new baby into the world should be one of the happiest moments in a family’s life, not one filled with fear about how to pay the bills,” said Congressman Suozzi. “At a time when so many Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living, this bipartisan bill will support young families and provide immediate, practical relief to working parents as they handle those critical first expenses.”\n\n“As a father of four, I know how quickly expenses add up when a new child arrives: diapers, car seats, strollers, clothing, formula, and the unexpected costs that come during the first year,” said Congressman Moore. “I’m excited to introduce the Supporting Newborn Parents Act to build on policies in the Working Families Tax Cuts, like the increased Child Tax Credit, by creating an additional tax credit for working parents of up to $2,000 per newborn child. This credit will help new and growing families by creating a financial cushion to meet their baby’s needs when they need it most.”\n\n“Bringing home a newborn should be a moment of pure love and wonder, not financial stress,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This legislation puts tax dollars back into the wallets of working families when they need it most, helping to cover everything from diapers to doctor’s visits. I am proud to support this effort, because every family deserves peace of mind in those first precious moments.”\n\nThe Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 would:\n\nCreate a standalone tax credit of up to $2,000 for families welcoming a newborn child, separate from the existing Child Tax Credit (CTC).\n\nEnsure low- and middle-income working parents can qualify for the credit, with benefits increasing alongside earned income.\n\nAllow families to receive the credit either as part of their annual tax refund or as an advance payment shortly after a child is born.\n\nGive parents flexibility to calculate eligibility using either their current-year or prior-year income.\n\nAlign eligibility rules and income thresholds with the Child Tax Credit to simplify administration and avoid sudden benefit cutoffs.\n\nAdjust the credit amount over time to account for inflation.\n\nSupporting organizations include the Niskanen Center, Save the Children, Third Way, American Principles Project, Bread for the World, Searchlight Institute, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), First 5 Kern, and Adventist Health.\n\n“A newborn credit helps parents weather the turbulence of their baby’s first year. This bill gives families the flexibility to make choices that work best for them at a critical moment. We thank Representatives Valadao, Suozzi, Blake Moore, and Dingell for their leadership in supporting their commitment to supporting working families,” said Leah Sargeant, Senior Fellow, Niskanen Center.\n\n“Save the Children is proud to support the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026. This legislation recognizes the importance of supporting families during the earliest days of a child’s life, as well as the economic stress that can come with it. It’s a commonsense policy that supports hardworking families, including those in rural communities, and helps ensure every child has a strong start from day one,” said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy, Save the Children.\n\n“The last thing new parents should have to worry about is how to pay for a hospital bill or a car seat. As costs rise, families need real support at one of the most important moments in a child’s life. That’s why we’re proud to endorse the Supporting Newborn Parents Act and grateful to Representatives Valadao, Suozzi, Dingell, and Moore for their leadership in easing the financial burden on new parents,” said Curran McSwigan, Deputy Director of the Economic Program, Third Way.\n\n“American Principles Project is proud to endorse the Supporting Newborn Parents Act. This bipartisan bill delivers real help to working parents exactly when the affordability crisis hits hardest — right after welcoming a new child. This $2,000 newborn tax credit will help alleviate the pain of hospital bills, diapers, and lost wages without punishing work or marriage, while offering flexible payments and a simple process. The vast majority of Americans agree: we need more babies and stronger families. This smart, pro-family proposal would deliver relief today and invest in our future. Congress should pass it,” said Jon Schweppe, Senior Advisor, American Principles Project.\n\n\"Bread for the World applauds the introduction of the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which will be a critical tool in addressing food insecurity for families. This will be a beacon of hope for families in a financially vulnerable season of life: when they are welcoming new children into their lives. Congress’s continued support for and expansion of tax credits for families is critical for sustaining positive outcomes, reducing child poverty, and ending hunger,\" said Eugene Cho, CEO, Bread for the World.\n\n“Parents should be able to focus on bonding with their baby in the first months after birth. Too often, though, this period of life is marked by financial insecurity as new expenses hit the pocket book. A newborn credit—providing up to $2,000 on top of the typical Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the first year of life—is a smart way to support those American families. The Searchlight Institute applauds this bipartisan effort,” said Will Raderman, Policy Director, Searchlight Institute.\n\n“The Bakersfield Pregnancy Center is grateful for the Bi-partisan bill \"Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026\". As a Kern County Primary Care Clinic-Free, with services specific to Pregnancy and Sexual health, we see first-hand the challenges our clients face in welcoming a new baby into their life. This tax credit will help build nation committed to supporting moms and dads, equipping them with needed financial resources so that choosing to have a child is natural, expected and celebrated,” said Erin Rogers, Executive Director, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center.\n\n“Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) supports the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 for its focus on strengthening families at a critical time. By easing financial strain for new parents, this legislation will allow our agency to better serve the community and enhance the effectiveness of our existing programs by helping move people out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency,” said Jeremy Tobias, Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK).\n\n“The Supporting Newborn Parents Act provides an important lifeline for families navigating the early stages of parenthood. A child’s earliest months and years are critical to healthy development, and we must continue creating meaningful support systems for parents and caregivers. As the costs of childbirth, postpartum care, and child care continue to rise, this legislation reflects an important investment in Central Valley families. Thank you to Congressman Valadao for his leadership on this issue,\" said Amy Travis, Executive Director, First 5 Kern.\n\n\"Adventist Health strongly supports the Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026, which would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $2,000 per newborn to help ease the significant financial strain experienced by many of the rural, low-income, and working families we serve. By delivering timely, flexible support during a critical period, this legislation will help strengthen family stability and promote healthier starts for newborns across our communities,\" said Julia Drefke, MPA, Public Affairs Executive, Adventist Health.\n\n“In an era of declining family formation, we need action to support new parents during a vulnerable and volatile time of their life. This bill would support parents of newborns in a direct, visible way, helping make America a meaningfully more welcoming place to have a child. If it passes, it would become the most high-impact piece of pro-family legislation in a generation,” said Patrick T. Brown, Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center.\n\n\"Babies come with new expenses and disruptions to work. What they don't come with is a check to pay for all of that. This bill is a long-overdue opportunity to fix that mismatch, and help American families start their lives as parents on a strong footing,” said Lyman Stone, Senior Fellow and Director of the Pronatalism Initiative, Institute for Family Studies.\n\n“Working families are the backbone of this country, and federal policy should reflect that. BPC Action is excited to see Reps Valadao, Suozzi, Moore and Dingell focusing on this critical issue. Investing in families is essential and Congress must continue bipartisan engagement on these issues to meet the needs of families in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action.\n\nBackground:\n\nWorking families across the United States rely on a range of family benefit programs, including the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Yet despite this support, a critical gap remains in the months immediately following a child’s birth—a period when families face significant new expenses while household income declines by an average of 10 percent. The Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 would address this gap by establishing a newborn tax credit to complement existing family benefits. This credit would provide timely financial support to help parents cover hospital bills, purchase essential supplies, and manage the financial strain that often accompanies the arrival of a new child.\n\nRead the full bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2040", "title": "Van Drew, Bera, Boozman, and Booker Launch International Exchanges Caucus", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "vandrew.house.gov", "scraper": "vandrew", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000133", "name": "Jefferson Van Drew", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ, 2), Ami Bera (D-CA, 6), and U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the launch of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. The members are launching this caucus to bolster engagement and support for international exchange programs, particularly those administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).\n\n“International exchange programs are a smart investment in America’s future,\" said Congressman Van Drew. \"They strengthen our relationships around the world and give people a firsthand look at our American values and our way of life. In South Jersey, the impact is clear. Programs like BridgeUSA help support our shore economy each summer, giving small businesses the workforce they need during our busiest time of year. I am proud to help launch this bipartisan caucus to support these programs.\"\n\n“Educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for building goodwill, strengthening our alliances, and advancing American values and strategic interests. These programs create lasting people-to-people ties that build mutual understanding and open doors for cooperation on shared challenges. I am pleased to help launch this bipartisan caucus to ensure Congress continues to support and strengthen these critical programs so they remain effective, sustainable, and central to America’s global leadership,\" said Representative Ami Bera.\n\n“Cultural exchange is foundational to effective diplomacy, and strengthening our nation’s investment in these initiatives will encourage greater collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships for generations to come. Arkansas has played an outsized role in those efforts over many years, and we have seen firsthand how it can change the world. I’m proud to help launch the Congressional International Exchange Caucus and look forward to the opportunity to bolster this mission in a bipartisan, bicameral way,\" said Senator John Boozman.\n\n“I am thrilled to join my colleagues in launching the first bipartisan, bicameral Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. Exchange programs strengthen all parts of American society and give back to local communities around the country. They help the United States remain internationally competitive, bolster our nation’s economy, and dramatically increase the United States’ global reach while enhancing national security. Through creation of this caucus, I am proud to continue the long tradition of bipartisan support for international exchanges and look forward to working with my colleagues to secure strong, sustained backing for these proven, cost-effective programs,\" said Senator Cory Booker.\n\nInternational exchange programs provide unique opportunities for Americans to experience the world and develop critical skills. The Congressional International Exchanges Caucus is the platform for Members of Congress to hear directly from these Americans, their constituents, about the impact of international exchange programs on their states and districts. Finally, the Caucus enables its members to ensure ECA’s long-term programmatic sustainability and success by offering exclusive opportunities to engage with Administration officials on the latest topics impacting international exchange programs.\n\n“International exchange programs are major contributors to the U.S.’ success at home and on the world stage and have long enjoyed bipartisan support. The creation of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus reflects that enduring commitment and showcases Congress’ continued investment in the success of these programs. The Alliance for International Exchange proudly supports the caucus and looks forward to working with its members to promote and protect international exchange programs,\" said Mark Overmann, Executive Director, Alliance for International Exchange.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/13/vindman-leads-on-policy-lowering-gas-prices-supports-diesel-and-gas-taxes-pause/", "title": "Vindman Leads on Policy Lowering Gas Prices, Supports Diesel and Gas Taxes Pause", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Woodbridge, Va. — Today U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) announced support for a package of legislative policies that would lower gas prices for working families across Virginia. Vindman introduced the Diesel Prices Relief Act (H.R. 8772) and cosponsored the Gas Prices Relief Act (H.R. 7919) and the Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 (H.R. 8572).\n\n“Across the Seventh District, I have heard from Virginians who continue to send me back to DC with one message: the pain at the pump needs to end. I am proud to lead on legislation that would pause both the diesel and gas taxes, giving Virginians a much-needed break when filling the tank,” said Vindman. “Republicans chose an unpopular, expensive war in Iran that has driven gas prices through the roof. Not only will these bills make it cheaper to fill up on gas, but lowering diesel prices will reduce the costs of groceries and other household goods that are shipped across the country in diesel-powered trucks. I’ll never stop fighting to lower gas prices and bring down the cost of living for Virginians.”\n\nHe is leading the Diesel Prices Relief Act alongside Congressman Don Davis (N.C.-01).\n\n“High diesel prices have squeezed eastern North Carolina farmers, truckers, and small businesses,” said Davis. “The Diesel Prices Relief Act would suspend the federal diesel tax through the end of the year, putting money back into the pockets of the hardworking people who grow our food, move our goods, and keep America running.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman introduced the Diesel Prices Relief Act (H.R. 8772) which would pause the diesel tax until January 1, 2027 helping farmers and truck drivers better afford their stops at the gas station.\n\nVindman cosponsored the Gas Prices Relief Act (H.R. 7919) which would pause the gas tax until October 1, 2026.\n\nVindman cosponsored the Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 (H.R. 8572) which would pause the gas tax until January 1, 2027.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=550", "title": "Walkinshaw, Kaine Urge Trump to Press China to Stop Forcibly Returning North Korean Refugees", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a bicameral letter to President Donald Trump during the U.S.-China Summit urging him to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping to stop forcibly returning North Korean refugees to a country where they face torture, forced labor, imprisonment, or execution.\n\nThe letter calls on President Trump to use \"all diplomatic levers at his disposal\" to compel the People's Republic of China (PRC) to halt the repatriations, recommit to its obligations under the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, and grant refugee status to affected individuals so they can travel to a safe third country.\n\n\"Chinese authorities are systematically and knowingly forcing hundreds of North Koreans back to a place where they will face mistreatment and retribution,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"The PRC has been party to the United Nations Refugee Convention and Protocol for over four decades yet consistently violates the principles to protect refugees.\"\n\nThe letter cites findings from the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, of documenting the forcible repatriation of 600 North Korean refugees on October 9, 2023 — the largest single repatriation on record — and approximately 200 more in April 2024. The PRC classifies most North Koreans as illegal economic migrants to avoid its obligations under the Refugee Convention, despite knowing those returned face severe punishment, particularly Christians and those who had contact with South Korean groups while in China.\n\nThis letter builds on Congressman Walkinshaw's sustained work on this issue, including a November 2025 bicameral letter urging Ambassador Perdue to press Chinese authorities directly — requests Beijing has repeatedly denied.\n\nCongressman Walkinshaw is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Korea and a Commissioner of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.\n\nThe letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-ORE), Peter Welch (D-VT) and U.S. Representatives Ami Bera (CA-06), James McGovern (MA-02), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-votes-for-resolution-memorializing-law-enforcement-officers-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-rejects-partisan-divisive-and-disrespectful-alternate-resolution", "title": "Rep. Watson Coleman votes for resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, rejects partisan, divisive, and disrespectful alternate resolution", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, during National Police Week, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to pass a bipartisan resolution, H. Res 1252 memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers work under difficult and often dangerous conditions to protect and serve their communities. In 2025, 363 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. The resolution overwhelmingly passed the House.\n\nAdditionally, Watson Coleman rejected a partisan and divisive resolution (H. Con. Res. 96) that cynically sought to use the service of our law enforcement officers to lie about “progressive politicians” by claiming they place officers and communities at greater risk.\n\nWatson Coleman has fought tirelessly to support law enforcement officers in the 12th District and nationwide. In the fiscal year 2026, she secured $675,000 for the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. In the current appropriations budget, she is seeking over $1.4 million to upgrade the communications equipment of Spotswood and South River police and public safety departments.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6927", "title": "Wittman Hosts Field Event with House Natural Resources Committee at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "GLOUCESTER, VA – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was joined by the House Committee on Natural Resources and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) on a field visit to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). The purpose of the trip was to provide members of the House Natural Resources Committee with the opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge research and community impact that takes place daily at VIMS.\n\n“It was a pleasure to see firsthand the work that VIMS is doing to advance scientific research that addresses challenges to coastal and marine environments,” said Rep. Wittman. “VIMS is an environmental leader and economic driver in the First District, and I have consistently advocated for funding and resources that support its research and the training it offers for the next generation of leaders in marine science through William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences.”\n\n“I applaud Vice Chairman Wittman for inviting members to his district to see how Virginia plays a large role in our nation's coastal and ocean policy. The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences is a leader in marine science research, generating positive economic benefits for the region and the country. Visits like these are essential to informing our Committee’s work in Washington, and I thank Mr. Wittman for hosting this insightful field tour.” - Chairman Bruce Westerman", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-justice-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-arts-education-for-hbcus/", "title": "Alsobrooks, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Arts Education for HBCUs", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "May 13, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) introduced the HBCU Arts Act, legislation to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds – including arts education – for grants to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). So many HBCU alumni have gone on to become leaders in the arts field – from Roberta Flack, to Spike Lee, to Amy Sherald. Maryland is home to four tremendous HBCUs – Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.\n\n“It is critical we invest in arts education for students at HBCUs. Just as HBCUs are homes to future lawyers, doctors, scientists, and educators – they are also home to aspiring artists, musicians, actors, and singers. Investing in the arts fuels our economy, brings together our communities, and moves us during challenging times of great division and fear – much like the moment we are in right now. Now, more than ever, we need to bolster our support for HBCUs to ensure they are best equipped to train the next generation of leaders,” said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n“HBCUs are some of the most important institutions in our country. Art and history make up the very fabric of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we will be. West Virginia’s story is especially unique, and through our arts, we’ve been able to tell the world how special we are. I’m proud to partner with Senator Alsobrooks on the HBCU Arts Act to give these schools more opportunities to invest in arts education and continue telling our stories,” said Senator Jim Justice.\n\n“The HBCU Arts Act is an important piece of legislation that ensures our nation’s HBCUs can access the funds they need to support the arts and arts education. By providing key federal dollars to the arts and arts education, this legislation helps to establish important services for students to take advantage of in addition to preserving cultural assets and collections at HBCUs. As a graduate of Howard University, I have seen how HBCUs foster artistic excellence and creative leadership. Thank you to the Senators for introducing this legislation and bringing us one step closer to enacting the HBCU Arts Act into law,” Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts.\n\nThe HBCU Arts Act would allow HBCUs to use existing federal grant funding to support arts, arts education, and cultural programs. New allowable uses include financial assistance to arts students; outreach and development offices for arts departments; wrap-around services (mentorship, counseling, and career advising); exhibition and preservation of Black art collections; and paid internships, apprenticeships, and fellowship opportunities in collaboration with nonprofit and cultural institutions.\n\nCongresswoman Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives in April. It has 17 cosponsors in the House.\n\nRead full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-alsobrooks-votes-yes-again-on-iran-war-powers-resolution-3/", "title": "Senator Alsobrooks Votes Yes AGAIN on Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "May 13, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Alsobrooks (D-Md.) released the following statement after voting for Senator Merkley’s Iran War Powers Resolution:\n\n“After spending a week in our home states, I thought maybe Republicans would come back to Washington and vote on behalf of their constituents. I was sure Republicans would have heard in their states about spiking gas prices, increasing grocery prices, and the health care affordability crisis. And maybe, just maybe, they would finally vote to put an end to this war. But I was wrong.\n\n“When the President was asked this week to what extent Americans’ financial situation is motivating him to end the war in Iran, he responded, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation, I don’t think about anybody…’ Let me be clear: we could tell before – but now he has said it. Republicans do not care about how much this war costs (billions), they only care about appeasing the President.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/packers-thanksgiving-eve-game-on-netflix-highlights-need-for-baldwins-for-the-fans-act", "title": "Packers’ Thanksgiving Eve Game on Netflix Highlights Need for Baldwin’s For the Fans Act", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.baldwin.senate.gov", "scraper": "baldwin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001230", "name": "Tammy Baldwin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after the NFL announced that the Green Bay Packers would play the Los Angeles Rams exclusively on Netflix this Thanksgiving Eve, forcing millions of Wisconsinites to pay for a subscription just to watch their home team play. Last month, Senator Baldwin introduced her For the Fans Act which would ensure local fans always have a free, live option for watching their home state teams play.\n\n“As the cost of just about everything continues to rise, the NFL is once again asking Wisconsinites to spend their hard-earned money on another streaming service,” said Senator Baldwin. “Enough is enough. My For the Fans Act would stop this exact scenario and prevent Wisconsin families from being forced to pay for Netflix just to watch the Packers play this Thanksgiving.”\n\nBaldwin’s For the Fans Act would improve access for consumers of professional sports broadcasts by requiring free viewing access for local fans and ending blackouts on league-owned streaming services, like NBA League Pass or MLB.tv. The bill applies to professional baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer leagues. The bill makes an exception for minor league teams and leagues with fewer than eight teams.\n\nPolling from Data for Progress shows that overwhelming majorities of Americans support Baldwin’s For the Fans Act to stop professional sports leagues from blacking out games for fans, end the complicated web of streaming services, and cut costs for viewers across the country.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-hickenlooper-introduce-bill-to-modernize-medical-device-labeling/", "title": "Banks, Hickenlooper Introduce Bill to Modernize Medical Device Labeling", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Col.) introduced the Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act. This bill would let patients access their medical device labels and instructions online, while preserving the option to request paper versions free of charge, for those who still want paper.\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Patients should be able to access their medical device instructions online, while still having the option to get free paper copies if they want. This bipartisan bill just makes sense.”\n\nSenator John Hickenlooper (D-Col.): “Americans deserve quick and easy access to information about their medical devices on their phones and computers, not just on paper they have to sift through. Our bill puts it at their fingertips.”\n\nScott Whitaker, AdvaMed President and CEO: “Doctors and patients increasingly turn to online resources for information about how to use medtech. Electronic instructions are easy forconsumers to access and for manufacturers to update quickly, without the delay caused by issuing paper manuals. This efficiency would help doctors and patients use the medtech as effectively as possible, achieving the full intended benefits of each innovation. We thank Senators Banks and Hickenlooper for working to modernize this critical aspect of health care. With this, we now have bipartisan e-labeling bills in both houses of Congress, so there’s no reason we can’t get them passed and signed into law this year.”\n\nSee the full bill text here.\n\nKey Provisions of the Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act:\n\nAllow medical device manufacturers to provide labelling information to patients electronically, subject to safety requirements, in the same manner that manufacturers already provide them to health care professionals.\n\nGive patients the option to request paper versions, at no additional cost.\n\nMaintain the same content requirements for digital and paper labelling information.\n\nGrant the Secretary of Health and Human Services flexibility to add to or change the content of labelling information, subject to public notice and comment.\n\nBackground:\n\nExisting law sets safety and instructional labeling requirements for medical devices and allows this information to be provided digitally, only when the medical device is used in a health care facility or by a health care professional. Health care professionals can opt in to receiving the medical device labeling information on paper, at no additional cost. Many prefer digital information because it is more convenient, easily readable, and avoids excessive paper waste.\n\nMost Americans prefer to access health, product, and safety information digitally, but existing law does not allow them to do so for medical devices. All medical device instructions and labels are still provided to patients on paper, often amounting to dozens of pages.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-trump-holds-the-better-hand-in-china-and-iran-talks/", "title": "Sen. Banks: Trump Holds “The Better Hand” in China and Iran Talks", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Larry Kudlow on Kudlow to discuss President Trump’s trip to Beijing.\n\nClick the video above to listen to the full discussion.\n\nKey Excerpts Below:\n\nSen. Banks: “…China has so much to lose in this regard and so many reasons to come to the table and try to bring the Iranians to a deal that accomplishes the end goal mission of what President Trump is trying to accomplish. No nuclear weapon ever for the Iranians, because we know that they will train that weapon on the United States, on Israel and our allies if they ever get it. It’s in China’s best interest to help us craft that kind of a deal. But I think President Trump is ready to go. Secretary of War Hegseth is the best Secretary of War, Secretary of Defense in the 10 years that I’ve been in Washington. These guys are serious. We’re ready to go. We’re not playing around. The Iranians know that…”\n\n***\n\nSen. Banks: “… President Trump knew all of this heading into these talks… President Trump has the better hand. We have the leverage, and it’s time to use it. The Chinese always lie, steal, and cheat. They never keep up their end of the deal. President Trump’s not going to let him get away with that anymore. That’s why these talks are so significant. He’s putting them on notice. Buy our soybeans. They come from Indiana. Buy our products. Open up your economy to American businesses. And let’s move on in a way that puts American interests first. That’s what President Trump is all about. That’s what he’s going to do. That’s why he’s there. And what’s going on in Iran plays right into it.”\n\n***\n\nSen Banks: “…If President Trump is for something, they’re against it. President Trump and Vice President Vance are focused on cleaning up fraud, waste and abuse so the Democrats are pro-fraud, waste and abuse. It doesn’t matter what the issue is, pick it. If President Trump is for it, Democrats are against it, even when it’s in the best interest of our country…”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-questions-forest-service-chief-on-timber-production-livestock-grazing-and-combatting-wildfires/", "title": "Barrasso Questions Forest Service Chief on Timber Production, Livestock Grazing, and Combatting Wildfires", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz on supporting timber production, livestock grazing on federal lands, allowing ranchers to use vacant allotments during natural disasters, and USFS collaboration with state agencies to combat wildfires.\n\nChief Schultz testified during today’s Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine President Trump’s budget request for the USFS for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\nOn Vacant Allotments:\n\n“Thanks, Mr. Chairman. Thanks so much for being here.\n\n“I’m grateful for what you’ve been doing in terms of all of the issues in Wyoming.\n\n“You’ve been to the state. You visited with people. You’ve been to Riverton, had meetings.\n\n“All of these things have been tremendous. And I hear great, great feedback from the people of Wyoming on the work that you have been doing. So, thank you very much for that.\n\n“I wanted to just talk about vacant allotments.\n\n“I have a bill currently before the Senate, S. 211. It’s called the RANCH Act – Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health Act.\n\n“It allows for temporary use of vacant grazing allotments during extreme events and disasters. Especially on vacant allotments on our National Forest lands.\n\n“This past wildfire season, you know, was one of the worst we have seen in the past decade.\n\n“Thank you for coming today with the maps for all of us to see what’s going on in our own states with ongoing problems we’re having with moisture and the need for that.\n\n“You clearly have a good assessment of the situation, which is greatly concerning to all of us.\n\n“So, we’re anticipating this year is going to be a bad wildfire season.\n\n“It’s more important now than ever that we provide the agency the authority to help ranchers in emergency situations.\n\n“This RANCH Act is going to help ranchers and rural communities work with Washington – not against it.\n\n“It passed the Senate last Congress unanimously.\n\n“How would this piece of legislation help expedite the process for ranchers to utilize vacant allotments in disaster situations?”\n\nOn Grasslands Grazing:\n\n“I want to talk next about grasslands grazing. Another one of my bills in front of the Senate, S. 2878. It’s called the Grasslands Grazing Act.\n\n“Livestock grazing on federal lands has a strong tradition in Wyoming and certainly across the West.\n\n“Federal grazing is a necessary tool for wildfire prevention and for promoting rangeland health.\n\n“It is widely used by both the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.\n\n“The Forest Service manages the national forests and national grasslands. Livestock grazing is done on both of these.\n\n“So, I was pleased that Congresswoman Hageman from Wyoming was able to get the House companion to my bill included in the Farm Bill that just passed the House last month.\n\n“Does this legislation still have your agency’s support?”\n\nOn State Collaboration:\n\n“Then, in terms of collaborating with the states, already this year we have all seen fires. And they’ve been in Wyoming, as well. We’ve talked a little bit about that.\n\n“Just last month, the Bighorn Recreation Canyon saw a large fire.\n\n“It took a joint federal response to help control the burn.\n\n“Rural communities in the West are bracing for what will likely be another devastating wildfire season.\n\n“As more incidents start and suppression resources are spread thin, federal and state agencies, I believe, need to work together.\n\n“How is the Forest Service engaging state, local and private partners to ensure we can effectively respond to wildfires?”\n\nFollow-up:\n\n“Kelly Norris is terrific. She’s been here to testify on a couple of occasions. So, thanks for pointing out how closely you’re working with her.”\n\nOn Timber Production:\n\n“I want to talk about timber production.\n\n“The Forest Service has been following the new Executive Orders to increase timber production.\n\n“So, I’m supportive of the steps the Trump Administration has been making to improve timber production since the last Administration hindered so many timber plants and timber operations.\n\n“Can you give us an update on how the agency has been managing an increase in timber production?”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-slams-latest-democrat-delay-tactic/", "title": "Barrasso Slams Latest Democrat Delay Tactic", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Going back to 1973, there have been a total of 17 War Powers votes in Congress. That’s when the War Powers became law in 1973. 17 votes in 53 years. 14 of the 17 votes were from Democrats aimed specifically at President Trump.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke ahead of another vote on a Democrat-led War Powers Resolution. Senator Barrasso urged his colleagues to reject this Democrat delay tactic because its goal is to undermine the President of the United States.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:\n\n“I come to the Floor having just heard the Senator from Oregon proposing a War Powers Act today. I heard him say this is about protecting the Constitution. What they’re doing, what the Democrats are doing, is not about protecting the Constitution. It is about obstructing the President of the United States. That’s what’s happening here today. That’s exactly what Democrats are trying to do.\n\n“Going back to 1973, there have been a total of 17 War Powers votes in Congress. That’s when the War Powers became law in 1973. 17 votes in 53 years. 14 of the 17 votes were from Democrats aimed specifically at President Trump.\n\n“Democrats introduced absolutely zero War Powers Resolutions under President Obama. That’s despite his strikes in Libya. Democrats introduced absolutely zero War Powers Resolutions under President Biden, despite his actions in Syria. This is the eighth vote on Iran this very Congress. We’ve also had War Powers votes on Cuba and Venezuela.\n\n“For nearly fifty years, Iran has waged war against our country. Iran is the world’s largest and leading sponsor of terrorism. They regularly chant ‘Death to America.’ Iran has murdered thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of Iranians. Iran has tried to build nuclear weapons.\n\n“For decades, American Presidents have pledged that Iran would not get a nuclear weapon. Only President Trump had the courage and the strength to keep his word.\n\n“Earlier this year, President Trump responded with military precision. Now, we are deploying economic pressure as well as diplomatic pressure. Under President Trump, America continues to restore peace through strength around the world.\n\n“Today, Iran is losing $500 million per day in revenue. They lost the same amount yesterday. They will lose the same amount tomorrow. Iran’s cash cow of oil exports has collapsed. By contrast, America is pumping out record amounts of oil and natural gas. Iran’s economy is on life support. Its leadership is eliminated.\n\n“Thirteen days ago, President Trump sent a letter to Congress about the conflict with Iran. The President made clear that major fighting has halted. The American ceasefire has held for more than a month. Our naval blockade is working.\n\n“This week, President Trump meeting with China overseas. Democrats right here in the Senate want to pull out the rug from under him.\n\n“Let’s be clear. President Trump has complied with the law. Enforcing a blockade is not the same as active ‘hostilities’ under the War Powers Act. That is the established and binding precedent that governs the United States Senate. Democrats don’t seem to care.\n\n“Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia said in January that their goal is to ‘flood the Senate calendar.’ They want to run out the clock on the Republican majority.\n\n“The Senate has rejected each and every one of these Democrat delays. We need to reject this one as well. We should reject it because it is partisan. We should reject it because it is written by Democrats to weaken our Commander in Chief. We should reject it because it encourages Iran to doubt the resolve of our nation.\n\n“Iran is going to be watching this vote today. China will be watching this vote. America must continue to show strength and resolve.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/13/bennet-and-curtis-lead-bipartisan-letter-to-secretary-rubio-reaffirming-u-s-commitments-to-taiwan/", "title": "Bennet and Curtis Lead Bipartisan Letter to Secretary Rubio Reaffirming U.S. Commitments to Taiwan", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Senator John Curtis (R-Utah), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led 10 colleagues on a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and underscoring their belief that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new U.S. declaratory policy on Taiwan.\n\nSenators Bennet and Curtis were joined on this letter by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mitch McConnell (R-K.Y.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md).\n\n“For nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan – a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy – defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means to be ‘a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,’ and of ‘grave concern,’” wrote the senators.\n\n“Our commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait — which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond,” continued the senators.\n\n“In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership,” concluded the senators.\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to reaffirm congressional support for the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and our firm belief that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new declaratory policy on Taiwan, consistent with longstanding U.S. commitments including the Six Assurances President Reagan articulated.\n\nFor nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan – a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy –defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non- peaceful means to be “a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,” and of “grave Concern.”\n\nOur commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait – which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond.\n\nDuring your tenure in the U.S. Senate, you consistently demonstrated strong support for U.S.- Taiwan relations and for the TRA. In 2017, you joined a bipartisan letter to President Trump stating that the “One China policy, based on the [Taiwan Relations] Act, the Three Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances […] provides the basis for our enduring relationship with Taiwan.” You further emphasized the “bipartisan commitment that we must not waver in providing necessary support for Taiwan to defend itself in the face of China’s ongoing military aggression and the cross-Strait military imbalance.”\n\nThese principles remain true and necessary today. In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/13/bennet-hickenlooper-welcome-release-of-47-million-in-federal-funding-for-four-colorado-projects-to-address-colorado-river-crisis/", "title": "Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Release of $47 Million in Federal Funding for Four Colorado Projects to Address Colorado River Crisis", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Follows a year and a half delay for Colorado’s “Bucket 2E” water projects\n\nSenators continue pushing to release additional $92M in funding for remaining Colorado projects, including Shoshone\n\nWashington, D.C. — Colorado Senators Michael Bennet, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology, and John Hickenlooper welcomed the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBR) announcement of $47 million in federal funding for four projects in Colorado to combat the Colorado River crisis.\n\n“Colorado communities, Tribal leaders, water users, and local advocates fought for years to secure these funds and keep critical projects moving forward,” said Bennet. “The funding released will support the Pine River Indian Irrigation Project, drought-resilient infrastructure across the Southwest, and endangered species recovery efforts, which are all essential to Colorado’s future. While this is an important step forward, the Administration must still release the full funding Congress approved, including for Shoshone. I’ll keep pushing to make sure Colorado gets the certainty and resources we were promised.”\n\n“This year’s extremely poor snowpack has made the Colorado River crisis even more dire. We don’t have time to stall and hope for a wet summer,” said Hickenlooper. “We’re relieved that this funding from our historic Inflation Reduction Act will continue to flow to help our communities manage the drought impacts on the Upper Basin. We won’t let up until all of the obligated funding is released.”\n\nThe federal funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, in which Bennet helped secure $4 billion to mitigate the impacts of drought, including activities to support environmental benefits and promote ecosystem and habitat restoration.\n\nLast August, the senators and Colorado Representatives Jeff Hurd, Jeff Crank, Joe Neguse, Gabe Evans, Brittany Pettersen, Lauren Boebert, Diana DeGette, and Jason Crow called on top officials at the Department of the Interior (DOI) and USBR to release $140 million in previously awarded federal funding for 15 Colorado projects to help fight the Colorado River crisis.\n\nSix of the 17 originally announced Upper Colorado River Basin projects have now been awarded a total of more than $59 million. The Shoshone Permanency Project and 10 other drought projects remain unfunded. The senators are continuing to push USBR to release the additional $92 million.\n\nThe four projects will receive $47 million in funding from the USBR’s Upper Colorado River Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation program, referred to as “Bucket 2E.”\n\nIn 2025, Bennet and Hickenlooper fought for $8.5 billion for western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $20 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In March, Bennet reintroduced the Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act to help American agriculture and communities become more resilient to drought and flooding by improving the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program. In July 2025, Bennet and Hickenlooper introduced the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act to dramatically expand access to clean water in Tribal communities by investing in water infrastructure. This bill increases funding through the Indian Health Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Reclamation to support water infrastructure projects in Tribal communities and help provide clean water to Native American households that currently lack access.\n\nDetails on the projects receiving B2E funding are below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2026/05/13/bennet-statement-on-voting-against-the-confirmation-of-kevin-warsh-as-chairman-of-federal-reserve/", "title": "Bennet Statement on Voting Against the Confirmation of Kevin Warsh as Chair of Federal Reserve", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bennet.senate.gov/news/page/", "domain": "www.bennet.senate.gov", "scraper": "bennet", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001267", "name": "Michael F. Bennet", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after he voted against Kevin Warsh’s nomination to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System:\n\n“Today, I voted against confirming Kevin Warsh to serve as Chair of the Federal Reserve. An independent Federal Reserve is an essential feature of our economic system. Every American should have the confidence that interest rate decisions are being made according to the data presented, rather than the political demands of the moment. The United States has the world’s largest economy and most developed capital markets but this is premised on a central bank that is free from political influence, and a Federal Reserve Chair able to make difficult decisions in moments of crisis.\n\n“I have no confidence that Kevin Warsh will provide the independence this role requires. Under his leadership, the Federal Reserve risks becoming more responsive to President Trump than to the American people, and to the needs of the American economy. That is one of the reasons why, for the first time in history, a nomination for Federal Reserve Chair advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee on a strictly partisan basis.\n\n“Americans deserve a central bank focused on managing inflation, achieving economic stability, and serving the public interest — not one driven by the short-term desires of the President. Kevin Warsh’s nomination jeopardizes the Federal Reserve’s ability to meet these fundamental responsibilities.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/kosa/blackburn-blumenthal-announce-openai-endorsement-of-kids-online-safety-act-ahead-of-senate-hearing-on-landmark-social-media-verdicts", "title": "Blackburn, Blumenthal Announce OpenAI Endorsement of Kids Online Safety Act Ahead of Senate Hearing on Landmark Social Media Verdicts", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal(D-Conn.) released the following statements announcing a new endorsement from OpenAI for their Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Later today, Senator Blackburn, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, will lead a hearing examining why landmark social media verdicts demand federal action to protect kids online.\n\nYesterday, Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal joined a rally at the U.S. Capitol with parents who are urging Congress to pass KOSA. During the rally, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) promised he would advance the legislation out of committee and help get it signed into law by the end of the year. 86% of Americans want Big Tech companies to be held accountable for their role in the social media addiction crisis.\n\n“Every Big Tech company should be willing to work with Congress to ensure America’s children are safe on its platforms, and we welcome OpenAI’s support for the Kids Online Safety Act,” said Senator Blackburn. “Lip service won’t save lives – Congress must take action to establish guardrails in the virtual space. I look forward to chairing a hearing on why the verdicts in California and New Mexico should spur Congress to hold Big Tech accountable for exploiting children to turn a profit.”\n\n“A few weeks ago, juries in New Mexico and California legally recognized that American families have known: social media companies are hurting children,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Today, OpenAI’s endorsement adds to the overwhelming recognition even by Big Tech itself that it’s time to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Increasingly the only people opposed to this bill are Mark Zuckerberg and his lobbyists. It’s time for anyone left in his camp to choose the right side of history and join us.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/police/video-blackburn-recognizes-three-tennesseans-who-will-be-honored-at-national-law-enforcement-officers-memorial-in-d-c", "title": "VIDEO: Blackburn Recognizes Three Tennesseans Who Will Be Honored at National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C.", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during National Police Week, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor recognizing three Tennesseans who will be honored at the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., later this evening:\n\nClick here to download Senator Blackburn’s remarks.\n\nEXCERPTS OF REMARKS AS PREPARED\n\nBlackburn Honors Hugh Carlen of Putnam County, James Hood of Jonesborough, and Justin Bradford Mowery of Blount County\n\n“This Police Week, we are reflecting on the brave men and women in Tennessee and across the country who serve their communities with courage, integrity, and honor.”\n\n“Few places better capture the magnitude of their sacrifices than the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in our nation’s capital.”\n\n“Engraved on that memorial are the names of every fallen officer in our country going back to the year 1850. It has 24,775 names.”\n\n“This week, 363 heroes are being added—including three from Tennessee: Hugh Carlen of Putnam County, whose watch ended February 24th, 1912; James Hood of Jonesborough, who fell in the line of duty August 26th, 1928; And Deputy Sheriff Justin Bradford Mowery of Blount County, who we tragically lost on December 28th.”\n\n“This week’s candlelight vigil will provide a powerful moment to reflect on their sacrifices—and those made by the thousands of other officers on the Roll Call of Heroes.”\n\n“There’s a reason why our officers are called the thin blue line. They are the only force separating us from chaos, disorder, and anarchy.”\n\n“They take pride in their responsibility. But to do their jobs, they need the support of their communities, their states, and their country.”\n\nBlackburn Highlights Legislation She Has Led to Back the Blue\n\n“For too long, they have lacked that support from Democrat leadership. Instead of funding the police, Democrats have worked to defund them.”\n\n“But under President Trump, the federal government is backing the blue across the country.”\n\n“In the Senate, Republicans are working to support the administration’s efforts.”\n\n“My Restoring Law and Order Act would increase funding for law enforcement and help keep violent criminals behind bars.”\n\n“My Protecting Federal Law Enforcement Officers from Doxxing Act would make it illegal to dox federal law enforcement officials and put them in harm’s way.”\n\n“My Safer Prisons Act would double the maximum term of imprisonment for assaulting a Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officer.”\n\n“Democrats can oppose the rule of law. They can side with criminals over law enforcement. They can champion the same radical policies that unleashed chaos at the border and across country under the Biden administration.”\n\n“But they can’t stop Republicans from providing the resources our law enforcement needs to protect our communities. We will always back the blue.”\n\nRELATED\n\nBlackburn, Hagerty, Cruz, Justice Introduce the “Restoring Law and Order Act” to Empower Law Enforcement\n\nBlackburn Introduces Legislation to Protect Federal Law Enforcement Officers from Doxxing", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-blackburn-announce-openai-endorsement-of-kids-online-safety-act-ahead-of-senate-hearing-on-landmark-social-media-verdicts", "title": "Blumenthal, Blackburn Announce OpenAI Endorsement of Kids Online Safety Act Ahead of Senate Hearing on Landmark Social Media Verdicts", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the following statements announcing a new endorsement from OpenAI for their Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Later today, Blackburn, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, will lead a hearing examining why landmark social media verdicts demand federal action to protect kids online.\n\nYesterday, Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal joined a rally at the U.S. Capitol with parents who are urging Congress to pass KOSA. During the rally, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) promised he would advance the legislation out of committee and help get it signed into law by the end of the year. 86% of Americans want Big Tech companies to be held accountable for their role in the social media addiction crisis.\n\n“A few weeks ago, juries in New Mexico and California legally recognized that American families have known: social media companies are hurting children,” said Blumenthal. “Today, OpenAI’s endorsement adds to the overwhelming recognition even by Big Tech itself that it’s time to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Increasingly the only people opposed to this bill are Mark Zuckerberg and his lobbyists. It’s time for anyone left in his camp to choose the right side of history and join us.”\n\n“Every Big Tech company should be willing to work with Congress to ensure America’s children are safe on its platforms, and we welcome OpenAI’s support for the Kids Online Safety Act,” said Blackburn. “Lip service won’t save lives – Congress must take action to establish guardrails in the virtual space. I look forward to chairing a hearing on why the verdicts in California and New Mexico should spur Congress to hold Big Tech accountable for exploiting children to turn a profit.”\n\n“We’re really excited to support the Kids Online Safety Act and for the bipartisan leadership of Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal,” said Chris Lehane, Vice President of Global Affairs at OpenAI. “When it comes to tech, we should treat kids as kids and that means making sure it is safe, age-appropriate, and grounded in real-world support. KOSA is a big and important step toward doing right by our kids.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/video-blumenthal-presses-energy-secretary-to-commit-to-legislation-to-lower-consumer-gas-prices", "title": "Video: Blumenthal Presses Energy Secretary to Commit to Legislation to Lower Consumer Gas Prices", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, under questioning by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Energy Secretary Chris Wright refused to commit to supporting legislation to provide Americans relief at the gas pump.\n\n“Secretary Wright, I noted on Sunday that you said that you said you were open to suspending the federal gas tax,” Blumenthal said. “Since then, President Trump has indicated that he’ll support it, which Senator Kelly and I introduced in the Gas Price Relief Act some two months ago, lowering prices by temporarily suspending the 18.4 cent per gallon gas tax through October 1. Do you support that idea?”\n\nWright did not endorse suspending the gas tax.\n\n“I believe strongly that suspending the gas tax ought to be combined with a Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax, which I’ve championed with Senator Whitehouse. As you well know, Big Oil is raking in bonanza profits. Shell announced just Friday that it has reported a $7 billion profit in the latest quarter, which is double the previous quarter. That is emblematic of what Big Oil companies are making as a result of the war. Don’t you think it’s time that companies like Shell put some of that money back in consumers’ pockets?” Blumenthal asked.\n\nWright again declined to show his support for the legislation.\n\nTwo months ago, Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Gas Prices Relief Act to lower gas prices by temporarily suspending the 18.4 cents-per-gallon federal gas tax, providing much-needed relief for families in Connecticut and across the country who rely on their cars to get to work, school, and run everyday errands. The text of the Gas Prices Relief Act is available here.\n\nBlumenthal has also joined U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) in introducing the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act to curb profiteering by oil companies and reduce costs for consumers. Under the bill, large oil companies that produce or import at least 300,000 barrels of oil per day (or did so in 2025) will owe a per-barrel tax equal to 50 percent of the difference between the current price per barrel of oil and the average price per barrel last year, when big oil companies were already earning large profits. Revenue raised from the windfall profits of Big Oil companies will be returned to consumers in the form of a quarterly rebate.\n\nThe video of Blumenthal at today’s hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee is available for download here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lisa-blunt-rochester-opposes-nomination-of-kevin-warsh-to-lead-federal-reserve-board/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester Opposes Nomination of Kevin Warsh to Lead Federal Reserve Board", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), member of the Senate Banking Committee, today voted against the nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. She released the following statement:\n\n“The Federal Reserve plays an important role. For families I represent, it’s not just about promoting economic growth; it’s about the Federal Reserve seeing what people are experiencing and making decisions that reflect that reality. It’s about paying attention to Main Street, not just Wall Street. While American families confront increasing financial hardship, the country needs an independent Federal Reserve committed to making impartial, apolitical monetary policy decisions.\n\n“Kevin Warsh has taken inconsistent positions on interest rates and expressed blind confidence in the AI-driven productivity gains that are still highly uncertain. During his confirmation hearings, I expressed deep concerns about the administration’s blatant politicization of the Federal Reserve — and several other independent agencies — putting our economy at risk. The chair of the Federal Reserve Board should be willing to stand up for the Fed’s independence and prioritize the experiences of working families over political pressure.\n\n“The president values unbridled loyalty within his administration, often expecting cabinet members to put the wishes of the White House above the American people. I do not have confidence that Kevin Warsh will be any different. For these reasons, I could not support his nomination.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-senator-blunt-rochester-questions-nuclear-regulatory-commission-on-workforce-development/", "title": "WATCH: Senator Blunt Rochester Questions Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Workforce Development", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks\n\nSenator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today questioned the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on workforce development. Blunt Rochester noted that nuclear energy development is critical to meet growing energy demand and lower energy costs for American household, but it can only be unleashed with a strong nuclear workforce. She emphasized the importance of institutional knowledge at the NRC to support technological advancements and safety. Additionally, Blunt Rochester encouraged transparency and public involvement during NRC rulemaking.\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester’s full remarks and exchange can be found here. A key excerpt is below:\n\nSenator Blunt Rochester: “Commissioner Wright, what do we need to be doing as a country to expand the nuclear workforce? “", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-murphy-deluzio-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-kick-private-equity-out-of-kids-sports-and-stop-the-ripoffs", "title": "Booker, Murphy, Deluzio Introduce Bicameral Bill to Kick Private Equity Out of Kids’ Sports and Stop the Ripoffs", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.booker.senate.gov", "scraper": "booker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001288", "name": "Cory A. Booker", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) introduced the Let Kids Play Act, a bicameral bill aimed at stopping Wall Street from pricing kids out of youth sports by banning private equity firms from the space, curbing predatory practices that drive up costs, and returning money to families who have been overcharged. The legislation is co-sponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), and Angie Craig (D-MN-02).\n\nOver the last decade, youth sports have become prohibitively expensive. What was once an affordable, community-based tradition to give kids a chance to have fun and challenge themselves has morphed into a $40 billion industry dominated by private equity, with the singular goal of extracting as much profit as possible from families. Private equity firms have monetized and taken ownership of every layer of youth sports, including leagues, teams, venues, practice facilities, tournament circuits, uniforms, streaming services, hotels, and merchandise sales, boxing out local organizations that are invested in their community.\n\nOnce they’ve taken control of the competition, private equity wields their market power ruthlessly, sticking ordinary families with substantially higher prices, endless junk fees, and mandatory multi-year contracts. In just a few years, the cost of participating in youth sports has risen by 46 percent. Families routinely go into debt to keep their kids in sports, with the average cost exceeding $5,000 a year. As a result, millions of lower-income families have been locked out of the youth sports experience entirely, participating at half the rate of wealthier families.\n\n“The cost of youth sports has gotten out of control. Parents are getting squeezed, kids are being shut out, and big businesses are cashing in,” said Senator Booker. “Playing sports as a kid changed the trajectory of my life, and I know it’s done the same for millions of others. We will all lose something important to society and our culture if we allow youth sports to become a luxury good only available to the wealthiest.”\n\n“As a hockey dad, I’ve seen how viciously these private equity companies rip families off,” said Senator Murphy. “Sports are one of the increasingly few places kids can find real community and learn core values, like teamwork and discipline, that last a lifetime. It is shameful to deny that opportunity to millions of kids just so some greedy Wall Street executives can boost their bottom line. We are getting these profit-obsessed corporations out of kids’ sports for good.”\n\n\"Sports should be a sacred part of childhood,” said Representative Deluzio. “Instead, big money vultures have turned youth sports into a luxury item. That must end. I’m proud to lead the Let Kids Play Act to ban private equity from youth sports and keep this part of the American Dream alive for the next generation of kids.”\n\n“In nearly every part of American life, giant corporations, Wall Street investors, greedy billionaires, and other special interests are squeezing every last dollar they can out of working families,” said Representative Jayapal. “And like in so many other industries, wealthy investors have found a way to take the fun out of kids’ sports. The Let Kids Play Act puts a stop to this nickel-and-diming from private equity and corporate investors because no child should miss out on playing sports because their parents cannot afford these ridiculous fees.”\n\n“As a mom, I know how important youth sports are for our kids, but thanks to private equity firms monopolizing sports leagues and jacking up prices for parents, sports are becoming less and less accessible to everyday folks,” said Representative Craig. “Limiting kids’ access to activities that help them stay active and build lifelong skills, while putting the squeeze on working parents who are already struggling with the sky-high cost of supporting a family is unacceptable and wrong. That's why I'm proud to be a part of the effort to protect youth sports and hold these massive companies accountable for exploiting working families and using our kids as pawns to increase their bottom lines.\"\n\n“Team sports are supposed to be the first place our kids learn teamwork, discipline, and community. Instead, it’s become a cash grab for Wall Street investors to make another buck while our kids miss out on this fundamental part of American childhood,” said Representative Ryan. “It’s outrageous. Parents are already getting crushed by costs everywhere they turn, and now corporate investors are coming after one of the most important parts of childhood, too. Enough. The Let Kids Play Act cracks down on these abusive practices, lowers costs for families, forces the bad actors to pay them back, and puts the focus back where it belongs: on kids getting the chance to play.”\n\nThe Let Kids Play Act stops Wall Street from pricing our kids out of sports by banning both private equity vulture investors and the vulture practices they use, and establishes strong enforcement tools to hold private equity accountable for the damage they cause by requiring:\n\nMandatory exit from youth sports: Private equity firms are automatically designated as vulture investors and banned from youth sports -- leagues, facilities, tournaments, and player platforms -- unless they prove they have never used vulture practices. Banned investors must sell their ownership stakes and management rights in youth sports within two years.\n\nRefunds to families: This bill requires vulture investors to provide full refunds for any junk fees collected through vulture practices, cancels any predatory contracts, and wipes out any outstanding debts, interest, or late fees that were imposed by the private equity firms.\n\nLiability for debts and safety violations: Private equity vulture investors are held personally and financially responsible for any debts, legal judgments, or law violations, including child safety and labor infractions, that occur while they are in charge.\n\nCreation of Youth Sports Fund: Any penalties paid or money taken from these private equity firms is placed into a dedicated fund to provide scholarships, reduce costs for families, and keep local fields open for free community use.\n\nRights for communities and families be respected: This bill gives states and parents legal standing to sue private equity firms in youth sports, stop their vulture practices, and receive compensation for any financial losses or harm they have caused.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D79AAD1A-00CD-4869-A259-45E5A5616F19", "title": "Boozman, Booker, Van Drew and Bera Launch International Exchanges Caucus", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with Congressmen Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Ami Bera (D-CA), announced the launch of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus to bolster engagement and support for international exchange programs, particularly those administered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).\n\n“Cultural exchange is foundational to effective diplomacy, and strengthening our nation’s investment in these initiatives will encourage greater collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships for generations to come. Arkansas has played an outsized role in those efforts over many years, and we have seen firsthand how it can change the world. I’m proud to help launch the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus and look forward to the opportunity to bolster this mission in a bipartisan, bicameral way,” Boozman said.\n\n“I am thrilled to join my colleagues in launching the first bipartisan, bicameral Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. Exchange programs strengthen all parts of American society and give back to local communities around the country. They help the United States remain internationally competitive, bolster our nation’s economy, and dramatically increase the United States’ global reach while enhancing national security. Through creation of this caucus, I am proud to continue the long tradition of bipartisan support for international exchanges and look forward to working with my colleagues to secure strong, sustained backing for these proven, cost-effective programs,” Booker said.\n\n“International exchange programs are a smart investment in America’s future. They strengthen our relationships around the world and give people a firsthand look at our American values and our way of life. In South Jersey, the impact is clear. Programs like BridgeUSA help support our shore economy each summer, giving small businesses the workforce they need during our busiest time of year. I am proud to help launch this bipartisan caucus to support these programs,” Van Drew said.\n\n“Educational and cultural exchange programs are among our most effective tools for building goodwill, strengthening our alliances, and advancing American values and strategic interests. These programs create lasting people-to-people ties that build mutual understanding and open doors for cooperation on shared challenges. I am pleased to help launch this bipartisan caucus to ensure Congress continues to support and strengthen these critical programs so they remain effective, sustainable, and central to America’s global leadership,” Bera said.\n\nInternational exchange programs provide unique opportunities for Americans to experience the world and develop critical skills. The Fulbright Program, the United States’ flagship educational exchange, was established by former Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright and counts nearly 450,000 students from over 160 countries as alumni, including 60 Nobel Laureates and dozens of current and former heads of state.\n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral Congressional International Exchanges Caucus will help share the impact of international exchange programs with Members of Congress while working to assure ECA’s long-term programmatic sustainability and success. The caucus plans to offer exclusive opportunities to engage with administration officials on the latest topics impacting international exchange programs.\n\n“International exchange programs are major contributors to the U.S.’ success at home and on the world stage and have long enjoyed bipartisan support. The creation of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus reflects that enduring commitment and showcases Congress’ continued investment in the success of these programs. The Alliance for International Exchange proudly supports the caucus and looks forward to working with its members to promote and protect international exchange programs,” said Alliance for International Exchange Executive Director Mark Overmann.\n\n“As Chair of the Board of the Alliance for International Exchange, I am proud to support the establishment of the Congressional International Exchanges Caucus. This bipartisan effort recognizes that exchange programs are a cornerstone of American national security. By bringing emerging leaders to our shores and sending Americans to live, work, and study in regions of strategic importance, the U.S. reinforces its position through investment in American soft power. With the caucus now official, we look forward to advancing policies that protect these vital programs, ensuring they continue to serve as a high-return investment in American influence and security,” said AFS-USA CEO and President Tara Hofmann.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-directly-secures-over-3-million-for-the-university-of-west-alabama-city-of-livingston/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures Over $3 Million for the University of West Alabama, City of Livingston", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, recently directly secured $3.093 million for University of West Alabama (UWA) and the City of Livingston in the Fiscal Year (FY) 26 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This funding will support upgrading and expanding a storm drain on the UWA campus in downtown Livingston. In total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding.\n\n“This $3 million is a meaningful investment in the University of West Alabama and the city of Livingston,” said Senator Britt.“Alabamians know all too well the impacts of severe weather, and it’s critical that we mitigate potential flooding, infrastructure damage, and threats to public safety in the aftermath of a weather event. This funding will result in a safer, more resilient community for Livingston and the entire UWA campus.”\n\nPhoto courtesy of the University of West Alabama\n\nThe City of Livingston will partner with UWA on a joint project to upgrade and expand a section of storm drainage infrastructure within the city that is located in the center of the UWA campus and exits to runoff ditches into the Sucarnoochee River. This collaborative effort to improve disaster mitigation infrastructure will improve safety for both students and local residents.\n\nThe current drainage system is outdated and unable to drain during heavy rain which causes flooding to UWA’s campus sidewalks, roads, parking lots, and some facilities. This outdated drainage infrastructure is not reliable for water runoff from current facilities and is a challenge for any future construction sites in that area of campus.\n\nPhoto courtesy of the University of West Alabama\n\n“We are deeply appreciative of Senator Britt’s continued support for our region, and we are honored to partner with the City of Livingston to activate the infrastructure development project that will improve safety, strengthen campus and community connectivity, support future construction, and help position Livingston and Sumter County for new investment and job creation,”said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch.\n\n“Every step that we take to enhance safety and livability for our students to be active in our community strengthens their connection to the University and surrounding areas,” Fritch said. “Collaboration with city, state, county, and federal entities is critical to the University’s ability to serve our students in through growth and development of the place they call home while they are here.”\n\n“This is a big win for Livingston and for The University of West Alabama,” said Livingston Mayor Bird Dial. “When we improve infrastructure, we are not just fixing streets or sidewalks—we are making our community safer, stronger, and better prepared for growth. UWA is part of the heart of Livingston, and what helps the University helps our city, our families, and our future. We appreciate Senator Britt’s support and the partnership that helped make this possible.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-representative-stefanik-lead-republican-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-for-ivy-league-universitys-failure-to-prevent-tragic-deaths/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt, Representative Stefanik Lead Republican Colleagues in Demanding Answers for Ivy League University’s Failure to Prevent Tragic Deaths", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) led 10 of their Republican colleagues in the United States Senate and House of Representatives to demand answers from Brown University President Christina Paxson on the University’s failure in December of 2025 to prevent the tragic deaths of two of their students, including Alabamian Ella Cook, and wounding of nine others.\n\n“We write as concerned Members of the United States Congress to express profound outrage and demand accountability for the tragic and preventable murders that occurred on the Brown University campus on December 13, 2025. The deaths of Ella Cook, Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, and the wounding of nine others were not unforeseeable tragedies. Public reporting, sworn testimony, police union statements, Brown’s public records, and the assailant’s own words clearly establish that these deaths were made possible by more than a decade of deliberate policy decisions that prioritized activists’ radical demands over student safety,” wrote the members of Congress.\n\nThe members of Congress go on to recount Brown University’s consistent caving to far-left, anti-law enforcement activists, putting the safety and security of their students at risk, noting the following:\n\n“After more than a decade of poor choices, Brown leadership’s decisions left its campus and students vulnerable on December 13, 2025. The University had only five officers on duty, a system of non-functional or unstaffed security cameras, and ignored multiple warnings from campus employees about the assailant. These alarming failures, compounded by an incomprehensible 17-minute delay in activating the BrownAlert system, allowed the assailant to fire off 44 unchallenged shots – killing two innocent students and injuring nine others. Brown’s mistakes were not isolated lapses; they were the predictable outcome of an institutional culture so corroded that it treated legitimate law enforcement and physical security as ideological threats rather than essential protections.”\n\nSenator Britt, Representative Stefanik, and the other members of Congress believe that Brown University is in clear violation of the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act and are demanding answers from Brown on how this tragedy occurred, posing several questions to President Paxson.\n\nThe list of questions can be seen in the full letter here. The members of Congress are demanding a response to their questions no later than June 1, 2026.\n\nSenators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Dale Strong (R-Ala.), and Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) are the additional signees.\n\nSenator Britt recently questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon during a Senate Appropriations Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, where she used her time to discuss Brown University’s total failure. You can watch Senator Britt’s full remarks from that hearing here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-ben-ray-lujan-unveil-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-industrial-water-reuse-protect-community-drinking-water-and-promote-responsible-water-management/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ben Ray Luján Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Boost Industrial Water Reuse, Protect Community Drinking Water, and Promote Responsible Water Management", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) today introduced the Advancing Water Reuse Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide a federal tax incentive for manufacturers and other industrial entities that invest in water reuse technologies.\n\nWater reuse is the process of intentionally capturing and treating wastewater, stormwater, saltwater, or graywater to make it suitable for beneficial freshwater uses, including industrial processes, irrigation, and groundwater replenishment.\n\n“A safe, reliable supply of freshwater is crucial to facilitating economic development while ensuring Americans across the country have access to clean water,” said Senator Britt. “In Alabama, water reuse technologies are being developed and incorporated across industries to reduce demand on freshwater supply and mitigate strain on our aging water infrastructure. I’m proud to have worked on this legislation with Senator Luján that promotes responsible water management so residents have safe drinking water, farmers have the water they need to grow our food, and industries have the capacity to continue investing in our communities.”\n\nAs the nation’s aging water infrastructure struggles to keep up with public and private demand, it is critical that we promote technology that allows us to reuse our supply efficiently. The Advancing Water Reuse Act will expand investments in water reuse to protect residential consumers from the increased utility bills, reduce demand on freshwater supplies, and spur business development and job growth.\n\n“In New Mexico, water is critical to our families, communities, and local economies,” said Senator Luján. “As demand for freshwater continues to grow, we need smart and forward-looking solutions to protect our vital resources and strengthen long-term water security. That’s why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Britt to incentivize investments in water reuse infrastructure that will help conserve freshwater, support local communities, and provide businesses the certainty they need to grow and create jobs. Expanding water reuse can help reduce strain on existing water supplies, protect drinking water resources, and ensure communities across the country have access to reliable water.”\n\n“Water is the fuel of our growing economy. Businesses need local, reliable, and cost-effective strategies that protect water resources for the communities in which they operate,” said WateReuse Association Executive Director Bruno Pigott. “WateReuse Association applauds Senators Britt and Luján for introducing legislation to unleash the potential of industrial water reuse for the American economy.”\n\nThe Advancing Water Reuse Act increases the use of recycled water and encourages partnerships between businesses and municipal water recycling systems, while creating a 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for qualifying water reuse projects.\n\n“To meet rising industrial water demand, the focus must shift from short-term supply solutions to long-term resilience. Embedding water reuse into core infrastructure strategies will help industries future-proof operations while strengthening both economic resilience and water security—particularly as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and other growth industries accelerate. The Advancing Water Reuse Act is an important step toward scaling industrial water reuse in the United States, reducing pressure on freshwater supplies while supporting the innovation driving the AI economy. We commend Senator Ben Ray Luján and Senator Katie Britt for introducing bipartisan legislation that recognizes water reuse as both an economic and water security imperative,” said Josh Mahan, Senior Director, Government and Industry Relations at Xylem\n\nThis legislation covers projects that support the installation or expansion of onsite water recycling systems at manufacturing operations and food processing facilities, as well as other high-demand industrial entities. It also covers projects that replace the use of freshwater with recycled water from a municipal water provider for the production of goods or that builds or expands a municipal water recycling system for the purpose of securing recycled water.\n\n“Veralto strongly supports the Water Reuse Investment Tax Credit and applauds the bipartisan Senate leaders advancing this first‑of‑its‑kind effort. As water stress continues to grow in the U.S., water reuse is becoming an essential part of building more resilient water systems including detecting and destroying contaminants before water leaves an industrial site. This tax credit would help reduce cost barriers and accelerate investment in innovative water solutions across critical industries, including manufacturing, energy, and water-intensive infrastructure.” – Melissa Kapity, Senior Vice President and Chief Segment Officer, Water Quality, Veralto\n\nThe Advancing Water Reuse Act is supported by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, American Public Works Association, American Water Works Association, Epic Cleantec, Grundfos, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, National Water Resources Association, Pacific Institute, PepsiCo, Plumbing Manufacturers International, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Veolia, Water Environment Federation, Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association, WateReuse Association, and Xylem.\n\nFull bill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/05/13/budd-releases-statement-after-fema-announces-over-38-million-for-hurricane-helene-recovery/", "title": "Budd Releases Statement After FEMA Announces Over $38 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.budd.senate.gov", "scraper": "budd", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001305", "name": "Ted Budd", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "TOTAL PROJECT COSTFEMA SHAREFEDERAL COST SHAREGRANT TYPESUMMARY$1,476,385.00$1,328,746.5090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Yancey County: State Routes 1136 Banks Creek Bridge, 1102 Colbert’s Creek Road Bridge, and 1425 Phillips Road Bridge Declaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,328,746.50 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $4,097,347.23$3,687,612.5190%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Yancey County: State Routes 1153, 1158, and 1357Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This award provides $3,687,612.51 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,578,279.18$1,420,451.2790%PAMOUNTAIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE – Beech Mountain Substation Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This award provides $1,420,451.27 in federal funding to the Mountain Electric Cooperative for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $3,468,899.96$3,122,009.9790%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Mitchell County: State Route 1305 Whitson Branch Road Declaration Date: 9/28/2024 This award provides $3,122,009.97 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $6,028,561.52$5,425,705.3790%PAFRENCH BROAD ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION – Capitola Hydroelectric Power Plant\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $5,425,705.37 in federal funding to the French Broad Electric Membership Corporation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $3,860,852.53$3,474,767.2890%PAWATAUGA COUNTYDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024 This award provides $3,474,767.28 in federal funding to Watauga County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $1,479,009.50$1,331,108.5590%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Buncombe County: State Routes 1368,1741, 2546, 3446, 3449, 3451, 3454, 3460, 3495, 3496, 3497 and 3565\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,331,108.55 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$2,936,109.92$2,642,498.9390%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024 This award provides $2,642,498.93 in federal funding to the North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $4,537,158.49$4,083,442.6590%PANORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $4,083,442.65 in federal funding to the North Carolina Emergency Management for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $2,859,496.47$2,573,546.8390%PAYANCEY COUNTY\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $2,573,546.83 in federal funding to Yancey County for debris removal operations as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 407 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. $2,946,480.53$2,651,832.4890%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 McDowell County: State Route 1448 Laurel Lane\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $2,651,832.48 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$2,250,000.00$2,025,000.0090%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 14 Transylvania County: State Route 1159 Old Country Home Road\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides$2,025,000.00 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a direct result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$1,450,552.45$1,305,497.2190%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Yancey County: State Route 1388 Elk Shoals Creek Road\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,305,497.21 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.$2,057,828.40$1,852,045.5690%PANC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – Division 13 Buncombe County: State Route 2786 Flat Creek Road\n\nDeclaration Date: 9/28/2024\n\nThis award provides $1,852,045.56 in federal funding to the NC Department of Transportation for permanent repairs as a result of FEMA-DR-4827-NC (Tropical Storm Helene). This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-grills-usfs-chief-on-trump-admin-withholding-wildfire-funds-crucial-for-wa-preparedness-ahead-of-peak-fire-season", "title": "Cantwell Grills USFS Chief on Trump Admin Withholding Wildfire Funds Crucial for WA Preparedness Ahead of Peak Fire Season", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "scraper": "cantwell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000127", "name": "Maria Cantwell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Cantwell Grills USFS Chief on Trump Admin Withholding Wildfire Funds Crucial for WA Preparedness Ahead of Peak Fire Season\n\nEarlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unexpectedly changed the terms for states to receive federal dollars, effectively cutting off their funding as the West heads into peak wildfire season; WA communities are waiting on $49 million to help with wildfire response and forest management; Cantwell: “When are the dollars going to be out the door?”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, quizzed United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz on the Trump administration’s abrupt change to the Department of Agriculture’s “terms and conditions” for federal funding that has for years have gone to help states fight wildfires and manage forests. These new terms effectively blocked states, particularly Democratic states, from receiving desperately needed federal support ahead of an active wildfire season.\n\n“I'm very concerned, because we don't seem to be prepared on the front lines here. Because of the new restrictions on the Department of Agriculture's grants and contracts, the State of Washington cannot release $49 million in funding to help fight fires and manage our forests,” Sen. Cantwell said. “How can we get your commitment to reverse that and get this money out the door?”\n\nSchultz responded: “We've been working extensively with the states on this issue […] in terms of firefighting capacity, that is not being impacted. When it comes to local grant money–”\n\nSen. Cantwell cut him off: “Well, wait. The dollars aren't out the door. So, when are the dollars going to be out the door? That's what I want to know, because paperwork isn't what we need right now. These are funds that flow every year normally, but now aren't flowing.”\n\nSchultz: “There is litigation by some states on some of these issues. So some of this is in the courts. The states can sign these agreements tomorrow, if they choose to sign them.”\n\nSen. Cantwell: “What are you still working on?\n\nChief Schultz: “We're explaining the rationale behind the terms and conditions.”\n\nSen. Cantwell: “Okay, I was just telling you – I don't like the terms and conditions because the money isn't flowing in a fire year that is growing in intensity. I'm just saying I need a commitment that you're going to resolve those.”\n\nWildfire-prone states rely on the U.S. Forest Service for regularly allocated federal funds that help them fight and prevent fires, especially in rural areas with fewer municipal resources. In December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued changes to the terms and conditions for allocating that federal funding and entering into management agreements with states. One change to the terms and conditions requires states to follow Trump Administration Executive Orders, including the Executive Order on diversity, immigration, and gender identity – contract terms that in some cases directly conflict with state laws.\n\nREAD MORE:\n\nThe Washington State Standard: Trump’s new conditions on DEI, immigration could cut off states’ wildfire funding\n\nAs a result, the state of Washington cannot release $49 million in federal funding as communities across the state prepare for a wildfire season that will impact the entire state of Washington. Funding includes $28.6 million in Community Wildfire Defense Grants (CWDG) which are funds are set aside for wildfire prevention in and near communities that are in wildfire prone areas. Prevention activities include wildfire fuel reduction, education for individual homeowners to help reduce fire risk on their property, and hiring personnel to complete this critical work. CWDG grants being held up include:\n\n$4.21 million for Okanogan County Electric Cooperative;\n\n$9.72 million for Columbia Land Trust;\n\n$9.25 million for Spokane Conservation District;\n\n$5.5 million for Spokane Valley Fire Department.\n\nAdditional missing funds include:\n\n$4.4 million in Volunteer Fire Assistance and State Fire assistance funds, which provide training and equipment to local, volunteer firefighters that serve in 84% of the fire departments in Washington state.\n\n$3.4 million in Washington State Department of Natural Resources Forest Resilience Division Grants. This includes over $1.6 million for hazardous fuels reduction work for communities that are in the Wildland-Urban Interface in Northwest, Southwest, Eastern, and Central Washington, and communities on the Olympic Peninsula.\n\n$6 million in Good Neighbor Authority funds that allow states to do Forest Service management work on their lands. Currently, there is 80 million board feet of timber which is worth $42 million dollars that cannot be delivered to local wood product markets.\n\nThe National Interagency Fire Center’s updated outlook maps for summer 2026 predict an elevated fire risk in most of Washington state in June and July. In August, the outlook for elevated wildfire risk encompasses all of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.\n\nVideo of Sen. Cantwell’s exchange with Schultz is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nIn January, Sen. Cantwell led the charge to prevent massive budget cuts pursued by the Trump administration that would have eliminated funding for volunteer wildland firefighters, training, and equipment that private, local, and state landowners use to reduce wildland fire risk.\n\nIn July, Sen. Cantwell grilled Schultz about why the Trump Administration was withholding an estimated $20 million from DNR for the 2025 firefighting season and future fire seasons. Those funds came from the FY25 State, Private, and Tribal Forestry program – yet another program that President Trump’s budget would have eliminated.\n\nIn March 2025 – following reports of widespread firings across the USFS and the USDA – Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Schultz requesting immediate reinstatement, as well as more details about the fired Washington state personnel certified for wildland firefighting.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-capito-asks-nrc-commissioners-about-advance-act-implementation-and-increased-efficiency", "title": "Chairman Capito Asks NRC Commissioners About ADVANCE Act Implementation and Increased Efficiency", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing examining the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.\n\nDuring the hearing, Chairman Capito asked Chairman Nieh about the increased efficiencies that the Commission has witnessed as a result of the ADVANCE Act and the ways those efficiencies are reflected in the FY 2027 budget. She also asked Commissioners Crowell and Wright about their perspectives on NRC staffing and how the Agency can best respond to changing workloads. In her second round of questions, Chairman Capito also asked Commissioner Wright about changes in the Agency’s culture since the passage of the ADVANCE Act.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nBUDGET EFFICIENCY\n\nChairman Capito:\n\n“Let’s just talk first with Chairman Nieh about the proposed budget, which is nearly $80 million lower than the enacted budget of Fiscal Year 2026. The proposal realizes much of the savings that Congress envisioned when we put together the ADVANCE Act, which directed the Agency to be more efficient in its licensing and oversight program, and in doing so lowering those regulatory costs paid by the industry. Will you please, Chairman Nieh, briefly summarize and quantify key cost savings that are included in this budget that would have been as a result of the ADVANCE Act?”\n\nNRC Chairman Ho Nieh:\n\n“[…] so, as you mentioned, there is significant reductions through the provisions in the ADVANCE Act that we’re building into how we do business. In licensing alone, we’ve reduced costs by approximately $6 million and 30 full-time equivalents, and in the oversight program, we’ve reduced costs around $9 million and 40 full-time equivalents. There are other reductions that we have implemented as well in the corporate support area—again, another area of focus through the ADVANCE Act. So, taken together with the ADVCANCE Act alone, the focus on disciplined milestones and achieving efficiencies with that enabling mindset has enabled us to really deliver this value back to the country and so we can really execute our work at the best efficiency possible. […]”\n\nNEED FOR APPROPRIATE STAFFING LEVELS\n\nChairman Capito:\n\n“The next question I have is related to—several of you addressed this in your opening statements—and that’s appropriate staffing levels. Many of you noted a lot of folks had left the Agency, and so we’re seeing a dramatically different NRC. So, I want to start with Commissioner Crowell on this one. The proposed budget for NRC appears to include a notable reduction of staff, yet the licensing and regulatory work that the Agency is accomplishing is significant and ahead of schedule. What is your assessment—and you alluded to this in your statement—of the staffing needs in the budget and how does that align with future workload?”\n\nNRC Commissioner Bradley Crowell:\n\n“My concern in this regard is that these accelerated timelines and efficiencies that we’ve been able to achieve will be vulnerable to a dynamic in FY27 and beyond where we have an increased workload that will require us to review multiple applications at the same time. Right now, we’re able to meet some of these aggressive goals because we’re pretty much in a one-at-a-time framework. When that becomes multiple applications for different technologies, that’s going to be more challenging. I’m also concerned about having the right knowledge skillsets to appropriately review some of the advanced reactor technologies that we expect to come before the Commission.”\n\nChairman Capito:\n\n“Commissioner Weaver, what would be your perspective on that? What is your view of how the Commission intends to address the human capital challenges as it faces the updates and continues to do the licensing and regulatory work?”\n\nNRC Commissioner Douglas Weaver:\n\n“In addition to the efficiencies that the Chairman mentioned, we’re not simply doing the same old way of doing our work and trying to do it faster with fewer people. We’re fundamentally changing the way we do licensing. We’re using risk-informed, performance-based regulations and approaches, and what that means is we focus on what matters the most, and we spend our time on what really impacts safety. In that way, we can be more efficient, use less resources and still have good safety outcomes. It’s true, we need to hire at this point, and I happened to check our website. We have, I think, 15 or more postings, and we’re looking to hire approximately 80 people from primarily outside the Agency. We also have, I believe, 30 interns coming this summer, so we are hiring to fill the critical needs right now.”\n\nNRC CULTURE CHANGE\n\nChairman Capito:\n\n“Chairman Wright, […] Senator Whitehouse and I just had a brief conversation about past hearings with the NRC not quite having as much camaraderie between Commissioners in terms of being able to get things done. Briefly, can you describe, is there a culture change at the Commission-level, and how do you see that?”\n\nNRC Commissioner David Wright:\n\n“Oh absolutely. […] Everything flows through what the first requirement was out of the ADVANCE Act—that’s foundational to everything—was the adoption of the new Mission Statement. I worked very closely with Commissioner Crowell, and then Marzano came on near the end of it. The others are now here to help and to bring it forward. Everything flows from this Mission Statement, and it’s connected to everyone through it—Commission, reactors, IT, international programs, fuels and other nuclear materials, medical stuff. Everything and everything is connected. So, I think, that right there, everyone is leaning into it, even the Commissioners themselves, and we have a very good relationship.”\n\nChairman Capito:\n\n“Good. And I would say the direction of redoing the Mission Statement came from the bipartisan ADVANCE Act, so I guess we can share a little bit of the credit for that.”\n\nClick HEREto view Chairman Capito’s first round of questions.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-capito-opening-statement-at-hearing-to-examine-proposed-nrc-fy2027-budget", "title": "Chairman Capito Opening Statement at Hearing to Examine Proposed NRC FY2027 Budget", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing examining the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.\n\nIn her opening remarks, Chairman Capito discussed recent changes made under Chairman Nieh’s leadership at the NRC to streamline the Commission’s efforts and to enable the safe use and expansion of nuclear energy. Chairman Capito also described how increased efficiencies within the NRC have resulted in savings that are reflected in the Commission’s 2027 budget request.\n\nBelow is the opening statementof Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.\n\n“Good morning and thank you for joining us today as we hear from members of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on the NRC’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027. This is the first time that the Committee is hearing from Chairman Nieh and Commissioner Weaver, as they were confirmed last year with bipartisan support.\n\n“Since being designated Chairman on January the 8th, Chairman Nieh has been actively overseeing the implementation of the ADVANCE Act, Executive Order 14300, while also making sure licenses are efficiently reviewed and approved.\n\n“Because of Commissioner Wright’s tenure as Chairman throughout 2025, the NRC was well-positioned to accelerate its work under Chairman Nieh. Commissioner Wright, thank you for your steady hand last year. We really appreciate it.\n\n“Of particular note, Commissioner Wright worked with Commissioner Crowell to update the NRC’s Mission Statement to align with today’s reality that we need to preserve and rapidly expand nuclear capacity. Thank you both for that. That goal will be achieved by the NRC enabling the safe and secure use of radioactive material and nuclear energy.\n\n“This updated Mission Statement is paying dividends as the Commission, the NRC staff and the industry undergoes a rapid change. This rapid change is partially driven by the bipartisan efforts of this Committee to get the NRC to do its work smarter, faster and cheaper, and to do so without compromising the Agency’s foundational goal of ensuring nuclear safety.\n\n“I have previously expressed caution, particularly with the likelihood of unintended consequences, about the potential impacts of creating regulatory uncertainty if the NRC does not accomplish its task deliberately.\n\n“So far, the Commission’s work is encouraging, but the most consequential work I do believe still remains in front of us. The Commission’s proposed 2027 budget reflects the Agency’s recent successes, accounts for high-priority ongoing work and forecasts expected workload.\n\n“One success was when the Commission re-baselined its primary reactor oversight and inspection programs earlier this year, which will yield savings both for staffing and funding. I have previously supported this long-running effort to reexamine the Reactor Oversight Process, so I am pleased to see the Commission ambitiously move forward with this initiative.\n\n“The Commission has also approved an Agency reorganization that aligns the NRC staff with current and projected work, consolidates unnecessary administrative staffing and eliminates levels of bureaucracy.\n\n“The NRC is in the midst of a wholesale review and revision of its regulations. This broad effort requires more near-term resources for rulemaking, but it should result in long-term budget savings.\n\n“Most importantly, the NRC is projecting an increase of licensing work, the purpose for which the Agency exists. That licensing work will be completed faster and with fewer staff due to efficiencies that were directed by this Congress in the ADVANCE Act.\n\n“Those licensing efficiencies are already evident. The NRC recently completed the fastest ever subsequent license renewal for a reactor, nearly cutting in half the time and cost of what was normal at the Agency two years ago.\n\n“The multitude of these changes heighten the importance of the Commission’s strategic planning, its role in developing and executing the Agency’s budget and in modeling the leadership traits that are needed to sustain the changing culture we are seeing at the NRC.\n\n“I want to thank the Commission for both the efficiency for which you are working and the thoughtfulness for which you are fulfilling your responsibilities. For example, at the recommendation of Commissioner Marzano, the Commission directed the staff to develop a change management plan to ensure that the new organizational structure is clearly communicated and deliberately undertaken. This will help make the Commission’s actions successful and durable.\n\n“I would also like to commend Chairman Nieh, the entire Commission and the NRC staff for working in a bipartisan way with this Committee to keep us informed about their work.\n\n“As we discuss the NRC’s budget proposal today, I will explore how the initial positive steps will be translated into an enduring framework that can deliver what Congress, the administration, industry and the public expect from our nation’s nuclear safety regulator.\n\n“As States across the country, including my state of West Virginia, consider nuclear power’s potential meet the growing energy demand, I expect the NRC will prove through its actions that it will not be an obstacle to reliable, clean electricity generation.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-rural-broadband-protection-act-signed-into-law", "title": "ICYMI: Rural Broadband Protection Act Signed Into Law", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Rural Broadband Protection Act (RBPA), legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and John Curtis (R-Utah), was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on Monday, May 11, 2026. The bill would require a more thorough vetting and verification process for internet service providers (ISP) seeking to participate in the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) high-cost programs.\n\nRBPA will add accountability and transparency to closing the digital divide, as well as provide essential safeguards to the Universal Service Funds high-cost program by ensuring funding goes to companies with both a proven track record of success, and who have demonstrated sound judgement in deploying in hard-to-serve areas.\n\n“I am thrilled to see this legislation become the law of the land,” Senator Capito said. “I originally introduced RBPA in 2022 because of the countless conversations I had with West Virginians made it clear that the FCC needs congressional direction to ensure taxpayer money is being used properly to fund broadband deployment in rural areas. This legislation will streamline broadband dollars coming to West Virginia to our providers, and move toward our goal of closing the digital divide in communities of all sizes across our state.”\n\n“We should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in Minnesota — regardless of their zip code,” Senator Klobuchar said. “This law will help Americans connect to work, school, health care, and business opportunities by ensuring the companies that apply for federal funding to build out broadband infrastructure can get the job done. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to close the digital divide and ensure Minnesota families can reliably access the high-speed internet they need.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe FCC’s High Cost program provides funding to telecom carriers to provide service in rural areas where the market alone cannot support the substantial cost of deploying network infrastructure and provide connectivity. Historically, it has subsidized voice service to ensure that rates in rural and urban areas are reasonably comparable. But with a series of reform orders that began in 2011, the FCC is modernizing the High Cost program to support broadband to ensure that all people in America – no matter where they live – have access to robust, affordable connectivity to fully participate in today’s society.\n\nFor bill text, click here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-participates-in-interior-subcommittee-hearing-on-epa-budget", "title": "VIDEO: Capito Participates in Interior Subcommittee Hearing on EPA Budget", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "To watch Senator Capito's line of questioning, click here or the image above.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Appropriations Committee, participated in an Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin. The purpose of the hearing was to consider President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the EPA, as well as the many priorities of the agency.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nON EPA’S 2024 FINAL RULE ON WASTEWATER DISCHARGE FROM COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS AND WAYS TO ADDRESS THIS RULE:\n\nSenator Capito:\n\n“You heard from our energy producers about the Biden administration ELG rule for power plants. The 2024 rule was very egregious to try to eliminate coal from our nation's energy mix, because it came on the heels of a regulation that said ELG for the same power plants in 2020, and many of the plants made those investments in dollars with the 2020 standard that required water discharged would meet drinking water standards, only to have those requirements shift a few years later. The Biden rule took a completely different approach by requiring plans to eliminate discharges altogether, which would meet stranding those investments that were made in 2020. At the end of 2025, you finalized a rule that extended compliance periods for 2020 and 2024 ELG rules and provided a pathway for the coal plants to come into compliance. These actions were extremely helpful, and preserving baseload power, which we desperately needed this winter we saw, and also protecting rate payers. So, looking forward, it will be important to provide assurance that the 2024 liquid discharge standard will not go into effect, especially in areas where it's more humid, which may make it even more than impossible to meet that standard. Can you give us an update on the EPA's next steps addressing the ELG rule for our coal plants?”\n\nAdministrator Zeldin:\n\n“it's a multi-step process. The 1st was extending a compliance as we go through reconsideration. There were tremendous costs, as you well know, impacted greatly by your own people, with the added costs that was estimated into the billions of dollars. We are current, and the finalization of that rule that you cited was December 23rd. We are moving through the next phase of EPA's reconsideration of the ‘24 rule. It will reevaluate the effluent limitations for unmanaged combustion residual leachate, and unlike the Biden administration, we are going to follow the law in assessing the best available technology economically achievable, which is an important priority that are heard on the ground with you during our visit in West Virginia. So, we will heed that feedback that we got directly from your people as we go to the next phase.”\n\nON WOTUS RULE:\n\nSenator Capito:\n\n“The court decision in Sackett v. EPA correctly interpreted the Clean Water Act, and last year, the EPA and the core under your leadership, proposed a rule to bring those regulations in line with the Sackett decision. That proposed rule faithfully applies the Clean Water Act and the Sackett decision. Not only is EPA doing the right thing by following the best reading of that statute. But the proposal also has the added benefit of providing certainty and durability to the WOTUS definition because of the Supreme Court's decision and Loper Bight. So, I think one of the greatest gifts that you and the president could give to our farmers and those who deal with the WOTUS rule consistently, is to have something that has a durable standard that we can kind of lay this to rest, at least for a short or at least for a period of time. So, do I have your commitment that that is what you are trying to do, fidelity to the statutory text, which you've already said in your opening statement, but also to try to lock in that durable standard that will provide that certainty to the regulatory committee, and then any other comments you have on the WOTUS rule right now?”\n\nAdministrator Zeldin:\n\n“It is absolutely our commitment. It is our desire for as simple. of a definition. Following Sackett to a tee and making sure that we have a new reality in this country where farmers and ranchers and landowners and states don't have to go out and hire attorneys and consultants pay them money to tell them whether or not there's a Water of the United States on their property. We've gone through the public comment period. We take those public comments very seriously. There are a lot of discussions that go on internally, not just within the agency, but also the interagency process, on making sure that every single word of every sentence of this definition is thought, is thought through, is done correctly and is made as durable as possible.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-over-18-9-million-for-louisiana-hurricane-ida-francine-recovery/", "title": "Cassidy Announces Over $18.9 Million for Louisiana Hurricane Ida, Francine Recovery", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $18,928,243.43 in federal funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support disaster recovery and emergency response efforts following Hurricanes Ida and Francine. The funding will assist with debris removal, coastal restoration, and management costs for local and state agencies.\n\n“Louisiana communities know how to clean up, rebuild, and move forward after a storm,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding supports those efforts.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-resolution-backing-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week/", "title": "Cassidy Introduces Resolution Backing Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a resolution recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers during National Police Week. The resolution expresses support for police officers across the country, honors those killed or injured in the line of duty, and calls for increased resources for law enforcement.\n\n“Law enforcement officers run toward danger so the rest of us can live safely,”said Dr. Cassidy. “We should stand with them, honor their sacrifice, and make sure they have the support they need.”\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Justice (R-WV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in introducing the resolution.\n\n“National Police Week is an important time to recognize the sacrifices law enforcement officers have made to serve and protect our communities,” said Senator Blackburn. “As Democrats work to undermine law enforcement at every turn, Republicans will do everything in our power to support the work these men and women do to safeguard the American people every day.”\n\n“This National Police Week, we honor the unwavering commitment and dedication of our law enforcement officers, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Britt. “Across our nation, these brave men and women risk their lives to protect our communities, leaving their homes and putting themselves in harm’s way so we can safely return to ours. Each and every day, they courageously put the safety of others above of their own. I am deeply grateful for their service in upholding the rule of law and strengthening the communities they serve.”\n\n“Law enforcement officers and personnel dedicate their lives every day to selflessly protect their local communities. I’m glad to work with Senator Cassidy on this resolution to celebrate National Police Week and recognize the contributions of our brave men and women in uniform,”said Senator Daines.\n\n“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe and defend the rule of law. They deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our support—not just during National Police Week, but every day of the year. That’s why I’m proud to sign onto the National Police Week Resolution. I’ll keep fighting to make sure we do everything we can to protect those who protect us,” said Senator Justice.\n\n“Leadership is about service to others, and Pennsylvania’s law enforcement officers live that out every day by putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said Senator McCormick. “During National Police Week, we honor their courage, sacrifice, and selfless commitment to serving the public. I’m proud to support this resolution and stand with the brave men and women in blue across our Commonwealth and the nation who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and protect our families.”\n\n“Our police officers stand between chaos and law and order protecting Americans and keeping our communities safe. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring the men and women in blue and ensuring their service, strength, and dedication does not go unnoticed,”said Senator Schmitt.\n\n“Law does not enforce itself; we need men and women willing to risk their lives every day to do that. This National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. While we can never fully repay the debt we owe them, we are forever grateful for the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers across Florida and our nation,” said Senator Scott.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-announces-u-s-mexico-water-treaty-tariff-legislation/", "title": "Cornyn Announces U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty Tariff Legislation", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) previewed that he will introduce the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act, or WATER for Farmers Act, which would impose penalties in the form of tariffs on Mexico if the country continues to violate the 1944 Water Treaty by refusing to send the water they owe to the United States. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.\n\n“Water shortages created by Mexico’s failure to follow this treaty have wreaked havoc on the ability of farmers and ranchers to plan and to tend their crops, which has in turn had a terrible economic cost on our entire state.”\n\n“Further delay of water deliveries could result in bankruptcies, land auctions, more lost jobs, supply chain disruptions, and higher prices at the grocery store for Americans around the country. I’m grateful to Secretary Rubio, the Secretary of State, and Secretary Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their leadership on this issue and for their willingness to engage with Mexico and, indeed, put pressure on them to hold up their end of the bargain, but South Texas farmers cannot wait.”\n\n“The carrot approach is clearly not working, so now it’s time to bring out the sticks. For this reason, I’m introducing legislation called the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers or WATER for Farmers Act, which will impose penalties in the form of tariffs on Mexico if they continue in their delinquency.”\n\n“While this may seem like an extraordinary measure, Mexico has had ample time to make things right.”\n\n“By imposing severe tariffs on Mexico, I hope they will pick up the pace and begin delivering the water that they are already committed to deliver so that South Texas farmers and ranchers will have the predictability they need.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-votes-to-confirm-kevin-warsh-as-federal-reserve-chair/", "title": "Cornyn Votes to Confirm Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Kevin Warsh was confirmed as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve:\n\n“Kevin Warsh has decades of experience in finance and economics that span the public and private sectors, making him an excellent choice by President Trump to serve as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Under Kevin’s leadership, I’m confident the Federal Reserve will chart our nation on a path of prosperity and opportunity, which is why I was proud to support his nomination.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-grassley-legislation-to-combat-organized-retail-theft-passes-house-of-representatives/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Grassley Legislation to Combat Organized Retail Theft Passes House of Representatives", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – During Police Week, legislation led by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to crack down on retail theft schemes passed the House of Representatives. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail and supply chain theft.\n\n“Businesses in the Silver State are facing increasingly elaborate schemes to steal goods, and our law enforcement officers need better tools to combat these interstate criminal operations,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Senator Grassley and I have worked tirelessly for years to pass this commonsense legislation, and I urge my Senate colleagues to quickly pass it into law.”\n\nThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would establish an Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within the Department of Homeland Security that combines expertise from state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as retail industry representatives. The bill would also create new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of organized retail crime and help recapture lost goods and proceeds.\n\nThe Combating Organized Retail Crime Act is supported by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), the Association of American Railroads (AAR), the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), the American Trucking Associations, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), and the Home Depot.\n\nThe text of the House-passed legislation can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cramer-coons-introduce-legislation-to-expand-options-for-retirement-charitable-contributions", "title": "Cramer, Coons Introduce Legislation to Expand Options for Retirement Charitable Contributions", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – As seniors and retirees across America consider estate planning for retirement, they have more options than ever before. In 2022, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) successfully led an effort to include the Legacy IRA Act as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act, allowing seniors to make qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and deduct up to $100,000 in QCDs from their gross income each year.\n\nHowever, other types of retirement accounts are restricted from making tax-free charitable distributions. To make charitable distributions from non-IRA employer-sponsored retirement accounts, like a 401(k), existing law requires seniors to first roll over funds to an IRA.\n\nToday, Cramer and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Charity Parity Act to expand the Legacy IRA program to include common employer-sponsored retirement accounts. These include private sector 401(k)s, public school 403(b)s, and government 457 plans. Making this change means previously idle retirement money can be donated to charities to do beneficial work in local economies and communities.\n\nU.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Mark Warner (D-VA) cosponsored the legislation, and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) introduced the Charity Parity Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”\n\n“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”\n\nThe Charity Parity Act is supported by the American Heart Association; Association of Fundraising Professionals; American Retirement Association; Mental Health America; Salvation Army; National Council of Nonprofits; Independent Sector; The Nonprofit Alliance; National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP); Infant Crisis Services; Mountain Area Health Education Center; The Church Alliance; and Mountain Aging Partners, Inc.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-cornyn-introduce-bill-to-help-secure-us-critical-mineral-supply-chain", "title": "Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Help Secure U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chain", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.cruz.senate.gov", "scraper": "cruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001098", "name": "Ted Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Army Organic Industrial Base Mineral Partnerships Act of 2026. The bill authorizes the U.S. Army to partner with private sector companies to drill for lithium brine at Red River Army Depot and other Army Organic Industrial Base (OIB) facilities nationwide.\n\nSen. Cruz said, “Red River Army Depot sits atop the Smackover Formation, which is one of the largest lithium brine reserves in the United States. The reserves are a critical strategic asset, and enable the production of drones, communication systems, and other systems necessary for America's national security. Developing the reserves will make Texarkana the Army’s premier hub for lithium battery production, and will strengthen America’s critical mineral supply chain. I look forward to advancing this legislation.”\n\nSen. Cornyn said, “China controls the lion’s share of the global supply of critical minerals, posing a serious and imminent threat to our national security. By empowering Army Depots to partner with private entities to extract critical minerals and allowing them to reinvest profits toward mission success, this legislation would reduce dependence on foreign adversaries and bolster our defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”\n\nU.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas-01) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nRep. Moran, \"America’s economic strength and national security depend on our ability to secure critical minerals. By allowing the Army to partner with private industry to extract these minerals we are investing in America’s leadership—and ensuring we never cede that ground to our adversaries or regulatory burdens. I am proud to work with Senator Cruz to introduce this legislation which utilizes America's resources to fuel our success.”\n\nRead the bill texthere.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe United States relies heavily on imports for critical minerals, with limited domestic mining and processing capacity, creating a strategic vulnerability. Red River Army Depot, located on over 15,000 acres within the lithium rich Smackover Formation, presents an opportunity to strengthen domestic supply. Each of the U.S. Army’s organic industrial base sites has the potential to become mineral hubs for the military.\n\nThe Army Organic Industrial Base Mineral Partnerships Act of 2026 would allow the Army to partner with private industry to extract and process critical minerals, including enabling lithium brine extraction to bolster U.S. supply chains and national security.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-cruz-durbin-resolution-urging-the-release-of-political-prisoners-in-china-passes-senate", "title": "Sens. Cruz, Durbin Resolution Urging the Release of Political Prisoners in China Passes Senate", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.cruz.senate.gov", "scraper": "cruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001098", "name": "Ted Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) issued statements following the Senate’s passage of their bipartisan resolution urging President Trump to prioritize securing the release of political prisoners during his current visit to China, including Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife, Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai.\n\nSen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party is an authoritarian regime that jails dissidents, silences religious believers, and violates basic freedoms. The Senate’s passage of this bipartisan resolution underscores that America will continue fighting to secure the release of those wrongfully detained and hold the CCP accountable for these detentions.”\n\nSen. Durbin said, “No one should fear for their lives or suffer political imprisonment for standing up for democracy and freedom. While the Chinese have worked with my office on such cases in the past and made some important gestures, it’s time for the immediate release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and Pang Yu, Ekpar Asat, and Jimmy Lai. Now that this resolution has passed the Senate, I urge President Trump to raise their cases with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his current visit to China.”\n\nClick here to read more about the resolution.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn November 2025, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution by Sens. Cruz and Chris Coons (D-Del.) condemning the CCP for the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin and other leaders of the Zion Church and calling for their release.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-bennet-lead-bipartisan-letter-affirming-u-s-commitments-to-taiwan", "title": "Curtis, Bennet Lead Bipartisan Letter Affirming U.S. Commitments to Taiwan", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Michael Bennet (D-CO), member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led 10 colleagues on a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and asserting there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new U.S. declaratory policy on Taiwan.\n\nIn addition to Curtis and Bennet, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n“For nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan—a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy—defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means to be ‘a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,’ and of ‘grave concern,’” wrote the senators.\n\n“Our commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait—which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond,” continued the senators.\n\n“In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership,” concluded the senators.\n\nThe text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to reaffirm congressional support for the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and our firm belief that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new declaratory policy on Taiwan, consistent with longstanding U.S. commitments including the Six Assurances President Reagan articulated.\n\nFor nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan—a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy—defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means to be “a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,” and of “grave concern.”\n\nOur commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait—which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond.\n\nDuring your tenure in the U.S. Senate, you consistently demonstrated strong support for U.S.-Taiwan relations and for the TRA. In 2017, you joined a bipartisan letter to President Trump stating that the “One China policy, based on the [Taiwan Relations] Act, the Three Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances […] provides the basis for our enduring relationship with Taiwan.” You further emphasized the “bipartisan commitment that we must not waver in providing necessary support for Taiwan to defend itself in the face of China’s ongoing military aggression and the cross-Strait military imbalance.”\n\nThese principles remain true and necessary today. In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-highlights-utahs-nuclear-leadership-calls-for-local-empowerment-in-federal-nuclear-policy", "title": "Curtis Highlights Utah’s Nuclear Leadership, Calls for Local Empowerment in Federal Nuclear Policy", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The full transcript of the exchange is below, and video can be found here.\n\nSenator Curtis: Chairman Nieh, congratulations. Mayor Wright, thank you for your service and for your leadership during that period of time. Some of you will remember from previous hearings that we both share that title in common. Senator Whitehouse, all those lists of accomplishments that you mentioned, I would attribute to him having been a mayor. And if we could just make every member of the Senate a mayor, we would be in good shape.\n\nUtah, as many of you know, is known as the Beehive State. That’s a reminder that working together produces better outcomes. State and local leaders and industry partners often recognize the potential in their communities long before a federal agency thousands of miles away. That’s why I believe federal policy works best when it empowers states and communities instead of imposing a one-size-fits-all solution across the country.\n\nWe also need to acknowledge the reality that comes up repeatedly in these hearings. Our permitting and regulatory processes are too slow, too duplicative, and too unpredictable.\n\nWe should recognize the tremendous opportunity in front of us. America has the talent, resources, innovation, capacity to lead the world in next generation energy development and advanced technologies. But leadership requires a government that can move at the pace of innovation.\n\nSo, let me start, Chairman Nieh, with a question about rulemaking. As you consider new rules, are you looking at anything for making uranium recovery as a plan for that? If so, maybe a timeline please.\n\nThe Honorable Ho K. Nieh: Yes, Senator. The NRC’s efforts for these rulemakings started under the executive order, will cover the entire life cycle of nuclear from the front end to the back end. It’s important that we really look at our regulatory frameworks to make sure that we can enable the entire circle of life in nuclear.\n\nAs you already know, America is too dependent on foreign uranium and enrichment, and we need to fix that. And what we are doing with all of these rules is that when the commercial interests align with the capital resources, workforce, and supply chain to bring new facilities all around the fuel cycle to the NRC, we will have a predictable and credible licensing framework to support that.\n\nCurtis: Thank you. Utah has a request to allow conversion to be added to Utah’s agreement in the state status. I hope the NRC is still on track by to give them an answer by the summer. Can you comment on that?\n\nNieh: I believe we are on track, but I will verify that.\n\nCurtis: Super important. Thank you.\n\nWith that, Utah is actively exploring nuclear as a dependable source of clean baseload power. I think it’s been clear Utah wants to be a leader in this. How is the NRC engaging states to provide clarity around the path forward for deploying nuclear?\n\nNieh: So, Senator, we always stay ready to engage with our state partners through any NRC licensing activities. I would share personally, I’ve been invited to several states to speak about some of the reforms happening at the NRC related to some of the new requirements.\n\nI’ll be, by the end of this month, attending an event in your home state, Senator to do the same. So, we stand ready to engage with the states to ensure that there’s full transparency and awareness about the NRC’s licensing process.\n\nCurtis: Commissioner Wright, please.\n\nThe Honorable David A. Wright: If I could add to that, mayor, I mean, Senator, thank you.\n\nCurtis: Mayor works just fine.\n\nWright: I actually met with the governor’s team, as well as the President of the Senate in Utah and the Speaker of the House, to discuss these things several months ago. I’ve also met personally with Governor Cox and actually appeared in a video with him on the nuclear issues and the nuclear stuff that’s going on in Utah.\n\nSo, we are a resource for the states. I think it’s important. And we will assist them as appropriate, to do exactly what Chairman Nieh was talking about to answer the questions, help them better understand the process and all of it consistent with our mission.\n\nCurtis: Excellent. Good. Chairman, or any of you really, comment, really, to the American taxpayers. You’re looking at these changes. These are the things that are upcoming. How can the American taxpayer be assured that we’re on track, that we’re spending their money well? And what is your message to my constituents back home?\n\nNieh: The message to your constituents is judge us by our actions. We are making our licensing performance more transparent. On our website, there are dashboards that show how we are using resources for licensing. So, there’s increased transparency.\n\nAgain, I’ve set priorities for this agency to operate in a more disciplined and efficient manner. So, my message would be the NRC is enabling the safe use of nuclear technologies in America. And I hope that people in your state will be able to judge that and confirm that through our actions and results.\n\nCurtis: Ranking Member Whitehouse, I’m going to paraphrase something you said in remarks, and I’ll get it wrong, so I’ll apologize. But you kind of classified a couple of different applicants to those who are on their game. They know what they’re doing, and when they do so, they interact well with NRC. Others are not so.\n\nI would introduce a third class. I think of Utah Municipal Power Authority and Power and UAMPS, two municipal organizations in the state of Utah who I would say kind of fall in a third category, who really just don’t have the resources to navigate the way that some of these larger organizations do.\n\nAnd so just a quick question about what you’re doing to ensure applicants who don’t have a wealth of resources know how to navigate this as well, who are good actors and who we want to be players in this in this space.\n\nNieh: One of the most important things we do, Senator, is our pre-application engagement with applicants. That is one of the most valuable things to ensure that there’s clear expectations on what is expected to be in an application.\n\nAnd, you know, it’s very clear that the applications have to contain sufficient information that demonstrate NRC requirements are met. So, we do those discussions upfront, and it really is a prioritization tool for us as well as an agency.\n\nWe can judge through a pre-application engagement what level of maturity the application may be, in, what type of information gaps may exist, and it helps us really prioritize what to focus on.\n\nCurtis: I’m out of time, but thank you for your answers and really thank you for the good work that all of you do as Commissioners. We don’t get very many hearings—and yes, we have our questions and yes, we have our concerns—we don’t get very many hearings when we have a body in front of us that’s really doing really good work and really at a critical point, not just for nuclear, but for energy throughout our whole country.\n\nSo, thank you and I yield my time.\n\nRanking Member Sheldon Whitehouse: And I will accept my friend’s characterization of a third category.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-hosts-small-business-expo-in-utah-highlights-innovation-and-national-competitiveness", "title": "Curtis Hosts Small Business Expo in Utah, Highlights Innovation and National Competitiveness", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "KAYSVILLE—This week, U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT), member of the Senate Small Business Committee, brought together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, educators, innovators, and community leaders from across Utah and the federal government for a small business and innovation expo hosted at Davis Technical College in Kaysville, Utah—emphasizing Utah’s leadership in entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, and technology innovation.\n\n“Our event highlighted the creativity, determination, and forward-thinking leadership that continue to make Utah one of the most attractive states in the country to do business,” said Senator Curtis following the event. “Our state’s economic success reflects its pioneer spirit: willingness to take risks and invest in our communities. By bringing together business leaders and federal agencies, we sparked new partnerships and meaningful conversations about the future of commerce in Utah.”\n\nDuring his opening remarks, Senator Curtis highlighted Utah’s strong entrepreneurial culture, noting that small businesses make up 99 percent of all companies in the state. Drawing from his own experience helping build Utah-based company Action Target, Curtis reflected on the challenges and rewards of growing a business from the ground up. Curtis also pointed to the growing importance of supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing, energy security, and emerging technologies amid increasing global competition from adversarial nations like China.\n\nFind media resources here, details about the event here, and the Senator’s opening remarks here.\n\nThe Senator also discussed recent congressional efforts to support innovation through the reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, commonly referred to as “America’s seed fund.” These programs help small businesses develop technologies that address federal priorities in areas such as defense and health care.\n\nCurtis additionally highlighted the RAMP for Innovators Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) designed to help small businesses bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization. A key section of this legislation was included in the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which was signed into law in April. Read more about the legislation here.\n\nIn addition to representatives from Small Business Administration, Department of War, NASA, and five other federal agencies, the event included speakers and booths from the Utah Small Business Association, Utah Manufacturers Association, 47G, Silicon Slopes, and the World Trade Center Utah, among many others.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/13/daines-and-forest-service-chief-schultz-in-senate-energy-committee-fix-harmful-cottonwood-decision-pass-the-america-the-beautiful-act/", "title": "Daines and Forest Service Chief Schultz in Senate Energy Committee: Fix Harmful Cottonwood Decision, Pass the America the Beautiful Act", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Also Discusses Fix Our Forests Act\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with the United States Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. They discussed the importance of passing Daines’ bill, the America the Beautiful Act, as well as addressing forest management and wildfire concerns in Montana.\n\nWatch the full exchange HERE.\n\nDaines on his “America the Beautiful Act:”\n\nDaines: Chief Schultz, welcome back. It is really good to have you up here before this committee. Two weeks ago, we had a great discussion with Secretary Burgum on the need to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and to get my “America the Beautiful Act” to the President’s desk by July 4th…We don’t have a chair and ranking member in that committee, and I appreciate Angus’ great bipartisan work on that very important committee. But here’s the good news. We just reached 60 cosponsors. We couldn’t even get Mother Teresa named a nice person in the Senate with that many cosponsors, it seems, but we’re there. We’ve got 29 Republicans on it now, so we have majority of the majority, and we have, of course, our Democrats have a majority of their caucuses as well. In fact, on this committee, virtually every member in this committee is now a cosponsor, with an exception of a handful. And 15 percent of that funding, by the way, will go to the Forest Service. Briefly, do you agree that we need to reauthorize the Legacy Registration Fund and get a bill in the President’s desk as soon as possible and hopefully by July 4th?\n\nSchultz: Mr. Chairman, Senator Daines, yes.\n\nDaines on fixing the 9th Circuit Cottonwood ruling:\n\nDaines: Chief Schultz, as you know, I’ve been a longtime advocate of finding a resolution to the Cottonwood versus Forest Service ruling. This was a 2015 decision from the Ninth Circuit, which held that the “Endangered Species Act” requires federal forest managers to halt projects, even those that might help wildlife, and reinitiate consultation on forest plans every time a species is listed new or new habitat is designated. This is contradictory to a 2007 10th Circuit ruling, Forest Guardians versus Forsgren, which only requires site-specific project analysis with new ESA information. Chief Schultz, what have been the consequences of this circuit split, especially in regard to wildfire mitigation and forest restoration?\n\nSchultz: Mr. Chairman, Senator Daines, this legislation would be a huge fix in moving that issue forward.\n\nDaines on passing the “Fix Our Forests Act:”\n\nDaines: Senators Curtis and Sheehy are leading the bipartisan “Fix Our Forest Act”. It seeks to mitigate wildfire severity and impact across the board, and that also includes the Cottonwood Fix. Forest management stakeholders and states across the country are supportive of the bill, and they’re pushing the U.S. Senate to act on this landmark piece of legislation. Chief Schultz, would you agree that passage of this bill would help resolve forest restoration and management processes from your agency?\n\nSchultz: Mr. Chairman, Senator Daines, I would agree.\n\nDaines on supporting the LWCF:\n\nDaines: Chief Schultz, during original negotiations for the Great America Outdoors Act, this is back in 2020, I partnered with your predecessor to remove language that would limit LWCF acquisitions west of the 100th meridian. Can you discuss your vision for the future of LWCF and how it would support the Secretary of the Interior’s directive to expand hunting and fishing access on public lands and remove regulatory barriers?\n\nSchultz: Mr. Chairman, Senator Daines, those funds have been instrumental in both easements and acquisitions, a lot of that providing access for sportsmen, as you mentioned.\n\nDaines on addressing drought and wildfire concerns:\n\nDaines: The wildfire season, got to talk about that. It’s begun. You gave us some very troubling maps here from the SNOTEL with some fires already igniting in Montana. There’s also a lot of anxiety about drought, which increases wildfire risk, of course, threatens watersheds, all of which continues to compound on itself while communities suffer and put at risk. My question is, can you give us an outlook on your strategy to help mitigate the severe drought and wildfire risks for the coming summer months?\n\nSchultz: Mr. Chairman, Senator Daines. In terms of mitigating the conditions, we continue to treat fuels, as we’ve discussed. We continue to sell timber sales. So that’s the mitigation work is something that goes on year-round.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/13/daines-previews-president-trumps-historic-china-visit-on-cnbc/", "title": "Daines Previews President Trump’s Historic China Visit on CNBC", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss President Trump’s historic visit to China.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE.\n\nDaines on his trip to China last week:\n\nI arrived back to the United States late Friday night, but I was in Shanghai for a couple of days and then went to Beijing on that high-speed train. I had four other U.S. senators with me. It was a bipartisan delegation. We spent Thursday of last week with high-level meetings. We met the Premier, Li Qiang. We met the Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, as well as the MPC Chairman. And we were very respectfully received. I think this is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Two of the world’s largest economies, 40 percent of the world’s GDP, the two largest militaries. It’s very important that the United States and China have a constructive relationship. I’m pleased to see President Trump’s leadership in de-escalating the tensions between the two countries and reminding everybody that this is the second time President Trump has been to China. He was there in 2017. Of course, he just arrived in Beijing minutes ago. President Biden never went to China. So kudos to President Trump for continuing to engage with Xi Jinping and to continue to work to stabilize and improve this relationship….\n\n…It was my eighth visit as a U.S. Senator. I’ve been leading delegations there for my entire career in the U.S. Senate. But I first lived in China back in 1992. I was an expat with Procter & Gamble. My wife and I moved over to Guangzhou, leading the expansion of great U.S. brands into that huge market. We had two children born in Hong Kong. And so that six years was foundational in terms of seeing China of that time frame when they were a $500 billion economy, today nearly $20 trillion. One of the other purposes of my visit last week, besides engaging the leadership, and as a precursor certainly President Trump’s visit, and that was to make sure senators see the innovation ecosystem going on in China. World-class innovation occurring in the high-tech space, whether it’s biotech, whether it’s AI, whether it’s chips, automobile manufacturing. It’s jaw-dropping what’s happening right now in China, and that’s why it’s so important. I believe that U.S. businesses are allowed to engage in China to compete with these Chinese companies because they are now rapidly advancing in terms of their capabilities from a technology viewpoint.\n\nDaines on Perdue’s leadership as U.S. Ambassador to China:\n\nI just got to shout out Ambassador David Perdue. I spent a lot of time with David last week. We were both expats working in China in the 90s. He was in Hong Kong back when the Brits still had it. We were in Guangzhou. We then became U.S. senators together in 2014. David and I go back a long ways. And he is a fantastic ambassador. We can’t ask for a better guy to be leading our efforts there diplomatically on the ground in in China. He understands China so well, he has great relationships with the Chinese leadership, and of course, he’s a text message and phone call away from President Trump, which is what you want to have as an ambassador.\n\nDaines on potential outcomes of U.S.-China summit:\n\nClearly, it’s in both leaders’ interests to keep the relationship stable and to de-escalate, not to decouple. We need to continue to work to de-risk certain areas, certainly in rare earths where we have dependencies on China. We hope to see some kind of trade deals come out. I think it’ll be Boeing, beef, and beans is perhaps one idea. They haven’t purchased any Boeing aircraft for nine years. There’s a potential for a large aircraft deal with Boeing. U.S. beef is the largest export market in the world behind the United States, and we’d like to get access to that market, which we once had. It’s been shut down since a year ago in March. Of course, our farmers need more access for soybeans, for wheat, barley, and so forth. So that would be, I think, an important transaction and ought to be fairly straightforward. But we also have to continue to work on the fentanyl precursor issue. That’s something I was working with the Premier on year ago. We’re seeing some progress there. I was talking to our DEA guys on the ground in Beijing last week. We’re starting to get better cooperation with the Chinese authorities to help address this scourge, this poisoning of America with fentanyl and these precursors are sent from China to Mexico. And then, of course, you were talking earlier about the AI. I don’t think we’ll see any breakthroughs there. That’s a tough issue. But perhaps establish a framework or some kind of dialogue going forward where we can keep these two technology superpowers here engaged on this important topic.\n\nDaines on the importance of the Chinese economy for American businesses:\n\nI think if you step back and look at the size and magnitude of China in that market, we tend to be focused on trade deficits, and rightfully so. And trade deficits decrease from $300 billion with China to $200 billion year-over-year. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that the S&P 500 did about $1.2 trillion of top-line revenue business last year with China. China plays a very important role in terms of tying to U.S. businesses and driving our successes here in America directly relating to jobs, fueling top-line revenues, investments in R&D, next-generation development of products. So what’s unprecedented, though, with China… Unlike, for example, the challenge we faced with the Soviet Union and Russia of years ago, is that China now is such a massive economy. They’re second in the world. It’s not even really a close third place. You drop to Japan, but you’ve got nearly a $20 trillion economy in China. But they also now have one of the world’s largest militaries. So it’s both large military and economy. When we were dealing with the Soviet Union years ago, they never had really a large economy. They had a large military. There’s really important reasons from an economic viewpoint and a national security viewpoint that we maintain constructive dialogue and positive back and forth with the Chinese. They play the longer game in some ways better than we do. But I tell you, President Trump, credit to him, two times now he’s visited as President of the United States, something again that President Biden never did.\n\nDaines on U.S. economic dominance:\n\nKudos to free markets and capitalism and God bless America. And that’s what makes us great and why we will continue to win. And President Trump is walking into these discussions. It will be tomorrow, Beijing time, in a position of strength economically speaking and I think China’s economy, while they tout a five percent kind of GDP growth rate, I think the reality is probably closer to two to three percent and they’re seeing some high levels of unemployment with young people probably 15 to 20 percent. We are seeing a massive high rise of empty buildings. They call them the ghost buildings across China, where they’ve overbuilt. They’ve got too much capacity. They’ve got a lot of debt. Their debt problem is much more severe than ours. So we’re in a position of strength, economically speaking, as President Trump walks in with Xi Jinping tomorrow.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-quigley-reintroduce-bicameral-legislation-to-map-urban-flooding-and-help-fema-better-assess-risks", "title": "Duckworth, Durbin, Quigley Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Map Urban Flooding and Help FEMA Better Assess Risks", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) today reintroduced the bicameral Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act. The bill would establish a pilot grant program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to allow cities to develop better methods for mapping, understanding, and mitigating urban flooding while sharing findings with the federal government.\n\n“Every year communities in Illinois and across the country struggle to plan for and recover from urban flooding, which climate change is exacerbating,” said Duckworth. “It’s critical we ensure our cities and towns have the resources they need to prepare for flooding, and this legislation and the pilot program it establishes will do just that. I’m proud to reintroduce our bill to help better understand flood risks, protect home and small business owners and help prevent and mitigate damage caused by urban flooding.”\n\n“It’s undeniable that the climate crisis is bringing more severe flooding to Illinois. Given this, we must ensure that Illinoisans have the resources to protect their lives and homes from flood damage,” said Durbin. “Our Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act is designed to support urban communities in preparing for flood risks while providing our government with the necessary data to develop better preventative solutions.”\n\n“In communities across the country, including Chicagoland, urban flooding has a unique ability to wreak havoc in our communities, leaving Americans feeling helpless in the aftermath. Flooding can cause extensive property damage and impose a massive financial burden on homeowners. Even just a few inches of rain can be dangerous when combined with an out of date and inadequate understanding of the type and location of floods we face,” said Quigley. “I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to give cities and towns the resources and tools they’ll need to proactively address flooding challenges. With the rise in extreme weather events and growing impacts of climate change, I’m hopeful my colleagues will be compelled to recognize the urgent need for this legislation.”\n\nAs states experience more frequent urbanization, many communities have seen a rise in flooding activity, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, melting snow, and aging infrastructure. Many of these urban areas are often outside of regulatory floodplains, leaving residents unprepared when a disaster hits.\n\nUnder the Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act, 12 total cities, varying in size from 50,000 to 800,000 or more residents, would be able to apply for the pilot program, which would select three participant cities per year for four years. The bill would authorize $2 million for Fiscal Year 2027 and $5 million for Fiscal Year 2028 through Fiscal Year 2030 for grants to be made available to states and local government authorities in recognized urban areas. Grant recipients would have 18 months to conduct their projects upon receiving a grant.\n\nThe program would also require lessons-learned reports from both the grant recipients and FEMA over the duration of the program. Project data and reports would be made publicly available to improve urban flood mitigation.\n\nIllinois is home to one of the largest inland systems of rivers, lakes, and streams in the U.S., increasing the state’s flooding risk. Floods are the most common natural disaster in Illinois, accounting for more than 90 percent of the state’s declared disasters.\n\nBill text is available on the Senator's website..\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-house-vote-on-year-round-e15-is-a-win-for-consumers-and-farmers", "title": "Duckworth: House Vote on Year-Round E15 is a Win for Consumers and Farmers", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of allowing the sale of year-round gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol (E15) to support American farmers, help keep consumer costs down, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our national and energy security:\n\n“With gas prices rising to $4.50 a gallon because of Trump’s illegal war of choice, selling E15 year-round would support our farmers and offer consumers a cheaper, cleaner option at the pump while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Prioritizing homegrown biofuels and year-round E15 encourages job growth, ensures future markets for our farmers, strengthens our national security and secures our nation’s leadership in the energy sector for years to come.\n\n“Committing to our agriculture industry and supporting our Midwest farmers is a critical element of our transition to lower emissions. After years of pushing for this policy, I’m pleased the House passed this critical legislation. And if Donald Trump is serious about keeping his promise to lower costs, he would do everything he can to help ensure this legislation passes through the Senate.”\n\nIn the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels. To help increase the availability of E15 biofuels, Duckworth helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. In 2024, she helped introduced the Farm to Fly Act to help accelerate the production and development of SAF. Earlier this year, Duckworth slammed Republicans after Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson secretly stripped a bipartisan compromise on E15 gasoline from must-pass government funding legislation that would have supported American farmers and lowered costs. Duckworth is also a founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Caucus.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-prevent-correctional-officer-suicide", "title": "Duckworth Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Prevent Correctional Officer Suicide", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 to expand access to critical mental health care services and increase federal investments for supporting corrections officers, whose suicide rate is estimated to be seven times higher than that of the general population. Last year, U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01) introduced the companion legislation of this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill is named after Officer Blake Schwarz, a corrections officer at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Thomson in Thomson, Illinois, who tragically died by suicide at age 26.\n\n“Blake’s death is a tragic reminder of the immense emotional and mental strain our correctional officers face and the toll it can take on their well-being,” said Duckworth. “After meeting withBlake’s widow, Michelle, and visiting Thomson, it’s clear we must do more to support the mental health of our corrections officers as they work to protect the public. I’m proud to introduce the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act alongside Congresswoman Miller-Meeks to help ensure no corrections officer faces mental health struggles alone and to help prevent tragedies before more lives are lost.”\n\n“I’ve met with Blake’s widow, visited the Thomson facilities he worked at, and spoken directly with officers who are carrying the weight of this job without the mental health support they need,” said Representative Miller-Meeks. “Blake’s story is a painful reminder that we must do better. This bill takes action to get corrections officers the resources they deserve, break the stigma around mental health, and prevent future tragedies. I'm proud to be leading the House version of this bill and thank Senator Duckworth for leading it in the Senate.”\n\nThis legislation would create a grant program to help provide funding to the Bureau of Prisons, states and localities to carry out mental health screenings, referrals and support services for corrections officers. It would also establish safe harbor protections for officers seeking mental health treatment and create an advisory board to oversee the program and provide technical assistance.\n\nThis bill is endorsed by Michelle Schwarz, widow of Blake Schwarz and former nurse at Thomson Prison, AFGE Local 4070, AFGE District 7, National Fraternal Order of Police, Federal, Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Council of Prison Locals 33 and The Gray Matters Collective.\n\n“Statistics are just the numbers with the tears washed away,” said Michelle Schwarz, widow of Blake Schwarz and former nurse at Thomson Prison. “Unfortunately, my husband is a statistic now, but he’s not just a statistic, he was a father, he was a husband. I want there to be no one else that goes through this, and I want everyone to be able to go home to their sons and daughters and never have to feel like there is no way out. Greater awareness and access to mental health resources could have made all the difference for Blake—and it can still make all the difference for so many others. That’s why I’m urging lawmakers to support the Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act. We owe it to every family to give them hope and real help before it’s too late.”\n\n“As correctional officers, we face pressures and stress that few truly understand. The reality is, our colleagues die by suicide at a rate even higher than police officers — and seven times higher than the general public. This is unacceptable. The Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act gives us a real solution: safe harbor protections that finally allow correctional officers to ask for help without fear of losing their careers. We have to end the stigma around mental health in our profession. This bill is about saving lives, supporting those who protect others, and making it clear that needing help is not a weakness. It’s time we provide the resources and protections our officers deserve,” said Jon Zumkehr, President AFGE Local 4070.\n\n“One of the biggest barriers first responders and public employees face is the fear that if they admit they’re struggling with a mental health crisis, they could lose their job. That fear keeps people silent, and silence is costing lives,” said Jason Anderson, National Vice President of AFGE District 7. “The Safe Harbor Suicide Prevention Program changes that. It creates a clear, consistent pathway for workers to come forward, ask for help, and know they’ll be supported, not punished. It means agencies invest in recovery, provide the time and resources employees need to heal, and ensure that when they’re ready, their job is still there waiting for them.”\n\n“The Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 represents a critical commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of the brave men and women who serve behind prison walls every day. FLEOA proudly supports this legislation because no officer should suffer in silence, and no family should lose a loved one due to a lack of support resources,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).\n\n“The Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2026 is a necessary step toward addressing a growing crisis. This legislation recognizes the unique mental health challenges faced by correctional workers and prioritizes safe harbor, prevention, and access to critical mental health resources. One suicide is too many, we have to act now,” said Brandy Moore-White, National President of Council of Prison Locals 33.\n\n“As someone who has faced my own battles with mental illness and suicidal thoughts, I know just how critical this bill is. We cannot continue to let those who protect and serve us suffer in silence. The time is now to strengthen resources and show our correctional officers that their mental health matters. More people cannot die for us to act. This is the moment. Please act now,” said Haley DeGreve, Founder and Executive Director of The Gray Matters Collective, NFP.\n\nDuckworth has been a strong advocate for investing in our mental health resources, especially for our first responders. In 2022, her bipartisan Public Safety Officer Support Act to honor the public service of police officers, firefighters and emergency responders by supporting the families of public safety officers who are lost to trauma-linked suicides was signed into law by President Biden. In March, Duckworth introduced her pro-Veteran, bipartisan Veterans Health Administration Novel Therapeutics Preparedness Act to increase Veterans’ access to innovative health care and ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is prepared to better care for Veterans with emerging mental health therapies. In April, she reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act that would help expand leave benefits for the millions of devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps and ensure they have access to the same authorized leave available to members of the Armed Services.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-joins-bennet-curtis-in-bipartisan-letter-to-secretary-rubio-reaffirming-us-commitments-to-taiwan", "title": "Duckworth Joins Bennet, Curtis in Bipartisan Letter to Secretary Rubio Reaffirming U.S. Commitments to Taiwan", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Curtis (R-UT) and nine of their Senate colleagues in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and underscoring their belief that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy, nor any new U.S. declaratory policy on Taiwan.\n\n“For nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan—a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy – defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means to be ‘a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,’ and of ‘grave concern,’” wrote the Senators.\n\n“Our commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait—which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond,” continued the Senators.\n\n“In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership,” concluded the Senators.\n\nIn addition to Duckworth, Bennet and Curtis, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\nThe full text of the Senators’ letter is available on the Senator Duckworth's website.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to reaffirm congressional support for the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and our firm belief that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new declaratory policy on Taiwan, consistent with longstanding U.S. commitments including the Six Assurances President Reagan articulated.\n\nFor nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan – a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy –defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non- peaceful means to be “a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,” and of “grave Concern.”\n\nOur commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait – which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond.\n\nDuring your tenure in the U.S. Senate, you consistently demonstrated strong support for U.S.- Taiwan relations and for the TRA. In 2017, you joined a bipartisan letter to President Trump stating that the “One China policy, based on the [Taiwan Relations] Act, the Three Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances [...] provides the basis for our enduring relationship with Taiwan.” You further emphasized the “bipartisan commitment that we must not waver in providing necessary support for Taiwan to defend itself in the face of China’s ongoing military aggression and the cross-Strait military imbalance.”\n\nThese principles remain true and necessary today. In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-for-passage-of-his-legislation-to-ensure-stable-robust-funding-for-biomedical-research", "title": "Durbin Calls For Passage Of His Legislation To Ensure Stable, Robust Funding For Biomedical Research", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The American Cures Act would offer consistent, guaranteed funding to research institutions that helped defeat polio, map the human genome, improve cancer treatment, and more\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) called on his colleagues to pass his American Cures Act, legislation that restores the United States’ commitment to breakthrough scientific and biomedical research. Yesterday, Durbin reintroduced the legislation, which would create mandatory funds to provide steady, predictable funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies, allowing the U.S. to remain a leader in development and discovery for decades to come.\n\n“Every family, like my own, has wrestled with a dangerous medical condition. When you or a loved one receive a diagnosis, there is only one question on your mind: ‘Is there a cure? Is there a treatment?’ Often, thank God, the answer is yes. America’s world-class medical researchers and institutions have pushed the boundaries of science and achieved so many important and life-saving breakthroughs,” Durbin said. “This work is primarily supported by the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. It is not only the nation’s premier medical research agency, it is the world’s premier medical research agency.”\n\nThe American Cures Act would overcome the uncertainty of the annual discretionary appropriations process—in which critical investments for biomedical and scientific research risk being crowded out by other spending—and instead set a steady growth rate in mandatory federal spending for biomedical research conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Each year, the bill would increase medical research funding for these agencies at a rate of medical inflation plus five percent.\n\nOver the past decade, Durbin has pushed for annual five percent funding increases for NIH. Since Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), because of Durbin’s efforts, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent increase in annual funding, raising the appropriations level from $30 billion in FY15 to $49 billion today. The American Cures Act would codify this push ahead of Durbin’s retirement at the end of this term.\n\n“Consider this: between 2010 and 2016, the FDA approved more than 200 new drugs and treatments. Every single one of them benefited from NIH research funding—money well spent. Congress has long recognized the importance of NIH, which is why we, on a bipartisan basis, provided NIH with $19 billion in additional funding over the past decade, a 60 percent increase,” Durbin said. “However, thousands of chronic diseases still need treatments, causing millions of families to suffer. These families are depending on us to support NIH and [its] groundbreaking research today.”\n\nThe reliable, long-term investment that the American Cures Act would provide would allow the agencies to plan and manage strategic growth while maximizing efficiencies and providing certainty to young researchers that there will be opportunities to pursue federally funded research. It also would make additional funding available within the relevant annual appropriations bills—paving the way for other important health, education, labor, veterans’, and defense programs to benefit.\n\nLast year, President Trump’s budget sought to cut NIH’s budget by 40 percent, or an $18 billion reduction. Thankfully, Congress rejected that proposal on a bipartisan basis and instead increased funding for NIH. This year, the President offered a budget that seeks to cut $6 billion from NIH, or 12%, and $3 billion from CDC programs.\n\n“So, this week, I have re-introduced the American Cures Act, which would provide our top medical research agencies with five percent real funding growth every year. My bill would ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of new treatments and would provide researchers with the strong, stable funding they need to continue their lifesaving work,” Durbin said. “This legislation is more important than ever since we currently have a new Administration that seems hellbent on dismantling America’s medical research infrastructure.”\n\nDurbin concluded, “No nation has ever made such a significant investment in science as the United States. No nation’s scientists have ever done more to improve the quality of life on Earth. Through government support for scientific research, we have split the atom, defeated polio, and mapped the human genome. American leadership comes with the responsibility to continue to move forward—to never be satisfied while there are those suffering from sickness and to push the boundaries of what is possible. Let’s pass the American Cures Act on a bipartisan basis and give families facing terrible illnesses today the hope of treatment and cures tomorrow.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available herefor TV Stations.\n\nA copy of the bill text is available here.\n\nU.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) are cosponsors of the legislation.\n\nThe American Cures Act is endorsed by: American Association for Cancer Research; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Research!America; Defense Health Research Consortium; American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; UsAgainstAlzheimer’s; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; University of Illinois System; CURE Epilepsy; National Fragile X Foundation; PKD Foundation; Fight Colorectal Cancer; ZERO Prostate Cancer; KidneyCAN; LUNGevity Foundation; Hope for Stomach Cancer; TSC Alliance; National Ataxia Foundation; and Solve M.E.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-condemns-the-trump-administrations-fda-for-authorizing-the-first-ever-flavored-e-cigarettes-and-allowing-illegal-vape-products-to-remain-on-the-market", "title": "Durbin Condemns The Trump Administration’s FDA For Authorizing The First Ever Flavored E-Cigarettes And Allowing Illegal Vape Products To Remain On The Market", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Following Dr. Makary’s resignation, Durbin: “Why would an Administration supposedly committed to ‘Making America Healthy Again’ unleash this new wave of addiction?”\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today slammed the Trump Administration’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the decision to approve the sale and marketing of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes for the first time, and its decision to allow illegal vaping products—primarily used by children—to remain on the market indefinitely. Durbin’s speech follows the forced resignation of FDA Commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary, who reportedly opposed President Trump’s efforts to make flavored vapes more accessible for children.\n\nDurbin said, “[When I was 14 years old], my father died of lung cancer. Seeing my dad struggle changed my life. I have made it a priority during my time in Congress to spare others from this suffering. We have made significant progress in reducing smoking over the last several decades. After I passed legislation that banned smoking on airplanes, it appeared to be a tipping point, and increasingly we’ve seen tobacco and cigarettes disappear from public spaces. But Big Tobacco did not dissipate like a cloud of smoke. They re-branded with flashy new products: vaping and e-cigarettes. And they followed the same playbook they used to sell Marlboro cigarettes and so many others. They targeted our children in America.”\n\n“Tobacco companies donated to Donald Trump’s election, his inauguration, and his Great Gatsby ballroom—with the expectation of favorable treatment. President Trump’s Administration has delivered for Big Tobacco. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration did something it has never done before. After pressure from President Trump, the FDA authorized the first ever flavored e-cigarettes,” Durbin continued.\n\nDuring his speech, Durbin noted that scientists, doctors, and parents—even the FDA’s own studies—all acknowledge that sweet and fruity flavored e-cigarettes are responsible for addicting children to nicotine. Health experts he has spoken with believe the true number of high schoolers vaping is at least 40 percent.\n\nDurbin said, “These are not kids vaping to quit cigarette smoking—these are kids who first became addicted to nicotine because of flavored vapes. Why would an Administration supposedly committed to ‘Making America Healthy Again’ unleash this new wave of addiction on our children? Formaldehyde, chromium, heavy metals like nickel and lead—all of these are present in e-cigarettes. A recent study found that vaping is likely to cause cancer. We should not trust Big Tobacco when they promise they will not market to kids. We know better.”\n\nOn Friday, FDA granted a free pass to scores of illegal vapes, permitting them to stay on the market without having met the law’s requirement of first proving to FDA that their product is “appropriate for protection of public health.”\n\n“But even that gift to vaping and cigarette titans Altria and RJ Reynolds was not enough to spare the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Yesterday, President Trump forced the resignation [of Dr. Makary]. [He] is gone for his resistance to this expansion of vaping to the high schoolers in America. What a disgraceful display in Washington. The President wants yes-men, no matter the consequences—even if it harms our children. While we did not agree on everything that Dr. Makary did, I appreciated his commitment and focus on protecting children from Big Tobacco,” Durbin said.\n\nDurbin concluded, “Whether it is for drugs, medical devices, or tobacco products—it is never a good idea for the President and the White House to pressure regulators to approve applications. That is a recipe for deadly consequences. As the President’s whims have created dangerous vacancies now at FDA and the CDC, my Republican colleagues should have the nerve and fortitude to call out this alarming, unacceptable, and dangerous behavior and treatment of our children.”\n\nDurbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14 years old. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to bans on smoking in restaurants, office buildings, trains, and other locations. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools.\n\nDuring last month’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products, especially those targeting children.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-questions-witnesses-during-senate-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-protecting-kids-online", "title": "Durbin Questions Witnesses During Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing On Protecting Kids Online", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "During his remarks, Durbin called on the House and the Senate to vote on bills aimed at protecting kids online\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing entitled “From the Courtroom to Congress: Why Landmark Social Media Verdicts Demand Federal Action to Protect Kids Online.” Today’s hearing highlighted the ongoing risk to children and the immediate need for Congress to act on the bipartisan bills reported by the Committee.\n\nDuring his remarks, Durbin reflected on the Judiciary Committee’s January 31, 2024, hearing, held while Durbin was serving as Chair. That hearing featured testimony from the CEOs of social media companies Discord, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and X (formerly known as Twitter). During his opening, Durbin called on the CEOs to come back to the Committee and testify.\n\n“I think it’s time for us on a bipartisan basis to call these CEOs back and ask them what’s happened in two years [since the January 2024 hearing] and talk to them about the losses that have occurred and ask them what they’re doing. I don’t expect straight answers… but that confrontation on a public basis is a way to inform the public of the danger of what we’re talking about [dangers of social media],” said Durbin.\n\nDurbin asked Rachel Lanier, an Attorney at The Lanier Law Firm, about her experience as a trial attorney in a landmark California social media addiction case in which her client, K.G.M., was awarded $6 million in damages from Meta and YouTube. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified during the trial.\n\n“How long was he on the stand?” Durbin asked.\n\nMs. Lanier responded that they were restricted to have him on for only one day because, “He’s very busy.”\n\nDurbin responded, “Well he may be very busy, but your day paid off. I thank you for your efforts.”\n\nDurbin then asked Joann Bogard, a parent whose son Mason died at the age of 15 after attempting a “choking challenge” circulating on YouTube and TikTok, about her experience talking to other parents who have gone through a similar tragedy.\n\n“Have you been able to reach out to [talk] to [others]… about their losses?” Durbin asked.\n\nMs. Bogard responded that she “absolutely” has connected with other parents who have gone through a similar tragic situation. She also said that hundreds of parents have reached out to her. She also emphasized that there needs to be legislation to address the harm of social media on children.\n\n“[I] encourage you in your meeting with the Speaker [Mike Johnson] to ask to make [it] a priority to [address] this issue. He can make a difference. And we need to do our part here. We haven’t taken this issue to the floor yet... It’s time for us to bring it to the floor and have a fulsome debate on it and vote. Before we have another hearing to discuss it, let’s do something about it on a bipartisan basis,” Durbin concluded.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.\n\nThe hearing comes after a jury in New Mexico found that Meta misled users about the safety of its platforms and enabled sexual exploitation of young users and another jury in California found that Meta and Google negligently designed their platforms to be addictive to young users. These two bellwether cases are the first of many court proceedings at both the state and federal levels, but it remains critical that Congress pass federal legislation to hold social media companies accountable.\n\nDurbin has used his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee to prioritize child safety online through hearings, legislation, and oversight efforts.\n\nDurbin and Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) joined forces to reintroduce the bipartisan STOP CSAM Act, which would combat online child sexual abuse material. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously and awaits action on the Senate floor.\n\nIn addition, Durbin and Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) bipartisan Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act) passed the Senate in July 2024 and again in January 2026. The legislation would hold accountable those responsible for the proliferation of nonconsensual, sexually-explicit “deepfake” images and videos. The bill awaits consideration by the House.\n\nDurbin and Graham also introduced the bipartisan Sunset Section 230 Act, which would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against companies. The bill awaits consideration by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-quigley-duckworth-reintroduce-bicameral-legislation-to-map-urban-flooding-and-help-fema-better-assess-risks", "title": "Durbin, Quigley, Duckworth Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation To Map Urban Flooding & Help FEMA Better Assess Risks", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) today reintroduced the bicameral Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act. The bill would establish a pilot grant program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to allow cities to develop better methods for mapping, understanding, and mitigating urban flooding while sharing findings with the federal government.\n\n“It’s undeniable that the climate crisis is bringing more severe flooding to Illinois. Given this, we must ensure that Illinoisans have the resources to protect their lives and homes from flood damage,” said Durbin. “Our Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act is designed to support urban communities in preparing for flood risks while providing our government with the necessary data to develop better preventative solutions.”\n\n“In communities across the country, including Chicagoland, urban flooding has a unique ability to wreak havoc in our communities, leaving Americans feeling helpless in the aftermath. Flooding can cause extensive property damage and impose a massive financial burden on homeowners. Even just a few inches of rain can be dangerous when combined with an out of date and inadequate understanding of the type and location of floods we face,” said Quigley. “I’m proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to give cities and towns the resources and tools they’ll need to proactively address flooding challenges. With the rise in extreme weather events and growing impacts of climate change, I’m hopeful my colleagues will be compelled to recognize the urgent need for this legislation.”\n\n“Every year communities in Illinois and across the country struggle to plan for and recover from urban flooding, which climate change is exacerbating,” said Duckworth. “It’s critical we ensure our cities and towns have the resources they need to prepare for flooding, and this legislation and the pilot program it establishes will do just that. I’m proud to reintroduce our bill to help better understand flood risks, protect home and small business owners and help prevent and mitigate damage caused by urban flooding.”\n\nAs states experience more frequent urbanization, many communities have seen a rise in flooding activity, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, melting snow, and aging infrastructure. Many of these urban areas are often outside of regulatory floodplains, leaving residents unprepared when a disaster hits.\n\nUnder the Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act, 12 total cities, varying in size from 50,000 to 800,000 or more residents, would be able to apply for the pilot program, which would select three participant cities per year for four years. The bill would authorize $2 million for Fiscal Year 2027 and $5 million for Fiscal Year 2028 through Fiscal Year 2030 for grants to be made available to states and local government authorities in recognized urban areas. Grant recipients would have 18 months to conduct their projects upon receiving a grant.\n\nThe program would also require lessons-learned reports from both the grant recipients and FEMA over the duration of the program. Project data and reports would be made publicly available to improve urban flood mitigation.\n\nIllinois is home to one of the largest inland systems of rivers, lakes, and streams in the U.S., increasing the state’s flooding risk. Floods are the most common natural disaster in Illinois, accounting for more than 90 percent of the state’s declared disasters.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-confirmation-of-kevin-warsh-to-be-the-next-federal-reserve-chair", "title": "Durbin Statement On Confirmation Of Kevin Warsh To Be The Next Federal Reserve Chair", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after voting against the nomination of Kevin Warsh to serve as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve:\n\n“Americans are struggling more than ever to afford basic goods, and yesterday, data showed that Trump’s war of choice in Iran has caused inflation to reach 3.8%—the highest in three years. Working families deserve a central bank that will fight for them, not the President and his billionaire buddies. I am not convinced that Mr. Warsh has the willingness to do what is best for the American people. For that reason, I voted no on his nomination.\n\n“I also want to commend Jerome Powell for serving with competency and dignity, and for standing firm in the face of this President’s tirades. The Justice Department must finally put to bed the possibility of pursuing baseless, politicized charges against Chair Powell in the future.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-gsa-administrator-to-finally-address-critical-building-repairs-desperately-needed-at-federal-courthouses-in-chicago", "title": "Durbin Urges GSA Administrator To Finally Address Critical Building Repairs Desperately Needed At Federal Courthouses In Chicago", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In today’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Durbin also urged GSA Administrator Forst to look into converting unused federal buildings into housing units\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in an Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Request for the General Services Administration (GSA). During his questioning, Durbin emphasized the need to swiftly address infrastructure and deferred maintenance issues at federal buildings in Illinois, including the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse and the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse, both of which are in the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL).\n\nDurbin urged GSA Administrator Edward Forst, who testified at today’s hearing, to finally carry out the necessary repairs that the federal court buildings in Chicago desperately need. Last month, Durbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to Administrator Forst, calling on GSA to address its massive deferred maintenance backlog, specifically projects across the NDIL, such as repairs to the magistrate courtroom and chambers of an NDIL Magistrate Judge in the Dirksen Courthouse, where flooding caused a ceiling collapse; replacing lighting fixtures in four courtrooms in the Dirksen Courthouse, where burned-out fixtures cannot be replaced due to unavailable bulbs; beginning the courthouse lobby hardening project to improve security at the Dirksen Courthouse, which was identified as the most important courthouse hardening project in the country following civil unrest; and finishing lighting repairs throughout the Roszkowski Courthouse.\n\n“I joined with Senator Duckworth in sending you a letter about the Northern District of Illinois and the buildings they occupy in the judiciary there,” Durbin said. “It is not as safe as it should be. The courts have been petitioning GSA, and [it’s] going nowhere.”\n\nUrging Administrator Forst to prioritize critical building repairs that are needed to keep federal employees safe over slashing GSA staffing numbers and selling off buildings, Durbin asked: “So you are reducing personnel, reducing inventory of space, and the people that desperately need your attention cannot get your attention or get the resources they need to repair. Is it time we start thinking about restructuring [the priorities of ] your agency in terms of its responsibility, particularly when it comes to security?”\n\nAdministrator Forst replied that security and safety is a priority for GSA. He committed to investigating the necessary repairs at the NDIL courthouses and replying to the Senators’ letter.\n\nDurbin then spoke to Administrator Forst about what actions GSA could take to convert former government buildings into housing units. Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, federal agencies can make underutilized properties owned by the federal government available for housing or housing assistance purposes.\n\n“Is there any way we can get those [homeless assistance organizations and local governments] who convert office buildings into residential to take a look at some of the buildings in your inventory? I spoke to a developer in Chicago who is a close friend, and he said we desperately need housing. What is the prospect of converting a building?... I take it from your reaction we really have not explored that in any specific case yet, have we?” Durbin asked.\n\nAdministrator Forst said that while he has not explored that during his tenure at GSA, he would be open to meeting with developers about converting unused buildings.\n\nVideo of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s question in Committee is available here for TV stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-cracks-down-on-cover-up-of-true-covid-19-origins", "title": "Ernst Cracks Down on Cover-up of True COVID-19 Origins", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, secured new confirmation from a CIA whistleblower that there is evidence government officials covered up COVID’s true origins and made excuses for China’s likely involvement.\n\nAfter years of leading investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 virus, Ernst put a longtime CIA employee, with firsthand knowledge of the intelligence community’s response to the pandemic, on the record about government suppression of origin theories and bureaucratic flaws that enabled the cover-up.\n\nWatch Ernst’s full line of questioning here.\n\n“I’ve long warned about a potential government cover-up of the truth, which our brave witness has confirmed to us today,” said Senator Ernst. “I haven’t backed down from fighting for more information on the true COVID origins, and yet Congress is still here, six years later, begging agencies to share answers and for committees to make relevant documents public…There are a lot of U.S. secrets and secret keepers, without a lot of explanation. It’s time for the secrets to end. Our constituents deserve to know the truth about COVID-19 origins.”\n\nBackground:\n\nErnst has long fought to stop tax dollars from being sent overseas for risky research and to secure answers on the questionable circumstances surrounding the U.S. government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nIn 2021, Ernst requested the Health and Human Services (HHS) OIG investigation of EcoHealth Alliance’s experiments at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which found the group’s work with the Wuhan Institute resulted in enhanced coronaviruses and did not comply with federal reporting requirements. An Ernst-requested investigation also exposed how EcoHealth sent over $1 million U.S. taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology for risky experiments on bat coronaviruses. These efforts also led to HHS defunding EcoHealth and permanently debarring the Wuhan Institute of Virology from receiving taxpayer dollars used for research of pandemic potential.\n\nErnst authored the provision in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act directing the DoD OIG to conduct an audit of Pentagon funding of risky research in China and other foreign nations. She is demanding that the redacted findings of the investigation be made public. In her $2 trillion blueprint to slash waste in Washington, Ernst pointed to the millions being sent to China for secretive risky research.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-ernst-bill-would-establish-urbandale-zip-code", "title": "New Ernst Bill Would Establish Urbandale ZIP Code", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) partnered with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) to require the U.S. Postal Service designate a single, unique ZIP code for 75 specific communities across the country.\n\nAfter years of work to deliver certainty for Urbandale residents, Ernst brought together multiple proposals for new ZIP codes into one bipartisan bill that would end confusing mail delays and delivery issues faced by cities throughout the nation.\n\n“It’s frankly unacceptable that residents of Urbandale and other cities across the nation have dealt with delayed and misdirected mail for years because of ongoing disputes over ZIP code boundaries,” said Senator Ernst. “All Americans deserve timely and efficient mail service, and by bringing together numerous proposals representing impacted communities across the country, I know we can finally seal the deal. It’s time this issue is fully addressed so Iowans can rest assured that their mail is being delivered accurately.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/at-fettermans-urging-fema-releases-nearly-600-million-in-delayed-healthcare-funds/", "title": "At Fetterman’s Urging, FEMA Releases Nearly $600 Million in Delayed Healthcare Funds", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following an April 29th letter from U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced the release of nearly $600 million in delayed reimbursements for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The funding will provide critical support to hospitals that took on significant out-of-pocket costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disbursement of this funding is essential for their continued operations.\n\n“I’m grateful to Secretary Mullin and FEMA for releasing these funds to the hospitals in Pennsylvania that provided lifesaving care through a global pandemic and have been waiting for these reimbursements. Our healthcare workers and first responders represent the very best of us, and these hospitals responded heroically for our communities. This is a long awaited relief for them,” said Senator Fetterman.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-statement-on-vote-to-confirm-kevin-warsh-as-federal-reserve-chair/", "title": "Fetterman Statement on Vote to Confirm Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — After joining his colleagues in a 54-45 vote to confirm Kevin Warsh as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve, Senator Fetterman today released the following statement:\n\n“I’ve met Kevin Warsh and believe he will be transparent and responsive to Congress and the public. His promise to maintain Fed independence in setting interest rates is crucial and I look forward to working with him.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=2F5AE64E-43BA-4BF4-BE0D-DCA52BA6AC4E", "title": "Fischer Statement on House Approval of Year-Round E15", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation allowing the year-round sale of E15:\n\n“After years of fighting for year-round E15, I am encouraged to see the House finally approve this effort today. Though long overdue, this is a major step toward securing stability and certainty for American producers and consumers – without any government mandates. I commend my fellow Nebraskans, Reps. Adrian Smith, Mike Flood, and Don Bacon for their hard work and persistence in getting this bill passed. I also thank President Trump for his leadership on this issue; I will continue working to get a bill to his desk.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=C4EC8A41-0C11-4344-89CF-426E099CCFB2", "title": "Fischer Takes on Regulation, Input Costs in Fertilizer Industry", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Introduces Nebraskan testifying before the committee\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, questioned agriculture leaders on regulatory challenges and input costs in the fertilizer industry.\n\nFischer introduced Joshua Westling, CEO of J. Westling & Co. in Omaha, NE, who testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee. Westling is developing a new fertilizer production facility in Gothenburg, NE. Fischer also questioned Corey Rosenbusch, President of the Fertilizer Institute, and Trent Kubic, President of the South Dakota Corn Growers.\n\nDownload video of Fischer’s questioning here\n\nDownload audio of Fischer’s questioning here\n\nFischer’s questioning below:\n\nFISCHER: I am pleased today to introduce Mr. Joshua Westling, who is here today as a witness before this committee on a very, very important subject. Mr. Westling is leading the development of Project Meadowlark, a new fertilizer plant in Gothenburg, Nebraska.\n\nThis facility is projected to produce 505,000 tons of liquid fertilizer and reach commercial operation, I'm afraid, not until 2029. But before working on Project Meadowlark, Mr. Westling led the development and construction of an anhydrous ammonia plant in Geneva, Nebraska, that became one of the few Greenfield Nitrogen fertilizer facilities built here in this country. Mr. Westling, we are so happy to see you here today, and I look forward to your comments.\n\nCan you take just a minute to discuss the project that you are doing in Gothenburg and maybe highlight some of the challenges that you face\n\nWESTLING: Thank you, Senator Fischer, for the question. The project that we're doing is to make a fertilizer type that's utilized in that region or geography in the state of Nebraska, born from the shortage that exists there and the difficulty of transporting product there over sometimes huge distances.\n\nIn terms of the challenges we've faced, like every large project that's not done by an incumbent or somebody with a big balance sheet, it's upfront capital and raising capital to get those projects off the ground. So, I'm fortunate and thankful for mostly farmers who stepped up to the plate to fund this project or to fund the early stages of the project.\n\nFISCHER: We're hearing some discussions around federal investments. So, what types of safeguards do you believe should be put into place to ensure that new infrastructure projects that happen are not going to be resold, which Senator McConnell talked about that he was able to work on or contribute to consolidation, which is what I hear from producers. I'm sure you do out in the western part of the state too, hear from producers. They're worried about that consolidation, and what it does to price. Do you have any thoughts on that?\n\nWESTLING: Senator Fischer, I'm certainly not an attorney, and I won't pretend to know how to write bills. I'll leave that to all of you who are much smarter than I am. But I would like to think that there is a way, through whatever form potential assistance comes in, for you to be able to create those exclusions or prohibitions from trading or consolidating or putting these types of projects in the hands of whomever you don't wish for them to be in.\n\nFISCHER: Do you worry about regulations, federal regulations, local regulations? Have you had to deal with any of that?\n\nWESTLING: Senator Fischer, we have had some regulations that we've had to deal with, not any different from most projects of this scale. We've been relatively fortunate in that in our state, the folks who are in charge of administering those regulations or enforcing those regulations have all been very reasonable to work with. And to the extent at the federal level where we needed them to weigh in, again, blessed by the fact that those folks have all been very reasonable to work with as well.\n\nFISCHER: Mr. Rosenbusch, as many of my colleagues have shared, fertilizer availability and the prices are at the forefront of every farmer's mind across the country, and that includes my friends in Nebraska. For years, the United States has been reliant on foreign fertilizer production to meet that domestic demand.\n\nWith a lot of talk around the need to increase that domestic production, can you share the current regulatory challenges existing companies face when they tried to onboard a new fertilizer facility in the US?\n\nROSENBUSCH: It is really hard to build new capacity in this country. One recent ammonia plant took seven years to permit and over $25 million just to permit it, not even to start construction. We're talking four to five billion of capital. A phosphate mine took over a decade and $32 million just to permit. And that's all about the federal permitting process across multiple agencies.\n\nWhen you think about actual production itself, once you get into production, the regulatory challenges that add costs to manufacturing, you've got phosphogypsum, which is a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer that has to be stacked and costs over a billion dollars a year just to maintain those stacks. There is a long list of regulations that we would be happy to share with you, of things that can be done to help bolster domestic supply.\n\nFISCHER: Mr. Kubik, so nice to see you here. Can you take a minute to discuss the role that precision agriculture has, that new technology that's out there, and the increased approval we're seeing in the bio-based products can have in providing additional options to growers, to ag producers that are faced with the uncertainty they have now with fertilizer?\n\nKUBIC: This is something I'm very, very passionate about coming out of college with an agronomy degree and always looking to better ourselves. And I think that could be said for all farmers. We're all trying to do what's best for the land, because we want our kids and our grandkids to farm in that land, and this fertilizer costs a lot, so we can't just throw it on and waste it and kind of hope it got there, right?\n\nSo, we're very precisely applying it. We're variable rate applying it, so parts of the field are getting more than others based on our soil testing to make sure we're doing everything exactly like we should. The biological space has definitely garnered a lot of attention over the past couple years with the increase in fertilizer. I'll be trying a couple different ones on my farm. I have tested multiple different ones on our farm.\n\nThe problem with that, unfortunately though Senator, we live in reality, and they're not enough right now to rely on. We still need fertilizer to grow our crops, and we're hopeful. I dream of a day where I don't need commercial fertilizer anymore. That'd be the best thing ever. But I don't know if my grandkids will experience that, but if we can put on less, put it on accurately, I think it does good for both sides.\n\nThis hearing was convened by the Senate Agriculture Committee and was titled “Perspectives on the Fertilizer Industry: Ensuring a Stable and Affordable Supply for American Producers.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CBCB7C26-D179-4069-BD88-EFF030D6DEFA", "title": "Not a Mandate: EPA Administrator on Fischer’s E15 Legislation", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Fischer questions EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing\n\nWASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin on her Nationwide Consumer and Retailer Fuel Choice Act, which would allow for the year-round sale of E15.\n\nDownload video of Fischer’s questioning here\n\nDownload audio of Fischer’s questioning here\n\nFISCHER: Is my bill or the actions you have taken at EPA in any way a mandate for a gas station to sell or an American consumer to buy E15?\n\nZELDIN: No, Senator.\n\nFISCHER: Is it also accurate that we have had year-round E15 through a patchwork of regulations since 2019 – meaning this will be the eighth year that we have had E15 year-round?\n\nZELDIN: That is accurate, since 2019, yes.\n\nFISCHER: And during these past eight years, are you aware of any refiners that have closed because consumers had a choice to purchase E15 year-round?\n\nZELDIN: I am not aware of any refinery that closed because of that.\n\nFISCHER: So, we basically had E15 year-round for eight years and the sky did not fall. Thank you, Administrator. It is about time to make permanent nationwide year-round E15 because consumers do deserve to have a choice at the gas station and an opportunity to save money.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-on-dreamers-stephen-miller-is-a-coward-and-a-racist/", "title": "Gallego on Dreamers: ‘Stephen Miller Is a Coward and a Racist’", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Highlights Need for Path to Citizenship for Dreamers at Spotlight Forum\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spoke at a spotlight forum highlighting the urgent need for a path to citizenship for Dreamers.\n\nWatch Senator Gallego at the spotlight forum here and read excerpts below:\n\nIn his opening remarks, Gallego called out Stephen Miller for blocking Republicans from passing the Dream Act:\n\n“I don’t have to repeat what we feel about Dreamers. They are Americans in everything except for them being citizens. I count many Dreamers as practically family to me and close friends.\n\n“What this administration is doing is they’re basically being cowards because they know that Dreamers and the Dream Act have bipartisan support. […] They’re trying to do it in a backdoor way by basically making it so difficult for Dreamers to get their permission renewed again to the point where then that they’re finally exposed to deportation. […]\n\n“This is Steven Miller being a coward. Stephen Miller is really just, in general, a coward and a racist. This is him trying to effectively get as many Dreamers out as possible.”\n\nGallego also spoke with the Chief Robert Rodriguez, Chief of Police for the Santa Ana Police Department who served in the Marine Corps. Rodriguez, who was brought to the U.S. as an undocumented child himself and later obtained U.S. citizenship, has DACA recipients on his police force but will likely have to fire them as a result of delays in their DACA renewal being adjudicated.\n\n“You’re an example of how so many Dreamers serve the country: police officers, teachers. By the way, I don’t if people talk about that, how many teachers are DACA recipients? How many EMTs, firefighters? These people are very essential. As a matter of fact, during COVID, we at least classified them as essential workers. But they’re not essential workers when we want to deport them,” said Senator Gallego. “That’s a very good example of the hypocrisy of this nation right now.”\n\nSenator Gallego has consistently stood up for Dreamers in the Senate.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-speaks-on-the-importance-of-nuclear-energy-at-nei-forum/", "title": "Gallego Speaks on the Importance of Nuclear Energy at NEI Forum", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Energy independence matters. Nuclear power will bring us that energy independence, it will bring us that wage growth, it will bring that stability”\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), ranking member of the Senate Energy Subcommittee, gave keynote remarks at the Nuclear Energy Institute’s Nuclear Policy Forum, highlighting the importance of nuclear energy in lowering costs and strengthening U.S. energy independence.\n\n“As ranking member of the energy subcommittee, the future of energy is something that I think about every day,” said Senator Gallego. “But right now, our energy system is directly under pressure. Energy demand is rising faster than it ever has. […] Arizona seems to be kind of leading that front, and some of that is for good reasons. We have a growing economy, we have a potential game-changing tech when it comes to AI, and the energy demand comes from that.”\n\nSenator Gallego emphasized that expanding nuclear energy would strengthen U.S. energy independence, create good-paying jobs, and help keep costs down for working families.\n\n“The solution is possible. How and what can we do to make energy cheaper, affordable and more reliable, and at the same time making sure that we have that growth that comes from wage growth when it comes to high end manufacturing, manufacturing jobs,” Senator Gallego continued. “If we can get the right nuclear and energy portfolio mix – especially nuclear – to be able to meet the demands of the future, you’re gonna be able to get two things: number one, steady, reliable energy; number two, low carbon emissions; and number three, good paying jobs.”\n\n“Energy independence matters. Nuclear power will bring us that energy independence, it will bring us that wage growth, it will bring that stability for the person like my mom or my cousins who are worried about the utility bill, and it will bring good paying jobs,” Gallego said.\n\nIn February, Senator Gallego co-led the introduction of the bipartisan ARC Act to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by minimizing the risk of project cost overruns.\n\n“One of the things that I’m very proud of is putting together a bipartisan bill with the help of Senator Risch from Idaho, called the ARC Act. The ARC Act is to encourage the restart, the rebirth of nuclear power in this country. We’ve gone way too long, and we put so many burdens on creating nuclear energy that it has actually scared a lot of y’all from even getting help,” Senator Gallego continued. “There’s a lot of bad things this administration has done […] but the one area that I do agree with them is that they have an extremely aggressive [approach] in terms of actually making the NRC a real commission that’s pro nuclear, instead of trying to kill nuclear.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-slams-president-trump-for-rising-gas-prices-calls-for-an-end-to-the-iran-war/", "title": "Gillibrand Slams President Trump For Rising Gas Prices, Calls For An End To The Iran War", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Press Conference Follows Release Of A New Consumer Price Report That Shows That Inflation Is At Its Highest Level In Three Years\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) held a virtual press conference slamming President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years. She called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking Americans.\n\n“Every commute to work, every ride to a doctor’s appointment, and every carpool to school costs 50 percent more today than it did just a year ago due to skyrocketing gas prices. That is a direct result of President Trump’s reckless war with Iran,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The American people do not want this war; they want lower costs. President Trump must end the war once and for all and provide relief to Americans struggling with higher costs in his economy.”\n\nThe average cost of gas in New York state today is $4.59 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago. In some parts of New York, gas is over $5.00 per gallon. A full breakdown of gas prices by county can be found here.\n\nThis is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran, which has caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a quarter of the world’s oil passes.\n\nIn today’s press conference, Senator Gillibrand reiterated her call for President Trump to end the war to provide relief to American consumers.\n\nSenator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than reckless foreign wars abroad.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-trumps-possible-10-billion-doj-pay-day-and-how-it-could-be-better-spent-reversing-cuts-to-new-york/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Trump’s Possible $10 Billion DOJ Pay Day And How It Could Be Better Spent Reversing Cuts To New York", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) issued the following statement on the New York Times report that the Justice Department is holding internal discussions about settling the president’s dubious $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS that could “involve the government directly providing taxpayer funds or another public benefit to the president.”\n\n“The president is using his power to secure himself potentially a $10 billion payout from taxpayers. Meanwhile, at the gas pump, in the grocery store, and across everyday life, his agenda is driving up costs for working families. It’s blatant corruption and a betrayal of the American people. He’s getting a pay day, and Americans are paying the bill.”\n\nTo put in this perspective, here are multiple examples of what $10 billion would mean for New York:\n\n$7.5 billion in federal funding for New Yorkers’ health care that was cut by Trump and Republicans last year\n\n$8 billion in funding for New York’s hospitals and health care systems that was cut because of Trump and Republicans\n\n$1.4 billion in funding for food assistance that was cut by of Trump and Republicans\n\n$850 million in federal funding for lifesaving biomedical research at New York universities and research institutions that Trump and Republicans attempted to cut last year\n\n$433 million was the proposed cut to New York State education programs in Trump’s latest budget\n\n$400 million was the proposed cut to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in New York State in Trump’s budget\n\n$139 million in federal grants for transportation projects in New York State that the Trump administration has canceled\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-highlights-how-1-billion-could-fund-law-enforcement-instead-of-trumps-ballroom/", "title": "Senator Gillibrand Highlights How $1 Billion Could Fund Law Enforcement Instead Of Trump’s Ballroom", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is highlighting data showing how the $1 billion in taxpayer dollars congressional Republicans want to pay for Donald Trump’s ballroom project could instead be used to fund vital federal programs that would support hiring and training for law enforcement agencies across the country, as well as benefits programs for officers and their families.\n\n“Instead of wasting $1 billion in taxpayer dollars into President Trump’s vanity project, this money should go toward helping local law enforcement attract and retain new talent, support officers injured in the line of duty, and receive improved training and new equipment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I urge my Republican colleagues to reject the president’s wasteful proposal and instead support the law enforcement officials who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.”\n\nBelow are estimates of what this funding could do for these crucial police programs instead of a ballroom:\n\nProviding Child Care for Police Officers:\n\n$1 billion could provide full funding and expansion of the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act’s pilot program.\n\n$25 million a year would fund Senator Gillibrand’s legislation to expand access to childcare and promote innovative solutions for our first responders and their families to ease the burdens of overtime and irregular hours.\n\nAccess to Mental Health:\n\n$1 billion could fund Senator Gillibrand’s First Responders Wellness Act to establish a national mental health hotline for first responders.\n\nThe legislation allocates $10 million a year to expand access to mental and behavioral health support that is specifically tailored to the needs of first responders and staffed by peer specialists and counselors who have an understanding of the occupational stressors experienced by first responders and have completed trauma-informed training.\n\n$1 billion could provide funding to establish a first responders mental health professional pilot program designed to increase the number of culturally competent, confidential, and independent mental health services to law enforcement officers.\n\nCOPS Hiring Program:\n\n$1 billion could provide nearly four years of full funding for the COPS Hiring Program.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2026, over $250 million was appropriated for this program, which is designed to provide funding directly to local law enforcement agencies to hire and/or retain officers and support community policing efforts.\n\nPublic Safety Officers’ Benefits Program:\n\n$1 billion could fully fund four years of thePublic Safety Officers’ Benefits Program, providing benefits to over 2,000 first responders and their families.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2026, $236 million was appropriated for this program, which provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.\n\nByrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program:\n\n$1 billion could fund a full year of Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants.\n\nThis program is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. It provides funding to support personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings for a multitude of programs, including:\n\nLaw enforcement\n\nPrevention and Education\n\nCorrections\n\nDrug treatment\n\nWitness protection\n\nMental health and behavioral programs\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-cheers-house-passage-of-combating-organized-retail-crime-act", "title": "Grassley Cheers House Passage of Combating Organized Retail Crime Act", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) applauded the House of Representatives for passing companion legislation to his bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act by an overwhelming vote of 348-60. The widely supported legislation would improve the federal response to organized retail crime and establish new tools to recover stolen goods.\n\n“Last night, the House of Representatives secured a major victory for U.S. consumers and businesses by passing the Combating Organized Retail Act,” Grassley said. “Organized retail crime costs Americans billions of dollars each year and endangers lives along our nation’s supply chain and in our stores, due to aggressive tactics like ‘smash-and-grab’ robberies and cargo hijacking. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Americans’ safety is my top priority – whether online, at home, at work or in the supermarket. I’ll continue my work to ensure my commonsense crime-fighting bills make their way across the finish line.”\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act in the 117th, 118th and 119th congresses to establish a multi-agency response to evolving trends in retail theft. Since its introduction, the bill has garnered massive support from leaders at the national and local levels, including 38 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations and a coalition of over 260 impacted businesses. Over the years, Grassley has worked closely with law enforcement officers and retail organizations to ensure the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act effectively addresses the issue at hand. He’s also led a Judiciary Committee hearing to examine the growing criminal trend of retail crime, where expert witnesses urged Congress to swiftly pass his legislation.\n\nIn addition to the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, Grassley is working to advance several bills aimed at cracking down on crime and delivering safer communities for Americans. These bills include the James T. Woods Act, to crack down on online child exploitation, and the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, to fight the spread of illicit xylazine.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-thanks-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week-leads-resolution-reiterating-senates-unwavering-support", "title": "Grassley Thanks Law Enforcement During National Police Week, Leads Resolution Reiterating Senate’s Unwavering Support", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Amid National Police Week, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) thanked America’s law enforcement officers for their selfless service and highlighted his ongoing work to back the blue.\n\nThis week, Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing May 11th through May 15th as National Police Week. Additionally, Grassley is working to shepherd several bipartisan law enforcement bills through the Judiciary Committee. The bills scheduled for a committee vote tomorrow include legislation to improve mental health resources for officers, assist law enforcement in solving cold cases and speed up critical benefits for first responders, among others.\n\nText of Grassley’s resolution, as well as a full list of cosponsors, is available HERE.\n\nVideo and a transcript of Grassley’s remarks follow.\n\nRemarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa\n\nChairman, Senate Judiciary Committee\n\n“National Police Week”\n\nWednesday, May 13, 2026\n\nSince 1962, Americans have recognized the second week of May as National Police Week.\n\nThis is a week of reflection, gratitude and tribute to our nation’s brave men and women in blue.\n\nI’m leading the United States Senate in celebrating this annual tradition by introducing a resolution to honor law enforcement during National Police Week.\n\nSo, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m also helping steer several bipartisan, pro-police bills out of committee.\n\nI’m proud to back the blue, and I’ll continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support law enforcement.\n\nTo our nation’s courageous officers: I thank you for keeping the peace, and may God bless you every day.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-des-moines-register-iowas-grassley-urges-probe-of-the-knots-alleged-deceptive-practices", "title": "ICYMI: Des Moines Register: Iowa’s Grassley Urges Probe of The Knot's Alleged Deceptive Practices", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Iowa’s Grassley urges probe of The Knot's alleged deceptive practices\n\nBy Kevin Baskins\n\nMay 13, 2026\n\nDes Moines Register\n\nAn email from an Iowa vendor to wedding planning website The Knot is both succinct and expressive.\n\n“I don't want a phone call. I don't want to talk through it. I'm drowning in bills from your company for leads that were promised but never received. I'm unimpressed and dissatisfied,\" the author wrote. \"I don't feel 'supported' ? I feel deceived. I don't want a refund. I want my contract cancelled immediately and to never pay The Knot, Wedding Wire, or Wedding Pro another dime.”\n\nThe vendor, whose name was redacted, was eventually released from the contract. But the complaint has U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa renewing his pressure on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate allegations of fraudulent and deceptive business practices by The Knot.\n\nThe Republican's effort to address complaints about the widely used service dates back to March 2025. That October, he asked FTC Chair Andrew N. Ferguson for an investigation, saying he had received complaints of “repeated failures to honor contracts and deliberate attempts at fraud.”\n\nHis office on Monday, May 11, put the total number of complaints received at more than 200, including some from small businesses in Iowa. Like the one Grassley cited, many allege that The Knot, which connects wedding services providers with potential clients, has charged them for providing leads that turned out to be false.\n\nThe providers, such as caterers and venue operators, also complain about failure to provide promised advertising and discounts.\n\nIn his latest letter to Ferguson, dated April 29, Grassley included the emails between the Iowa vendor and The Knot and reiterated his request for an investigation. He asked the FTC chair to \"provide me with what steps you’ve taken to investigate all of the allegations you have received concerning The Knot’s alleged deceptive and fraudulent business practices.”\n\n“Accordingly, I’m referring for your review records I received from an Iowa small business owner recounting the alleged fraudulent and deceptive business practices they were subjected to by The Knot,\" he wrote. \"The records enclosed with this letter include emails between the Iowa small business owner and The Knot representatives detailing an alleged bait-and-switch scheme perpetrated by The Knot and screen shots of messages from allegedly fake leads...\"\n\nRead the rest HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/video-grassley-praises-house-passage-of-landmark-e15-legislation", "title": "VIDEO: Grassley Praises House Passage of Landmark E15 Legislation", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, welcomed the House of Representatives’ passage of historic legislation allowing for the permanent, year-round sale of E15 nationwide.\n\nDownload video of Grassley’s remarks HERE.\n\n“This is a very major step forward for family farmers, for our national security and for every American who fills up at the pump. E15 creates jobs in rural communities, helps secure America’s energy dominance and, importantly, lowers gas prices,” Grassley said, in part.\n\n“Now, of course, it’s up to the Senate to take up this very urgent legislation. Congress must take action to boost fuel supply and help rural America in the process. E15 would pump $14 billion dollars into the farm economy. Iowa’s family farmers are counting on the Senate to deliver year-round E15. I’m going to keep fighting until we get this bill to the president’s desk,” Grassley continued.\n\nGrassley thanked Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) for their hard work to get E15 passed in the House. Grassley also noted President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have all urged Congress to pass E15 during trips to Iowa this year.\n\nGrassley has been a champion for E15 for over fifteen years:\n\nApril 2026: Spoke on the Senate floor to support Iowa’s Members of Congress for fighting for family farmers on E15 and the Farm Bill.\n\nMarch 2026: Spoke at an Agriculture Committee hearing in strong support of E15.\n\nJanuary 2026: Wrote an op-ed praising President Trump’s support for legislation allowing for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15.\n\nSeptember 2025: Received Growth Energy’s 2025 “Fueling Growth Award” for his efforts to support biofuel production.\n\nOctober 2025: Called for any legislation that includes ad hoc payments to farmers to also include E15.\n\nAugust 2025: Introduced the bipartisan Ethanol for America Act to make it easier for Americans to fuel their vehicles with homegrown E15.\n\nApril 2025: Joined a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to permit the nationwide sale of E15 fuel through the 2025 summer driving season and beyond.\n\nFebruary 2025: Reintroduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a congressional proposal to allow for E15 sales year-round and nationwide.\n\nApril 2024: Welcomed the EPA’s emergency fuel waiver permitting nationwide E15 sales for the summer 2024 driving season.\n\nFebruary 2024: Applauded the EPA’s decision to approve a petition from eight Midwestern governors to permanently authorize year-round E-15 sales in their states.\n\nDecember 2023: Pushed the EPA to quickly finalize a summertime waiver, helping retailers prepare for summer 2024 sales.\n\nApril 2023: Issued a statement on the EPA’s decision to permit nationwide E15 sales for the summer 2023 driving season.\n\nApril 2023: Sent a letter urging President Joe Biden to issue an emergency waiver allowing for the summertime sale of E15.\n\nMarch 2023: Reintroduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with Fischer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nNovember 2022: Introduced legislation to expand the year-round sale of E15 nationwide, extending the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to ethanol blends above 10%.\n\nMarch 2022: Sent a letter urging President Biden to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel to restore American energy independence.\n\nApril 2021: Introduced the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act requiring the EPA to finalize its proposed rule removing certain barriers to expanded sales of E15.\n\nJuly 2021: Reintroduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with Fischer and Klobuchar.\n\nMay 2019: Led the effort to encourage the first Trump administration to approve year-round E15.\n\nMarch 2019: Praised the EPA’s proposed rule allowing the year-round sale of E15.\n\nFebruary 2019: Reintroduced the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act.\n\nJanuary 2019: Received the E15 award from the Iowa Corn Growers Association. alongside Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for championing year-round sales of E15.\n\nOctober 2018: Released a video statement in support of the EPA beginning the process of allowing year-round use of E15 gasoline.\n\nMarch 2017: Introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.\n\nOctober 2018: Authored an op-ed with Ernst in support of year-round E15.\n\nMarch 2015: Introduced the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act to remove the EPA’s impediments to market competition and innovation in the transportation fuel market.\n\nJanuary 2011: Praised EPA’s decision to expand eligibility for its E15 waiver.\n\nOctober 2010: Welcomed the EPA’s decision first authorizing E15 usage.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/2026/05/13/hagerty-applauds-patel-serralta-for-continued-commitment-to-memphis-safe-task-force/", "title": "Hagerty Applauds Patel, Serralta for Continued Commitment to Memphis Safe Task Force", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.hagerty.senate.gov", "scraper": "hagerty", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000601", "name": "Bill Hagerty", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency law enforcement initiative that partners federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in Memphis.\n\nWASHINGTON—On Tuesday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, addressed FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Gadyaces S. Serralta during a hearing for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, thanking them for their transformative work and their establishment of a permanent office in Memphis, TN.\n\n*Click the photo above or click here to watch*\n\n“Memphis boasts a rich cultural history, wonderful people and community leaders that are dedicated to their city. It’s a hub for major logistics and medical device manufacturing,” Hagerty said. “It’s also home to advanced technologies like xAI, but it’s been troubled by serious violent crime.”\n\nThe Memphis Safe Task Force has targeted violent crimes stemming from street gangs and drug traffickers, building upon the work of an existing FBI task force. Director Serralta testified that, as of April 2026, the operation has yielded 8,701 total arrests by federal officers and an additional 1,426 illegal firearm seizures.\n\nPatel noted the joint effort of federal, state and local law enforcement officers has greatly contributed to the safety of Memphis, and the FBI is committed to the long-term success of the mission. “Thanks to you and the leadership in Tennessee, we opened our new office in Memphis to permanently assure the citizens of Tennessee that we’re not going anywhere,” Patel said.\n\nHagerty commended the success achieved by the task force, calling it “a true example of where cooperation can make a difference here in America. And you have transformed a city for us.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/during-police-week-senators-hassan-and-cornyn-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-provide-tax-cut-for-families-of-fallen-first-responders", "title": "During Police Week, Senators Hassan and Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Tax Cut for Families of Fallen First Responders", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced bipartisan legislation that provides a tax cut for families of fallen first responders. The bill would allow the families of public safety officers — including police officers, fire fighters, and other first responders — who die in the line of duty to not pay federal income taxes on the fallen first responder’s income for the year of their death and the preceding year, and to be eligible for refunds on any taxes paid for those years.\n\n“First responders sacrifice for our communities each and every day, and when some make the ultimate sacrifice, we owe their surviving families our support,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill provides the families of our fallen heroes with financial support as they navigate their loss and also ensures that the last thing that they have to worry about is an unexpected bill from the IRS. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation to help support the families of our first responders.”\n\n“Public safety officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and Congress must do everything we can to support their families when the worst case scenario happens,” said Senator Cornyn. “This National Police Week, I’m proud to introduce this bill to provide tax relief for the families of fallen first responders – ensuring they have one less thing to worry about as they grapple with the loss of their loved one.”\n\nThe Relief for Families of the Fallen Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Concerns of Police Survivors, the New Hampshire Troopers Association, and the New Hampshire Police Association. The bill’s introduction comes during National Police Week. The tax relief provided by the bill, which mirrors a provision provided to the families of fallen service members, helps ensure that the families or other estate beneficiaries of our heroes do not have to worry about a surprise bill during tax season. Additionally, the bill requires that the Internal Revenue Service provide this relief as quickly and easily as possible for the families of the fallen.\n\nSenator Hassan has made supporting first responders and their families one of her top priorities in the Senate. Last December, President Trump signed her bipartisan SUPPORT Act into law, providing communities across the country with more resources to fight the fentanyl crisis. Senator Hassan has also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to make it easier for first responders to buy a home and receive mental health treatment.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/whistleblower-testifies-that-biden-admin-violated-hawley-law-to-declassify-lab-leak-info/", "title": "Whistleblower Testifies That Biden Admin Violated Hawley Law to Declassify Lab Leak Info", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, a CIA whistleblower testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) about the intelligence community’s handling of information related to the origins of COVID-19. In January 2023, Senator Hawley’s legislation to declassify any and all” information related to COVID’s origins—including information that would substantiate the lab leak hypothesis—passed Congress unanimously and was signed into law. Today’s whistleblower testified that the Biden administration intentionally ignored that law and refused to provide Congress and the American people with the truth about COVID.\n\nThe whistleblower, who worked in the intelligence community during COVID, toldthe Committee that the Biden Administration amassed thousands of pages of information on the origins of the pandemic. Yet despite their obligation under the law, they “decided to write a different paper,” providing a mere five pages of heavily redacted, non-substantive information.\n\nWhen Senator Hawley asked if the Biden Administration’s claim that “nothing was researched at the Wuhan Lab that could plausibly be a progenitor of SARS Covid” and that “there is no evidence of any research related incident involving Wuhan employees that might have been related to the pandemic” were true, the whistleblower said, “They’re not true.”\n\nSenator Hawley concluded, “The United States government first deliberately violated a law passed by Congress, signed by the president, that ordered them to release all information related to the Wuhan lab. Number one. Number two, they then violated the law again by withholding thousands and thousands of pages that they had at the time and knew were covered by the law Number three, the conclusion, so-called, they released to the public are false. If that is not a cover-up, I don’t know what is.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-joins-535-news-to-discuss-the-trump-administrations-war-on-the-west-including-attacks-on-public-lands-wildland-fire-response-and-cost-of-living", "title": "Heinrich Joins 535 News to Discuss the Trump Administration's War on the West, Including Attacks on Public Lands, Wildland Fire Response, and Cost of Living", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Video here\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, appeared on 535 News with Igor Bobic where he spoke about President Trump’s war on the west — including attacks on public lands, wildland fire response, and skyrocketing gas prices.\n\nU.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, live on 535 News with Igor Bobic, May 12, 2026.\n\nOn President Trump Skyrocketing Electricity Prices:\n\nIgor Bobic: “What is Congress doing about these rising energy costs?”\n\nSenator Heinrich: “Well, we have a lot that we can be doing about rising energy costs, and unfortunately, we're at a time when the administration is making policy decisions that is moving the needle in the wrong direction.\n\n“So, whether that's the war in Iran, which has really driven gasoline and diesel prices incredibly high. Whether that was the tariffs that they put on all sorts of feed stocks to be able to generate electricity. Whether it's even, you know, the fact that they are slow walking, and have even issued stop work orders on cheap, clean generation because they disagree with the kind of color of electrons that you're putting on the, on the grid. Everything they've been doing is moving things in the wrong direction. So, resolving the war in Iran, getting rid of tariffs for good, putting more projects onto the grid — especially clean energy projects that right now are the cheapest electrons available — all of those things are what Congress should be doing.”\n\nOn the Trump Administration Killing Clean Energy Projects that Would Have Lowered Utility Bills:\n\nBobic: “Is now the time to talk about renewables? And what kind of conversations are you having in Congress right now on the other side of the aisle?”\n\nHeinrich: “Well I think the most productive conversations are around permitting reform. And you know, I think to the extent that we can get rid of administrative discretion for both parties in terms of permitting, gives people the kind of certainty that they need to invest in the market. Renewables are cheaper right now. They're faster to develop. If we had a level playing field, in terms of permitting, they’d outperform the rest of the market.”\n\nBobic: “Why is the president so averse to renewables like wind?”\n\nHeinrich: “Apparently, he saw some wind turbines offshore at one of his golf resorts, and that had some sort of personal impact on him. I believe that we should be developing our economy. You know, we're going to go through an energy transition. That should be a planned energy transition. We should embrace cheaper sources of electricity and energy broadly. And so, I think to the extent that we can work on bipartisan, durable solutions, I think that's the best path forward for the country.”\n\nBobic: “Summer is coming up, obviously. How concerned are you about the energy grid right now? Ahead of summer? Obviously, a lot of trouble spots.”\n\nHeinrich: “There are a lot of trouble spots. I think it would help dramatically if we could get some of these projects — that have gone all the way through the regulatory process and are ready for a signature from a secretary — if we could get those connected to the grid. The faster we can connect those, the fewer problems we'll have.”\n\nOn Permitting Reform Discussions in Congress:\n\nBobic: “You mentioned permitting reform. Obviously, a lot of bipartisan interest in speeding up how we build, and the time it takes to build both renewable projects, oil projects, housing. So many issues there. You announced back in March, I believe, that you were restarting discussions about permitting reform with Republicans. How is that going? What is the state of play right now?”\n\nHeinrich: “I think the conversations have been very productive. And we had a good starting place because we did an effort in the last Congress that didn't make it across the finish line. But which, I think, had a really balanced and effective approach to things. So we didn't start from zero.\n\n“I think the biggest threat to permitting reform, right now, is the bad faith that this administration is showing. So, we've had a court ruling saying: ‘What the Secretary of Interior was doing — and not permitting fully vetted projects — is illegal.’ But those projects aren't moving off his desk. And then, when you look at the Department of Defense, there are something like 150 generation projects that have been just frozen at DOD — that would put cheap electrons onto the grid as well. So, when you show that sort of bad faith, it makes it harder for me, especially, to get individual senators in my caucus to embrace permitting reform if they think it's only going to be applied to one side of the ledger.”\n\nOn the Trump Administration Undermining the Forest Service’s Firefighting Efforts:\n\nBobic: “Are you worried about this upcoming fire season and what that's going to mean for, you know, Congress, policy here?”\n\nHeinrich: “I am deeply worried. I mean we're just looking at a Forest Service that has thousands fewer frontline staff than they did a year and a half ago. That concerns me. I'm seeing the numbers come back, in terms of the acres treated for fuels reductions, down something like 30 percent. That worries me. And you know managing our forests responsibly, and preparing and preventing wildfire, those are not partisan issues in the west. This fire season, I think, has everyone losing sleep.”\n\nBobic: “You mentioned earlier these cuts at Interior. How are those going to affect, you know, how we address things like wildfires in this country?”\n\nHenrich: “It makes us less prepared. And we just have fewer people on the ground. You know, we also have the administration talking about moving the fire response from the Forest Service to Interior. I don't know if that's a good idea or a bad idea. But I sure as hell want to understand exactly how it's going to work before they pull the trigger. And I would hope that they wouldn't rearrange the deck chairs in the middle of the fire season. That's something to figure out ahead of time. Make sure you have fully vetted ideas. Understand how everybody's going to fulfill their role before you ever make a decision like that. Because it has life and death consequences for my constituents.”\n\nOn Senate Republicans Using Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolutions to Sell Off Public Lands:\n\nBobic: “You mentioned Boundary Waters, obviously a big vote last month. Are you prepared for similar actions to come from your Republican colleagues on this front, similar CRAs, and do you see that action by them as a precedent for future Congresses?”\n\nHeinrich: “It's absolutely a precedent, and it's a terrible precedent. They basically changed the rules. CRAs were created as a legislative tool to deal with overreach in regulations — not land use plans. So, this is a brand-new way of them getting around the filibuster to be able to develop and give a Chilean mining company basically our copper. So that they can send it to China, refine it, and sell it back to us with a tariff on top — ironically enough. It shows that lack of balance.\n\n“And if there's a place where we should be cautious, my goodness, it's the Boundary Waters. I mean, it is such an impressive place. My family's been there. Teddy Roosevelt really worked hard to make sure that it was protected in perpetuity. And putting a copper sulfide mine right in the head waters of that special place... I just think that is the poster child of not having a balanced, thoughtful approach to development on public lands.”\n\nOn Senate Republicans’ Attempts to Fund President Trump’s Illegal War with Iran:\n\nBobic: “Could that sweeten the deal? Perhaps to get your vote on something like Iran funding? That's what they've talked about. Try to include it as part of a war funding package to help get some of these western Republicans and also some Democratic votes there. Do you think that's possible?”\n\nHeinrich: “Budget reconciliation is such a hyperpartisan tool. I think that's a heavy lift. And certainly, the kind of irresponsible spending that we've seen on a war that the American people don't support. [Trump’s war] that is raising their gas prices, and raising their diesel prices, and that diesel number is raising their grocery prices. That's a pretty big lift. I could not imagine voting for something like that.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-labels-president-trumps-fy27-forest-service-budget-request-a-roadmap-on-how-to-dismantle-the-forest-service", "title": "Heinrich Labels President Trump’s FY27 Forest Service Budget Request a “Roadmap on How to Dismantle the Forest Service”", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Video here\n\nWASHINGTON – During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the Trump administration’s budget request for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Committee’s Ranking Member, delivered opening remarks, criticizing U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz for slashing programs and protections for U.S. forests and haphazardly reorganizing wildfire fighting efforts without a public plan as the nation is in the middle of wildfire season.\n\nVIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers opening remarks on the U.S. Forest Service FY27 budget request before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, May 13, 2026.\n\n“Last year, I found the proposed budget deeply troubling. This year, when taking into context [the] relentless series of attacks we’ve seen on our public lands, the budget seems disappointing and irresponsible. Over the last year, we saw a chaotic hollowing out of the Forest Service staff, with the firing and re-hiring, in some cases, of vital positions, in addition to deferred resignations, and early retirements,” began Heinrich.\n\n“Let’s look at the budget. Again, with no details, and a passing recognition of the need for future legislation, the budget proposes to move the wildland fire program to the Department of the Interior. Let me be clear: When we are spending our time on make-believe budgets and moving deck chairs around on the deck of the ship, it means we're not preparing to fight fires... When we’re willing to lose people who support the agencies’ ability to conduct research, or interact with our state and local partners, we're losing the same red-card holders who make up incident command teams and the fire militia,” Heinrich continued.\n\n“What this budget shows me is a roadmap on how to dismantle the Forest Service,” Heinrich concluded.\n\nA video of Heinrich’s opening remarks is here.\n\nA transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:\n\nGood morning, Chief Schultz. Thank you for being here today to discuss the Forest Service’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.\n\nLast year, I found the proposed budget deeply troubling.\n\nThis year, when taking into context [the] relentless series of attacks we’ve seen on our public lands, the budget seems disappointing and irresponsible.\n\nOver the last year, we saw a chaotic hollowing out of the Forest Service staff, with the firing and re-hiring, in some cases, of vital positions, in addition to deferred resignations, and early retirements.\n\nUltimately, we saw a loss of well over 5,000, roughly 5,800, Forest Service employees.\n\nI’ve heard from my constituents who are worried about the Forest Service’s ability to carry out basic responsibilities – everything from trail maintenance to projects to protect infrastructure investments.\n\nWe saw the Forest Service pull back watershed protections in areas where local communities are actually pleading for politicians in D.C. to safeguard their water – both in my state and around the country.\n\nWe saw the Forest Service begin to strip away decades’ long habitat protections in backcountry areas, the very places that I and my constituents go to hunt elk.\n\nOn top of that, the Forest Service continues to push forward with a reorganization without a public facing plan or assurances on specifically how this will actually help the Forest Service better manage our forests.\n\nLet’s be clear: many of the claims that we will likely hear today – about how the Forest Service supports healthy forests, and partnerships with sportsmen and local communities and states, don't match up to what’s actually in the proposed budget.\n\nFor example, when talking about the reorganization, we will hear about a desire to bring Forest Service managers closer to the forests that they manage.\n\nHowever, workforce reductions proposed in the budget mostly affect on-the-ground staff.\n\nThese are the people who actually carry out forest restoration and hazardous fuels work.\n\nWe will hear claims that the reorganization will not impact the Forest Service’s ability to continue to conduct top notch research – despite this budget actually proposing to eliminate most of the research centers, something that I hope the Senate and Congress will revisit.\n\nSo, let’s look at the budget. The Budget Request eliminates the Forest and Rangeland Research program.\n\nTo zero this program out at a time when our forests face increasing threats from wildfire, from insects, from disease, and from aridification, is short-sighted and in my view, reckless.\n\nWe will hear claims about how eliminating regional offices will make the Forest Service more responsive to state and local governments.\n\nI want the Forest Service to be more responsive to state and local budgets, but in the budget, we see a total elimination of the State, Private, and Tribal Forestry programs.\n\nThese programs are important.\n\nThey’re vital for supporting forested landscapes in the West, where land ownership is split among federal, state, private, and tribal stewards.\n\nEliminating these programs would undermine non-federal forest management.\n\nClaiming that states will pick up the bill is unrealistic – it's an abdication of our responsibility to manage these lands today and for future generations.\n\nAnd then there is the wildland fire program.\n\nWe are hearing that the reorganization will not move the wildfire program out of the Forest Service.\n\nSo, let’s look at the budget.\n\nAgain, with no details, and a passing recognition of the need for future legislation, the budget proposes to move the wildland fire program to the Department of the Interior.\n\nLet me be clear: When we are spending our time on make-believe budgets and moving deck chairs around on the deck of the ship, it means we're not preparing to fight fires, which is my primary concern in this coming season, which looks like it's going to be a doozy.\n\nWhen we’re willing to lose people who support the agencies’ ability to conduct research, or interact with our state and local partners, we're losing the same red-card holders who make up incident command teams and the fire militia.\n\nI said this last year, and I will say it again: I am open to new ideas in wildfire policy or better, more efficient organization.\n\nBut what we’ve been offered so far is not thoughtful reform — it’s a decoupling of fire management and land management missions – those things should be done together.\n\nThey should be one in the same. That's how we have holistic management of our forests.\n\nI'm also concerned that the Forest Service is claiming to have achieved 90 percent of the hazardous fuels treatment goals, but by your own account the acres treated were down nearly 30 percent in 2025 compared to 2024.\n\nGiven a budget proposal that doesn’t adequately support our communities, doesn’t effectively protect watersheds and wildlife habitat, and doesn’t seem to, at its core, value the people that carry out the work — I have serious concerns about this administration’s ability to meet even the baseline land management responsibilities.\n\nWhat this budget shows me is a roadmap on how to dismantle the Forest Service.\n\nI want to empower the Forest Service. I want to them to be able to manage our forest.\n\nThank you Mr. Chairman. I yield back and I look forward to our discussion today.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-heinrich-recognizes-national-day-of-awareness-for-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-girls", "title": "Sen. Heinrich Recognizes National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that a resolution he cosponsored commemorating May 5th, 2026, as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls passed the U.S. Senate.\n\nLast year, Heinrich cosponsored and secured Senate passage of the resolution.\n\nThe resolution is led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).\n\nThe text of the resolution is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/watch-hickenlooper-demands-trump-stop-the-bombs-lower-americans-bills/", "title": "WATCH: Hickenlooper Demands Trump Stop the Bombs, Lower Americans’ Bills", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Hickenlooper: “We have money for ballrooms and bombs — and tax breaks for billionaires – but nothing for hardworking Americans.\n\nHickenlooper has voted seven times to end the war in Iran\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to demand President Trump end the war in Iran and to share stories from Coloradans who are struggling to afford basic necessities while the White House continues to pour billions into a war that’s driving up inflation.\n\nEarlier today, Hickenlooper voted with Senate Democrats in support of a War Powers Resolution to block the use of U.S. Armed Forces in further hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress. Republicans voted against ending the war for the seventh time.\n\nWatch his speech HERE.\n\n“This cost-of-living emergency didn’t start with this war. But the war is making it worse – far worse,” Hickenlooper said. “And the president’s response has been to spend more. Not on you, but on the war itself.”\n\n“…Our nation’s priorities are completely backward. We have money for ballrooms and bombs — and tax breaks for billionaires – but nothing for hardworking Americans,” he concluded.\n\nDuring the speech, Hickenlooper highlighted stories from Coloradans he’d recently met who described the crushing financial pressure they face as prices continue to rise.\n\n“Last week, I met an Uber driver named Kareem,” Hickenlooper said. “It costs him $68 every day to fill up his car. Kareem’s expenses now exceed his take-home pay. He had to find a second job to make ends meet. He told me he worries every day about having enough money to feed his children.”\n\nHickenlooper emphasized that families across Colorado are making impossible choices between paying for food, gas, housing, and medical care while the president continues to prioritize war over lowering costs at home.\n\n“Last week in Denver, I met TJ. He told me his marketplace premium went from $30 a month to over $500 a month. And this happened right when he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer,” Hickenlooper said. “TJ couldn’t afford his marketplace plan and was forced to drop it. He had to move in with his parents just to stay afloat.”\n\nFor a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks as prepared for delivery is available below:\n\n“Madam President,\n\nThere’s a debate right now about the cost of the Iran war.\n\nThis administration won’t give us a straight answer. But Coloradans can.\n\nThey are paying $4.50 a gallon for gas. That’s $25 more every time they fill their tank\n\nShoppers are seeing their grocery bills go through the roof. Since January alone, the price of berries has doubled. Today, the average family of four now spends over $1,000 a month on groceries – and that number keeps climbing the longer this war drags on.\n\nMortgage rates jumped half a point in two months — costing homebuyers over $100 more every month.\n\nJust yesterday, President Trump admitted he doesn’t “think about Americans’ financial situation” when making decisions on the war in Iran.\n\nFinally, the truth!\n\nThe American people know this. They’ve seen how this administration’s policies are costing lives overseas — and exaggerating a cost-of-living emergency here at home.\n\nAnd while the White House can’t even track what it’s spending on the war, American families are struggling to budget for the basics.\n\nTo the administration, these are just numbers on a spreadsheet. To the rest of us, these are our family members, our neighbors – all of you.\n\nLast week, I met an Uber driver named Kareem. It costs him $68 every day to fill up his car. Kareem’s expenses now exceed his take-home pay. He had to find a second job to make ends meet. He told me he worries every day about having enough money to feed his children.\n\nAnd it’s not just the president’s war that’s increasing costs. This comes on the heels of Republicans’ efforts to gut health care and slash the social safety net.\n\nLast week in Denver, I met TJ. He told me his marketplace premium went from $30 a month to over $500 a month. And this happened right when he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer.\n\nTJ couldn’t afford his marketplace plan and was forced to drop it. He had to move in with his parents just to stay afloat.\n\nI also met a Denver resident living with a rare neurologic condition from COVID. Last year, in the middle of her endless health battle, her husband was diagnosed with cancer.\n\nTheir marketplace premium doubled. They couldn’t afford for both of them to have health care at the same time. So, her husband put off chemotherapy so she could get a badly needed treatment.\n\nLet me say that again.\n\nIn the wealthiest nation on earth, a man with cancer was forced to go without health care. Just so his wife could have it. That is shameful.\n\nHer words will stay with me. This woman told me she’s come to terms with death and her husband’s cancer diagnosis.\n\nBut what she can’t accept is the daily battle to afford her health care – when the cost of staying alive is bankruptcy.\n\nAnd these Coloradans aren’t outliers.\n\nOver one million Americans had to drop their health insurance plans in January after Republicans refused to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Of the Americans who decided to stay on their insurance, over three million missed their monthly payment in January.\n\nHow long before they too lose their health insurance?\n\nAnd it’s not just the people in big cities.\n\nFarmers across Colorado were already being crushed by the cost-of-living emergency. Now soaring fuel and fertilizer costs are making a grave situation critical.\n\nOne sweet corn farmer in Montrose told me that fuel normally takes up 15% of his operating costs. Now, it’s 65%.\n\nHe said: ‘If I didn’t have a son that was crazy enough to farm, I’d probably quit. Because the unknowns make it impossible to plan.’\n\nThink about that. Because the unknowns make it impossible to plan.\n\nFarmers are now paying 40% more for Nitrogen-based fertilizer, 60% more for diesel. And with just weeks remaining in the planting season, 70% of them can’t afford their operating costs.\n\nAdd in tariffs and drought conditions caused by worsening climate change – and it’s no wonder so many Colorado producers are choosing to fallow their land instead of farm.\n\nYou don’t need a crystal ball to know what comes next. Fewer crops means higher prices.\n\nAnd as one farmer told me, “A country that can’t feed itself, can’t survive.”\n\nWe’re hearing stories like these all the time. It doesn’t matter if we’re meeting with farmers, teachers, or restaurant owners. Rural or urban. Republican or Democrat. We hear the same thing:\n\nCosts are too high. And Americans need help.\n\nThis cost-of-living emergency didn’t start with this war. But the war is making it worse. Far worse.\n\nAnd the president’s response has been to spend more. Not on you, but on the war itself.\n\nThe president recently requested $1.5 trillion to fund the Department of Defense. That’s money we don’t have – money we’ll have to borrow and add to our ballooning debt.\n\nTo put that in perspective, $1.5 trillion is the equivalent of borrowing roughly $18,000 for every American family.\n\nNow ask yourself: do we really want to take on that cost for a war with no clear path to victory?\n\nAnd that doesn’t even cover the full cost of the Iran war. The White House Budget Director told Congress that a separate funding request is coming.\n\nWe’re expecting up to $200 billion more – just for the operations in Iran.\n\n$200 billion. With that money, we could fully fund pre-K for every kid in America. We could have free community college for every American. We could get closer to universal health care\n\nOur nation’s priorities are completely backward. We have money for ballrooms and bombs — and tax breaks for billionaires – but very little for hardworking Americans. It’s just plain wrong.\n\nMAGA Republicans are giving the White House a blank check while you get stuck with the bill.\n\nWe need to end this war and stop asking the American people to carry costs they never agreed to bear.\n\nThe president treats billions like a rounding error. Coloradans don’t have that luxury.\n\nEvery dollar counts. And hardworking families are paying the price.\n\nThank you, Madam President. I yield the floor.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-smithsonian-asian-pacific-american-center-honor-legacy-of-filipino-migration-to-hawaii", "title": "PHOTOS: Hirono, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Honor Legacy of Filipino Migration to Hawaii", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hirono.senate.gov", "scraper": "hirono", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001042", "name": "Mazie K. Hirono", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Hirono with Ethan P. Johanson (left) and APAC Acting Director Yao-Fen You (right)\n\n~ More Photos can be found here ~\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC), presented “Stories from the Field: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawaii,” a two-week poster exhibition exploring the migration of Filipinos to Hawaii in the early 20th century. This year marks the third consecutive collaboration between Senator Hirono and APAC to highlight the contributions AANHPI communities have made to the United States. The exhibition is open to the public for view in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office building from Monday, May 11–Friday, May 15, and Monday, May 18–Friday, May 22.\n\n“I am proud to host this exhibition in collaboration with APAC and help share this history of the Filipino and Filipino American communities in Hawaii,” Senator Hirono said. “Throughout May, as we celebrate our communities’ historic contributions, we also reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. This exhibition is also meaningful because 2026 marks both our nation’s 250th and the 80th anniversary of the Luce-Celler Act of 1946, which granted Filipino and Indian immigrants the right to naturalize as American citizens. I will continue working to ensure that members of the AANHPI community and all people have the opportunity to live freely, and be treated with dignity and respect.”\n\n“We are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Senator Hirono,” said Yao-Fen You, APAC’s acting director. “We appreciate the opportunity to share Smithsonian resources that document and celebrate the rich history and culture of AANHPI individuals and communities.”\n\nIn the early 1900s, U.S. immigration policies curtailed the entry of Chinese and Japanese laborers into Hawaii, prompting sugar plantation owners to recruit workers from the Philippines, then a U.S. territory. As U.S. nationals, Filipinos migrated more freely and became central to Hawaii’s plantation economy, comprising more than half the labor force by 1926. These workers, known as sakadas, played a vital role in shaping the islands’ social and economic landscape.\n\nThe exhibition centers on the lives of two sakadas, Eusebio Maglinte and Epimaco Fariola Mansueto, tracing their journeys from the Philippines to Hawaii and onward to the continental United States. While many Filipinos established lasting communities in Hawaii, others moved on to the West Coast, including Stockton, California, which by the 1940s had become home to the largest Filipino community outside the Philippines.\n\nTheir stories continue in APAC’s exhibition, “How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories,” currently on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.\n\nSenator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI communities in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono’s resolution recognizing May as AANHPI Heritage month passed the Senate by unanimous consent. Senator Hirono also led a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. In February, 2025, she introduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would speed up the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. Last year, Senator Hirono introduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act, which instructs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth. In 2017, Senator Hirono presented the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest civilian honor, to Filipino World War II veterans.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-aerovironment-awarded-43-million-to-equip-sky-range-aircraft-with-phased-array-antenna-system", "title": "Hoeven: AeroVironment Awarded $43 Million to Equip Sky Range Aircraft With Phased-Array Antenna System", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that AeroVironment has been awarded a $43 million contract by the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) to equip Range Hawks with its phased-array antenna system as part of the Sky Range hypersonic missile testing program. The award builds on Hoeven’s efforts to recruit BlueHalo, which was later acquired by AeroVironment, to the state and build partnerships with North Dakota’s unmanned aviation, hypersonic missile and space operations.\n\nAeroVironment’s phased-array antennas are required for converting Global Hawk aircraft to Range Hawks, enabling them to track hypersonic missiles and other airborne and space-based threats, while communicating with satellites.\n\nThe contract is supported by the $8.3 million partnership Hoeven worked to fund and establish between the company and Bismarck State College (BSC).\n\nThis partnership created an engineering and manufacturing hub in Bismarck that gives students firsthand experience in working with phased-array technology.\n\nThis college-to-career pipeline is critical to ensuring AeroVironment has the workforce it needs to take on this highly technical work for the Sky Range program.\n\nThis comes as the latest expansion of AeroVironment’s operations in North Dakota, with the company having also:\n\nBrought its directed energy system to the state to be used in counter-drone research and development.\n\nInstalled its counter-drone system AV Halo at GrandSKY, providing 360-degree long range radar surveillance and mission-ready operations software in support of Project ULTRA.\n\n“Sky Range revolutionizes the way we test hypersonic missiles. By using unmanned aircraft to track the missiles, rather than ships out at sea, Sky Range provides greater flexibility, lower costs and greater operational security. AeroVironment’s phased-array antenna system is crucial to these efforts, and today’s $43 million contract will ensure the Range Hawks have the communications and tracking capabilities needed to make these missile tests a reality,” said Hoeven. “We’ve worked hard to build partnerships across our state that attract innovative companies to North Dakota and enable them to meet the future defense needs of our country. AeroVironment is a great example as we continue supporting the work it’s doing with Sky Range, Project ULTRA, BSC and others.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-joins-bill-to-advance-ai-for-americans/", "title": "Husted joins bill to advance AI for Americans", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Establishing the NAIRR as a shared national research infrastructure will give students, researchers and workers access to resources to advance safe AI development, drive innovation and strengthen America’s leadership in emerging technologies.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) joined Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Cory Booker’s (D-N.J.) Creating Resources for Every American to Experiment with Artificial Intelligence (CREATE AI) Act.\n\nThis bipartisan bill would establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR). The NAIRR is a shared national research infrastructure to connect American researchers and educators to data, software and tools necessary to advance AI research and development (R&D) and develop AI skills for the U.S. workforce.\n\nThe bill would also focus on improving the safety, reliability and trustworthiness of AI for Americans.\n\n“As AI continues to transform the world on a global and economic scale, it’s critical to our innovation and national security that America leads—and wins—the race. Establishing the NAIRR as a shared national research infrastructure will give students, researchers and workers access to resources to advance safe AI development, drive innovation and strengthen America’s leadership in emerging technologies. I’m proud to support the CREATE AI Act to expand opportunity and prepare our next generation for success,” said Husted.\n\n“The United States cannot cede leadership in AI development to China. For both our economic and national security, we must harness AI’s potential and mitigate its risks. By establishing the National AI Research Resource in statute, the CREATE AI Act will give incredible access and resources to America’s brightest, allowing for advancements in AI innovation, deployment, and safety for our country and ultimately the world,” said Young.\n\n“The Create AI Act will help us develop and deploy AI responsibly, while also unleashing American innovation by expanding access to the tools needed to conduct cutting-edge research. But as we push this technology forward, we must also take seriously our responsibility to rein in its potential harms — putting the right safeguards in place to ensure AI is used safely, ethically, and in the public interest. By truly democratizing access to AI, we can prepare American workers for the future, maintain our nation’s competitive edge, and ensure these rapid advancements strengthen our economy and benefit communities in New Mexico and across the country,” said Heinrich.\n\n“Artificial intelligence has the potential to impact a range of fields, from national security to health care. Our bipartisan legislation establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), which will provide tools and resources for universities and researchers across the country. This will help NAIRR to accomplish the objectives laid out in President Trump’s AI Action Plan. Universities in South Dakota are already conducting research and applying AI and other emerging technologies. This legislation will allow these universities to expand their leading role,” said Rounds.\n\n“The United States has some of the brightest AI researchers in the world. They want to solve hard problems and improve people’s lives—but the steep financial costs of doing this research have pushed too many of them to the sidelines. The NAIRR gives universities, students, and researchers—in New Jersey and across the country—the tools they need to pursue new breakthroughs; it ensures that the future of AI research isn’t shaped only by a small number of large companies; and it helps us build a stronger, more diverse AI research community that’s focused on serving the public good,” said Booker.\n\nThe CREATE AI Act would establish NAIRR to do the following:\n\nSpur innovation and advance the development of safe, reliable and trustworthy AI research and development\n\nImprove access to AI resources for researchers and students\n\nExpand capacity for AI research in the U.S.\n\nDevelop AI tools for the U.S. workforce\n\nThis bill builds on Husted’s efforts to leverage AI for America’s workforce. He joined the AI for Mainstreet Act, which would provide training, guidance and support to American small businesses looking to implement artificial intelligence (AI) into their businesses.\n\nHe is also leading the bipartisan AI Talent Act. This bill would create an AI and tech talent team within the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to provide guidance in hiring experts in AI to join federal agencies.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-urge-rubio-to-uphold-us-commitments-to-taiwan-as-trump-meets-xi", "title": "Kaine, Colleagues Urge Rubio to Uphold U.S. Commitments to Taiwan as Trump Meets Xi", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a bipartisan group of 11 of his Senate colleagues issued a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the United States’ commitments to Taiwan, and reiterated their firm belief that the Administration should not make any changes to this policy. This letter coincides with President Donald Trump’s official trip to Beijing, during which he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\n\n“For nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.–Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan – a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy – defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means to be ‘a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,’ and of ‘grave concern,’” wrote the senators.\n\n“Our commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait – which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond,” continued the senators.\n\n“In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.–Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letter was led by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Curtis (R-UT). In addition to Kaine, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to reaffirm congressional support for the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and our firm belief that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new declaratory policy on Taiwan, consistent with longstanding U.S. commitments including the Six Assurances President Reagan articulated.\n\nFor nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.–Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan – a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy –defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non- peaceful means to be “a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,” and of “grave Concern.”\n\nOur commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait – which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond.\n\nDuring your tenure in the U.S. Senate, you consistently demonstrated strong support for U.S.- Taiwan relations and for the TRA. In 2017, you joined a bipartisan letter to President Trump stating that the “One China policy, based on the [Taiwan Relations] Act, the Three Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances [...] provides the basis for our enduring relationship with Taiwan.” You further emphasized the “bipartisan commitment that we must not waver in providing necessary support for Taiwan to defend itself in the face of China’s ongoing military aggression and the cross-Strait military imbalance.”\n\nThese principles remain true and necessary today. In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.–Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/walkinshaw-kaine-urge-trump-to-press-china-to-stop-forcibly-returning-north-korean-refugees", "title": "Walkinshaw, Kaine Urge Trump to Press China to Stop Forcibly Returning North Korean Refugees", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a bicameral letter to President Donald Trump during the U.S.-China Summit urging him to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping to stop forcibly returning North Korean refugees to a country where they face torture, forced labor, imprisonment, or execution.\n\nThe letter calls on President Trump to use \"all diplomatic levers at his disposal\" to compel the People's Republic of China (PRC) to halt the repatriations, recommit to its obligations under the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, and grant refugee status to affected individuals so they can travel to a safe third country.\n\n\"Chinese authorities are systematically and knowingly forcing hundreds of North Koreans back to a place where they will face mistreatment and retribution,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"The PRC has been party to the United Nations Refugee Convention and Protocol for over four decades yet consistently violates the principles to protect refugees.\"\n\nThe letter cites findings from the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, of documenting the forcible repatriation of 600 North Korean refugees on October 9, 2023 — the largest single repatriation on record — and approximately 200 more in April 2024. The PRC classifies most North Koreans as illegal economic migrants to avoid its obligations under the Refugee Convention, despite knowing those returned face severe punishment, particularly Christians and those who had contact with South Korean groups while in China.\n\nThe letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-ORE), Peter Welch (D-VT) and U.S. Representatives Ami Bera (CA-06), James McGovern (MA-02), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).\n\nRead the full letterhere.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-sasc-etc-hearing-kelly-questions-special-operations-commanders-on-maritime-unmanned-systems-and-davis-monthan-power-projection-wing/", "title": "WATCH: In SASC ETC Hearing, Kelly Questions Special Operations Commanders on Maritime Unmanned Systems and Davis-Monthan Power Projection Wing", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "SOCOM Confirms New Davis Monthan Mission is on track\n\nThis week, during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Emerging Threats and Capabilities (ETC) Subcommittee hearing, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly (D-AZ) questioned United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) leaders on the future of maritime unmanned systems and the standup of the new Power Projection Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.\n\nKelly, author of the SHIPS for America Act, pressed Rear Admiral Walter Allman on where Naval Special Warfare is on undersea and unmanned systems: “Where are you today in underwater systems and other unmanned systems, and where do you want to be, let’s say 5 or 10 years in the future?”\n\nAllman pointed to the Multi-Mission Dry Combat Submersible as the command’s most significant near-term investment, saying it will give SOF access to “nearly anywhere on the planet we need to go in the undersea.”\n\nKelly also got an update from Lieutenant General Michael Conley on the Power Projection Wing coming to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. Lieutenant General Conley confirmed the wing is on track, with the first aircraft set to arrive this fall and the wing commander taking command next summer.\n\nSen. Kelly questions Admiral Allman and General Conley during a SASC ETC hearing.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s remarks. See the transcript below:\n\nSenator Kelly:\n\nWell, it sounds like you were probably talking about where my question was going to be, Admiral, about maritime unmanned systems, other advanced platforms that you need. I will just say, I’ve been pushing my SHIPS for America Act to try to rebuild the maritime industrial base here domestically so we can improve shipbuilding. But that also extends to the to the stuff you need, those kinds of capabilities, that that workforce. Could you talk a little bit about, just so I know, and you may have already said this today, where are you today in underwater systems and other unmanned systems, and where do you want to be, let’s say 5 or 10 years in the future?\n\nRear Admiral Walter H. Allman III:\n\nThank you Senator. We have been making progress in our undersea assets, but we have a significant build coming up in our Multi-Mission Dry Combat Submersible, which will partner with the Virginia class and give us access to nearly anywhere on the planet we need to go in the undersea. So, that investment is just beginning. So, that capability will return to a capability we had in the early 2000s that is just so strategically important that the investment in both the platforms and the MILCON that will be necessary to launch and recovery, the launch and recovery of the platform is probably our most significant needs.\n\nKelly:\n\nHave you given any thought to, this might sound crazy, I’ve given a little thought as the cost to launch to get into orbit continues to go down, it might go down significantly enough at some point. But if you guys ever wanted to get somewhere really, really fast, if we were willing to commit, I’m talking maybe 10, 15, 20 years from now, commit to keeping something somewhere on a pad and ready to go. You could get somewhere in 20 minutes. You guys ever, ever, ever, ever talk about, like, these crazy ideas?\n\nAllman:\n\nI’ll defer to my AFSOC colleague here.\n\nLieutenant General Michael E. Conley:\n\nSenator, thanks for the questions. Good seeing you again. We’re looking at it. We look at it from a rocket cargo type of lens. How could we get it across the world in minutes and not days, but not deep thought into it yet. We’ve dabbled in some con-opt development and trying to figure out what it might look in order to service the other soft partners, but we’re probably a ways away from investing AFSOC money in it. But I agree with you, it gets cheaper every day.\n\nKelly:\n\nAs it gets cheaper. It’s something we could even maybe get people on the other side of the planet very quickly. Basically 30, 40 minutes anywhere.\n\nKelly:\n\nI was thinking Navy. It’s a ship. It’s a space ship, Tim! I know, you would sign up to do this. And then, General, just on the conversation we had a couple of weeks ago at the power projection wing, I was talking to Admiral Anderson just today, AFRICOMM Commander, about the OA-1K and the ability to, with that platform, to be able to put some effects on a target and it seems like it’s well suited, obviously, for Special Ops. That’s why it’s in the power projecting wing here. Could you give me a little update on where we are with standing up the wing at Davis-Monthan?\n\nConley:\n\nYes, I certainly can. So, we just took possession of our 18th OA-1K, and I think from an operational perspective, you’re right. We have yet to put it into combat. We’re still building out the initial cadre and training crews. I think it will provide combatant commanders Swiss Army knife capability, where one day it could do exquisite SIG and collect Intel ISR things and also be armed with up to 6,000 pounds of payload, whether that’s Hellfires, rockets, maybe some small cruise missiles that we’re working on.So, I think, again, it provides the ground force commander lots of options at a very affordable price point. Flight hours that are roughly 50% less cost per hour than an MQ-9 nine, even. As far as Davis-Monthan, we have already planted some seed corn out there with our personnel to build it out next summer. Our wing commander will take command of the wing out at Davis-Monthan. We will get our first OA-1K delivered out there later this fall. Our first 2operational 0A-1K squadrons will be at Davis-Monthan. And then we’re working through the environmental analysis with the recommendation to move a CV-22 Squadron out there.\n\nKelly:\n\nGreat. I was in Jordan a couple years ago and they had some sitting on the ramp, some of the Air Tractors, and they had a lot of stuff hanging off of it. Thank you.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/kim-schumer-durbin-reed-shaheen-warner-coons-schatz-warren-statement-on-trumps-china-policy-ahead-of-his-summit-with-president-xi/", "title": "Kim, Schumer, Durbin, Reed, Shaheen, Warner, Coons, Schatz, Warren Statement on Trump’s China Policy Ahead of His Summit with President Xi", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA) Chris Coons (D-DE), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released the following statement as President Trump arrived in China for his meeting with President Xi. The Senators condemned the administration’s policies on China as failures for the American people and national security, and encouraged the President to secure real, long-lasting wins for American families, rather than trade away American security and jobs for a photo-op.\n\n“The Trump Administration’s China policy has been one failure after another for American taxpayers and U.S. national security. In just the last year, the President has walked back export controls and blessed sales of critical AI chips to Chinese firms, cut American research, weakened our alliances, squeezed farmers, and failed to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities. Instead of investing in U.S. alliances and partnerships to tackle global challenges, Trump has destroyed U.S. global standing, one of America’s most formidable advantages over China.\n\n“Now, as the President arrives in Beijing, he isn’t even pretending he will try to solve these problems—most of his own creation. Instead, he’s focused on investment deals that could threaten American manufacturing and economic independence. Given the economic hardship facing families across our country, Trump owes the American people solutions, not just another red-carpet appearance.\n\n“The solutions to these challenges are forged at home and with U.S. allies and partners and will not be solved in any one summit. To be effective, he must have a plan to defend U.S. manufacturing and ensure any U.S. investments in China do not allow our most advanced technologies to flow to the People’s Liberation Army. He needs to get serious about investing in the research, skills, and industrial might needed for the U.S. to build the jobs of the future here in America. He should rebuild alliances and partnerships, provide U.S. security support to Taiwan amid growing threats, and reverse the damage done by his bullying of allies with across-the-board tariffs. And when it comes to halting the flow of fentanyl and synthetic opioid precursors, Trump should not let Xi repackage the same deliverables that the Biden Administration already secured. Rather, he should rebuild multilateral counternarcotics pressure on China to end money laundering and government acquiescence to precursor and equipment sales once and for all.\n\n“U.S. national security and American taxpayers cannot afford for Trump to simply get another photo op while folding to Xi. On fentanyl, economic security, regional and global security, American jobs, and prices at home – Trump must come back from Beijing with real, long-lasting wins for the American people.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-forces-votes-to-reverse-trumps-attacks-on-american-consumers/", "title": "Senator Kim Forces Votes to Reverse Trump’s Attacks on American Consumers", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, helped Senate Democrats take over the floor to force 20 votes on reversing the Trump administration’s attacks on American consumers. Senator Kim individually filed two of the 20 Joint Resolutions of Disapproval of Trump Administration Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rules to protect Americans from unfair and illegal debt collection and defend their right to access and control their financial reports and futures.\n\nThese votes to make life more affordable for working families come after the Trump Administration’s year-long assault on the CFPB that has already cost American consumers $19 billion to date.\n\nSenator Kim’s Joint Resolution of Disapproval to defend Americans’ right to access their own credit and background reports. WATCH\n\nBackground: Trump’s CFPB rescinded a 2024 rule that made it easier for consumers to obtain a copy of their own credit and background reports, clearing the way for companies to put up roadblocks when consumers try to access their own personal data. Senator Kim introduced SJ Res 127 to restore the 2024 rule.\n\n“We have a law already on the books – the Fair Credit Reporting Act – to protect this right but we’re seeing companies and others finding creative ways to skirt this responsibility, and working Americans are the ones left paying the price. That’s why we must pass this Joint Resolution of Disapproval I filed today and reassert this law’s authority… When these companies choose to cheat the system, they’re able to make a profit, while American consumers are left in the dark about their own credit,” said Senator Kim in remarks on the Senate Floor today.\n\nSenator Kim’s Joint Resolution of Disapproval to protect Americans from being forced or threatened into paying debts they don’t legally owe. WATCH\n\nBackground: Trump’s CFPB has rescinded 2023 guidance that cracked down on debt collectors who bring or threaten to bring legal action against consumers on time-barred or non-enforceable debts, or ‘zombie debts’, increasing the risk of consumers being forced or threatened into paying debts they don’t legally owe. Senator Kim introduced SJ Res 126 to undo the Trump CFPB decision and restore the earlier rule.\n\n“I rise today because the American dream of owning a home is getting further and further out of reach and as working families get crushed by Trump’s economy – Congress needs to take steps to make life more affordable…The CFPB issued guidance that set out clear rules for how to rein in foreclosures on stale mortgage debts. The Trump administration withdrew this commonsense rule leaving these homeowners at-risk,” said Senator Kim in remarks on the Senate Floor today.\n\nHe continued: “With this vote, we can restore this guidance. We can protect homeowners from zombie debt. We can restore accountability and make sure debt collectors compensate consumers for the harm inflicted by their unfair, deceptive collection. And we can stand up for millions of Americans who need us to have their backs.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-support-fellow-sandwich-generation-caregivers/", "title": "Senator Kim Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Support Fellow “Sandwich Generation” Caregivers", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) joined U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) in introducing theMultigenerational Caregiving Data Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would close a critical data gap affecting millions of Americans, including Senator Kim, who fall into the “sandwich generation” as they care for both aging parents and children.\n\n“I feel the isolation of being a sandwich generation caregiver every day as I look after my dad with Alzheimer’s and my two boys. It’s a challenge millions face across our country and yet we too often go unheard and overlooked. This legislation works to change that. The better our federal data represents the true experience of caregivers and how many of us there are, the better we can deliver the support and resources caregivers deserve,” said Senator Kim.\n\n“Millions of Americans are balancing the demands of raising children while caring for aging loved ones, often at great personal and financial cost,” said Representative Houlahan. “Today, our federal data systems don’t clearly capture the number of Americans involved in caregiving at this scale. This bipartisan bill takes a simple, practical step to ensure their contributions and challenges are no longer invisible.”\n\nSenator Kim’s legislation is the Senate companion to Congresswoman Houlahan’s bill, which is co-led by Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH-3), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13).\n\nSandwich generation caregivers play a vital but underrecognized and unpaid role in the nation’s economy and family structure. No major federal survey currently identifies and counts individuals providing care across generations—leaving policymakers without the data needed to understand the economic and societal impacts and develop methods to support them.\n\nThe Multigenerational Caregiving Data Act would require at least one federal survey to include a question identifying individuals who provide unpaid care to both older adults and children, leveraging existing infrastructure at minimal cost. By establishing the first nationally consistent data on multigenerational caregiving, the bill will help improve policymaking, better target resources, and track trends over time.\n\n“Family caregivers cannot remain invisible in our nation’s health data. The Multigenerational Caregiver Data Act is an important step toward better understanding the realities of caregivers balancing care across generations and ensuring policymakers have the data needed to build more effective supports for families,” said Jason Resendez, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving.\n\nA dad of two young boys, Senator Kim became a sandwich generation caregiver after his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He believes we must build a care movement that delivers tangible solutions for the millions of Americans who are in the same position he is—and the millions more who risk falling into the Sandwich Generation if we don’t act. Read more about how he is working in the Senate to build a universal care movement.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-joins-bipartisan-effort-to-reaffirm-u-s-commitments-to-taiwan-defined-by-law/", "title": "Senator Kim Joins Bipartisan Effort to Reaffirm U.S. Commitments to Taiwan Defined by Law", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing,Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) joined Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Curtis (R-Utah), and additional bipartisan Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming congressional support for theTaiwan Relations Act (TRA) and underscoring that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new U.S. declaratory policy on Taiwan.\n\nThe letter echoes Senator Kim’s vision for American foreign policy, which counters the Trump administration’s dangerous disengagement from America’s vital partnerships and alliances. The Senator instead emphasizes that American resilience is best secured by leaning into our long-standing partnerships, like that with Taiwan, in a way that better serves American economic and security interests.\n\nSenators Kim, Bennet, and Curtis were joined on this letter by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\n“For nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan – a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy – defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means to be ‘a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,’ and of ‘grave concern,’” wrote the senators.\n\n“Our commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait — which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond,” continued the senators.\n\n“In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership,” concluded the senators.\n\nRead the full letter to Secretary Rubio.\n\nThe letter builds on Senator Kim’s work to support Taiwan, a critical partner of the United States. Ahead of Trump’s Beijing summit this week, Senator Kim joined a bipartisan group of Senators in sending a letter urging President Trump to permit U.S. arms sales, pre-approved by Congress in January of last year, to Taiwan. Earlier this year, he helped lead the introduction of the bipartisan Taiwan Allies Fund Act to strengthen Taiwan’s global network as well as the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act that expands cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan on the development of unmanned arial systems.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-blasts-massive-cuts-to-forest-service", "title": "King Blasts Massive Cuts to Forest Service", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "To watch or download the exchange click here\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns over the Administration’s proposed cuts to forest research, partnerships with state and tribal authorities, and maintenance of public lands. In a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) committee hearing, King pressed Chief of the United States Forest Service (USFS) Tom Schultz on the rationale behind cutting vital forest services, drawing a contrast with the President’s White House ballroom project which could be receiving a billion dollars in a bill as soon as next week.\n\nThe Administration’s planned cuts and reorganization of the USFS present serious challenges for logging, mining, and firefighting on 200 million acres of U.S. land, as well as thousands of trails and forests that millions of Americans visit every year.\n\n“Budgets represent priorities, and it's fascinating to me that if you add together the cuts for service operations, forest and rangeland research, and state, private and tribal forestry, that pretty much exactly equals the proposed billion dollars in the reconciliation bill for the ballroom. So, the President's ballroom has a higher priority than forest research, state and tribal forestry, and Forest Service operations.\n\n“So, another way to look at it in perspective is that number represents 3/10 of 1% of the proposed increase in the defense budget this year to $1.5 trillion. So, I don't understand the priorities here. I just don't think it makes any sense…your statement is that “The budget eliminates the account for state, private, and tribal forestry funding to ensure fiscal responsibility and to better balance the appropriate roles of federal and state government.” That's a euphemism for we've got the gold mine, you get the shaft. You're shafting the states and the tribes. About ten times today you've used the word partnership. It ain't a partnership if one side has to give up everything, and the other side says, this is what we're going to do, and we're not going to give you any money to do it; why in the world are you seeing the basis for the partnership that you keep talking about? Why should anybody partner with you when, on the one hand, you're saying, well, here are our terms and conditions, but by the way, we're not going to give you the money that we've historically given you year after year? What's the justification for that?” asked Senator King.\n\n“Mr. Chairman, Mr. King, thanks for the question. So, in many cases, the partnerships that we have, they're mutually beneficial. That's how it works. So historically, the state and private funding was about $300 million. And that funding was supporting a lot of different programs for states. What we've seen over time, though, is that there is a need to take a look at those programs and how they're funded and the responsibility of the states and other partners,” replied Mr. Schultz.\n\n“So, it's a zero value. It's going from $310 million to 0. So, you're saying there was no value in those expenditures whatsoever?” Senator King asked.\n\nMr. Schultz replied, “Mr. Chairman, Senator King, when I mentioned I worked in state government for over 25 years before I came into this role, and there has always been concerns and questions about the appropriate role of the federal funding versus state funding. And we've seen different states address that differently. Some states have increased funding for the state and private programs through the state legislatures, and others have not. So, it's something that has been an ongoing issue and a discussion about how much of that burden shifted more states or the federal government.\n\n“Well, how much of the burden? Your budget says zero is for the federal government as far as the states are concerned.” Senator King asked.\n\nAs a lifelong advocate for conservation and Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s most prominent voices advocating for conservation of public lands. He has been outspoken regarding cuts to National Parks and conservation services. Last month, in response to budget cuts and reorganization at the USFS, Senator King joined 33 of his Senate colleagues to raise concerns about harmful workforce reductions.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=14AD4CFE-0D4C-4D16-9540-31F3F5102E91", "title": "Klobuchar Meets with Annunciation Catholic School Students and Teachers in Washington", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met with students and teachers from Annunciation Catholic School during their annual 8th grade visit to Washington, D.C.\n\n“I enjoyed spending time with students and teachers from Annunciation Catholic School during their visit to our nation’s capital,” said Klobuchar. “I had a meaningful conversation with these students about public service, gun safety reforms, and their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Their experience at Annunciation and presence here in Washington inspires the fight for gun safety legislation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=1BD7EDCF-4ACB-45D3-B3C7-ABB6FB01497F", "title": "Klobuchar Bipartisan Rural Broadband Protection Act Signed into Law", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below following her bipartisan Rural Broadband Protection Act being signed into law. The bill, which Klobuchar led with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a more thorough vetting process to ensure that providers applying for federal funding are capable of delivering reliable broadband access to underserved, rural communities.\n\n“We should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in Minnesota — regardless of their zip code,” said Klobuchar. “This law will help Americans connect to work, school, health care, and business opportunities by ensuring the companies that apply for federal funding to build out broadband infrastructure can get the job done. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to close the digital divide and ensure Minnesota families can reliably access the high-speed internet they need.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E6051E4C-F86F-4743-8AB4-A0EFC01779AF", "title": "Klobuchar Opening Remarks on Protecting Kids Online", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, delivered the following opening statement while co-chairing the subcommittee hearing titled “From the Courtroom to Congress: Why Landmark Social Media Verdicts Demand Federal Action to Protect Kids Online.”\n\nA rough transcript of Klobuchar’s full opening statement is available below and a video can be downloaded here.\n\nSenator Klobuchar: Thank you very much, Chair Blackburn, for holding today's hearing, and thank you to our witnesses for being here. Ms. Bogard, thank you very much for being here. I'm sure this is difficult. And Bridgette Norring, who I've gotten to know very well, she's from Minnesota, and in your son's name, have just been an incredible advocate for other families, both nationally and in our state. Thank you.\n\nSo here's the issue, as the Chairman explained, social media company algorithms are designed to keep people online as long as possible and collect information and then sell as many advertisements as possible. And sadly, all of that has also included kids and very young kids.\n\nAccording to a study, social media platforms generated $11 billion in revenue in 2022 from advertising directed at children and teenagers, including nearly $2 billion in ad profits derived from users age 12 and under.\n\nTo protect the profits, the companies often design their platforms in ways that actually increase teen addiction. And then, of course, these platforms become prey to predators, people that are pushing sexual exploitation, people that are pushing harmful content from eating disorders, and provide venues, as we know, in several cases, for dealers to sell deadly drugs like fentanyl.\n\nOne parent told me that her child's social media use was like a water faucet on full blast — the water was over flowing while she is sitting out there with a mop trying to wipe it up, trying to figure out how to get her child off of one platform, going to her eldest child to try to get advice on what to do when they find a new platform. And for so many parents like the two that are before us today to testify, there are permanent, tragic consequences.\n\nBridgette lost her teenage son after he took a fentanyl-laced pill that he believed was Percocet purchased through social media. Joanne lost her teenage son after he tried the blackout challenge that he saw online.\n\nThat's why parents, victims, and state attorneys general have been standing up to hold these platforms accountable and protect others from enduring the pain that they have gone through themselves. In the face of their grief, they are suing social media companies for the harms their platforms have caused.\n\nWe've had two significant cases just recently, in a bellwether case that may shape how thousands of others are resolved: the California jury found Meta and YouTube were negligent in how they designed their platforms and liable for damaging the mental health of a young girl who frequently felt that she simply couldn't break away. The state of New Mexico won its case against Meta, alleging that the company, quote, knowingly exposes children to the twin harms of sexual exploitation and mental health harm — $375 million in damages.\n\nThese courtroom victories are incredibly important, but they cannot be an excuse for complacency. We must continue to empower victims, opening the courtroom door. I've been a long-time supporter of, after finally deciding that we wouldn't be able to pass a bunch of the laws I wanted to pass, of getting rid of Section 230, or at least reforming it. And even with some of these victories, the companies have continued to block changes in Congress. Meta even used its power as a dominant provider of online advertising to hide legitimate advertisements by lawyers informing parents and kids of the harms of social media.\n\nSenator Cruz and I have teamed up and passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act. We're literally coming up this next week on the time at which the platforms will be held accountable if they don't take either real images of non-consensual porn or AI-created images down. We already have criminal prosecutions against those that have spread this trash, that have been successful.\n\nCongress also needs to pass, and Senator Blackburn and I were together with Senator Blumenthal and Cruz yesterday with a group of parents, the Senate's version of the Kids Online Safety Act, KOSA, to ensure that the platforms design their products to prevent and mitigate harms. Senator Blumenthal and Blackburn's bill, it passed the Senate on a 91-3 vote last Congress, and it needs to be taken up and passed immediately.\n\nThere are vital issues to get right, but we cannot allow children to continue to be in harm's way every time they pick up a smartphone or tablet while we drag our feet on reform. It is time to stop talking about the problem and do something.\n\nI look forward to hearing about the witnesses. Thank you.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-britt-unveil-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-industrial-water-reuse-protect-community-drinking-water-and-meet-public-and-private-demand-for-freshwater/", "title": "Luján, Britt Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Boost Industrial Water Reuse, Protect Community Drinking Water, and Meet Public and Private Demand for Freshwater", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation Incentivizes Water Reuse Investments to Protect Water Resources for Local Communities and Businesses\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Advancing Water Reuse Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide a federal tax incentive for manufacturers and other industrial entities to invest in water reuse systems and infrastructure. As the nation’s aging water infrastructure struggles to meet growing public and private demands for freshwater, the Advancing Water Reuse Act will expand investments in water reuse to protect water, reduce demand on freshwater supplies, and spur business development and job growth.\n\nWater reuse is the process of intentionally capturing and treating wastewater, stormwater, saltwater, or graywater to make it suitable for beneficial freshwater uses, including industrial processes, irrigation, and groundwater replenishment.\n\n“In New Mexico, water is critical to our families, communities, and local economies,” said Senator Luján. “As demand for freshwater continues to grow, we need smart and forward-looking solutions to protect our vital resources and strengthen long-term water security. That’s why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Britt to incentivize investments in water reuse infrastructure that will help conserve freshwater, support local communities, and provide businesses the certainty they need to grow and create jobs. Expanding water reuse can help reduce strain on existing water supplies, protect drinking water resources, and ensure communities across the country have access to reliable water.”\n\n“A safe, reliable supply of freshwater is crucial to facilitating economic development while ensuring Americans across the country have access to clean water. In Alabama, water reuse technologies are being developed and incorporated across industries to reduce demand on freshwater supply and mitigate strain on our aging water infrastructure. I’m proud to have worked on this legislation with Senator Luján that promotes responsible water management, so residents have safe drinking water, farmers have the water they need to grow our food, and industries have the capacity to continue investing in our communities,” said Senator Britt.\n\n“Water is the fuel of our growing economy. Businesses need local, reliable, and cost-effective strategies that protect water resources for the communities in which they operate,” said WateReuse Association Executive Director Bruno Pigott. “WateReuse Association applauds Senators Britt and Luján for introducing legislation to unleash the potential of industrial water reuse for the American economy.”\n\n“To meet rising industrial water demand, the focus must shift from short-term supply solutions to long-term resilience. Embedding water reuse into core infrastructure strategies will help industries future-proof operations while strengthening both economic resilience and water security—particularly as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and other growth industries accelerate. The Advancing Water Reuse Act is an important step toward scaling industrial water reuse in the United States, reducing pressure on freshwater supplies while supporting the innovation driving the AI economy. We commend Senator Ben Ray Luján and Senator Katie Britt for introducing bipartisan legislation that recognizes water reuse as both an economic and water security imperative,” said Josh Mahan, Senior Director, Government and Industry Relations at Xylem.\n\nSpecifically, the Advancing Water Reuse Act:\n\nCreates a 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for qualifying water reuse projects.\n\nEncourages partnerships between businesses and municipal water recycling systems to increase the use of recycled water.\n\nCovers projects that:\n\nSupports installation or expansion of onsite water recycling systems at manufacturing, food processing, and other industrial entities, including data center facilities;\n\nReplaces the use of freshwater, such as groundwater, with recycled water from a municipal water provider for the production of goods or provision of services; or\n\nBuilds or expands a municipal water recycling system for the purpose of securing recycled water for the production of goods or provision of services.\n\nThe Advancing Water Reuse Act is supported by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, American Public Works Association, American Water Works Association, Epic Cleantec, Grundfos, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, National Water Resources Association, Pacific Institute, PepsiCo, Plumbing Manufacturers International, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Veolia, Water Environment Federation, Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, WateReuse Association, and Xylem.\n\nA one-pager of the legislation is available here. Full bill text is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-markey-calls-for-a-restoration-of-fuel-economy-standards-that-save-americans-money-at-the-pump", "title": "ICYMI: Senator Markey Calls for a Restoration of Fuel Economy Standards That Save Americans Money at the Pump", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington (May 13, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today hosted a press conference calling on the Trump administration to end its proposed rule to roll back Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which save money for drivers and reduce oil consumption. Senator Markey was joined by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), the National Consumers League, Moms Clean Air Force, and a local business owner feeling the pain of high gas prices caused by Trump’s expensive, dangerous, and unnecessary war with Iran. President Trump’s war of choice in Iran has caused gas prices to spike by more than $1.50 in just over two months. Senator Markey also called on car manufacturers to voluntarily recognize previous, more stringent fuel economy standards amidst the ongoing fuel cost crisis.\n\n“With one hand, Donald Trump is rolling back the very standards that keep our vehicles leaner, cleaner, and cheaper, and with the other hand he is driving up gas prices,” said Senator Markey. “That’s like a doctor who makes you sick, withholds the cure, and sends you a bill for both. I am calling on the administration to withdraw their proposed rule to roll back these standards in light of the energy emergency they single-handedly created.”\n\n“Costs are low when fuel economy standards are high,” said Daniel Greene, the Senior Director of Product Safety & Consumer Protection at the National Consumers League. “But in the midst of sky-high gasoline prices and a deepening affordability crisis, the Trump administration response is to weaken federal fuel economy standards. That’s like pouring gasoline onto an open fire - gasoline that costs $4.50 a gallon. The National Consumers League urges the Trump administration to halt its assault on affordability and preserve robust fuel economy standards.”\n\n“As an African American mother, grandmother, and one of the millions of people who drive a car, I have a simple message to the Trump administration: stop putting American families’ health last. Improved fuel economy standards save us money—and save lives too. Tailpipe pollution is a major threat to children’s health and is known to damage our lungs, hearts, and brains. Our children and families deserve better,” said Almeta Cooper, National Manager for Health Justice for Moms Clean Air Force.\n\nIn February, Senator Markey and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) led 78 lawmakers in a letter to the Administration calling on it to withdraw its proposed rollback of fuel economy standards. Last month, Senator Markey introduced his No Big Fossil Bailouts on Your Power Bill Act as a response to the Trump administration’s abuse of energy emergency powers to force power plants to continue operating beyond their planned retirement dates, causing bills to soar and pollution to surge as a result. Senator Markey has been a fuel economy champion since the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 included fuel economy language co-authored by then-Rep. Markey to push for more protective standards.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-introduces-bill-to-support-families-experiencing-pregnancy-loss/", "title": "Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Support Families Experiencing Pregnancy Loss", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) introduced the Bereaved Parents Rights Act, legislation that ensures hospitals and freestanding birth centers provide clear information about the rights that grieving parents have regarding the cremation or burial of their miscarried or stillborn child.\n\n“As an OB-GYN, I’ve sat with parents during some of the most heartbreaking moments of their lives after the loss of a child,” said Senator Marshall. “In those moments of grief, families should be met with compassion and clarity, not confusion about what happens next. No law can take away that pain, but we can ensure parents are informed of their rights and given the opportunity to make decisions for their child with the respect every family deserves.”\n\nCongresswoman Kat Cammack (R-Florida) introduced this bill in the House of Representatives.\n\n“Losing a child you never got the chance to hold is a pain no parent can ever prepare for,” said Rep. Cammack. “In the most vulnerable moment of their lives, parents are too often failed by a broken system that leaves them to grieve and fight at the same time — that ends now. The Bereaved Parents Rights Act ensures parents have the information, guidance, options, and time they need to make deeply personal decisions. I’m proud to help lead this initiative to ensure grieving parents receive the dignity, resources, and support they deserve.”\n\nWhat the bill does:\n\nRequires hospitals and freestanding birth centers to notify the parent(s) of a miscarried or stillborn child of their rights no later than 6 hours after the miscarriage or stillbirth, or when the parent(s) are discharged, whichever comes first. The parent(s) must be informed of their options for private burial, common burial, cremation, or disposal by the hospital or birth center, using a form which will be developed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.\n\nHonors a parent’s written election to arrange for burial or cremation by following the same disposition options available under State law for fetal deaths.\n\nAllows any individual harmed by a violation of these requirements to file a civil lawsuit in federal court for relief.\n\nBackground:\n\nState laws regarding the handling of fetal remains following a miscarriage or stillbirth vary significantly across the country.\n\nMany states have no clear legal requirements regarding the disposition of remains following a miscarriage, leaving hospitals to rely on internal policies and procedures.\n\nAs a result, grieving parents can face confusion and unnecessary obstacles while seeking to bury or cremate their child.\n\nClick here to read the full text of the legislation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-urges-fema-to-release-more-than-600-million-in-delayed-reimbursements-for-pennsylvania-hospitals/", "title": "SENATOR MCCORMICK URGES FEMA TO RELEASE MORE THAN $600 MILLION IN DELAYED REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITALS", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging the agency to release nearly $600 million in approved COVID-19 reimbursement funding owed to Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems.\n\nIn the letter, Senator McCormick raised concerns about the ongoing delays in disbursing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance funds tied to pandemic response efforts and highlighted the continued financial strain facing healthcare providers across the Commonwealth.\n\n“Pennsylvania hospitals stepped up during the pandemic when communities needed them most,” said Senator McCormick. “They expanded capacity, protected frontline healthcare workers, and ensured patients continued receiving care under unprecedented circumstances. FEMA approved funding to reimburse those efforts, yet nearly $600 million remains unpaid. These providers upheld their commitment to Pennsylvanians, and the federal government should uphold its commitment to them.”\n\nSenator McCormick is committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania hospitals receive the reimbursements they are owed so they can continue delivering critical care and protecting communities across the Commonwealth.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-blasts-senate-republicans-for-failing-to-end-trumps-illegal-iran-war/", "title": "Merkley Blasts Senate Republicans for Failing to End Trump’s Illegal Iran War", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley—a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block his War Powers Resolution to end President Trump’s illegal war against Iran:\n\n“Rather than hold President Trump accountable for his reckless warmongering, Senate Republicans have once again rubber-stamped Trump’s unconstitutional war with Iran.\n\n“This war of choice has been a total failure. The Strait of Hormuz—which was open before the war—remains closed, choking off vital supplies and raising costs for working families. Iran’s enriched uranium remains hidden. U.S. aggression has only strengthened the hardliners inside Iran, and our influence is declining across the region.\n\n“As James Madison warned us: ‘the Executive is the branch of power most interested in war, and most prone to it. [The Constitution] has accordingly with studied care vested the question of war in the Legislature.’ The Senate must uphold its Constitutional duty.\n\n“Until this illegal war is over, Democrats will keep forcing votes to hold Senate Republicans accountable for bending the knee to Trump. No more war with Iran!”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-law-enforcement-officers-from-across-florida-join-senator-moody-for-national-police-week-reception/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Law Enforcement Officers from Across Florida Join Senator Moody for National Police Week Reception", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is saying thank you to more than 100 Florida law enforcement officers and the families of fallen heroes. Senator Moody honored their service at her inaugural Police Week Reception in the U.S. Senate. Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze emceed the event and St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro and Milton Police Department Chief Jennifer Frank thanked Senator Moody for steadfast support for law enforcement.\n\n“We are honoring the service of law enforcement officers from across Florida this week and saying thank you to the families of the fallen heroes whose names are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall. Their courage and sacrifice must never be forgotten. As Florida’s U.S. Senator and the wife of a law enforcement officer I will also support our heroes,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody welcomed Florida law enforcement and the families of fallen law enforcement officers from around the state to Washington, D.C.\n\nTen fallen officers’ from Florida will have their names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.\n\nFlorida lost 11 officers in the line of duty last year. Nationally, there were 111 line of duty deaths.\n\nSenator Moody is a long-time supporter of the rule of law and of law enforcement officers. Since becoming Florida’s newest Senator, Moody has:\n\nIntroduced the Halo Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty;\n\nSupported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence;\n\nIntroduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers;\n\nCo-Sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The new law assists law enforcement officers get fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;\n\nSponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and\n\nVoted to pass the largest pro-law enforcement package out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week last year.\n\nAs Florida’s Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs.\n\nSenator Moody also supported the Working Families Tax Cuts, which includes no tax on overtime, ensuring law enforcement officers can keep more of their hard-earned paycheck as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-votes-to-remove-us-armed-forces-from-iran", "title": "Murkowski Votes to Remove U.S. Armed Forces from Iran", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement following her vote on Senate Joint Resolution 163:\n\n“Today, the Senate voted on a resolution directing the president to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran, the eighth such resolution on this matter. I voted against the previous seven resolutions because I believed an abrupt withdrawal would endanger American forces and civilians in the region, but also because the president was operating within his constitutional authority under the 60-day threshold established by the War Powers Act.\n\n“Two elements have changed since those previous votes: we have now surpassed the 60-day limit for hostilities without congressional authorization, and the administration has asserted that hostilities have ended, despite the blockade and continued fire directed at members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as our assets, allies, and partners. The administration's own position removes any justification for keeping our servicemembers in harm's way without congressional authorization.\n\n“If U.S. forces are still required to operate in the region or hostilities are resumed, the administration is obligated to seek authorization from Congress and should come before this body, and the American people, making that case. I have been working with several colleagues on an authorization for the use of military force, but with the reported claim of ended hostilities, this course of action is not an effective means to manage this conflict. Should hostilities reignite and military action resume, I will reconsider the introduction of an AUMF.\n\n“Until then, I will support measures to officially end hostilities and bring our men and women home. I will oppose any effort to redefine 'hostilities' in ways that allow the president to wage war indefinitely without seeking congressional approval as outlined by the Constitution.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-deluzio-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-kick-private-equity-out-of-kids-sports-and-stop-the-ripoffs", "title": "Murphy, Deluzio Introduce Bicameral Bill to Kick Private Equity Out of Kids' Sports and Stop the Ripoffs", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.-17) on Wednesday introduced the Let Kids Play Act, a bicameral bill to stop Wall Street from pricing kids out of sports by banning private equity firms from youth sports, shutting down the vulture practices they use to jack up costs, and getting money back to the families who have been ripped off. The bill is co-led by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in the Senate. The Monopoly Busters Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Deluzio, along with U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.-18), and Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02) co-led the legislation in the House.\n\nOver the last decade, youth sports have become prohibitively expensive. What was once an affordable, community-based tradition to give kids a chance to have fun and challenge themselves, has morphed into a $40 billion industry dominated by private equity, with the singular goal of extracting as much profit as possible from families. Private equity firms have monetized and taken ownership of every layer of youth sports, including leagues, teams, venues, practice facilities, tournament circuits, uniforms, streaming services, hotels, and merchandise sales, boxing out local organizations that are invested in their community.\n\nOnce they’ve taken control of the competition, private equity wields their market power ruthlessly, sticking ordinary families with substantially higher prices, endless junk fees, and mandatory multi-year contracts. In just a few years, the cost of participating in youth sports has risen by 46 percent. Families routinely go into debt to keep their kids in sports, with the average cost exceeding $5,000 a year. As a result, millions of lower-income families have been locked out of the youth sports experience entirely, participating at half the rate of wealthier families.\n\n“As a hockey dad, I’ve seen how viciously these private equity companies rip families off,” said Senator Murphy. “Sports are one of the increasingly few places kids can find real community and learn core values, like teamwork and discipline, that last a lifetime. It is shameful to deny that opportunity to millions of kids just so some greedy Wall Street executives can boost their bottom line. We are getting these profit-obsessed corporations out of kids’ sports for good.”\n\n\"Sports should be a sacred part of childhood,” said Rep. Deluzio. “Instead, big money vultures have turned youth sports into a luxury item. That must end. I’m proud to lead the Let Kids Play Act to ban private equity from youth sports and keep this part of the American Dream alive for the next generation of kids.”\n\n“The cost of youth sports has gotten out of control. Parents are getting squeezed, kids are being shut out, and big businesses are cashing in,” said Senator Booker. “Playing sports as a kid changed the trajectory of my life, and I know it’s done the same for millions of others. We will all lose something important to society and our culture if we allow youth sports to become a luxury good only available to the wealthiest.”\n\n“In nearly every part of American life, giant corporations, Wall Street investors, greedy billionaires, and other special interests are squeezing every last dollar they can out of working families,” said Rep. Jayapal. “And like in so many other industries, wealthy investors have found a way to take the fun out of kids’ sports. The Let Kids Play Act puts a stop to this nickel-and-diming from private equity and corporate investors because no child should miss out on playing sports because their parents cannot afford these ridiculous fees.”\n\n“As a mom, I know how important youth sports are for our kids, but thanks to private equity firms monopolizing sports leagues and jacking up prices for parents, sports are becoming less and less accessible to everyday folks,” said Rep. Craig. “Limiting kids’ access to activities that help them stay active and build lifelong skills, while putting the squeeze on working parents who are already struggling with the sky-high cost of supporting a family is unacceptable and wrong. That's why I'm proud to be a part of the effort to protect youth sports and hold these massive companies accountable for exploiting working families and using our kids as pawns to increase their bottom lines.\"\n\n“Team sports are supposed to be the first place our kids learn teamwork, discipline, and community. Instead, it’s become a cash grab for Wall Street investors to make another buck while our kids miss out on this fundamental part of American childhood,” said Rep. Pat Ryan. “It’s outrageous. Parents are already getting crushed by costs everywhere they turn, and now corporate investors are coming after one of the most important parts of childhood, too. Enough. The Let Kids Play Act cracks down on these abusive practices, lowers costs for families, forces the bad actors to pay them back, and puts the focus back where it belongs: on kids getting the chance to play.”\n\nThe Let Kids Play Act stops Wall Street from pricing our kids out of sports by banning both private equity vulture investors and the vulture practices they use, and establishes strong enforcement tools to hold private equity accountable for the damage they cause by requiring:\n\nMandatory exit from youth sports: Private equity firms are automatically designated as vulture investors and banned from youth sports -- leagues, facilities, tournaments, and player platforms -- unless they prove they have never used vulture practices. Banned investors must sell their ownership stakes and management rights in youth sports within two years.\n\nRefunds to families: This bill requires vulture investors to provide full refunds for any junk fees collected through vulture practices, cancels any predatory contracts, and wipes out any outstanding debts, interest, or late fees that were imposed by the private equity firms.\n\nLiability for debts and safety violations: Private equity vulture investors are held personally and financially responsible for any debts, legal judgments, or law violations, including child safety and labor infractions, that occur while they are in charge.\n\nCreation of Youth Sports Fund: Any penalties paid or money taken from these private equity firms is placed into a dedicated fund to provide scholarships, reduce costs for families, and keep local fields open for free community use.\n\nRights for communities and families be respected: This bill gives states and parents legal standing to sue private equity firms in youth sports, stop their vulture practices, and receive compensation for any financial losses or harm they have caused.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP), Groundwork Action, Sports Fans Coalition, Open Markets Institute, and the Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF).\n\n“No kid should have to quit a sport because private equity has made it too expensive,” said Lina Khan, former FTC Chair. “It’s great to see this bill take on the vulture investors preying on families.”\n\n“Private equity has transformed youth sports from a public good into a profit center, with children and families paying the price,” said Katie Van Dyck, Senior Legal Fellow, American Economic Liberties Project. “The Let Kids Play Act goes after their vulture practices with conviction — banning the consolidation, debt loading, and asset stripping that have hollowed out local clubs; eliminating the liability shields that protect the worst actors while leaving communities in the dust; and giving public and private enforcers the tools to hold them accountable. Kids and families deserve to enjoy sports without emptying their bank accounts. This bill makes that possible.”\n\n“For years, private equity firms have been buying up youth sports leagues and turning one of the most important parts of childhood into a cash extraction scheme,” said Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Action. Firms are piling on junk fees, locking families into predatory contracts, and mandating expensive travel programs, all so Wall Street investors can squeeze more profits out of kids and parents. The result is that millions of children are being priced out of sports that used to be a basic part of growing up. The Let Kids Play Act would ban these vulture tactics outright and kick private equity out of youth sports, putting families, kids, and communities back at the center of the game.”\n\n“There's no bigger fan than a parent. Watching your kid compete is the purest experience sports has to offer,” said Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition. “But private equity is exploiting that love. Buying up local leagues, forcing families into pay-to-play schemes, preventing kids from playing in other tournaments, and harvesting children's biometric data for profit doesn't just drain working families' bank accounts — it sucks the soul out of youth sports. The Let Kids Play Act attacks this problem at the root by banning these predatory practices and forcing vulture investors out of youth sports for good. Sports Fans Coalition proudly endorses this legislation and commends Sen. Murphy and Rep. Deluzio for standing up for the most passionate fans in America — the parents on those sidelines.\"\n\n\"Private equity firms threaten to destroy kids' sports the way they are destroying so many other industries,” said Brendan Ballou, author of Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America. ”This is a problem that will get worse unless Congress steps in. If you want to make children's sports affordable, support this bill.\"\n\n“Private equity firms have shown, again and again, what happens when short-term investors move into community institutions: costs go up, quality and access go down, and families are left paying the price,” said Audrey Stienon of the Open Markets Institute. “This bill recognizes that youth sports should be about kids and communities, not financial extraction, and it could help establish a broader standard for identifying and pushing out the kinds of investors whose business model depends on harming the people they’re supposed to serve.”\n\n“For decades, private equity firms have used tax loopholes like carried interest to avoid paying billions in taxes, while using money taken from taxpayers to buy up companies and raise prices for millions of Americans already struggling in an unaffordable economy,” said David Kass, executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness. “Let Kids Play Act would ensure that private equity firms already taking from taxpayers cannot price kids out of their communities’ sports programs. These programs are essential to our children’s and community development. No kid should be shut out.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-presses-epa-administrator-on-agency-siding-with-mega-polluters-plans-to-gut-clean-water-funding/", "title": "Senator Murray Presses EPA Administrator on Agency Siding with Mega Polluters, Plans to Gut Clean Water Funding", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Senator Murray on President Trump’s FY27 Budget Request\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed Administrator Lee Zeldin on how EPA has been captured by industry and is abandoning its mission to protect families’ health.\n\n[ROLLING BACK PFAS REGULATIONS]\n\nSenator Murray began by questioning Administrator Zeldin on EPA’s decision to gut PFAS rules and risk the health of all Americans.\n\nMURRAY: Washington state has been a real leader in responding to contamination from PFAS. These are “forever chemicals,” and they’ve been linked to cancer, liver, thyroid problems, fertility issues. They’re very widespread, they’re very hard to replace, but that has not stopped my state from really working hard to tackle this problem head-on: Washington state, actually, led the way in banning PFAS in food packaging and in firefighting foam.\n\nAnd, in 2024, EPA actually followed Washington state’s lead and set federal drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals for the first time ever. Last year, you proposed rescinding standards for four of these chemicals, citing “costs” and “flexibility.”\n\nAdministrator Zeldin, what analysis has EPA conducted on the health cost of rescinding these PFAS drinking water standards? And specifically, what impacts can we expect to see in developmental delays, decreased birth weights, or early puberty for children?\n\nZELDIN: Well, Senator the extension of PFOA and PFOS for two years, that was primarily based on costs. With regards to the rescission of the four other types of PFAS, that was following litigation because the process under the Safe Drinking Water Act—\n\nMURRAY: That actually wasn’t the question I was asking you, I was asking you: what analysis have you done on the health costs—on the health cost, the impact, especially to our kids.\n\nZELDIN: Okay, I thought you were asking me about the recission of the four.\n\nMURRAY: I’m asking you what the health cost is of that recission.\n\nZELDIN: Well, so—\n\nMURRAY: Have you done an analysis? Have you looked at it?\n\nZELDIN: We have extensive—absolutely—we have extensive work going on across the agency on all sorts of aspects regarding PFAS. It’s a really long list of work that the agency’s involved in—\n\nMURRAY: Well, the reason I ask is because the EPA’s own research found that PFAS standards that you gutted could have saved $1.5 billion in avoided health costs.\n\nZELDIN: It was a legal requirement Senator.\n\nMURRAY: In avoided health costs. We just can’t allow for the cost of compliance—\n\nZELDIN: We have to follow the law.\n\nMURRAY: I’m just telling you what the health cost of this is—\n\nZELDIN: I agree that there’s a health cost.\n\nMURRAY: I believe that it is really important that we make sure we are doing the right thing, that we are protecting children’s health—not doing what corporations need—because there is not yet any proven “treatment,” you know that, for PFAS. The only solution is keeping it out of water in the first place, and that is the point I’m making as the health impacts.\n\n[EPA PUSHING ANTI-ABORTION AGENDA]\n\nSenator Murray continued by questioning Administrator Zeldin on reports that the EPA expended resources investigating how to track medication abortion in wastewater, an issue fomented by far-right, anti-abortion extremists.\n\nMURRAY: Let me go to another question. Administrator, the anti-abortion activists are pushing this really absurd argument that women who use birth control or self-manage abortions or miscarriages at home somehow pose a risk to our public health and the environment. I am deeply concerned that this radical conspiracy has found an audience at the EPA.\n\nLast October, the New York Times reported that senior EPA officials directed scientists to look into how the federal government could track traces of abortion medication in wastewater. And last year, House Republicans actually included a provision of that in their EPA funding bill.\n\nAre you actually spending taxpayer dollars looking into medication abortion being in the water?\n\nZELDIN: Unless they’re one of the many hundreds of pharmaceuticals on the list of the contaminant candidate list, I’m not aware of the agency doing anything with that.\n\nMURRAY: But do you seriously believe there’s abortion in the water, like some of the far-right activists have suggested?\n\nZELDIN: I have not—you just said, “abortion in the water?”\n\nMURRAY: That’s what some far-right activists are saying that they have an audience in the EPA on that absurd issue.\n\nZELDIN: Yeah, I have not had a conversation with anyone at the agency as far as abortions in water.\n\nMURRAY: And you’re not actively pursuing it or don’t have groups of people—\n\nZELDIN: I don’t even know what you’re talking about.\n\nMURRAY: Well, I’m referring to a New York Times article that reported that senior officials have directed scientists in the EPA to look at this.\n\nZELDIN: Okay, again, unless you are referring to a pharmaceutical that is on the list of hundreds of pharmaceuticals that are part of the contaminant candidate list six, but aside from that I am not aware of anything else at the agency other than that.\n\nMURRAY: I’m citing a New York Times article and I’m happy to get it to you, but I just have to say this is really crazy. This isn’t environmental protection, I hope that there is nothing going on in your agency. This is not science, it’s not health care, and it’s not the job of the EPA. I just wanted to make that clear.\n\n[EPA RISKING CLEAN DRINKING WATER]\n\nSenator Murray then pressed Administrator Zeldin on why he is seeking to eviscerate the EPA’s budget for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, despite EPA’s own estimates that dramatically more funding is needed to upgrade and replace essential water infrastructure. The State Revolving Funds face a particularly acute funding cliff, as $5.2 billion in annual funding provided for the two funds in the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA), which supplemented annual appropriations, expires in FY27.\n\nMURRAY: I also wanted to associate the comments of the chair of this committee and Senator Baldwin on the state revolving funds. Cutting them by 90 percent to me is just absurd.\n\nHave you actually talked to water utilities about what sort of price increase that your proposal would cost them and their utility customers?\n\nZELDIN: Well, Senator we’re in touch with thousands of water utilities all the time, all across the entire country about this. But as I pointed out earlier what we don’t propose—I’m not opining on the merits of Congressionally Directed Spending and I’m not opining on Congressional Set-Asides—but the account has been getting depleted on grants, not loans, so it has not been revolving. We in our budget do not propose Congressionally Directed Spending, that is something that Congress can decide—\n\nMURRAY: Which I know you took well-part in when you were a member of Congress.\n\nZELDIN: That was the primary difference between what the president had proposed in FY26 in the final appropriation. The delta is primarily made up of Congressionally Directed Spending, the president is not going to propose, I’m not going to sit here and advocate for it. But what I will advocate for is that when Congress does decide to do Congressionally Directed Spending that my job is to make sure that that money gets out as effectively as possible.\n\nMURRAY: That is different than the 90% cut that you are proposing in your budget.\n\nZELDIN: Well, that’s why your 90% number is misleading, because you’re not factoring in what is going to be added to the amount that is proposed in Congressionally Directed Spending.\n\nMURRAY: You’re just saying “Congress if you want this, you got to, then each individual senator has to”—\n\nZELDIN: The president’s not asking for your earmarks.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, no, but I’m just saying—\n\nZELDIN: I don’t know how much you want to raid the SRF, that’s your, that’s something for you to fight for.\n\nMURRAY: What I need you to understand is that the Clean Water revolving funds, the state revolving funds, are absolutely critical to our states.\n\nAnd you say that there is money hanging out there, I heard your answer on that, the fact is that it actually takes communities and states a lot to design and engineer and put this all together and they have to have the money first in order to do that. And what we do know is because there’s a lot of positions that have been eliminated at the EPA, its taking a lot longer for those funds to get out there.\n\nZELDIN: That’s not accurate.\n\nMURRAY: Yes, it is, and so I—\n\nZELDIN: Absolutely untrue.\n\nMURRAY: I need to make this point because I want to—I agree with the chair, that this is a fund that is critical for our states, and our families just simply cannot afford to make up these funds. This is something I feel really strongly about—and, by the way, our CDS projects are still water projects. We don’t raid the water funding to do that.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-expanding-vision-care-for-students-across-middle-georgia/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Expanding Vision Care for Students Across Middle Georgia", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Wrightsville, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is expanding vision care for kids across Middle Georgia.\n\nBringing Republicans and Democrats together, Sen. Ossoff is delivering Federal funding to Community Health Care Systems, Inc. to bring mobile vision care services for students enrolled in Johnson, Baldwin, Hancock, and Twiggs County Schools.\n\nWith the funding, Community Health Care Systems plans to bring mobile vision services for school-based clinics in rural Georgia counties with limited access to eye care, including to support monthly eye clinics at schools and outreach to rural areas, ensuring students receive necessary vision care without missing school.\n\nSen. Ossoff is delivering $472,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on February 3.\n\n“Every child deserves the vision care they need to see, to read, and to enjoy life,” Sen. Ossoff said. “That’s why I’ve appropriated funds to expand mobile vision clinics for children across Middle Georgia.”\n\n“We’re grateful to Senator Jon Ossoff for his leadership to secure this funding for our mobile vision care services,” said Carla Belcher, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Community Health Care Systems, Inc. “With these new Federal resources, we will be able to deliver vision care services to students in Johnson, Baldwin, Hancock, and Twiggs County Schools, helping children get care who wouldn’t otherwise.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-markey-call-on-trump-administration-to-end-rollback-of-fuel-economy-standards/", "title": "Padilla, Markey Call on Trump Administration to End Rollback of Fuel Economy Standards", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) to condemn the Trump Administration’s proposed rollbacks of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which save drivers money by improving gas mileage and reducing oil consumption.\n\n“Overall, basic goods have an inflation rate right now of 3.8 percent. That’s higher than it’s been since 2023,” said Senator Padilla. “All because of a president who promised to lower prices and tackle inflation, when he’s in fact making things worse. So the last thing this Administration should be doing is forcing families to pay even more at the pump. But that’s exactly what’s going to happen if the Trump Administration succeeds in rolling back our fuel economy standards.”\n\nPadilla has repeatedly underscored the importance of stronger fuel economy standards to promote economic development and competition, protect the environment, and address affordability nationwide. The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating CAFE standards despite skyrocketing gas prices and worsening air quality.\n\nTrump’s unnecessary war with Iran has resulted in an affordability crisis across the country, causing gas prices to spike by more than $1.50 in just over two months.\n\nEarlier this month, Padilla and his Democratic colleagues introduced the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act to crack down on petroleum market manipulation and protect consumers from unjustified price spikes at the pump.\n\nVideo of Padilla’s remarks is available here.\n\nTranscript of Padilla’s remarks is available below.\n\n“Let me begin by quoting Donald Trump, which I rarely, rarely do, but just yesterday he said, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situations.’ That’s the president of the United States. He does not care about the financial situations of American families. Boy, he’s got a crazy way of showing it, doesn’t he? Because families everywhere continue to pay increasing costs for everything from groceries to housing to health care and yes, gas prices and energy costs, overall.\n\nBasic goods have an inflation rate right now of 3.8 percent. That’s higher than it’s been since 2023. All because of a president who promised to lower prices and tackle inflation when he’s in fact making things worse.\n\nSo the last thing this Administration should be doing is forcing families to pay even more at the pump. But that’s exactly what’s going to happen if the Trump Administration succeeds in rolling back our fuel economy standards.\n\nLet’s just kind of lay it out here, right? Instead of saving consumers money, weaker fuel efficiency standards will cost them more. Plain and simple. When cars are less efficient, it means that consumers are having to pay for more gas to travel the same distance — more trips to the pump, more hard-earned dollars being pulled out of Americans’ pockets and enriching oil companies.\n\nAcross the country, Americans are still struggling to fill the gas tanks in their cars. And this Administration’s response is to make cars less efficient. It doesn’t make sense to anybody.\n\nAnd the consequences don’t end at just families’ budgets, trying to balance the books when you pay your bills every month. We know that the transportation sector is still the single largest contributor to climate pollution, and weaker standards will lead to more pollution in the air that our children breathe, that we all breathe, which will lead to more health problems like asthma, which means more health care costs.\n\nThis at a time when we had the warmest March on record — the warmest March in 132 years. Climate change is real, Senator Markey. And we’re paying the price not just with our dollars, but with our health.\n\nThe truth of the matter is stronger fuel economy standards are good for the economy, good for American competitiveness, good for the environment, and good for taxpayers. Stronger standards push automakers to design and build more efficient and cleaner vehicles that reduces our dependence on foreign oil and saves Americans money.\n\nThat is the way forward. Let’s move forward towards cleaner cars, lower costs, and a healthier future for all of us. And I stand with Senator Markey in this fight.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-padilla-slams-proposed-usfs-budget-request-closure-of-critical-research-facilities-elimination-of-funding-for-fire-assistance-programs-in-the-run-up-to-peak-fire-season/", "title": "WATCH: Padilla Slams Proposed USFS Budget Request, Closure of Critical Research Facilities, Elimination of Funding for Fire Assistance Programs in the Run Up to Peak Fire Season", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WATCH: Padilla to Schultz on FY 2027 budget proposal: “Please explain to the committee how you expect state and volunteer fire departments to make up for this staggering cut.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-chair of the Senate Wildfire Caucus, slammed the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz on President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, which would eliminate funding for state and local fire assistance programs and undermine hazardous fuels reduction efforts. Padilla criticized the lack of coordination and Congressional consultation regarding the newly launched U.S. Wildland Fire Service and highlighted the impact the cuts would have on communities across the country.\n\nPadilla pressed Schultz on the closure of six of the eight research facilities in California. USFS research stations provide the science that allows for more effective fuel treatments such as prescribed fire, and better post fire recovery to establish more resilient forests. Padilla criticized the proposed elimination of the existing State and Volunteer Fire Assistance programs. Under the proposed FY 2027 funding request, State and Volunteer Fire Assistance programs’ would be cut from a combined $97 million and be replaced with $2.8 million in a new single “Rural Fire Assistance grants” program – a 97% cut. These programs provide vital support to state and local fire entities, which together respond to and suppress the vast majority of ignitions across the country.\n\nTrump’s budget proposal also includes relocating the Hazardous Fuels budget line item, which has been previously used for wildfire risk reduction projects, to the newly launched U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Padilla questioned Schultz how relocating the funding will separate USFS landscape managers with critical expertise from fire officials.\n\n“Less resources, less capacity, increased risk. It’s going to lead to more loss and negative impact for our communities,” said Senator Padilla. “Not just me, not just my side of the aisle — you’ve heard this concern from both sides of the aisle: that separating wildfire risk reduction from landscape managers, who have the expertise to actually reduce risk, creates problems.”\n\nThe Trump Administration recently announced its plans to reorganize USFS, which would result in the closure of six of the eight research facilities in California. After expressing concern about the reorganization, Padilla secured a commitment from Schultz to provide written justification and assurance that ongoing research will not lapse due to the closures.\n\nIn the aftermath of the catastrophic Southern California fires, Senator Padilla introduced more than a dozen bills to help prevent and respond to future wildfires, including the Senate version of the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to combat catastrophic wildfires, restore forest ecosystems, and make federal forest management more efficient and responsive. Padilla highlighted the Senate Fix Our Forests Act after joining federal and state emergency officials for a tour of the Pacific Palisades fire recovery area led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In 2025, the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Fix Our Forests Act, marking a significant step forward in federal wildfire policy to protect communities while restoring forest health.\n\nVideo of Senator Padilla’s full questioning is available here.\n\nA full transcript of Padilla’s questioning is below.\n\nPADILLA: Chief, first of all, thank you for your service. Let me begin my statements and questioning by sharing my concerns regarding the recent reorganization announcement. I know there’s a lot in there to pick apart, but I want to focus specifically on the closure of six of the eight research facilities in California. Mr. Chairman, I actually ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter from California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot that echoes many of my concerns. Now, Chief, I appreciate that you’ve briefed my staff on the reorganization, but I want to ask that you follow up with your rationale for the closures in writing, as well as to provide a clear cost-benefit analysis and assurances that ongoing research will not lapse due to these closures. Is that something you think you can provide?\n\nSCHULTZ: Mr. Chairman, Senator Padilla, yes, sir.\n\nPADILLA: Thank you very much. Now, elsewhere in the budget proposal, you suggest eliminating the existing State and Volunteer Fire Assistance programs, which were funded in fiscal year 26 at levels of $76 million and $21 million respectively, and that’s suggested to be replaced with just $2.8 million for a new category of “rural fire assistance grants.” Based on my math, this is functionally more than a 97 percent cut. These programs provide vital support to state and local fire entities, which together respond to and suppress the vast majority of igniters across the country, not just in California. Please explain to the committee how you expect state and volunteer fire departments to make up for this staggering cut. And please don’t point to AI. I’ve asked this question to a lot of folks that have sat in this chair on budget proposals before — AI is not going to get there.\n\nSCHULTZ: Mr. Chairman, Senator Padilla, I’m not an expert on AI, so I won’t point to AI. I think what we’ve seen is, in general, in the ‘27 budget, the fire program is moved from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior. So, in the ‘27 budget, we don’t have the fuels program, we don’t have the firefighting program. So, I think what you did see is there was $2.8 million of Department of Interior funding that would pick that up. And that other programs that you’re referencing — the State Forestry Fire Assistance and the Volunteer Fire Assistance — that program is not continued, so there is not replacement funding. So in terms of how that would get replaced, it would have to be done at a local level, but it would not be available. We do have other programs. We have the excess property program, that local government can pick up excess equipment from the military at no charge and that can transfer to those entities. So, there are other programs in addition to the VFA and the FFA fund.\n\nPADILLA: Right, other programs, but not making them whole with this cut.\n\nSCHULTZ: That’s right.\n\nPADILLA: I don’t hear you disagreeing with my assessment that this is being cut, so you understand my concern: less resources, less capacity, increased risk. It’s going to lead to more loss and negative impacts for our communities. Now, elsewhere in the proposed budget, you propose moving the hazardous fuels budget line item to a new U.S. Wildland Fire Service. The hazardous fuels budget has previously been used to accomplish prescribed fire and other risk-reduction projects on land managed by the Forest Service. Not just me, not just my side of the aisle — you’ve heard this concern from both sides of the aisle: the concern is that we’re separating wildfire risk reduction from landscape managers who have the expertise to actually reduce risk is my specific concern here today. So, Chief, how will the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service partner with land managers and the Forest Service experts to accomplish critical fuels reduction projects, including but not limited to prescribed fire?\n\nSCHULTZ: Mr. Chairman, Senator Padilla, that’s a very good question.\n\nPADILLA: That’s why I’m asking.\n\nSCHULTZ: I know, it’s a good one. So right now, those functions are integrated basically within the Forest Service.\n\nPADILLA: And you seek to disintegrate them.\n\nSCHULTZ: That’s right and the focus there would be more on the Forest Service folks handling more of the land management and the Wildland Fire Service focusing more on suppression and the fuels work as well. So that program would transfer over there, but it’s going to require coordination. There’s no doubt.\n\nPADILLA: So how’s that coordination going to happen?\n\nSCHULTZ: Well, right now, we don’t have it worked out yet because it’s not implemented yet.\n\nPADILLA: Well, it is proposed. Don’t you think you need to work that out before you suggest the change?\n\nSCHULTZ: Well, the Department of the Interior is doing it right now. So the Department of Interior has already implemented the Wildland Fire Service. So, the land managers and the Fire Service are having to coordinate there.\n\nPADILLA: So they are implementing or they’re not implementing? You just contradicted yourself.\n\nSCHULTZ: So, no, the Department of Interior, within the Department of the Interior, has implemented the Wildland Fire Service. So, they’ve consolidated the fire program within DOI. So we’re going to look to DOI and see what lessons they’ve learned this year, and that would then inform how we proceed.\n\nPADILLA: So you agree? This is –\n\nSCHULTZ: It’s definitely a change. Yes.\n\nPADILLA: And an area for follow-up on how we’re going to maintain the integration of the land management experience and expertise.\n\nSCHULTZ: Yes sir.\n\nPADILLA: Into prescribed fires and other mitigation efforts.\n\nSCHULTZ: Yes, sir. And that’s one of the prime questions for the RFP — the study that’s going to go out at the end of this week — is going to ask some of those very questions.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/americas-tall-ship-us-coast-guard-barque-eagle-to-visit-ri", "title": "“America’s Tall Ship,” U.S. Coast Guard Barque EAGLE to Visit RI", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "NEWPORT, RI -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore announced that the 295-foot sailing vessel U.S. Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE (WIX 327) is scheduled to visit the Ocean State during the last weekend of July through early August and will be open to visitors. The USCG Barque EAGLE is a tall ship and the premier sail training vessel of the United States.\n\nReed and Amore are inviting members of the public to step aboard this ‘national treasure’ of a ship where past, present, and future U.S. Coast Guard officers learn the “old ways” of sailing and how the forces of nature like wind, waves, and currents impact ships at sea.\n\nThe EAGLE will be moored in Newport at State Pier #9, directly to the west and abutting Mary Ferrazoli Park, and is scheduled to offer free public tours from Friday, July 31 to Monday August 3. Admission is free and no tickets will be required for entry.\n\nNewport is one of several ports of call for the EAGLE during the cutter’s 106-day journey along the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico, with other stops scheduled in places like Pensacola, Baltimore, Charleston, New Orleans, New York City, Boston, and Portland.\n\nThe EAGLE is a three-masted sailing barque with teak decks and more than 22,300 square feet of sail and six miles of rigging. Homeported at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, the EAGLE is the only active square-rigger in United States government service. It usually has a crew of eight officers and 50 enlisted personnel and trains up to 150 cadets or officers on any voyage. It is Captained by Captain Kris Ensley who took command of EAGLE in June of 2025.\n\nThe ship was taken by the Allies among war reparations from the Germans at the conclusion of World War II concluded in 1945 and the U.S. won it in a prize drawing with the British and Soviet navies. The EAGLE has served as a training vessel for Coast Guard Academy cadets and candidates from officer candidate school. The mission of EAGLE is to develop and grow future officers, and every cadet will spend at least six weeks on board learning seamanship, navigation, and leadership skills.\n\nThe last time EAGLE visited Rhode Island was in 2022 during the 50th celebration of Tall Ships America.\n\nFor the latest information about EAGLE, including port cities, tour schedules, current events, as well as cadet and active-duty crew member photographs, check out the U.S. Coast Guard Barque EAGLE Instagram page: @barqueeagle.\n\nSenator Reed has worked for years to successfully expand the Coast Guard’s footprint in Rhode Island. Reed secured over $100 million for work on a new Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) pier at Naval Station Newport. He also successfully advocated for the homeporting of two 270-foot Coast Guard medium endurance cutters from their previous homeports in New Hampshire and Virginia. And last year, Reed announced that two more 360-foot twin USGC OPCs that weigh in at about 4,500 long tons when fully loaded, will soon be homeporting in Rhode Island.\n\nNewport is also home to USCGC TAHOMA (WMEC-908) and USCGC CAMPBELL (WMEC-909) - soon to be swapped out for USCGC LEGARE (WMEC 912) - USCGC OAK, USCGC SYCAMORE, USCGC IDA LEWIS, as well as Station Castle Hill and Point Judith. These multi-mission assets service aids-to-navigation, conduct search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, ports and waterways security, living marine resources, and defense and homeland security missions.\n\nU.S. Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE (WIX 327) by the numbers:\n\nLength: 295 feet, 233 feet at waterline\n\nBeam: greatest 39.1 feet\n\nDisplacement: 1,816 tons\n\nLead ballast: 344 tons\n\nMainmast: 147.3 feet\n\nForemast: 147.3 feet\n\nMizzenmast: 132 feet\n\nSpeed under power: 11 knots\n\nSpeed under full sail: 17.5 knots\n\nNumber of sails: 23\n\nSail area: 22,300 square feet\n\nEngine: 1,000 horsepower diesel Caterpillar D399 engine\n\nMaximum capacity: 239", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-joins-schumer-durbin-shaheen-warner-coons-schatz-warren-kim-statement-on-trumps-china-policy-ahead-of-his-summit-with-chinese-president-xi", "title": "Reed Joins Schumer, Durbin, Shaheen, Warner, Coons, Schatz, Warren, Kim Statement on Trump’s China Policy Ahead of His Summit With Chinese President Xi", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – As President Donald Trump arrives in Beijing, China for his meeting with President Xi Wednesday, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and key U.S. Senate leaders say they’ll be closely watching how President Trump handles a number of issues that have potential national security implications.\n\nReed and eight of his colleagues condemned the Trump Administration’s policies on China as failures for the American people and national security and encouraged President Trump to secure real, long-lasting wins for American families, rather than trade away American security and jobs for a photo-op.\n\nToday, Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, teamed up with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL); U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Intelligence Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee; and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) the Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance released the following joint statement.\n\n“The Trump Administration’s China policy has been one failure after another for American taxpayers and U.S. national security. In just the last year, the President has walked back export controls and blessed sales of critical AI chips to Chinese firms, cut American research, weakened our alliances, squeezed farmers, and failed to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities. Instead of investing in U.S. alliances and partnerships to tackle global challenges, Trump has destroyed U.S. global standing, one of America’s most formidable advantages over China.\n\n“Now, as the President arrives in Beijing, he isn’t even pretending he will try to solve these problems—most of his own creation. Instead, he’s focused on investment deals that could threaten American manufacturing and economic independence. Given the economic hardship facing families across our country, Trump owes the American people solutions, not just another red-carpet appearance.\n\n“The solutions to these challenges are forged at home and with U.S. allies and partners and will not be solved in any one summit. To be effective, he must have a plan to defend U.S. manufacturing and ensure any U.S. investments in China do not allow our most advanced technologies to flow to the People’s Liberation Army. He needs to get serious about investing in the research, skills, and industrial might needed for the U.S. to build the jobs of the future here in America. He should rebuild alliances and partnerships, provide U.S. security support to Taiwan amid growing threats, and reverse the damage done by his bullying of allies with across-the-board tariffs. And when it comes to halting the flow of fentanyl and synthetic opioid precursors, Trump should not let Xi repackage the same deliverables that the Biden Administration already secured. Rather, he should rebuild multilateral counternarcotics pressure on China to end money laundering and government acquiescence to precursor and equipment sales once and for all.\n\n“U.S. national security and American taxpayers cannot afford for Trump to simply get another photo op while folding to Xi. On fentanyl, economic security, regional and global security, American jobs, and prices at home – Trump must come back from Beijing with real, long-lasting wins for the American people.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-welcomes-366-in-fema-funding-for-ri-including-long-awaited-covid-19-reimbursement-from-trump-admin", "title": "Reed Welcomes $36.6 in FEMA Funding for RI, Including Long Awaited COVID-19 Reimbursement from Trump Admin.", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed welcomed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finally approving $36,645,382 in federal funding for Rhode island for Public Assistance (PA) grant projects to reimburse incurred costs from the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nAdministered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this federal funding covers past emergency expenditures and protective measures as a result of FEMA- DR-4505-RI (COVID-19 Pandemic), as authorized by Congress under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act through annual appropriations.\n\n“It’s good news that the Trump Administration is finally approving this much-needed federal financial reimbursement, which Rhode Island is rightfully owed,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who noted that health care providers and large institutions across Rhode Island and the nation incurred substantial out-of-pocket costs during the pandemic and operated under the law that the federal government would provide them with timely reimbursements.\n\nDHS's approval for $36.6 million in outstanding COVID-19 PA funding for Rhode Island includes grants for:\n\n$21,266,549 to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for management costs.\n\n$6,995,655 to Rhode Island Hospital for utilizing 233 laborers to provide emergency and inpatient clinical care, containment, and treatment of suspected and/or positive COVID-19 patients. Rhode Island Hospital also received $1,532,380 for management costs.\n\n$3,532,837 to the University of Rhode Island (URI) for emergency non-congregate shelter to URI students who tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.\n\n$3,317,960 to the Rhode Island Department of Administration for management costs.\n\nOn March 13, 2020, President Trump, under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster relief and Emergency Assistance Act, declared a federal disaster for the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the entire country. Since March 13, 2020, Stafford Act declarations were issued for every state, territory, and the District of Columbia, authorizing FEMA) to deliver disaster assistance nationwide related to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nOrdinarily, federal disaster funding like this requires a 25-percent state and local match. But Senator Reed led the successful push to get then-President Joe Biden to waive the standard 25 percent non-federal cost share and authorize FEMA to cover up to 100 percent of eligible costs, if warranted by the extent of the disaster. Of these five FEMA awards, all but one are 100 percent covered by the federal government. The nearly $7 million reimbursement for Rhode Island Hospital is covered at 90 percent.\n\nWith this latest federal funding, FEMA has now provided more than $830 million in funding for Rhode Island’s COVID-19 response to date.\n\n“These federal dollars funded critical care. It is wrong for any Administration to try to delay or deny states from accessing the federal financial aid they were promised during an emergency. So it’s good news this is finally getting out the door,” concluded Reed.\n\nNearly 80 percent of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) budget – just over $35 million – comes from federal grants awarded by FEMA. The Trump Administration has proposed dismantling FEMA, which Senator Reed says is a non-starter that would require an act of Congress.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-introduces-the-rural-depositories-revitalization-study-act-to-strengthen-rural-banks/", "title": "Ricketts Introduces the Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act to Strengthen Rural Banks", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act to strengthen rural institutions, protect small-town depositors, and keep local credit flowing. The legislation would also identify burdensome red tape and regulations that prevent the opening and growth of rural banks.\n\n“Nebraskans rely on community banks and credit unions,” said Ricketts. “They underwrite farm equipment. They help small businesses and manufacturers get started. They enable Nebraskans to become homeowners by providing first mortgages. Regulations written for big banks should not apply to rural ones. This bill helps make the Good Life possible for all Nebraskans.”\n\n“We know rural communities are often overlooked when it comes to investment and access to capital. As a result, rural communities frequently lack the same access to small business and mortgage loans compared to urban and suburban counterparts,” said Warnock. “Our bipartisan Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act will help combat these inequities by identifying key ways to strengthen our nation’s rural banks and financial institutions to promote investment in rural communities.\n\nThe Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act would:\n\nDirect the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to:\n\nIdentify methods to improve the growth, capital adequacy, and profitability of depository institutions in the United States that primarily serve rural areas;\n\nIdentify Federal statutes or regulations of the Federal banking agencies that limit the establishment of de novo depository institutions in rural areas;\n\nCreate a report to Congress with their findings no later than a year after enactment.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nRural communities rely on their local institutions to provide them flexible credit. New bank formulation is staggeringly low since 2009. The total number of banks has declined by more than 70% since the 1980s. The Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act would identify solutions to ensure rural banks can be created and continue to thrive.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-emphasizes-need-for-florida-training-facility-drone-defense-in-sasc-hearing", "title": "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Emphasizes Need for Florida Training Facility, Drone Defense in SASC Hearing", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing on the Department of the Army’s Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program. During the hearing, Senator Scott emphasized the continued importance of the Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training, Test, and Threat Simulation Center in Orlando and the U.S. Military’s drone posture for the future of warfare.\n\nYou can watch his questions for the witnesses, Daniel P. Driscoll, Secretary of the Army and General Christopher C. LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army by clicking HERE or on the image below\n\nHIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HEARING:\n\nIS FLORIDA STILL LEADING THE WAY ON INNOVATING TRAINING EXERCISES?\n\nSecretary Driscoll said, “Simulation is more important than ever. The ability to take data from the battlefield, whether it’s CENTCOM or what we can get out of Ukraine, and feed that into the system to learn. Not just for the human learning, but to train our counter-drone models and to train our drone models. As these agentic solutions start to flow, data and simulation will matter more than ever.”\n\nGeneral LaNeve said, “Our simulation center [Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training, Test & Threat in Orlando, Florida] is incredible. It’s going to continue to be very, very important as we move onward with our modernization program. We are not… stepping away from the incredible capacity that we have there.”\n\nIS AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING BASE PREPARED FOR THE DRONE PRODUCTION OF MODERN WARFARE?\n\nSecretary Driscoll said, “Drones will be a core part of our future combat and no matter where you go, I think what we, as a nation, need to do is create the mechanisms and the tools to be able to scale when we need to.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-prevent-federal-law-enforcement-officer-doxxing", "title": "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Prevent Federal Law Enforcement Officer Doxxing", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Rick Scott led six of his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Blocking Leaks Undermining Law Enforcement (BLUE) Act of 2026.This legislation would protect federal law enforcement officers from doxxing by prohibiting the sharing of their personal or location information when intended to obstruct, interfere with, or retaliate against their lawful duties.\n\nThe BLUE Act criminalizes the publicization of federal law enforcement officers’ personal information (including location) with the intent of using said information to physically disrupt law enforcement activities.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “It is despicable that radical left-wing protesters are routinely attacking federal law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect Americans. Democrats continue protecting criminal illegal aliens and their radical left-wing defenders instead of the law enforcement officers keeping our communities safe. Trump Derangement Syndrome and years of ‘defund the police’ rhetoric has gone too far, and the BLUE Act protects law enforcement officers doing their jobs and keeps their families’ identities safe. I proudly stand with federal law enforcement and against the lunatics putting public safety at risk.”\n\n“Attacks on federal law enforcement are at an all-time high, with perpetrators becoming increasingly more brazen in targeted physical and doxing attacks on officers and their families,” said National President Mathew Silverman of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). “That is why we are grateful to the leadership of Sen. Scott to advance the ‘BLUE Act’ during National Police Week. This is a commonsense bill to ensure appropriate penalties for those who seek to undermine public safety, and we urge Congress to swiftly send it to President Trump’s desk.”\n\nKey measures of the BLUE Act:\n\nCreates a new criminal prohibition: Makes it illegal to share certain protected information about a federal law enforcement officer when done with intent to obstruct, interfere with, or retaliate against their official duties or proceedings.\n\nExpands what information is protected: Clarifies that, for federal law enforcement officers, protected information includes not just personal details but also their current or expected physical locations, whether on or off duty.\n\nThe BLUE Act is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Agency (FLEOA).\n\nSenators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) are all cosponsors of this legislation.\n\nThe legislation comes as violent rioters, cartels, and domestic terrorists have increased doxxing attempts against federal law enforcement — particularly against ICE and CBP personnel — since President Trump returned to office last year. Examples:\n\nPHOTOS: Anti-ICE agitators dox agents by sending warning postcards to neighbors\n\n‘Activists’ Doxxing ICE Agents in L.A.\n\nReport: Whistleblower leaks personal data of 4,500 DHS and ICE agents to doxxing website\n\nFederal prosecutors charge 3 activists with 'doxing' of ICE agent in Los Angeles\n\nHSI Arrests Florida Man Who Posted Death Threats Online to ICE Officers\n\nDHS Law Enforcement Experienced More Than 180 Vehicle Attacks Since President Trump Took Office\n\nDHS Applauds White House Lawsuit Against California’s Unconstitutional Anti-Cop Legislation That Endangers Federal Law Enforcement\n\nDHS Calls for Governor Newsom to Veto California’s \"No Secret Police\" Act\n\nICE Officers Face an 8,000% Increase in Death Threats Against Them and Their Families\n\nAnti-ICE Agitator Doxxes ICE Officer in North Carolina\n\nAnarchists and Rioters in Portland Illegally Dox ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement\n\nDHS Condemns Dangerous Doxxing and Escalating Threats Against Federal Law Enforcement Officers\n\nTownhall first broke the story, read more here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/13/video-rosen-pushes-energy-secretary-to-admit-explosive-nuclear-testing-is-not-needed/", "title": "VIDEO: Rosen Pushes Energy Secretary to Admit Explosive Nuclear Testing is Not Needed", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch the full exchange HERE\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Today, during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) pushed Energy Secretary Chris Wright into admitting that a resumption of explosive nuclear testing – which would occur at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) – is not necessary. The Trump Administration has expressed interest in resuming explosive nuclear testing, which would break the testing moratorium signed by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, and restart nuclear testing at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Since then, the U.S. has continued to certify the military effectiveness of our nation’s nuclear stockpile, through state-of-the-art, science-based subcritical experiments conducted at the Site that ensure we never have to detonate another nuclear weapon on U.S. soil again. These experiments provide greater certainty and data about the performance of the stockpile, experts say, than the information that could be obtained if the U.S. were to conduct an explosive nuclear test.\n\nSenator Rosen is fighting to ensure that explosive nuclear testing never returns to Nevada. She recently visited the NNSS, where she saw first-hand the work being done to certify the stockpile without explosive testing. She helped introduce legislation to ensure that no president can unilaterally resume explosive nuclear testing. In prior Senate Armed Services Committee hearings, Senator Rosen has received commitments from every nominee to lead the National Nuclear Security Administration and the commander of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) that there is not a need to resume explosive nuclear testing and that they would not recommend a resumption. Senator Rosen also helped pass a bipartisan bill to support Nevadans harmed by radiation from Cold War nuclear testing.\n\nBelow are excerpts from the exchange:\n\nSenator Rosen: “Secretary Wright, citing your impressive educational resume in engineering from MIT and Berkley, and with so many experts in agreement that there is NO technical or strategic need to resume explosive nuclear testing, can you commit today that this Administration will not conduct an explosive nuclear test, YES or NO?”\n\nSecretary Wright: “Well Senator Rosen, ultimately that decision comes down to the Commander-in-Chief.”\n\nSenator Rosen: “If you are asked, what would your advice be? Let me phrase it another way. You advise the president. Of course, any president has that right, but what would your advice be as an engineer, as a scientist, as a secretary?”\n\nSecretary Wright: “This year again, leaders of the weapons laboratories and the STRATCOM commander certified our weapons stockpile as reliable from the nonexplosive testing we do. I think our arsenal is ready to go, but there may be other reasons for which the commander-in-chief may want to engage in a nuclear test.”\n\nSenator Rosen: “So you will disagree then with your extensive educational achievements, studies, and as a scientist, disagree with scientists and administrations going back to the 1990’s and the data that shows renewed explosive testing is unnecessary? You think there is still a need for that? You will disagree with all the experts? Yes or no. Do you agree there is a need for explosive testing or not?”\n\nSecretary Wright: “To assure the reliability of our weapons, there is not a need for explosive testing.”\n\nSenator Rosen: “Thank You.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-omar-more-than-100-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-end-child-hunger-through-universal-school-meals/", "title": "NEWS: Sanders, Omar, More Than 100 Colleagues Introduce Legislation to End Child Hunger Through Universal School Meals", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sanders.senate.gov", "scraper": "sanders", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000033", "name": "Bernard Sanders", "party": "Independent", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, May 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) today introduced legislation to end child hunger in the United States. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America — regardless of income — and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools.\n\nJoining Sanders and Omar as cosponsors on this legislation are Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Minn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and 85 members of the House of Representatives.\n\n“It is outrageous that, while the billionaire class has never had it so good, one in five children will go hungry in America this year,” Sanders said. “The United States is the richest country in the history of the world. Nobody should be going hungry. And what we learned during the pandemic is that a universal approach to school meals works and helps kids do better in school. States across the country continue to prove this every day. It is time for Congress to reinstate universal school meals at the national level to finally ensure no student goes hungry.”\n\n“No child should have to sit in a classroom hungry or worried about where their next meal will come from,” Omar said. “As a former nutrition educator and someone who experienced hunger firsthand, this fight is deeply personal to me. I have always believed you must feed kids’ bellies before you can feed their brains. That is why I am proud to partner again with Bernie Sanders to introduce the Universal School Meals Program Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to students year-round. Universal school meals are not a luxury—they are a necessity.”\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 comes at a critical moment: the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have enacted the deepest cuts to federal nutrition programs in history, slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion, imposing harsh new bureaucratic requirements that have stripped food assistance from millions of Americans, and refusing to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown in fall 2025.\n\nCongress funded universal school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that the model increases school meal participation, reduces the stigma for students from low-income households and removes stress on families to secure healthy meals for their kids. While Congress let the universal model expire at the end of the 2021–2022 school year, nine states — Vermont, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico and New York — have passed laws to provide universal school meals. This legislation builds on this progress to return the model nationwide.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent food security report — which the Trump administration has now ended — 48 million Americans, including over 14 million children, are food insecure. Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are 18 or younger. It is time to permanently make school meals free to all students, regardless of income, and finally address this crisis. Studies show time and again that students with free access to breakfast have improved attendance and better performance in school, and that free meals reduce financial stress for both students and families. Moreover, free and accessible school meals improve health outcomes, relieve the stigma associated with school meals and reduce behavioral incidents. Parents will not be forced to deal with paperwork or subjected to threats to have their children taken away.\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 provides the most cost-effective and inclusive model for students, families, teachers, public schools, childcare providers and communities by:\n\nProviding free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to every student — regardless of income.\n\nEliminating school meal debt for every public school student in America by reimbursing schools and ending harassment of parents and students over unpaid bills. In a 2025 survey, the School Nutrition Association found that nearly 1,400 school districts across the country hold a median of $6,000 in unpaid meal debt.\n\nIncreasing the reimbursement rate for schools to get closer to the actual cost of producing meals.\n\nIncentivizing schools to buy from local farms, bringing food from nearby farms into schools while supporting local economies.\n\nProviding summer meals to all children and increased SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) to lower-income children. Currently, only communities where 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch may operate a summer meals program. This bill makes all communities eligible, regardless of income.\n\nStrengthening and expanding the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to allow three meals and a snack each day, eliminate the two-tiered reimbursement rate for CACFP, and allow childcare providers to receive the highest reimbursement rate regardless of income.\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 is endorsed by nearly 100 organizations, including the American Heart Association, Food Research & Action Center, Hunger Free America, Hunger Free Vermont, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, National Education Association (NEA), National Family Farm Coalition, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Afterschool, Vermont Foodbank, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, and Washington School Nutrition Association.\n\nRead the bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-republicans-push-for-1-billion-in-taxpayer-dollars-for-trumps-gilded-ballroom-schumer-reveals-how-that-funding-could-instead-be-used-to-lower-costs-for-new-york-families", "title": "AS REPUBLICANS PUSH FOR $1 BILLION IN TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR TRUMP’S GILDED BALLROOM, SCHUMER REVEALS HOW THAT FUNDING COULD INSTEAD BE USED TO LOWER COSTS FOR NEW YORK FAMILIES", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.schumer.senate.gov", "scraper": "schumer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000148", "name": "Charles E. Schumer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump Promised “Not One Penny” Of Federal Money Would Be Used For His Ballroom — Now Republicans Want Taxpayers To Spend $1 Billion On Trump’s Vanity Project While NY Families Struggle To Afford The Basics\n\nSchumer To NY Republicans: Why Are You Choosing Trump’s Chandelier Over New Yorkers’ Childcare, Trump’s Ego Over Their Electric Bills, And Trump’s Palace Over The People’s Priorities?\n\nSchumer: New Yorkers Don’t Want This Ballroom Blitz – They Want Lower Costs\n\nAs Republicans rush to try to pass $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to help pay for Trump’s new gilded ballroom, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today released the following report outlining how that funding could instead be used to help New Yorkers lower costs and help working families.\n\n“New Yorkers want lower costs, not a gold-plated ballroom. Inflation is skyrocketing because of Donald Trump’s costly tariffs, his disastrous war with Iran, and his failed economic agenda, but Republicans are focused on funding a ballroom. This staggering waste of taxpayer dollars does nothing to help Americans afford groceries, gas prices, healthcare, housing, or their electricity bills,” said Senator Schumer. “Despite Trump insisting that the ballroom would be completely privately funded, the truth is now coming out. At a time when Americans are struggling to put food on the table, Republicans say, ‘let them eat cake’ and demand American taxpayers build Trump a palace while they’re at it. NY Republicans need to answer why their priority is building a ballroom instead of helping working families.”\n\nDespite Trump previously saying that “Not one penny is being used from the federal government,” Republicans are trying to pass a bill that would allocate $1 billion in federal funding to pay for Trump’s 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which he has destroyed the White House’s East Wing to build. Schumer said it is backwards to charge American taxpayers $1 billion to build Trump’s gilded ballroom, while including zero dollars to help Americans struggling with rising costs. Schumer called on New York House Republicans to stand up to this bill that would charge New York taxpayers for Trump’s new ballroom instead of lowering costs.\n\nSo what could New Yorkers get with this $1 billion in funding instead of putting it towards Trump’s ballroom?\n\nHealthcare:\n\n$1 billion could have extended the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credit for nearly two years for every New Yorker\n\nIn 2025, 118,526 New Yorkers relied on these tax credits to help them afford health insurance and saved an average of $434 a month per enrollee\n\n$1 billion could cover the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for all New Yorkers who rely on it for more than six years\n\nFor the 464,000 New Yorkers who rely on insulin every day, this funding would have covered the average out-of-pocket cost for insulin at around $35 per month for years\n\nLowering Costs for Groceries and Electric Bills:\n\n$1 billion could restore SNAP benefits for more than three years for every New Yorker who was kicked off this food assistance program due to Trump and Washington Republicans’ cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill\n\n127,445 New Yorkers were estimated to lose food assistance between following Republican cuts. The average yearly SNAP benefit per person is $2,508\n\n$1 billion could fund Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) benefits for all New Yorkers in the program for more than two years\n\nAccording to state data, 462,000 New Yorkers rely on WIC\n\nWIC provided an average of $978.12 per participant per year\n\n$1 billion could help all 1.67 million New York LIHEAP recipients heat their homes in the winter or cool their homes in the summer for more than 2 years\n\nNew York families receive approximately $225 a year from LIHEAP on average\n\n$1 billion could cover groceries for nearly 300,000 New York families for six months\n\nAccording to the most recent data, the average household in New York spends on average $7,074 on groceries per year, with costs rising because of Trump’s tariffs\n\nChildcare and Education:\n\n$1 billion could cut the cost of childcare in half for nearly 100,000 New York infants for a full year\n\nThe average cost of child care in New York for a year per infant is $20,439\n\n$1 billion could cover almost half of in-state SUNY tuition for every single undergraduate student for a year\n\nAverage in-state tuition for a SUNY college is $7,070 for the approximately 340,000 undergraduate students enrolled per year\n\n$1 billion could cover a full four years of in-state CUNY tuition for 36,000 New York City college students in need\n\nAverage in-state tuition for a CUNY college is $6,930. There is an average of 112,820 undergraduate students enrolled per year\n\nBoosting Main Streets and Helping Farmers:\n\n$1 billion could provide 50,000 New York small businesses with $20,000 loans\n\n$1 billion could help 25,000 New York households rebuild with disaster loans of $40,000 each\n\n$1 billion could provide $30,000 in relief for every farm in New York State\n\nThere were 30,650 farms in New York State according to the 2022 census\n\nBoosting Funding for Public Servants:\n\n$1 billion could cover a $4,600 bonus to every New York State public school teacher\n\nThere were 215,761 public school teachers in NY in 2022\n\n$1 billion could cover a $11,000 bonus for each New York firefighter\n\n81,231 volunteer firefighters and 6,944 career firefighters in 2020\n\n$1 billion could cover a nearly $18,400 bonus to every police and sheriff’s patrol officer in New York\n\nThere were 54,360 police and sheriff’s patrol officers in NY in 2024\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-collins-lead-new-hampshire-and-maine-congressional-delegations-in-calling-for-federal-labor-relations-authority-to-explain-refusal-to-process-complaints-at-portsmouth-naval-shipyard", "title": "Shaheen, Collins Lead New Hampshire and Maine Congressional Delegations in Calling for Federal Labor Relations Authority to Explain Refusal to Process Complaints at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press", "domain": "www.shaheen.senate.gov", "scraper": "shaheen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001181", "name": "Jeanne Shaheen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are leading the New Hampshire and Maine Congressional delegations in calling for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to provide an explanation for its refusal to comply with recent court orders and process an Unfair Labor Practice charge (ULP) filed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Metal Trades Council on behalf of its members. In their bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers note that FLRA cites President Trump’s Executive Order limiting the collective bargaining rights of federal employees as its reason for inaction despite a court order halting implementation of the policy. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) cosigned the letter.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, in part: “We write today regarding the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s (FLRA) refusal to process Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges filed by members of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Metal Trades Council (MTC) on behalf of its members. The MTC has brought forward a ULP charge to the FLRA but has been informed that due to President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251, limiting the right of certain federal employees to engage in collective bargaining, the FLRA would not process the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employee ULP case. However, recent court rulings have nullified portions of that order, and the FLRA should be acting in accordance with the court order.”\n\nThey continued: “Considering the Court’s injunction and the importance of this issue to our constituents, we respectfully request that the FLRA provide prompt clarification regarding its handling of ULP filings brought forward by unions representing workers under federal agencies impacted by President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251.”\n\nThe lawmakers asked FLRA for responses to the following questions:\n\nIs the Federal Labor Relations Authority refusing to process Unfair Labor Practice charges brought forward by unions representing federal workers?\n\nIs the FLRA acting in accordance with the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia’s October 1st injunction in AFL-CIO v. Trump? What steps is the FLRA taking to ensure compliance with the injunction?\n\nWhat is the status of the ULP charge brought forward by the Metal Trades Council at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?\n\nWhat is the legal basis for the FLRA’s refusal to process ULP charges in light of the court’s October 1st injunction?\n\nA full copy of the letter can be read HERE.\n\nAs a co-chair of the U.S. Senate Navy Caucus and a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Shaheen has long advocated for New England’s shipbuilding industry and workforce, including through authorizing funding and workforce development for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Shaheen secured full authorization for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) investments at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Shaheen’s provision to exempt employees from all four public shipyards from the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) civilian hiring freeze and any future hiring freezes or reductions in force was included in the FY 2026 NDAA. She also secured a number of other provisions to increase capacity at the Shipyard and improve quality of life.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1C9A84FC-B396-463E-BEA9-B21ACF621001", "title": "Thune: Republicans Plow Ahead on President Trump’s Nominations Despite Democrat Obstruction", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, later today the Senate will finish considering the nomination of Kevin Warsh to be the 17th chairman of the Federal Reserve.\n\n“Leading the Federal Reserve System is an enormous task.\n\n“The decisions the Fed makes affect Wall Street and Main Street and kitchen tables all across the country.\n\n“So it’s critical that we have people who understand not only the macro – the global economy and the markets – but who appreciate the microeconomy: and that’s the hardworking Americans, their jobs, and their livelihoods.\n\n“Mr. President, Kevin Warsh is just such a person.\n\n“He credits his knowledge of the real economy to growing up in upstate New York, where his dad ran a children’s clothing store and manufacturing company.\n\n“From Shaker High School, he went on to Stanford University and then Harvard Law School.\n\n“He then started a career on Wall Street, but he shifted to public service, joining the Bush administration’s economic policy team in 2002.\n\n“Four years later, President Bush nominated him to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.\n\n“And at age 35, Kevin Warsh was unanimously – unanimously – confirmed here in the Senate and became the youngest governor in the history of the Federal Reserve.\n\n“Mr. President, being the youngest person to take a seat in the Federal Reserve’s Board Room is impressive enough, but Kevin Warsh didn’t just take his seat – he was a key player during the time he was on the board.\n\n“Mr. President, Kevin Warsh seems to have just the profile of a Federal Reserve chairman.\n\n“Yet Democrats oppose his nomination.\n\n“That’s right.\n\n“For the first time in its history, the Banking Committee reported out a nominee for Fed chairman on a party-line vote because every single Democrat opposed Mr. Warsh’s nomination.\n\n“And actually, only one Democrat was even present for the vote – the other 10 Democrats on the Banking Committee didn’t even bother to show up for it.\n\n“And yesterday on the floor, all but one Democrat opposed the first of Mr. Warsh’s two nominations: his nomination to be on the Board of Governors.\n\n“Mr. President, he’s already had that job, and a number of Democrats actually supported his nomination the last time.\n\n“But those same Democrats voted yesterday against appointing him to the board, and I suspect they’ll do the same when it comes time to vote on his other nomination to be the chairman later today.\n\n“Mr. President, I wish I could say I’m surprised, but this is just how bad Trump Derangement Syndrome has gotten on the other side of the aisle.\n\n“Democrats won’t say so, but that’s what it is.\n\n“Mr. President, I expect we’re going to hear Democrats attempt to justify their opposition by suggesting that a Chairman Warsh would somehow threaten the Fed’s independence.\n\n“And I have to say that’s a pretty serious claim.\n\n“And one that doesn’t really have a basis in reality.\n\n“To begin with, Mr. Warsh’s testimony before the Banking Committee should have put any concerns about his independence to rest.\n\n“But if the depth of his commitment to Fed independence was at all unclear, I recommend my colleagues review a speech he gave in 2010 titled, ‘An Ode to Independence,’ in which he said, and I quote, ‘Central bank independence is precious … Ensuring Fed independence – as the cornerstone of institutional credibility – is our charge to keep. It is central to what the Federal Reserve represents, and to how policy is conducted.’\n\n“Or they could ask Randall Kroszner, who served with Warsh on the Fed board, who said, and I quote, ‘He’s not an ideologue. Since I’ve known him, he was someone who tried to get things done.’\n\n“Or maybe – maybe – they could just ask the Democrat leader, who introduced Kevin Warsh at his 2006 confirmation hearing.\n\n“And he said then of Warsh, and I quote, ‘He knows unequivocally that the Fed must be independent, nonideological, and nonpartisan, and for this reason, I am proud to support his nomination.’\n\n“That, Mr. President, was the Democrat leader’s comments, who’s now leading the charge in opposing Warsh’s nomination.\n\n“Mr. President, it doesn’t seem to matter who President Trump nominates, Democrats blindly oppose them.\n\n“Democrats aren’t interested in a person’s qualifications.\n\n“All they care about is opposing President Trump.\n\n“And it’s been that way since he took office last January.\n\n“President Trump is the only president on record who has not had a single – single – civilian nominee approved by voice vote or by unanimous consent here in the United States Senate.\n\n“Only president in history!\n\n“Democrats have dragged out the process on every single one of his nominations.\n\n“And the fact that two Democrats voted for our former colleague Markwayne Mullin to be secretary of DHS, in this day and age here, appears to be an act of courage in today’s Democrat Party – even though it was a vote that traditionally would have been widely bipartisan, if not unanimous.\n\n“But not when Democrats are in the throes of Trump Derangement Syndrome.\n\n“Mr. President, it’s shameful. It really is.\n\n“But Republicans aren’t letting it stop us.\n\n“In September, we took steps to restore Senate precedent on largely noncontroversial presidential nominees to ensure that no other president has to face the kind of petty – and I mean petty – partisanship that President Trump has encountered.\n\n“Very soon, we will vote on a fourth nominations package containing 49 Trump nominees who have had their hearings and markups and are ready for confirmation.\n\n“And we’ll keep moving forward.\n\n“Mr. President, I know that Democrats aren’t happy that Donald Trump is the president.\n\n“But that doesn’t mean that nominations should be held up for purely political reasons.\n\n“As the Democrat leader said just a few years ago, and I quote, ‘That doesn’t mean we don’t disagree. But it does mean when nominees are held up, opposed, or blocked — it’s for a legitimate purpose, not for leverage in partisan games...’\n\n“Well, unfortunately, Mr. President, Democrats have made it pretty clear that they are only – only – interested in partisan games since President Trump took office.\n\n“But we’ve got a country to run, and Republicans are doing our job.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D1907BED-5A26-4474-BE31-A9E30DC04931", "title": "Thune Joins the Hugh Hewitt Show", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto listen.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined The Hugh Hewitt Show.\n\nOn the Working Families Tax Cuts:\n\n“[The Working Families Tax Cuts was] the most consequential thing I’ve done in my time in public life … We got the first entitlement reform we’ve gotten in my entire time in office … getting rid of the waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid program, SNAP program, were historic in terms of their accomplishments … It included 100 pieces of legislation – school choice; ban on federal funding for Planned Parenthood … newborn accounts for kids; child care tax credit, something the Democrats talk about, but have never done anything about.\n\n“And this president, President Trump, working with a Republican Congress, achieved that … I think … as we talk about this out on the campaign trail, we’ve got to home in on the things that are impacting people’s daily lives and remind them about some of the things that we’ve accomplished.”\n\nOn reconciliation:\n\n“We are looking for good ideas: ways to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in government, reform entitlement programs, make them run more efficiently, and obviously, look for tax policies that will allow the American people to keep more money in their pocket and quit sending so much to Washington. The one thing that’s clear in all the time I’ve been here, and that is that when Democrats are in power, they grow government, and it’s very, very hard to unwind that.\n\n“But even when they had unified control of the government during the Biden administration, they did two big reconciliation bills which dramatically expanded the size of government, spent $4 trillion and it wasn’t paid for, and created all kinds of crazy policies and Green New Deal policies that we’re now paying a price for and trying to go back and unwind. And that’s why it’s really important that we … keep majorities here in the Congress.\n\n“Right now with a Republican president, it’s a historic time. So if there’s another reconciliation bill that we think works and that we can get through both the House and the Senate, where the margins are very narrow, we’ll … take a hard look at it.”\n\nOn preserving the filibuster:\n\n“This is a conversation … that’s gone on for many years, many decades, and through multiple administrations and congresses … The founders, when they designed the country, one of the ways they divided power was they took the Article I branch of the government and made it a bicameral process, in which one of the institutions, the United States Senate, was non-majoritarian. They wanted a counter-majoritarian institution and the Senate represents that. It’s hard … to explain, and not something that we all learn in civics growing up. But there’s a reason why the Senate is the way that it is. It’s designed to slow things down, make it more deliberative, and to give the minority in the country a voice in our government.”\n\n[…]\n\n“Democrats have been the majority in the Senate more years than not, and their agenda is an aggressive, expansive agenda, because they’re all about growing government. And conservatives through the years have been able to use the filibuster to protect against a lot of crazy ideas that Democrats have – like expanding the Supreme Court and, you know, adding D.C. and Puerto Rico as states, and federalizing our elections, and abortion on demand, and … there’s a whole bunch … of crazy left ideas that they would turn to, were it not for the fact that Republicans were able to, because of the legislative filibuster, prevent that from happening.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-calls-for-greater-safeguards-to-protect-students-privacy/", "title": "Tuberville Calls for Greater Safeguards to Protect Students’ Privacy", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Education and the American Family, and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, sent a letter to Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure, about their concerns over the recent cybersecurity incident on Instructure, threatening the data of 275 million students, families, and teachers worldwide. The incident shut down Instructure’s learning management system, Canvas, the most popular system used in the country by K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.\n\nThe incident, which occurred amidst finals and graduation, resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of usernames, email addresses, course names, enrollment information, and messages to bad actors.\n\n“Cybersecurity threats are one of the most significant risks currently affecting the safety and security of our most sensitive information,” wrote the senators. “At a time when hostile actors are increasingly using sophisticated tactics leveraging artificial intelligence, it is essential for the education technology sector to take meaningful steps to safeguard student and consumer information.”\n\nRead the full letter below or here.\n\n“Dear Mr. Daly:\n\nCybersecurity threats are one of the most significant risks currently affecting the safety and security of our most sensitive information. At a time when hostile actors are increasingly using sophisticated tactics leveraging artificial intelligence, it is essential for the education technology sector to take meaningful steps to safeguard student and consumer information.\n\nThe recent cybersecurity incident affecting Instructure and its learning management system (LMS), Canvas, highlights the impact these growing threats have on disrupting our educational system Canvas, the most widely used LMS in the United States, is used by approximately 30 million individuals, including for course management, communication with students, and administrative functions. This disruption comes at the end of the school year, creating numerous complications around finals and end-of-year functions for students. Instructure has thus far stated that compromised “data fields involved include information like usernames, email addresses, course names, enrollment information and messages.” Estimates thus far indicate that this incident has affected the data of over 275 million individuals and over 8,000 school districts, universities, and other educational stakeholders.\n\nThis is not the first time Instructure has experienced a cybersecurity incident. In fact, Instructure was previously the victim of a cybersecurity incident in 2025, and recent reporting indicates that the ongoing incident stems from two separate attacks on Instructure’s systems. Additional transparency is needed regarding what information hostile actors accessed, what measures Instructure had implemented prior to the incident to protect sensitive information, and what steps the company intends to take going forward to address vulnerabilities and improve its security infrastructure.\n\nTo that end, we request answers to the following questions by May 28, 2026:\n\nWhat security protocols, both cyber and physical, does Instructure have in place to protect against a cyberattack?\n\nHow does Instructure incorporate cybersecurity best practices implemented by other critical infrastructure sectors?\n\nWhen did Instructure first become aware of a cyber incident affecting its systems?\n\nWhen did Instructure notify federal agencies of a cyber incident, and which agencies did Instructure notify?\n\nInstructure has stated that “data fields involved include information like usernames, email addresses, course names, enrollment information and messages.\n\nHas Instructure determined if this information contained any personally identifiable information?\n\nWhat steps is Instructure taking to identify any additional information that may have been accessed?\n\nHow is Instructure proactively communicating with potentially impacted individuals and entities, including the parents or guardians of potentially impacted children under age 18?\n\nMany of Instructure’s customers have been the victim of defacement attacks where hostile actors have publicized the list of affected schools.\n\nHow many customers has Instructure identified as potentially affected by the cybersecurity incident?\n\nWhat steps has Instructure taken to support customers to regain access to Canvas or affected systems?\n\nInstructure was the victim of a previous cybersecurity incident in September 2025.\n\nWhat remedial steps did Instructure take to improve its security protocols after that incident?\n\nWhat remedial steps has Instructure taken, or does it intend to take, to improve its security protocols in response to the ongoing incident?\n\nInstructure recently stated that it “reached an agreement with the unauthorized actor involved in this incident,” including the return of all exfiltrated data and the “digital confirmation of data destruction.”\n\nWhat were the specific terms associated with this agreement?\n\nWhat data was included in this agreement?\n\nHas Instructure determined whether the hostile actor exfiltrated data not covered by this agreement?\n\nSincerely,”\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-honors-kenya-thomas-of-daphne-as-may-veteran-of-the-month/", "title": "Tuberville Honors Kenya Thomas of Daphne as May “Veteran of the Month”", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Army Reserves Staff Sergeant Kenya Thomas as the May “Veteran of the Month.”\n\nExcerpts of Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and complete remarks can be found here.\n\n“Oftentimes, the simplest act of service can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. For Staff Sergeant Kenya Thomas of Daphne, Alabama, this is certainly true. She has spent her whole adult life finding ways to care for fellow veterans and active service members.\n\nAt just 17 years old, Kenya enlisted in the United States Army Reserves where she would go on to serve for more than a decade. After her high school graduation in 1986 in Cullman, Alabama, Kenya set out to serve our country with honor. She specialized in telecommunications where she helped keep military messages secure.\n\n[…]\n\nShe went back to school to become an ultrasound technician, where she has cared for patients in their best—and worst—moments. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Kenya extends compassion to the most vulnerable around her, whether it be patients, deployed service members, or children in need.\n\n[…]\n\nOver the course of just one summer, she made 150 pillows that she sent to Marines in Afghanistan. She later connected with one of the Marines who served with her stepson and was severely injured while in the Middle East. After learning he was at Bethesda Naval Hospital, she made and delivered 75 pillows for him and other injured soldiers.\n\nKenya also is actively involved in Toys-for Tots and has served as the North Baldwin County Coordinator for the past 12 years. Her leadership has helped provide toys to hundreds of children in Baldwin County.\n\n[…]\n\nIt’s an honor to recognize Kenya as the May ‘Veteran of the Month.’”\n\nConstituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Sen. Tuberville’s office for consideration in the 2026 “Veteran of the Month” series by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov.\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-moreno-introduce-bill-to-ban-chinese-vehicles-connected-components-from-u-s-market/", "title": "Tuberville, Moreno Introduce Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles, Connected Components From U.S. Market", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 to defend the American auto industry from the existential threat of predatory Chinese automobiles by banning them and their connected components from the American market. This bill would prohibit the import, sale, and operation of vehicles manufactured in China—or any other country of concern—and ban the use of Chinese-developed connected vehicle technologies, such as software, and data systems on American roads.\n\nBill text can be found HERE and a one-pager can be found HERE.\n\n“China is our greatest adversary. For years, they’ve bought up our nation’s fertile farmland, stolen our intellectual property, and released a worldwide virus killing millions of Americans—all in an attempt to destroy the greatest nation on earth. Now, they’re trying to invade our country with spy technologies disguised as cars,” Sen. Tuberville said. “We must protect the American auto industry and American autoworkers by continuing to promote ‘Made in America’ policies that will strengthen our national security and our economic future.”\n\n“The American auto industry is the backbone of the American industrial economy, we cannot afford to make the same mistakes globalists have made for decades and see these great American companies devastated by predatory and massively subsidized Chinese state enterprises hellbent on the destruction of our economy,” said Sen. Moreno. “As Europe, Mexico, and others allow their markets to be overrun by Chinese predators, the U.S. must act before it’s too late. The answer is simple: Chinese vehicles can never be allowed into the U.S. market—the fate of the American auto industry and countless autoworkers depends on it.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026:\n\nBans foreign adversary vehicles by prohibiting the importation, manufacture, sale, and resale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China or other foreign adversaries, including those from joint ventures or entities under their control;\n\nEmpowers the Department of Commerce to identify and block high-risk vehicle technologies, components, and transactions that threaten U.S. economic or national security;\n\nEstablishes enforcement mechanisms to ensure prohibited technologies are kept out of the U.S. market; and\n\nPhases implementation with vehicle and software restrictions taking effect in 2027, and hardware restrictions in 2030, giving U.S. industry time to secure domestic supply, in line with the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Connected Vehicles rule.\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville Leads Letter Encouraging Trump to Bolster Offensive Cyber Capabilities Against China\n\nICYMI: Tuberville Joins USDA and DoD Secretaries in Press Conference on Protecting American Farmland from China\n\nTuberville Leads Letter Calling for DOJ, SEC Investigation into China-Tied Crypto Firm Prometheum, Inc.\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-statement-recognizing-jewish-american-heritage-month/", "title": "Warnock Statement Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month:\n\n“This month, we celebrate the generations of Jewish Americans whose contributions have helped shape our country and strengthen our democracy. Georgia and our entire nation are a better place because of the Jewish American community. With antisemitism on the rise in the United States and across the world, it is more important than ever that we lift up the achievements of our Jewish brothers and sisters to our great American project.”\n\nSenator Warnock co-sponsored a soon-to-be-introduced bipartisan resolution led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) officially recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-new-answers-to-warren-hegseth-reveals-cost-of-detaining-immigrants-at-guantanamo-bay-nearly-20-million-more-than-initially-reported", "title": "In New Answers to Warren, Hegseth Reveals Cost of Detaining Immigrants at Guantanamo Bay Nearly $20 Million More than Initially Reported", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In New Answers to Warren, Hegseth Reveals Cost of Detaining Immigrants at Guantanamo Bay Nearly $20 Million More than Initially Reported\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, released new answers from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense (DoD), revealing the Pentagon’s financial support for the Trump administration’s cruel immigration agenda is far higher than initially reported by DoD.\n\nSenator Warren and Representative Garamendi’s (D-Calif.) December 2025 investigation found that DoD had committed at least $2 billion to support immigration enforcement, including nearly $55 million to detain non-citizens at Guantanamo Bay.\n\n\"While the prices of groceries, rent, and health care skyrocket, Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are wasting billions in taxpayer funds on a cruel immigration agenda,” said Senator Warren. “Congress must refuse to give this administration another penny for these political stunts.\"\n\n“When President Trump diverts military resources to immigration enforcement, our armed forces suffer. Critical training is delayed, flight hours are lost, and funds are pulled from military family housing and readiness priorities,” said Representative John Garamendi. “These diversions weaken the training, modernization, and maintenance our forces need to stay prepared and mission-ready.”\n\nIn new answers to Questions for the Record, Secretary Hegseth revealed DoD’s projected support for Guantanamo Bay operations is now roughly $73 million — nearly $20 million more than initially reported by DoD — for a facility with a maximum capacity of just 50 detainees. Despite the limited capacity at the facility, Secretary Hegseth reported that DoD has deployed 522 department personnel to Guantanamo Bay.\n\nNew reporting from CBS reveals the Trump administration has detained a total of 832 people at Guantanamo Bay, and that government employees outnumber detainees 100 to 1, raising concerns about the Department’s massive spending on the Guantanamo Bay detention.\n\nMeanwhile, DoD has revealed that some financial support for immigration enforcement is coming at the expense of updates to barracks, maintenance hangers, and military construction projects in the Pacific. Reporting from ABC today revealed the Army is making major training cuts to offset a budget deficit of $4-6 billion, partially due to the military’s support for immigration enforcement.\n\nIn the coming weeks, Congress will consider providing the Trump administration a further $72 billion to fund the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for four years.\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to hold the Trump administration accountable for mishandling military funds to pursue its cruel immigration agenda and political stunts:\n\nIn April 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), along with Representative Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) and Representative Troy Carter (D-La.), urged the Inspectors General of the Departments of Homeland Security and State to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to deport people to countries they have no ties to. These deportations use the military to conduct the international deportation flights and detaining noncitizens on U.S. military bases within the United States and overseas.\n\nIn March 2026, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) led 52 members of Congress in a new investigation into potential corruption in government contracts stemming from the White House’s fast-tracked expansion of inhumane warehouse-based immigration detention facilities using a Navy contracting vehicle.\n\nIn January 2026, following a new report by the Congressional Budget Office revealing Trump’s domestic deployments of the National Guard and Marines have cost at least $589 million — more than double what Senator Warren’s bicameral investigation previously found — she called for the Trump administration to “answer for wasting more than half a billion taxpayer dollars.”\n\nIn December 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Trump’s nominee to be Army General Counsel, on the deployment of the National Guard and reports that senior Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers have been sidelined after raising legal concerns about military operations.\n\nIn December 2025, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.) co-led the release of a new report, along with 11 other members of Congress, revealing the Trump administration diverted more than $2 billions of military funds and resources from the Pentagon to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration enforcement, and its impact on readiness and morale. The report also revealed that the diversion of funds was happening at the expense of updates to barracks, maintenance hangers, and military construction projects in the Pacific.\n\nIn September 2025, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) led more than 60 members of Congress in opening a new investigation into the Trump administration’s practice of detaining and sending immigrants to countries where they have no citizenship or connections of any kind. These deportations use the military to conduct the international deportation flights and detaining noncitizens on U.S. military bases within the United States and overseas.\n\nIn February 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the military’s deployment of active-duty forces to the southern border and Guantanamo, and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) new involvement in immigration detention and deportation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-hawley-harshbarger-auchincloss-renew-bipartisan-push-to-rein-in-pharmacy-benefit-managers-pbms-cut-drug-costs", "title": "Warren, Hawley, Harshbarger, Auchincloss Renew Bipartisan Push to Rein in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), Cut Drug Costs", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Hawley, Harshbarger, Auchincloss Renew Bipartisan Push to Rein in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), Cut Drug Costs\n\nPBM Act picks up key bipartisan cosponsors, including Senators Fetterman and Marshall and representatives on committees of jurisdiction in the House.\n\nTennessee Governor could sign their version of the PBM Act into law as early as this week.\n\nText of Bill (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), alongside Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), reintroduced the Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act with expanded bipartisan support, indicating growing momentum for a policy that will prohibit joint ownership of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacies, a gross conflict of interest that enables these companies to enrich themselves at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies.\n\nIn the 119th Congress, new cosponsors include Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), along with Representatives Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) and Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas) of the Judiciary Committee. Notably, the PBM Act would pass through the Committee on Energy and Commerce or the Judiciary Committee before reaching the House floor under regular order.\n\nSince this bill was first introduced in 2024, states across the country have sought to break up these giant conglomerates. In early 2025, Arkansas passed a law to prevent the joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies. Later that year, 39 state attorneys general wrote a letter urging Congress to “pass an act prohibiting PBMs, their parent companies, or affiliates from owning or operating pharmacies.” In April, Tennessee lawmakers passed a law to ban joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies, and the Tennessee Governor is expected to sign the bill into law as soon as this week. This growing bipartisan momentum in support of the goals of the PBM Act from across the nation sends an important signal to Congress that the work to rein in PBMs is not yet finished.\n\n“Our PBM Act is gaining momentum because people are realizing that you can’t lower health care costs without tackling corporate greed in the health care system,” said Senator Warren. “It’s time we finally rein in the health care middlemen that are jacking up drug costs and driving small pharmacies out of business.”\n\n“Americans are paying more and more for healthcare while seeing less in return. PBMs are at the center of a broken system that rewards middlemen while driving up costs for patients and pushing out independent pharmacies,” said Senator Hawley. “Working Americans deserve better. This legislation is a major step toward restoring transparency and making healthcare more affordable for every American.”\n\n“As a lifelong pharmacist, I’ve seen firsthand how PBMs game the system. When the same corporate giant that sets reimbursement rates also owns the pharmacy collecting them, that’s not a free market—it’s a rigged one,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “We have antitrust laws for a reason. When monopolies squeeze out independent pharmacies, raise costs for patients, and reduce consumer choice, Congress has a duty to restore fair competition. The Patients Before Monopolies Act ends this blatant conflict of interest once and for all.”\n\n\"Like so many small business owners in America, independent pharmacists are working hard and playing by the rules but getting ripped off by monopolies. The PBM industry is rife with self-dealing and price gouging. Congress made modest but meaningful reforms earlier this year, and now the next step is banning PBMs from owning pharmacies. It's an unacceptable conflict of interest and yet another example of the vertical integration in health care that is raising prices for patients,\" said Congressman Jake Auchincloss.\n\n\"Pharmacy Benefit Managers drive prices up for patients and run independent pharmacies out of business. These greedy corporations have dodged regulation at the cost of American patients and small businesses for far too long,\" said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. \"For my entire career, I have fought to make healthcare accessible for all Americans, and I am proud to support this bill reining in PBMs and enforcing fair business practices.\"\n\nOver the past decade, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) — the middlemen between pharmacies and insurance companies — have morphed into large health care conglomerates that exercise control over every link in the prescription drug delivery chain. Today, the largest health care conglomerates each own a PBM — which pay for pharmacy services — as well as the pharmacy chains that provide those services. This inherent conflict of interest results in higher drug costs for patients and fewer independent pharmacies, but bigger profits for the corporate health care giants.\n\nThe Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act would address this by:\n\nProhibiting a parent company of a PBM or an insurer from owning a pharmacy business;\n\nRequiring that a parent company in violation of the PBM Act divest its pharmacy business within one year;\n\nEmpowering the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice (DOJ), state attorneys general, and harmed individuals to enforce the law against violators by requiring them to divest their pharmacy business and disgorge any revenue received during the period of such violation;\n\nDirecting the FTC to distribute any disgorged revenue to harmed communities, including consumers overcharged at vertically integrated pharmacies;\n\nAuthorizing the FTC and DOJ to monitor pharmacy business divestment, and impose monetary penalties if companies drag their feet or fail to comply; and\n\nMandating reporting of all divestitures to the FTC, and allowing the FTC to review all divestitures and subsequent acquisitions to protect competition, financial viability, and the public interest.\n\n“PBM vertical integration with retail, mail-order, and specialty pharmacies has led to reduced patient choice and higher drug prices for patients and payers. The Patients Before Monopolies Act cuts out PBM conflicts of interest at their root by breaking up PBM ownership of and affiliation with pharmacies. APCI commends Senators Warren and Hawley, and Representatives Harshbarger and Auchincloss on fighting against PBM anticompetitive practices and advancing policies that will restore competition to the prescription drug marketplace,” said Greg Reybold, Vice President of Public Policy, American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc.\n\n“With the reintroduction of the Patients Before Monopolies Act (PBM Act), we are grateful to Senators Warren and Hawley and Representatives Harshbarger and Auchincloss for standing up for patients and pharmacies. For too long, the largest health insurers have resorted to fear and intimidation tactics, expending substantial resources in order to scare and confuse the public into thinking PBM reform will be bad for them. With this new legislation, PBMs will finally be held accountable for years of abusing their role as “benefits administrators” to undercut pharmacy providers while also profiteering off the backs of unsuspecting employers, patients and taxpayers,” said Monique Whitney, Executive Director, Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency.\n\n“Divesting PBMs from owning pharmacies will stop the conflict of interest that drives patients into PBM-owned specialty pharmacies where specialty generic drug prices are kept artificially high. The Patients Before Monopolies Act levels the playing field for community pharmacists and finally puts patients ahead of PBM profits,” said Madelaine Feldman, MD, FACR; Rheumatologist; Vice President, Advocacy & Government Affairs; Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations.\n\n“Giant PBMs and insurers owning their own pharmacies has driven independent pharmacies out of business and reduced patient access to quality care. The Patients Before Monopolies Act addresses the root cause of this problem — consolidated market power — by eliminating the inherent conflicts of interest within the 'Big Three' PBM business model,” said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. “We are thrilled to see Sen. Warren and Sen. Hawley and Reps. Harshbarger and Auchincloss lead this bipartisan effort to lower drug costs, protect independent retail pharmacies, improve patient access to care, and break up Big Medicine.”\n\n“The Patients Before Monopolies Act takes an important step toward restoring integrity and competition in healthcare by ending the deeply flawed model where PBMs and insurers can own the very providers they oversee and reimburse. When the same corporations control the financing, administration, and delivery of care, patients and independent providers are put at a disadvantage. Healthcare decisions should be driven by what is best for patients, not by vertically integrated corporations maximizing profits through self-preferencing and consolidation,” said Robert Levin, MD, President, Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions.\n\n“American Pharmacies strongly supports the Patients Before Monopolies Act. When PBMs own pharmacies, the resulting self-dealing and conflicts of interest distort the marketplace and too often undermine affordable, accessible, patient-centered care. American Pharmacies and our 700 independent pharmacy members across the country thank the bill’s sponsors for their leadership in confronting one of the root causes of rising costs and barriers to care,” said Steve Hoffart, R.Ph., Chairman, American Pharmacies.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-congressional-delegation-announces-over-20-million-in-fema-funding-to-help-vermont-rebuild-and-recover-from-2023-floods/", "title": "Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces Over $20 Million in FEMA Funding to Help Vermont Rebuild and Recover from 2023 Floods", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), today announced the delivery of $20.83 million in federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to support the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) and the City of Montpelier to repair damage caused by severe storms, flooding, and washouts in July 2023.\n\nThe federal funding will deliver nearly $12 million in long-overdue funding to support permanent repairs to Montpelier’s City Hall, Fire Department, Police Department Buildings, and Fire Department Sidewalk and Ramp. VTrans will receive an additional $9 million to help rebuild portions of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the Washington County railroad.\n\n“The 2023 floods were brutal, causing long-lasting damage for Vermonters and Vermont communities. This newly released federal funding, totaling more than $20 million, will help repair Montpelier’s hard-hit municipal buildings and state rail and trail infrastructure. Much of this funding was delayed by FEMA for years—it never should have taken so long to get to Montpelier, and is a glaring example of how this agency needs reform. We will continue to fight for the FEMA funding our state needs, and will work with new leadership at the agency to deliver the assistance Vermonters need to fully rebuild and recover,” said the Vermont Delegation.\n\nThe federal funding grants announced include:\n\n$11,782,017 to the City of Montpelier to repair severe damage the capital’s City Hall, Fire Department and fire station concrete ramp/sidewalk, and Police Department buildings as a result of severe flooding in July 2023. This funding will help restore these facilities back to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function utilizing current codes and standards, including repairing damage to windows, interior and exterior doors, drywall, insulation, flooring, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, stairs, and more. The project includes a hazard mitigation proposal (HMP) to reduce the risk of future damage by adopting multiple wet and dry floodproofing measures.\n\n$6,168,905.58 to the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) to repair a culvert on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail that was washed away by floodwater in July 2023.\n\n$2,880,995.41 to the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) to rebuild railroad ballast and associated embankments along the railroad in Washington County, which was damaged by flooding in July 2023.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-we-are-in-a-crisis-in-american-agriculture/", "title": "Welch: “We are in a crisis in American agriculture.”", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, and Food Safety, emphasized how growing market consolidation in the agricultural industry has blocked small farmers from profits and raised costs for consumers in Vermont. Senator Welch also discussed how President Trump’s reckless war in Iran has increased financial burdens on farmers and producers across the country, including skyrocketing farm diesel and fertilizer prices.\n\n“We are in a crisis in American agriculture. There is an immense amount of wealth that is being created by the farmers—they’re just not getting any…. If we have this inability to do any control over what the input costs are and they march up—step-by-step as the price of corn goes up or the price of oats goes up—the farmer is totally at the mercy of a market that is consolidated….That is an issue that we’ve got to deal with.” said Senator Welch. “Rural America is really critical to the well-being of all of America, and I think we have to act. This Congress has to act.”\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s remarks here:\n\nSenator Welch asked Andy Green, Center Market Strategies Principal and Senior Advisor, about the impact of growing market consolidation on Vermont-sized farms:\n\nSen. Welch: On small-scale farmers, it’s really, really brutal as well. I mean, we’re seeing consolidation among farmers as well, but that’s not to drive profit, it’s because the smaller farmers can’t sustain themselves when they’re losing this much per acre, Mr. Green, just talk to me about that. You know, I was on the Nitty Gritty farm in Charlotte, Vermont—eighth generation, and they’ve got two kids, hoping for the ninth generation. And, by the way, all farmers I know, they just love the idea of passing that farm on to their kids. Tell me about that issue.\n\nMr. Green: Well, the challenge is that a lot of farmers and ranchers face—whether it is farmers in your state or farmers in other places—is no matter how big they are, they’re still much smaller than the processors and the retailers that are downstream from them. So, their ability to negotiate fair prices is very limited, and they’re price-takers. And in fact, some of the processors themselves are price-takers versus the retailers. So, we’ve got a system where the consumer is paying more, the farmer is getting less, and the folks in the middle are getting the benefits of all the hard work being done. So, that’s where the focus needs to be.\n\nSen. Welch: I believe the Iran war—it’s not me believing it, it’s incontestable—that it’s raised prices. Diesel is way up, and that’s a big use on the farm; fertilizer is way up. But, what I’ve heard from you, is that has intensified what is a pre-existing problem with the consolidation, the high prices, and the really tight margins that our farmers are facing. Is that correct?\n\nMr. Green: Yes, absolutely.\n\n•••\n\nLast week in Addison County, Senator Welch heard directly from Vermont farmers and producers about how President Trump’s economic policies and war with Iran have caused the costs of food production to skyrocket. The Senator also recently joined Vermont Public Radio to discuss how President Trump’s economic policies have created pain and increased fertilizer prices for Vermont farmers.\n\nSenator Welch proposed an amendment to Republicans’ recent budget resolution, which would have helped farmers impacted by increased costs associated with President Trump’s war in Iran—including fuel, fertilizer, and other costs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/5/chairman-wicker-praises-agreements-to-rapidly-expand-affordable-mass-produced-strike-weapons", "title": "Chairman Wicker Praises Agreements to Rapidly Expand Affordable, Mass-Produced Strike Weapons", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today applauded new framework agreements announced by the Pentagon that will accelerate the fielding of low-cost, high-volume munitions for America’s warfighters.\n\nChairman Wicker released the following statement:\n\n“I am glad to see these urgently needed agreements, which are a direct result of collaboration between the Congress and the Pentagon to fundamentally change our approach in defense procurement.” Chairman Wicker said. “Congress got started by appropriating significant sums in last year’s Working Families Tax Cut act for low-cost weapons, and today’s announcement is a validation of that approach. It demonstrates the kind of return on investment we can expect more of if we work together to make a generational investment in our national defense with the fiscal year 2027 budget.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe agreements partner with innovative companies Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 to produce the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions (LCCM) program, while a parallel effort with Castelion advances scalable low-cost hypersonic weapons. Together, they set the stage for procuring more than 10,000 low-cost containerized missiles over the next three years and at least 500 Blackbeard hypersonic missiles annually from Castelion—with options for over 12,000 missiles over five years.\n\nThese agreements arrive at a pivotal moment of concern over the nation’s weapons inventory. It responds to the pressing requirement for new systems built on modern technologies, commercial supply chains, and designs optimized for high-rate production.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-sounds-alarm-on-trump-administrations-hazardous-fuels-backlog", "title": "Wyden Sounds Alarm on Trump Administration’s Hazardous Fuels Backlog", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Trump administration’s failure to tackle backlog of hazardous fuels buildup will contribute to historic wildfire season, Wyden warns\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing sounded the alarm on the Trump administration’s failure to address a massive backlog of hazardous fuels buildup ahead of what could be a historic wildfire season in Oregon and the West.\n\n“Between reduced goals for hazardous fuels treatment, layoffs and the budget cuts, I believe Donald Trump has set western states up to fail this season and in the years ahead,” Wyden said to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz at the hearing to consider Donald Trump’s FY2027 budget request for the U.S. Forest Service.\n\n“Your agency is in charge of 193 million acres of public lands. Apparently the President thinks if you treat two percent of that acreage annually, communities will be okay,” Wyden said. “Oregonians choking on smoke each summer don’t have to do the math to say that isn’t working.”\n\nEarlier this year, Wyden pressed the administration on its fire preparedness plans following Trump’s budget and staffing cuts in 2025, and a reduction in hazardous fuels treatment amid record-low snowpack and worsening drought in Oregon. In his response to Wyden’s letter, Chief Schultz confirmed that under the first year of Trump’s second term, the Forest Service has only treated 3.3 million acres for FY26, nearly one million acres short of FY25, during which 4.29 million acres were treated.\n\nWyden also pressed Chief Schultz at today’s hearing on the savings resulting from his “fire borrowing fix” law, which ensured that the Forest Service no longer must raid fire prevention funds to pay for suppression of active fires. Chief Schultz confirmed that Wyden’s fire borrowing law has saved $12.5 billion in funding, to be used on critical fuels reduction and other work. The law is set to expire next year, and Wyden is working to secure a permanent extension.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-op-ed-hoosier-law-enforcement-deserves-our-support/", "title": "Young Op-Ed: Hoosier Law Enforcement Deserves Our Support", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The following op-ed by U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) was published on May 13, 2026.\n\nBy Todd Young\n\nMost Hoosiers wake up every morning and see their children off to school or head to work without event. They live in safety because a select few of their fellow citizens willingly forfeit their own.\n\nMay 10–16 is National Police Week, and it is a useful reminder of what we owe our Indiana law enforcement officers and what more we can do for them.\n\nOur police officers are the thin blue line between order and chaos. The men and women who wear the badge are the guardians of peace who willingly stand in the way of threats to their communities. Whether our cars break down or our homes are invaded, when trouble comes, our law enforcement officers are not far behind.\n\nToo often we appreciate them only when we need them. And just as commonly, we overlook the grave danger they willingly face on our behalf.\n\nThe hero’s badge is a criminal’s target. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which carries the names of 24,000 police officers killed in the line of duty, reminds us of this sobering reality.\n\nEvery year additional names are added to these rolls. Around 100 police officers die on the job annually, the majority as a result of violent and other serious crimes.\n\nIn 2024, 85,730 police officers were assaulted in the line of duty. Many of these incidents were ambush attacks, when criminals target police officers unexpectedly. According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, such incidents accounted for nearly 30 percent of officer shootings last year.\n\nThese terrible sacrifices are why, since 1962, Americans have honored law enforcement personnel during the second week of May. National Police Week is an occasion to renew our unwavering support for law enforcement officers.\n\nIt’s an opportunity to recognize and give thanks for their unseen acts of heroism, honor and remember those who have laid down their lives to protect others, and express our solemn appreciation to the loved ones of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.\n\nRemembrance is important. So is gratitude. But these alone are not enough. Our police officers defend us, and we, in turn, can deter and punish those who would do them harm.\n\nIn the Senate, I am supporting the Protect and Serve Act, introduced by Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). This bill would create a new category of crime for those who attack federal, state, or local law enforcement officers. It would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by making it a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer.\n\nUnder the bill, offenders would be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.\n\nThis legislation is a common-sense step at the federal level to better protect those who protect us, and Congress should pass it into law.\n\nWhether they serve on the local, state, or federal level, our law enforcement officers are the best and the bravest. Laws mean little without men and women sworn to uphold them.\n\nDuring National Police Week, let’s reflect on how much we owe them and show our support for the men and women wearing the badge across Indiana.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://youngkim.house.gov/2026/05/13/reps-kim-bera-dominance-act-passes-house-foreign-affairs-committee/", "title": "Reps. Kim, Bera DOMINANCE Act Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee", "date": "2026-05-13", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://youngkim.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "youngkim.house.gov", "scraper": "youngkim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000397", "name": "Young Kim", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed out of markup H.R. 7037, the Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies (DOMINANCE) Act, a bipartisan bill led by House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee Chairwoman Young Kim (CA-40) and Ranking Member Ami Bera (CA-06). This bill strengthens global critical minerals supply chains and secures America’s energy future with our allies.\n\nWatch Rep. Kim speak in support of the bill in the markup HERE.\n\n“Critical minerals are the foundation of America’s military power, industrial strength, and economic competitiveness. We cannot rely on China for the very materials that underpin our economic and national security,” said Chairwoman Kim. “My DOMINANCE Act helps lock in President Trump’s critical minerals strategy and counter the CCP’s decades-long chokehold on critical mineral supply chains. I’m proud to see this bill advance out of committee, so we can unleash the next generation of American energy dominance.”\n\n“Critical minerals power everything from our defense industrial base to the advanced technologies that drive our economy, yet China continues to maintain an alarming chokehold over the global critical mineral supply chain,” said Representative Bera. “I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Young Kim on this effort to align diplomatic and financing tools in cooperation with our allies and partners to build secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains that will support American competitiveness and strengthen our national security for decades to come.”\n\nSpecifically, the DOMINANCE Act advances U.S. energy and critical minerals leadership by:\n\nFormalizing America’s participation in the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE) to coordinate with allies and trusted partners on critical mineral investments, project development, and supply chain security.\n\nCreating Energy Security Pacts to align U.S. agencies and mobilize private sector investment in strategic energy and mineral projects abroad.\n\nEstablishing the Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy at the State Department to lead America’s international energy, critical minerals, and supply chain strategy.\n\nExpanding mining and engineering fellowship, scholar exchange, and workforce development programs to build America’s pipeline of critical mineral talent and expertise.\n\nStrengthening Foreign Service Institute training on energy security, critical minerals, and strategic supply chains to better equip U.S. diplomats.\n\nEncouraging the appointment of a Special Advisor to the President for Critical Minerals and Supply Chains to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy.\n\nOrganizations supporting the DOMINANCE Act include: American Conservative Coalition Action (ACC Action), American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF), American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA), American Energy Leadership Institute (AELI), Atlantic Council, Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action), ClearPath Action, Climate Leadership Council, DZYNE Technologies, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action, the Foundation for American Innovation, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), KoBold Metals, McClarty Associates, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Newmont, Progressive Policy Institute, SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, Third Way, US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), USLNG Association (LNG Allies). Read their quotes of support HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1605", "title": "Appropriations Committee Advances Commerce, Justice, and Science Funding Bill", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies (CJS) funding bill for fiscal year 2027.\n\n“Another week, another government funding bill is passing out of the Appropriations Committee ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Congressman Alford. “This strong, responsible Commerce, Justice, and Science bill provides critical resources to keep our communities safe, support law enforcement on the front lines, as well as invest in American innovation and scientific leadership. By prioritizing public safety, combating the opioid epidemic, and bolstering our nation’s research and technology edge, this bill delivers for Missouri families and advances President Trump’s America First agenda. I look forward to seeing this legislation pass on the House floor.”\n\nAs a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $5,390,000 in reasonable federal investments for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:\n\n$4,200,000 for safe and reliable reactor operations at Mizzou’s Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) in Columbia.\n\n$640,000 for critical communication equipment upgrades, including new communications helmets and radios, for the Webster County Sheriff’s office in Marshfield.\n\n$550,000 to provide Next Generation 911, upgraded emergency operator system communications equipment, for the Bates County Sheriff’s office in Butler.\n\nOther Fourth District priorities secured by Congressman Alford in the FY27 CJS funding bill include:\n\nIncreased funding to enhance weather forecasting, tracking, and notification, including increasing the National Weather Service’s total budget, additional funding for its National Mesonet Program, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s NextGEN gap filling radar technology, to ensure Missourians are protected during severe weather.\n\nLanguage to support the FBI’s efforts to relocate agents and other personnel from Washington, DC to the Kansas City field office.\n\nEstablishing a pilot program under the Bureau of Prisons to develop a wastewater surveillance system to monitor infectious diseases and drug use, including fentanyl as well as other synthetic opioids and controlled substances.\n\nPreserved funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS), which is a vital information sharing system used across law enforcement and emergency operators in Missouri, as well as the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System Program.\n\nDedicated funding for the Department of Justice to modernize cybersecurity to combat attacks targeting law enforcement and legal infrastructure.\n\nLanguage to ensure the National Institute of Standards and Technology promotes the safe use of AI by small businesses as well as strengthens trust and adoption of federal AI systems.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/legislative-discussion-draft-of-next-generation-us-clinical-development-to-accelerate-cures", "title": "Legislative Discussion Draft of Next-Generation U.S. Clinical Development to Accelerate Cures", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "auchincloss.house.gov", "scraper": "auchincloss", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000148", "name": "Jake Auchincloss", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The United States has long led the world in biomedical discovery, translation into clinical research, and approvals of new cures and life-changing treatments. However, America’s clinical research enterprise has not kept pace and is fragmented and difficult to integrate into care sites. This discussion draft aims to modernize and improve the clinical trials process for faster and more accessible clinical trials in the U.S.\n\nFor more information or to share a comment on Rep. Auchincloss' Legislative Discussion Draft of the Next-Generation U.S. Clinical Development to Accelerate Cures Proposal, please feel free to reach out to Nikita Varman, Health Policy Advisor, Congressman Auchincloss (MA-04) at nikita.varman@mail.house.gov. The deadline for feedback submission is June 30.\n\nPlease submit feedback here.\n\nRelated Files", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9111", "title": "Beyer, Subramanyam Request Supplemental GAO Review into Army’s Systemic Conditions and Practices Leading to Tragic DCA Collision", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) yesterday led 45 House Democrats in requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive review of the systemic conditions and operational practices that preceded the January 29, 2025 midair collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near National Airport (DCA), which claimed the lives of 67 passengers and crew.\n\nThe lawmakers urged GAO to examine broader systemic issues related to Army aviation safety and training practices beyond the scope of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation, including staffing, training, safety culture, mission risk management, civil-military coordination, aviation technology, and oversight practices. Citing reports of near misses between military and commercial aircraft in DCA airspace, the lawmakers also emphasized that the review should pay particular attention to units operating regularly in complex civilian airspace, including those based in the National Capital Region.\n\nIn a letter to Acting Comptroller General Orice W. Brown, the lawmakers wrote:\n\nWe write with concern about the effectiveness of the Army’s aviation safety culture and in particular, its practices in civilian airspace in the aftermath of the January 29, 2025 collision of an Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter with American Eagle Flight 5342, which claimed the lives of 67 passengers and crew. Other reports of near misses between military and commercial aircraft call into question broader patterns across military aviation in ensuring safety.\n\nGiven the collision and instances of near-misses, as well as the gaps identified in Army safety culture and processes in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)’s investigation of this collision, we respectfully request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review or series of reviews evaluating the Army’s aviation safety and training practices, including its policies and procedures for interfacing with civilian aircraft. While we understand GAO will not re-investigate the January 29 collision, the circumstances surrounding it should clearly inform and frame this review as a reference point for assessing systemic coordination and safety practices.\n\nWe request that particular attention be given to units that regularly operate in complex civilian airspace, such as those based in the National Capital Region, to assess how Army aviation training, risk management, and coordination practices are applied in practice. We request that GAO assess and examine the following in its review:\n\nStaffing & Qualifications\n\nAssess Army pilot assignment criteria for Class B/C/D operations (such as local and overall experience, recency, proficiency, flying hours, supervisory ratios, and fatigue management procedures).\n\nAssess Army training standards and assignment procedures for pilots and other airspace management personnel for complex operating environments.\n\nAssess trends in Army aviator experience, flight hours, and standards for the previous ten years and factors, such as retention and attrition trends, that could adversely affect safety.\n\nTraining & Standards\n\nAssess processes to align Army aviation doctrines, manuals, local standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training programs with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and local air traffic control (ATC) procedures, including reasons for any differences.\n\nAssess Army training programs for night vision goggle operations, visual separation, altimetry use, and spatial-disorientation, and traffic-awareness tools (e.g., ForeFlight, TIS-B, ADS-B and other similar systems), including how units measure training effectiveness and standardization, and whether evaluations are consistently conducted independently and graded with appropriate rigor.\n\nAssess Army training and standards for verbal communication with local ATC, including the consistency of compliance with such standards and any retraining or evaluations of compliance with standards throughout pilots’ careers.\n\nSafety Culture & Decision Authority\n\nAssess the operational safety culture for Army aviation units and factors, such as operational priorities in congested airspace and flight safety, that crews and leadership consider when responding to safety concerns, including whether aviators have appropriate avenues and encouragement to raise concerns or decline missions.\n\nAssess the roles and responsibilities of Army governance structures and accountability mechanisms, including coordination with FAA and Department of Defense (DoD) oversight offices, in identifying and addressing safety issues, including the root causes of underlying safety risks and associated mitigations.\n\nRisk Management & Technology\n\nAssess the adequacy and rigor of mission risk assessments in accounting for real-world traffic flows and hazards, including pre-flight tools and briefings to identify congested or conflicted airspace and to mitigate military-commercial overlaps in planning.\n\nAssess the safety implications of ADS-B Out exemptions and other sensor limitations, including FAA/Army processes for granting, tracking, and mitigating such waivers; decision-making authority at the unit, Army, and DoD levels; and Army oversight of its policies for exemptions.\n\nExamine the certification process for military-designed aircraft used in civilian airspace and any modernization or equipage upgrades intended to improve safety.\n\nAssess whether ground-based surveillance and communication systems used by FAA and DoD, including radar, multilateration, and coordination equipment, provide sufficient coverage and reliability to support joint airspace operations, and whether deficiencies or funding gaps have been prioritized for correction.\n\nCivilian Airspace Risk Integration\n\nAssess the Army’s risk management procedures to identify and mitigate collision risks to non-participating civilian aircraft.\n\nAssess processes and procedures to account for recurring military activity in classes of airspace in the National Airspace System (NAS).\n\nAssess whether the risks and mitigation gaps observed in the National Capital Region also exist in other complex civilian airspace hotspots nationwide.\n\nAssess whether FAA–DoD coordination mechanisms and communication systems, including airspace handoffs, equipment interoperability, staffing levels in high-density environments, and post-incident coordination and response, adequately ensure situational awareness and safety, and whether known deficiencies have been addressed.\n\nAssess whether Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Letters of Agreement (LOAs) governing Army–FAA operations are consistently reviewed and updated to reflect changing airspace conditions, and whether procedural safeguards exist to ensure continuity of coordination independent of individual relationships or command changes.\n\nCivil–Military Coordination\n\nAssess Army processes to coordinate with FAA, airport operators, local airspace users, and joint safety forums.\n\nAssess Army information-sharing agreements with these entities for collision alerts and hazard mitigations.\n\nAssess Army procedures to respond to concerns or recommendations raised through these mechanisms, including whether FAA-identified concerns and irregularities are reliably escalated to Army leadership, addressed in a timely and appropriate manner, and whether agreements such as LOAs are consistently implemented and enforced.\n\nAccountability, Data Integrity & Post-Incident Response\n\nAssess the completeness and reliability of Army aviation accident and hazard reporting and data retention practices, including alignment with reports from FAA/ATC and other airspace users.\n\nAssess whether Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) / Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)-style programs (including flight-data capture, transmission, targeted monitoring of high-risk platforms, analysis, and integration with FAA systems) are used to identify systemic issues and to support coaching that corrects recurring deficiencies.\n\nAssess how ongoing records and post-incident responses are preserved and whether decision makers, including the FAA and Congress, receive timely, accurate, and complete information necessary for effective oversight of safety in shared airspace.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nThe letter is signed by Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Wesley Bell (D-MO), André Carson (D-IN), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Jesús García (D-IL), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Bill Keating (D-MA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Sarah McBride (D-DE), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Mike Thompson (D-VA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).\n\nA signed copy of the letter is available here.\n\nRelated News\n\nBeyer, Obernolte Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Transition to Unleaded Aviation Fuel\n\nApril 29, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nBeyer Floor Remarks on ALERT Act\n\nApril 14, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nBeyer Demands Speaker Johnson Reconvene House as Trump Escalates Sick, Murderous Threats\n\nApril 7, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-introduces-legislation-to-strengthen-critical-mineral-supply-chains", "title": "Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chains", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "blakemoore.house.gov", "scraper": "blakemoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001213", "name": "Blake D. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Blake Moore introduced legislation to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains, incentivize domestic mining, and support America's economic and national security.\n\nThe Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act bolsters domestic critical mineral supply chains by updating the list of minerals eligible for the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit to mirror the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2025 List of Critical Minerals and ensure extraction costs are eligible activities under the credit.\n\nRep. Moore's Ways and Means Committee colleagues, Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Aaron Bean (R-FL) cosponsored this legislation.\n\n“Critical minerals are a crucial component of American everyday life. They’re used for everything from electronics to energy production, medical devices and treatments, and the defense technology that keeps our military the best in the world,\" Rep. Moore said. \"Many of these minerals can be extracted right here in the United States, and even better, in Utah. I am proud to introduce the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act to update our tax code to incentivize domestic mining and processing of all 60 USGS critical minerals. Promoting a domestic critical mineral supply chain is not only important to the U.S. economy, but it is also essential to our national security.”\n\n“Congressman Blake Moore’s Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act is a timely and strategic step toward strengthening America’s domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign sources for minerals essential to our economic and national security. By aligning the 45x tax credit with the U.S. Geological Survey’s critical minerals list and recognizing extraction as a qualifying activity, this legislation ensures that U.S. producers can compete on a level playing field. In Utah—where we responsibly mine many of the minerals incorporated into the bill including copper, uranium, phosphate, potash, silver, lead, and rhenium—these updates will help unlock investment, accelerate project development, and reinforce Utah’s leadership role in pursuing our nation’s minerals and energy dominance agenda,” said Brian Somers, President, Utah Mining Association.\n\n\"The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act positions Utah as a stronger, more reliable partner in global trade. From energy and aerospace to defense and emerging technologies, critical minerals are foundational to the industries shaping the future economy. Strengthening domestic supply chains creates new opportunities for Utah companies to lead, innovate, and compete globally,\" said Jonathan Freedman, president and CEO, World Trade Center Utah.\n\n\"A secure and robust domestic supply chain is the bedrock of America's aerospace and defense leadership. The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act introduced by Representative Moore is a vital step forward for our industrial base. This legislation ensures we can competitively source the elements necessary for next-generation aviation, defense and space technologies. Furthermore, by bringing tax parity to domestic ore extraction costs and explicitly excluding foreign countries of concern, this bill directly fortifies our national security. 47G strongly supports this effort to onshore our critical supply chains and empower the innovators building America's deep tech frontier,\" said Aaron Starks, CEO and President, 47G.\n\n“Minerals are crucial to the future of American energy dominance. By incentivizing domestic extraction, we are shifting production away from adversarial regimes with abysmal environmental and labor records. This will unlock jobs for our rural communities, secure our supply chains, and help lower costs. It’s time we stop importing our energy future from China and start building it ourselves,” said Andrew Sandstrom, Executive Director, Unleash Utah.\n\n“To reliably and affordably meet increasing demand, electric utilities need access to domestically produced electrical equipment. This same equipment contains critical minerals like copper that Utah produces. UAMPS applauds Congressman Moore for working to increase critical mineral mining and processing capacity in the United States,” said Mike Squires, Managing Director of Government Affairs, Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS).\n\n“Copper is essential to America’s energy future, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and national defense. Including copper processing in the 45X tax credit strengthens domestic supply chains, supports American jobs, and ensures the United States has the refining and smelting capacity needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. At Rio Tinto Kennecott, we are proud to produce copper and other critical materials that are vital to the country’s economic and national security,” said Nate Foster, Managing Director, Kennecott Utah Copper.\n\n“The National Mining Association applauds Utah Congressman Blake Moore’s introduction of the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act. This bill will offer real incentives for domestic mining operations across the country. By adding Boron, Copper, Lead, Potash, Rhenium, Silicon, Silver, Uranium and Phosphate to the list of eligible minerals under the Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, the U.S. can better compete in developing the irreplaceable mineral supply chains that underpin our modern industrial base and our energy, economic and national security. Incentivizing production of our vast domestic mineral resources is essential to creating the mineral security we so urgently need but don’t have. This bill is an important step forward in addressing our alarming mineral import overreliance and building U.S. mineral strength,” said Rich Nolan, President and CEO, National Mining Association.\n\n“Critical minerals are essential manufacturing inputs, including for robotics, industrial automation, electronics, and electric grid components. The Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit is an important tool for boosting the domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies and bolstering U.S. competitiveness in the face of competition from China. By aligning the 45X statute with the recently updated 2025 Critical Minerals List, Rep. Moore’s Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will ensure greater access to those materials and help manufacturers launch projects that will secure our supply chains,” said Chris Phalen, Vice President of Domestic Policy, National Association of Manufacturers.\n\n“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, which would strengthen the advanced manufacturing production tax credit. By expanding eligibility to additional critical minerals and better aligning the incentive with the full value chain, this legislation would encourage more domestic production and refining, bolster critical mineral supply chains, support U.S. manufacturers, and enhance America’s economic and national security,” said Ruth Demeter, Global Energy Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\n\"The Uranium Producers of America (UPA) strongly supports Representative Moore's legislation to strengthen domestic critical mineral production, including uranium. This legislation will strengthen domestic critical mineral production and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries for uranium supply chains. Including uranium and other critical minerals within the Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit will encourage new investment in American critical mineral production, ensuring American energy security and national security into the future. Representative Moore’s legislation will help ensure a robust and reliable domestic nuclear fuel supply chain that UPA and its member companies are already actively working to expand,” said Scott Melbye, President, UPA and Executive Vice President of Uranium Energy Corp.\n\n“Congressman Moore’s work on critical minerals underscores how essential these materials are to America’s manufacturing strength and energy security. Ensuring a stable, domestic supply chain supports the industries that keep our nation moving, including steelmaking and advanced manufacturing,” said Emily Athrun, CEO, American Coal Council.\n\n“CDA applauds Congressman Moore for his forward-thinking legislation to ensure important 45X tax credits apply to new USGS Critical Minerals like copper. Through massive state subsidies, China currently controls approximately 40% of global copper smelting capacity. This is unacceptable. With copper demand expected to increase 50% by 2040, extending 45X critical mineral production tax credits to primary and secondary copper smelters is a strategic imperative to make new and expanded copper processing capacity economically viable in America,” said Adam Estelle, President and CEO, Copper Development Association.\n\n“Strengthening U.S. economic security and global technology leadership requires increased domestic critical mineral production and extraction. The Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit is a key incentive that will help reach that important goal. ITI strongly supports the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, legislation that will further expand and scale U.S. production capacity,” said Jason Oxman, President and CEO, Information Technology Industry Council.\n\n“The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act ensures our policy framework reflects today’s critical mineral realities by aligning with the latest U.S. Geological Survey list and recognizing the full value of domestic production. This is practical and forward-looking legislation that modernizes our tax policy and takes steps to reduce our reliance on foreign sources and reinforce a strong, resilient domestic mining sector,” said Lyndsey Wright, Executive Director, Women’s Mining Coalition.\n\n\"America should lead the world in critical minerals production. The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will incentivize domestic production for all minerals on the USGS critical minerals list, strengthen supply chains and ensure America, not foreign adversaries, controls our energy and economic future,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath Action.\n\n\"Securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals is imperative for us to lead on the technologies that make our modern world possible. We applaud Congressman Moore on introducing the Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act, a valuable piece of legislation that will help incentivize the development of more resilient supply chains and assure we have the critical components necessary for our national, energy, and economic security,” said Heather Reams, President & CEO, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions.\n\n“Adding phosphate to the list of eligible minerals under section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code will greatly help domestic phosphate producers like the Simplot Company and will incentivize future investment in phosphate mining and processing. We applaud Congressman Blake Moore’s introduction of this legislation and his support of strengthening the domestic supply chain for critical minerals such as phosphate,” said Garrett Lofto, President and CEO, the Simplot Company.\n\nThe Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will strengthen America’s energy supply chains and help ensure we meet growing energy demand with materials sourced and processed here at home. Sunrun applauds Representative Moore’s leadership in creating American jobs, strengthening domestic mineral production, and accelerating the deployment of resilient energy infrastructure nationwide,” said Stephen Lassiter, Senior Director, Sunrun.\n\n“The Mosaic Company commends Congressman Blake Moore and Congressman Vern Buchanan for their leadership in strengthening America’s critical mineral supply chain and prioritizing national security. The Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act will help U.S. miners and manufacturers supply essential minerals here at home, reducing reliance on Chinese minerals producers. Representing two states producing phosphate fertilizers, Reps. Moore and Buchanan understand the strategic importance of domestic phosphate production. Phosphate is a U.S. Critical Mineral. Adding phosphate to the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit levels the playing field for American companies while supporting U.S. mining and fertilizer competitiveness,” said Bruce Bodine, President and CEO, the Mosaic Company.\n\n“Representative Moore’s legislation reflects a clear-eyed understanding of what American manufacturing truly needs to compete and win. We cannot build world-class batteries without world-class access to the minerals that go into them. By expanding 45X to cover all critical minerals, Congress can send a powerful signal that America is committed to owning every link of its supply chains,” said Roger Miksad, President and Executive Director, Battery Council International.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe United States Geological Survey (USGS) is responsible for updating the annual List of Critical Minerals, based on which minerals are most vital to the U.S. economy and national security and face potential risks from disrupted supply chains. In their most recent update in November 2025, the USGS added 10 new minerals to the list: boron, copper, lead, metallurgical coal, phosphate, potash, rhenium, silicon, silver, and uranium.\n\nThe Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, frequently referred to as 45X, provides a 10% tax credit for the cost of production of critical minerals (2.5% limit for the production of metallurgical coal), but the tax credit has not yet been updated to reflect the additional minerals added by the Trump Administration.\n\nThe Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act:\n\nAdds Boron, Copper, Lead, Potash, Rhenium, Silicon, Silver, Uranium, and Phosphate as eligible minerals under the Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit\n\nRemoves the 2.5% credit limit on metallurgical coal, allowing producers to claim the entire credit available to other minerals\n\nClarifies that mineral extraction is an eligible expense under the credit if the ore is extracted in the United States or if the ore is not of a type extracted in the US at a commercial scale AND not extracted in a foreign country of concern\n\nAdditional supporters of the bill include:\n\nNational Fertilizer Institute\n\nEnergy Fuels\n\nDISA Technologies\n\nMariana Minerals\n\nMilford Mining\n\nIntrepid Potash\n\nSage Potash\n\nUtah Potash\n\nOsisko Development - Tintic Consolidated Metals Division\n\nRevival Gold\n\nAmerican Clean Power Association\n\nIdaho Association of Commerce and Industry\n\nIdaho Mining Association\n\nKentucky Coal Association\n\nAdvanced Materials Technologies", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3484", "title": "Carbajal Visits Adelanto ICE Facility to Meet with Detained Constituents", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carbajal.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "carbajal.house.gov", "scraper": "carbajal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001112", "name": "Salud O. Carbajal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On Monday, May 11, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) conducted an oversight visit to the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility to meet with detainees, three of which were Central Coast constituents. The detained constituents are from Goleta, Santa Maria, and Ojai. The Congressman also assessed conditions in the facility and inquired about the reported deaths of detainees. Since the beginning of the current Trump administration, at least four detainee deaths have been reported at Adelanto.\n\n“I visited the Adelanto ICE facility to meet with constituents from the Central Coast and hear the truth about their detention,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Their stories echo what other detainees from facilities across the U.S. have consistently reported: substandard medical care, inadequate facility maintenance, and a lack of some basic essentials like blankets. The stories shared by these Central Coast residents reflect the disastrous reality of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. While ICE may argue that the issues I saw at the facility could be fixed with more funding; I argue that the solution is to stop the mass detention policies that have overcrowded these facilities, separated families, and inflicted terror across our country. I will continue to block additional federal funds for ICE and will not stop showing up at these facilities until we see comprehensive reform.”\n\nThe Adelanto ICE facility is California’s largest immigration detention facility and currently holds over 2,000 detainees. The facility is privately operated by the GEO Group.\n\nCarbajal is a leader in Congress in pushing for commonsense immigration reform and holding federal immigration enforcement officers accountable.\n\nThis week’s Adelanto visit marks Carbajal’s third tour of an ICE facility since the current Trump administration began. He previously visited the Santa Maria ICE processing facility twice in 2025.\n\nIn February 2026, Carbajal joined over 50 Members of Congress outside of ICE’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to call for the firing of former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.\n\nIn June 2025, Carbajal co-sponsored the No Secret Police Act, which would require law enforcement officers and agents of DHS engaged in border security and civil immigration enforcement to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals and to ban them from using home-made, non-tactical masks.\n\nIn July 2025, Carbajal co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Dignity Act, a bipartisan bill that would introduce reforms into our country’s immigration system. The bill includes commonsense reforms to legal status and protections for undocumented immigrants, border security investments, and improved asylum and visa processes.\n\nIn the same month, Carbajal introduced the Fight for the American Dream Act, legislation that allows participants of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program to serve in the United States military and provides them a pathway toward U.S. citizenship after their service.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://carey.house.gov/2026/05/14/carey-boyle-introduce-no-wasted-space-act/", "title": "Carey, Boyle Introduce No Wasted Space Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://carey.house.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "carey.house.gov", "scraper": "carey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001126", "name": "Mike Carey", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Carey (R-OH-15) and Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-2) introduced the No Wasted Space Act. This legislation will help establish a commission to study potential uses of the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall. The building currently serves as a temporary space used for limited events, concerts, and meetings.\n\n“Historic buildings in Washington, D.C. should not sit vacant when there is potential for them to serve the public once again,” said Rep. Carey. “As the second-oldest Smithsonian building, the Arts and Industries Building has long been a part of our National Mall, and it deserves to be utilized to its full potential in the years ahead. I look forward to taking a step towards preserving the building’s historic character while creating new opportunities for public engagement and education.”\n\n“150 years ago, Congress dedicated the proceeds of the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, America’s first World’s Fair, to help build a national museum in Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Boyle. “Today, that building, the Arts and Industries Building, sits underused and neglected. As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we are taking action to restore this historic building and put it to use for the benefit of every American.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThis act establishes a commission to study potential uses of the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall.\n\nThe commission shall be composed of nine voting members appointed by the Senate majority leader, Senate minority leader, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and House minority leader. They shall each appoint two voting members that have relevant experience and interests. The Smithsonian Board of Regents shall appoint one voting member who may not be a sitting member of the House, Senate, or Supreme Court.\n\nThe commission’s report must include successful educational institutions serving visiting families, museums, and cultural institutions not on the National Mall, non-Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., tenants affected by federal office moves, and the cost of converting the Arts and Industries Building into a modern museum.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4908", "title": "Case, Tokuda Introduce Resolution To Congratulate The 2026 National Collegiate Champion Volleyball Team The UH Men's Rainbow Warriors", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=1", "domain": "case.house.gov", "scraper": "case", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001055", "name": "Ed Case", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representatives Ed Case (Hawai’i-01) and Jill Tokuda (Hawai’i-02) today introduced a resolution in the U.S. House to congratulate the University of Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) men’s volleyball national championship on Monday.\n\n“I join my Congressional delegation teammates and all throughout our country and world who call our Hawai’i home in extending my deepest congratulations and ‘chee-hoos’ to the Rainbow Warriors for winning it all and showing everyone our own home-grown version of grit and resilience in the face of adversity,” said Rep. Case.\n\n“Wherever we are, your die-hard Rainbow Warrior fans will always have your back and will cheer you and your fellow ‘Bows on each and every year because you are truly ‘Our Team, Hawaii’s Team’.”\n\n\"By bringing home another NCAA Championship, the UH Men’s Volleyball team has further established itself as a powerhouse program, and once again brought immense pride to our entire state because when the Bows win, all of Hawaiʻi wins,” said Rep. Tokuda. “Congratulations to all the players, Coach Wade, and the dedicated staff for showing the nation what Hawaiʻi's student-athletes can achieve through hard work, perseverance, and true teamwork. You’ve made us all proud to be part of the Rainbow Warrior ‘ohana.\"\n\nA companion resolution has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono.\n\nHouse resolution is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-meeks-demand-accountability-for-crypto-financing-of-terrorist-groups", "title": "Casten, Meeks Demand Accountability for Crypto-Financing of Terrorist Groups", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "casten.house.gov", "scraper": "casten", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001117", "name": "Sean Casten", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Gregory Meeks (NY-05) demanded information from the Trump Administration on how it is enforcing the 2023 plea agreement with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. This follows recent public reporting indicating that Binance facilitated $1.7 billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions to flow from Chinese-owned accounts to digital wallets linked to Iran-backed terrorist groups, including the Houthi militants in Yemen.\n\n“We are alarmed by public reporting that Binance permitted more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency transactions to flow to Iran-backed and U.S.-designated terrorist groups through its platform,” the lawmakers wrote. “...These apparent failures to enforce the terms of the 2023 agreement are par for the course, given Binance’s extensive financial ties to a cryptocurrency company backed by President Trump and his family.”\n\nBinance and its former CEO pled guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) laws in 2023 after enabling transactions involving terrorist groups, child sexual abusers, fraudsters, scammers, and sanctioned persons in Iran. As part of a $4 billion settlement agreement, the Treasury Department and DOJ imposed separate compliance monitorships, led by a top law firm and a global consulting firm, to improve Binance’s controls to prevent future money laundering on its platform—including the financial crimes alleged in the Wall Street Journal reports.\n\nThe Trump Administration’s alleged failure to enforce the terms of the 2023 agreement is predictable, given that Binance and its former CEO have deep financial ties to World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency company that has earned the Trump family an estimated $1.2 billion. For example, Binance helped WLF launch its USD1 stablecoin and negotiated a $2 billion business deal that used USD1 coins, which is projected to generate millions in annual revenue for the Trump family. Last year, in an apparent quid pro quo move, President Trump pardoned Binance’s former CEO.\n\n“From a national security standpoint, the DOJ and Treasury have an obligation to cut through these obvious conflicts of interest, enforce compliance with U.S. AML and sanctions laws, and disrupt proven terrorist financing networks,” the lawmakers continued. “It is also important that both FRA and Sullivan & Cromwell fulfill their commitments to independently assess Binance’s systems and ensure that adequate controls will prevent any future financial crimes.”\n\nIn addition to Reps. Casten and Meeks, the letter was signed by Reps. Jared Huffman, Bill Foster, Dan Goldman, Brittany Pettersen, Sylvia Garcia, Joyce Beatty, Lloyd Doggett, and Gabe Amo.\n\nText of the letter can be found below. A copy of the letter can be found here.\n\nDear Acting Attorney General Blanche, Secretary Bessent, Ms. McLeod, and Ms. Levin:\n\nWe are alarmed by public reporting that Binance permitted more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency transactions to flow to Iran-backed and U.S.-designated terrorist groups through its platform. We write to request updates on the two compliance monitorships imposed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Treasury Department (Treasury), which are overseen by consulting firm Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA) and law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, respectively. These monitorships are intended to prevent these crimes after Binance admitted to providing financing for terrorists, money launderers, and sanctions evaders in Iran.\n\nAccording to the Wall Street Journal, the DOJ is investigating Iran’s use of Binance’s platform to evade U.S. sanctions. However, it remains unclear whether the DOJ is appropriately focused on Binance’s alleged failures or solely on the activity that capitalized on Binance’s weak controls to funnel money to Iran-backed terrorist groups.\n\nIn 2023, Binance, as a corporation, and its founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), admitted to willful violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and criminal anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions laws, and agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement, including commitments to overhaul the company’s AML and sanctions compliance program and to restrict access to U.S. customers. For years, Binance had knowingly served U.S. customers on its foreign, unlicensed platform and facilitated transactions on its platform with designated terrorist organizations, such as Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Al Qaeda, and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), as well as persons in sanctioned jurisdictions such as Iran, North Korea, and Syria.\n\nAs a part of a 2023 settlement agreement, Treasury selected Sullivan & Cromwell to manage a five-year monitorship that would oversee remedial undertakings necessary to address the clear violations of AML and sanctions laws, enable access to Binance’s books and records, and provide periodic reports to U.S. regulators. Treasury stated that Binance could face an additional $150 million suspended fine if the company fails to comply with the terms of the monitorship. Separately, the DOJ selected FRA to handle a three-year monitorship to remediate and enhance Binance’s AML and sanctions compliance programs.\n\nHowever, while still under these monitorships, Binance reportedly processed $1.7 billion in cryptocurrency transactions from accounts tied to Chinese clients to wallets linked to Iran-backed terrorist groups, such as the Houthis. The investigators who flagged these illicit flows for Binance’s leadership were later suspended or fired, according to the reports. In addition, investigators identified 2,000 Binance accounts based in Iran, even though Iran is under heavy U.S. sanctions and severely restricted from accessing the global financial system. Binance’s CEO reportedly declined to take any action on these accounts.\n\nThese apparent failures to enforce the terms of the 2023 agreement are par for the course, given Binance’s extensive financial ties to a cryptocurrency company backed by President Trump and his family. A Bloomberg investigation found that Binance wrote the code for, helped create, and promoted World Liberty Financial’s (WLF) USD1 stablecoin, a financial product that has reportedly helped the Trump family earn more than $800 million from the sale of cryptocurrency assets, including WLF, in the first half of 2025. According to more recent estimates, Binance holds $4.7 billion in the USD1 stablecoin or 87% of all coins in circulation. Furthermore, in May 2025, Binance negotiated a $2 billion investment deal with a state-backed Abu Dhabi investment fund, which was settled via the USD1 stablecoin. This effectively gave WLF $2 billion in deposits to invest, which will likely generate millions in annual revenue for the Trump family. In October 2025, President Trump pardoned Binance’s founder, CZ. And in February 2026, CZ attended a WLF conference at Mar-a-Lago alongside President Trump’s sons and senior Administration officials.\n\nFrom a national security standpoint, the DOJ and Treasury have an obligation to cut through these obvious conflicts of interest, enforce compliance with U.S. AML and sanctions laws, and disrupt proven terrorist financing networks. It is also important that both FRA and Sullivan & Cromwell fulfill their commitments to independently assess Binance’s systems and ensure that adequate controls will prevent any future financial crimes.\n\nWe request answers to the following questions, where applicable, by no later than May 29, 2026:\n\nHas the DOJ opened a formal investigation into Iran’s use of Binance’s platform to evade U.S. sanctions as described in recent public reports? Please confirm if Binance’s alleged misconduct is the target or focus of such investigation.\n\nHave Treasury, FinCEN, OFAC, or the CFTC initiated any review or investigation into the Iran-linked activity described in recent public reports?\n\nUnder the terms of the monitorship, Sullivan & Cromwell has reportedly requested that Binance provide information about the Iran-linked transactions. This reportedly includes information about the account owned by Hong Kong-based payments company Blessed Trust, which allegedly moved $1.7 billion to Iran-linked terrorist groups via Binance’s platform.\n\nWhen did Sullivan & Cromwell first become aware of the Iran-linked transaction flows?\n\nPlease detail the specific information Sullivan & Cromwell has requested related to Blessed Trust’s Binance account.\n\nReports indicate that Binance blocked many of Sullivan & Cromwell’s earlier requests. Has Binance complied with the request and provided the necessary information? Has Sullivan & Cromwell experienced any challenges in accessing this information?\n\nIf violations of the 2023 settlement agreements are substantiated, what enforcement mechanisms are available, including the potential imposition of any suspended penalties?\n\nWhat is the current status of Binance’s exit from the United States? Have all U.S. users of Binance.com been confirmed as offboarded?\n\nBinance has reportedly urged the Administration to remove the monitorships or reduce their duration and scope.\n\nPlease describe the current status of the monitorships, the level of access that you have to Binance’s systems, books, and records, and your ability to interview its employees.\n\nRegarding the monitors, a spokesperson told reporters that Binance is “in the process of fine-tuning the rules, but there is no loosening of controls.”\n\nCan you commit to ensuring the monitorships continue to require Binance to implement and maintain strong AML and sanctions compliance controls?\n\nBinance has reportedly “staffed a dedicated monitor liaison office to ensure seamless and efficient operations.”\n\nPlease list the dates of any communications with this office, identify the individuals involved, and summarize the content of such communications.\n\nWhat reporting obligations does Binance currently have to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) under the monitorships?\n\nPlease provide us with a copy of the latest report provided to FinCEN, OFAC, DOJ, and the CFTC as required by the Treasury-imposed monitorship.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/_reps-castro-yakym-launch-bipartisan-us-mexico-caucus", "title": "Reps. Castro, Yakym Launch Bipartisan U.S.-Mexico Caucus", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro, (D-TX-20), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) launched the bipartisan U.S.-Mexico Caucus. They will lead as co-chairs of the Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will focus on strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico and facilitating a dialogue on trade, security and culture.\n\n(Left to right: Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Castro (TX-20), Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Yakym (IN-02), and Members of Congress and leaders from the American Mexican Leadership Council.)\n\n“I am thrilled to announce the official launch of the U.S.-Mexico Caucus to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Mexico. Our shared border, history and interests—particularly in trade, migration, and security—make the creation of this caucus relevant now more than ever. I am looking forward to working with Congressman Yakym and my colleagues to continue building a bipartisan and collaborative U.S.-Mexico relationship and strengthening our bilateral policy approach,” said Rep. Castro.\n\n\"I'm proud to co-chair the U.S.-Mexico Congressional Caucus and help foster strong relations between our two countries. The U.S.-Mexico relationship is important for our shared economic security and national security. Hoosier manufacturers and farmers rely on Mexico for inputs and exports, while our communities count on a strong security relationship to keep fentanyl and other deadly drugs off the streets. I look forward to this caucus serving as a forum to deepen that relationship.” Rep. Yakym said.\n\n“America’s security and economic future are deeply connected to our relationship with Mexico,” said Rep. Salazar, Chairwoman, House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. “From immigration to trade to energy security and the fight against the cartels, these challenges demand serious cooperation and strong leadership. I’m proud to join the bipartisan US-Mexico Caucus to deepen this alliance, strengthen America’s position in the region, and help build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous hemisphere.”\n\n\"This is a critical moment in U.S.-Mexico relations. Our two nations have so much to gain by drawing closer together — especially with the USMCA review on the horizon. I look forward to working with my colleagues in this caucus to strengthen our partnership with our Mexican counterparts on trade, security, and the deep people-to-people ties that bind our communities together,\" said Rep. Stanton.\n\n“Mexico and the United States are connected not only by our southern border, but also by mutual security challenges and shared economic interests. As the chair of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group who recently led a delegation to Mexico, I’m very proud to join this caucus to ensure Congress continues to prioritize our bilateral relationship. Strengthening areas of collaboration — from agriculture to immigration to counter-narcotic efforts — will no doubt benefit both our nations and the broader region,” said Rep. McCaul.\n\n“As Co-Chair of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, I know how important the U.S.-Mexico relationship remains for Laredo and communities across South Texas. Our economy, trade corridors, and daily way of life depend on strong coordination between both countries. Both nations need to continue working together to address security challenges, water issues, and strengthen military coordination along the border. This caucus will help bring leaders to the table, improve communication, and support the businesses, workers, and families who rely on a strong U.S.-Mexico partnership every day. I would like to thank Co-Chairs Congressman Castro and Congressman Yakym for leading this initiative,” said Rep. Cuellar.\n\n“This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and economic security for communities across the United States. So many of the sectors that drive our economy, from agriculture to finance, innovation and trade depend on a successful relationship with Mexico. America’s strength and competitiveness in the world are deeply connected to the success of this partnership,” said Sergio Gonzales, Founding President & CEO of the AMLC.\n\n“The launch of this bipartisan caucus sends a strong message: the U.S.-Mexico relationship transcends politics. It is about maintaining economic strength, striving towards shared security, and the millions of people whose lives are shaped by this partnership,” said Ambassador Nathalie Rayes, founder and co-chair of the American Mexican Leadership Council.\n\nInaugural members of the U.S.-Mexico Caucus include:\n\nRep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20)\n\nRep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02)\n\nRep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33)\n\nRep. María Salazar (R-FL-27)\n\nRep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13)\n\nRep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06)\n\nRep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04)\n\nRep. Michael McCaul (R-TX-10)\n\nRep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16)\n\nRep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02)\n\nRep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28)", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-push-to-add-texas-and-latino-artists-to-national-recording-registry-lands-3-additions", "title": "Castro Push to Add Texas and Latino Artists to National Recording Registry Lands 3 Additions", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "castro.house.gov", "scraper": "castro", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001091", "name": "Joaquin Castro", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and longtime advocate for Latino representation in the media, celebrates this morning’s announcement that the Library of Congress has selected three of his nominations for the prestigious National Recording Registry.\n\nThis year, the Library of Congress inducted “Mambo No. 5” by Pérez Prado (1950), “Texas Flood” by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (1983) (Album), and “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano (1970) from Congressman Castro’s nominations to the growing small percentage of Latino and Texas musicians currently represented in the registry.\n\n“This year, with the help of hundreds of people who submitted suggestions, my office nominated 29 Latino and 25 Texas songs and albums for inclusion into the National Recording Registry. Today’s announcement is a powerful reminder of the lasting influence of music giants like Pérez Prado, José Feliciano, and Texan Stevie Ray Vaughn. Pérez Prado’s Afro-Cuban beats, José Feliciano’s soulful tenor, and Stevie Ray’s Vaughn’s emotive style on the guitar are embedded in the hearts of many. I am proud to have nominated these talented artists and will continue to push for Latino and Texas talent to be celebrated and to grow their rightful place in the registry,” said Congressman Castro.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis year, the office of Congressman Joaquin Castro received over 400 suggestions from the community. Congressman Castro personally curated a list of 29 songs and albums by Latino artists and a list 25 songs and albums by Texas artists.\n\nSince it was established by Congress in 2000, the National Recording Registry has worked to preserve recordings with cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance to life in the United States. For the last nineteen years, the Library of Congress has selected 25 recordings for inclusion each year, with works by Latino and Texas musicians vastly underrepresented.\n\nOver the last four years, as part of his long-running efforts to improve the recognition of Latino contributions to American history and culture, Congressman Castro has solicited public suggestions for congressional nominations to the National Recording Registry.\n\nWith this year’s addition, Congressman Castro has successfully nominated 10 musical titles to the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress—Juan Gabriel’s “Amor Eterno” (1990), Héctor Lavoe’s “El Cantante” (1978), Irene Cara’s “Flashdance…What A Feeling” (1983), Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” (2004), Vicente Fernandez’s “El Rey” (1973), Freddy Fender’s “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” (1974), Lin Manuel Miranda’s album “Hamilton” (2015), “Mambo No. 5” by Pérez Prado (1950), “Texas Flood” by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble (1983) (Album), and “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano (1970).\n\nLater this year, Congressman Castro will launch a new call for suggestions to shape his nominations for additions to the National Recording Registry that are expected in 2027.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415626", "title": "Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at CECC hearingA Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), delivers his opening statement as his May 14th hearing, \"A Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond.\"\n\nThe following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)’s May 14th hearing, entitled “A Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond”:\n\nLast September, the world heard something chilling. As Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un walked together in Beijing, a hot mic picked up an unguarded conversation about organ transplants and the possibility of living to 150 years old.\n\nThat was not macabre small talk among aging dictators. It was a glimpse behind the curtain—a glimpse into a world where human beings can be treated as interchangeable parts to prolong the lives of autocrats.\n\nBut forced organ harvesting is not healing. It is murder masquerading as medicine.\n\nToday, this Commission examines one of the most barbaric human rights atrocities of our time: the forced harvesting of organs from prisoners of conscience, death row inmates, and other vulnerable people—especially in Communist China.\n\nLet me be clear: ethical organ transplantation is noble and lifesaving. But what we are examining today is the opposite. It is the conversion of the imprisoned and persecuted into inventory. Hearts. Livers. Kidneys. Lungs. Corneas. Taken from the living. Sold to the desperate. Hidden behind hospital walls. Protected by secrecy, corruption, fear, and state power.\n\nI chaired my first of several hearings on forced organ harvesting thirty years ago, on June 18, 1996. Since then, the evidence has become more disturbing, more detailed, and more compelling.\n\nThe most persistent allegations in China centered first on Falun Gong practitioners—peaceful men and women targeted by the Chinese Communist Party for eradication. Later came mounting evidence concerning Uyghurs, already victims of genocide in the Uyghur Region; Tibetans; Christians; death row inmates; and others treated as property of the state.\n\nExperts, like Ethan Gutmann, have documented how this atrocity expanded from death row prisoners to prisoners of conscience and religious detainees. The China Tribunal concluded that forced organ harvesting has been committed in China for years, on a significant scale. Witnesses at previous hearings have warned us about military hospitals, impossibly short wait times, organs available on demand, and a transplant system that cannot withstand scrutiny.\n\nAnd yet, Beijing now asks the world to believe the problem has been solved. It says its transplant system now meets international standards. And once again, the disappointing and corrupt WHO takes Beijing’s claims at face value—just as it did in the early days of COVID.\n\nBut today, this Commission has received rare and extraordinary eyewitness accounts from inside the Chinese gulag itself: Ali Motevalian’s written submission details his incarceration in a PLA-linked prison hospital near Shanghai, and Kalbinur Sidik’s testimony from the detention camps of the Uyghur Region. Together, their accounts shatter Beijing’s fiction that its transplant system is voluntary, transparent, and compliant with international standards.\n\nAli Motevalian spent years inside China’s prison system. His submission describes coerced thumbprints on so-called consent forms, bondage, tranquilizers, “last rooms of terminal patients,” prisoners taken to surgery and not returned, mobile freezer carts, and bodies moved toward incineration. His account strikes at the heart of Beijing’s favorite defense. The Chinese Communist Party told the world it had ended the use of executed prisoners’ organs. Ali says otherwise.\n\nInside the prison hospital system, in 2020 and 2021—years after Beijing told the world it had stopped taking organs from prisoners—Ali says he saw unconscious, shackled men, known as “sleepers,” brought by armed personnel directly into surgery rooms. They never returned. What a nightmare. That is not voluntary donation. That is execution by organ extraction.\n\nKalbinur Sidik brings us inside another part of the Chinese gulag: the camps of the Uyghur Region. I will not summarize her testimony in detail, because in just a few minutes she will speak for herself. But her account shows a system where human beings are reduced to commodities, where the state controls the body as well as the mind, and where coercion and fear are used to destroy dignity.\n\nThe prison hospitals and gulag described in these testimonies are not places of care, rehabilitation, or education. They are crime scenes—part of a system of coercion, medical abuse, and genocide China. Organ crimes are not just a China problem. It is global one that flourishes wherever coercion, poverty, corruption, secrecy, and demand intersect. That is why Congress must act.\n\nThe House has twice passed my legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support. H.R. 1503, the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025, passed the House 406 to 1. It would criminalize forced organ trafficking, impose serious sanctions, require reporting, deny visas, and create penalties of up to 20 years in prison and up to a $1 million fine for knowing complicity. This bill is not a press release. It is enforceable policy.\n\nIt says to brokers, traffickers, corrupt officials, complicit doctors, hospitals, researchers, insurers, and middlemen: if you profit from coerced transplants, directly or indirectly, you should risk your money, your visa, your access to the United States, and your freedom.\n\nThe Senate has not acted on the bill, but they must. Delay is denial. Every day without consequences is another day perpetrators operate in the shadows, witnesses are intimidated, evidence disappears, and families never learn what happened to their loved ones.\n\nForced organ harvesting is barbaric. It is systematic. It is state-enabled. And it is big business. And, speaking frankly, no one wants Xi Jinping or Vladimir Putin to live forever. I suspect on this point there would be broad bipartisan agreement.\n\nBut behind that dark irony is a deadly serious point: no dictator, no party boss, no wealthy patient, and no broker should be able to purchase longevity with the organs of the poor and persecuted. That is all the more reason to pass the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act and make unmistakably clear that the United States will not stand by in the face of such cruelty.\n\nNot with our expertise. Not with our money. Not with a dollar of American complicity.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415631", "title": "The Epoch Times article on Smith's H.Res.1259'Congress Passes Resolutions Urging Trump to Press Xi on Political Prisoners'", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Joseph Lord\n\nPublished May 14, 2026\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate on Wednesday passed resolutions urging President Donald Trump to confront Chinese leader Xi Jinping on political prisoners currently held in state custody by China.\n\nThe House measure passed in a 414–0 vote.\n\nH.Res. 1259, introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), cochair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, names five individuals who he said were “unfairly punished” by Beijing for exercising freedom of speech and religion.\n\n“Shamefully, the People’s Republic of China currently detains thousands of political and religious prisoners, which include American citizens and the family members of U.S. nationals,” Smith previously told The Epoch Times.\n\nThe U.S. Capitol building on April 29, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times\n\nHe said the resolution calls out the Chinese regime’s “abysmal record of human rights abuses and arbitrary detentions” and urges Trump to raise these concerns at the upcoming meeting.\n\nThe five individuals named in the House resolution include Pastor Jin Mingri; Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife, Pang Yu; Jimmy Lai; and Dr. Gulshan Abbas.\n\nIn May last year, Gao, pastor and founder of a house church called Light of Zion Church, was detained at his home and accused of “using superstitious activities to undermine the implementation of law,” his son Gao Pu told The Epoch Times.\n\nTwo months later, his wife, Pang, another church leader, was also detained. The resolution notes that she has since been “denied access to critical prescription medication.”\n\nIn October 2025, Jin, founder of another house church known as Zion Church, was detained at his home as part of a broader operation by Chinese authorities that also led to the detention of nearly 30 pastors and church members.\n\nAbbas has been imprisoned for nearly 3,000 days, and her detention is widely believed to be linked to her sister Rushan Abbas’s human rights advocacy activities in the United States.\n\nThe Senate also passed a measure calling on Trump to prioritize the release of the five individuals named in the House resolution.\n\nSens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) issued a joint statement on the resolution, which they sponsored in the Senate. It passed unanimously.\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party is an authoritarian regime that jails dissidents, silences religious believers, and violates basic freedoms,” Cruz said. “The Senate’s passage of this bipartisan resolution underscores that America will continue fighting to secure the release of those wrongfully detained and hold the CCP accountable for these detentions.”\n\nDurbin echoed the sentiment, saying, “No one should fear for their lives or suffer political imprisonment for standing up for democracy and freedom.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415634", "title": "VOA Mandarin Service article on Smith's H.Res.1259'On the Eve of the U.S.-China Summit, Both Houses of Congress Unanimously Pass Resolution Urging China to Release Political Prisoners'", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Li Yihua\n\nPublished May 14, 2026 at 7:27\n\nCapitol Hill — On Wednesday (May 13), both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate successively passed resolutions by unanimous consent, calling upon the U.S. President—in his future engagements with Chinese leaders—to prioritize efforts to secure the release of numerous political prisoners and religious figures, including Jimmy Lai and Pastor Jin Mingri. President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on the same day and is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.\n\nOn Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives passed the resolution by a vote of 414 to 0. The measure urges the President, in his future meetings with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, to prioritize advocating for the release of individuals currently detained in China, including Pastor Jin Mingri (Senior Pastor of Zion Church), Pastor Gao Quanfu of Zion’s Light Church and his wife Pang Yu, Uyghur physician Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong’s Next Digital.\n\nThe Senate also passed an identical resolution by unanimous consent later on Wednesday evening.\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives passed Resolution H. Res. 1259, calling upon the President to prioritize advocating for the release of numerous political prisoners and religious figures—including Jimmy Lai and Pastor Jin Mingri—during meetings with Chinese leaders. (May 13, 2026)\n\nThe House version of the resolution was introduced by Republican Congressman Chris Smith—a long-time advocate for human rights issues in China—and garnered strong bipartisan support from lawmakers.\n\n\"House Resolution 1259 addresses precisely these individuals who are being unjustly detained,\" Congressman Smith, who represents New Jersey, stated during a floor speech on Wednesday morning.\n\nSmith continued: \"I would like to remind my colleagues that I have served in Congress for 46 years, and throughout that time, I have consistently worked to champion the cause of political prisoners around the world—dating back to the Soviet era. We have consistently found that when the United States calls out political prisoners by name, it is an effective strategy. President Reagan frequently did this during his tenure, as did his Secretary of State, George Shultz; by publicly naming specific individuals, they helped ensure that many of those receiving such solidarity were ultimately released. This approach also helps secure access for lawyers, family members, and medical visits—and can even save lives. Moreover, it truly does help bring about their release.\"\n\nDuring his floor remarks, Congressman Smith urged President Trump—who is currently visiting Beijing—to raise the issue of political prisoners in China, along with other human rights concerns, during his talks with President Xi Jinping. “This is important. It is important to their families; it is important to every prisoner confined in a cell for daring to pray, publish, speak out, worship, or advocate for fundamental human rights and freedoms,” Smith said. “It is also important to the Chinese Communist Party, because when the President of the United States calls them out by name, autocrats listen.”\n\n“Silence is not an option. Silence tells the jailers that no one is watching. Silence tells the prisoners that the world has moved on and no longer cares. Silence tells Beijing that hostage diplomacy, coercive exit bans, and transnational repression can be normalized. None of this can be normalized. We will not remain silent, and we pray and hope that the President will succeed.”\n\nThe resolution states that the House of Representatives believes that, in his future meetings with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, the President should prioritize advocating for the release of those detained in China—specifically Pastor Jin Mingri, Senior Pastor of Zion Church; Pastor Gao Quanfu of Zion’s Light Church and his wife, Pang Yu; Uyghur physician Gulshan Abbas; and Jimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong’s Next Digital.\n\nSenator Ted Cruz (R-TX), one of the sponsors of the Senate version of the resolution, stated in a written statement: “The Chinese Communist Party is an authoritarian regime that imprisons dissidents, suppresses religious believers, and violates fundamental freedoms. By passing this bipartisan resolution, the Senate signals that the United States will continue to strive for the release of those unjustly detained and hold the CCP accountable for these detentions.”\n\nSenator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senate Democratic Whip who co-sponsored the resolution with Senator Cruz, also stated: “No one should have to fear for their safety or face political imprisonment for standing up for democracy and freedom.”\n\n“Now that this resolution has passed the Senate, I urge President Trump to raise these cases with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China,” said Senator Durbin of Illinois.\n\nOn October 10, 2025, Pastor Jin Mingri of Zion Church—along with 17 other pastors and staff members—was detained by Chinese authorities on charges of “illegally using an information network.” If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of three years in prison. In recent years, Chinese authorities have expanded the scope of this charge to encompass unauthorized religious activities. On May 17, 2025, Pastor Gao Quanfu of Xi'an Zion Light Church was detained; he is currently being held on charges of \"using superstitious activities to undermine the implementation of the law\" and \"fraud.\" His wife was subsequently detained on June 7; despite holding no formal position within the church, she remains in custody to this day.\n\nGulshan Abbas is a retired physician. On September 11, 2018—shortly after her sister, a U.S. citizen, publicly criticized the People's Republic of China government's treatment of the Uyghur people—she was forcibly disappeared. Dr. Abbas was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison following a secret trial.\n\nJimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong's Next Digital and *Apple Daily*, has been imprisoned since late 2020, when he was arrested by Hong Kong police on fraud charges. Subsequently, the Hong Kong government charged Lai with additional offenses under the National Security Law, including \"conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.\" In February 2026, the 78-year-old pro-democracy media tycoon was sentenced to 20 years in prison.\n\nPrior to departing for China, Trump stated that he would raise the cases of imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai and Chinese pastor Jin Mingri during his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing.\n\nOn Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in the United States posted on its social media platform, X, stating that \"four red lines in China-U.S. relations must never be challenged.\" Accompanying the post was a graphic card identifying the first red line as the Taiwan issue; the second as democracy and human rights; the third as the political system; and the fourth as China's right to development. \"When two superpowers meet, no topic should be off the table,\" Representative Smith said in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) on Wednesday.\n\n\"The leader of the free world is Donald Trump; I believe he is an exceptional leader who holds a deep commitment to human rights and a profound concern for the Chinese people—a concern directed not at the unfortunate government that oppresses its people, but at the Chinese people themselves. Therefore, we—and the U.S. Congress—will stand firmly in solidarity with those who suffer for the sake of pursuing freedom and democracy,\" Smith said.\n\nRepresentative John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan and Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, was a co-sponsor of the resolution. Following its passage, he issued a statement declaring: \"No government has the right to imprison an individual simply because of their beliefs, their faith, or their voice. This resolution makes it clear that the United States will not remain silent when the Chinese Communist Party detains courageous individuals for exercising their fundamental freedoms. These individuals are not criminals; they are voices for truth and human dignity. We must continue to press for their release and ensure that their cases remain a top priority whenever the United States engages with Xi Jinping and the CCP.\"\n\nThis article was published on May 14, 2026 and can be found online at: https://www.voachinese.com/a/house-passes-resolution-calling-on-trump-to-prioritize-release-of-political-prisoner-ahead-of-china-trip-20260513/8149665.html", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415640", "title": "Rep. Smith on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Danco Laboratories v. Louisiana“It’s not over – the fight to protect women and children from baby poison (the abortion pill) will continue”", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, issued the below statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Danco Laboratories v. Louisiana, which reversed the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to pause the Biden Administration’s dangerous mail-order abortion drug policy. Both Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, two manufacturers of mifepristone, submitted the applications for stay:\n\n“The Supreme Court’s ruling today is deeply disheartening. But it’s not over – the fight to protect women and children from baby poison (the abortion pill) will continue.\n\n“The Fifth Circuit Court was right to halt this ill-advised policy while litigation continues in the lower courts, as mifepristone is extremely dangerous to both mother and child. Nearly 11% of women—more than one in ten—who take this dangerous drug experience serious, adverse events within 45 days, including sepsis, hemorrhaging, and/or infection.\n\n“The severe and sustained harms that mifepristone poses to babies and their mothers cannot be ignored. The named and nameless victims of this chemical abortion drug deserve relief and protection.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415647", "title": "The Epoch Times article on Smith's CECC hearing on forced organ harvesting'\"Perverted\" Forced Organ Harvesting Gets Spotlight in Congress'", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Eva Fu\n\nPublished May 14, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON—As U.S. and China delegations convene in Beijing, a bipartisan panel of lawmakers is casting a spotlight on the regime’s forced organ harvesting, saying it’s past time to put the abuse to an end.\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, opened a May 14 congressional hearing by recalling a hot mic incident on Tiananmen Square last September.\n\nA conversation was captured between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin as they walked together, musing about living to 150 through continued organ transplants.\n\n“That was not macabre small talk among aging dictators,“ Smith said at the hearing. ”It was a glimpse behind the curtain—a glimpse into a world where human beings can be treated as interchangeable parts to prolong the lives of autocrats.”\n\n(2nd L-R) Congressional-Executive Commission on China chairman Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Rep. Dale Strong (R-Ala.), listen to testimonies during a hearing titled, “A Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond,” on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 14, 2026.\n\nSmith called what the leaders discussed “murder masquerading as medicine.”\n\nThirty years after Smith’s first hearing on the topic of organ harvesting, the evidence has become “more disturbing, more detailed, and more compelling,” he said, as religious and ethnic groups—including Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Christians—face greater risk.\n\nThough Beijing now insists that its transplant system conforms to international standards, he said, “extraordinary” eyewitness accounts reviewed by his commission say otherwise.\n\n‘Enough Is Enough’\n\nOne testimony came from Seyed Alireza Motevalian, an Iranian-born refugee and businessman in China. As recently as 2021, he saw unconscious, restrained Chinese prisoners brought in on stretchers and sent to surgery rooms in prison hospitals, never to return—a repeated pattern he linked to organ harvesting.\n\nKalbinur Sidik, who worked as a Chinese-language teacher in Uyghur detention camps in Xinjiang, testified that she saw blood drawn from detainees every week. The detainees were then given injections of unidentified substances and small white pills that the Chinese nurses described as nutrition supplements, she said. Healthy men disappeared.\n\nSidik said the special police officer and driver who escorted her said the authorities had converted a local detoxification center into an organ extraction hospital.\n\nKalbinur Sidik, survivor of China’s genocide and eyewitness to forced labor camps and author of forthcoming book “Heart Full of Light: Love, Loss, and Survival Inside China's Gulags,” testifies online from the Netherlands, before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 14, 2026.\n\n“They said, ‘Right now in our country, the halal organ trade is booming,’” she said via a translator.\n\n“Halal organs” are reportedly taken from Muslim ethnic minorities and marketed to wealthy Muslims.\n\n“These are Nazi-like atrocities that are being committed in 2026—it’s getting worse,” Smith told The Epoch Times. “The American public, we all need to mobilize and say, ‘Enough is enough. This has got to stop.’”\n\nConcerns of forced organ harvesting targeting prisoners of conscience first emerged in 2006. Whistleblowers told The Epoch Times they'd witnessed the killing of Falun Gong practitioners for their organs in underground facilities.\n\nUnder international pressure, the Chinese regime announced it would transition to having a voluntary organ donation system. But a 2019 study published in the scientific journal BMC Medical Ethics, having analyzed the country’s organ donation data, found it “too neat to be true.”\n\n“These figures don’t appear to be real data from real donations. They’re numbers generated using an equation,” said study author Matthew Robertson, a doctoral student at the Australian National University.\n\nThe researchers also compared the figures with data from 50 other countries in a database managed by the World Health Organization and found that none of the other countries’ datasets fit any formula.\n\nIn 2019, the independent China Tribunal in London released findings after a year of investigation into the issue. It concluded that the Chinese regime had forcibly harvested organs from prisoners of conscience “on a significant scale,” and that Falun Gong practitioners were the primary victims.\n\nEthan Gutmann, investigative journalist and author of the “Xinjiang Procedure,” was one of three hearing witnesses who have written books on the issue.\n\nEthan Gutmann, a China studies research fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and author of “The Xinjiang Procedure,” testifies before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 14, 2026.\n\nHe estimated the average age of victims to be 28.\n\nSmith said he finds that difficult to comprehend.\n\n“These are young people with great futures. They’re very healthy,” and the Chinese authorities “kill them to get their organs,” he said in the interview.\n\nHis thoughts then returned to the hot mic moment.\n\nIf Xi needs a new liver, Smith said, the Chinese leader will “look to the very people he despises, like the Falun Gong or like the Uyghurs.”\n\n“That is perverted,” he said. “It’s wrong, it’s ugly, it’s cruel.”\n\n‘Extractable Body Parts’\n\nLast May, the House passed two bills—the Falun Gong Protection Act and Smith’s Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act—aiming to impose sanctions on forced organ harvesting perpetrators. Both now await further movement in the Senate.\n\nRep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), coming out of the hearing, said he hopes the Senate will take action.\n\nBeijing is “using forced organ harvesting as a tool of repression in their repression toolbox, and it’s really important for the United States not to let those kinds of human rights issues slip off of the agenda,” he told The Epoch Times.\n\nRep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 14, 2026.\n\nThe issue should be “near the top” of the U.S. policy agenda on China, he said.\n\n“We have important issues to discuss with China, around trade, around technology, around security, all of those things are important,” he said.\n\n“But if we don’t have a robust global human rights framework that can protect the freedoms, the religious freedoms, the political freedoms of every person on the planet, then all those other conversations aren’t very meaningful, are they?”\n\nRep. Dale Strong (R-Ala.) similarly said the issue needs to be brought to the forefront.\n\n“Illegal harvesting of body parts shouldn’t be occurring in any country,” he told The Epoch Times. “We’re exposing some things here that need to be exposed—should have been exposed a long time ago.”\n\nEpoch Times senior editor Jan Jekielek, whose book “Killed to Order” recently made the New York Times best-seller list, said the lesson from decades of investigating organ harvesting is that “the regime is capable of anything at others’ expense.”\n\nAs the United States, “built on a foundational belief and the God-given right of every individual,” celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Chinese Communist Party rejects this truth at its core, he said at the hearing.\n\nJan Jekielek, Epoch Times senior editor and author of \"Killed to Order\" testifies before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 14, 2026.\n\n“It views its own citizens not as people with dignity, but as a collection of extractable body parts,” he said, and it looks at Americans through “exactly the same lens.”\n\nAmong the volumes of corroborating information on the subject, one source he cited was a 2022 medical study in the American Journal of Transplantation, which identified dozens of Chinese language papers on organ transplants where doctors appeared to have taken the organs without confirming the persons’ brain death, an indication that the individuals were killed.\n\n“Killed to order is just kind of the norm of how transplantation is done ... they’ve written that into their scientific methods,” Jekielek said in an interview.\n\nIf Washington intends to confront the issue, Jekielek has a suggestion.\n\n“President Trump likes to have great relationships with a lot of America’s prime antagonists,” he said in an interview. In that spirit, he said, the U.S. president could approach it by asking his Chinese counterpart whether or not he wants this on his legacy.\n\n“Does he want his legacy as the ruler of China to be forced organ harvesting—this atrocity and evil yet to be seen on this planet?”\n\n‘No More Free Pass’\n\nHearing witness Sam Brownback, former ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom and author of the just-published “China’s War on Faith,” said the biggest takeaway from the event should be “no more free pass.”\n\n“China doesn’t get a pass anymore,” he told The Epoch Times.\n\nIf the regime insists on being a “hardcore authoritarian communist country” and committing atrocities, he said, Washington should take the same confrontational stance that it took with the Soviet Union.\n\nHe cited Falun Gong practitioner Cheng Peiming, who went public in 2024 with the story of how part of his lung and liver were removed forcibly in China in 2004, leaving a roughly 14 inch scar around his chest.\n\nSuch stories need to get out, Brownback said.\n\nAmb. Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large of International Religious Freedom, testifies before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 14, 2026.\n\n“You need somebody to pull a shirt up and show you, ‘here’s the cut,’ so that people can see this has happened,” he said. “You need to go through the numbers.”\n\nCompared with the often years-long wait time for an organ in the United States, Chinese hospitals’ ability to schedule organ transplants within a very short period of time defies understanding, Brownback said.\n\n“The CCP is conducting three religious genocides as we speak—against Tibetan Buddhists, Uyghur Muslims, and Falun Gong practitioners,” he said at the hearing.\n\nSmith noted the massive profit the regime gleans from the illicit organ trade.\n\n“We’ve got to shut it off with a tourniquet, shut it down completely,” he said, urging the Senate to take up on the issue.\n\n“For the victim who tomorrow is going to be slaughtered for their organs, delay is denial,” he added. “I can’t say it strong enough. We don’t have a moment to lose.”\n\nRep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 14, 2026.\n\nAnd on one part there would be broad bipartisan agreement, he said at the hearing.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415649", "title": "Central Jersey Newswire article on Smith's CECC hearing on forced organ harvesting'Rep. Smith warns Congress: China's organ harvesting operation is \"execution by extraction\"'", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "By Central Jersey Newswire\n\nPublished May 14, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C - Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) Congressman Chris Smith chaired a hearing on Thursday examining allegations of forced organ harvesting and illegal organ trafficking tied to the Chinese Communist Party. The hearing, titled “A Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond,” focused on testimony from former detainees, human rights advocates, and experts who described what Smith called “one of the most barbaric human rights atrocities of our time.”\n\nIn his opening statement, Smith warned that forced organ harvesting has evolved into a global black market fueled by “coercion, poverty, corruption, secrecy, and demand,” with China at the center of many of the allegations. He described the practice as “murder masquerading as medicine” and argued that political prisoners, religious minorities, and vulnerable detainees have allegedly been turned into “inventory” for organ transplants.\n\nSmith noted that he first chaired a congressional hearing on forced organ harvesting on June 18, 1996, adding that the evidence gathered over the last three decades has become “more disturbing, more detailed, and more compelling.” He cited longstanding allegations involving Falun Gong practitioners, peaceful men and women targeted by the Chinese Communist Party for eradication, as well as Uyghur Muslims, Christians, Tibetans, and death row inmates. He also referenced previous findings from the China Tribunal and testimony describing “military hospitals, impossibly short wait times, organs available on demand, and a transplant system that cannot withstand scrutiny.”\n\nThe hearing also featured testimony from witnesses who claimed to have firsthand knowledge of China’s prison and detention systems. Smith referenced accounts involving coerced consent forms, prisoners allegedly taken into surgery and never returning, and unconscious detainees reportedly transported into operating rooms under armed supervision.\n\n“That is not voluntary donation,” Smith said. “That is execution by organ extraction.”\n\nSmith additionally criticized the World Health Organization for accepting Beijing’s claims that its transplant system now complies with international standards, arguing international institutions have failed to adequately investigate the allegations.\n\nA major focus of the hearing was Smith’s Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025, legislation that passed the House by a 406-1 vote. The bill would criminalize participation in forced organ trafficking, impose sanctions, deny visas to offenders, and create penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $1 million for knowingly facilitating coerced organ transplants. Smith urged the Senate to act on the legislation, warning that “every day without consequences is another day perpetrators operate in the shadows.”\n\nThis article was published on May 14, 2026 and can be found online at:", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415650", "title": "WATCH: 'China Hearings: Rep. Chris Smith | The World Over with Raymond Arroyo'", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), sat down with host Raymond Arroyo on EWTN's The World Over with Raymond Arroyo to discuss the findings of his recent CECC hearing on forced organ harvesting and trafficking in China; the need to interlink human rights with trade; and his reflections on the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing.\n\nThe full interview can be viewed by clicking here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-introduces-invest-act-to-deliver-tax-relief-to-employers-who-hire-veterans/", "title": "CLARKE INTRODUCES INVEST ACT TO DELIVER TAX RELIEF TO EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE VETERANS", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "domain": "clarke.house.gov", "scraper": "clarke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001067", "name": "Yvette D. Clarke", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nMay 14, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke introduced the Incentives for our Nation’s Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies (INVEST) Act, which would expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for employers who hire veterans who have completed the free vocational training program offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2021, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there are almost 400 thousand unemployed veterans in the United States. This legislation would simultaneously address the veteran unemployment crisis and advance the United States’ fight against the climate crisis.\n\n“Too often in America, we have seen our most critical priorities cast aside and disregarded in the name of profit, convenience, and carelessness. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than the institutional neglect that is faced by our veterans and forced upon our climate. Both have suffered from inaction, and that is why we have a moral, patriotic duty to support both. At a time when hundreds of thousands of veterans confront unemployment while scores of green-collar jobs remain unfilled, my INVEST Act is a meaningful opportunity to provide the boost our clean energy economy needs and the action America’s veterans deserve. I am proud to introduce this resourceful solution to ensure those who protected our nation throughout their service can continue to protect it in civilian life,” said Rep. Clarke.\n\nRead the full bill text here HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2026/05/14/higgins-urges-nation-to-stand-back-up-in-the-glory-of-god-in-house-floor-speech/", "title": "Higgins Urges Nation to ‘Stand Back Up in the Glory of God’ in House Floor Speech", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "clayhiggins.house.gov", "scraper": "clayhiggins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001077", "name": "Clay Higgins", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) spoke on the House Floor Tuesday evening, celebrating this year’s National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving alongside Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Representative Josh Brecheen (R-OK), and other Christian Republicans.\n\nBelow is a transcript of Rep. Higgins’ remarks. Watch the full video here.\n\nMr. Speaker, it’s a humbling moment for us to acknowledge that we are failed and fallen humans in the presence of God in service to our fellow man, standing in the chamber of the People’s House. We’ve been reminded that there are 23 marble busts in relief that surround the walls of this chamber above the gallery, one of which is facing you, Mr. Speaker, and that’s Moses, and many men up there, George Mason, William Blackstone, Thomas Jefferson, Solomon, but only Moses faces you. Only Moses faces the podium of the chamber of the People’s House in the land of the free. Our Founders were men anointed by God, and we’re called upon to acknowledge that spiritual foundation, once again in our country.\n\nThis is an acknowledgement that crosses the barriers of politics, Mr. Speaker, and joins us as one people, regardless of where we stand upon the economic strata, regardless of our color or creed or heritage, despite political affiliation or party, we’re bonded as one man unto God, in service to our fellow man. Yet we struggle. We struggle to know what is right. We seek that as children of God as men and women attempting to serve We the People. We struggle to know what is right. Do we not? Mr. Speaker, our Founders struggled as well. America was founded by imperfect men with a perfect vision. The preamble of our Constitution states: We the People, of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union–in order to form a more perfect union. There’s an old saying in the horse business: the way a horse leaves the gate is the way he’s going to run.\n\nOur Founders, the Preamble, is the document that established our laws, stated that they were humble men, imperfect men, acknowledged the fact that we’re human, we’ve failed and fallen since Adam. We seek to understand what Paul meant when he told us in Corinthians to place not your faith in the wisdom of man, but in the spirit and power of God. This is the chamber where we carry the responsibility to merge the wisdom of man within and beneath the spirit and power of God.\n\nWe all have a story, do we not, Mr. Speaker, of how our families came to be here. Many years ago, 200 years ago, a young Irishman born into indentured servitude, far away, heard whispers of a nation born where a man could own the land that he worked. This was unheard of for a common Irish lad, so he risked everything, all he had, left the land of his heritage and boarded a boat that was converted from carrying commercial goods to carrying human beings. According to a letter unearthed by my mother and my aunt many, many generations later, his sleeping berth measured 2 by 2 by 5. Literally, by the way, the winds blew, Mr. Speaker, that boat landed in the Port of New Orleans. And that young Irishman was the beginning of my family. He came here seeking freedom. He knew that he would deliver work, ethics, and principles and Christian faith, determination, and courage, but he knew he stood beneath God, and he landed in a nation that was going to give him the opportunity to build something for the next generation. And indeed, he did.\n\nI ask, Mr. Speaker, are we worthy of the things that we’ve described tonight, all of us on both sides of the aisle, the citizenry we serve that sit in the gallery? Are we worthy of what it is to be an American citizen and a child of God? We seek to prove that worth every day, and yet we fall short of the glory of God, and we arise again from bended knee and struggle to be worthy of this service to our fellow Man. Let me close by saying, Mr. Speaker, that we shan’t be judged by how we fall. A man’s character should not be measured by how he falls, but it should be measured by how he stands back up and as a nation, this is where we are. Our children’s children will not measure us by the fact that our nation has stumbled to the extent that it has, but this generation will be measured by how we stand back up. And let me humbly deliver this message to the American people: Stand back up in the glory of God! Remember the words of Paul. Place not your faith in the wisdom of man, but in the spirit and power of God. Let us stand as a nation, as brothers and sisters, as children of God, beneath the glory of the flag that waves above us.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://cloud.house.gov/posts/congressman-cloud-gives-update-on-federal-support-for-desalination", "title": "RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Gives Update on Federal Support for Desalination", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://cloud.house.gov/press", "domain": "cloud.house.gov", "scraper": "cloud", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001115", "name": "Michael Cloud", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Cloud announced today we are one step closer to desalination for Corpus Christi. Following President Trump’s visit to the Coastal Bend in February, his Administration announced today expanded water infrastructure opportunities that open the door for significant federal funding for desalination in the region.\n\nUntil today’s announcement, preexisting caps on desalination funding made substantial federal funding opportunities for desalination projects virtually impossible. Today, the Trump Administration announced the removal of the $30 million cap that previously served as a prohibitive hurdle to large-scale funding of projects, such as proposed desalination in Corpus Christi.\n\n“It is no secret that the Coastal Bend is in need of long-term water solutions, and this is the first step into making things like desalination a reality for the region,” said Rep. Cloud. “It was my privilege to work alongside President Trump and the Bureau of Reclamation in making this a reality through countless conversations, legislative requests, and President Trump’s recent visit to Corpus Christi.”\n\nThis cap removal comes alongside the Bureau of Reclamation’s announcement of a new funding opportunity through the WaterSMART program. The WaterSMART program is designed to leverage federal and non-federal funds to work with states and localities in implementing projects to increase water supply and resilience.\n\nThe news comes after Rep. Cloud questioned Assistant Secretary for Water and Science in the U.S. Department of Interior, Andrea Travnicek, on the ongoing water crisis in an April budget hearing. Rep. Cloud asked for an update on Corpus Christi’s application for federal funding under this program, and Assistant Secretary Travnicek confirmed that they had been tracking this application very closely and have had multiple conversations to make sure all the necessary pieces had been submitted in preparation for this funding opportunity.\n\nThe funding announcement references its advancement of Trump Administration priorities, including unleashing American Energy Dominance, in its project description.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-again-votes-to-limit-military-operations-in-iran", "title": "CORREA AGAIN VOTES TO LIMIT MILITARY OPERATIONS IN IRAN", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement after voting YES this afternoon on H.Con.Res 75 to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran:\n\n“After two months of this Administration’s war in Iran, there is still no end in sight. Americans are dearly paying for it, with their taxpayer dollars and every time they fill up at the gas pump, but the highest cost has come in the form of the service men and women we have lost as a result of the military efforts in Iran.\n\n“Current law requires Congress to declare war or authorize force within 60 days of military action, and that deadline has passed. Congress needs to reassert our authority to declare war, with the Administration making its case why U.S. forces should continue. With the high cost of this war, the American people deserve that justification.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-introduces-bill-to-prevent-veteran-suicide", "title": "CORREA INTRODUCES BILL TO PREVENT VETERAN SUICIDE", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Bill Huizenga (MI-04) introduced the Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 8793), bipartisan legislation aimed at improving mental health outcomes for veterans and helping reduce veteran suicide rates by expanding access to evidence-based suicide prevention care. The legislation seeks to increase the number of Community Care Network providers who complete evidence-based suicide prevention training administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs while also creating a publicly available preferred provider list to help veterans identify providers who best meet their needs.\n\n“All gave some, and some made the ultimate sacrifice. Our veterans were willing to give their lives to defend American freedom and democracy. It is now our moral duty to provide them with the highest-quality mental health care,” said Rep. Correa. “I joined Representative Bill Huizenga in introducing the Veteran Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act because veterans face a high risk of suicide. Not all wounds are visible, and we need to make sure that medical care is available to meet their needs. It is the least we can do to thank veterans for their sacrifice.”\n\nUnder current law, providers in local communities outside the VA healthcare system may participate in the Veterans Health Administration Community Care Network without completing VA-administered suicide prevention training. The Veterans Suicide Prevention and Care Enhancement Act encourages greater participation in that training and improves transparency for veterans seeking care options in their communities. Joining Representatives Correa and Huizenga as original cosponsors are Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Chris Smith (R-NJ).\n\nAccording to the VA’s 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, an average of 17.5 veterans per day. The report also found that 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received VA healthcare services in the year prior to their death.\n\n“When our servicemembers come home at the end of their service, our responsibility to them does not end,” said Rep. Huizenga. “Too many veterans continue to struggle with invisible wounds after returning home, and they deserve access to the highest quality mental health care available, wherever they receive it. This bipartisan legislation will help connect veterans with providers who have completed evidence-based suicide prevention training and improve transparency for veterans and families seeking care.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://crane.house.gov/2026/05/14/reps-crane-and-stanton-secure-passage-of-amendment-to-improve-care-for-tribal-veterans/", "title": "Reps. Crane and Stanton Secure Passage of Amendment to Improve Care for Tribal Veterans", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://crane.house.gov/media/", "domain": "crane.house.gov", "scraper": "crane", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001132", "name": "Elijah Crane", "party": "Republican", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted an amendment introduced by Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and co-led by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) to improve access to health care for Tribal veterans. The amendment passed as part of an en bloc package in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\nNative Americans serve in the armed forces at roughly five times the national average and have a storied legacy of helping turn the tide of international conflicts. In Arizona, we are well-versed in their heroic service, notably the Navajo and Hopi Code Talkers who forged an unbreakable code during the dark hours of World War II.\n\nDespite their significant contributions to defending our nation, Tribal veterans often face difficulties accessing the care they have rightfully earned. With most VA health centers located off reservations, distance remains a major barrier to receiving treatment.\n\nIn response to these challenges, Reps. Crane and Stanton advocated for passage of Amendment No. 48, which redirects $5 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) General Administration account to the VA Office of Rural Health to expand services. This funding would support mobile clinics and targeted clinical staffing to improve access to care for Tribal veterans.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center?ID=9F7F3502-9A60-4766-BE76-407E86C3D5D1", "title": "DESJARLAIS ANNOUNCES MCMINNVILLE VA WILL REMAIN OPEN", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://desjarlais.house.gov/media-center", "domain": "desjarlais.house.gov", "scraper": "desjarlais", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000616", "name": "Scott DesJarlais", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "(WASHINGTON, DC)–Congressman Scott DesJarlais announced today that through coordinated efforts with VA Secretary Doug Collins that the McMinnville VA Clinic will remain open.\n\nIn March it was announced that the McMinnville VA Clinic would be closing its doors on May 31st. Through a formal letter and series of phone calls Congressman DesJarlais expressed his concern about the closure. Today, Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District congressman announced the clinic will remain open.\n\n“After a multitude of meetings with Secretary Collins and the VA, I am excited to announce the McMinnville VA Clinic will be staying open.\n\nI would like to thank my staff who worked tirelessly in coordination with the DC VA and local TVHS team, Warren County Executive Terry Bell for his aid in finding a solution, members of the Tennessee Delegation for joining me in this coordinated effort, and for the patience of the good people of Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District.\n\nUnder Secretary Collins’ leadership the VA has been focused on ensuring our Nation’s heroes get the best care possible that meet their needs and expectations. The McMinnville clinics issues have been a top concern, and we have been working nonstop to ensure the standard of care is raised and will continue to do so moving forward,” said Rep. DesJarlais.\n\nPatients who receive care at the clinic will be notified by the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) staff with new details about remaining open.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2623", "title": "Donalds Introduces The Build Nuclear With Local Materials Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "donalds.house.gov", "scraper": "donalds", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000032", "name": "Byron Donalds", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced bicameral legislation to cut \"red tape\" by allowing the use of commercial-grade concrete and steel for non-safety structures while maintaining strict regulatory oversight for all critical safety-related systems.\n\nIntroduced as the 24th piece of legislation by Congressman Donalds in the 119th Congress, the bipartisan \"Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act\" is co-led by Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) lead the Senate companion to this legislation.\n\nThis legislation aims to address burdensome control standards that have historically made the cost to build nuclear a financial burden. Streamlining the construction of nuclear facilities by reducing regulatory hurdles and lowering costs for non-safety-related infrastructure works to cut unnecessary red tape. This targeted approach ensures that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission maintains strict concrete and steel standards for critical safety systems, while allowing standard construction practices to move projects forward with more efficiency.\n\nThe \"Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act\" has received endorsements from the Abundance Institute, the Breakthrough Institute, the Pacific Legal Foundation, C3 Solutions Organization, and Americans for Prosperity.\n\n\"Energy security is national and economic security for the United States. As our energy demands continue to grow, it is essential that nuclear energy is a viable source of base load power. We must take a hard look at outdated and burdensome regulations and make practical, common-sense reforms,\" said Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL). \"I am proud to work alongside Congressman Auchincloss, Senator Lummis, and Senator Kelly to introduce the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act to reduce construction and compliance costs for nuclear reactors, without sacrificing safety.\"\n\n\"As nuclear technology evolves, our regulations should evolve with it,\" said Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).\"Requiring nuclear-grade materials in parts of a plant that have nothing to do with safety drives up costs and locks out local construction crews who are more than capable of doing the job. This legislation fixes that by requiring the NRC to allow commercial-grade concrete and steel where it's safe to do so. I'm pleased to work with Senator Kelly and Congressman Donalds to get this done. The result is simple: lower costs, more local jobs, and zero compromise on safety.\"\n\n\"Massachusetts should build nuclear power — and build it with local jobs,\" said Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). \"This bill ensures that more Bay Staters would do the work when Massachusetts moves to build clean, dispatchable, affordable power.\"\n\n\"Representative Donalds' bill is a practical step toward making it easier to build more nuclear power in America. This kind of targeted reform helps create a more build-friendly environment for new nuclear projects and moves the country closer to abundant, reliable American energy. This is exactly the kind of policy Congress should advance if it is serious about energy abundance,\" said Chris Koopman, CEO of the Abundance Institute.\n\n\"The Breakthrough Institute commends Representative Donalds for introducing the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act. After decades of stagnant electricity demand, growing industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and broader electrification will bring large loads to the grid. Advanced nuclear technologies are well-positioned to meet this demand, but high construction costs continue to be a constraint on deployment. Regulatory requirements governing the use of safety-related materials in non-safety-related structures can be a meaningful contributor to this cost. Aligning material standards with safety significance by allowing commercial-grade concrete and steel, where appropriate, can preserve stringent protections for critical systems while reducing unnecessary cost and complexity. This performance-based approach can help shorten construction timelines and improve project economics without compromising public health and safety. We appreciate Representative Donalds’ leadership in advancing pragmatic reforms to strengthen the conditions for new nuclear in the United States,\" said Dr. Adam Stein, Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation at the Breakthrough Institute.\n\n\"For too long, the federal government has stifled nuclear energy with misguided and unnecessary red tape. Pacific Legal Foundation applauds Senator Lummis and Representative Donalds for introducing the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act, which directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to permit the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete at nuclear facilities. Passing this bill is one of many important steps needed to remove key barriers for American nuclear energy to expand, innovate, and power the future,\" said Josh Smith, Senior Fellow at the Pacific Legal Foundation.\n\n\"Nuclear-grade materials carry an enormous cost premium for little to no additional safety benefit. Three-quarters of a nuclear reactor is concrete, and thanks to federal regulations, that concrete costs 50 percent more than what we use to build bridges and skyscrapers, not because it's meaningfully safer, but because the regulations say so. The same story holds for steel. For nuclear energy to succeed in the United States, it needs to be cost-competitive, and reducing government regulations that unnecessarily inflate costs is key to achieving that. The Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act is a long-overdue course correction that will help deploy more clean, dependable power without compromising on safety,\" said Nick Loris, President of C3 Solutions Action.\n\n\"We are proud to support Congressman Byron Donalds' efforts to encourage the further buildout of nuclear energy in the United States by lessening the burdens placed on the construction and manufacture of these facilities via oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The current text in Congressman Donalds' bill requires the agency to finalize a rulemaking to authorize the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear facilities. This bill provides a reasonable and responsible manner to address building and construction activities at nuclear facilities. Congressman Donalds has been a stalwart in the energy and natural resources space, and we are thankful for his leadership,\" said Faith Burns, Energy Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nWith innovations in reactor designs, nuclear-grade cement and steel are not necessary for every component within a reactor facility. They are largely unnecessary for non-safety-related structures, yet their mandated use can impose significant costs and hinder innovation and deployment.\n\nThe cost of nuclear-grade concrete is estimated at $527 per cubic meter, compared to $352 for commercial concrete. The estimated cost of nuclear steel is 120% higher than non-nuclear-grade steel. Concrete pours using nuclear-grade cement can also take substantially longer; foundation pours take about twice as long, and superstructure pours take about 50% longer than those using ordinary concrete.\n\nCurrently, reactor construction requires specialized crews and the use of nuclear-grade cement and steel throughout the entire facility, regardless of proximity to the reactor core. This bill allows the use of commercial concrete and steel to construct supporting structures that are not directly exposed to radioactive material. Congress should ensure that nuclear construction requirements remain tied to genuine safety needs, rather than imposing unnecessary material and compliance burdens that raise costs and slow deployment.\n\nWHAT THIS BILL DOES:\n\nThis bill authorizes the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear facilities. Additionally, it allows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to require nuclear-grade materials if they determine that stricter standards are necessary to address a specific safety risk, or to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3177", "title": "TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Speaks on Bipartisan Wins in the FY27 MILCON-VA Legislation", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This afternoon, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) spoke on the bipartisan wins included in the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill on the House floor ahead of the final vote for the legislation.\n\nThe video can be found here and a transcript can be found below:\n\nCongresswoman Escobar: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the proud representative of the great military installation of Fort Bliss, Texas, and as a member of the MILCON-VA Subcommittee, I want to thank Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz not just for their work on this bill, but for being champions of bipartisan collaboration. So grateful to the both of you for that.\n\nAnd while this is not a perfect bill, it does make real progress. The bill advances my provisions supporting reforms and innovation to help modernize a military construction process that is far too slow and rigid for today's military. The needs we have for military construction are far greater than the resources available, and I am deeply committed to reforming this process so that we can stretch those dollars even further.\n\nThis bill also supports planning for a new headquarters for the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bliss, whose aging facilities no longer match its global mission.\n\nOn the VA side, I'm pleased that this bill includes my own legislation to ensure oversight of the activation planning of the VA medical center being built in El Paso, right next to William Beaumont Hospital. I was proud to help secure the $700 million to build this great facility, and I'm committed to ensuring it delivers world class health care for veterans on day one.\n\nWhile I'm disappointed the bill still contains a partisan provision that weakens gun background check protections for veterans that I do not agree with, the final product is still a thoughtful, bipartisan one, and I support it in its current form, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.\n\nThank you. I yield back.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/5/fitzpatrick-drives-la-salle-bucks-partnership-to-lower-college-costs-and-expand-career-pathways", "title": "Fitzpatrick Drives La Salle-Bucks Partnership to Lower College Costs and Expand Career Pathways", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "New agreement follows Fitzpatrick-convened discussions to help combat rising tuition costs at Bucks County Community College, saves students nearly $114,000, and builds more pathways to high-demand careers\n\nBucks County, PA—Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick announced a major new partnership between La Salle University and Bucks County Community College that will dramatically reduce the cost of earning a four-year degree, create a seamless transfer pathway for Bucks students, and expand access to the credentials needed for good-paying careers in high-demand fields.\n\nThe agreement follows a November meeting convened by Fitzpatrick with La Salle University President Dan Allen and Bucks County Community College President Patrick Jones, where the three leaders focused on a shared challenge facing families across the region: making college more affordable, more attainable, and more directly connected to the workforce needs of tomorrow. The result is a lower-cost pathway from Bucks to La Salle that helps students save money, continue their education with confidence, and prepare for careers in high-demand fields.\n\n“Rising tuition costs in our community are putting too much pressure on too many families, and that is not acceptable,” said Fitzpatrick. “Higher education should be a ladder up, not a wall that keeps students from reaching their potential. Local families brought this concern to me, and I took it directly to President Allen and President Jones with a clear goal: lower costs, strengthen transfer pathways, and connect more Bucks students to the careers our region needs. This partnership delivers — helping students save money, reduce debt, and continue their education with confidence. It is a major win for our students, our families, our workforce, and the future of PA-1. I am grateful to Dan and Patrick for their outstanding leadership and continued partnership, and I look forward to building on this work together to expand affordable opportunity for even more students and families.”\n\n“La Salle University is proud to strengthen our partnership with Bucks County Community College and create new pathways of opportunity for students. President Jones and the entire BCCC community share a clear commitment to transforming lives through education, and that mission strongly aligns with who we are at La Salle. We are energized by what this partnership will make possible for our students, our institutions, and the communities we proudly serve,” said La Salle University President Dan Allen. “I am grateful for the support of Congressman and proud Explorer alum Brian Fitzpatrick, for his support of an initiative that will expand higher education for generations of students in the region.”\n\n\"We are honored to partner with La Salle University and are grateful for their effort to make quality education affordable and provide a pathway for Bucks’ honors students to join the La Salle honors community upon transfer,\" said Patrick M. Jones, President & CEO of Bucks County Community College. \"This is what a true partnership looks like.\"\n\nAt its core, the La Salle–Bucks partnership is about affordable opportunity — making sure students are not priced out of their potential, families are not forced to choose between education and financial security, and local employers have access to the skilled workforce they need to grow.\n\nBy helping students start closer to home, save nearly $114,000, and move seamlessly into bachelor’s and graduate pathways tied to high-demand fields, this agreement reflects the kind of results-driven leadership Fitzpatrick has championed since entering Congress: lowering barriers, expanding opportunity, and ensuring PA-1 leads in preparing the next generation for the jobs and industries that will shape America’s future.\n\nBackground:\n\nThrough the new BCCC x La Salle partnership, students who graduate from BCCC’s Honors@Bucks program will be able to transfer seamlessly into La Salle University’s honors program. Bucks students who earn an associate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA and sign a dual-admission agreement in advance will be eligible to enter select La Salle business or technology bachelor’s degree programs with a guaranteed minimum merit scholarship of $20,000 per year for their junior and senior years.\n\nFor students pursuing an eligible combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in business or technology, the savings go even further: they will receive a 20 percent tuition discount toward the master’s portion, and both degrees can be completed at La Salle within three years. Students who complete their associate degree at Bucks before transferring to La Salle under the dual-admission agreement can save nearly $114,000 compared to enrolling directly at a four-year institution.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2026/5/fitzpatrick-statement-on-iran-war-powers-resolution", "title": "Fitzpatrick Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "fitzpatrick.house.gov", "scraper": "fitzpatrick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000466", "name": "Brian K. Fitzpatrick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "When it comes to the conflict in Iran, these two statements of fact remain: 1) The world is a safer place after Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been degraded, and; 2) We are a nation of the rule of law and three independent, co-equal branches of government.\n\nWe must keep the world safe, and we must also follow the law. The War Powers Act of 1973 states that any conflict exceeding 60 days must be brought to Congress. Today was the first War Powers Resolution that was brought to the House Floor following the expiration of this 60-day clock. The law, as it is currently written, requires that the matter now be brought to Congress. That is why I voted in favor of today’s resolution. We must follow the law.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5010", "title": "House Democrats Press Trump Administration Over Withholding Foreign Assistance Funds and Defying Congressional Intent", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "frankel.house.gov", "scraper": "frankel", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000462", "name": "Lois Frankel", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Democrats on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), led by Ranking Member Lois Frankel (FL-22), alongside Representatives Grace Meng (NY-06), Norma Torres (CA-35), and Mike Quigley (IL-05), sent a letter to Trump Administration officials expressing deep concern over plans to withhold $19 billion in foreign assistance and the Administration’s refusal to spend taxpayer dollars as directed by Congress.\n\nThe letter, addressed to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Deputy Director and Acting USAID Administrator Eric Ueland, follows an April 20, 2026 notification to Congress outlining the Administration’s intent to reserve billions of dollars for the closeout of terminated foreign assistance awards—even though information provided to Congress indicates the actual cost of those closeouts is only a fraction of the amount being withheld.\n\nThe lawmakers also warned that $3.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 Development Assistance and Global Health Programs funding is being held back instead of supporting congressionally approved programs that combat infectious disease, provide emergency food assistance, strengthen alliances, and promote global stability by reducing conflict and instability.\n\n“We strongly opposed the indiscriminate termination of foreign assistance awards in 2025, which occurred without consultation with—or consent from—Congress,” the lawmakers wrote. “Withholding additional appropriated funds to support these terminations rather than investing in programs that advance both U.S. national interests and global stability is unconscionable and a misuse of taxpayer dollars.”\n\n“The Administration’s stated goal of shuttering USAID cannot be achieved through rushed and wasteful closeouts,” they concluded. “Any such effort requires congressional debate and legislative action to address underlying statutory authorities.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5011", "title": "Frankel, Kim Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support Domestic Violence Survivors in Religious Communities", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://frankel.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "frankel.house.gov", "scraper": "frankel", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000462", "name": "Lois Frankel", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Emerita, and Young Kim (R-CA-40), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen support for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in religious communities.\n\nThe bipartisan Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act would establish a dedicated National Resource Center through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in faith communities. The Center would provide training, technical assistance, and resources to religious institutions, victim service providers, and community partners to better address domestic violence and support survivors from faith communities.\n\n“Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault deserve support that meets them where they are, including in their places of worship,” said Rep. Frankel. “For so many, faith is a source of strength and healing. This bipartisan bill would help faith-based organizations better support survivors, expand access to critical support, and ensure that survivors across religious communities can find safety, dignity, and the tools they need to rebuild their lives.”\n\n“Survivors of domestic violence deserve compassionate, culturally attuned care,” said Rep. Kim. “That’s why I am proud to support the Supporting Survivors from Faith-Based Communities Act, which empowers trusted faith-based organizations on the front lines. These groups provide critical safety, counseling, and support to individuals and families in crisis, helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”\n\n“For too long, the unique experiences of survivors in faith communities have been overlooked in federal law,” said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. “We and our Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence are proud to have worked with Representatives Frankel and Kim to develop the Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act. We applaud their bipartisan leadership and consistent commitment to standing with women and girls.”\n\nWhile the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has established grant programs to support different demographic groups that face unique challenges when addressing domestic violence, there is currently no dedicated program for survivors in communities of faith. Individuals in religious communities often face distinct barriers when seeking help, including navigating religious practices and accessing services that align with their faith. For example, survivors across many faith traditions may require accommodations related to dietary laws, modesty, or access to gender-specific counseling, all of which can affect their ability to seek safe and appropriate support.\n\nReps. Frankel and Kim were joined by six original cosponsors: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1912", "title": "Franklin Announces 2026 U.S. Service Academy Appointments", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "franklin.house.gov", "scraper": "franklin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000472", "name": "Scott Franklin", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) announced two students from Florida’s 18th Congressional District have received appointments to U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2030.\n\nReagan Hohnstreiter of McKeel Academy received an appointment to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, while Carter Young of Geneva Classical Academy received an appointment to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.\n\nEach year, Members of Congress nominate qualified students from their districts to attend the nation’s service acaemies, which prepare young men and women to serve as officers in the United States Armed Forces.\n\nMore than 40 years ago, as a student at Lakeland High School, Congressman Franklin received a nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy from former Congressman Andy Ireland.\n\n“As a Naval Academy graduate and former Naval Aviator, I understand the level of commitment and discipline it takes to pursue this path,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “Receiving a service academy appointment is a significant achievement that reflects years of hard work, leadership, and a willingness to serve something greater than yourself. Reagan and Carter have already distinguished themselves through their character and dedication, and I’m confident they will represent FL-18 and our nation well as they answer the call to serve.”\n\nStudents interested in applying for a future nomination through Congressman Franklin’s office can learn more here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-bill-would-target-scammers-that-prey-on-truckers", "title": "Gluesenkamp Perez Bill Would Target Scammers That Prey On Truckers", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "domain": "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "scraper": "gluesenkampperez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000600", "name": "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) introduced legislation that’s intended to help bring an end to scammers who take advantage of truckers by scaring them into paying money for federal services that are actually free.\n\n“There is no end to the rage and confusion that comes with receiving scam letters that falsely purport to be from the federal government,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “When DOT licenses are the subject of these scams, it torches public goodwill towards federal agencies. This is a critical issue that disproportionately affects small businesses and it’s time to see some action taken.”\n\n“Trucking companies already face enough challenges without being targeted by scammers looking to make a quick buck,” said Rep. Taylor. “With 97% of trucks on the road operated by small businesses, family-owned companies are too often the ones hit hardest by these schemes. I’m proud to join my colleague, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, in working to stop trucking scams so the industry can stay focused on what matters most — keeping America’s roads, industries, and supply chains moving forward.”\n\nThe issue grew out of concerns raised with the Congresswoman by truckers, who pointed to misleading letters trying to scare them into paying to avoid government hassles. The letters frequently mimic official documents from federal agencies but in reality are often sent by scammers.\n\nThese services for simple renewals or registrations end up costing truckers wasted time and money. Gluesenkamp Perez raised the issue recently during a Congressional hearing in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.\n\nThe Stop Scamming Truckers Act would:\n\nRequire that any company that transmits correspondence about USDOT numbers must include a disclosure that reads:\n\n“This communication is from a private company. We are not the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation, or any other Federal Government Agency, and we are not affiliated with the United States Government.”\n\nThe font must be at least 12-point font in written communication, and the predominant font size used in the body text of the communication for electronic communication.\n\nThe disclosure has to appear on the first page (or without the need to scroll if the communication is digital).\n\nThe bill also clarifies that a company cannot: Use a name, seal, logo, insignia, or trade dress that would reasonably imply affiliation with the Department of Transportation.\n\nFor enforcement, the bill creates a private right of action – any person who receives a communication that violates the act may bring a civil action in a U.S. district court. Damages can include actual damages, statutory damages of at least $500 and up to $5,000.\n\nTrucking advocates support this legislation:\n\n“America’s truckers work closely with USDOT and FMCSA every day to uphold safety and compliance on our nation’s highways,” said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President for Legislative Affairs Alex Rosen. “Unfortunately, some bad actors exploit that trusted relationship by masquerading as government agencies and tricking motor carriers into purchasing unnecessary services. ATA strongly supports the Stop Scamming Truckers Act, which would help put an end to these deceptive and aggressive tactics. We thank Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Dave Taylor for their bipartisan leadership to protect our industry from fraud and ensure truckers can stay focused on safely delivering the nation’s freight—without fear of being scammed.”\n\n“We’ve seen too many truck drivers misled into paying fraudsters hundreds of dollars for registration services they can complete themselves. OOIDA supports the Stop Scamming Truckers Act because it will put an end to these despicable schemes,” said Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer. “Truckers are the backbone of the American economy, working hard every day to comply with countless federal regulations while operating at the safest levels. They shouldn’t have to waste time and money dodging scammers. Our members expect their representatives in Washington to promote policies that address their needs and support their businesses. Reps. Gluesenkamp Perez and Taylor have demonstrated they are here to do exactly that.”\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6072", "title": "Rep. Gomez Votes Again to Stop Trump’s Unauthorized War with Iran", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gomez.house.gov", "scraper": "gomez", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000585", "name": "Jimmy Gomez", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jimmy Gomez released the following statement after voting for the third time for a War Powers Resolution to force an end to President Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran.\n\n“I voted once again to end Trump’s reckless war with Iran,” said Congressman Gomez. This was the third time I voted to stop Trump from taking us even further down this disastrous path, and support for these resolutions keeps growing because more Republicans are realizing the American people are paying the price for Trump’s chaos.\n\n“Trump blew past the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution and is pretending this war has somehow magically ‘ended’ while U.S. troops remain deployed and military operations continue. That’s not how the law works.\n\n“Families are already feeling the consequences. Gas prices are rising. Costs are going up. Meanwhile, Trump refuses to take responsibility for the mess he created.\n\n“The closer these votes get, the more obvious it becomes that support for Trump’s war is collapsing. Congress has a constitutional duty to act, and I’ll keep voting to end this war for as long as it takes.\"\n\nThe House vote marked the third congressional vote this year on legislation seeking to limit President Trump’s military actions against Iran without congressional authorization. The latest resolution came after the expiration of the 60-day deadline established under the War Powers Resolution of 1973.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-to-administration-brief-congress-on-iran-statement-following-house-vote-on-his-war-powers-resolution", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer to Administration: Brief Congress on Iran — Statement Following House Vote on His War Powers Resolution", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, May 14, 2026, the House voted on Josh Gottheimer’s resolution to enforce Congress’s constitutional responsibility to declare war, raise and support armies, maintain a navy, and make rules for the military. Gottheimer made clear that the Iranian regime must be crushed, but Congress and the American people cannot be left in the dark on the President’s objectives, our progress, and what success looks like\n\nToday marks seventy-five days since the start of the conflict in Iran. In furtherance of the Constitution, the War Powers Act of 1973 clearly requires the President, within sixty days, to explain his objectives and strategy to Congress, and to seek either a formal declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force. President Trump has failed to meet any of these requirements.\n\nUnlike other proposals, Gottheimer’s resolution makes clear the serious threat posed by the Iranian Regime and maintains America’s ability to defend our troops, embassies, and allies from imminent attack.\n\n“This vote isn’t about whether we should crush the Iranian Regime — we should,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This is about defending the Constitution, preserving checks and balances, and ensuring Congress fulfills its responsibility as a coequal branch of government.”\n\nGottheimer made clear that he continues to strongly support crushing the Iranian regime — the world’s leading state sponsor of terror — which has spent decades chanting “Death to America,” funding terrorist proxies including Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis, attacking American troops and allies, and brutally murdering its own people seeking freedom and democracy. Gottheimer has consistently supported efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, drone operations, and terror proxy networks.\n\n“It’s a message to the President and his Administration: come to us and make your case. ” Gottheimer continued. “It’s been seventy-four days since the start of the conflict in Iran, and Congress still hasn’t been formally briefed on the objectives, our progress, or what success looks like.”\n\nIn remarks delivered on the House floor ahead of the vote, Gottheimer argued that Congress has a constitutional obligation under Article I to provide oversight and authorize military action, and criticized the Administration for failing to adequately brief Congress on the objectives and status of the conflict in Iran.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/during-committee-hearing-rep-grijalva-presses-interior-secretary-burgum-on-destruction-of-sacred-site-proposed-cuts-to-tribal-colleges", "title": "During Committee Hearing, Rep. Grijalva Presses Interior Secretary Burgum on Destruction of Sacred Site, Proposed Cuts to Tribal Colleges", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Representative Adelita S. Grijalva questioned Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing examining the President’s proposed FY27 budget request for the Department of the Interior.\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. Grijalva pressed Secretary Burgum on the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribal Nations, asking specifically about the recent destruction of a sacred Indigenous cultural site along the U.S.-Mexico border. She asked for the Secretary’s commitment that this would not happen again at a separate sacred site, Quitobaquito Springs, which was negatively impacted during the construction of the first border wall.\n\nAdditionally, she questioned the administration’s proposed elimination of dedicated funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), which includes Tohono O’odham Community College. A transcript of her line of questioning is included, in part, below.\n\nYou can view video from the hearing here.\n\nRep Grijalva: Recent reporting showed that construction related to the administration’s second border wall project damaged a roughly 1,000-year-old Indigenous archaeological site in Arizona’s Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. The site — known as the Las Playas Intaglio — is culturally significant to the Tohono O’odham Nation, and portions of it were reportedly bulldozed during construction activities.\n\nThe destruction of the Intaglio is not just about losing a piece of history — it’s about losing a sacred connection to the land that helped guide generations of O’odham people.\n\nDid the DOI conduct consultation with the Tohono O’odham Nation before construction activities moved forward in that area? Yes or no?\n\nSecretary Burgum: This is a super unfortunate thing that happened… The contractor was supposed to start at the other end… There were a series of mistakes that happened along the way. We’ve delivered direct apologies.\n\nRep Grijalva: Many are concerned that Quitobaquito Springs could be next as construction of the secondary border wall moves closer.\n\nWill you commit that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service will avoid Quitobaquito Springs, minimize impacts from groundwater pumping within five miles of the site, and closely monitor water levels?\n\nSecretary Burgum: That is very specific thing that I won’t jump ahead and commit to without fully understanding all the complexities.\n\nRep Grijalva: For the second year in a row now, your budget eliminates dedicated funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities that serve Native students and are often the primary access point to higher education in rural tribal communities. I want to ground this in one example from my District.\n\nThurman Lynch is a Diné student at Tohono O’odham Community College. After overcoming addiction and financial hardship, he enrolled in the college and is now pursuing a biology degree with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. That opportunity exists because the college provides affordable tuition, housing support, and wraparound services that make higher education possible for students who would otherwise be shut out.\n\nDid the Department conduct an analysis of the economic harm these cuts would have on rural and tribal communities before proposing them?", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-grijalva-responds-to-medical-examiner-s-findings-on-death-of-emmanuel-damas", "title": "Rep. Grijalva Responds to Medical Examiner’s Findings on Death of Emmanuel Damas", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement after the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office posted that Emmanuel Damas’ primary cause of death was “Complications of Necrotizing Mediastinitis with Neck and Retropharyngeal Abscess in the setting of Severe Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease.” You can see Rep. Grijalva’s initial statement following the death of Mr. Damas here.\n\n“The medical examiner’s preliminary findings make this preventable tragedy even more horrifying. A toothache should never escalate into a fatal medical emergency, especially while someone is in government custody and entirely dependent on detention staff for access to care.”\n\n“This raises serious and still unanswered questions about why Emmanuel Damas did not receive timely medical attention and why repeated requests for care were ignored. In March, my colleagues and I formally requested Mr. Damas’ medical records of care, complaints made to staff, and a full accounting of the circumstances leading to his death. To date, my office has not received the full records, transparency, or accountability that his family deserves.\n\n“In Arizona and across the country, we continue to see a deeply disturbing pattern of medical neglect, delayed treatment, and systemic cruelty inside ICE detention centers. When the federal government detains someone, it assumes responsibility for their safety, health, and well-being. This is exactly why robust congressional oversight is necessary. Mr. Damas deserved to be treated with dignity. Instead, he died in federal custody from a preventable condition that could have been easily treated with timely medical care. DHS must immediately provide full transparency and accountability for what took place and explain what steps are being taken to ensure that this never happens again.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5202", "title": "Grothman Introduces Bill to Protect Employment Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grothman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "grothman.house.gov", "scraper": "grothman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000576", "name": "Glenn Grothman", "party": "Republican", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Glenn Grothman introduced the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act, legislation aimed at protecting work opportunities and expanding employment choice for adults with disabilities.\n\nThe bill would remove burdensome federal barriers that currently prevent many adults with disabilities from accessing workplace environments that best fit their individual needs, abilities, and long-term success at facilities like Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam, WI., and Opportunities Inc in Fort Atkinson, WI.\n\nThe following organizations have endorsed the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act: A-Team Wisconsin, A-Team USA, MARC, Inc., The Westmoreland County Blind Association, Industrial Opportunities, Inc., Grand Traverse Industries, The Brookwood Community, VARC, Pantheon Industries, New Hope Center, Disability Service Provider Network-WI\n\n“Too often, Washington policymakers focus only on wages and ignore the broader benefits that meaningful work provides for individuals with disabilities,” said Congressman Grothman. “For many families, these workplaces offer stability, community, training, routine, transportation assistance, and other support services that are incredibly valuable. These workplace settings provide a level of support and opportunity that has become harder to access because of bureaucratic red tape. In some cases, individuals working in these settings may also earn more overall than they would in other employment environment. Adults with disabilities deserve the freedom to choose the workplace environment that works best for them without unnecessary government obstacles standing in the way.”\n\n“Young people with disabilities deserve access to work programs that help bring them satisfaction, purpose, and dignity. I am proud to support the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities which breaks down barriers preventing these individuals from participating in work that builds confidence, leads to positive outcomes, and fosters independence.” - Congressman Burgess Owens\n\n“The Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities will ensure individuals have a CHOICE in the service that helps ensure a career pathway to employment. Young adults with a disability have limited opportunity after high school graduation. Many ages 18-24 are left at home and become disenfranchised and isolated from the world of work. This bill will allow individuals the ability to continue to train and mature with the goal of gaining community integrated employment when the time is right.” - Barb LeDuc, President/CEO Opportunities, Inc.\n\n“This bill is very much needed for individuals with Special Needs in order to provide them the same opportunities that individuals without a disability have to obtain a Job. Having criteria based on the age of an individual to obtain a job, is concerning and should not be permissible. The enactment of this bill would allow those with Special Needs to obtain a Job of their CHOICE, regardless of their age. Allow the individuals to make their OWN decision!!!” – Timothy P. Miller, Executive Director at Westmoreland County Blind Association\n\n“At KANDU, we fight every day for the right of individuals with disabilities to have choice, purpose, dignity, and meaningful opportunities. Every person deserves the chance to contribute in a way that matches their abilities, goals, and comfort level — and no one should lose that right because someone else decides what is best for them. We will continue to stand up for the voices, rights, and value of the individuals we proudly serve.” – Kathy J. Hansen, Executive Director at KANDU Industries\n\n“Through my work at KANDU Industries, I have seen firsthand that meaningful employment is not one-size-fits-all. Individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity to choose employment pathways that match their unique abilities, support needs, and goals while experiencing the dignity, confidence, and sense of purpose that meaningful work provides.” — Linda Diedrich, Marketing Director, KANDU Industries\n\n“My name is Christopher Wilson and I work at Kandu. I know friends from Special Olympics that cannot work at Kandu because they are not old enough. This makes me sad. I like it there.” - Christopher Wilson, KANDU Industries\n\n\"When there is a pause in the use of skill sets, those abilities can decline significantly over time or even be lost entirely. When we invest in the individual momentum of the people we love, serve, and support, we advocate for their continued success. I believe that by amending this bill’s age qualifier, we can meet the needs of today’s consumer market at a pivotal moment and further support the highest long-term potential of each individual.\" - Madison Vander Loop, New Hope Inc.\n\n“Every person deserves the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and meaningful work skills at their own pace. Lowering the age from 24 to 18 for sheltered workshop and pre vocational services in Wisconsin would allow young adults with disabilities to access the support they need during an important transition into adulthood. While community employment is a great goal, not everyone is immediately ready for a competitive job setting after high school. Some individuals benefit from pre-vocational environments where they can safely learn communication, task completion, time management, social interaction, and coping skills before entering the community workforce. Waiting until age 24 can leave individuals without the structured support they need to grow, succeed, and work toward meaningful employment opportunities that match their abilities, strengths, and personal goals.” - Amber Svoboda, Guardian at Meraki Guardianship Services Inc\n\n“I enjoy making money at CRI, mowing lawns, and helping with the summer rest area program. CRI has helped me become a better worker and learn new skills.” - Anthony Sobieski\n\n“CRI helps me get into the workforce and builds confidence. CRI makes me look forward to the future.” - Ryan McCulley\n\n“I like everything about CRI and all the different people I get to work with. I enjoy coming and being part of the team.” - William Goodwillie\n\nBackground Information\n\nIn 2014, Congress passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to place additional restrictions on employment arrangements authorized under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.\n\nWhile these changes were intended to encourage competitive integrated employment opportunities, the law has created significant barriers for many individuals with disabilities seeking employment options that align with their personal needs and capabilities.\n\nUnder current law, individuals under the age of 24 must complete a series of federally mandated requirements before they are permitted to work in a Section 14(c) employment setting. These requirements can delay or prevent access to meaningful work opportunities and force individuals into employment situations that may not be appropriate for them before they are allowed to pursue alternatives that better support their success and well-being.\n\nMany Section 14(c) providers also offer additional services and support beyond wages, including job training, transportation assistance, social engagement opportunities, supervision, and continuity of care that families rely upon.\n\nThe Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act would:\n\nLower the applicable age threshold in Section 511 of the Rehabilitation Act from 24 to 18, ensuring adult individuals with disabilities are not subjected to unnecessary federal barriers when making employment decisions.\n\nUpdate counseling requirements to ensure employers can continue compensating employees under a Section 14(c) certificate even if a state fails to provide required counseling services.\n\n-30-\n\nU.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391030", "title": "Guthrie, House of Representatives Take Action to Honor Law Enforcement and Crack Down on Crime During Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news", "domain": "guthrie.house.gov", "scraper": "guthrie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000558", "name": "Brett Guthrie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Guthrie took action to celebrate National Police Week, voting in favor of several bills supporting law enforcement and cracking down on crime in American communities. Additionally, Congressman Guthrie entered a statement into the Congressional Record highlighting the important work that Kentucky law enforcement does to keep the Commonwealth safe.\n\n“Across the Commonwealth and our nation, police officers put on their uniforms each day knowing they may face danger and spend long hours away from their loved ones, all in an answer to a call of duty to protect and serve their community,” said Congressman Guthrie. “In honor of National Police Week, I was proud to vote in favor of legislation that supports the men and women who wear the badge and keep our communities safe. To every law enforcement officer serving today, thank you. America is stronger and safer because of your dedication and commitment.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThis week, the House voted on seven pieces of legislation that support law enforcement officers and hold criminals accountable. This includes:\n\nH. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers.\n\nH. Res. 1252 – This resolution honors the 363 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2025. Congressman Guthrie was a cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nH.R. 2853, Combating Organized Retail Crime Act – This legislation would establish a Center to Combat Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime within the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional collaboration between federal and state law enforcement, as well as the retail industry, to enhance the ability to investigate and prosecute retail crimes.\n\nH.R. 2267, the NICS Data Reporting Act – This bill would require the Department of Justice to annually report to Congress about the denials of firearm purchases within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).\n\nH.R. 8352, the Criminal History Access Act – This legislation would permit state agencies to access federal criminal databases in order to properly vet applicants for law enforcement positions.\n\nAdditionally, on May 11, 2026, Congressman Guthrie entered a statement into the Congressional Record honoring the brave men and women of Kentucky’s law enforcement. The full text of Congressman Guthrie’s entry can be read below. You can view the entry here.\n\nHONORING THE DEDICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON POLICE WEEK\n\nHON. BRETT GUTHRIE\n\nOF KENTUCKY\n\nIN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES\n\nMay 11th, 2026\n\nI rise today to celebrate National Police Week and honor the brave men and women who wear the badge.\n\nAcross the Commonwealth and our nation, police officers put on their uniforms each day knowing they may face danger and spend long hours away from their loved ones, all in an answer to a call of duty to protect and serve their community.\n\nTo everyone who has volunteered to serve in law enforcement, thank you.\n\nOver the past 15 months, Congress has taken action to back the blue. Last year, I was proud to see the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act signed into law to honor former Tompkinsville and Monroe County Police Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, who was killed in 2012 by a suspect whom he had arrested years earlier. This legislation allows retired officers and their families to be eligible for benefits if they suffer permanent disability or death in an event related to their service.\n\nI have also supported the Thin Blue Line Act, which would strengthen penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers, and the Protect and Serve Act which strengthens federal criminal penalties for knowingly assaulting a law enforcement officer.\n\nLaw enforcement officers are a core part of our communities; they are our neighbors, coaches, community leaders, and so much more. They serve on the front lines to protect our families and keep our communities safe.\n\nThis week we especially remember the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their service will never be forgotten, and we owe their families a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid.\n\nTo every law enforcement officer serving today, thank you. America is stronger and safer because of your dedication and commitment.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5934", "title": "Congresswoman Gwen Moore Supports War Powers Resolution to Help End Republicans’ Reckless, Costly Iran War", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“The Trump administration, with support from congressional Republicans, has plunged America into a deadly, costly war with Iran. Now, gas prices have gone up, and other household costs, like groceries, continue to increase. Yet, as millions struggle, Trump admits he doesn’t think about Americans financial situation.\n\nThis war is not only making life more expensive and failing to meet any clear objectives, but it’s illegal. Congress has not granted any authorization for this war, despite Trump’s claims that hostilities have somehow been terminated as part of his games to try and evade Congressional oversight and accountability. I am supporting this resolution to help end this war and remain disappointed that Republicans in both the Senate and House continue to oppose these resolutions. I am calling on my Republican colleagues to finally grow a backbone and join me in checking this President.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=131A813B-E340-496D-8E35-B9235AA0B31D", "title": "Congressman Rogers Backs the Blue", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Honors Police Week with Pro-Police Federal Legislation\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) voted for pro-police legislation and advanced federal funding for law enforcement in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and related agencies, honoring our brave law enforcement officers during National Police Week with real results.\n\n“We are backing the blue with key federal legislation this week, standing firm in our support for the men and women who serve and protect our communities. Last year, more than 100 law enforcement officers across the country were killed in the line of duty. Our officers deserve the utmost support, and I’m proud to continue voting for federal legislation that provides the tools necessary to make our neighborhoods safer,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House and Chairman of the CJS Subcommittee. “As CJS Chairman, I am proud of the federal funding that we advanced through committee to the full House of Representatives. It increases funding for the Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI, and provides vital funding for grant programs that our local police departments rely on every year. It also includes my Community Project Funding request for $20 million for city and county police departments in Southern and Eastern Kentucky to upgrade their equipment.”\n\nEarlier this year, Congressman Rogers secured an additional $20 million Community Project Funding earmark for first responders in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District to upgrade communications equipment. The Center for Rural Development will be administering those funds through a grant process.\n\nHouse Republicans also passed the following bills in support of law enforcement this week, including:\n\nH.Con.Res. 96, Expressing Support for Law Enforcement Officers;\n\nH.R. 5625, Cashless Bail Reporting Act, enhancing transparency through publication of jurisdictions that have cashless bail policies and laws;\n\nH.R. 6260, Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, requiring more accountability measures for charitable bail funds; and\n\nH.R. 8365, Monitor Accountability Act; setting defined terms for federal court monitors.\n\nI was also proud to cosponsor and vote for H.Res. 1252, Memorializing Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty to honor hundreds of fallen officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in previous years, including five from Kentucky.\n\nIn February, Congressman Rogers also hosted FBI Director Kash Patel in Manchester, Kentucky for a law enforcement appreciation lunch for more than 150 officers across southern and eastern Kentucky.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1A96B1A6-BAFD-4026-AE4A-E55DC0373E83", "title": "Hayes Introduces Bill to Expand Access to Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Teacher Debt Relief Act, legislation to make a technical correction to ensure teachers with five years of classroom service can qualify for both the Stafford Student Loan Forgiveness (SSLF) program and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.\n\nCurrently, educators are eligible for partial debt relief after five years of service. However, federal law forbids simultaneous enrollment in the general Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs, forcing educators to work for up to an additional 10 to 15 years to qualify for full relief.\n\nPart of what compounds the student debt issue for teachers is stagnant salaries for educators. Teachers make $3,644 less on average than they did ten years ago when adjusted for inflation. Additionally, 40% of school districts employing half a million teachers still offer a starting salary below $40,000.\n\nRecent actions by the Trump Administration have made accessing Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) even more difficult for teachers. In October, the Administration advanced a final rule that would allow the Secretary of Education to disqualify employers from PSLF for a “substantial illegal purpose.” Under the rule, if a teacher works in a school district that becomes subject to a policy dispute, they could lose their loan forgiveness.\n\n“The Trump Administration has made the promise of higher education a distant dream for many by forcing students into unaffordable repayment plans and predatory private loan markets, and threatening access to critical loan forgiveness programs. Federal policy should incentivize teacher recruitment and retention – not create unnecessary burdens that keep educators out of the profession they love,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “With 1 in 8 teaching jobs either unfilled or improperly filled, the need for teacher loan forgiveness is evident.”\n\nThe Teacher Debt Relief Act is endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA).\n\nCongresswoman Hayes has been committed to improving the education profession. She introduced the Respect, Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators (RAISE) Act to create a tax credit of up to $15,000 for public school teachers. Additionally, she introduced the Teacher Appreciation Week Resolution, legislation affirming that public school teachers should have a seat at the table in education policymaking at all levels, including federal, state, and local decision-making.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10026", "title": "RELEASE: REPS. HILL, ADAMS, TURNER, SEWELL, MCCORMICK, FIGURES INTRODUCE IGNITE HBCU EXCELLENCE ACT", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, co-chairs of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) introduced H.R. 8791, the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, following years of bipartisan work to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities. The legislation is co-led by HBCU Caucus Vice Chairs Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), and Caucus Members Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) and Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-AL).\n\nThis bipartisan, bicameral legislation, IGNITE (I nstitutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education) Act, would direct the Department of Education to award competitive grants to historically Black colleges and universities for the renovation, repair, and construction of campus facilities, including classrooms, research labs, student housing, and broadband infrastructure, while expanding research capacity, developing workforce skills, building entrepreneurial capacity, and advancing AI education for generations to come.\n\nThe companion Senate legislation is led by HBCU Caucus co-chairs Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE).\n\nRead the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act one-pager.\n\nYou can watch the full press conference HERE.\n\nRep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), co-chairs of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, alongside HBCU presidents, at the press conference announcing the introduction of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Thursday, May 14, 2026. You can watch the full press conference HERE.\n\nCongressman French Hill said, \"Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities. I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer their students. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a meaningful step toward addressing that. It would help ensure our HBCUs have the facilities and infrastructure to match the excellence of the students they serve. This is the kind of investment that will pay dividends for generations, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Adams and our Senate colleagues to get it done.\"\n\n“For generations, HBCUs have educated students who went on to lead in every corner of our country, often while operating with far fewer resources than their peer institutions,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and a senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today’s higher education landscape. From academic buildings and research labs to student housing and technology infrastructure, this bill makes long-term investments that will strengthen our campuses, support workforce development, and expand opportunity for future generations. I am proud to continue this bipartisan work through the HBCU Caucus alongside Congressman French Hill and our Senate partners.”\n\n“HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” said Senator Tim Scott, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Coons on this legislation to strengthen HBCUs in South Carolina and across the country for generations to come.”\n\n“Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters,” said Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first-generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation.”\n\nCongressman Mike Turner (R-OH) said, “Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Central State University and Wilberforce University, both here in Ohio’s 10th congressional district, have opened doors of opportunity for generations of students and helped prepare the workforce that strengthens our economy, our research enterprise, and our national competitiveness. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a bipartisan effort to strengthen HBCUs, expand opportunity, and ensure students have the learning environments they need to succeed.”\n\nCongresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) said, “As Vice Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, I am proud to support the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. Alabama is home to some of the finest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation, institutions that have shaped generations of leaders, innovators, educators, and changemakers. Despite their extraordinary impact, our HBCUs have endured decades of systemic underfunding. This bill represents a transformational investment in the future of HBCUs by modernizing campus facilities, expanding access to technology, preserving historic buildings, and ensuring students have access to the world-class learning environments they deserve.”\n\nCongressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) said, “This legislation is an important step in assuring that students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities have access to the best and most modern facilities possible. I am proud to support this commonsense legislation, which will help HBCUs across Georgia make critical investments in their students and cover much-needed maintenance costs.”\n\nCongresswoman Shomari C. Figures (D-AL) said, “Despite being historically underfunded and facing severe infrastructure needs, HBCUs have contributed significantly to our nation’s workforce and success. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation helps get HBCUs the investments they need to update their facilities and to thrive, and will be especially impactful in Alabama, which has the most HBCUs in the country.”\n\nWhat Others Are Saying about the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act\n\n“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a longstanding legacy of preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and impact across every sector of our society. The IGNITE our HBCU Excellence Act reflects an important recognition of the value these institutions bring to our nation’s educational landscape and workforce development efforts. At Philander Smith University, we believe investments that strengthen student success, institutional capacity, and innovation create lasting benefits not only for HBCUs, but for the communities and industries we serve. We are encouraged by efforts that support excellence and expand opportunity for current and future generations of students.”\n\n— Dr. Maurice D. Gipson, President, Philander Smith University\n\n“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act represents a critical investment in the future of historically Black colleges and universities and the students and communities we serve. Strengthening research capacity and modernizing infrastructure at HBCUs is essential to advancing workforce development, innovation, economic mobility, and the long-term competitiveness of our nation. We are grateful to Congressman Hill, Congresswoman Adams, and the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for their leadership and continued commitment to expanding opportunities for HBCUs across the country.” Chancellor Graham\n\n—Dr. Anthony Graham, Chancellor, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff\n\n“For Shorter College, this moment is both timely and consequential. We serve students whose aspirations are often greater than the resources available to them, students seeking access, advancement, and in many cases, a second chance. That is why the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act matters. It recognizes that HBCUs must have the infrastructure, technology, and institutional capacity to meet the needs of today’s students and prepare them for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. For Shorter College, this investment would strengthen our ability to modernize learning environments, expand workforce-aligned programs, and create meaningful pathways for students who are determined to build a different future. As a private, two-year HBCU, Shorter College opens doors where barriers have too often existed. We are grateful to Congressman Hill, Congresswoman Adams, and the HBCU Caucus for advancing legislation that understands a fundamental truth: when HBCUs are strengthened, communities are strengthened, families are strengthened, and possibilities are expanded for generations to come.”\n\n—Dr Jeffery Norfleet, President, Shorter College\n\n“Long before French Hill was elected to Congress, he was a huge supporter of HBCUs in Arkansas. Consequently, the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at providing federal funding for infrastructure, technology, and facility modernization, is a game-changer to empower both students and the communities where our institutions reside. We are grateful for the support of Representatives Hill and Adams...they are committed to the sustainability of HBCUs, which are also educating the leaders for our country.\"\n\n—Bill Walker, President, Arkansas Baptist College\n\n“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help transform our institutions. In order for our nation to reach its full potential, we must strategically invest in and support every postsecondary student population to ensure that our country has the robust workforce capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress is making an affirmative statement that investing in HBCUs and their students is a smart strategic investment to enhance our nation’s global competitiveness. We thank Rep. Hill, Rep Adams, Sen. Scott and Sen. Coons of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for bringing this smart piece of legislation forward and we urge Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act this year.”\n\n—Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund\n\n“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act has the potential to be a transformative investment in HBCUs and the students who depend on them. For generations, HBCUs have nurtured extraordinary talent, yet they have long struggled with unequal access to funding and modern infrastructure. This legislation could reverse those adverse circumstances by providing targeted resources that strengthen both research excellence and campus infrastructure, ensuring HBCUs have the tools to lead in a rapidly changing world.\n\n“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will empower HBCUs by strengthening them financially. We—at UNCF—view strengthening HBCUs both from the financial and infrastructure perspectives as the maximum impact Congress can have on the institutions at this time. When HBCUs thrive, the entire nation benefits. These institutions have long been engines of social mobility and economic growth in our communities. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress will ensure that HBCUs have the capacity to continue shaping leaders, advancing innovation, and serving as vital pillars of our national progress. We urge Congress to act without delay, pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, and make these vital investments in America’s future.”\n\n—Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF\n\n“Entergy applauds Representatives Hill and Adams for reintroducing the IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act. This important piece of legislation encourages public-private partnerships that will strengthen HBCUs in Arkansas, across the Gulf South region, and nationwide. It would also expand access to capital for campus infrastructure improvements and help build needed STEM and AI talent pipelines. This bill will be an essential tool to help Entergy and other businesses develop our workforce of the future.”\n\n—John Hudson, Entergy Chief External Affairs Officer and President, Entergy Charitable Foundation\n\nGoldman Sachs, Entergy, Century Foundation, Capital One, HomeFree-Usa, Farm Credit Council, Vanguard, LendingTree, TIAA, American Honda Motor Company, Center for Community Self-Help, and the International Franchise Association (IFA) have endorsed the bill.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2545", "title": "Rep. Ronny Jackson Introduces Bill to Combat Illicit Trafficking, Protect U.S. National Security", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the Strategic Export Control and Border Security Enhancement Act, legislation to strengthen America’s strategic trade controls, improve border enforcement capabilities, and prevent the diversion of weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and dual-use technologies to malign foreign actors.\n\nThe bill would codify the Department of State’s Office of Export Controls and Border Security (EXBS) within the Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Under the Trump administration, EXBS is tasked with coordinating with U.S. allies and partners to improve export controls, strengthen border enforcement, combat sanctions evasion, and prevent sensitive American technologies from falling into the hands of hostile regimes and criminal networks.\n\n“President Trump has taken decisive action to secure America’s borders and protect our national security, and this legislation builds on that success by strengthening our ability to work with our allies to stop the distribution of dangerous weapons, illicit technology transfers, drug trafficking, and human smuggling before they threaten the United States,” said Rep. Jackson. “As China, Iran, North Korea, and transnational criminal networks continue working to exploit weak international enforcement systems, America must lead a coordinated effort to close those gaps and defend our technological and military superiority.”\n\nThe legislation supports the Department of State’s efforts to develop a unified strategy for U.S. export control assistance programs to:\n\nReduce sanctions evasion and illicit trafficking risks,\n\nPrevent the diversion of sensitive and dual-use technologies to adversaries,\n\nStrengthen secure and resilient global supply chains,\n\nPromote U.S. strategic trade standards internationally, and\n\nSupport lawful U.S. exporters through diplomatic engagement and export promotion consistent with national security objectives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/05/14/subcommittee-ranking-member-jayapals-opening-statement-at-hearing-on-republicans-coercive-campaign-to-force-states-localities-to-enforce-trumps-reckless-mass-deportation-ag/", "title": "Subcommittee Ranking Member Jayapal’s Opening Statement at Hearing on Republicans’ Coercive Campaign to Force States, Localities to Enforce Trump’s Reckless Mass-Deportation Agenda", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "jayapal.house.gov", "scraper": "jayapal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000298", "name": "Pramila Jayapal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. (May 14, 2026) — Today, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, delivered opening remarks at a hearing on Republicans’ campaign to strong-arm states and localities into carrying out an impossible federal mass-deportation agenda, which undermines local law enforcement, diverts essential crime-fighting resources, and makes all of our communities less safe. Below are Ranking Member Jayapal’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s hearing.\n\nWATCH Subcommittee Ranking Member Jayapal’s opening statement.\n\nLet me start by offering my deepest condolences to you, Ms. Minter. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine what you are going through in losing a daughter far too soon. I am very sorry for your loss. This hearing is, unfortunately, another in a series of hearings the Majority has held that consistently attack trust policies that have upheld the necessary and important division between the enforcement of federal civil immigration law and the enforcement of local criminal laws. This division has proven over and over again in documented research to be essential in keeping all communities safe and ensuring that people come forward to report crimes.\n\nImmigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. And last year, Republicans gave the Department of Homeland Security over $170 billion in their Big Bad Betrayal bill to meet the arbitrary immigrant arrest quotas of Stephen Miller and to carry out President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda. Using this funding, ICE doubled in size. DHS officers killed two U.S. citizens in cold blood in Minnesota, beat and detained countless U.S. citizens for exercising their First Amendment rights, and broke down doors of U.S. citizens without a warrant in violation of the Fourth Amendment. We know of at least one U.S. citizen who has been arrested by ICE three times despite repeatedly informing agents he is a U.S. citizen. Another 18-year-old U.S. citizen with terminal cancer spent the last weeks of his life begging ICE to release his parents so he could see them before he died. They reunited one day before he died.\n\nAnd that is just what they have done to Americans. ICE is also subjecting hundreds of parents and children to months in immigration prisons, conducted senseless deportations of military veterans, separated families, massively increased immigration detention, resulting in a record 48 deaths in ICE detention since President Trump took office.\n\nA recent Politico analysis revealed that judges have ruled in at least 10,000 cases that the detention was illegal, with no due process, no opportunity for detainees to plead their case. 10,000 people, including a nursing mother who was separated from her one-year-old child, despite active legal refugee status and a 5-year-old boy detained by ICE on his way home from school. More than 425 judges have heard cases and reached the same conclusions about the illegality of Trump’s mass detention policies—including a majority of Trump-appointed judges. Three circuit courts have also now ruled the policy illegal.\n\nThe impact of these illegal policies is not just being felt by immigrants, it is ripping apart entire communities across the country, creating fear and terror, and also negatively impacting opportunities for all Americans. A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research just concluded that Trump’s immigration raids are now even weighing on the labor market, leading to fewer jobs for U.S. born men without a college degree. Despite all of this, Republicans have refused to stop these illegal, unconstitutional and cruel policies. They have refused to address the fact that while their anti-immigrant strategies may have worked before, they don’t work anymore. Today, more than 60% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s immigration policies. Americans want Trump and Republicans to focus on lowering their gas prices and grocery prices. They want Republicans to stop giving tax breaks to billionaires while stripping healthcare from tens of millions of Americans.\n\nBut Donald Trump said it himself just a few days ago. In his own words, Trump said, “I don’t think about the financial situation of Americans.” Really? That is exactly why Republicans are now planning to give ICE and Border Patrol an additional $70 billion with no oversight or accountability, yet having a hearing this morning to complain that Fairfax County will not do ICE’s job for them!\n\nGive me a break. DHS has plenty of money to hire all the new immigration enforcement agents they want. They don’t need to commandeer the local police officers who are hard at work maintaining Fairfax’s status as the safest county of its size in the United States. In one of the greatest ironies, here we are in the Immigration subcommittee having a hearing about the prosecutorial decisions of a County attorney and the jail policies of a County sheriff! Whatever happened to the Republican party that believed in local government?\n\nThere are many reasons that states and localities choose not to or are unable to conduct immigration enforcement on behalf of the federal government. Numerous court orders have declared immigration detainers unlawful violations of the 4th amendment and state and local officials do not want to spend huge amounts of money on court cases. State constitutions often contain prohibitions. And local police departments want to prioritize their resources and encourage the trust of people to come forward and report crimes without worrying about their own immigration status.\n\nThe Major Cities Chiefs Association has repeatedly reaffirmed that, cooperation with the immigrant community is essential to solve crime and prevent further criminal activity within the entire community, including ensuring protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. In 2019, my home state of Washington passed the bipartisan Keep Washington Working Act for all these reasons as have many states across the country. Courts have ruled multiple times that states have the right to enact laws like the Keep Washington Working Act. These laws do allow information sharing with the federal government when necessary for an ongoing criminal investigation, or pursuant to a court order or judicial warrant.\n\nThis committee should be holding hearings on the unconstitutionality of this Administration’s policies, on the killing of American citizens by ICE and CBP. But instead, we are doing yet another hearing designed to further this Administration’s anti-immigrant agenda and distract people from the real issues at hand. The American people deserve better. I look forward to hearing from all our witnesses today and I yield back.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2433", "title": "Thompson, Kennedy Write DHS on Lack of FEMA Readiness Ahead of Hurricane Season", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "May 14, 2026 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leader Robert Fenton urging immediate action to address FEMA's alarming lack of readiness ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.\n\nThe letter details how the Trump administration has systematically hollowed out FEMA's workforce, with more than 5,000 employees departing since January 2025 and nearly half of the agency's top 38 leadership positions currently vacant. Thompson and Kennedy also raised urgent concerns about the Trump administration’s unprecedented politicization of the disaster declaration process.\n\nForecasters project 11 to 16 named storms during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1st—just weeks from today. Thompson and Kennedy called on DHS and FEMA to immediately release withheld disaster relief funding, restore critical hurricane-related contracts, reverse workforce reductions, and fill all vacant leadership positions.\n\n\"Americans in hurricane-prone communities deserve a FEMA that is fully staffed, operationally ready, and nonpartisan,\" the Ranking Members wrote. “By every measure, they do not have that today.\"\n\nClick here to read the full letter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/05/14/rep-mullins-ev-battery-recycling-provision-passes-the-house/", "title": "Rep. Mullin’s EV Battery Recycling Provision Passes The House", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – As a part of his work to accelerate the United States’ transition to clean energy, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) successfully passed an amendment to the Farm Bill to encouraging old electric vehicle (EV) batteries to be repurposed for agriculture and reused on farms and ranches.\n\nRep. Mullin’s amendment to the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy to study how retired EV batteries could support farmers and ranchers, for example by storing power for refrigeration or charging equipment.\n\nThe amended bill will now be considered by the Senate and is part of Rep. Mullin’s ongoing work to accelerate the adoption of clean energy, while reducing waste across the country.\n\n“We need to be looking at ways to incorporate renewable energy and sustainability in novel and innovative ways,” said Rep. Mullin. “Over the next decade, millions of batteries will be retired from electric vehicles and while these batteries may no longer be suitable for use in EVs, they can still retain significant capacity for use on farms and ranches. Repurposing them in agricultural settings could help maximize our domestic energy supply, support American farmers, and advance a more sustainable future.”\n\nGlobal projections estimate that approximately 1.2 million EV batteries will be retired each year by 2030, growing to roughly 50 million batteries by 2050. Rep. Mullin’s amendment will help identify ways to turn this growing waste stream into affordable energy solutions for farmers while reducing waste and strengthening domestic energy resilience.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4181", "title": "Larsen Announces Release of COVID-19 Reimbursement Funds to Washington State", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n“During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal emergency funding helped support an unprecedented public health response in Washington state. FEMA finally releasing these reimbursements helps replenish coffers and strengthen health care systems, which protects affordable health care options for local families.\n\n“I will keep working to ensure that Northwest Washington health care systems, departments and providers – including Skagit Regional, Island Hospital, WhidbeyHealth, PeaceHealth, Providence Regional in Everett, Swedish Health in Edmonds, local county and city departments of health and more – are reimbursed for the investments they made in keeping people safe and healthy.”\n\nToday, FEMA released $538.5 million to reimburse Washington state health care departments and systems for their costs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:\n\n- $1.96 million to Skagit County Public Health Hospital District #1\n\n- $4.1 million to PeaceHealth\n\n- $7.2 million to Swedish Health Services\n\n- $6.1 million to Providence Health & Services Washington\n\n- $262.95 million to Washington State Department of Health\n\n- $2.24 million to Washington State Military Department\n\nRep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4182", "title": "WA Legislators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Funding for Local Drug Task Forces to Combat Opioids", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country. The bill’s introduction coincides with National Police Week, celebrated from May 11th through May 17th to recognize the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make to keep communities safe across the United States.\n\n“We have made progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic in recent years, but there is more work to be done,” said Rep. Larsen. “Local, state and Tribal law enforcement officers have told me they often lack the funding and resources to stem the flow of opioids harming their communities. This bill invests in and empowers multi-jurisdictional task forces to get more opioids and fentanyl off our streets – a critical investment that will save lives.”\n\n“Law enforcement makes real sacrifices to their personal safety to stop Fentanyl trafficking - inherently drug trafficking happens across jurisdictional boundaries and requires the multi-jurisdictional approach,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “This funding makes all the sense in the world and I’m proud to help honor the sacrifice of our law enforcement by ensuring they’ve got the tools they need to most effectively combat the fentanyl crisis.”\n\n“In order to reverse the fentanyl crisis that has plagued Central Washington, and our nation as a whole, there needs to be an all-hands-on-deck approach to crack down on opioid trafficking,” said Rep. Newhouse. “State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies need additional resources and improved coordination to tackle this issue head on and make our communities safer. This legislation builds off of my Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025 because ending the fentanyl crisis must be a bipartisan effort. I thank Rep. Larsen for providing additional legislation to continue fighting this epidemic.”\n\nAccording to preliminary data, in 2025 there were 2,170 fatal opioid overdoses in Washington state, a 12.8% decrease from 2024, and 11,122 suspected opioid overdose emergency department visits, a 16.6% decrease from 2024.\n\nWhat Are Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces?\n\nIn Washington state and around the country, law enforcement agencies partner across jurisdictions to form task forces that coordinate information, resources and staff to target the illegal distribution of drugs at the local and regional levels.\n\nWashington state currently has 16 active multi-jurisdictional task forces (MJTFs). For example, the Whatcom County Drug Task Force is staffed by investigative personnel from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Bellingham Police Department, with support from local police departments in Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden and Sumas; the U.S. Border Patrol; the Washington State Patrol; and the Washington State Department of Corrections.\n\nThe Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program is the leading source of federal justice funding for states, tribes and local governments supporting a range of criminal legal system improvement and community advancement initiatives, including MJTFs.\n\nIn 2023, Washington state announced it was reducing funds it historically guaranteed for MJTFs through the Byrne JAG program. At the time, Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez, Newhouse and four other members of Washington’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Governor Jay Inslee to emphasize the importance of Byrne JAG funding to continuing the work of Washington’s 16 MJTFs. Without guaranteeing an alternative source of funding, task forces across Washington state are at immediate risk of closure and those that remain open will need to greatly reduce their working capacity. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would establish a dedicated funding stream to ensure these MJTFs have the resources they need.\n\nWhat Does the Bill Do?\n\nThe End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would:\n\nExpand and formalize an existing Department of Justice (DOJ) program administered by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office – the Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) – to fund multi-jurisdictional task forces to target opioid trafficking.\n\nHelp law enforcement expand partnerships across federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies to address opioid trafficking.\n\nAllow funds to be used to create new, or expand existing, muti-jurisdictional drug task forces; hire and train law enforcement offices and other support employees; procure equipment, technology, and support systems; and pay overtime.\n\nRequire 40 percent of funding to be made directly available to Indian Tribes (20 percent) and MJTFs (20 percent), which will help promote local law enforcement goals and limit the administrative burdens and additional requirements associated with using pass-through entities to secure funding.\n\nAuthorize funding that doubles the amount historically provided to the AHTF to robustly support MTJFs and anti-trafficking efforts.\n\nPermit the COPS director to provide technical assistance, including through training centers and facilities, to instruct law enforcement and MJTFs on best practices for combating opioid trafficking\n\nA fact sheet on the legislation is available HERE.\n\nWhat Stakeholders Are Saying About the Bill\n\n\"The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition commends Representatives Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Newhouse for their work and introduction of the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act. Greater investment in resources for drug enforcement efforts – particularly multi-jurisdictional drug task forces – is needed to counter the alarming trend of drug poisoning. Multi-jurisdictional drug task forces have generated best practices in information sharing, case deconfliction, and institutional coordination against local and regional drug threats. Given the diversification of Byrne JAG funding for purposes other than multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in some states, this legislation will provide much needed dedicated funding to address the drug poisoning epidemics in our communities.”\n\n“The drug trafficking distribution network has expanded throughout Washington State and into our tribal communities, crossing jurisdictional boundaries and exploiting law enforcement resources and jurisdictional gaps. The Tulalip Indian Reservation is located adjacent to Interstate-5, a major thoroughfare for fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The Tulalip Police Department needs improvements to technology and sufficient resources to create a multi-jurisdictional approach to combat the opioid crisis that has had devastating effects on tribal members, their families, and many Washingtonians. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Force Act will do just this. We urge Congress to pass this important piece of legislation.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4183", "title": "Larsen Announces New Flood Recovery Funds for Whatcom County", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n“This $3.9 million is great news for Whatcom County families. These dollars will directly help local folks get back on track after the devastating floods in November 2021. I am glad the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released these long-overdue funds, and I will keep fighting for federal dollars to help Northwest Washington communities recover from natural disasters and prepare for future disasters.”\n\nFEMA announced the release of $3.9 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds for homeowners in Everson, Lynden, Ferndale, and Bellingham to support buyouts for flood-damaged homes. Rep. Larsen is the top Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight over FEMA.\n\nLarsen Fights for Flood Recovery Resources\n\nRep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were impacted by disastrous flooding in November 2021, which damaged critical infrastructure and over 2,000 homes. In December 2021, Rep. Larsen joined Washington’s congressional delegation in a letter to then-President Joe Biden to support Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for federal Individual Assistance. He followed up on flood recovery efforts in Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearings on FEMA disaster preparedness in 2023 and called attention to the agency’s failure to provide effective assistance to residents in Whatcom County.\n\nRep. Larsen is leading bipartisan legislation to reform FEMA, which would streamline the federal government’s disaster response and recovery programs while also making FEMA a cabinet-level agency once again. The bill rewards effective state and local preparedness, cuts red tape and ensures that relief efforts are fast, fair and free from political bias. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved Rep. Larsen's Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025 in September 2025.\n\nMore recently, Rep. Larsen has been fighting for federal funds to support Washingtonians whose homes and businesses were damaged in the December 2025 floods. In March, Rep. Larsen applauded the news that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses impacted by December’s floods. In April, Rep. Larsen welcomed the Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state, and criticized FEMA’s decision to deny Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assistance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4184", "title": "Larsen Honors Law Enforcement During National Police Week, Fights to Expand Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to defend Northwest Washington communities every day. This week and every week, I honor their courage, sacrifice and dedication, and I remember those who have given their lives in the line of duty.\n\n“Local police officers on the front lines of the opioid epidemic deserve dedicated federal funding to support their critical work. I introduced legislation today to give multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task forces the support they need to keep up the momentum in the fight against opioids. I will keep working to get our police officers the tools they need to stop trafficking and save lives.”\n\nNational Police Week 2026 is celebrated from May 11 through May 17 to honor the sacrifices law enforcement officers make to keep communities safe and to remember the officers who have died in the line of duty.\n\nToday, Rep. Larsen introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act with Washington Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04). This bipartisan legislation would establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.\n\nLarsen Leads Fight against Opioid Crisis in Northwest Washington\n\nRep. Larsen is focused on supporting local law enforcement in their fight against the opioid epidemic. In 2024, he published a districtwide opioid report that outlines a four-pillar framework to combat the crisis. Since the publication of that report, Larsen has introduced four pieces of legislation to fight fentanyl in Northwest Washington:", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406786", "title": "Latta, Matsui, and 33 Members Send Letter to National Cyber Director for Plan to Coordinate AI-Discovered Software Vulnerabilities", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://latta.house.gov/news", "domain": "latta.house.gov", "scraper": "latta", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000566", "name": "Robert E. Latta", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Yesterday, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7), led a bipartisan letter to National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross. Along with 33 of their colleagues, the letter urged the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) to develop a federal-industry plan in preparation for a large increase in vulnerability disclosures discovered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems.\n\nThe letter follows Anthropic’s recently announced Claude Mythos Preview. According to Anthropic, Mythos identified thousands of high-severity zero-day vulnerabilities in every major operating system and every major web browser, including vulnerabilities that had survived years of human review and automated testing. As of Anthropic’s April 7 announcement, more than 99 percent of those vulnerabilities remained unpatched.\n\nLatta and Matsui warned that these new advanced AI systems could help defenders uncover serious software flaws more quickly than existing disclosure, patching, and deployment systems can keep pace.\n\n“America’s adversaries are not waiting for us to figure this out,” said Latta. “If AI can find serious vulnerabilities in widely used software, China and other bad actors will look for ways to use similar tools against us. We need to make sure trusted American defenders have the coordination, access, and support required to stay ahead. This bipartisan letter urges ONCD to convene the agencies, software providers, and security providers who can make that happen.”\n\n\"Advanced AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape,” said Matsui. “These tools have enormous potential to help us find and fix dangerous software vulnerabilities before our adversaries use them against us, but we must prepare now. We need a coordinated strategy that brings the federal government, industry and trusted defenders together to manage disclosures, speed up patching and protect the systems Americans rely on every day, from hospitals and banks to utilities, schools and basic communications.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe letter asks ONCD to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),the Department of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), acting through the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO), supporting federal coordination and implementation, to convene government and industry for a coordinated response. They request that the plan assess existing efforts to identify critical software vulnerabilities; support defenders and critical infrastructure operators in finding, fixing, deploying, and verifying patches; establish a framework to handle sensitive and risky AI-generated findings; and monitor sudden increases in the capabilities of advanced AI models.\n\nThe letter requests a staff-level briefing from ONCD within 30 days; a written response within 45; and a review of any barriers demanding congressional action, such as antitrust, liability, or other statutory barriers.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://massie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395839", "title": "Rep. Massie Introduces the \"Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity Act\" to Require All Foreign Lobbyists to Register Under FARA", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://massie.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "massie.house.gov", "scraper": "massie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001184", "name": "Thomas Massie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release\n\nContact: massie.press@mail.house.gov\n\nContact #: 202-225-3465\n\nWashington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces the introduction of the Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity Act. Rep. Massie’s legislation closes a loophole in the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA) that has been exploited by certain organizations to avoid registering as foreign agents despite lobbying on behalf of foreign interests.\n\n\"Americans have a right to know when powerful lobbying organizations are advancing the interests of foreign governments in Congress,\" said Rep. Massie. \"The Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity Act does not ban speech, restrict advocacy, or prohibit Americans from supporting foreign allies. It simply ensures transparency. If an organization is heavily engaged in influencing U.S. policy in ways that principally benefit a foreign country, it should be required to register under FARA.”\n\nThe bill:\n\nClarifies that U.S.-based organizations may qualify as foreign principals under FARA when their lobbying activities principally advance the interests of a foreign nation;\n\nEstablishes objective indicators for determining foreign political alignment, including coordination with foreign officials and repeated advocacy consistent with foreign diplomatic objectives;\n\nCreates a private right of action for American citizens to file complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting investigations into potential FARA violations.\n\nThe text of the Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity Act is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4124", "title": "Rep. Rogers Announces Support of Pro-Law Enforcement Measures During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikerogers.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "mikerogers.house.gov", "scraper": "mikerogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000575", "name": "Mike Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) today announced his support for several pieces of pro-law enforcement legislation in the 119th Congress in recognition of National Police Week. Rep. Rogers frequently collaborates with Alabama law enforcement officials and has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement throughout his time in Congress.\n\n“Support for law enforcement has long been a bedrock issue for me throughout my time in Congress,” said Rep. Rogers. “Every year during National Police Week, we recognize our brave law enforcement officers and the challenges they face every day. Police officers have faced demonization by the far left for years, but with President Trump’s policies and a Republican Congress, they can know they are supported in Washington. I’m proud to announce my support for several pieces of pro-police legislation today in recognition of this week and in honor of officers’ tireless efforts to keep our communities safe.”\n\nRep. Rogers has supported the following pieces of legislation in the 119th Congress:\n\nH. RES. 1252 - Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.\n\nH. R. 2853 - Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025.\n\nH.R.2267 - NICS Data Reporting Act of 2026\n\nH.R.8352 - Criminal History Access Act of 2026\n\nH.R.6260 - Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025\n\nH.R.5625 - Cashless Bail Reporting Act\n\nH. CON. RES. 96 - Expressing support for law enforcement officers.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://owens.house.gov/posts/owens-introduces-charlie-act-to-end-biden-era-indoctrination-of-schools", "title": "Owens Introduces CHARLIE Act to End Biden-Era Indoctrination of Schools", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://owens.house.gov/press", "domain": "owens.house.gov", "scraper": "owens", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000086", "name": "Burgess Owens", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) introduced H.R. 8705, the Civics and History Advancement to Restore Learning, Integrity, and Education Act, or CHARLIE Act, to protect the American History and Civics Education program from being weaponized by the radical Left to push divisive ideology on America’s children.\n\nThe American History and Civics program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was created to ensure that students had basic civics literacy. The program has long enjoyed bipartisan support because the state of civics education in America is in crisis. Far too many citizens cannot name the three branches of government or a single sitting Supreme Court Justice. The program was designed to address that and to inspire students with the riches of our civic inheritance, teach why the Founding Fathers matter, and explain how our government actually functions.\n\nUnfortunately, beginning in 2021, the Biden Administration attempted to redirect those grants toward deeply partisan programs promoting the discredited 1619 Project and the work of Ibram X. Kendi, who openly endorses racial discrimination.\n\nThis shift was discovered by Congress, and the Biden Administration faced backlash. However, instead of stopping their partisan efforts, they returned with more subtle tactics and still prioritized grants for programs prioritizing DEI instruction over traditional civics instruction.\n\n“Thomas Jefferson warned us that a nation cannot be ignorant and free. My friend Charlie Kirk spent his life proving Jefferson right. He did more to educate young Americans about their country than any other person in public life. He pressed them to think for themselves and have spirited debates, making the case day in and day out that the principles enshrined in our founding documents mean something and that we can’t afford to squander the incredible inheritance gifted to us by the Founders. That is real civics education, not the propaganda and subtle indoctrination that the left used to prioritize ideology over education by funneling taxpayer dollars to promote divisive and debunked racial falsehoods, radical gender ideology, and political activism. We’re putting an end to that once and for all with the CHARLIE Act.”\n\nCongressman Burgess Owens\n\nWhat the CHARLIE Act Does\n\nProhibits Radical Indoctrination: Bars American History and Civics funds from being used for “discriminatory equity ideology” or “gender ideology,” as defined by President Trump’s executive orders on ending radical indoctrination in K–12 schooling.\n\nEnds Preferential Grant Awards: Prohibits the Secretary of Education from giving grant priority on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status — ensuring civics funding goes to the best programs, not the most politically favored ones.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T07:07:34Z"}
{"url": "https://pingree.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6776", "title": "The Dilley immigrant detention facility costs taxpayers millions. The human cost is even higher.", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "pingree.house.gov", "scraper": "pingree", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000597", "name": "Chellie Pingree", "party": "Democrat", "state": "ME", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On a sunny day in Texas inside one of the nation’s most notorious immigrant detention facilities, I sat down with Olivia Andre, a 19-year-old asylum seeker whose story has garnered national attention.\n\nDespite it being nearly 90 degrees that day in Dilley, a small town about an hour outside of San Antonio, Olivia was bundled up in a down jacket. She was freezing. Her spirits, understandably, were low and she told me she hadn’t been sleeping much. She’d been suffering from headaches and had lost nearly 20 pounds in the six months she spent inside what has become known as the Family Trailer Prison.\n\nFor more than an hour, we talked about her family and the life that was unfairly ripped from her when Olivia, her mother and siblings were detained by immigration enforcement in November of 2025. I brought a hefty stack of legal documents with me, as well as family photos and letters from loved ones to give her in hopes they would lift her spirits.\n\nBecause the government is court-ordered to release migrant children and their parents from prolonged detention, the rest of Olivia’s family — mother Carine Balenda Mbizi; brother Joel Andre, 16; and sister Estafania Andre, 14 — were released from Dilley in March. But since Olivia is technically an adult, and not the legal guardian of her siblings, she was not released with them.\n\nThe last thing I wanted to do when I visited was give her any false hope, but, after hearing near-daily updates from her lawyers, I was optimistic she’d be soon released. And I promised her that we were doing everything we could to get her out.\n\nThe very next day, a federal district judge ordered her release. Soon, she’d finally be on a plane bound for where she belongs: back home in Portland with her loved ones.\n\nAround 11:15 p.m. on Friday, May 8, Olivia finally made it home to Maine, where a raucous and overjoyed crowd of family, friends, neighbors and fellow Mainers was ready to welcome her home.\n\nI can’t imagine the overwhelming sense of relief she and her family must be feeling right now. I sincerely hope that, in the months and years ahead, they’ll be able to find the peace and happiness they deserve.\n\nAt the same time, it’s impossible not to feel outraged by the cruelty and callousness the Andres have experienced, and the senseless suffering they — and countless others — have been forced to endure. All on the American taxpayer’s dime.\n\nDespite the astronomical cost of $15.3 million a month, or roughly $1,000 per person a day, life inside the Dilley facility is pure misery. (And let me be clear: misery is the point, but more on that later.)\n\nWhile on our official congressional oversight visit, Reps. Joaquin Castro, Henry Cuellar, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Christian Menefee, Mark Takano and I saw the conditions firsthand and spoke directly with more than 60 people who were detained there.\n\nThe facilities appeared clean and were presented to us in a real “nothing to see here” kind of way. The food seemed fine and the medical bay was nice enough, though completely unoccupied. But outside of the personnel’s overview, which was literally read to us from a script, what we heard from the actual people forced to live there was deeply disturbing.\n\nHere’s what a day in Dilley looks like, according to Olivia and the people we met with: You wake up by 6 a.m. for breakfast after a sleepless night, trying to eat what you can because lunch and dinner are often worse. By mid-morning, you are back in bed, exhausted, depressed or dealing with headaches and untreated health needs. You share a room with 10 to 12 other people so there is no privacy. Time drags on through the afternoon and by the evening, you just want to sleep. But the harsh lights stay on, you’re cold and the room is restless with anxiety and crying from your bunkmates.\n\nIt’s no wonder Olivia was feeling utter despair when I met with her there. And, as I alluded, that is the point.\n\nThe Department of Homeland Security operates under the mantra “detain to deport.” Regardless of whether a person has a pending asylum claim, has been denied due process, or is legally permitted to be in the United States, the Trump administration wants to detain and deport as many immigrants as they can. Their inhumane and un-American anti-immigration agenda demands it.\n\nOlivia and many others said they’d been pressured to take the $2,500 offer to self-deport.\n\n“You will never see your mother again,” they would tell her. “You may as well take the money and go home.” Of course, by “home” they don’t mean Portland, where she lives. They mean the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where her family fled horrific violence before claiming asylum in the U.S. in 2022.\n\nOn their journey, Olivia’s family suffered an unimaginable tragedy: her 8-year-old brother, Manuel, drowned while crossing the Darién Gap, where flash floods can be deadly and the journey itself is a measure of a family’s desperation.\n\nIt’s important to note that in Dilley, there are no violent criminals or anyone with a criminal conviction. This specific facility is meant for parents and their children who, at most, have minor immigration infractions equivalent to a parking ticket. Many, though, were simply caught up in our country’s broken immigration system. They have active asylum claims, green cards, visas and valid work permits. Maybe they are waiting for their court date or for their claim to be processed, which can take years, but they are doing everything they are legally supposed to do.\n\nOlivia never should have been detained for this long in the first place. Nor should anyone whose only “crime” was fleeing violence and seeking a better life for themselves and their family — and has followed the rules at every turn.\n\nFor every Olivia whose story breaks through, there are countless others still trapped in facilities like Dilley, without national headlines, public pressure or members of Congress advocating on their behalf.\n\nDilley must be closed for good. This is a facility built to incarcerate families and children, operated at enormous public expense, and used to pressure vulnerable people into giving up their rights. Children do not belong in detention. Families seeking safety do not belong in detention. And no private prison company should profit from keeping them there.\n\nWe shouldn’t have to fight this hard to protect people’s constitutional rights — or to get people out of these horrific detention centers. But we will keep fighting.\n\nI want to thank my team, Olivia’s attorneys, my colleagues, local advocates like Project Relief Maine, Ms. Rachel and everyone who had a hand in amplifying her story and helping secure her freedom.\n\nWhen I met Olivia at the airport after her long flight home, the smile on her face could’ve lit a thousand rooms. I know she and her family have a long road ahead. But I hope she knows just how many people will be with her. Every step of the way.\n\nI hope every innocent person who has been detained by this cruel and callous administration will one day feel the same joy Olivia is feeling right now — and that her story inspires all of us to continue pushing for the freedom and justice they deserve.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/14/news-pressley-murray-duckworth-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-help-women-with-disabilities-access-reproductive-health-care/", "title": "NEWS: Pressley, Murray, Duckworth Introduce Bicameral Bill to Help Women with Disabilities Access Reproductive Health Care", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Pressley: “With a nationwide assault on reproductive healthcare deeply impacting our siblings with disabilities, this bill is timely, urgent and responsive.”\n\nBill Text | Bill Summary\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced their Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help women with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to the timely, informed, and culturally competent reproductive health care they deserve.\n\n“Everyone should have equitable access to healthcare. Disability justice and reproductive justice are connected,” said Congresswoman Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “With a nationwide assault on reproductive healthcare deeply impacting our siblings with disabilities, this bill is timely, urgent and responsive. I’m grateful to Senator Murray, Senator Duckworth, and our advocates for their ongoing partnership on this legislation.”\n\n“Every single American woman deserves reproductive health care from a provider that understands her unique needs and treats her with dignity and respect as she makes her personal health care decisions—this is especially true for women with disabilities who often face discrimination and additional barriers to receiving basic health care,” said Senator Murray. “While Republicans do all they can to rip away health care, attack our reproductive rights, and try to ban abortion nationwide, I am continuing to fight back and ensure that all women can access high-quality care from providers who understand their unique needs. This bill will help make a big difference in making sure people with disabilities can get the informed and accessible reproductive health care they deserve.”\n\n“Americans with disabilities have long faced barriers to health care services, equipment and providers—and those barriers have only multiplied under the Trump Administration when it comes to reproductive care,” said Senator Duckworth. “Between the fall of Roe and Republicans passing $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, it’s shameful how Donald Trump has made sure it’s even harder for people with disabilities to access reproductive health care. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Senator Murray to help ensure that Americans with disabilities are not left behind in getting the care we need, when we need it.”\n\nAll Americans deserve to decide if, when, and how to start and raise a family—including the roughly one in four adults with disabilities, who report wanting children as much as those without disabilities do. But people with disabilities have long experienced discrimination and barriers when accessing sexual and reproductive health care. They are also less likely to receive contraception counseling and timely prenatal care, experience a higher rate of sterilization, and are at a greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. And they face other barriers to accessing reproductive care, such as a lack of accessibility at health care facilities, accessible medical diagnostic equipment, accessible travel, and health care providers trained on how to treat and address the unique, diverse needs of people with disabilities receiving reproductive health care.\n\nThe legislation would provide grant funding for training and education programs for health care professionals focused on the reproductive health needs of people with disabilities, help to increase the representation of people with disabilities in the health care provider workforce, and establish a new technical assistance center to provide recommendations and best practices regarding sexual and reproductive health care for people with disabilities, among other things. The lawmakers first introduced the bill in 2022, and reintroduced it in 2023 as well.\n\nThe Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act would lower barriers to sexual and reproductive care and help ensure disabled people get timely access to culturally competent health care. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProvide grant funding to carry out training programs for health care professionals providing reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities;\n\nEstablish grants to expand the health care provider workforce by increasing the number of people with disabilities in those professions;\n\nProvide grant funding to carry out education programs for entities with a demonstrated expertise in serving individuals with disabilities, focused on the sexual and reproductive health care needs of this population;\n\nCreate a new technical assistance center to provide recommendations and best practices regarding sexual and reproductive health care for people with disabilities; and\n\nDirect the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a study to analyze reproductive health care for people with disabilities.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union, All* Above All, Catholics for Choice, Center for American Progress, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Abortion Federation, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Disability Rights Network, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, National Health Law Program, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All.\n\n“The barriers disabled people face when trying to access reproductive health care are real, longstanding, and too often ignored. This bill recognizes that accessibility is not optional when it comes to bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom,” said Mia Ives-Rublee, Senior Director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress. “Everyone deserves the ability to make informed decisions about their own health and future, and that means ensuring care is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of disabled people.”\n\n“For too long, our health care system has subjected people with disabilities, and especially disabled Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, to discrimination in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. And while this discrimination often violates federal civil rights laws, it persists,” said Madeline Morcelle, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program. “We are proud to endorse the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act because it invests in solutions that will help prevent discrimination before it happens, such as comprehensive provider training and grants to increase disabled representation in the SRH care workforce. Together, these measures will help foster a future in which people with disabilities’ sexual and reproductive autonomy is honored, pain and other symptoms are not dismissed, and SRH care is accessible, trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically appropriate, non-coercive, and delivered with dignity.”\n\nA one-pager on the bill is available here.\n\nThe full text of the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act is here.\n\nIn her time serving in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect and advance reproductive justice and ensure fundamental life-saving reproductive health care for all.\n\nOn the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley introduced the Abortion Justice Act, sweeping, intersectional legislation to address access to abortion care and put forth a comprehensive vision of a just America where abortion care is readily available—without stigma, shame or systemic barriers—for all who seek it, regardless of zip code, immigration status, income, or background.\n\nRep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion care, everywhere.\n\nRep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and help guarantee abortion coverage—regardless of how a patient gets their health insurance.\n\nShortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide.\n\nRep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.\n\nRep. Pressley has been outspoken in demanding justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban. In June 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech in which she underscored that Adriana’s case is far too common in the unjust history of denying Black women their dignity, humanity, and right to bodily autonomy – and that GOP abortion bans such as Georgia’s deepen this pain and bar critical healthcare freedom. Rep. Pressley issued a statement after Adriana’s infant son Chance was delivered via emergency Cesarean section and Adriana was taken off life support.\n\nIn May 2026, Pressley and her colleagues led 250 House and Senate Democrats 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.\n\nOn August 18, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the passage of the updated Shield Act in Massachusetts, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey this month. The expanded Shield Act strengthens legal protections for people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care in Massachusetts.\n\nOn July 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the final passage of Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill that will rip healthcare and food assistance away from millions of people, including in Massachusetts, push reproductive healthcare further out of reach nationwide, and fuel Trump’s unlawful mass deportation agenda.\n\nOn July 1, 2025, Rep. Pressley filed an amendment to Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill to protect and expand reproductive healthcare.\n\nOn June 26, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the harmful Medina v. Planned Parenthood ruling, the Supreme Court’s decision to allow South Carolina to bar Medicaid patients from receiving healthcare services at Planned Parenthood.\n\nOn June 24, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined House Democratic Leadership for a press conference to mark the somber anniversary and renew her calls for comprehensive legislation to protect abortion care and expand access to reproductive healthcare.\n\nOn June 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the women of the Massachusetts delegation, Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts President Dominique Lee for a press conference in solidarity with Planned Parenthood as they collectively fight to stop Republicans’ latest attack on reproductive freedom in the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill.\n\nOn May 29, 2025, Rep. Pressley reintroduced a resolution demanding equitable access to reproductive and sexual healthcare for people with disabilities, and designating a day in May as “Disability Reproductive Equity Day.”\n\nOn May 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House Floor in which she slammed Republicans’ reconciliation bill that would slash Medicaid, which is necessary to ensuring safe, healthy reproductive care and maternal health nationwide.\n\nOn April 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Reps. DeGette, Chu, Leger Fernández, Fletcher, Davids, Williams, sent a letter signed by 162 Members urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore all appropriated funding for Title X providers and coordinate an urgent meeting on the matter.\n\nOn April 2, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), colleagues, and advocates outside the U.S. Supreme Court for Medicaid patients’ ability to access routine care at Planned Parenthood health centers.\n\nOn March 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the Reproductive Freedom Caucus issued a statement condemning Donald Trump’s plans to drop the U.S. government’s case against Idaho’s violation of Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) protections for emergency abortion care.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Pressley gave an impassioned speech condemning H.R. 21, Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Pressley was announced as Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus for the 119th Congress.\n\nIn October 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on Josseli Barnica, who died on Sept. 3, 2021 after being denied emergency abortion care in Texas as she suffered a miscarriage.\n\nIn September 2024, in a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.\n\nIn May 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on a Louisiana bill that would classify medication abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances.\n\nIn April 2024, at a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley played “Fact or Fiction” with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to emphasize the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drug mifepristone.\n\nShortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide.\n\nRep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.\n\nIn August 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Fifth Circuit Court decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA.\n\nIn July 2023, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to reproductive health care and the informed care they need to control their own reproductive lives.\n\nIn July 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of over-the-counter birth control.\n\nIn May 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the FDA Advisory Committee’s unanimous, 17-0 vote to recommend the approval of the first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control. She and Senator Murray also held a press conference applauding the decision and urging the FDA to approval over-the-counter birth control without delay.\n\nIn May 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Ami Bera, MD (CA-06) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act to ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.\n\nIn April 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Texas court ruling on mifepristone, and discussed the Texas case in a recent floor speech in which she affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care and access to mifepristone as essential. She later joined Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabth Warren (D-MA), and local leaders in announcing action to protect Mifepristone in Massachusetts.\n\nIn March 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Schakowsky, Lee, DeGette, Torres and Strickland, reintroduced the Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act harmful and discriminatory Helms Amendment and expand abortion access globally.\n\nIn March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Hirono led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral congressional resolution honoring abortion providers and clinic staff.\n\nIn March 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a speech in which she discussed the pending court case in Texas, which aims to restrict access to medication abortion across the entire nation. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care, and accessibility to the abortion pill mifepristone as essential.\n\nIn September 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court’s inaction on SB-8, Texas’ restrictive abortion law. Later that month, she participated in a House Oversight Committee hearing to examine the threat posed by abortion bans and underscored the urgency of the Senate passing the Women’s Health Protection Act.\n\nIn April 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led a group of 131 Democratic members in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure that all people, regardless of income, insurance or zip code, can make personal reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians. She re-Introduced the legislation In January 2023.\n\nRep. Pressley has led calls in Congress for the FDA to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on the medication abortion drug mifepristone, and applauded the FDA’s action in January 2023 to allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion medication pills.\n\nAs Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus’s Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, Congresswoman Pressley led the fight to repeal the Hyde Amendments from annual Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bills and in July 2020 published a Medium post on the importance of doing so. She applauded the removal of the Hyde Amendment in President Biden’s FY2022 budget.\n\nIn May 2020, she led more than 155 Members of Congress in calling on House Democratic leadership to ensure that any future COVID-19 relief packages rejected Republican efforts to use the public health crisis to diminish abortion access.\n\nIn August 2021, Rep. Pressley, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, and Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Diana DeGette and Barbara Lee led more than 70 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion care.\n\nIn January 2023, Rep. Pressley introduced a resolution to condemn all forms of political violence in the U.S., regardless of its target or intent. That same day, she delivered a powerful speech on the House floor slamming Republicans’ harmful, misleading anti-abortion resolution.\n\nIn September 2022, Rep. Pressley hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester for a convening on their work to address the Black maternal health crisis and the criminalization of abortion care in states across the nation following the harmful U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health.\n\nIn May 2019, she led more than 100 colleagues in introducing H.Con.Res.40, a resolution reaffirming the House of Representative’s support for Roe v. Wade.\n\nIn June 2019, Rep. Pressley introduced H.R. 3296, the Affordability is Access Act, to make oral contraception available without a prescription.\n\nIn September 2016, as a member of the Boston City Council, Pressley championed a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to repeal the Hyde Amendment and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://pressley.house.gov/2026/05/14/video-after-memorial-drive-shooting-pressley-slams-trump-admin-for-fueling-gun-violence-weakening-accountability-for-gun-dealers/", "title": "VIDEO: After Memorial Drive Shooting, Pressley Slams Trump Admin for Fueling Gun Violence, Weakening Accountability for Gun Dealers", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pressley.house.gov/news/", "domain": "pressley.house.gov", "scraper": "pressley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000617", "name": "Ayanna Pressley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Transcript: Pressley Slams Trump Admin for Fueling Gun Violence, Weakening Accountability for Gun Dealers\n\nHouse Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement\n\nMay 14, 2026\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Director Cekada, gun violence is a public health crisis, and this administration is failing to meet it with the urgency that it demands.\n\nAcross our country, including in my district, the Massachusetts 7th, families are bearing the devastating consequences of shootings, trafficking, domestic violence, femicide, suicide and community trauma.\n\nJust this past Monday, a gunman armed with an assault rifle opened fire on random drivers and pedestrians traveling along Memorial Drive in Cambridge, terrorizing people in broad daylight. Constituents in my district and communities across this country should not have to live with the constant fear that their daily commute could become a mass casualty event.\n\nNow, while Massachusetts has some of the strongest gun safety laws in the nation, more than two-thirds of guns recovered from crimes in our Commonwealth originate from out of state. At the same time, communities are demanding accountability.\n\nDirector Cekada, your agency has weakened oversight of gun dealers by ending the zero tolerance policy for firearm dealers who violate the law. Mr. Director, yes or no, should gun dealers who willfully sell firearms to prohibited individuals be allowed to continue operating? Yes or No.\n\nDIRECTOR CEKADA: Your statement is a violation of the law, and they should be put out of business if they willfully violate the Gun Control Act.\n\nREP. PRESSLEY: Alright, that’s right. These dealers are breaking the law, and previously would have had their licenses to sell revoked, but your agency repealed that policy.\n\nAccountability should not be a radical concept here. Instead, your agency has chosen to weaken enforcement while simultaneously defending policies that limit access to data that communities need to combat gun violence.\n\nThis is bad public policy. This is bad for public safety. This is bad for public health.\n\nSurvivors of gun violence carry lifelong trauma, especially our children, increasingly so, a childhood is a privilege instead of a right. Young people are growing up internalizing trauma as a normal part of daily life. Active shooter drills, memorials outside of school, parents afraid to allow their children to walk home alone.\n\nNow, all the data supports that exposure to gun violence has profound and lasting impacts on childhood development, mental and physical health and educational attainment. In the full oversight committee, I convened the first ever Congressional hearing on childhood trauma. It was illuminating and devastating.\n\nChildren who witnessed gun violence are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and PTSD well into adulthood. These children and their families are the people you should be centering in your work, Director Sakata.\n\nI believe the people closest to the pain should be the closest to the power. But let’s look at who you are instead holding close to the power. Not the traumatized children, not the grieving mothers, not the classroom educators who everyday wonder, “Is today the day that I will have to shield my student from a shooter.”\n\nInstead, this is a picture from your signing ceremony announcing over 30 changes to end gun safety protections, and standing directly behind you are the leaders of the gun lobby, the NRA, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Association for Gun Rights, and others who have spent decades obstructing commonsense gun safety measures.\n\nThe gun lobby is controlling the regulators while our communities are paying the price, burying loved ones and raising children in fear.\n\nThe shame and the sham of it all.\n\nI yield back.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/5/raskin-garcia-and-morelle-unveil-landmark-legislation-to-curb-trump-administration-s-historic-abuses-of-power-profiteering-from-public-office", "title": "Raskin, Garcia and Morelle Unveil Landmark Legislation to Curb Trump Administration’s Historic Abuses of Power, Profiteering from Public Office", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Joseph Morelle (NY-25) introduced legislation to strengthen the legal infrastructure of our democracy against presidents or other officials who abuse their power for personal gain. The Protecting Our Democracy Act (PODA)would oppose executive corruption, promote transparency and accountability, and reassert the principle that no president is above the law.\n\nSenator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\n“President Trump and his cabinet are committing daily shocking violations of the Constitution, putting billions of dollars in personal profit, rampant political corruption and the designs of billionaire oligarchs before the basic needs of the American people,”said Rep. Raskin.“I’m introducing the Protecting Our Democracy Actwith Representatives Garcia and Morelle to reassert the rule of law, revive congressional power and get our democracy back on the growth track.”\n\n“The blatant corruption we've seen from Donald Trump and the Trump Administration is exactly what this bill is going to crack down on,\"said Rep. Garcia. “This bill will close glaring loopholes and makes it clear that no president can run a pay-to-play scheme from the Oval Office. No one should be able to buy a pardon, a cabinet seat, or favor from the President of the United States, and this bill will make sure it can't happen.”\n\n“Corruption in government doesn’t start all at once—it grows when leaders believe the rules don’t apply to them,”said Rep. Morelle. “I’m proud to join Ranking Member Raskin and Ranking Member Garcia in introducing theProtecting Our Democracy Act to restore accountability, strengthen oversight, and ensure no president is above the law. At a moment when Donald Trump and his allies continue to test the limits of our democracy for their own political gain, Democrats are fighting to protect the checks and balances that safeguard the American people.”\n\n“Since returning to office, Donald Trump has accelerated the process of tearing down our system of checks and balances and weakening our democracy,”said Senator Schiff. “His presidency at its core has been about consolidating power and eroding the rule of law, to enrich himself, his family and friends. When his tenure in the Oval Office comes to an end, we must reinforce the separation of powers and ensure that no President can again bring us so close to one-man rule. I am proud to have led this legislation as both a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and now in the Senate, and I’m glad to have Congressman Jamie Raskin—a champion of democracy—join me in this effort.”\n\n“Trump’s pay-to-play presidency putting his personal self-enrichment ahead of lowering costs for everyday Americans demands accountability and reform,”said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President, Public Citizen. “The President’s norm-breaking and illegal actions have shown us all that he believes he is unfettered by and above the law. Americans deserve a government bound by law, not enemies lists, as well as constitutional protections that secure justice beyond the reach of any single administration. TheProtecting our Democracy Act—which has been put forth during both Republican and Democratic administrations alike— would reign in an out-of-control executive and begin to rebuild the shattered public trust our democracy requires to function.”\n\n“For too long, Congress has given away too much power to the executive branch and the American people have suffered as a result. We’re currently seeing unprecedented abuses of presidential authority as the Trump Administration uses the vast powers of government to enrich themselves and attack their perceived opponents,”said Justin Vail, Counsel and Head of the Washington Office at Protect Democracy. “The Protecting Our Democracy Act is an important step towards reining in executive overreach and ensuring that government serves the people, regardless of who the president is.”\n\n\"We now all know how fragile our democracy really is,\"said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). \"President Trump's return to the Oval Office has been marked by unchecked abuses of presidential power and the destruction of the institutions meant to protect American values and security. From the weaponization of the Department of Justice to the destruction of the civil service and manipulation of government functions to line the pocketbooks of this administration's allies, the need for democracy reform has never been greater. That is why CREW is proud to enthusiastically endorse the re-introduction of the Protecting our Democracy Act (PODA). PODA isn't only about the abuses of Donald Trump—it is about ensuring no president, including the current one, can destroy our democracy on a whim. CREW urges Congress to swiftly pass this legislation as a necessary first step to repairing our democracy.\"\n\n“Now more than ever it is critical to strengthen democratic guardrails and institutions,”said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Acting Vice-President of Policy and Government Affairs at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO).“Corruption and abuse of power are running rampant right now. Gaps and weaknesses in the law are part of the reason for that. The strong, commonsense reforms contained in the Protecting Our Democracy Act are precisely what this country needs at this essential moment in our history. Rep. Raskin and his colleagues should be commended for introducing this vital legislation and congressional leadership should move swiftly to pass it and send it to the president’s desk.”\n\nThe Protecting our Democracy Actwill:", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://ross.house.gov/2026/5/during-national-police-week-congresswomen-ross-foushee-sykes-introduce-bill-to-increase-opportunities-for-women-in-law-enforcemen", "title": "During National Police Week, Congresswomen Ross, Foushee, Sykes Introduce Bill To Increase Opportunities for Women in Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "ross.house.gov", "scraper": "ross", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000305", "name": "Deborah K. Ross", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services (COPS) Act of 2026, which would incentivize more women to join law enforcement by revising biased hiring practices and establishing standards for the retention and promotion of female officers.\n\nAbout 12% of the nation’s police officers are women, a number that has not changed in more than two decades. Women are often hindered by outdated hiring processes that focus too heavily on physical strength and force. Additionally, research shows that hiring more women can have a positive effect on overall police performance, especially in cases of domestic and sexual violence.\n\n“When more women serve in law enforcement, we see better outcomes for our communities,” said Congresswoman Ross. “We need more law enforcement officers across North Carolina, and we especially need to recruit and retain more female officers. While North Carolina is leading the way with a high number of women police chiefs, police departments cannot do it on their own. Congress must ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources to succeed, and that includes ensuring women can have successful and effective careers in law enforcement.”\n\n“Women are underrepresented in law enforcement, and the Supporting Women COPS Act will help address barriers that too often prevent women from entering and advancing in policing,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “By examining outdated hiring practices and supporting fair, modern standards, this bill will help law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve. As a former administrator for the Chapel Hill Police Department, I am proud to join Congresswomen Ross and Sykes in this effort to expand opportunities for women in law enforcement and make lasting systemic change.”\n\n“Women belong at every level of law enforcement leadership, and we need recruitment and retention standards that reflect the realities officers face on and off the job,” said Rep. Sykes. “The Supporting Women COPS Act takes an important step toward building a stronger, more inclusive public safety workforce by helping departments recruit talented women, support them throughout their careers, and create pathways to leadership. When law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve, our communities are stronger and safer.”\n\nThe Supporting Women COPS Act of 2026 would:\n\n• Establish a task force on women in law enforcement, comprised of various stakeholders\n\n• Require this task force to release a report with recommendations on hiring standards for law enforcement officers that do not disadvantage applicants based on sex, for female officer retention, and for female advancement to leadership roles in law enforcement. This report will be delivered within 18 months of enactment.\n\n• Incentivize states to adopt these recommendations by offering them an increase in their normal Byrne JAG totals by 5% per year.\n\n• Authorize such sums as necessary to pay for these incentives.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-sara-jacobs-introduces-war-powers-resolution-to-end-war-in-iran-bring-her-constituents-home", "title": "Rep. Sara Jacobs Introduces War Powers Resolution to End War in Iran; Bring Her Constituents Home", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "sarajacobs.house.gov", "scraper": "sarajacobs", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000305", "name": "Sara Jacobs", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), who represents San Diego, the country’s biggest military community, introduced a war powers resolution today to end President Donald Trump’s war in Iran and bring her constituents home safely. Thousands of San Diego-based sailors and Marines have deployed to the region, and thousands more have received 48-hour deployment notices.\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs said: “Every day this unnecessary, reckless war continues is another day that my constituents who are deployed to Iran are in harm’s way and at risk of losing their lives. Our service members deserve better than to be treated as expendable – and so do the American people who are being forced to pay over $1 billion per day for this military adventurism. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this war powers resolution to help end this war in Iran and bring my constituents safely home. My colleagues who are blindly supporting this war may not have to answer to our troops, but I do, and I will do everything in my power to protect them.”\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs joins the efforts of Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) members, including Reps. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), and Becca Balint (VT-AL), who are working in coordination to force votes on ending the war in Iran. War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives, meaning that this resolution will get a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks.\n\nRep. Sara Jacobs has been a leading voice in Congress, pushing for a permanent end to the war in Iran and Lebanon. She has voted in support of both bipartisan war powers resolutions, led over half of the House Democratic Caucus in demanding oversight of instances of civilian harm, and vowed to oppose the Pentagon’s imminent supplemental package.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401976", "title": "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for CWI’s River District Project", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $2,165,000 in funding for the College of Western Idaho River District Project in Boise, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“The College of Western Idaho’s new academic center is an investment in the future of career technical education, cybersecurity, business, and much more,” said Rep. Simpson. “As the new center is set to open next year, this funding will help the college purchase the resources necessary to be ready for classes that fall. I’m proud to support this project because it benefits Idaho students, education, and the workforce.”\n\n“We appreciate Congressman Simpson's support for this important project, which will strengthen CWI's ability to serve more students at our Micron Academic Center in Boise,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “This investment will expand access to Cybersecurity and Computer Science, Business, and other general education programs, helping more students build skills that lead directly to in-demand careers and support Idaho's workforce needs.”\n\nThis funding will help the College of Western Idaho purchase equipment at the new facility and provide students with modern labs, specialized institutional spaces, and advanced network infrastructure to support hands-on training, applied research, and industry-aligned learning environments.\n\nAs Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.\n\nThe College of Western Idaho River District Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401978", "title": "Rep. Simpson Supports Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—This National Police Week, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of several critical pieces of pro-law-enforcement legislation that highlight support for America’s brave men and women in blue.\n\n“Supporting our brave law enforcement has always been one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Simpson. “In times of emergencies, the men and women in blue respond. It is vital that they have the resources necessary to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. My House Republican colleagues and I are committed to ensuring this support. I will always stand behind our law enforcement and support efforts to defend these brave individuals, not defund.”\n\nThe National Police Week of 2026 legislation includes:", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-votes-yes-on-war-powers-resolution-for-fourth-time-to-reassert-congressional-authority-as-iran-conflict-continues", "title": "Rep. Sykes Votes Yes on War Powers Resolution for Fourth Time to Reassert Congressional Authority as Iran Conflict Continues", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the fourth time, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in favor of a war powers resolution directing the withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran.\n\nNearly two weeks ago, President Trump surpassed the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act after initiating an unnecessary war with Iran without authorization from Congress. This raises urgent constitutional and accountability concerns. Legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle pointed to the milestone as a key threshold requiring congressional action or an end to unauthorized military operations.\n\nRep. Sykes said Congress cannot allow any president to ignore the law and continue an open-ended war without the consent of the American people through their elected representatives. Congress must act to reassert its constitutional authority over war powers and ensure that the United States is not drawn further into an open-ended conflict.\n\n“The American people deserve transparency about how and when this war will end,” said Rep. Sykes. “I cannot support extending an open-ended conflict in the Middle East when there is no clear exit strategy. Fourteen American servicemembers have already lost their lives, hundreds more have been injured, and families here at home are facing rising costs every day. Congress should be focused on lowering costs and keeping Americans safe, not writing a blank check for another endless conflict.”\n\nRep. Sykes will continue pushing for accountability, supporting servicemembers and their families, and making sure Congress does its job on matters of war and peace.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-sykes-fong-introduce-surface-transportation-research-development-act", "title": "Reps. Sykes, Fong Introduce Surface Transportation Research Development Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Emilia Sykes (D-OH) and Vince Fong (R-CA) introduced H.R. 8748, the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026.\n\nThe Surface Transportation Research and Development Act would extend and improve critical Department of Transportation (DOT) programs in research, technology, and data through FY2031. It aims to strengthen how transportation data and statistics are collected and coordinated, invest in university partnerships and open research, and focus new attention on emerging technologies and infrastructure resilience.\n\n“I’m proud to lead this important legislation to reauthorize critical transportation research programs that help increase safety, reduce congestion, and bolster resilient building practices. Investing in coordinated research at the Department of Transportation will help us get where we need to go safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Sykes. “As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Vice Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am committed to strengthening the research and data used to implement vital transit policies, including safety standards for hazardous materials on freight rail, like those included in my bipartisan bill, the RAIL Act. I look forward to seeing the inclusion of this important legislation in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization.”\n\n“America’s transportation systems must keep pace with the demands of a growing economy and rapidly evolving technology,” said Rep. Fong. “This bill invests in the research, innovation, and advanced technologies needed to modernize our infrastructure, improve safety, and strengthen performance across our transportation network. By embracing innovation and upgrading critical systems, we are helping ensure America remains a global leader in transportation and infrastructure.”\n\nKey Provisions:", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-sykes-ross-foushee-introduce-supporting-women-cops-act-during-national-police-week", "title": "Reps. Sykes, Ross, Foushee Introduce Supporting Women COPS Act during National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – During National Police Week, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) introduced the Supporting Women with Career Opportunities in Policing Services (COPS) Act, legislation to establish a federal task force focused on improving recruitment, retention, and advancement opportunities for women in law enforcement.\n\nThe legislation would create a Task Force on Women in Law Enforcement to develop recommendations for equitable national hiring standards, address barriers to retention, including childcare and postpartum physical fitness standards, and expand leadership opportunities for women officers nationwide.\n\n“Women belong at every level of law enforcement leadership, and we need recruitment and retention standards that reflect the realities officers face on and off the job,” said Rep. Sykes. “The Supporting Women COPS Act takes an important step toward building a stronger, more inclusive public safety workforce by helping departments recruit talented women, support them throughout their careers, and create pathways to leadership. When law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve, our communities are stronger and safer.”\n\n“When more women serve in law enforcement, we see better outcomes for our communities,” said Rep. Ross. “We need more law enforcement officers across North Carolina, and we especially need to recruit and retain more female officers. While North Carolina is leading the way with a high number of women police chiefs, police departments cannot do it on their own. Congress must ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources to succeed, and that includes ensuring women can have successful and effective careers in law enforcement.”\n\n“Women are underrepresented in law enforcement, and the Supporting Women COPS Act will help address barriers that too often prevent women from entering and advancing in policing,” said Rep. Foushee. “By examining outdated hiring practices and supporting fair, modern standards, this bill will help law enforcement agencies better reflect the communities they serve. As a former administrator for the Chapel Hill Police Department, I am proud to join Congresswomen Ross and Sykes in this effort to expand opportunities for women in law enforcement and make lasting systemic change.”\n\nRep. Sykes has consistently worked across party lines to strengthen public safety, support law enforcement officers, and improve community trust. Last month, Rep. Sykes introduced the Critical Operation Oversight of Law Enforcement Intervention and Training (COOL IT) Act to strengthen immigration officer training, improve officer safety, and promote accountability. She also reintroduced the bipartisan Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-escalation Act, legislation to expand access to immersive de-escalation and crisis intervention training for officers, and partnered on the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act to help communities hire officers, improve equipment, and strengthen public safety resources.\n\nIn addition, Rep. Sykes introduced the Crime Survivor Support and Stability Act to strengthen support services and financial assistance for survivors of violent crime. Rep. Sykes is also a cosponsor of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025, which would expand eligibility for death, disability, and education benefits under the Public Safety Officer’s Benefit (PSOB) program for officers and their families when an officer dies or becomes permanently disabled due to cancer covered under the bill.\n\nRep. Sykes secured more than $12 million in Community Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2026 projects across Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, including investments in public safety infrastructure and victim services. This includes more than $1 million for technology and security upgrades at the City of Barberton Justice Center to support police operations and public safety. Rep. Sykes also submitted a FY27 Community Project Funding request for $5.5 million for the Stark County Family Justice Center, which would provide coordinated services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and abuse.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-introduces-resolution-recognizing-78-years-of-ongoing-palestinian-nakba", "title": "Tlaib Introduces Resolution Recognizing 78 Years of Ongoing Palestinian Nakba", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tlaib.house.gov/press", "domain": "tlaib.house.gov", "scraper": "tlaib", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000481", "name": "Rashida Tlaib", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) re-introduced the resolution Recognizing the Ongoing Nakba and Palestinian Refugees’ Rights.\n\nMay 15, 2026, marks the 78th anniversary of the Nakba. The Nakba, which means “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the mass expulsion and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their homes and homeland during the creation of the state of Israel (1947-49). The Nakba did not end in 1948, but continues to this day as Israeli forces continue to commit genocide in Gaza and dispossess Palestinians across all of Palestine.\n\n“The Nakba never ended. Today, the Israeli apartheid regime is committing genocide in Gaza, violently erasing entire communities across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, and bombing Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. It is a campaign to erase Palestinians from existence,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “War criminal Netanyahu and his cabinet have repeatedly threatened to ethnically cleanse the entire Palestinian population in Gaza, annex the land, and permanently occupy it. Today, they are extending these same threats towards southern Lebanon. As we mark the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, we honor all of those killed since the ethnic cleansing of Palestine began and all those who have been forced from their homes and violently displaced from their land. This immense trauma, including the loss of their loved ones and connections to the communities they grew up in, needs to be repaired. True peace must be built on justice and the inalienable right of return for Palestinian refugees.”\n\nThe Israeli government also continues the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians through illegal settlements and segregated communities in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the destruction of Palestinian homes and seizure of agricultural land, the revocation of residency rights, and the denial of the internationally recognized legal right of return of millions of Palestinian refugees. The United States is an accomplice in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, providing endless funding and weapons.\n\nCongresswoman Tlaib’s resolution commemorates the 78th anniversary of the Nakba and promotes better education and understanding of this well-documented history. The resolution also calls on Congress to reinstate support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides live-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees.\n\n“Thank you to Congresswoman Tlaib for her unwavering commitment to the fight for Palestinian liberation, and for representing the voices of Palestinian Americans so well through the introduction of this resolution,” said IMEU Policy Project Executive Director Margaret DeReus. “The Nakba is not just a historical event, but an ongoing horror for Palestinians—and the U.S. has been complicit for decades. This May marks 78 years of Israel’s continuous efforts to erase Palestinians from their homeland. It is the height of cruelty that while so many Americans struggle to pay for a home here in the U.S., our government sends billions to enable Israel to forcibly remove Palestinians from their homes instead.”\n\nThis legislation is cosponsored by Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Al Green (TX-09), Henry “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by IMEU Policy Project, 99 Coalition, Action Corps, Adalah Justice Project, Afghans For A Better Tomorrow, American Friends Service Committee, American Muslims for Palestine, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action), Arab America, Arab American Association of New York, Arab American Civic Council, Arab American Heritage Council, Arab American Institute (AAI), Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Studies Program at San Francisco State University, Arab Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party, Arab Resource & Organizing Center Action (AROC Action), Arlington for Palestine, Beyt Tikkun Synagogue, CAIR Action, CAIR-Washington, Center for Constitutional Rights, Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, CODEPINK, Community Alliance for Peace and Justice, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), DAWN, Democratic Socialists of America, Detroit & Michigan Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, Detroit Anti-War Committee, Disability Justice for Palestine, Doctors Against Genocide, DSA International Committee, Emgage MI, Engineers Against Apartheid, Forensic Architecture, FOSNA-Michigan, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), Gen-Z for Change, Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Good Trouble Monroe, Hindus for Human Rights Action, Historians for Peace and Democracy, IfNotNow Movement, Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, Indivisible Hill Country, Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ), Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Justice Is Global, Justice4Palestine – Actions Enablement Network (J4P), MADRE, Maine Coalition for Palestine, Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego, MARUF CT (Muslim Advocacy for Rights, Unity and Fairness), Methodist Federation for Social Action, Michigan Coalition Against Genocide, Michigan Democratic Party Progressive Caucus, Middle East Peace Coalition, Migrant Roots Media, Minnesota Peace Project, MPower Change Action Fund, Musicians Against Genocide, Muslim Civic Coalition, Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas, Muslims for Just Futures, National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, New Mexico Alliance for Justice in Palestine, NH Peace Action, Nonviolence International, North Carolina Peace Action, Orange County for Justice in Palestine, Our Revolution, Palestine House of Freedom, Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore, Pax Christi New York State, Pax Christi USA, Peace Action Montgomery, People for Justice in Palestine, Pittsburgh Palestine Solidarity Committee, Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico, Progressive Jews of St. Louis (ProJoSTL), Queer Folk Inc., Rabbis for Ceasefire, Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice, Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice, Ramallah Club of Metro Detroit, ReThinking Foreign Policy, River Valley for Palestine, RootsAction, Southern New Hampshire DSA, Speak Up for Palestine, Stand Up Fight Back Southeastern Michigan, SWIM – State Wide Indivisible Michigan, Sunrise Movement, Sunrise Movement Tucson, Syrian Community Network, Teaching Palestine: Pedagogical Praxis and the Indivisibility of Justice, The American Council for Judaism, The Justice Coalition Action, The People’s Coalition, U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), United Church of Christ, United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), University Democrats, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, US Palestinian Council, UU Justice For The Middle East Dallas Chapter, Veterans For Peace Chapter 74 Metro Detroit, Washington for Peace and Justice, Western Michigan University’s Students for Justice in Palestine, and World BEYOND War.\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4598", "title": "Tonko, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Behavioral Health Care for Rare Disease Community", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "tonko.house.gov", "scraper": "tonko", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000469", "name": "Paul Tonko", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Don Bacon (NE-2) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution recognizing the significant and often overlooked behavioral health needs experienced by individuals and their families affected by rare diseases.\n\nAn estimated 1 in 10 Americans are affected by a rare disease, over half of those affected being children, yet 95 percent of rare diseases do not have any FDA-approved treatments. On top of that, access to behavioral health care for rare disease patients and caregivers remains limited due to the shortages of trained clinicians, geographic barriers, low reimbursement rates, and fragmented mental health care.\n\n“Patients, caregivers, and families have often spoken to me about the huge mental toll of living with a rare disease, from delayed diagnoses, to limited treatment options, to the emotional and financial strain of navigating fragmented healthcare systems,” Congressman Tonko said. “For these millions fighting for hope, behavioral health support is not ancillary, but a requirement that cannot be ignored. I’m proud to join Representative Bacon to bring attention to this issue and will push for Congress to address the too often unmet behavioral health needs of our rare disease community.”\n\n“The mental health crisis affecting our communities is one of the most serious challenges of our time, and we cannot overlook the rare disease community,” said Rep. Bacon. “Patients, caregivers, and families often face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and years of uncertainty. I’m pleased to join Rep. Tonko in introducing this bipartisan resolution to recognize these challenges and support better access to mental health care.”\n\nAs Co-Chair of the bipartisan Addiction Treatment and Recovery (ATR) Caucus, Rep. Tonko has long worked on issues surrounding mental health parity and access to quality and affordable mental health care. Further, he authored the Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments (HEART) Act, legislation that became law in 2022 and that strengthens the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review process for drugs that treat rare and ultra-rare diseases by directly involving scientists and doctors with expertise throughout the review process.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the Caregiver Action Network, the American Psychological Association, and Give an Hour.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/14/vindman-leads-u-s-house-effort-to-ban-members-of-congress-from-using-prediction-markets/", "title": "Vindman Leads U.S. House Effort to Ban Members of Congress from Using Prediction Markets", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Vindman: “Just like we should be banned from trading stocks, Members of Congress should be banned from prediction markets. The American people have zero trust in Congress, and we need to pass common sense measures like this to restore honesty and integrity to the people’s House.”\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced common sense legislation to prohibit Members of Congress and their immediate family members from participating in prediction markets.\n\n“Just like we should be banned from trading stocks, Members of Congress should be banned from prediction markets. The American people have zero trust in Congress, and we need to pass common sense measures like this to restore honesty and integrity to the people’s House,” said Vindman. “We receive sensitive briefings, meet with senior leaders, and know what legislation is coming before anyone else. Allowing lawmakers or their families to use prediction markets, just like allowing them to trade stocks, undermines public trust, endangers America’s national security, and enables the kind of shady behavior the American people have grown sick of. As an ethics lawyer, I believe public service should never be used as an opportunity to profit from insider access, and we need to ban this now.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman has also raised concerns about prediction markets tied to national security matters, warning that markets fueled by insider information could create risks for military operations and American service members.\n\nIn April, Vindman led 15 colleagues in a bipartisan letter to Secretary Pete Hegseth urging the Department of Defense to issue a general order prohibiting military personnel from using prediction markets to bet on national security-related events. The request followed the U.S. Department of Justice charging an active-duty Special Operations soldier with using classified information tied to the raid that captured Nicolás Maduro to place bets on Polymarket.\n\nEarlier that month, he sent a letter to Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan demanding the immediate preservation and disclosure of all records tied to bets on U.S. military actions, following reports that traders have profited from wagers linked to sensitive operations.\n\nVindman is a cosponsor of the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026 (H.R. 7004). This bill would ban Members of Congress, their immediate families, staff, and the executive branch from using prediction markets.\n\nVindman is also a cosponsor of the TRUST in Congress Act (H.R. 396) which would require Members of Congress and their immediate family to place investments into a blind trust until 6 months after leaving their role in Congress.\n\nVindman also has a long track record of supporting legislation that takes on corruption and demands we hold public servants to the highest ethical standard.\n\nHe introduced the Accountability Doesn’t Expire Act (H.R. 4210), which would extend oversight and enforcement windows tied to pandemic-era fraud investigations, including misuse of federal relief funds.\n\nHe helped introduce the BEACON Act (H.R. 4557) which would create an independent Inspector General for the Executive Office of the President to investigate waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct inside the White House.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=556", "title": "Statement from Walkinshaw After House Judiciary Republicans Shield the Trump Administration & ICE From Accountability for Their Failure to Keep Americans Safe", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“My heart goes out to the Minter family and all those who have lost loved ones to violence. The pain of losing a child is unfathomable, and I hope their faith, family, and community can bring some measure of comfort.\n\nFairfax County has been the safest large jurisdiction in America because we invest in law enforcement, invest in services, and have built strong partnerships with every community, including immigrant communities. Fairfax County’s already low crime rates fell dramatically in 2025, with homicides down 7%, shootings down 37%, and sex offenses down 11%.\n\nAnyone who is involved in violence and is not in the country lawfully should be prosecuted and deported. Sheriff Kincaid has made clear that when individuals are detained at the Fairfax Adult Detention Center, ICE is treated like any other law enforcement agency and has the lawful opportunity to take custody. In the case of Abdul Jalloh, ICE had many opportunities to detain him — both before and after they released him onto the streets in 2018. Governor Youngkin’s Department of Corrections released him again in 2022.\n\nOnce again, the Trump Administration, Congressional Republicans, and ICE are deflecting from their own failures. Their mass deportation agenda has diverted resources away from detaining “the worst of the worst” and toward children, families, and law-abiding immigrants. They’re letting the small number of Abdul Jallohs go free so they can detain 4 year olds like Liam Ramos. It’s shameful.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3498", "title": "Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, Wilson Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick(PA-1), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2) re-introduced the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA), a critical piece of legislation which will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs of cancer survivors and their families.\n\nThis legislation is named for Lainie Jones, who faced adrenal carcinoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and recently passed away due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at 18 months old, after her third diagnosis in her twenties, Jones found out she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome—a rare genetic condition that predisposes her to multiple cancers. She spent 13 years as an online advocate, encouraging followers to do self-checks and stay up to date with doctor visits.\n\n“As a cancer survivor, confronting it head-on, with an all-hands-on-deck approach, is my personal and professional mission. With the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, I am proud to introduce far-reaching legislation that better enables cancer survivors to choose their own path, provides them agency and autonomy over their personal health experiences and decisions, and addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care,” said Wasserman Schultz, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. “From the point of diagnosis, through active treatment and transitions to primary care, until the end of life, this legislation sets the standards of care that all survivors need and deserve. This bill confronts care planning, transition, navigation, workforce, education, and awareness, and empowers survivors with the best possible resources and care to overcome this terrible disease. No survivor or family should be left in the wilderness to navigate this disease or its aftermath.”\n\n“Cancer survivorship is not an afterthought—it is part of the fight. A diagnosis changes a life in an instant, but for survivors and their families, the challenges often continue long after treatment ends. Our health care system must meet that reality with the same seriousness, coordination, and compassion we bring to fighting the disease itself. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act strengthens the continuum of care—from survivorship planning and care navigation to workforce support, education, and long-term follow-up—so survivors are not left to navigate life after cancer alone,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus.\n\n“I know from firsthand experience as a cancer survivor the importance of quality care not just to beat cancer, but also to thrive in the years following a diagnosis. I am proud to join Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and my colleagues in leading this effort to set new standards of care that address the unique needs of cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare to ultimately improve their quality of life,” said DeSaulnier\n\n\"I am grateful to support all those recovering from breast cancer by joining my colleagues in leading the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act. Comprehensive postoperative care is critical to supporting patients. I am particularly appreciative of the medical professionals in South Carolina who worked with my daughter-in-law Jennifer Wilson to persevere against aggressive breast cancer. Jennifer's example to the women of South Carolina and elsewhere remains an inspiration,” said Wilson.\n\n\"The data is unambiguous: only one in three survivors receive a survivorship care plan, and that number is falling. At the same time, half of all survivors are experiencing financial hardship tied to their diagnosis,” said Shelley Fuld Nasso, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Nation. “These are not statistics — they are the daily reality of 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act answers that reality with real solutions, from coverage of care planning and coordination to employment assistance to a payment model that rewards quality survivorship care. Cancer Nation has spent 40 years fighting for survivors' right to not just survive but thrive. This bill makes that possible, and we are proud to stand with Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Wilson, and DeSaulnier in demanding it.\"\n\n“Following active treatment, cancer patients are faced with a transition to survivorship care that can be disjointed and difficult to navigate. There are nearly 19 million cancer survivors across the US. These individuals often face higher healthcare costs for the rest of their lives,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivor Act creates pathways to address the financial challenges of cancer survivorship and maintain patients’ access to the health services needed to address the long-term effects of cancer, giving them the best chance of remaining cancer-free. We offer our enthusiastic support for this bill and urge Congress to pass it.”\n\n“More than 521,000 childhood cancer survivors face a lifetime of health challenges due to their treatment. Many transition into primary care without a survivorship care plan and are unprepared for the significant health issues they may face, including hearing loss, infertility, and cardiac late effects,” said Steve Woshala, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Cancer Cause. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act helps address the specialized needs of this population through provisions such as Medicaid coverage to ease transitions of care.”\n\n“Over the last 20 years, we have made tremendous strides in the treatment of lymphoma and many other blood cancers, as well as understanding the unique needs of cancer survivors,” said Meghan Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. \"The Lymphoma Research Foundation commends Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, and Wilson for reintroducing the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act and recognizing that surviving cancer brings with it a set of physical, psychological, and financial needs that require ongoing attention and support. The Foundation is committed to the continued support of people with lymphoma and their care partners, to ensure that they not only survive but thrive in the face of a diagnosis.”\n\nThis legislation addresses:\n\nCare Planning and Transition: Provides coverage to address the transition to primary care to help survivors develop personalized treatment care plans, standardizes processes, and consolidates treatments to guide survivorship monitoring and follow-up care;\n\nAlternative Payment Model: Studies existing reimbursement landscape to develop an alternative payment model to ensure a coordinated approach to survivorship care across an episode of care, including the creation of comprehensive navigation services;\n\nQuality of Care: Establishes grants to promote utilization of navigation, employment of risk-stratification, transition to primary care, utilization of care plans, potential use of at-home care, and better use of information technology for patient experience data;\n\nEmployment: Establishes employment assistance grants to help survivors, their families, and caregivers when faced with a range of workforce challenges; and\n\nEducation, Awareness: Creates resources for survivors and health professionals to promote early detection, preventive care and help providers provide high-quality services.\n\nIt also addresses innovation and technology use, long-term studies on cancer survivorship progress in the U.S., access to fertility and preservation services, and provisions concerning childhood and adolescent cancer.\n\nOver 50 organizations have endorsed the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act:\n\nAcademy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+), Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Coalition, Alliance for Fertility Preservation, American Association for Cancer Research, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of American Cancer Institutes, Blood Cancer United, The Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Cactus Cancer Society, Cancer Awareness Network for Children, Inc., CancerCare, Cancer Nation, Cancer Support Community, Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Professionals Network (CSPN), Cervivor, Chemo Divas Foundation, Children's Cancer Cause, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer, Inc., Digestive Disease National Coalition, Emily Whitehead Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Head for the Cure, Hodgkin's International, I'm Not Done Yet Foundation, International Myeloma Foundation, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, LUNGevity Foundation, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, Man Up to Cancer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, The National Pancreas Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Nicole Cares Foundation, Nueva Vida, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Patient Empowerment Network, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Project Life, RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association, Sharsheret, Sisters Network Inc., Stupid Cancer, Inc., Susan G. Komen, Teen Cancer America, Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, Unite for HER, Worth the Wait, Young Survival Coalition, and ZERO Prostate Cancer.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/alsobrooks-votes-yes-on-clarity-act-in-banking-committee/", "title": "Alsobrooks Votes Yes on CLARITY Act in Banking Committee", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.alsobrooks.senate.gov", "scraper": "alsobrooks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000382", "name": "Angela D. Alsobrooks", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "May 14, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) released the following statement after voting to move the CLARITY Act out of the Banking Committee and onto the Senate Floor. The vote was reported favorably by a vote of 15-9.\n\n“The digital revolution is upon us, and it has presented a clear opportunity to support small businesses, generate wealth, spur innovation, and support younger Americans who want to be part of this revolution. And this digital revolution is happening with us or without us—we have a responsibility to regulate it to create rules of the road.\n\n“That is why I’ve been at the table. I’ve been in negotiations for over nine months, working toward regulating digital assets in a way that protects consumers and reduces the risks of deposit flight and deceptive marketing. I have negotiated in good faith with colleagues on both sides of the aisle willing to meet this critical moment. I’ve worked to make this bill better.\n\n“Let me be very clear: my vote today is a vote to keep working in good faith. It does not mean I will be voting for the passage of the CLARITY Act on the floor. We still have work to do.\n\n“We need to find a workable way to address law enforcement’s concerns about financial crimes. I am a former prosecutor and know how important that is. We also need to include an agreement on ethics—that would apply not just to the President and Vice President but to all of us. The American people—especially my constituents—expect that from us.\n\n“I will keep working with my colleagues to get this done. Americans—from every background and every community—deserve to benefit financially from this digital revolution and be protected from the risks that come with it. If we don’t act, we will be left behind. I won’t let that happen.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-calls-for-strong-ai-oversight-to-address-emerging-national-security-risks/", "title": "Senator Banks Calls for Strong AI Oversight to Address Emerging National Security Risks", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to senior Trump Administration officials urging a focused and strategic approach to potential national security risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems and intensifying AI competition with China.\n\nSee the full letter here or read below:\n\nDear Secretary Bessent, Director Cairncross, Director Kratsios, Secretary Lutnick, and Secretary Rubio:\n\nI am writing to commend you for your efforts in managing the novel security threats posed by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, including new considerations raised by Mythos.\n\nThe Trump Administration has been clear about the need for the United States to lead the world in understanding and evaluating the national security implications of advanced AI systems. That need has only become more urgent in light of Mythos, an AI system with advanced cyber capabilities. This is an important moment for the country: Mythos underscores that AI will have profound implications for cybersecurity and national security.\n\nAs President Trump and administration officials engage with counterparts from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) this week, it is wholly appropriate for AI to be on the agenda. While some have naively argued the U.S. should pursue an AI “grand bargain” or arms control analogue with China, I encourage the administration to consider a less ambitious, narrower range of AI issues to engage with the Chinese.\n\nImportantly, Mythos is only one example of a much broader challenge. While cyber capabilities are the focus today, the conversation must extend well beyond cyber. AI is improving rapidly. Advanced AI systems are expected to develop increasingly consequential capabilities across military, intelligence, biosecurity, and other national security domains. As you know, this is why it is imperative that the United States maintain and extend its lead over the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in advanced AI development.\n\nDuring the Cold War, atomic weapons introduced a paradigm shift in the geopolitical world order. AI has the potential to do the same. There may be certain critical thresholds in AI development that are imperative to reach before adversaries. One example—potentially the most meaningful threshold articulated thus far—would be AI systems that outperform humans in making new breakthroughs in AI and developing increasingly more powerful AI systems. AI systems with such research and development capabilities would potentially lead to rapid and self-reinforcing improvements: America must reach this threshold before the PRC.\n\nWe must also recognize that advanced AI presents serious risks. In the wrong hands, AI can be weaponized against the American people. More broadly, there are unresolved questions about whether we currently have the ability to keep powerful AI systems under our control. These questions are especially salient as companies pursue artificial superintelligence—AI models that can do anything a human can do but much, much better. Our major AI companies believe superintelligence could pose significant risks that our current scientific understanding is not yet capable of addressing.\n\nAmerica must embrace the challenging dual mandate of winning the AI race against the PRC while navigating critical security challenges along the way. This is what makes AI policy a particularly difficult domain. Some have called for a laissez faire approach to AI, which neglects to consider the serious and novel threats posed by technology. Others call for extremely heavy-handed approaches that would cede our lead to the PRC. Still others have called for pursuing bilateral AI arms control agreements with the PRC.\n\nSuch calls for bilateral arms control-style agreements ignore the CCP’s long history of deception and non-compliance with its international commitments. They also ignore difficulties in monitoring and compliance compared to nuclear arms control agreements—which our adversaries have frequently violated anyways.\n\nHowever, there may be limited areas where it does make sense to engage in dialogue with Chinese officials. I would recommend a simple test: if it is in America’s national interest to adopt a given AI policy unilaterally due to security concerns, even if we knew the PRC may cheat, then it is worth engaging the Chinese on the possibility of reciprocal action.\n\nI applaud the Administration for deliberating carefully about AI policy and ensuring that we do not fall into either extreme. Mythos provides an excellent opportunity for the Administration to revisit key questions about AI policy, semiconductor policy, the relationship between the government and the private sector, and the broader U.S-China competition.\n\nWith this in mind, I recommend considering the following questions as you continue to focus on AI and national security topics:\n\nInfrastructure and expertise. What infrastructure and expertise are needed to ensure the United States leads in evaluating the national security implications of advanced AI systems? How do we ensure that we have the insight required to assess models not only for cyber capabilities but also in areas like military applications, loss of control to AI systems themselves, automated AI research and development capabilities, and other security domains?\n\nInformation-sharing requirements. Under what circumstances should frontier AI companies be expected or mandated to report national security information to the government? Under what circumstances should they be expected or mandated to provide models, the results of model evaluations, or other critical information? What information might be essential for the government to know even before models are publicly or externally deployed?\n\nIncident reporting. What kinds of incidents should frontier AI companies be expected or mandated to report to the U.S. government immediately upon discovering them? For example, how should companies notify the government if the PRC steals the weights of an advanced AI system, if an AI system attempts to exfiltrate its own model weights, or if models engage in unexpected behavior that poses risks to U.S. national security?\n\nLimitations of voluntary agreements.How robust are voluntary agreements around information-sharing and model access? Suppose a company—for financial or political reasons—decided not to share relevant national security information or model access with the United States governments. What kinds of policies are needed to address these gaps?\n\nPolicies for PRC engagement.What is the universe of AI policies that we would want to pursue unilaterally due to security concerns, that we should engage with the PRC on—even if we knew they would cheat?\n\nSupport from Congress. How can Congress support the Administration as it continues to explore new policy approaches relating to AI and national security?\n\nMythos presents us with an opportunity to think about the future of AI, its national security implications, the stakes of the AI race with the PRC, and the appropriate relationship between the government and the private sector. To support your work, I request a staff-level briefing within 60 days to discuss these topics.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-honors-wyoming-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week-2/", "title": "Barrasso Honors Wyoming Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“We honor the brave officers all across the country who continue to serve, and truly remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor to honor Wyoming law enforcement during National Police Week.\n\nDuring his remarks, Senator Barrasso honored the legacies of Sergeant Nevada Krinkee of the Sheridan Police Department and Marshal Daniel Hansen of the Cokeville Police Department, who were tragically killed in the line of duty.\n\nSenator Barrasso also discussed how the Working Families Tax Cutslaw made a huge investment in local law enforcement and is helping officers fight violent crime.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:\n\n“This week is Police Week. We honor the brave officers all across the country who continue to serve, and truly remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty.\n\n“Yesterday, I met with law enforcement officers from Wyoming here in the Capitol. There was a ranger from the Bureau of Land Management. She is from Buffalo, Wyoming.\n\n“There were also two police officers from Sheridan, Wyoming – Part of the same police department that lost Sergeant Nevada Krinkee nearly two years ago. And they are in Washington, D.C. this week to honor Sergeant Krinkee.\n\n“It was an honor to thank these heroes for keeping our communities safe.\n\n“Every year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial adds names of fallen officers to its memorial wall. It does this for officers who died in the line of duty in the previous year.\n\n“It also adds the names of fallen officers from earlier years who, through extensive research, were recently uncovered. It lists their names on the memorial wall as well.\n\n“This comprehensive roll call of heroes serves as a living memorial to all of the fallen officers in the history of our nation.\n\n“This year, the names of 363 new fallen officers were added. That’s a high number.\n\n“One of the officers is someone who died in the past, but research has disclosed should have been named. And that’s Marshal Daniel Hansen of the Cokeville Police Department in Wyoming. Cokeville is a small town along the western border of our state.\n\n“Marshal Hansen wore the badge over a century ago. In a wild land at the time dotted by small frontier towns, the difference between civilization and lawlessness was a very thin blue line.\n\n“On June 21st of 1912, the wife of a local business owner found a blackmail letter. It was signed by notorious outlaws. The note demanded $1,500, which was a fortune at that time. It also threatened to kill her and her family if police were warned.\n\n“Although any backup was dozens of miles away, Marshal Hansen rode out to investigate. As he did his job, he was shot dead. It is believed that the murder of the Marshal had been targeted.\n\n“More than a century has passed since Marshal Hansen died in the line of duty. Yet, his legacy of service, selflessness, and sacrifice lives on.\n\n“Today, Wyoming officers proudly protect and serve across our state. Officers work double shifts. They answer emergency calls. They stay late into the night. They do all of this to keep their communities safe.\n\n“And I am always going to support the men and women of law enforcement without apology.\n\n“Today, Republicans are putting money back in the pockets of law enforcement.\n\n“Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts law. That new law includes No Taxes on Overtime. For Wyoming officers, No Taxes on Overtime is not extra. It’s essential.\n\n“The average tax deduction from No Taxes on Overtime this year is more than $3,100.\n\n“Republicans are again delivering safer streets. The Working Families Tax Cuts law invests in local law enforcement. It helps officers fight violent crime.\n\n“This year, violent crime is falling across the board. Murders, robberies, rapes, aggravated assaults are all down compared to last year. Clearly, supporting law enforcement makes our communities safer.\n\n“By contrast, Democrats in Congress continue to want to defund the police. Democrats have left Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers unfunded since January.\n\n“Tellingly, the Democrat Leader recently said on this floor that ICE and Border Patrol, he said, are two groups ‘nobody respects.’\n\n“Radical Democrats continue to disrespect, to demonize, and to defund the men and women who keep us safe. Republicans are going to ensure ICE and Border Patrol are fully funded.\n\n“And we are going to continue to stand up for the men and women who keep all of our communities safe.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/barrasso-let-wyoming-do-what-wyoming-does-best/", "title": "Barrasso: Let Wyoming Do What Wyoming Does Best", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/", "domain": "www.barrasso.senate.gov", "scraper": "barrasso", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001261", "name": "John Barrasso", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Let Wyoming power our country. Let Wyoming feed our country. That is what we do. We’ve done it for generations. We will do it for generations to come.”\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about continuing to fight for policies that expand production of Wyoming’s affordable, reliable energy as well as strengthen markets for safe, high-quality Wyoming beef.\n\nSenator Barrasso discussed his opposition to the House-passed, year-round E15 mandate, which would raise gas prices and hurt small Wyoming refineries.\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.\n\nSen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:\n\n“The people of Wyoming ask Washington, D.C. for one simple thing: Let Wyoming do what Wyoming does best. Let Wyoming power our country. Let Wyoming feed our country. That is what we do. We’ve done it for generations.\n\nWe will do it for generations to come.\n\n“The American people want energy that is affordable, available, and reliable. Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. We produce twelve times the energy we consume.\n\n“Congress is currently discussing new mandates – mandates that would force more and more ethanol into our fuels. The House voted on this just last night. I oppose the year-round E15 mandate. That is what is currently under debate. I oppose it because it hurts small oil refineries and all of the people who work at them.\n\n“In Wyoming, we have several small refineries. They employ thousands of people. Refineries receive hardship exemptions from something called the Renewable Fuel Standard mandate. They depend on these exemptions to survive.\n\n“Small refineries already face higher costs under federal renewable fuel rules. Without additional relief, the new mandate will likely raise gas prices all across the country by up to 35 cents a gallon. Small refineries have been ignored so far in the current E15 debate. It’s time for their voices to be heard.\n\n“Affordable, available, reliable American energy never comes from one-size fits-all government mandates. It comes from regulatory certainty. It comes from permitting reform. It comes from people working hard every day like Wyoming energy workers.\n\n“My message is simple: let Wyoming do what Wyoming does best.\n\n“That same principle applies to our ranchers. Americans want U.S. beef on their tables. Wyoming ranchers produce the best beef in the world. Wyoming beef is safe. It is the highest quality. It is also our state’s #1 cash crop.\n\n“Wyoming ranchers care for the land and support our communities. Ranching is part of Wyoming’s rich history and heritage. It is also part of Wyoming’s bright future.\n\n“Our ranchers do not ask for special treatment. They simply want a fair marketplace. They should not have to compete unfairly against foreign beef. It is Washington’s job to ensure there is a fair playing field.\n\n“The Trump administration recently unveiled a voluntary label. It’s called ‘Product of the USA.’ It means Americans can trust what they’re buying.\n\n“Just this week, the administration rolled back the Biden administration’s disastrous public lands rule. In Wyoming, nearly half of our land is owned by the federal government.\n\n“Federal law has long recognized the value of land that has multiple uses – including for grazing. The Biden rule changed multiple use into no use. It was designed to shut down federal grazing across the West. It was an attack on our Wyoming way of life.\n\n“I aggressively fought back against Biden’s punishing regulation here in the Senate. I am glad the Trump administration overturned it. Our ranchers will now be able to expand their operations and produce more high-quality Wyoming beef.\n\n“I will continue to fight for policies that expand American beef production. It needs to be easier – not harder – for Wyoming ranchers to feed America.\n\n“Let Wyoming do what Wyoming does best.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/5/video-blackburn-lays-bare-zuckerberg-s-litany-of-lies-to-the-american-people", "title": "VIDEO: Blackburn Lays Bare Zuckerberg’s ‘Litany of Lies’ to the American People", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/news/cc8c80c1-d564-4bbb-93a4-f1d772346ae0", "domain": "www.blackburn.senate.gov", "scraper": "blackburn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001243", "name": "Marsha Blackburn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "‘Meta's record when it comes to protecting children online is indefensible.’\n\n‘I doubt we have somebody from Meta in the room today who wants to defend Meta on the lies.’\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, led a hearing examining why landmark social media verdicts demand federal action to protect kids online, where she highlighted Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s long record of lies and deceit. Excerpts of Senator Blackburn’s remarks during the hearing are below, and you can watch the full hearing here.\n\nClick here to download Senator Blackburn’s opening statement.\n\nEXCERPTS OF HEARING REMARKS\n\nLandmark Social Media Verdicts Prove Meta’s Record on Protecting Kids Is Indefensible\n\n“For too long, families who sought justice were turned away at the courthouse doors as Big Tech CEOs hid behind the shield of Section 230.”\n\n“The tide is beginning to turn, and these recent verdicts signal a shift.”\n\n“Meta has done everything in its power to keep Mr. Zuckerberg from the witness stand, and after his testimony in this case, we know why.”\n\n“Meta's record when it comes to protecting children online is indefensible.”\n\n“These court cases alone are not enough, because while courts can punish past harms, it is up to Congress to prevent future harm to our children. That's why Congress must pass my Kids Online Safety Act.”\n\nZuckerberg Lied About Link Between Social Media Use and Worse Mental Health Outcomes\n\n“When [Zuckerberg] was before this Committee in 2024, he said, ‘The existing body of scientific work has not shown a cause or a link between using social media and young people having worse mental health outcomes.’”\n\n“The truth on this is that Meta had a document called, ‘Known negative effects of Facebook and/or social media in general, on teens.’ Meta’s document even noted some of those negative effects, including increased sleep disruption, anxiety, body image pressure, and depression.”\n\n“Despite what [Zuckerberg] said under oath, he knew this, and he was aware of what their virtual products were doing to children, but they did it anyway.”\n\n“He thought he was going to go in there, and he was going to win. People called out this litany of lies that Mark Zuckerberg has been telling the American people.”\n\nZuckerberg Lied About Prevalence of Users Under Age 13 on Instagram\n\n“I want to go to another one… Zuckerberg said, ‘We don't allow people under age 13 on our service.’”\n\n“I doubt we have somebody from Meta in the room today who wants to defend Meta on the lies.”\n\n“Compare that with their document that shows they had four million children under the age of 13 on Instagram alone in 2015… That is 30% of all 10- to 12-year-olds in this country in 2015, and we know it is even more than that now.”\n\n“Mr. Zuckerberg's testimony was a blatant lie.”\n\nZuckerberg Lied About Addictive Nature of Meta’s Products\n\n“When [Zuckerberg] was before us for a congressional hearing, and we were talking about addictive products… his comment was, ‘We certainly do not want our products to be addictive. I don't think the company should be optimizing to just encourage people to spend as much time as possible on them.’”\n\n“He knew he was lying.”\n\n“[In 2015], his own email that he sent out on company goals lists, ‘Time spent increases by 12%.’”\n\n“In 2026, they still had goals for teen time spent.”\n\nRELATED", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-for-ig-investigation-into-top-trump-interior-official-for-blatant-violations-of-conflicts-of-interest-law", "title": "Blumenthal Calls for IG Investigation into Top Trump Interior Official for Blatant Violations of Conflicts-of-Interest Law", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), today called for an investigation into U.S. Department of the Interior Associate Deputy Secretary Karen Budd-Falen for obvious conflicts of interests and her failure to fully observe ethical requirements applicable to senior Administration officials. In a letter sent today to Acting Inspector General Dr. Caryl Bryzymialkielher, Blumenthal called for a thorough investigation into Budd-Falen after recent reporting from\n\n“All federal officials are required by law to discharge their official duties in the best interest of the American public—not personal financial interests. Yet, Ms. Budd-Falen’s obvious conflicts of interest and her failure to fully observe the important ethical requirements applicable to a senior position of public trust raise questions about her ability to impartially serve in the third-highest ranking position at the Interior Department,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Acting Inspector General Bryzymialkielher.\n\nIn a separate letter sent to Budd-Falen, Blumenthal called out Budd-Falen for participating in policy decisions that directly benefit her personal financial interests and failing to disclose her family’s interest in a lithium mine whose viability depended on an Interior Department permit. Blumenthal urged her to fully disclose any benefit she or her family may have received as a result of her involvement in regulatory decisions at the Interior Department.\n\n“Your failure to observe the important ethical requirements applicable to a senior position of public trust appears to be part of a longstanding pattern. During your service in the Interior Department under the first Trump Administration, you failed to disclose your husband’s sale of water rights to the largest lithium mine in the country for $3.5 million. Notably, the sale was contingent on Lithium Nevada Corp.’s ability to obtain a permit from the Interior Department, where you served as deputy solicitor for wildlife from 2018 to 2021,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Budd-Falen.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Bryzymialkielher is available here and below. The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Budd-Falen is available here.\n\nDear Ms. Brzymialkiewcz:\n\nI write to request that you thoroughly investigate the apparent impermissible conflicts of interest faced by U.S. Department of the Interior (“Interior Department”) Associate Deputy Secretary Karen Budd-Falen. Recent reporting and Ms. Budd-Falen’s public comments indicate that she directly participates in livestock grazing policy decisions that directly and predictably benefit her family’s multi-million-dollar ranch interests, potentially violating conflict-of-interest law.[1] Additionally, Ms. Budd-Falen previously failed to disclose her husband’s $3.5 million sale of water rights to a lithium mine whose viability depended on a Department of Interior permit.[2]\n\nAll federal officials are required by law to discharge their official duties in the best interest of the American public—not personal financial interests. Yet, Ms. Budd-Falen’s obvious conflicts of interest and her failure to fully observe the important ethical requirements applicable to a senior position of public trust raise questions about her ability to impartially serve in the third-highest ranking position at the Interior Department. Accordingly, I ask that you promptly conduct a thorough investigation of and issue public findings and recommendations addressing Ms. Budd-Falen’s participation in policy decisions that directly benefit her financial interest and her adherence to all applicable financial disclosure obligations. At minimum, your investigation should address the following important questions.\n\nWhether and the extent to which Ms. Budd-Falen or her family have directly benefitted from policy decisions in which she participated during her Interior Department tenure.\n\nThe extent to which Ms. Budd-Falen’s participation in policy decisions that benefit her financial interests occurred before or after March 11, 2026, or both.\n\nWhether Ms. Budd-Falen’s participation in policy decisions that benefit her financial interests violated any law, regulations, or policies applicable to federal government employees or Interior Department personnel.\n\nRegardless of whether Ms. Budd-Falen had or maintains an actual conflict of interest, whether her participation in policy decisions that benefit her financial interests impermissibly creates the appearance of a conflict.\n\nWhether the Office of the Solicitor’s March 11, 2026 “limited waiver” adequately evaluates and determines that Ms. Budd-Falen’s financial “interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the Government may expect” from her.[3]\n\nThe extent to which Ms. Budd-Falen has fully and timely disclosed all financial interests required to be disclosed on OGE Form 278e, to the Office of the Solicitor, or otherwise.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-probes-no-bid-contract-awarded-to-trumps-hand-picked-company-to-paint-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-as-project-cost-balloons-to-131-million", "title": "Blumenthal Probes No-Bid Contract Awarded to Trump’s Hand-Picked Company to Paint Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as Project Cost Balloons to $13.1 Million", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), is seeking answers about troubling no-bid contracts awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings (Atlantic Industrial) to paint the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue as demanded by President Trump. In a letter sent today to Curtis E. Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Industrial, Blumental raised concerns after recent reporting from\n\n“Reports detail that, like so many of President Trump’s recent vanity projects, costs on this restoration have ballooned, rising from the $1.8 million President Trump promised publicly to $13.1 million as of May 8, 2027. These reports have also highlighted that Atlantic Industrial has never before been awarded a federal contract and has no discernable history of handling projects similar to the Reflecting Pool, instead boasting a website detailing that Atlantic Industrial ‘specializes in waterproofing highway culverts, pipes, roofs and chemical and water storage tanks,’” Blumenthal wrote.\n\nBlumenthal continued, “The ballooning payments to Atlantic Industrial and Atlantic Industrial’s lack of any obvious qualifications for the Reflecting Pool project raise troubling questions about whether excess taxpayer dollars are (yet again) being diverted to President Trump’s manifestly unqualified friends and associates.”\n\n“The American people deserve to know whether excess taxpayer dollars are being used—without the authorization of Congress—to reward the President’s preferred partners and desecrate national landmarks,” Blumenthal concluded.\n\nAs Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into President Trump’s pet projects, including the White House ballroom. As part of this inquiry, Blumenthal has written to the project’s lead architect, construction firm, and engineering firm, and pressed Clark Construction, the firm selected to build the ballroom, for details after it was awarded a no-bid contract to make repairs to the public fountains in Lafayette Square across the street from the White House.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Atlantic Industrial is available here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Wood:\n\nI write regarding troubling new reports concerning a no-bid contract awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, LLC (“Atlantic Industrial”) to paint the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue—a color it has never before been painted while serving as the backdrop to our nation’s 250-year history.[1] Reports detail that, like so many of President Trump’s recent vanity projects, costs on this restoration have ballooned, rising from the $1.8 million President Trump promised publicly to $13.1 million as of May 8, 2027.[2] These reports have also highlighted that Atlantic Industrial has never before been awarded a federal contract and has no discernable history of handling projects similar to the Reflecting Pool, instead boasting a website detailing that Atlantic Industrial “specializes in waterproofing highway culverts, pipes, roofs and chemical and water storage tanks.”[3] The ballooning payments to Atlantic Industrial and Atlantic Industrial’s lack of any obvious qualifications for the Reflecting Pool project raise troubling questions about whether excess taxpayer dollars are (yet again) being diverted to President Trump’s manifestly unqualified friends and associates.\n\nThe background details regarding this contract continue to be especially confusing and demand a public inquiry. First, new reports detail that these ballooning costs apparently match the exact amount requested by Atlantic Industrial from the beginning. Specifically, although President Trump told the public that the project would only cost $1.8 million, Atlantic Industrial reportedly submitted a proposal to the government last month that matched the current contract’s value down to the dollar and included a 20 percent profit margin.[4] Second, just days ago President Trump suddenly claimed he had no relationship with Atlantic Industrial after having last month claimed that the firm had been hired for this work because he had a “guy who’s unbelievable at doing swimming pools” who could renovate the Reflecting Pool.[5]\n\nThe American people deserve to know whether excess taxpayer dollars are being used—without the authorization of Congress—to reward the President’s preferred partners and desecrate national landmarks. To assist the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in its inquiry, please preserve all documents, records,[6] and communications[7] related to your firm’s participation in the renovation of Lafayette Park, and please provide specific responses to the following questions by May 28, 2026:\n\nHave you entered into any agreement, formal or informal, to receive work from the federal government at above market prices in exchange for a reduced fee for work on the Reflecting Pool?\n\nHow did you become aware of the opportunity to participate in renovations to the Reflective Pool?\n\nDid you participate in a competitive or otherwise open bidding process prior to being selected for the renovations to the Reflecting Pool? Please describe the nature of this process.\n\nDid you submit any materials as a part of the bidding process or prior to being selected to participate in the renovations to the Reflecting Pool Please provide all materials that you submitted.\n\nWhat are the terms of the agreement(s) you entered regarding the renovations to the Reflecting Pool? Please provide a copy of any and all agreements you have entered into with the National Park Service, the White House, or any other federal government entity as part of your work on renovations to the Reflecting Pool.\n\nPlease produce all cost estimates for the renovations to the Reflecting Pool Park prepared to date. To the extent that cost projections change over time, please provide updates on a monthly basis through completion of the project.\n\nWhen were the initial plans for the renovations to the Reflecting Pool submitted and approved?\n\nHave you conducted any formal reviews regarding how changing the bottom color will alter the Reflecting Pool’s appearance?\n\nIf so, please provide any records regarding this review.\n\nHas Atlantic Industrial previously completed any projects similar to the renovations to the Reflecting Pool?\n\nIf so, please provide a detailed description of each project, your company’s role, and the date or estimated date of completion.\n\nSince 2010, have you and/or any of your subsidiaries or affiliates participated in the construction of any properties owned or licensed by The Trump Organization, Inc., or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries, or do you have plans to bid on or otherwise participate in the construction of any Trump-affiliated properties?\n\nIf so, please list each project and include your company’s role, the date or estimated date of completion, and how much your company was or will be compensated in total for its participation.\n\nPlease contact the Subcommittee if you have any questions about responding to these requests.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-\n\n[1] David Fahrenthold and Luke Broadwater, The No-Bid Contract That Is Turning Washington’s Reflecting Pool Blue, N.Y. Times (May 8, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/08/us/politics/reflecting-pool-trump-contract.html.\n\n[2] David Fahrenthold and Luke Broadwater, Reflecting Pool Repairs to Cost $13.1 Million. Trump Had Promised $1.8 Million, N.Y. Times (May 11, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/us/politics/reflecting-pool-paint-contract-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.h1A.j6hb.THJ3M2QckWZy&smid=url-share.\n\n[3] Fahrenthold and Broadwater, supra note 1.\n\n[4] Fahrenthold and Broadwater, supra note 2.\n\n[5] Mallory Wilson, Trump changes story on Reflecting Pool contractor, The Hill (May 12, 2026), https://thehill.com/homenews/5874959-reflecting-pool-trump-contractor/.\n\n[6] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).\n\n[7] For purposes of this request, “communications” include any records, as defined above, transmitted in any way between two or more individuals or entities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-to-file-budget-amendments-blocking-republicans-billion-dollar-ballroom-bailout", "title": "Blumenthal to File Budget Amendments Blocking Republicans' Billion-Dollar Ballroom Bailout", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committees, today announced that he intends to file amendments that would enact strict oversight over President Trump’s ballroom project in anticipation of scheduled committee markups of Republicans’ reconciliation package. Republicans’ reconciliation package includes $1 billion in taxpayer funds for President Trump’s pet project to be spent on top of the hundreds of millions of dollars the Trump Administration raised from private donors—many of whom have been kept secret by the White House.\n\n“I’m demanding a stop to Trump squandering taxpayer dollars on his gold-plated boondoggles—adding insult to injury for Americans struggling to pay rising costs,” said Blumenthal. “As Americans confront skyrocketing prices for food and fuel and everything else, Republicans seem ready to write him blank checks for his gilded monstrous ballroom and other pet vanity projects. I’ll force votes to hold them accountable and impose stringent oversight on his spending. I’ll also seek full disclosure on donors to his ballroom— billionaires and corporate special interests engaged in pay-to-play.”\n\nBlumenthal intends to file the following amendments, which would:\n\nProhibit funds from being spent on the East Wing Modernization project except through competitive contract awards;\n\nProhibit funds from being spent until all donors, donor amounts, fundraising solicitation records, and donor and construction contracts related to the East Wing Modernization project are made publicly available;\n\nEstablish a Congressional Oversight Panel for the East Wing Modernization project;\n\nRequire a GAO report on fundraising, contractor selection, contracts, and construction management for the East Wing Modernization project; and\n\nEnact Blumenthal’s No Palaces Act, which puts additional guardrails on the White House’s construction and demolition process, including requiring congressional authorization for the use of private funds for improvements to the White House.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the use of private donations to fund President Trump’s and has repeatedly raised concerns about donors that have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Trump Administration.\n\nBlumenthal has written to each of the reported donors to the White House ballroom project as well as donors previously kept secret by the White House to seek information about the terms of their donations and any potential deals made in exchange for contributions.\n\nBlumenthal has also demanded answers from the lead architect, construction firm, and engineering firm selected to work on President Trump’s ballroom and pressed Clark Construction, the firm selected to build the ballroom, for details after it was awarded a no-bid contract to make repairs to the public fountains in Lafayette Square across the street from the White House.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/icymi-ahead-of-scotus-ruling-senator-blunt-rochester-joins-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-on-resolution-affirming-abortion-pill-as-safe-effective-news/", "title": "ICYMI: Ahead of SCOTUS Ruling, Senator Blunt Rochester Joins Entire Senate Democratic Caucus on Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective NEWS:", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer- reviewed evidence-based science.”\n\nU.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), today joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing a resolution affirming that the abortion medication mifepristone is safe and effective, and underscoring that law and policy related to the medication must be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.\n\nThe resolution comes hours before the Supreme Court’s administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA is set to expire — which, without action, would uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling threatening millions of women’s access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal.\n\nThe resolution was endorsed by the following organizations: All* Above All, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, EMAA Project, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America).\n\n“Abortion opponents nationwide continue to push their politically motivated attacks on mifepristone and medication abortion to make it harder for everyone, everywhere to get care. That’s despite decades of research and millions of people using mifepristone to safely and effectively end a pregnancy,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “In the face of these attacks, we are grateful to Senator Warren, Sen. Baldwin, Senate Minority Leader Schumer, Sen. Wyden, Sen. Murray, and Sen. Smith for reaffirming that science-based policies must govern access to mifepristone.”\n\n“Mifepristone continues to be crucial to our ability to access abortion care— and that is precisely why abortion opponents have been relentless in their efforts to restrict it nationwide, including in states where abortion is legally protected,” said Jessica Arons, director of the Liberty Division for Policy and Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “As this resolution affirms, millions of people have used mifepristone to safely end pregnancies and treat miscarriages for more than 25 years, including by telemedicine. We thank Senator Warren for introducing legislation to set the record straight and push back on anti-abortion propaganda, and we call on Congress to protect the right to abortion and end this political interference with our personal healthcare decisions once and for all.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-lisa-blunt-rochester-opposes-market-structure-legislation-in-senate-banking-committee/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester Opposes Market Structure Legislation in Senate Banking Committee", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks\n\nSenator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today released a statement outlining her opposition to the CLARITY Act, legislation to regulate the digital asset market.\n\n“Digital assets and blockchain technology present real questions and real opportunities, and legislation of this magnitude must be done right. I appreciate the substantial work many of my colleagues put into improving this legislation through good-faith bipartisan negotiations. While several provisions improved during negotiations, I do not believe the bill adequately addresses several serious outstanding concerns related to consumer and investor protection, market integrity, illicit finance, conflicts of interest, and the broader stability of our financial system.\n\n“We cannot separate this debate from the broader environment in which it is occurring. This administration and the people connected to it continue to engage with the crypto industry in ways that raise serious questions about corruption, self-dealing, and whether the rules are being written to benefit industry insiders rather than protect consumers and the public. This administration has a track record of unethical policymaking, and the provisions in this bill to crack down on insider trading and self-dealing fall incredibly short.\n\n“Law enforcement groups at every level from across the country have also voiced their concern about their ability to identify bad actors and protect communities from harm if this legislation progresses. Law enforcement relies on existing authorities and regulatory frameworks to trace questionable transactions and recover illicit proceeds, creating gaps in oversight and accountability that sophisticated criminal actors may exploit.\n\n“I remain concerned that parts of the bill could weaken existing investor protections and leave consumers and investors with fewer protections and remedies than they have under current law. This could have an outsized impact on my constituents, as Delaware has more crypto kiosks per capita than any other state. While our Attorney General, the Delaware Department of Justice’s Investor Protection Unit, and national groups like AARP have been sounding the alarm on the potential for cryptocurrency scams for years. Any federal legislation to regulate the digital asset market must adequately protect consumers from fraudulent use of cryptocurrency.\n\nCongress should not advance legislation of this scale and consequence without greater confidence that it will strengthen, rather than weaken, trust in our financial system. The consequences of getting this wrong could extend far beyond the digital asset industry itself. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of financial stability, public trust, or the protections Americans rely on in their financial markets. For those reasons, I voted no.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A1A32A92-34B1-472D-B260-749090342424", "title": "Boozman Holds Hearing Examining FY27 Budget Request for Military Construction and Family Housing", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) held a hearing examining the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for military infrastructure and family housing.\n\nThe following is Chairman Boozman’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery:\n\nGood morning. The subcommittee will come to order.\n\nWe meet today to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for military construction and family housing for the Department of Defense.\n\nI would like to begin by recognizing today’s panel. Today we will hear from representatives of the military services as well as the Office of the Secretary of Defense.\n\nJoining us are:\n\n• The Honorable Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment;\n\n• Lieutenant General Michelle Donahue, Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Logistics;\n\n• Rear Admiral Timothy Brown, Director, Logistics Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations;\n\n• Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, who will be retiring shortly after 38 years of service. General, thank you for your many years of service and I wish you well in your retirement;\n\n• Lieutenant General Kenyon Bell, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection; and\n\n• Ms. Kathryn Kolbe, Space Force Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Installations and Logistics.\n\nThis year’s MILCON request totals $28.6 billion, an increase of $8.8 billion above the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. After years of persistent underinvestment in military construction, this request represents a generational investment toward rebuilding and modernizing our military footprint –– from barracks to bomber infrastructure.\n\nIncreased investment alone does not solve the underlying challenges in efficiently and effectively executing MILCON.\n\nWe see a growing concentration of large projects and expensive increments in the request, which crowd-out smaller but no less critical projects. We also continue to see cost overruns and schedule delays.\n\nI know the department has been taking a hard look at its internal processes to identify opportunities for improvement, and Congress has also done its part by enacting targeted authorities within our jurisdiction to help address these challenges.\n\nThe new MILCON authorities enacted last year include Progressive Design Build, Other Transaction Authority, and Alternate Defense Construction Agent approaches. While it is still early to assess their effectiveness, I am encouraged that the department is already taking steps to align policies and procedures with these new authorities.\n\nSeparately, I am concerned that several projects were requested within the mandatory portion of the budget, including two projects associated with the President’s Golden Dome for America effort.\n\nI am also aware of several new construction barracks projects requested in FSRM – under the jurisdiction of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee – rather than in MILCON.\n\nGiven the uncertainty surrounding reconciliation, and the unpredictable nature of FSRM, I worry about whether these projects will ultimately move forward as planned.\n\nLastly, while this subcommittee has not received an official damage assessment from Iranian strikes on our bases in the Middle East, we understand that assessments are ongoing. Even as those assessments continue, it is important we receive regular updates from the department and that any supplemental request includes funding for CENTCOM installations and support infrastructure to protect our troops and maintain a strong presence in the region.\n\nSome will argue that we should wait to rebuild until we have a full accounting of the costs and certainty of our future regional posture. However, any costs excluded from a supplemental will become a burden on future defense budgets and harm our near-term readiness in the region.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-applauds-senate-passage-of-resolution-to-prevent-senators-from-receiving-shutdown-paychecks/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Applauds Senate Passage of Resolution to Prevent Senators From Receiving Shutdown Paychecks", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today celebrated the Senate passage of Senator John Kennedy’s (R-La.) S.Res.526 which would withhold U.S. Senators’ pay during government shutdowns. Senator Britt is a proud cosponsor of the resolution.\n\nThe resolution, which passed by voice vote, requires the Secretary of the Senate to withhold payment to Senators until the government is no longer shut down. A government shutdown is defined as a lapse in appropriations for one or more Federal agencies or departments. The resolution is specific to the Senate and does not affect members of the United States House of Representatives.\n\n“As I have long stated, it’s unconscionable for members of Congress to receive a paycheck while hardworking Americans are robbed of their hard-earned money because of D.C. dysfunction. I’m encouraged that this resolution passed and believe it’s a step in the right direction,” said Senator Britt. “That being said, I still believe this should be applied to ALL members of Congress, which is why I will continue to fight for the passage of legislation that is applicable to both the House and Senate.”\n\nSenator Britt has spoken on the Senate floor in support of such legislation and has been a longtime, vocal supporter of members of Congress not receiving paychecks during government shutdowns. Senator Britt voluntarily did not receive a paycheck during the first historic full government shutdown of the 119th Congress and has continued to forgo her paycheck since March 19, 2026, during the recent partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-celebrates-advancement-of-treys-law/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Celebrates Advancement of TREY’s Law", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today celebrated the advancement of the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’s) Law, of which she is a lead sponsor. It was unanimously advanced out of the Judiciary Committee during an executive business meeting. TREY’s Law will now head to Senate floor for a full vote.\n\nSenator Britt with Trey Carlock’s sister, Elizabeth, and Alabama State Representative David Faulkner, who sponsored the state version of TREY’s Law along with Alabama State Senator Matt Woods, during a press conference announcing the introduction of the bill on March 4, 2026.\n\nTREY’s Law voids non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence survivors of child sexual abuse and is named in memory of Trey Carlock, who was silenced by such an NDA after experiencing sexual abuse at a Kanakuk Ministries camp. This led to Trey being retraumatized by a civil ligation process related to the abuse, and ultimately his death by suicide at age 28.\n\n“I’m proud that TREY’s Law is headed to the Senate floor for a full vote,” said Senator Britt. “This is a bipartisan piece of legislation that has seen success in states across the nation, including Alabama, where State Representative David Faulkner and State Senator Matt Woods led this through the Alabama state legislature. I’m particularly thankful to Senator Ted Cruz for his leadership on this legislation at the federal level and look forward to continuing working with him to get this passed in the Senate, eventually the House of Representatives, and to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”\n\nTREY’s Law is supported by the American Association for Justice, Prevent Together – The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Protect Our Children, National Children’s Alliance, Tim Tebow Foundation, Unsilenced, Joyful Heart Foundation, Children’s Justice Campaign – Enough Abuse, Zero Abuse Project, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, and Rights4Girls.\n\nTo learn more about TREY’s Law, click here. The full bill text can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-participates-in-thud-appropriations-subcommittee-hearing-on-hud-budget", "title": "VIDEO: Capito Participates in THUD Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on HUD Budget", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "To watch Senator Capito's line of questioning, click here or the image above.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Appropriations Committee, participated in a Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner. The purpose of the hearing was to consider President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for HUD, as well as the many priorities of the agency.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS:\n\nON PLANS FOR FHA IMPORVEMENT AND EFFICIENCY\n\nSenator Capito:\n\n“Within your existing authority, without new legislation, Mr. Secretary, are there changes, maybe three changes that you could implement in the next 12 months to make FHA multifamily financing faster, simpler, and less costly?”\n\nSecretary Turner:\n\n“As you know, we are taking inventory of every program at HUD, including FHA. Our number one deal is to secure the market and make sure the FHA is not only solvent, but that it's strong, that we anticipate any delinquencies, any foreclosures that come up to make sure that our staff is up to date. And our Ginnie Mae and FHA for that, for that matter. We have a team that's done a tremendous job. What hat we're doing now too, as I just talked to our team this morning, is really streamlining, this is the number one thing, streamlining the processes. NFHA for our constituency and clients that use FHA to make sure that the process is streamlined, to make sure that we're taking out any regulations and fees that make it harder to get an FHA loan. So, I would say those are the top 3 things that we're working on currently in FHA.”\n\nON CDBG PROGRAM SHUTDOWN\n\nSen. Capito:\n\n“You mentioned in your opening statement. Well, it's zeroed out. You mentioned fraud and ineffectiveness. I can tell you from where I sit in West Virginia, it has been a very effective program. We've used it for infrastructure upgrades. It says this program was created to, in your comments, to revitalize urban communities. I don't think I have one urban community. I do have one or two that are above 50,000, but we're barely there. So, I'm talking rural America here and the use of those funds. We've used them to help the community directly and it creates jobs and drives long-term growth. How do you think that you're going to replace this funding? I know we want to be good stewards of the American taxpayer dollar here, but from my viewpoint, this has been an effective program.”\n\nSecretary Turner:\n\n“I do hear you. I've talked to some of your colleagues and some of your colleagues in the house. Some states do better than others. But at large, the CDBG program has not been used for its intended purpose, either urban or rural. So, we do have a lot of complex programs that we work with on a single everyday basis. We want to focus on those programs actually carrying out that mission. What I have encouraged our colleagues to do is to really work with the state and local entities in your state to not just replace CDBG, but to work on infrastructure and building in rural and urban areas. So, we want to focus on those programs that are actually carrying out the results overall.”\n\nSen. Capito:\n\n“I'd rather see what you're saying, focus on the ones that are working. I do like the initiatives on waste and fraud. You cite some pretty stunning figures in terms of what $30,000,000 or money that went out to people that weren't 30,000 deceased to tenants. That to the taxpayers is tough to see. But, on a program like CDBG, which has been very helpful in our state and in our communities, and maybe it is because we're doing it exactly right. I hope that's the case. Take the good lessons and translate those to the rest of the country where you see things are falling short. Thank you for what you're doing. Thank you for being here with us today.”\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-urging-congress-to-make-flood-insurance-affordable-again/", "title": "Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Urging Congress to Make Flood Insurance Affordable Again", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor highlighting the growing flood insurance affordability crisis ahead of hurricane season and calling for long-term reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). He urged colleagues to address rising costs driven by the Biden-era Risk Rating 2.0 policy and act before the next storm threatens Louisiana families.\n\n“Every year, more and more people have to drop their National Flood Insurance Program coverage because it is too expensive and too unreliable, so this is about making flood insurance affordable again,” said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n“I tell folks, I wake up every morning and think about how to make life better for the people of my state and my country, and I can tell you that reliable, accountable, affordable flood insurance is part of that,” continued Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:\n\nMadam President,\n\nHurricane Season is less than three weeks away.\n\nThree. Weeks.\n\nWe’ve got to act now to make flood insurance affordable again before it’s too late.\n\nLast year, thankfully, no hurricanes hit Louisiana.\n\nNow, no hurricanes hitting my state—that’s good news for everybody in Louisiana!\n\nBut especially for homeowners who do not have flood insurance.\n\nEvery year, more and more have to drop National Flood Insurance Program coverage because it’s too expensive and unreliable.\n\nBetween 2022 and 2024, 70 THOUSAND people in Louisiana dropped coverage.\n\nLast year, another 52 THOUSAND did the same.\n\nWhy?\n\nThey need it.\n\nThey try to be responsible.\n\nThey can’t afford it!\n\nThey’re being priced out of flood protection by the rising costs of a post-Biden era flood insurance program.\n\nUnder Joe Biden, FEMA implemented Risk Rating 2.0 as a new risk assessment program, despite Congress never signing off.\n\nSince 2023, rates have increased, making people’s flood insurance premiums so high they just cannot afford it.\n\nThey cannot pay their mortgage if they pay their flood insurance premium.\n\nMr. President, these are hardworking families just trying to do the right thing, having to choose between paying their mortgage, buying food, taking care of their kids, and having flood insurance.\n\nThey would like to have flood insurance.\n\nThey would like to go to sleep at night knowing that they are protected if some terrible flooding event occurs.\n\nFor example, in 2016, a 46-foot river crest swept the land completely out from underneath a Cypress Point home, even though they elevated it above the base Flood Elevation.\n\nThis is a family doing everything right, but a natural disaster still wiped out their home.\n\nIt would be great if they had flood insurance. But it’s possible they can’t afford it.\n\nSo, if Congress has the power to guarantee reliable flood insurance that people can afford, why don’t we?\n\nInstead, nearly one-fifth of folks in Louisiana on the National Flood Insurance Program—nearly a hundred thousand—can no longer afford their insurance.\n\nBy the way, this is a problem nationwide.\n\nMillions of Americans across the nation rely on the National Flood Insurance Program.\n\nThey’re all getting pounded by Risk Rating 2.0.\n\nI’m leading a group of Republicans who, last year, tried to end the policy.\n\nI recently followed up with FEMA, asking that they be urgent in addressing the harm Risk Rating 2.0 is doing to the flood insurance program for people in Louisiana and across the nation.\n\nI understand, as does President Trump, that the American people need to be able to afford every day goods.\n\nAnd right now, they cannot afford flood insurance.\n\nIn 2019, President Trump and I worked together to delay Risk Rating 2.0 for a year. Let’s do that again, but let’s make it permanent.\n\nThe American people need flood insurance which is affordable and also reliable.\n\nRight now, the NFIP relies on Congress to both fund and authorize the program.\n\nFund, meaning that if funding is ever withheld by Congress—like the Democrats have done multiple times this Congress—the National Flood Insurance Program cannot operate effectively, leaving millions of Americans hanging in uncertainty.\n\nNow, Congress must vote every year to reinstate the program.\n\nI introduced legislation to automatically extend the program to operate during a lapse in authorization—so it can still issue policies, renew contracts, pay claims, and access funding.\n\nCoverage should be there, whether politicians decide to get their act together or not.\n\nCongress needs to act, and soon.\n\nIn the meantime, federal support is critical.\n\nIn President Trump’s first administration, he created a program called BRIC—short for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities.\n\nThe BRIC program provided cost- and life-saving grants that Louisiana benefited from.\n\nPresident Trump’s second administration assured me they would release more BRIC funds, and I’m pleased to say, FEMA just announced that a new round of BRIC funding has been released—1 BILLION dollars to help states impacted by natural disasters.\n\nLouisiana will certainly benefit.\n\nI have been fighting consistently to get this done, and I’m pleased that it has.\n\nBut as much as we need recovery assistance, we in Louisiana know that the best way to lower the cost of flood insurance is by making sure you don’t flood in the first place.\n\nThat’s why, through my work negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, our state has gotten hundreds of millions for flood mitigation and coastal restoration.\n\nThis is a bargain for the federal taxpayer, because it’s easier and cheaper to prevent a flood than it is to pick up the pieces afterward.\n\nOne example is if you go from Kenner to Baton Rouge, and you pass LaPlace, you’ll see construction on a huge flood control structure, which I toured last August.\n\nThat has received over a BILLION dollars, which I’ve obtained to prevent those people from flooding and to prevent the National Flood Insurance Program from having to pay out a benefit.\n\nI’m a doctor. I know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.\n\nIn this case, 1.2 BILLION dollars for prevention is worth maybe 70 billion in recovery.\n\nGo to Terrebonne or Lafourche Parish, and you’ll go by the Morganza to the Gulf levee project.\n\nThis is a project with tremendous local support, for which I’ve been able to get 615 MILLION dollars through the infrastructure bill and other mechanisms, including a funding package recently signed into law by President Trump.\n\nAnd you know the positive impact of this?\n\nEven before completion, when Hurricane Ida came, they said there were 10 THOUSAND homes that did not flood.\n\nThat’s ten THOUSAND claims that did not have to be paid.\n\n10 THOUSAND homes that did not need to be cleaned out.\n\nThat saved the taxpayer money, aside from the fact that those families were able to continue working, going to school, living as usual, keeping our society and our economy running.\n\nI find that moms rest easier knowing their families will stay safe and dry when the next storm comes.\n\nThe funding I am delivering gives her that peace of mind.\n\nAnd there is more to come.\n\nI wake up every morning, and I think about how to make life better for the people in my state and in my country.\n\nI can tell you: reliable, accountable, affordable flood insurance makes life better.\n\nThat’s what I’m working towards as I continue sending tax dollars back to my state for flood prevention.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-statement-on-passage-of-legislation-to-withhold-pay-from-senators-during-government-shutdowns", "title": "Senator Collins’ Statement on Passage of Legislation to Withhold Pay from Senators During Government Shutdowns", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate voted unanimously to withhold pay from senators during government shutdowns:\n\n“This is a matter of fairness. It is not right for senators to receive their paychecks while federal employees are forced to go without pay as a result of Congress’s dysfunction. While I hope we do not see another shutdown anytime soon, this has been a longstanding policy of mine and I am glad to see it adopted.”\n\n+++\n\nSenator Collins has always opposed shutdowns and has had a longstanding policy of having her own paychecks withheld during government shutdowns. Senator Collins championed the deal to reopen the government in November 2025. She is the founder of the Common Sense Coalition, a bipartisan group of senators who wrote the framework of the plan that ended the 16-day government shutdown in October 2013 as well as the shutdown in February 2018.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senators-collins-shaheen-lead-maine-and-new-hampshire-congressional-delegations-in-calling-for-federal-labor-relations-authority-to-explain-refusal-to-process-complaints-at-portsmouth-naval-shipyard", "title": "Senators Collins, Shaheen Lead Maine and New Hampshire Congressional Delegations in Calling for Federal Labor Relations Authority to Explain Refusal to Process Complaints at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are leading the Maine and New Hampshire Congressional delegations in calling for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to provide an explanation for its refusal to comply with recent court orders and process an Unfair Labor Practice charge (ULP) filed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) Metal Trades Council on behalf of its members. In their bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers note that FLRA cites President Trump’s Executive Order limiting the collective bargaining rights of federal employees as its reason for inaction despite a court order halting implementation of the policy. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02) cosigned the letter.\n\n“We write today regarding the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s (FLRA) refusal to process Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges filed by members of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Metal Trades Council (MTC) on behalf of its members,” the lawmakers wrote. “The MTC has brought forward a ULP charge to the FLRA but has been informed that due to President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251, limiting the right of certain federal employees to engage in collective bargaining, the FLRA would not process the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employee ULP case. However, recent court rulings have nullified portions of that order, and the FLRA should be acting in accordance with the court order.”\n\n“Considering the Court’s injunction and the importance of this issue to our constituents, we respectfully request that the FLRA provide prompt clarification regarding its handling of ULP filings brought forward by unions representing workers under federal agencies impacted by President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251,” they continued.\n\nThe lawmakers asked FLRA for responses to the following questions:\n\nIs the Federal Labor Relations Authority refusing to process Unfair Labor Practice charges brought forward by unions representing federal workers?\n\nIs the FLRA acting in accordance with the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia’s October 1st injunction in AFL-CIO v. Trump? What steps is the FLRA taking to ensure compliance with the injunction?\n\nWhat is the status of the ULP charge brought forward by the Metal Trades Council at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?\n\nWhat is the legal basis for the FLRA’s refusal to process ULP charges in light of the court’s October 1st injunction?\n\nClick here to read the complete letter.\n\nSince 2018, Senator Collins has secured funding that has enabled Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to complete 22 modernization projects totaling $713 million and to install 80 new pieces of industrial equipment totaling $236 million through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). This work includes the $265 million Dry Dock #1 Super Flood Basin, which expanded submarine docking windows from 36 days a year to 360 days a year; the $110 million Paint, Blast, and Rubber Facility; and the $98 million B178 Waterfront Production Facility. The shipyard is also building the $2.46 billion Multi-Mission Dry Dock #1 expansion, modernizing utilities, and adding new dry-dock resiliency improvements to support Virginia-class submarine maintenance and boost long-term capacity and readiness for the Navy’s submarine fleet.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-coons-cramer-introduce-charity-parity-act-to-eliminate-tax-penalties-on-charitable-donations-from-employer-sponsored-retirement-plans/", "title": "Senators Coons, Cramer introduce Charity Parity Act to eliminate tax penalties on charitable donations from employer sponsored retirement plans", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.coons.senate.gov", "scraper": "coons", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001088", "name": "Christopher A. Coons", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced the Charity Parity Act, which would allow taxpayers to make direct qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their employer-sponsored retirement plans. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Congressmen Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).\n\nCurrently, retirement savers can exclude up to $110,000 in QCDs from their gross income annually. However, QCDs must be made directly from an individual’s IRA to eligible charitable organizations. Distributions from employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are not eligible for QCD treatment. Individuals who wish to make charitable contributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to first roll over the funds to an IRA, creating unnecessary costs and additional steps for retirement savers.\n\nThe Charity Parity Act would allow direct QCDs from employer-sponsored retirement plans. By doing so, it would ensure retirement savers are treated equitably regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. Eliminating rollover-related fees, financial burdens, and the administrative complexity for savers who would otherwise need to transfer assets from employer plans to IRAs before making a charitable contribution would also make it easier to give to charity and in higher amounts.\n\n“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Senator Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”\n\n“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Senator Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”\n\n“Charities provide a critical range of services across the country and have been facing mounting pressures in recent years, both from rising demand and higher prices. While progress has been made in Congress to support the generosity of the American people, further work is needed to put the charitable sector on more stable footing,” said Rep. Beyer. “The Charity Parity Act would reinforce recent bipartisan successes and encourage additional giving by providing equal treatment for savers wishing to donate to charity regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. I want to thank Rep. Kelly, and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and hope to see it enacted into law as soon as possible.”\n\n“Our laws should encourage charitable giving and seek to make such generosity as easy to carry out as possible. Giving to others in need is a hallmark of the American character and part of what makes our country great,” said Rep. Kelly. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a practical step toward ensuring Americans can contribute and donate to the causes of their choice without issue.”\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), both of whom serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Text of the Charity Parity Act is available here.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of charities and other nonprofits, including: the American Heart Association, the Association of Fundraising Principles,the American Retirement Association, Mental Health America, the Salvation Army, the National Council of Nonprofits, Independent Sector, The Nonprofit Alliance, the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, United Way Worldwide, Infant Crisis Services, Mountain Area Health Education Center, The Church Alliance, Mountain Aging Partners, Inc., and the Association of Art Museum Directors.\n\n“The Charity Parity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that empowers seniors to support the causes they care about while strengthening the charitable organizations that help people live longer, healthier lives. By building on the Legacy IRA Act and expanding Qualified Charitable Distributions to include 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, this legislation makes charitable giving more accessible and equitable for retirees. We are grateful to Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer for their leadership in helping nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Mark Schoeberl, executive vice president of advocacy for the American Heart Association.\n\n“Nonprofits are America’s backbone, delivering critical services effectively, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. “Despite this vital role, nonprofits today are facing significant, unprecedented financial challenges that have forced many local organizations to cut back on the services they provide, reduce staff, or even close their doors. I applaud Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for introducing bipartisan legislation to make it even easier for Americans to support nonprofits that provide essential services to their neighbors.”\n\n“We thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Cramer and Coons for introducing this important bipartisan bill to expand charitable giving opportunities for retirement-age Americans,” said Michael Kenyon, president and CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “QCDs from IRAs have long been a valuable tool for donors to support causes they believe in, and extending this option to employer-sponsored plans is a commonsense step that will unlock greater philanthropic support. As gift planners, we support policies that reduce friction in giving and empower donors to act on their generosity and leave their legacy. This proposal would do just that.”\n\n“American retirement savers should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to support charitable causes simply because their savings are held in a 401(k), 403(b), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan instead of an IRA,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “The Charity Parity Act builds on the success of SECURE 2.0 by ensuring retirement savers are treated fairly regardless of where they hold their assets, while making it easier for Americans to give back to the organizations and communities they care about most. By reducing administrative burdens, this legislation can help encourage greater charitable giving while strengthening retirement security.”\n\n“The Nonprofit Alliance welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Charity Parity Act. This legislation will allow seniors to make qualified charitable distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts and is an important step toward increasing participation in charitable giving by expanding options to do so. We sincerely thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for their introduction of this timely legislation,” said Shannon McCracken, president and CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance.\n\n“Since its creation in 2006, the IRA Charitable Rollover has helped older Americans use their retirement accounts to make a difference and support the causes they care about. Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer each have a long history of working to advance charitable giving, and Independent Sector applauds them for their continued leadership. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and fees, this commonsense legislation will help more charitable dollars reach their intended target: American communities and our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, president and CEO of Independent Sector.\n\n“Fundraisers work every day to connect generosity with community needs, and the Charity Parity Act removes unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of that generosity. By allowing seniors to give directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, this bipartisan legislation modernizes charitable giving and puts donors—not paperwork—at the center of the process. The Association of Fundraising Professionals strongly supports policies that make it easier for people to give and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities,” said H. Art Taylor, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Principles.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-fetterman-introduce-bill-to-give-american-energy-producers-certainty-safeguard-against-anti-lng-policies/", "title": "Cornyn, Fetterman Introduce Bill to Give American Energy Producers Certainty, Safeguard Against Anti-LNG Policies", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the LNG Export Security Act, which would amend current law to provide certainty to American energy producers and ensure future administrations cannot take advantage of vague language to enact policies that stifle Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production and exports:\n\n“America’s energy producers shouldn’t work in fear that a future administration could kneecap them with burdensome restrictions at a moment’s notice due to ambiguous laws,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our commonsense legislation would clarify the Natural Gas Act to give LNG producers the certainty they need and deserve to continue powering the world.”\n\n“LNG has played a critical role in promoting America’s energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Fetterman. “I’ve been proud to advocate for solutions that put American jobs first and fully recognize we need guardrails in place to protect this industry and the workers. This bill makes sure decisions are made objectively while protecting the millions of jobs that power communities across Pennsylvania and our great nation.”\n\nBackground:\n\nDespite the United States leading the world in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production and exports, the Biden Department of Energy (DOE) paused the export of any new LNG cargo to countries without a free-trade agreement in 2023. This pause was politically motivated by climate activists and based on DOE’s interpretation of “public interest” in the Natural Gas Act. There is currently no definition of “public interest” in the Natural Gas Act, making it easier for future administrations to pause LNG exports just as the Biden administration did.\n\nThe LNG Export Security Act amends the Natural Gas Act by defining “public interest” with the consideration of:\n\nThe development of natural gas facilities in the United States and the domestic natural gas supply;\n\nDomestic economic interests;\n\nAnd national security interests.\n\nSen. Cornyn has previously called out the Biden administration’s assault on American energy production, specifically LNG, and has since praised the Trump administration for undoing these damaging policies.\n\nThe LNG Export Security Act is endorsed by the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) and the Center for LNG.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-introduces-bill-to-bar-aliens-who-support-sharia-law-from-entering-or-remaining-in-the-united-states/", "title": "Cornyn Introduces Bill to Bar Aliens Who Support Sharia Law from Entering or Remaining in the United States", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Ban Outsiders Openly Touting (BOOT) Sharia Law Act, which would bar aliens who support Sharia Law from entering or remaining in the United States. Video of Senator Cornyn discussing this legislation on the Senate floor can be found here.\n\n“Sharia Law is the antithesis of what our country stands for: freedom of conscience, religion, and speech,” said Sen. Cornyn. “My bill would ensure no alien who supports this hateful ideology is welcome in America, and I’m proud to introduce it.”\n\nSenator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) is a cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nSpecifically, the Ban Outsiders Openly Touting (BOOT) Sharia Law Act would:\n\nBar aliens from receiving immigration benefits, like asylum or a green card, if they endorse or advocate for the imposition of Sharia Law;\n\nEquip the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with additional tools to bar aliens from immigration benefits if they protest the U.S. and its form of government, or support terrorism or terrorist groups in the United States;\n\nAnd allow DHS a longer period to revoke green cards and add new bases to terminate green cards when aliens advocate for terrorism or terrorist groups, oppose the U.S. and its form of government, and support individuals or terrorist groups who carried out terrorist attacks on U.S. Armed Forces.\n\nSen. Cornyn called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) last spring to investigate the East Plano Islamic Center’s (EPIC) planned Muslim community, EPIC Ranches City, in Josephine, Texas, in light of potential religious discrimination against Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities. This legislation builds on these efforts as well as the No Sharia Act, which Sen. Cornyn cosponsored. The No Sharia Act would prohibit courts from enforcing judgments, decrees, or contracts relying on foreign laws that violate the Constitution.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-introduces-water-assurance-and-treaty-enforcement-for-the-rio-grande-farmers-act/", "title": "Cornyn Introduces Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act, or WATER for Farmers Act, which would impose penalties in the form of tariffs on Mexico if the country continues to violate the 1944 Water Treaty by refusing to send the water they owe to the United States. This legislation would also provide a mechanism to compensate American agricultural producers for economic losses resulting from Mexico’s water delivery shortfalls.\n\n“Water shortages created by Mexico’s failure to follow the 1944 Water Treaty have wreaked havoc on the ability of South Texas farmers and ranchers to plan and to tend their crops and livestock, hurting both them and our state’s economy,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers or WATER for Farmers Act, which will impose tariffs on Mexico if they continue in their delinquency of water deliveries and use the tariff revenue to compensate South Texas farmers. “\n\nBackground:\n\nIf Mexico falls short of the minimum water delivery required under the 1944 Water Treaty, the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act would empower the United States to:\n\nImpose tariffs on Mexican agricultural products or other goods that have a significant economic impact on Mexico and/or goods produced in areas utilizing water that should flow to the Rio Grande River;\n\nAnd provide direct financial compensation to agricultural producers who have suffered economic losses from water shortages.\n\nUnder the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock.\n\nSen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost South Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request last year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to force Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays. In January, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging him to bring up the ongoing 1944 Water Treaty issue during the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) joint review to require Mexico to comply with its annual water deliveries to the United States.\n\nPreviously, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to NADBank urging for the restoration of their Water Infrastructure Fund, raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill. The Senator also introduced legislation last year to hold the Mexican government accountable for not meeting its water delivery requirements.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Citrus Mutual, Texas Vegetable Association, and Texas International Produce Association.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-rosen-introduce-bill-to-combat-mexican-cartel-fuel-theft/", "title": "Cornyn, Rosen Introduce Bill to Combat Mexican Cartel Fuel Theft", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) today introduced the Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act, which would require reporting from the U.S. Department of War on its activities to combat the smuggling of hydrocarbon products and the corresponding rise in violence by Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Mexico:\n\n“Cartels and other criminal groups in Mexico are developing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal or smuggle hydrocarbon products, sell them on the black market, and use the profits to fund the drug and human trafficking that infiltrates our communities and kills innocent Americans every day,” said Sen. Cornyn.“This legislation would require the Secretary of War to submit a report to Congress on ways to counter these illicit schemes, protect our citizens, and safeguard U.S. national security.”\n\n“Fuel theft in Mexico has become the most significant source of non-drug revenue for cartels, enabling them to sustain their illegal operations on both sides of the border, and we must take action to combat it,” said Sen. Rosen.“I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to help clamp down on the cartels’ ability to profit off of stolen fuel and crude oil, and I will continue to work across party lines to protect American families.”\n\nBackground:\n\nTransnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Mexico steal fuel by illegally tapping pipelines, seizing trucks, and conducting sophisticated cross-border smuggling schemes. These criminal groups profit by selling the stolen or trafficked fuel at lower prices on the black market to evade taxes and get rich, leading to a major rise in violence and terror activities in Mexico that then bleeds into the United States. Communities near pipelines are experiencing cartel-connected shootings, extortion, and intimidation. In recent years, the illicit trade has expanded beyond Mexico with fuel smuggling linked to international money laundering and cross-border criminal operations, making it an economic, energy, and national security issue. The Trump Administration has sanctioned individuals involved in fuel theft networks that generate hundreds of millions of dollars in profits for cartels like the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion.\n\nThe Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act would:\n\nRaise awareness of the growing issue of fuel theft and assess current efforts to address the threat it poses to the United States;\n\nRequire the U.S. Department of War to submit a report to Congress on recommendations to counter the smuggling of hydrocarbon products, including capacity building with partner nations and information sharing with U.S. civilian agencies that specialize in countering Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs);\n\nAnd strengthen U.S. economic, energy, and national security.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by FDD Action.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-welch-bill-to-help-solve-cold-cases-passes-senate-judiciary-committee-during-national-police-week/", "title": "Cornyn, Welch Bill to Help Solve Cold Cases Passes Senate Judiciary Committee During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Peter Welch (D-VT) released the following statements after their Carla Walker Act, which would dedicate existing federal grant funds to support forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis and help solve previously unsolvable cold cases, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee during National Police Week. The bill is named for Carla Walker, a Fort Worth native whose murderer was finally identified 46 years after her death with the help of this advanced technology.\n\n“Carla Walker’s case was not solved for 46 years, but thanks to forensic genetic genealogy, her murderer was caught, tried, and convicted in 2021,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bill creates a pilot program to fund the use of forensic genetic genealogy, which enables law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cold cases and other hard-to-solve crimes. By making this cutting-edge technology more widely available to investigative agencies, law enforcement will gain a reliable and effective tool to identify unknown offenders.”\n\n“Advancements in forensic DNA technology have revolutionized our ability to combat crime. In Vermont, detectives were able to use forensic genetic genealogy analysis to help provide answers to a family who thought they might never come. We’ve also seen how this technology can be a powerful tool in giving those wrongly accused a chance to clear their names,” said Sen. Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will help investigators across the country harness the incredible power of FGG technology to crack cold cases and deliver justice to countless victims and families, and I’m thankful for Senator Cornyn’s leadership on it.”\n\nU.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nBackground:\n\nTypically, when a suspect’s identity is unknown, a crime laboratory uploads the genetic material recovered from a crime scene into the FBI’s national database to search for DNA matches between the forensic sample and any known offenders. While this traditional form of forensic DNA profiling only examines 13-20 Short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers, forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) technology examines over half a million Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that span the entirety of the human genome. It does so by cross-referencing shared blocks of SNP markers to identify relatives of the genetic profile by uncovering shared blocks of DNA. This enables criminal investigators to build family trees that ultimately help determine the sample’s identity and solve cases.\n\nCarla Walker was abducted from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 1974, and was subsequently tortured, raped, and then strangled to death. Her body was found three days later in a drainage ditch 30 minutes south of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Police Department was able to collect a few forensic samples and clothing items from the crime scene, but law enforcement could not solve the murder due to limited forensic technology at the time. Carla’s brother, Jim Walker, never stopped searching for answers and nearly 50 years later, FGG DNA analysis was conducted on the last remaining DNA on a piece of Walker’s clothing, which led to a successful DNA match with the McCurley family and ultimately identified Glen McCurley, Jr. as the killer, who confessed in 2021 and died in prison on July 14, 2023.\n\nSen. Cornyn’s Carla Walker Act would create a pilot program to make this cutting-edge FGG DNA analysis more widely available to investigative agencies to:", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-introduces-bill-package-to-support-small-businesses/", "title": "Cortez Masto Introduces Bill Package to Support Small Businesses", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced a package of legislation that would support small businesses across the United States and help them access funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Senator is introducing this package of legislation during National Small Business Month.\n\n“Nevada’s small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities – we must do everything we can to support them,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’m introducing this package of bills this National Small Business Month. Passing these bills would enable the Small Business Administration to better fulfill its mission, whether it’s helping a small two-person tax preparation shop or the ice cream stand that was affected by wildfire smoke.”\n\nSenator Cortez Masto, alongside Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), is introducing the Microbusiness Support Act, which would allow the SBA to issue loans of up to $100,000 to microbusinesses. Many traditional lenders do not make such small loans, leaving a gap in financing for microbusinesses. Microbusinesses are small or family-owned businesses focused on operating within their communities, often with just a few or no employees. Nevada has nearly 300,000 microbusinesses operating across the state. Read the bill here.\n\nCortez Masto is also introducing the Small Business Wildfire Smoke Recovery Act to allow wildfire smoke to count as an eligible disaster for small business disaster loans. Intense wildfire smoke often impacts Nevada during the summer months, and air quality routinely reaches dangerous levels that keep families and tourists inside. Businesses that rely on outdoor activity – like restaurants that rely on foot traffic or outdoor dining, waterparks, and outdoor malls – would now be eligible for federal support until they’ve recovered. Read the bill here.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s small businesses. Last year, the Senator introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure America’s small businesses can compete in the 21st Century economy and bipartisan legislation to make it easier for the SEC to collect information on small businesses. Additionally, Cortez Masto introduced a bipartisan bill to require the SBA to provide annual awards to state and local governments that streamline the process of small business formation. In Nevada and in Washington, she has hosted roundtables to speak with small business owners about the squeeze they are feeling from Trump’s economic policies.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-statement-on-clarity-act/", "title": "Cortez Masto Statement on CLARITY Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Senator Cortez Masto released the following statement after voting against moving the current version of the CLARITY Act out of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.\n\n“It’s clear we need to pass market structure legislation, and I’ve worked for months with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to negotiate a bill that provides clear rules of the road for a growing industry. But the current version of the CLARITY Act undermines law enforcement’s ability to trace illicit finance and recover victims’ money, while at the same time creating a more challenging environment to prosecute criminals for knowingly transmitting illicit funds,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s disappointing that my commonsense fixes discussed among stakeholders and supported by police and prosecutors nationwide weren’t adopted today. But I’m committed to finding solutions that allow us to take on bad actors – the criminals not the everyday coders – while giving the millions of U.S. crypto users the certainty they need.”\n\nSenator Cortez Masto is a former Attorney General of Nevada who has a long track record of standing up for law enforcement and combatting illicit activity. Today, she submitted for the record letters from the National Sheriffs’ Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and the Major County Sheriffs of American, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police expressing that the current draft of the CLARITY Act does not adequately address concerns raised by law enforcement and prosecutors.\n\nDuring today’s markup, Cortez Masto offered numerous amendments to the CLARITY Act that would address law enforcement’s and prosecutors’ concerns by ensuring those who are truly participating in money transmitting or securities trading don’t have a blanket exemption from accountability for illicit money transmitting and anti-money laundering requirements.\n\nSenator Cortez Masto also delivered remarks during today’s committee hearing outlining her concerns, which can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-banking-committee-passes-clarity-act", "title": "Senate Banking Committee Passes Clarity Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cramer.senate.gov", "scraper": "cramer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001096", "name": "Kevin Cramer", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – After months of negotiations, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (Clarity Act) today. This legislation establishes regulatory parameters for digital assets, eliminating the unclear framework which has long plagued the industry. The bill heads to the Senate floor for consideration.\n\nU.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Banking Committee, celebrated the markup.\n\n“Today’s successful bipartisan markup of the Clarity Act in the Banking Committee establishes American regulatory guardrails around this emerging technology. We’ve already watched the majority of the industry leave for unregulated overseas markets, leaving consumers completely vulnerable to fraud or abuse. There’s more to be done to perfect this bill, but we’re working with Democrats on the committee to refine this framework and incubate a promising industry.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/05/14/2026/crapo-announces-finance-committee-staff-updates", "title": "Crapo Announces Finance Committee Staff Updates", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today announced the following staff updates:\n\nSam Llewellyn, Professional Staff Member\n\nSam joins the Committee from the office of Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), where he worked on issues facing the Finance and Judiciary Committees as deputy legislative assistant. He previously worked as a legislative correspondent for Congressman Jake LaTurner (R-Kansas). He holds a B.A. in Intelligence and Security Studies from The Citadel.\n\nSarah Meier, Tax Counsel\n\nSarah joins the Committee from the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where she served as counsel and parliamentarian under Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Kentucky). She previously worked as counsel to the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and as tax policy staff for Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming). She earned her J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law, subsequently practicing business, tax and government law as an attorney in Lincoln, and a B.A. from the University of Wyoming.\n\nMike Weiss, Senior Health Policy Advisor\n\nMike joins the Committee from the office of Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana), where he served as health policy director with an emphasis on issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction. He previously worked as a policy analyst for the Senate Republican Policy Committee under then-Chairwoman Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and as a legislative staffer for Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pennsylvania) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin). He received a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.\n\nClick HERE for a full list of Crapo Finance Committee staff.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/senate-banking-committee-approves-bipartisan-digital-asset-legislation-with-crapo-support", "title": "Senate Banking Committee Approves Bipartisan Digital Asset Legislation with Crapo Support", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases", "domain": "www.crapo.senate.gov", "scraper": "crapo", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C000880", "name": "Mike Crapo", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, today voted to advance the bipartisan Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to establish clear rules of the road for digital assets.\n\n“The CLARITY Act would provide investors and consumers the regulatory certainty needed to flourish in a digital economy,” said Crapo. “Clear, consistent rules will protect consumers while fostering innovation and growth. If we fail to act, we risk ceding leadership in financial technology and leaving the United States behind in a rapidly evolving global market.”\n\nThe bipartisan bill is a comprehensive market structure bill that would establish America as the crypto capital of the world. It advanced out of the Committee by a vote of 15-9 and now moves to the Senate floor.\n\nBackground:\n\nCryptocurrency is defined as a digital asset that exists virtually and uses an encrypted network to record and verify transactions, independent from a centralized authority. Senator Crapo supported passage of the GENIUS Act, signed into law in July 2025, as the first step in establishing a first-of-its-kind framework for payment stablecoins. As Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Senator Crapo is leading discussions about how the U.S. tax code can provide a clear framework to ensure further American leadership in the industry.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/14/daines-introduces-resolution-supporting-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week/", "title": "Daines Introduces Resolution Supporting Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in introducing a resolution to honor the service and dedication of America’s law enforcement officers and personnel during National Police Week. The resolution expresses support for police officers across the nation, recognizes their selfless work in the line of duty, and calls for increased resources for law enforcement agencies.\n\n“Law enforcement officers and personnel dedicate their lives every day to selflessly protect their local communities. I’m glad to work with Senator Cassidy on this resolution to celebrate National Police Week and recognize the contributions of our brave men and women in uniform,”said Daines.\n\nRead the resolution HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-pays-tribute-to-fallen-chicago-police-officer-during-national-police-week", "title": "Durbin Pays Tribute To Fallen Chicago Police Officer During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "The tribute occurred at a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where Senators advanced six bipartisan bills in support of law enforcement\n\nWASHINGTON – In a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, paid tribute to Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, who was fatally shot as he and his partner were monitoring a robbery suspect at a hospital in Illinois last month.\n\n“Last week, Mr. Chairman, when we were home, I visited the memorial service to Officer John Bartholomew. It was at the Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. There was an amazing turnout to salute this 38-year-old officer, who died in the line of duty and left [behind] his wife and three young children,” began Durbin.\n\n“On the day when his body was taken to its final rest, they closed down Lake Shore Drive for hours, so that all of the police cars from all of the surrounding jurisdictions could join in the solemn procession. It was a somber week in Chicago because of his loss,” continued Durbin.\n\n“We salute him for his bravery, and thank his family for giving us his example to guide our own lives,” concluded Durbin.\n\nThe tribute occurred at a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where Senators advanced six bipartisan bills in support of law enforcement:\n\nS. 736, Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act\n\nS. 825, Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025\n\nS. 4394, Promoting Police Leadership Act\n\nS. 3897, Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026\n\nS. 1890, Carla Walker Act\n\nS. 3041, Tribal Warrant Fairness Act\n\nVideo of Durbin’s tribute is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s tribute is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s tribute is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-speaks-against-extreme-unqualified-trump-us-attorney-nominees", "title": "Durbin Speaks Against Extreme, Unqualified Trump U.S. Attorney Nominees", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin: “It is even more of an outrage that during Police Week—when we honor law enforcement’s bravery, service, and sacrifice—Senate Republicans are poised to confirm nominees who spread lies about the police officers who protected us from a violent mob of rioters on January 6.”\n\nWASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against several U.S. attorney nominees in the en bloc package currently being considered by the Senate who are extreme, unqualified Trump loyalists. During his remarks, Durbin noted that the change Senate Republicans made in the Senate’s rules last year has fundamentally undermined Senators’ ability to fulfill their constitutional duty of advice and consent on nominations. He warned that this new Republican precedent would open the door to jamming through extreme nominees whose only qualification is loyalty to Donald Trump.\n\n“U.S. Attorneys are the top federal prosecutors in 94 districts across the country. We rely on them to be above politics, fair-minded prosecutors who protect victims and hold bad actors accountable. They should not be instruments of political retribution ever,” Durbin said. “But as I feared, several U.S. attorney nominees in this en bloc package are extreme.”\n\nDurbin continued, “It is even more of an outrage that during Police Week—when we honor law enforcement’s bravery, service, and sacrifice—Senate Republicans are poised to confirm nominees who continue to spread fabrications about the officers who protected me, and other members of the Senate, Republican and Democrat, from the violent mob on January 6.”\n\nDurbin then spoke against Darin Smith, nominated to the District of Wyoming. He has stood by his radical and dangerous view that Vice President Pence should not have certified the results of the 2020 election. Additionally, at least seven criminal defendants have filed motions to dismiss charges brought by Smith because he told members of a grand jury that the defendants were “murderers” and that every case before them involved “bad people.” Even the District of Wyoming U.S. Attorney’s Office has admitted Smith’s irresponsible and unprofessional comments were “ill-advised.”\n\n“Smith was on the Capitol grounds on January 6… and made the reprehensible claim… that the hundreds of Capitol Police officers who risked their lives that day were guilty of ‘massive incompetence.’ Smith blames the police for what happened on January 6. Without evidence, he claimed that rioters who breached the Capitol were victims of entrapment,” Durbin said. “Moreover, Smith is not remotely qualified to be a U.S. Attorney. He’s going to be in the package—take it or leave it. Prior to becoming the interim U.S. Attorney, he had no courtroom or litigation experience whatsoever. None. And Smith’s lack of experience has had real world consequences.”\n\nDurbin then spoke against Phil Williams, nominated to the Northern District of Alabama, who had no prosecutorial experience prior to his nomination.\n\n“Williams’s main qualification appears to be that he’s a podcaster and he makes social media posts in which he spouts MAGA orthodoxy… He has whitewashed January 6 and maligned the law enforcement officers—not the mobsters—the policemen who were protecting members of Congress, our staff, and visitors,” Durbin said. “Williams claimed that January 6 rioters were ‘hunted down’ by law enforcement, whom he accused of ‘prosecutorial abuse, many, many times over.’ … Williams called the prosecutions of January 6 rioters ‘the Salem witch trials on a national scale.’ Williams criticized the 87-month sentence imposed on a rioter named Guy Reffitt, claiming he was ‘nonviolent.’ In fact, Reffitt traveled to the Capitol on January 6 wearing body armor, carrying handguns and cuffs, and planning to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell. Prior to his arrest, listen to this, Reffitt said to his own minor children, ‘if you turn me in, you’re a traitor, and traitors get shot.’”\n\nFinally, Durbin spoke against Dan Bishop, nominated to the Middle District of North Carolina. He is yet another nominee who has no previous experience as a prosecutor.\n\n“As a Member of Congress on January 6, 2021, Bishop voted against certifying the 2020 election results. He didn’t accept what is clearly the fact—…President [Trump] lost the 2020 election and President Biden won. Bishop falsely claimed, ‘Democrats’ attack on our elections…was coordinated & widespread.’ Even today, Bishop refuses to disavow debunked crackpot theories about the insurrection,” Durbin said. “He told me, ‘I have heard credible accounts that black-bloc/Antifa agitators were in the crowd and among the first to vandalize the Capitol building, so I think that leftists participated in and perhaps instigated the mayhem in part.’ One of the wild conspiracy theories which he still stands by.”\n\nDurbin continued, “There is a clear throughline here with these extreme, unqualified nominees—their MAGA loyalty all but guarantees that they will use their post in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to go after the President’s political opponents. President Trump has nominated these January 6 apologists for another equally concerning reason. He wants to make the case that the 2020 election was stolen to justify interfering in the 2026 elections. And he wants loyal foot soldiers in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices who will help him carry out this mission.”\n\nDurbin concluded, “Confirming these nominees to top law enforcement positions, particularly given their attacks on police officers simply for doing their jobs on January 6, is disrespectful to law enforcement—even more so during Police Week. I urge my colleagues today when this package comes before us to oppose these nominees. And because this rancid package of nominees is a take it or leave it on nearly 50 nominees, by all means leave it.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-wicker-reintroduce-legislation-to-promote-study-abroad2", "title": "Durbin, Wicker Reintroduce Legislation To Promote Study Abroad", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Lawmakers say study abroad prepares U.S. college graduates to compete globally\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act, which renames a competitive grant program run by the Department of State to the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program. The grant encourages institutions of higher education to sustainably expand study abroad opportunities to nontraditional locations for underserved American undergraduate students. It is named after the late United States Senator Paul Simon (D-IL), who encouraged Congress to prepare the next generation of Americans with the global knowledge and skills needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Durbin has continuously re-introduced the legislation over various Congresses. This year is Durbin’s last introduction before he retires at the end of this term. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).\n\n“Senator Paul Simon always knew the value of understanding how the world works and how we are all interconnected,” Durbin said. “This legislation builds on Senator Simon’s vision by creating opportunities for American students of all backgrounds to see and experience the world. By giving the next generation of students the chance to study abroad, they will be better prepared to lead successful lives and expand their worldview.”\n\n“Study abroad is a valuable experience for many American college students who hope to become our country’s future leaders,” Wicker said. “I appreciate this effort to expand access to study abroad for thousands of undergraduates who would not otherwise have the opportunity.”\n\n“Getting out of the classroom and into the world is incredibly valuable for today’s students, whose experiences will help them lead the way in building a more prosperous, peaceful, and stable future,” said Schneider. “Senator Paul Simon championed study abroad for American students of all backgrounds and I am proud to get to carry on his legacy with this bipartisan bill co-led by Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Durbin and Wicker.”\n\n“America’s leadership in the 21st century will be shaped by the leaders we prepare today. Study abroad is an essential part of a well-rounded education—giving our students the opportunity not only to visit and study in nations around the world, but to serve as ambassadors for American values, ideas, and leadership. This bipartisan initiative opens that door wider. By expanding access to international education for one million students over the next decade, we will ensure that young Americans from every walk of life and background are prepared to compete in tomorrow’s economy, lead with purpose, and strengthen our country’s place in the world,” said Fitzpatrick.\n\n“In 2003, my father spent the last year of his life urging his former colleagues in Washington to make study abroad the norm and not the exception in this country” said Martin H. Simon, the son of the late senator. “Just days before his death, Dad asked Senator Durbin to champion this fight going forward, and to Durbin’s credit, he has been trying for the past 20 years. Now, on the eve of his retirement, I hope the Congress will see fit to supporting this legacy vision and pass the Simon Study Abroad Program Act.”\n\n“The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act strengthens one of the nation’s most important investments in globally prepared talent,” said Fanta Aw, PhD, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. “By codifying and expanding the IDEAS program into law, this legislation will open doors for more students across institution types, to access transformative study abroad experiences that build the skills, knowledge adaptability, and intercultural competencies demanded in today’s global economy. Expanding global learning is not a luxury; it is a national imperative. We applaud the bill’s sponsors for their leadership in strengthening U.S. competitiveness, advancing economic and national security interests, and preparing the next generation of globally engaged leaders.”\n\nAs China and other global competitors continue to build key relationships with developing countries, it is essential that the United States and a diverse demographic of American students have access to study abroad programs in nontraditional locations so that our nation maintains its competitive edge and students have the cultural and linguistic competency to compete. According to UNESCO, nearly 1.1 million Chinese college students study abroad annually while only 110,000 American college students do. Students of color, first-generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in study abroad participation.\n\nThe goals of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program are to:\n\nIncrease the number of undergraduate students studying abroad annually to one million students within 10 years;\n\nIncrease the number of minority students, first generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities studying abroad by prioritizing grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and institutions that qualify for the Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program, so the demographics of study abroad participation better reflect the demographics of the undergraduate population; and\n\nIncrease the number of students who study abroad in nontraditional destinations, with an emphasis on economically developing countries, while maintaining health and safety guidelines and procedures informed by Department of State travel advisories and other appropriate Federal agencies and resources.\n\nIn 2004, Congress authorized the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program to provide recommendations to Congress and the President on how to expand opportunities for American undergraduate students to study abroad with a special emphasis on study abroad in economically disadvantaged countries. This bipartisan bill seeks to implement those recommendations.\n\nDurbin first introduced this legislation in 2006 as the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Act based on the recommendations of the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program – of which Durbin was a member.\n\nThis bill is supported by the following organizations: NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Academic Programs International, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Association of Teachers of French, American Association of Teachers of Italian, American Association of Teachers of Japanese, American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, American Classical League, American Council on Education, American Councils for International Education, California Language Teachers' Association, CETRA Language Solutions, Connecticut Council of Language Teachers, Delaware Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Fluency Consulting LLC, Foreign Language Association of North Dakota, Foreign Language Association of Virginia, Fund for Education Abroad, German American Partnership Program, Global Seal of Biliteracy, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, IES Abroad, Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling, Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, Institute of International Education, Intercultural Student Experiences (DBA Xperitas), International Association for Language Learning Technology, International Educators of Illinois, Joint National Committee for Languages, Kansas World Language Association, Kentucky World Language Association, Language Magazine, Linguistic Society of America, MARACAS / Learning Kaleidoscope, Model Language Association, National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Committee for Latin and Greek, National Council for Languages and International Studies, National Education Association, National Network for Early Language Learning, New Mexico Organization of Language Educators, New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, Pacific Northwest Council for Languages, Pennsylvania Council for International Education, Southern Conference on Language Teaching, TESOL International Association, The Alliance for International Exchange, The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island, The Forum on Education Abroad, United Negro College Fund, and West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/during-police-week-durbin-calls-out-the-hypocrisy-of-confirming-president-trumps-anti-law-enforcement-nominees", "title": "During Police Week, Durbin Calls Out The Hypocrisy Of Confirming President Trump’s Anti-Law Enforcement Nominees", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Durbin also spoke out against Justin Smith, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting denouncing the Trump Administration’s anti-law enforcement nominees moving through the Senate during National Police Week. Durbin also called out the Trump Administration’s attacks on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects Dreamers from deportation and gives them the chance to contribute more fully to the nation they love. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted DACA recipient police officers who could lose their DACA status.\n\nDuring his opening, Durbin also spoke against Justin Smith, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Smith is one of several personal attorneys to President Trump who have been rewarded for their loyalty with lifetime nominations to the federal bench.\n\nKey Quotes:\n\n“Later today, the Senate will vote on a group of dozens of executive nominees—almost 50—under the partisan fast-track process that Senate Republicans put in place last year. This package of nominees includes several unqualified January 6th apologists who were reported by this Committee’s majority despite the fact that they have disparaged law enforcement.”\n\n“For example, Wyoming U.S. Attorney nominee Darin Smith was on Capitol grounds on January 6… and made the reprehensible claim that the police officers who risked their lives that day were guilty of ‘massive incompetence.’ Phil Williams, nominated to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, called the prosecutions of January 6 rioters who attacked police officers, ‘the Salem witch trials on a national scale.’ There are videos—there is no question about what was happening here… Supporting nominees like this does not ‘back the blue.’”\n\n“Earlier this week, I convened a meeting to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to arrest and deport Dreamers. These are young immigrants who were brought to this country as children by their parents.”\n\n“They [Dreamers] have grown up here… pledging allegiance to our flag believing they were part of our future. They are an important part of America today and in the future. In 2012, at the request of myself and our late colleague, Republican Senator Richard Lugar, President Obama established Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals—known as DACA.”\n\n“They go through a complete criminal background check and then you’re given a chance to work in this country and not be deported. Who are these people? They are teachers, nurses, doctors, law enforcement, [and] they’re in our military. They are making America a better place. So, what’s happening to them now? Unfortunately, the promise we made to stand behind them is broken.”\n\n“This Administration is slow-walking DACA renewals so that Dreamers face deportation and [their] work authorization is expiring through no fault of their own… The Administration is also applying a so-called ‘processing hold’ on applications from DACA recipients from 39 countries… And, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued a decision that DACA status will no longer necessarily protect Dreamers from deportation.”\n\n“One of the witnesses at the meeting I convened was Robert Rodriguez, the Chief of Police for the Santa Ana Police Department. [Chief Rodriguez] was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and brought to the United States as an undocumented child. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he deployed numerous times and eventually obtained U.S. citizenship. Chief Rodriguez testified about the difficulties he faces in recruiting police officers.”\n\n“He has several DACA recipients on his police force who are serving honorably and helping to protect their community. But he has already had to lay off one of these officers who lost their status because of the Trump Administration [slow walking] issuing a DACA renewal status.”\n\n“This Committee has the authority, jurisdiction, and the responsibility to not just talk about Police Week but to do something about Police Week. Let’s do something about DACA. Let’s have a hearing. Let’s have a commitment on both sides that these young people should be given a chance.”\n\n“I’d like to say a word about one of the first nominees we’re going to consider. His name is Justin Smith. He is one of several personal attorneys to President Trump who have been rewarded for their loyalty with lifetime nominations to the federal court.”\n\n“Even today, Mr. Smith continues to represent the President as lead counsel in his cases against E. Jean Carroll, who has been awarded nearly $90 million in damages after juries found President Trump liable for sexual abuse.”\n\n“Apart from his representations of President Trump, Mr. Smith’s record shows he is too ideologically extreme. While working in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, he joined the baseless effort to challenge the results of the 2020 election.”\n\n“Mr. Smith also has extensive right-wing political affiliations and ties to dark-money entities. His record shows that he will continue to prioritize these issues over the cause of justice.”\n\nVideo of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nAudio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.\n\nFootage of Durbin’s opening statement is available herefor TV Stations.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-durbin-cruz-resolution-urging-the-release-of-political-prisoners-in-china", "title": "Senate Passes Durbin, Cruz Resolution Urging The Release Of Political Prisoners In China", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.durbin.senate.gov", "scraper": "durbin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000563", "name": "Richard J. Durbin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Calls on President Trump to make their release part of his discussion with President Xi\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) applauded the unanimous Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution urging President Trump to prioritize securing the release of political prisoners during his current visit to China, including Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife, Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Ekpar Asat, and Jimmy Lai.\n\n“No one should fear for their lives or suffer political imprisonment for standing up for democracy and freedom,” said Durbin. “While the Chinese have worked with my office on such cases in the past and made some important gestures, it’s time for the immediate release of Dr. Gulshan Abbas, Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and Pang Yu, Ekpar Asat, and Jimmy Lai. Now that this resolution has passed the Senate, I urge President Trump to raise their cases with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his current visit to China.”\n\n“The Chinese Communist Party is an authoritarian regime that jails dissidents, silences religious believers, and violates basic freedoms. The Senate’s passage of this bipartisan resolution underscores that America will continue fighting to secure the release of those wrongfully detained and hold the CCP accountable for these detentions,” said Cruz.\n\nIn addition to Durbin and Cruz, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Chris Coons (D-DE) also cosponsored the resolution.\n\nIn March, Durbin spoke on the Senate floor highlighting their cases and calling for their release.\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-calls-for-e15-to-drive-down-prices-at-the-pump", "title": "Ernst Calls for E15 to Drive Down Prices at the Pump", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – After the House passed historic legislation to give Americans the option of affordable E15 year-round, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, called on the Senate to immediately take up this legislation to drive down prices at the gas pump.\n\nWatch her full remarks here.\n\nFull remarks:\n\n“Folks, we all know energy security is national security.\n\n“Right now, what’s left of the brutal Iranian regime is holding the world hostage and targeting the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.\n\n“That’s unacceptable.\n\n“Instead of Americans paying more at the expense of Iranian terrorists, we should be using every tool at our disposal to ensure price stability, especially at the gas pump.\n\n“That is why I have been a long-time champion of unleashing domestic energy – including higher blends of homegrown ethanol – and giving retailers the choice of offering a lower cost, American-made fuel solution.\n\n“Last night, the House – through the leadership of the entire Iowa delegation – passed commonsense legislation to unleash year-round E15.\n\n“Which will lower prices at the gas station, and at the same time, provide new markets for Iowa farmers.\n\n“Folks, I’ve heard it over and over again ‘this is a mandate’ – but this is not a mandate.\n\n“E15 simply gives consumers another, more affordable price at the pump. It is about choice. Again, it is not a mandate. It is just another choice at the pump.\n\n“We’ve seen it work.\n\n“Thanks to President Trump’s approval of summertime sales of E15, this Memorial Day Weekend, Americans are estimated to save over 100 million dollars – just by using E15.\n\n“That’s real savings.\n\n“And with the House’s inclusion of my provision to cut red tape, we can completely avoid costly fuel infrastructure upgrades and unlock E15 at every gas station or truck stop across the country.\n\n“Congress should be using all the tools at our disposal to give every family the chance to take part in those savings, deliver certainty and stability for consumers, and drive down prices for Americans – from coast to coast.\n\n“It is no surprise President Trump has long supported this America-First policy that improves affordability and keeps our energy supply secure.\n\n“Even dating back to 2016, President Trump championed the option for consumers to have access to E15.\n\n“And earlier this year, in Iowa, he called for Congress to pass E15 legislation and deliver it to his desk, so he could sign it without delay.\n\n“Mr. President, we are on it.\n\n“The House got it done last night. Now, it’s the Senate’s turn.\n\n“And let me emphasize for all who are listening – that our large oil companies and those truly small oil refineries, our fuel retailers, our ag associations and the biofuel groups have all created and support this E15 agreement.\n\n“That's large oil companies all the way to the farmers, they support the deal that was passed in the House.\n\n“And I want to thank everyone that has come forward to support the House legislation.\n\n“Now, there are a few folks out there that don't agree with this deal.\n\n“These are the so called mid-sized refineries.\n\n“Those mid-sized refiners are the ones that are gaming the system and are falsely describing what the E15 deal will do.\n\n“Again, large oil companies and those small oil companies, they agree with our biofuel producers and support the E15 legislation.\n\n“The mid-sized refiners that are trying to kill this year-round E15 deal, and I will tell you, there are only six mid-size refiners. Six. Those six mid-size fuel refiners that are trying to kill this bill made more, just six, six of these refiners make more [annually] and will continue this trend than the 3.32 million family farmers.\n\n“Six, six refiners are making more than the 3.32 million American family farmers.\n\n“Those are the six refiners, six, just six that are trying to kill this bill in the United States Senate.\n\n“So again, I want to say thank you so much to those large oil companies, the truly small oil refiners, our fuel retailers, our ag associations and our biofuel groups, and mostly our American farmers.\n\n“I want to say thank you so much for coming together to create sensible legislation on E15 year-round that will help every American consumer that's fueling at the pump have another choice.\n\n“Not a mandate, but a choice.\n\n“And I'll tell you what, because I use ethanol back home in Iowa when I'm fueling my vehicle, that when I pull up to the pump, the choice I make is the cheaper alternative that supports our American farmers.\n\n“And that's E15. And I'm proud to support.\n\n“I'm encouraging all of our members here in the United States Senate to support this really commonsense legislation that has come forward from the House.\n\n“Support our hardworking Americans.\n\n“There should be absolutely no more delay.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-celebrates-national-police-week", "title": "Ernst Celebrates National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) met with folks from the Red Oak Police Department, Iowa State Police Association, and Iowa Firefighters Association to thank them for their service and sacrifice.\n\nErnst joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) resolution to celebrate and commend the brave law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect Iowans and Americans.\n\nErnst with Luke Mellott and Ryan Johnson from the Red Oak Police Department.\n\nDownload more photos of Senator Ernst with law enforcement here.\n\n“Our men and women in blue work hard to protect our Iowa communities and keep Americans safe every single day,” said Ernst. “This week and every week, I am grateful for their tireless service and sacrifice that allows our nation to function. I’m proud to honor their commitment and I will always back the blue.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-cornyn-introduce-bill-to-give-american-energy-producers-certainty-safeguard-against-anti-lng-policies/", "title": "Fetterman, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Give American Energy Producers Certainty, Safeguard Against Anti-LNG Policies", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the LNG Export Security Act, which would amend current law to provide certainty to American energy producers and ensure administrations regardless of party cannot take advantage of vague language to enact policies that stifle liquified natural gas (LNG) production and exports or harm American ratepayers.\n\n“LNG has played a critical role in promoting America’s energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’ve been proud to advocate for solutions that put American jobs first and fully recognize we need guardrails in place to protect this industry and the workers. This bill makes sure decisions are made objectively while protecting the millions of jobs that power communities across Pennsylvania and our great nation.”\n\n“America’s energy producers shouldn’t work in fear that a future administration could kneecap them with burdensome restrictions at a moment’s notice due to ambiguous laws,” said Senator Cornyn. “Our commonsense legislation would clarify the Natural Gas Act to give LNG producers the certainty they need and deserve to continue powering the world.”\n\nThe LNG Export Security Act amends the Natural Gas Act by defining “public interest” with the consideration of:\n\nThe development of natural gas facilities in the United States and the domestic natural gas supply;\n\nDomestic economic interests; and\n\nNational security interests.\n\nThe LNG Export Security Act is endorsed by the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) and the Center for LNG.\n\nBackground\n\nIn response to the Biden Administration’s pause on LNG exports in 2024, Senator Fetterman raised concerns over the decision and the potential long-term impacts it would have on the jobs of hardworking Pennsylvanians. He highlighted the history of Pennsylvania as a leading energy state and second largest natural gas-producing state, and vowed to push back against the administration if energy jobs in the commonwealth were threatened.\n\nSenator Fetterman continues to push for all-of-the-above energy policies that put Pennsylvania at the forefront, protects the jobs of those who keep our country running, and secures the U.S. energy supply.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/fetterman-leads-colleagues-in-reintroducing-bill-to-protect-washingtons-trail/", "title": "Fetterman Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing Bill to Protect Washington’s Trail", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/press-release/", "domain": "www.fetterman.senate.gov", "scraper": "fetterman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000479", "name": "John Fetterman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Washington’s Trail — 1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility test to designate Washington’s Trail as a national historic trail. The house companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16).\n\n“Washington’s Trail is just one example of an iconic piece of American history. We should absolutely do everything we can to protect and preserve this trail for all of us and future generations to enjoy,” said Senator Fetterman. “Recognizing Pennsylvania’s role in history is something I’ll always be proud to talk about. As we celebrate America’s 250th, I can think of no better time than now to get this bill signed into law and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and House who joined its reintroduction.”\n\n“By designating Washington’s Trail as a national historic trail, we create an opportunity to preserve this history, to build community pride, to connect communities, promote economic revitalization, and create jobs while telling this story of George Washington and the birth of our nation,” said Representative Kelly. “I commend the work of local volunteers who have brought George Washington’s journey to life. This legislation builds upon their work for current and future generations to enjoy.”\n\nWashington’s Trail follows George Washington’s path in 1753 on his way to Fort LeBoeuf in what is now known as Waterford, PA in Erie County. The trail starts in Virginia and includes portions of Maryland, West Virginia, and crosses several Western Pennsylvania counties. In Pennsylvania, the trail features scenic markers and landmarks highlighting major tourist and historical destinations such as the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh, the Old Economy Village in Ambridge, DeBence Antique Music World Museum in Franklin, Fort LeBoeuf Museum in Erie, and many more iconic places.\n\nThe Senate bill was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA).\n\n“Securing National Historic Trail status for Washington’s Trail is about more than just preservation: it’s a strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s heritage and conservation that honors the journey of a young George Washington right here in our backyard,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m proud to join Senator Fetterman and my colleagues in this designation that will turn a critical piece of our frontier history into a lasting economic and educational asset, ensuring that the story of American leadership continues to inspire both our local communities and visitors from across the nation.”\n\n“Washington’s Trail represents an amazing chapter in our nation’s founding, and West Virginia is proud to be a part of that story,” said Senator Capito. “By studying the feasibility of designating Washington’s Trail as a National Historic Trail, we can help preserve this important legacy and ensure future generations understand West Virginia’s unique role in America’s early history.”\n\n“George Washington’s journey through what is now West Virginia helped shape the course of American history. Washington’s Trail tells the story of courage, leadership, and the early fight for our nation’s future. These historic trails connect folks to the people, places, and moments that came before us. I’m proud to support the Washington’s Trail—1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to help preserve Washington’s brave footsteps, while also bringing new opportunities for tourism and appreciation for the outdoors in Almost Heaven and beyond,” said Senator Jim Justice\n\n“The Washington Trail follows George Washington’s first military and diplomatic mission and commemorates an important part of our history,” said Senator Kaine. “As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, we recommit to preserving the stories of America’s founding. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that would begin the process of preserving this trail so that future generations can learn about its significance.”\n\n“Washington’s Trail – which starts right in Williamsburg, Virginia – traces the historic journey that a young George Washington took on his first military and diplomatic venture,” said Senator Warner. “Virginians take great pride in the instrumental role the Commonwealth played in our nation’s earliest years, which is why I’m joining my colleagues in taking this step to designate Washington’s route as a National Historic Trail. Preserving this piece of our country’s past will provide educational opportunities to young people, promote tourism, boost local economies, and protect cultural and historical resources for future generations to enjoy.”\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=272F9F5B-80C7-4796-9832-55168FA17CBD", "title": "Fischer Honors Nebraska Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution, cosponsored by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), recognizing National Police Week, which also honors fallen Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Kyle McAcy.\n\n“Last year, we mourned the loss of Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Kyle McAcy, who served our communities for a decade,” Fischer said. “I was proud to cosponsor this Senate-passed resolution honoring his service and recognizing National Police Week. To Nebraska’s men and women in blue: Thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our people and state.”\n\nFischer’s Work with Nebraska’s Law Enforcement:\n\nFederal investments\n\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Fischer has secured millions of dollars to invest in Nebraska’s law enforcement. This includes upgrades to emergency communications and information systems and access to body cameras. Click here for more information on the funding Fischer secured this year.\n\nWith federal funding Fischer secured in 2024, the Omaha Police Department was able to procure a new helicopter, now used by their Air Wing. Click here for more information, and click here to read more in the Omaha World-Herald.\n\nLegislation\n\nIn 2024, Fischer’s Recruit and Retain Actwas signed into law, which provides law enforcement across the country with resources to combat staffing shortages.\n\nFischer also recently joined her colleagues in introducing the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Reauthorization Act, to reauthorize the nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.\n\nAdditionally, Fischer cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, which would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by creating a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/5/fischer-honors-nebraska-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-statement-on-market-structure-markup/", "title": "Gallego Statement on Market Structure Markup", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Ranking Member of the Digital Assets Subcommittee of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after voting to advance the digital asset market structure legislation:\n\n“Digital assets have grown to represent a significant portion of our financial system. With 1 in 4 Americans now invested in digital assets, this issue cannot be ignored. What Congress is attempting to do here – create regulations for an entirely new set of assets – is a massive undertaking. We cannot afford to wait, but we also cannot afford to get this wrong.\n\n“Through serious, bipartisan negotiations, we have made incredible progress on this bill. We have narrowed the gap on many of the outstanding issues. We did serious work on genuinely difficult questions about regulatory jurisdiction, consumer disclosure requirements, insolvency protections, stablecoin yield, crypto ATMs, and many more. My vote today is so we can continue these efforts. But I want to be clear: my vote here does not guarantee a vote on the floor.\n\n“We have many outstanding issues still to resolve. Toughest and most critical of all is coming to an agreement on ethics guardrails for elected officials. This remains my focus moving forward.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/in-new-pentagon-response-to-gallego-letter-pentagon-reveals-interference-with-stars-and-stripes-editorial-independence/", "title": "In New Pentagon Response to Gallego Letter, Pentagon Reveals Interference with Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Pentagon revealed shift in mission and focus of Stars and Stripes on same day it fired Stripes’ advocate for independence\n\nWASHINGTON – In a new response to a recent letter from Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), the Pentagon reveals interference that threatens the media independence of Stars and Stripes, the military’s editorially independent newspaper. The response was prepared the same day the Pentagon fired Stripes’ ombudsman, its advocate for independence.\n\n“I relied on Stars and Stripes when I was in Iraq for honest, credible reporting about our military instead of politicized garbage. While Trump continues to dig us into his war in Iran and all signs point to him starting more wars in Latin America, it is more important than ever that Stars and Stripes has the editorial independence to report on what is actually happening on the ground,” said Senator Gallego. “The Pentagon’s response fails to make that clear. They want to turn it into another megaphone for this administration’s propaganda.”\n\nIn the new response, the Pentagon reiterated that “Stripes will remain editorially independent of the military chain of command, military public affairs activities, or other external influences, and without censorship or propaganda,” but multiple other points in the letter reveal the Pentagon interfering with the mission of the paper and shifting toward censorship and propaganda.\n\nHighlights include:\n\nThe Pentagon explains Stripes’ mission as to “deliver content, specifically relevant to Service members and their families, that is not usually covered by commercial media.” The Pentagon also describes Stripes as a “publication that serves the U.S. military community [and] operates in support of good order and discipline of the military.”\n\nThe Pentagon called First Amendment protections for the military newspaper “unnecessary.” In response to questions from the lawmakers about why it removed a Stripes regulation that called for the newspaper to “[keep] with the principles of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” the Pentagon called the rule “unnecessary principally,” stating that “there was no need for it to be in the Code of Federal Regulations.”\n\nThe 1994 regulations that the Pentagon revoked in January were implemented after years-long oversight investigations from Congress and GAO uncovered systemic issues of censorship at Stripes. The regulations incorporated many of Congress’s and GAO’s recommendations and reforms, including the appointment of a civilian editor in chief and the insulation of editorial decision-making from DoD officials.\n\nThe Pentagon dodged questions about whether it has withheld articles from publication at Stripes. In response to the lawmakers asking whether DoD has withheld any articles from publication, the Pentagon answered narrowly, writing: “The language concerning good order and discipline has not led to any Stripes articles being withheld from publication.”\n\nThe response appears to reveal increased Pentagon influence in directing the future of Stripes. Following a Department of Defense memo from March calling for the creation of an advisory group for Stars and Stripes to be selected by its publisher, the Pentagon, in this new response, notes that the group has yet to be formed but has to receive the office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs’ “concurrence.”\n\nThe new information comes in response to an April letter from the lawmakers, denouncing the Department of Defense’s restrictions on Stars and Stripes. The letter pressed DoD on its decision to limit Stripes’ editorial independence, asked which of the paper’s past articles have violated DoD rules, and pushed for more information on the extent of the involvement of DoD political appointees in editorial decision-making at the paper.\n\nIn March, DoD issued a memo giving DoD political appointees more authority over Stripes, placing new restrictions on its reporters and the paper’s independent ombudsman, and limiting civilian editors from publishing wire service stories unless “approved by” a DoD political appointee, even for sports and coverage of war zone areas. DoD’s memo imposed new rules on Stars and Stripes, including calling for the reprint of DoD official statements in the paper, restricting journalists’ ability to conduct investigative journalism, and limiting access to DoD sources.\n\nStars and Stripes has a decades-long history of independent journalism. DoD formally codified many of Congress’s recommendations to protect the paper in 1994, including the appointment of a civilian editor in chief and the insulation of editorial decision-making from DoD officials\n\nRead the administration’s full letter HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-cruz-applaud-committee-passage-of-their-bills-to-support-first-responders-and-survivors-of-child-sexual-abuse/", "title": "Gillibrand, Cruz Applaud Committee Passage Of Their Bills To Support First Responders And Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) lauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s passage of two of their bipartisan bills: the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act and the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S) Law.\n\n“I am thrilled that these two crucial pieces of legislation have passed out of committee,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We owe our public safety officers and their families timely access to death and disability benefits, and survivors of child sexual abuse deserve the right to tell their stories and seek public accountability for the horrors they endured. I will not stop fighting until both of these bills are passed by the full Congress and signed into law.”\n\n“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, and we have a duty to ensure they receive timely, fair support when they need it most. We also have a responsibility to stand with children who have endured sexual abuse and protect their right to share their stories. I am grateful these two bipartisan bills passed through committee unanimously, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance them,” said Senator Ted Cruz.\n\nThe Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act would amend the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program to improve processing times and reduce delays in benefit determinations. The PSOB Program provides death benefits to survivors of first responders who have died in the line of duty, as well as disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Specifically, the senators’ bill – which is endorsed by over 30 public safety officer organizations and unions – would:\n\nRequire the BJA to complete a death or disability eligibility determination within 270 days of receiving a complete claim\n\nRequire the BJA to use its subpoena authority if a public agency fails to provide requested documentation in relation to a claimant’s case\n\nExpedite processing for officers already certified for benefits through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) or the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)\n\nDirect BJA to implement GAO recommendations to establish updated program processes and administrative procedures\n\nThe Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S) Law would void nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of child sexual abuse or assault. NDAs can be used to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and shield perpetrators from accountability. This bill would make any NDA provision unenforceable if it prohibits or restricts someone from disclosing the sexual abuse of a minor or facts related to that abuse, regardless of whether the NDA was signed before a dispute arose or as part of a civil settlement agreement.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/sen-gillibrand-reps-pou-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-civilian-victims-of-toxic-exposure/", "title": "Sen. Gillibrand, Reps. Pou And Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Civilian Victims Of Toxic Exposure", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "***Watch the Members’ Press Conference Here***\n\nThe Kenya Merritt Renewing Our PACT Act would allow civilians who served with U.S. troops in proximity to toxic burn pits to receive compensation for illnesses\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representatives Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) stood alongside advocates to introduce new legislation to support victims of toxic exposure.\n\nThe bipartisan Kenya Merritt Renewing Our Promise to Address Chemical Toxicity Act (PACT) Act would make it easier for federal employees who served with U.S. troops overseas to receive workers’ compensation for diseases and conditions associated with toxic exposure. This would allow civilians who worked in proximity to toxic burn pits to receive compensation for their illnesses from the federal agencies that employed them.\n\n“As a result of the PACT Act, millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins while serving our country are receiving the healthcare they deserve. Now, it’s time that we extend those lifesaving benefits to civilians who were exposed to toxic chemicals while supporting the U.S. military overseas,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This legislation would finally ensure that Americans who put their lives on the line to support our military are no longer forced to jump through unnecessary hoops or carry the burden of toxic exposure alone.”\n\n“The Renewing Our PACT Act closes a major gap left behind by the original PACT Act by helping civilian federal employees exposed to toxic burn pits overseas access fair treatment through the federal workers’ compensation system,” said Representative Pou. “These public servants served alongside our troops in dangerous conditions and should not face impossible burdens to receive care and support after becoming sick from their service.”\n\n“America’s promise to those who serve in harm’s way must be kept long after the mission ends. That principle has long guided my work for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, and it is the same principle behind this legislation,” said Representative Fitzpatrick. “Federal law enforcement officers, intelligence professionals, and civilian federal employees served beside our troops, breathed the same toxic air, and carried home the same risks. They should not be forced to fight an impossible burden of proof for the care and compensation they earned. The Renewing Our PACT Act brings long-overdue fairness to these brave Americans and ensures that when the cost of service comes due, they are met with care—not denial, delay, or doubt.”\n\nGillibrand was a leading champion of the PACT Act, which expanded healthcare and benefits to veterans suffering from illness caused by exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances while serving abroad. These burn pits-related medical conditions are presumptively service-connected, meaning that veterans who were deployed overseas near burn pits no longer have to provide direct proof that their disease is service-related in order to receive benefits.\n\nThe Kenya Merritt Renewing Our PACT Act would establish the same presumptive connection for civilians who served with U.S. troops in proximity to burn pits, allowing them to more easily receive compensation for illnesses resulting from toxic exposure. The presumption would apply to federal law enforcement officers, Intelligence Community employees, and civilians who worked at the State Department, DoD, DHS, Treasury, Commerce, and USDA for at least 30 days in another country in an overseas military “contingency operation” covered under Title 10 of the United States Code.\n\nThe bill is named after Kenya Merritt, an FBI agent who did a six-month counterterrorism deployment to Iraq in 2010, where he was exposed to burn pits. He was diagnosed with lung cancer after his deployment, and passed away from it on October 30, 2024 at 48 years old.\n\nThe Kenya Merritt Renewing Our PACT Act is supported by Mr. Merritt’s family and endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEO), the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA), AMVETS, Burn Pits 360, and the National Brain Tumor Society.\n\n“I am grateful that members of Congress came together in a bipartisan way to introduce this legislation,” said Stephanie Merritt, widow of FBI Special Agent Kenya Merritt. “Federal employees like my husband, Kenya, served beside the military in hazardous environments overseas and took many of the same risks, but when illness came, they were not treated the same. This legislation helps correct that, and I am proud that Kenya’s story may help other families receive the recognition, support, and care they deserve.”\n\n“The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) appreciates the bill sponsors for recognizing an issue that has affected FBI personnel, professional staff, and other civilian federal employees for far too long,” said FBIAA President Natalie Bara. “Men and women who served beside our military should not be treated differently simply because they served in a civilian capacity. The Kenya Merritt Renewing Our PACT Act is about fairness, honoring service, and ensuring that federal employees who accepted extraordinary risks for this country are treated with the dignity and support they deserve.”\n\n“Thousands of federal law enforcement officers have deployed overseas in support of America’s national security mission, serving in the same hazardous conditions as members of our military and often exposed to the same toxic burn pits,” said Justin Brown on behalf of AMVETS. “But while veterans gained support through the PACT Act, too many federal officers and employees who answered that same call to service continue to face unnecessary barriers when seeking care and benefits tied to toxic exposures. The Kenya Merritt Renewing Our PACT Act helps address that inequity by recognizing shared sacrifice and extending fair treatment to those who served our country overseas in harm’s way. AMVETS applauds the bipartisan sponsors of this legislation for advancing an important and overdue fix for these public servants and their families.”\n\n“National Police Week is a time when we honor the heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities and this nation,” said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Mathew Silverman. “While constant training prepares us for many of the risks inherent in law enforcement work, what we cannot prepare for are the unseen dangers, including the long-term health risks of being exposed to all manner of hazardous toxins. Like the World Trade Center Health Program for those with 9/11-related health conditions, the Renewing Our PACT Act addresses a serious gap in the federal government’s duty to care for those who gave all to keep us safe. And we are extremely grateful to Sen. Gillibrand and Reps. Pou, Fitzpatrick, and Maloy for their leadership on this critical legislation.”\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/sens-gillibrand-and-blunt-rochester-reps-clarke-and-fitzpatrick-introduce-legislation-to-combat-the-maternal-mental-health-crisis/", "title": "Sens. Gillibrand And Blunt Rochester, Reps. Clarke And Fitzpatrick Introduce Legislation To Combat The Maternal Mental Health Crisis", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Mental health conditions—including substance use disorders—are the leading cause of preventable maternal death in the United States\n\nIn New York, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is over four times that for white women\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Moms Matter Act, commonsense legislation to increase investments in maternal mental health programs and expand this vital workforce to better support moms and pregnant women.\n\nThe Moms Matter Act would establish two grant programs to support moms with maternal mental health conditions or substance use disorders by investing in community-based programs that provide mental and behavioral health resources. The bill would also provide funding for programs to grow and diversify the maternal healthcare workforce in an effort to ensure quality, culturally competent care for demographic groups with elevated rates of maternal mortality.\n\n“More women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in any of our peer countries. That is downright shameful,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We must do more to support women at every step of their maternal health journey. This legislation would expand access to high-quality maternal mental healthcare and substance use disorder services to support moms and pregnant women — no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or zip code. It’s a commonsense bill, and I’m determined to get it passed.”\n\n“The United States of America is the richest country in the world, yet American mothers are dying at an alarming, and unacceptable, rate,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “We know mental health conditions and substance use disorders are the leading cause of preventable maternal death during pregnancy and the postpartum period. By investing in programs that provide moms with the additional care they need, this bill offers a straightforward solution to this ongoing health crisis while also tackling disparities in health outcomes, and most importantly, saving the lives of new mothers.”\n\n“We are facing a maternal health crisis, with Black and brown women disproportionately impacted by barriers to equitable maternal healthcare and competency. I am proud to join my colleagues in the Senate in introducing this bicameral legislation, the Moms Matter Act, to invest in community-based programs supporting pre- and postpartum women facing mental health conditions and substance use disorders,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “As we come off the heels of Mother’s Day and observe this Mental Health Awareness Month, meeting this pivotal moment demands action that goes beyond more than words of affirmation. Our bill would strengthen and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral health workforce and increase access to high-quality care, because every mother deserves the support she needs to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”\n\n“Maternal mental health is not separate from family health, child health, or community health—it sits at the center of all three. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I have worked to make sure families can access care early, close to home, and before crisis takes hold,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The Moms Matter Act advances that mission by investing in community-based support for mothers facing mental health and substance use challenges, while strengthening the workforce needed to meet them with the care they deserve during pregnancy and postpartum. No mother should suffer in silence, and no family should be left to face a crisis alone.”\n\nMental health conditions—including substance use disorders—are the leading cause of preventable maternal death during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. However, despite the high need for care, over 80% of pregnant and recently postpartum women live in maternal mental health resource shortage areas.\n\nAdditionally, maternal health challenges are most acute for low-income and Black families. In New York, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is over four times that for white women. The Moms Matter Act will help combat this crisis by increasing investments in local maternal healthcare programs and by expanding access to these programs in underserved areas.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation will:\n\nEstablish a Maternal Mental Health Equity Grant Program to invest in local initiatives supporting people with mental health conditions or substance use disorders during or after pregnancy; and\n\nProvide funding for programs to grow and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral healthcare workforce to expand access to high-quality maternal mental healthcare and substance use disorder services.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by over 200 maternal health organizations, including Moms Rising, March of Dimes, Reproductive Freedom for All, and the National Partnership for Women and Families.\n\n“The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) strongly supports the Moms Matter Act,” said Jamie Zahlaway Belsito, Founder and Director of Policy and Partnerships at Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. “The latest CDC data confirm that mental health conditions are now the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths, accounting for nearly 28% in 2022. The numbers are increasing. This crisis is preventable. The Moms Matter Act will make critical investments in community-based, culturally responsive care and strengthen the maternal mental health workforce. Congress must commit to ensuring every new mother and family has access to the mental health care they need to survive and thrive.”\n\nThe text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/watch-gillibrand-grills-hud-sec-turner-stop-with-the-excuses-just-explain-your-record/", "title": "Watch: Gillibrand Grills HUD Sec. Turner: “Stop With The Excuses, Just Explain Your Record", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "**Watch the exchange here**\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), grilled Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner over his failure to show measurable progress on housing affordability and homelessness after a year in office – and demanded accountability after the secretary repeatedly blamed the Biden administration for his own failures.\n\nThe exchange laid bare the truth: The administration does not care about lowering the cost of living for working Americans and has no evidence to prove otherwise.\n\nWatch key moments of the exchange here and find a transcript below:\n\nON TAKING OWNERSHIP OVER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING RECORD AND LAWLESSNESS, INSTEAD OF BLAMING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION:\n\nGILLIBRAND: I just don’t want to hear about what you don’t like about the Biden administration. You’re in charge. You have a vision. Let’s see it. Let’s see the results.\n\nSEC. TURNER: Good, and you know, I do. I thank God that I’m in charge so we can do something different. Because the plays that were ran before I got here, they failed. I’ve been here. Let me speak, if you will. I got here. You said I have been here a little bit over a year, but you all had during the Biden administration four years.\n\nGILLIBRAND: Stop talking about Biden. Talk about your record. This is so inaccurate, unhelpful, and doesn’t let this committee do our job.\n\n[…]\n\nSEC. TURNER: The point in time report would be out right now if we did not have a government shutdown. Irregardless of all of that, during the Biden administration, record funding—\n\nGILLIBRAND: Oh, my God, if you talk about—it’s like two children saying “I didn’t do it, my brother did it.” Stop with the excuses. Just explain your record.\n\nON FAILURE TO HELP NEW YORKERS FACING HOMELESSNESS:\n\nSEC. TURNER: Record homelessness. We have to do something different. If after I’m gone, if it’s still record funding and record homelessness—\n\nGILLIBRAND: You know what? After you’re gone is too late for the families that are suffering in New York today.\n\nSEC. TURNER: It’s gonna get better.\n\nGILLIBRAND: Do you know what it’s like to be a homeless little girl who has to have a Girl Scout troop just for other homeless little girls, because that’s all they have? That’s the only consistency they have in their life.\n\nSEC. TURNER: I do understand, It’s happened in my family. Yes, ma’am, I do understand.\n\nGILLIBRAND: I need to know if your stuff is working.\n\nSEC. TURNER: I’m not talking about what I heard. I’m talking to you about what I know. And what I do know, the housing first model failed. Record funding, record homelessness. I don’t care what administration it is, you would not run your own household budget this way.\n\nGILLIBRAND: I get it. You’ve been in charge for over a year, I just want to see results.\n\nSECURING A COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AS EMERGENCY HOUSING VOUCHERS WIND DOWN\n\nGILLIBRAND: We agree that one of the programs that we think does work is being able to provide vouchers, tenant protection vouchers. Tell me, will HUD issue guidance for these tenant protection vouchers?\n\nSEC. TURNER: Senator Gillibrand, I have talked to my team, and they have assured me that we will take care of those tenants that are in need for their voucher situation.\n\nGILLIBRAND: But will you issue the guidance for the vouchers?\n\nSEC. TURNER: We will take care of those that are in need. My team has assured me. And we’re happy to work with you if you want more information.\n\nGILLIBRAND: I do want more information. I want much more information.\n\nSEC. TURNER: I’m telling you, we have been assured that we will take care of those tenants that are in need.\n\nGILLIBRAND: Okay, so here you go. You’ve made a promise. You’re going to take care of them.\n\nSEC. TURNER: And we will keep it.\n\nGILLIBRAND: You want to take a different tack. You don’t want to use the vouchers is what I hear you’re saying.\n\nSEC. TURNER: I did not say that.\n\nGILLIBRAND: Well, let me know, because we would like the vouchers to be used, number one. And if you’re not going to use them, and you’re going to take care of them, I would like to know within the next few months that you have done so.\n\nSEC. TURNER: Done.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/watch-gillibrand-presses-the-pentagon-on-cost-of-iran-war-and-u-s-bombing-of-civilian-schools-and-hospitals/", "title": "Watch: Gillibrand Presses The Pentagon On Cost Of Iran War And U.S. Bombing Of Civilian Schools And Hospitals", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch the exchange HERE\n\nAt U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, CENTCOM’s Admiral Cooper acknowledged Pentagon has not investigated reports that U.S. and Israeli strikes hit 22 schools and several hospitals in Iran\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, pressed Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), over reports that U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran damaged 22 schools and multiple hospitals, potentially causing civilian casualties.\n\nDuring the exchange, Admiral Cooper acknowledged that the Pentagon has not conducted an investigation into public reports of U.S. strikes hitting several schools, hospitals, and civilian facilities in Iran. The exchange comes amid growing scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of civilian casualties in the war in Iran.\n\nLast year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cut 90% of staff at the Pentagon’s civilian harm mitigation and response offices–including teams tasked with assessing strikes on civilian infrastructure and investigating civilian deaths.\n\nRead the transcript of the exchange below:\n\nGILLIBRAND: “The second concern I have, Admiral Cooper, is how we’ve prosecuted this war to date. We have data and information publicly available in publications like the New York Times that 22 schools have been hit, hospitals, dozens of hospitals have been hit. We have regulations, we have the law of war, we have human rights obligations, we have our own targeting requirements to avoid civilian harm and death. Have you been implementing all the laws that are required under current law to minimize civilian death?”\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: “Senator, we have executed every operation consistent with the law of armed conflict. The subject of civilian casualties is a particular passion of mine. We pay attention to it. We follow all the procedures and have gone above and beyond to – in my case – personally warn the Iranian people of several instances during conflict where they were being potentially used as human targets.”\n\nGILLIBRAND: “If they have been warned, how did we then bomb 22 schools?”\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: “There is no indication that we have that that has been corroborated. Zero–”\n\nGILLIBRAND: How many schools have we bombed?\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: There is one active civilian casualty investigation from the 13,629 munitions.\n\nGILLIBRAND: So, how do you explain the publicly available information that 22 schools have been hit and multiple hospitals?\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: There’s no way that we can corroborate that. No indication of that whatsoever, Senator.\n\nGILLIBRAND: There’s no way you can corroborate or no indication of it. Which one?\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: No indication.\n\nGILLIBRAND: Well, the indication is what’s publicly available. There is an indication. Have you investigated those claims?\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: We have not.\n\nGILLIBRAND: Why have you not? If this is a passion of yours, if you believe that civilian casualties are not consistent with the law of war and not consistent with human rights obligations that our military regularly follows with great pride and great diligence, why have you not investigated those allegations when they’re publicly being made on the cover of the New York Times?\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: I’ll be happy to take a look at each instance. Our team will be able to do that.\n\nGILLIBRAND: I would like a report from you, from your team, about whether there have been attacks that have resulted in the destruction of schools and hospitals, and if so, why? And how then, last, have you managed the 90% cut to the personnel who are supposed to avoid civilian targets?\n\nADMIRAL COOPER: I’m happy to provide any report, and I would invite you and every staff member here to come to Tampa to look at the process to see exactly how it works.\n\nGILLIBRAND: Thank you. Thank you, Admiral.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-addresses-law-enforcement-leaders-highlights-congressional-efforts-to-support-officers", "title": "Grassley Addresses Law Enforcement Leaders, Highlights Congressional Efforts to Support Officers", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today addressed law enforcement leaders during the National Association of Police Organizations’ (NAPO) annual Police Week Legislative Luncheon.\n\nDuring Police Week, Grassley has led 65 of his Senate colleagues in a resolution honoring America’s brave law enforcement officers, and helped shepherd six bipartisan, pro-police bills through the Judiciary Committee.\n\nDownload photos HERE.\n\nPrepared Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa\n\nChairman, Senate Judiciary Committee\n\nNAPO’s Legislative Day on Capitol Hill\n\nThursday, May 14, 2026\n\nThank you for inviting me today.\n\nSince 1962, American presidents have proclaimed the second week of May as National Police Week.\n\nThis is a week of reflection, of gratitude and of tribute to the men and women of law enforcement. I’m honored to join you.\n\nEvery American owes a debt to the men and women who answer the call to serve.\n\nPolice officers do hard, often thankless work.\n\nThey don’t do it for money, and they don’t do it because of the lifestyle.\n\nThey run to danger when others flee. They stand watch on weekends, on holidays, in poor weather and in times of crisis.\n\nThey ask their families to sacrifice alongside them.\n\nThey miss family reunions, children’s sporting events and milestones like anniversaries, funerals and birthdays.\n\nThey ask their loved ones to stand strong and wait for their return when they leave the door every morning to face the unknown.\n\nSome officers walk out the door and don’t come home. They make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.\n\nThis week, we remember and honor 193 officers who’ve fallen in the line of duty.\n\nSergeant Joseph Morgan from Des Moines, Iowa is one of them.\n\nTheir families and loved ones are in our prayers.\n\nBut as we gather in reflection of past sacrifice, we owe it to the memories of the fallen to look ahead, and to work towards building the better future that they gave their lives for.\n\nThat’s what I want to talk about today.\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, public safety is at the forefront of our committee’s work.\n\nAmericans deserve safe communities. They deserve to be protected from violence. Their children should be protected from the scourge of drugs, or from exploitation by predators. And their hard-earned money should be safe from fraudsters and thieves.\n\nAs legislators, advancing the cause of public safety requires approaching it from multiple angles.\n\nIt requires just criminal laws that penalize violence and disorder.\n\nIt requires equipping law enforcement agencies with the leadership, training and resources they need to investigate and prevent crime.\n\nIt requires supporting the health, safety and morale of our public safety officials, to keep them sharp and focused on their protective mission.\n\nAs Chairman, I’ve led our committee as we tackle each of these issues, and I want to update you on our recent work.\n\nIn the last few months, we’ve worked hard to advance legislation that strengthens our criminal laws.\n\nEarlier this year, we reported the James T. Woods Act out of Committee with a strong bipartisan vote.\n\nThis package gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools to fight child exploitation from heinous groups like the 764 network. It also strengthens the laws penalizing child sex abuse material and modernizes the sentencing laws.\n\nWe’ve also worked closely with our law enforcement partners to advance the bipartisan Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act through the Committee.\n\nThis bill classifies xylazine as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act and has been a top priority of both the Biden and the Trump administrations.\n\nIt’s supported by more than 18 major law enforcement organizations representing over one million officers.\n\nToday, we advanced one of my bills that will increase the penalties for those who smuggle contraband cell phones into prisons, and place corrections officers and our communities in danger.\n\nWe’ve also recently advanced other critical, bipartisan legislation that will keep Americans safe, including bills to improve federal prosecution of carjacking, and to target criminals who commit robberies at ATMs.\n\nWe’re also advancing legislation and confirming nominees to equip our law enforcement agencies with leadership, training and resources to protect their communities.\n\nThis Congress, our committee has advanced and confirmed scores of federal law enforcement officials to lead agencies and public safety components.\n\nBy next week, we’ll have confirmed 20 senior law enforcement and Justice Department officials, 44 U.S. Attorneys, and 8 U.S. Marshals.\n\nWe’ve also confirmed a new Assistant Attorney General to lead the National Fraud Enforcement Division of the Justice Department.\n\nWe’ve also confirmed 37 federal judges to faithfully and justly apply the law.\n\nMany of these nominees have received support from law enforcement organizations and officials, and we’re grateful for your engagement.\n\nToday, we also advanced several bills to equip law enforcement with resources. One will dedicate federal grant funds to support forensic DNA analysis to help solve cold cases.\n\nAnother bill tasks the Justice Department with developing a training curricula framework for commander-level public safety personnel.\n\nAnother bill will give the U.S. Marshals the authority to assist Tribal law enforcement in executing arrest warrants and searching for missing children.\n\nFinally, we considered legislation just this morning that will help support the health, safety and wellbeing of our public safety officers.\n\nOne of my bills directs the Justice Department to develop treatment programs for public safety personnel who suffer from PTSD or acute stress disorders.\n\nAs we all know, our country has lost too many of our brothers and sisters in blue to suicide. Some tragedies have been in my home state of Iowa.\n\nWe owe it to the memories of the fallen to provide our public servants with the treatment and help they need.\n\nWe also advanced a bill to improve the Public Safety Officers' Benefit program, to speed up benefit determinations and reduce the current claims backlog.\n\nThese are just a few examples of how the Senate Judiciary Committee and the U.S. Senate is working to protect our communities and support our law enforcement officers.\n\nWhen I meet with my constituents in Iowa, I often hear that the U.S. Congress never gets anything done.\n\nI hear that Republicans and Democrats are always fighting, and that we never come together to solve problems.\n\nThe examples I just gave are proof that this isn’t true, and that we can come together for the common good.\n\nAnd I can say from firsthand knowledge that support and engagement from our law enforcement partners is a critical part of that process.\n\nI want to leave you with this message. We in Congress support you.\n\nOn behalf of a grateful country, we thank you for your service.\n\nWe join you in honoring the sacrifices of those who fell in the line of duty.\n\nAnd we’re working to make the world a better, safer place for Americans and the people who keep them safe.\n\nGod bless you all.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/judiciary-committee-advances-six-bills-to-back-the-blue-during-national-police-week", "title": "Judiciary Committee Advances Six Bills to Back the Blue During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced by voice vote six bipartisan law enforcement bills amid National Police Week:\n\nS. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act would enhance safety and accountability in federal prisons by stemming the flow of contraband.\n\nS. 825, the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop treatment programs for first responders suffering from PTSD or acute stress disorders.\n\nS. 4394, the Promoting Police Leadership Act would improve commander-level training curriculum across law enforcement agencies.\n\nS. 3897, the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 would speed up Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program determinations and extend benefits to additional public safety officers.\n\nS. 1890, the Carla Walker Act would dedicate federal grant funds to support forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis to help solve cold cases.\n\nS. 3041, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act would allow the U.S. Marshals Service to assist Tribal law enforcement in tracking down violent criminals and searching for missing children.\n\n“Every American owes a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. Law enforcement officers deserve our wholehearted support to ensure they and their families are protected,” Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said. “The legislation the Judiciary Committee advanced this National Police Week will boost investments in local police departments, improve first responders’ access to lifesaving mental health resources and benefits programs and crack down on dangerous contraband in federal prisons. As always, I’m proud to Back the Blue and will continue my work to make sure these critical bills are signed into law.”\n\nGrassley led 65 of his Senate colleagues in a resolution this week recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s courageous law enforcement officers and their families.\n\nAdditionally, the Judiciary Committee advanced by voice vote TREY’s Law, which would void non-disclosure agreements silencing survivors of child sexual abuse. The committee also reported the following nominations:\n\nJustin D. Smith, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nJeffrey M. Kuhlman, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nAnthony W. Mattivi, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nAnthony J. Powell, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nTimothy VerHey, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, by a vote of 20-2.\n\nJames Arnott, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Missouri, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nJack Chambers, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia, by a vote of 16-6.\n\nJason Holt, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Oklahoma, by a vote of 16-6.\n\nWatch the executive business meeting HERE. Read Grassley’s opening statement HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-warren-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-limit-pbms-put-patients-first/", "title": "Hawley, Warren Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Limit PBMs, Put Patients First", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) reintroduced the Patients Before Monopolies Act to prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies and driving up the costs of prescription drugs. Insurance companies and PBMs have taken advantage of the system, putting profits before patients. The reintroduction comes after Senator Hawley and Senator Warren recently introduced the Break Up Big Medicine Act to address rampant consolidation in the healthcare industry that drives up prices, squashes competition, and hurts working people.\n\n“Americans are paying more and more for healthcare while seeing less in return. PBMs are at the center of a broken system that rewards middlemen while driving up costs for patients and pushing out independent pharmacies,” said Senator Hawley. “Working Americans deserve better. This legislation is a major step toward restoring transparency and making healthcare more affordable for every American.”\n\n“Our PBM Act is gaining momentum because people are realizing that you can’t lower health care costs without tackling corporate greed in the health care system,”said Senator Warren. “It’s time we finally rein in the health care middlemen that are jacking up drug costs and driving small pharmacies out of business.”\n\nThe Patients Before Monopolies Act would:\n\nProhibit a parent company of a PBM or an insurer from owning a pharmacy business;\n\nRequire that a parent company in violation of the PBM Act divest its pharmacy business within one year of the bill’s enactment;\n\nCreate automatic penalties if a company fails to divest in a timely manner, including disgorgement of profits and forced sales of assets in the event of noncompliance;\n\nEnable the FTC, Department of Health and Human Services, Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, and state attorneys general to bring lawsuits requiring violators of the PBM Act to divest their pharmacy business and disgorge any revenue received during the period of such violation;\n\nEnable private parties, including independent pharmacists, to bring lawsuits against violators of the bill, and secure treble damages in successful lawsuits;\n\nDirect the FTC to distribute any revenue raised by penalties to harmed communities, including consumers overcharged at vertically integrated pharmacies;\n\nAllow the FTC and DOJ to review and block future actions that would recreate the anticompetitive conditions addressed by the bill or harm the public interest.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Hawley recently announced his “No Taxes on Healthcare” proposal to provide relief for American families from out-of-control medical costs that have skyrocketed in recent years. He has also fought for rural hospital funding, securing an additional $1B in funding for Missouri’s rural hospitals.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-speaks-out-against-trump-admins-plan-to-undo-the-roadless-rule-strip-protections-for-millions-of-acres-of-public-lands", "title": "Heinrich Speaks Out Against Trump Admin’s Plan to Undo the Roadless Rule, Strip Protections for Millions of Acres of Public Lands", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "VIDEO\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and co-founder of the U.S. Senate Stewardship Caucus, joined a press conference hosted by U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Earthjustice, The Wilderness Society, Alaska Wild, and Sierra Club to speak out against the Trump administration’s efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule and urge New Mexicans to raise their voices to protect public lands.\n\nThe Roadless Rule, established more than 20 years ago, protects nearly 45 million acres of public lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The Trump administration is attempting to repeal the Roadless Rule, which will make millions of acres of public lands vulnerable to destructive wildfires, carve up wildlife habitat, degrade opportunities for recreation, and threaten the headwaters that communities across the country rely on.\n\nThe Trump administration is expected to repeal the Roadless Rule this spring when they release a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). Once the DEIS is released, the public will be able to submit comments. This comment period will be the last chance for Americans to voice their opposition to the Trump administration’s attempts to repeal the Roadless Rule, and help keep millions of acres of public lands in public hands.\n\n“This administration is trying to ignore the voice of the public and lift up the voice of [private] industry. The input from the public has been 99 percent for protecting these areas,” said Heinrich. “As much as this administration seems hell-bent on ignoring the public, what I would say to all of you is: Raise your voices. Make it impossible for the Trump administration to not hear the voice of the people.”\n\nU.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Energy and Natural Resources Committee, speaks at a press conference urging New Mexicans to raise their voices to preserve the Roadless Rule, May 13, 2026.\n\nSee the map of New Mexico’s inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands here.\n\nWatch the full video of Heinrich’s remarks here.\n\nA transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:\n\nGood afternoon, everyone.\n\nIt’s great to be here with my House colleagues.\n\nI share quite a bit of territory with Representative Vasquez, and I know we like to do some of the same things on those public lands.\n\nOne of the most prized possessions you can have in the state of New Mexico is a resident elk tag.\n\nAnd a few years ago, I drew an elk tag in Representative Vasquez’s district, and the first thing I did is go to the Gila National Forest to scout for that hunt. And where I went was to the roadless areas.\n\nI’m giving up all my secrets here, but the reality is elk need three things: they need food, they need water, and they need a secure place to bed.\n\nAnd you find those things in our roadless areas, in our inventoried roadless areas, and your success goes up inversely, proportional, to how far you are from the road. Now, that means you have to pack that animal out, but that is the reality. If you’re an elk hunter in New Mexico, you care about these roadless areas.\n\nAnd it’s not just elk.\n\nIt’s big horned sheep in the Peloncillo in Representative Vasquez’s district, it’s Coues deer, it’s mule deer, it’s native trout all through the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests.\n\nThese are the places that literally are the engine of our wildlife and our clean water.\n\nAnd in a state where the Rio Grande Watershed is under so much pressure, the Gila is under so much pressure, these are the places that matter.\n\nAnd I was actually at some of those hearings in 2001, 25 years ago in New Mexico. And what I can tell you is the public was in the same place then as they are now. Speaker after speaker after speaker, standing up for places that they know and care about, just like this time.\n\nAs much as this administration is trying to ignore the voice of the public and lift up the voice of [private] industry. The input from the public has been 99 percent for protecting these areas.\n\nAnd I think it’s worth taking just a minute to bust some of the myths that they’re perpetuating out there by saying, “Oh, this is all about fire suppression.”\n\nWe have done millions of acres of treatment in states like Montana, New Mexico, and [others inside these roadless areas].\n\nThis is about ignoring the public and catering to industry.\n\nAnd as much as this administration seems hell-bent on ignoring the public, what I would say to all of you is: Raise your voices.\n\nMake it impossible for the Trump administration to not hear the voice of the people.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-supports-legislation-to-withhold-senators-pay-during-government-shutdowns", "title": "Hoeven Supports Legislation to Withhold Senators’ Pay During Government Shutdowns", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the Senate approved a resolution to withhold the pay of all senators during government shutdowns.\n\n“There have been too many government shutdowns over the last few years where Americans, including our military members, federal law enforcement officials, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and others have not been paid on time for their work. When hardworking Americans are missing their paychecks, senators should not be paid either and this resolution makes that clear,” said Hoeven.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-introduces-bill-to-crack-down-on-student-aid-fraud/", "title": "Husted introduces bill to crack down on student aid fraud", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“This bill would strengthen oversight capabilities at the Department of Education to ensure federal aid goes to real students while protecting hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today joined Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in introducing the Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act. This bill would require strong safeguards to prevent student aid fraud.\n\nSpecifically, it would target “ghost students,” a stolen or fabricated identity that impersonates a student to enroll in classes to fraudulently obtain federal and state financial aid. These scammers, often operating in coordinated, international networks, collect grants and financial aid, then disappear without ever attending classes, leaving taxpayers holding the bill.\n\n“Criminals are exploiting financial aid programs by impersonating students, which is wasting taxpayer dollars that could be going to the students who need it the most. This bill would strengthen oversight capabilities at the Department of Education to ensure federal aid goes to real students while protecting hard-earned taxpayer dollars,” said Husted.\n\n“Every dollar spent on fraudulent student aid is a dollar stolen from a student in need. Let’s crack down on fraud in federal financial aid programs, ensuring the aid goes to the students in need,” said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n“Our students spend years paying back debts from higher education institutions that are oftentimes recklessly spending their money without any sort of accountability. Bad actors steal student aid funds and never pay them back—meanwhile actual students pay the price when they aren’t allowed to take the courses needed to graduate. This bill creates much needed oversight that puts the student and taxpayer first and holds our universities accountable,” said Tuberville.\n\nThe Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act would create an oversight mechanism requiring the Department of Education to identify institutions that disburse federal aid to applicants flagged for potential fraud. Schools that are flagged would then be placed in a priority category for program review, audits and other oversight. Schools can be exempted if they verify student identities through an in-person or live video call, before aid is dispersed.\n\nRep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) introduced the companion bill to the Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act in the House of Representatives. The bill passed the House Committee on Education and Workforce unanimously on March 17, 2026.\n\nThis bill builds on Husted’s work to fight fraud in our education systems. Husted and Tuberville launched a task force to tackle fraud in education and hold bad actors accountable.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-reintroduce-bill-to-protect-washingtons-trail", "title": "Kaine, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Protect Washington’s Trail", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and his colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Washington’s Trail — 1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility test to designate Washington’s Trail as a national historic trail. Washington’s Trail follows George Washington’s path in 1753 on his way to Fort LeBoeuf in what is now known as Waterford, PA in Erie County. The trail starts in Virginia and includes portions of Maryland, West Virginia, and crosses several Western Pennsylvania counties.\n\n“The Washington Trail follows George Washington’s first military and diplomatic mission and commemorates an important part of our history,” said Kaine. “As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, we recommit to preserving the stories of America’s founding. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that would begin the process of preserving this trail so that future generations can learn about its significance.”\n\n“Washington’s Trail is just one example of an iconic piece of American history. We should absolutely do everything we can to protect and preserve this trail for all of us and future generations to enjoy,” said Fetterman. “Recognizing Pennsylvania’s role in history is something I’ll always be proud to talk about. As we celebrate America’s 250th, I can think of no better time than now to get this bill signed into law and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and House who joined its reintroduction.”\n\n“Securing National Historic Trail status for Washington’s Trail is about more than just preservation: it’s a strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s heritage and conservation that honors the journey of a young George Washington right here in our backyard,” said McCormick. “I’m proud to join Senator Fetterman and my colleagues in this designation that will turn a critical piece of our frontier history into a lasting economic and educational asset, ensuring that the story of American leadership continues to inspire both our local communities and visitors from across the nation.”\n\n“Washington’s Trail represents an amazing chapter in our nation’s founding, and West Virginia is proud to be a part of that story,” said Capito. “By studying the feasibility of designating Washington’s Trail as a National Historic Trail, we can help preserve this important legacy and ensure future generations understand West Virginia’s unique role in America’s early history.”\n\n“George Washington’s journey through what is now West Virginia helped shape the course of American history. Washington’s Trail tells the story of courage, leadership, and the early fight for our nation’s future. These historic trails connect folks to the people, places, and moments that came before us. I’m proud to support the Washington’s Trail—1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to help preserve Washington’s brave footsteps, while also bringing new opportunities for tourism and appreciation for the outdoors in Almost Heaven and beyond,” said Justice.\n\n“Washington’s Trail – which starts right in Williamsburg, Virginia – traces the historic journey that a young George Washington took on his first military and diplomatic venture,” said Warner. “Virginians take great pride in the instrumental role the Commonwealth played in our nation’s earliest years, which is why I’m joining my colleagues in taking this step to designate Washington’s route as a National Historic Trail. Preserving this piece of our country’s past will provide educational opportunities to young people, promote tourism, boost local economies, and protect cultural and historical resources for future generations to enjoy.”\n\nIn addition to Kaine and Fetterman, the bill was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA). A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16).\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\nInformation about Washington’s Trail can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-340b-bipartisan-working-group-announces-sen-boozman-as-the-newest-member", "title": "Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group Announces Sen. Boozman as the Newest Member", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) – members of the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group – today released the following statement welcoming Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) as the Working Group’s newest member, replacing former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.):\n\n“We are pleased to welcome Sen. Boozman to the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, which exists to further the shared goal of strengthening the 340B program to maintain its long-term viability. The 340B program fulfills a critical purpose of keeping costs low for eligible health care providers and the patients they serve. The Working Group has made significant progress throughout the years, and now, joined by Sen. Boozman, we look forward to continuing our work together on solutions to support this important program.”\n\n“The 340B program is a lifeline for hospitals and clinics across Arkansas, helping vulnerable patients access prescriptions while empowering providers to put savings toward additional services and care in their communities,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join the bipartisan coalition in the Senate leading the effort to protect and strengthen it. We look forward to advancing solutions that support this essential resource and provide confidence and certainty to participants.”\n\nThe Working Group has existed for more than a decade and is comprised of members who support the 340B program and are committed to sustaining it.\n\nIn the 118th Congress, the Working Group requested feedback from stakeholders on how to improve the 340B program through bipartisan policy solutions and released a legislative discussion draft and supplemental request for information. The legislative discussion draft reflected the Working Group’s belief that the program provides a critical benefit to eligible health care providers that enables them to stretch federal resources to provide health care services for the patients they serve. The draft also acknowledged concerns from stakeholders about ambiguity in the program and how transparency is needed to ensure the program is serving eligible patients as originally intended.\n\nMoving forward, the Working Group will continue its efforts to incorporate the information shared by stakeholders into legislation that provides clarity, transparency and accountability in the 340B program to ensure the program remains strong long into the future.\n\nThe 340B program requires that drug manufacturers who participate in Medicaid and Medicare provide certain non-profit health care providers, hospitals and clinics (covered entities) a discount on outpatient drugs. The 340B program enables covered entities to use these savings to provide more comprehensive services to eligible patients and their communities.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-scotus-ruling-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-backs-resolution-affirming-abortion-pill-as-safe-effective/", "title": "Ahead of SCOTUS Ruling, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus Backs Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer- reviewed evidence-based science.”\n\nRead in HuffPost: Every Single Senate Democrat To Come Out In Support Of Abortion Pill\n\nToday, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing a resolution affirming that the abortion medication mifepristone is safe and effective, and underscoring that law and policy related to the medication must be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.\n\nKelly and the lawmakers first introduced this resolution in 2023, following the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which sparked attacks on reproductive rights across the country. Since then, 20 states have banned or restricted access to abortion care.\n\nThe resolution comes hours before the Supreme Court’s administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA is set to expire, which, without action, would uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling threatening millions of women’s access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-senate-epw-hearing-kelly-presses-nrc-on-nuclear-permitting-progress-and-domestic-fuel-supply-gap/", "title": "WATCH: In Senate EPW Hearing, Kelly Presses NRC on Nuclear Permitting Progress and Domestic Fuel Supply Gap", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, during a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) budget, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly questioned NRC Chairman Ho Nieh and Commissioner Douglas Weaver on how the agency is moving faster on nuclear permitting without cutting corners on safety and on the urgent need to close America’s domestic uranium enrichment gap.\n\nKelly, an engineer himself, pressed Chairman Nieh on how the NRC has managed to speed up licensing while maintaining safety standards: “There’s been a lot of attention on the NRC’s work to improve the permitting process for nuclear reactors, and it looks like we’ve already seen some results. TerraPowers’ reactor permit was completed in less than 18 months, nine months ahead of schedule. That matters. We need to get clean, reliable power on the grid faster.”\n\n“This is not an area where we can cut corners. Safety always has to be the top priority.”\n\nKelly also raised the alarm on domestic uranium enrichmentbeing reliant on Russia: “Our fuel supply is in a precarious place. More than 80% of enrichment happens overseas. Ultimately, that means the utility bills of millions of Americans depend on a global supply chain that we can’t control. And notably, about 20% of enriched uranium comes from Russia. Clearly, that’s a problem. Russia is an adversary, and we should not be relying on them for something as important as the fuel that powers are nuclear reactors.”\n\nNieh agreed, committing that the NRC would not stand in the way: “This is a huge gap. It is national security for the United States and NRC will do its part by not being an impediment to getting the fuel cycle up and running on the front end.”\n\nSen. Kelly questions Chairman Nieh and Commissioner Weaver.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s remarks. See the transcript below:\n\nSenatorKelly:\n\nThank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, gentlemen, for being here today. Chairman Nieh, there’s been a lot of attention on the NRC’s work to improve the permitting process for nuclear reactors, and it looks like we’ve already seen some results. TerraPowers’ reactor permit was completed in less than 18 months, nine months ahead of schedule. That matters. We need to get clean, reliable power on the grid faster. But as an engineer myself, I know this is not an area where we can cut corners. Safety always has to be the top priority. So, Chairman Nieh, how has the commission maintained the rigorous safety standards the public expects and deserves in the NRC licensing process, while finding ways to move forward faster?\n\nChairmanHo K. Nieh:\n\nThank you for the question, Senator. So, for myself as an individual member of the commission, and I believe it’s the same for my colleagues on the Commission as well, we are fully committed to the NRC safety mission. That is why we are here. We are here to protect the public from the hazards associated.\n\nKelly:\n\nDid you have to add more people to the safety part of the organization to be able to do these things faster and still not compromise safety?\n\nNieh:\n\nNot in all cases, Senator. There was some dialog before you joined the hearing about our focus on what is most important to safety. One of the reasons why we’re able to achieve these efficiencies is because in the past, Senator, some of our licensing activities have taken too long and cost too much because we spent too much time looking at matters in a license application that really did not affect safety. They were low safety, significant issues. So, this team is really aligned. They’re embracing the enabling mindset to really focus on what’s most important in a licensing review. So, that is one reason why we’re able to do that. Other instances though, if we don’t have a specific skill set, let’s say in a very, very focused technical area, maybe like fuels or electrical instrumentation and control, yes, we would have to maybe augment the technical capacity. But the thing that moves the needle the most is really focusing on what matters most for safety.\n\nKelly:\n\nSo, does that mean that you focus the licensing approval process on the areas that affect safety and try to maybe not worry so much about other things?\n\nNieh:\n\nYes, sir. And I’ll just share you an example from the last time I was here at the agency. There was an application that came in for a particular reactor design. The staff had some really great interest in some non-safety related ventilation system near where the reactor was and spending time looking at that. So, the leadership team had to really focus the staff to say, ‘Hey that isn’t really going to affect the safety case outcome one way or another. Let’s not spend time there. Let’s focus on really what is truly most important for the safety case’. So, it’s examples like that that are really enabling us to do more disciplined and efficient regulatory reviews for SMRs and other nuclear technologies.\n\nKelly:\n\nAll right. Thank you. And, Commissioner Weaver, you’ve testified about the need for a strong nuclear fuel cycle to support more nuclear power. I agree with that. Building more reactors does not get us anywhere if we don’t have the fuel to operate them. So right now, our fuel supply is in a precarious place. More than 80% of enrichment happens overseas. Ultimately, that means the utility bills of millions of Americans depend on a global supply chain that we can’t control. And notably, about 20% of enriched uranium comes from Russia. Clearly, that’s a problem. Russia is an adversary, and we should not be relying on them for something as important as the fuel that powers are nuclear reactors. That’s why we passed a law banning those imports by 2028. But that leaves us with a real capacity gap. We only have two enrichment facilities in the United States. We need more of those. And we should be making this stuff here at home. Nuclear fuels too important to our economy and our national security to leave it in the hands of foreign suppliers. So, what’s the plan?\n\nCommissioner Douglas W. Weaver:\n\nSenator, as you know, Department of Energy is funded a number of enrichments for both low-enrich, high-enrich and high SA, low-enriched uranium. So, our role at the NRC will be to be prepared to review those applications when they come to us. And I’ve testified in the House a few weeks ago that there are some changes to the Atomic Energy Act that would be useful for the enrichers so they can get constructing a little bit faster.\n\nKelly:\n\nHave you received applications?\n\nWeaver:\n\nI know we’re in pre-application with several. I don’t know that we have any enrichment applications under review. I can get back to you.\n\nNieh:\n\nWe received an application from Orano for an emergent facility under their project IKE. And that’s undergoing acceptance review now.\n\nKelly:\n\nAssuming that process proceeds smoothly, is it possible to have an enrichment facility built and operating by 2028? I assume not. And if not, when could we have another enrichment facility here in the US?\n\nNieh:\n\nSenator, I don’t have the exact timeline for this project, but what I would like to share with this committee is another example of how NRC is going to be an enabling regulator. The facility that I just mentioned is it’s a facility that operates in the world today. It’s in France, same exact technology, and actually builds on a technology we had in the United States a few decades ago, Eagle Rock. So, the NRC staff is looking to how to leverage our previous experience, as well as the experience from the French regulators, so we don’t have to reinvent the wheel again. We’re not going to rubber stamp anything, but we are going to validate technical information that it meets our regulatory requirements to deliver a more timely regulatory review to get this enrichment facility an application to the applicant so they can start building. Because I agree 100% with you. This is a huge gap. It is national security for the United States and NRC will do its part by not being an impediment to getting the fuel cycle up and running on the front end.\n\nKelly:\n\nAll right. Thank you, gentlemen.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-brings-fellow-caregivers-voices-into-rare-hearing-uplifting-the-sandwich-generation/", "title": "Senator Kim Brings Fellow Caregivers’ Voices into Rare Hearing Uplifting the Sandwich Generation", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Senator Kim helped bring together a hearing focused solely on uplifting the needs and voices of sandwich generation caregivers. As a caregiver to his father after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis while raising his two young boys, the Senator is committed to elevating the voices of other sandwich generation caregivers – an estimated 11 million Americans – while delivering real solutions and relief while they care for their loved ones.\n\n“Why is the Committee on Aging talking about the sandwich generation? It’s because the care that my aging father gets now is inherently tied to my ability navigate, provide, and pay for it. We cannot talk about the care for seniors without considering the families and caregivers that support them…This Committee has a unique ability to help caregivers be seen, heard, and understood,” said Senator Kim. “Understanding starts with listening. That’s why I wanted this hearing today. To spotlight stories, too often unheard.”\n\nWatch and Share\n\nRead Senator Kim’s Opening Remarks Here\n\nDuring the hearing, Senator Kim emphasized that sandwich generation caregivers have long fallen through the cracks of policy frameworks because of lacking insight into multigenerational caregiving. Ahead of the hearing on Wednesday, Senator Kim introduced bicameral legislation to add a dedicated question on multigenerational caregiving to national surveys, so the Sandwich Generation can finally have a permanent place in our national data. The Senator declared: “You cannot build policy on a foundation you cannot see.”\n\nThe Senator also specifically highlighted Kathi Lolla, a member of the sandwich generation in New Jersey, who spoke about the complex and confusing systems caregivers often have to navigate alone. Senator Kim has also experienced the stress and confusion of managing his father’s care and is committed to delivering solutions that can support caregivers along the way of their loved ones’ care journey. LISTEN TO KATHI’S STORY\n\nHelping organize this hearing builds on Senator Kim’s work to build a care movement that delivers tangible solutions for the millions of Americans who are in the same position he is as a sandwich generation caregiver — and the millions more who risk falling into the Sandwich Generation if we don’t act. Read more about how he is working in the Senate to build a universal care movement.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-urges-senate-harness-innovation-and-protect-national-security-in-market-structure-bill/", "title": "Senator Kim Urges Senate Harness Innovation and Protect National Security in Market Structure Bill", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.kim.senate.gov", "scraper": "kim", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000394", "name": "Andy Kim", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) released the following statement after voting against advancing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act out of the Senate Committee on Banking Housing, and Urban Affairs:\n\n“I strongly believe in harnessing innovation and opportunity from emerging technologies, and that we don’t have to sacrifice national security needs or ethical standards to do so. I worked for years countering terrorist financing and saw up-close how we can find this important balance. As cartels, state sponsors of terrorism like North Korea, and other terrorist organizations abuse this market to money launder and get around sanctions, it is critical we address the risks they pose to Americans’ economic and national security.”\n\n“I put forward provisions to modernize our counter terrorism financing and money laundering controls while also protecting developers, entrepreneurs, and others who are trying to innovate and develop creative new technologies in good faith. The bill voted on fell short of what we’re capable of delivering but I look forward to seeing how it can improve before it comes before the full Senate for a final vote.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/togus-va-police-positions-still-under-review-not-cut", "title": "Togus VA Police Positions Still Under Review, Not Cut", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) raised concerns after the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) recently directed the Togus VA Medical Center in Maine to make cuts to vacant positions. Among those cut were vacant police officer positions, which the medical center had been prevented from filling while the positions underwent reclassification reviews by the VA. In a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), King asked VA Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration Mark Engelbaum about the unfairness of the VA forcing Togus to cut the positions when remaining vacant was due to a VA required review.\n\nAt the end of the discussion about the pending review, Senator King asked Mr. Engelbaum directly whether the positions in question had necessarily been lost, and Mr. Engelbaum confirmed that they had not.\n\nVA Police are armed and uniformed federal law enforcement officers within the VA responsible for the protection of VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and other facilities such as Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), Health Care Centers (HCCs), annexes, and other facilities operated\n\nRepresenting one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. Additionally, King has repeatedly spoken out against cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. Last month, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the VA to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. During a SVAC hearing in January, King pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to release the VA contracts that he canceled, including those canceled in Maine, so that veterans are aware of potential impacts on patient care and benefits. Last year, he sent a letter to Secretary Doug Collins raising concerns about a leaked report that highlighted plans called for by Elon Musk’s DOGE to cut 83,000 VA employees. Earlier this year, he was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-introduces-bill-to-protect-the-privacy-of-charitable-donors-2/", "title": "Lankford Introduces Bill to Protect the Privacy of Charitable Donors", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.lankford.senate.gov", "scraper": "lankford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000575", "name": "James Lankford", "party": "Republican", "state": "OK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Protecting Charitable Giving Act to address the unlawful disclosure of data identifying donors who contribute to nonprofit organizations. This legislation would help nonprofit organizations better protect the identities of their donors by reinforcing existing privacy protections and increasing the penalties for disclosure of sensitive taxpayer data.\n\n“Nonprofits and their donors are an essential safety net for our communities—providing food, housing, and care to those who need it most. Oklahomans shouldn’t worry about their identities being made public after they provide a donation to a charitable organization. Millions of donors want to do something good without being recognized. We should honor their privacy as they care for others,” said Lankford.\n\n“Anonymous giving has long been a way for Americans to support philanthropic organizations that rely on generous charitable contributions. In recent years, donor privacy has been threatened on too many occasions,” said Young. “This legislation will address the disclosure of donor data to better protect both charitable organizations and their donors.”\n\nIn an effort to verify the legitimacy of tax-exempt organizations, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires these organizations to collect the names and addresses of all major donors. While the IRS collection form is public, the identities of the donors are considered sensitive information and are not subject to disclosure. States like California and New York have tried to force tax-exempt organizations to disclose donor information. The Supreme Court, however, has ruled that these efforts infringe upon First Amendment rights.\n\nThe Protecting Charitable Giving Act would modify penalties relating to the disclosure of donor information to better ensure donor privacy and protection. More specifically, this legislation would:\n\nIncrease the penalty for willful disclosure of the identities of donors to tax-exempt organizations from no more than $5,000 to between $10,000 and $250,000.\n\nExpand the jurisdiction of prosecution to include the judicial district in which the victim of the offense resides to ensure all cases are subject to a fair trial.\n\n“Philanthropy Roundtable is deeply grateful to Senators Young and Lankford for their unwavering leadership protecting donor privacy. The right to give how, when and where donors choose, free from the fear of persecution and retaliation, is essential to safeguarding the free association that strengthens our society. The Protecting Charitable Giving Act strengthens federal law to substantially increase the penalties for leaking private donor information and make it easier for victims to pursue justice. Donor privacy has been under fire for years. This law is needed more than ever to protect every American’s right to privately contribute to the causes and communities they care about most,” said Christie Herrera, President and CEO, Philanthropy Roundtable.\n\n“American charities are the lifeblood of this country and protecting the privacy of Americans, so that they can give to those charities without fear, is crucially important. The Protecting Charitable Giving Act is commonsense legislation that protects the First Amendment rights of citizens, no matter which charities they choose to support. It sends a clear message to bureaucrats that they cannot invade American’s privacy without serious consequences,” said Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Protecting Charitable Giving Act is supported by Philanthropy Roundtable and Americans for Prosperity. Lankford and Young previously introduced this legislation in May of 2024. You can read the full bill text HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/5/lee-colleagues-demand-answers-from-brown-university-on-failure-to-prevent-tragedy", "title": "Lee, Colleagues Demand Answers from Brown University on Failure to Prevent On-Campus Killings", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.lee.senate.gov", "scraper": "mikelee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000577", "name": "Mike Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), along with a coalition of his colleagues in the House and Senate, demanded answers from Brown University regarding the school's shocking negligence resulting in a recent on-campus killing. The university sacrificed safety equipment to pacify woke ideologues and adopted a blatantly anti-police posture, leaving students hopelessly vulnerable to an on-campus attack that killed two students and injured nine – all while Brown’s alert system lagged for a stunning and deadly seventeen minutes.\n\n“Brown University abandoned its students, choosing to virtue signal rather than protect them from being killed on their own campus,” said Senator Mike Lee. “In the last five years alone, Brown University has ignored attack threats, undermined their own campus police force, and apologized for using security cameras when woke activists called them a ‘tool of oppression’ – all while dorms were broken into and robbed year after year. This is shockingly ridiculous and abhorrently negligent. The tragic on-campus killings in December may have been averted had Brown not chosen optics over their students’ safety. I demand answers and accountability for these victims and their families.”\n\nSenators Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Barry Moore (R-AL), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Dale Strong (R-AL), and Gary Palmer (R-AL) are the letter’s additional signees.\n\n“We write as concerned Members of the United States Congress to express profound outrage and demand accountability for the tragic and preventable murders that occurred on the Brown University campus on December 13, 2025. The deaths of Ella Cook, Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, and the wounding of nine others were not unforeseeable tragedies. Public reporting, sworn testimony, police union statements, Brown’s public records, and the assailant’s own words clearly establish that these deaths were made possible by more than a decade of deliberate policy decisions that prioritized activists’ radical demands over student safety,” wrote the members of Congress.\n\nThe members of Congress go on to recount Brown University’s consistent caving to far-left, anti-law enforcement activists, putting the safety and security of their students at risk, noting the following:\n\n“After more than a decade of poor choices, Brown leadership’s decisions left its campus and students vulnerable on December 13, 2025. The University had only five officers on duty, a system of non-functional or unstaffed security cameras, and ignored multiple warnings from campus employees about the assailant. These alarming failures, compounded by an incomprehensible 17-minute delay in activating the BrownAlert system, allowed the assailant to fire off 44 unchallenged shots – killing two innocent students and injuring nine others. Brown’s mistakes were not isolated lapses; they were the predictable outcome of an institutional culture so corroded that it treated legitimate law enforcement and physical security as ideological threats rather than essential protections.”\n\nRead exclusive coverage by The Free Press here.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=478FBFE6-ED2E-47A6-AEE8-1793CAB3C04C", "title": "Graham Introduces Legislation That Supports South Carolina Textile Industry and Continues His Push to Buy American", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced the Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act, which would require all U.S. Coast Guard uniforms to be produced in the United States. Graham has long championed legislation that supports a secure and reliable domestic supply chain for the textile industry, and cracks down on foreign actors that try to exploit U.S. trade laws.\n\n“For too long, America-last policies have led to an over-reliance on other nations for essentials, including military clothing, putting our national security in jeopardy. My legislation would end this practice by ensuring uniforms for all branches of the armed forces are made in the USA,” said Senator Graham. “I’m proud to stand with President Trump in support of American workers and consumers. A secure and reliable domestic supply chain for the textile industry not only impacts readiness but also our economy. The Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act would greatly benefit South Carolina’s textile producers and workers, who have been gravely undercut by unfair trade practices for decades.”\n\n“We sincerely thank Senator Graham for his leadership in extending the Berry Amendment’s domestic sourcing requirements to the U.S. Coast Guard. Under this important bill, the men and women of our United States Coast Guard will be guaranteed access to the same high quality, American-made uniforms and personal gear that are provided to all other members of our armed forces,” said National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas. “This is also an important step in strengthening our nation’s warm industrial base for the production of mission critical U.S.-made textiles, uniforms, and gear to meet our national security needs.”\n\nIn February, Graham encouraged President Trump to take executive action to ensure that all federal law enforcement uniforms are made in the United States, following reports that U.S. federal law enforcement uniforms are made in foreign countries. In March, President Trump signed an executive order to increase scrutiny on fake “Made in USA” claims, and this week echoed calls for federal agencies to buy American.\n\nBackground on Graham’s Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act:\n\nUnder current law, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces – except the U.S. Coast Guard – are barred from purchasing clothes, fabrics, fibers, yarns, and other materials that are produced overseas. Graham’s bill would extend this prohibition to include the Coast Guard, ensuring no branch of the U.S. Armed Forces relies on a foreign country for personal equipment.\n\nThis legislation also seeks to support America’s domestic textile industry. As a major contributor to the South Carolina economy, Graham has fought to protect the textile industry and its workers from unfair foreign competition.\n\nThe full text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D8459029-027C-4B9C-8FB0-3540DC0BD49E", "title": "Graham Reaffirms Strong Support For Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "scraper": "graham", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) reaffirmed his strong support for law enforcement and the work they do to protect our communities and the United States. This week, several Graham-supported measures advanced through the legislative process and during his current Senate term, Graham has secured millions in federal funding for South Carolina law enforcement entities.\n\n“Throughout my time in the Senate, I have been unequivocal in my support for our nation’s law enforcement officers. These heroic men and women risk their lives each day to keep our communities safe. As elected officials, we have an obligation to have their backs, not just in our words but by our actions,” said Senator Graham. “I am proud to have played a part in moving forward several pieces of pro-cop legislation during National Police Week and providing South Carolina’s law enforcement with the resources they need to keep us safe. These bills represent the commitment we owe our law enforcement officers by expanding resources available to police departments, ensuring officers receive the benefits and care that they have earned and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”\n\nGraham-Sponsored Medal of Sacrifice Act Heads to President’s Desk\n\nEarlier this week, Graham’s Medal of Sacrifice Act passed the Senate unanimously. This legislation, which now heads to President Trump’s desk, establishes a presidential award to posthumously honor police officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty.\n\nGraham Cosponsors Police Week Resolution Remembering South Carolina Officers Killed in the Line of Duty\n\nGraham co-sponsored the Senate’s resolution designating the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as “National Police Week”. The resolution recognizes three South Carolina police officers killed in the line of duty last year: Darlington County Sheriff Deputy Devin Mason, Florence County Sheriff Deputy Nate Ansay and South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks. Earlier this week, Graham also shared his condolences after Greenwood Police Officer Don “DJ” Keller was killed in the line of duty.\n\nSouth Carolina Law Enforcement Receives Millions in Graham-Secured Funding\n\nThroughout his term, Graham has demonstrated his consistent commitment to law enforcement by securing over $13 million for public safety agencies across South Carolina. As part of the most recent funding cycle, Graham delivered over $4 million in funding for police departments across the state, providing law enforcement officers with the means to more effectively and safely carry out their duties.\n\nSix pro-law enforcement bills reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.\n\nGraham, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, co-sponsored the following pieces of pro-law enforcement legislation, all of which were voted out of committee today.\n\nLieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act (S. 736): Enhances safety and accountability measures in federal prisons by upgrading the penalty for smuggling or possessing a contraband cellphone in federal prison from a misdemeanor to a felony\n\nFighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 (S. 825): Directs the Justice Department to develop treatment programs for police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorders\n\nPromoting Police Leadership Act (S. 4394): Tasks the Justice Department with developing a broad training framework for commander-level personnel in consultation with state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and other relevant partners. It also establishes a voluntary certification process for the U.S. Attorney General to identify high-quality training programs that align with the broader DOJ framework and provide instruction to police departments\n\nOfficer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 (S. 3897): Amends the Justice Department’s existing Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to speed up benefit determinations and reduce the current claims backlog\n\nCarla Walker Act (S. 1890): Funds a pilot program for the Justice Department to use forensic genetic genealogy to investigate, solve, and prosecute cold cases and other hard-to-solve crimes\n\nTribal Warrant Fairness Act (S. 3041): Grants the United States Marshals Service (USMS) the authority to execute arrest warrants on behalf of Tribal law enforcement and allow the USMS to assist Tribal law enforcement in searching for missing children\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-join-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-in-backing-resolution-affirming-abortion-pill-as-safe-effective/", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Join Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Backing Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FDA approved mifepristone for use over two decades ago\n\n“Law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer- reviewed evidence-based science.”\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing a resolution affirming that the abortion medication mifepristone is safe and effective, and underscoring that law and policy related to the medication must be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.\n\nThe resolution came hours before the Supreme Court’s administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA — which, without action, would uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling threatening millions of women’s access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal.\n\nAlongside Heinrich and Luján, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by the following organizations: All* Above All, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, EMAA Project, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America).\n\n“Mifepristone continues to be crucial to our ability to access abortion care— and that is precisely why abortion opponents have been relentless in their efforts to restrict it nationwide, including in states where abortion is legally protected,” said Jessica Arons, director of the Liberty Division for Policy and Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “As this resolution affirms, millions of people have used mifepristone to safely end pregnancies and treat miscarriages for more than 25 years, including by telemedicine. We thank Senator Warren for introducing legislation to set the record straight and push back on anti-abortion propaganda, and we call on Congress to protect the right to abortion and end this political interference with our personal healthcare decisions once and for all.”\n\nThe lawmakers first introduced this resolution in 2023, following the Supreme Court’s decision overturningRoe v. Wade, which sparked attacks on reproductive rights across the country. Since then, 20 states have banned or restricted access to abortion care.\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-introduces-legislation-to-refund-customers-for-network-outages/", "title": "Luján Introduces Legislation to Refund Customers for Network Outages", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Introduction Follows Widespread Cell Phone Outage That Impacted Users Nationwide\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, introduced the Outage Refund Guarantee Act, legislation to ensure consumers are fairly compensated for the time they are without the service they rely on. The Outage Refund Guarantee Act would require cable, DBS, internet, and telephone providers to issue credit for any service outage lasting more than four hours to ensure consumers are properly compensated for the service they pay for.\n\n“In today’s world, reliable internet, cable, and phone service are no longer a convenience, but rather a necessity for everyday life,” said Senator Luján. “When an outage hits, it leaves thousands without the service they rely on for work, safety, and daily life. That’s why I’m introducing the Outage Refund Guarantee Act to ensure consumers are properly compensated for service outages. If you pay for a service, that’s what you should be getting.”\n\nSpecifically, the Outage Refund Guarantee Act:\n\nRequires providers (cable, DBS, Internet, and telephone) to issue credit for any service outage lasting more than four hours. The credit is equal to 1/30 of the monthly bill for every period of four hours or more. Credits will be applied automatically to the consumer’s account, without the need for the consumer to take any action.\n\nRequires the FCC to issue rules extending customer service requirements to DBS, voice, and broadband service provider, including requirements that customer service is accessible for those with disabilities.\n\nRequires the FCC to issue rules requiring providers to maintain recordings of customer service calls for not less than one year and to release those recordings to a customer upon that customer’s request.\n\nBans “skip waiting” service fees.\n\nRequires the FTC to issue rules with respect to telephone providers, cable providers, DBS providers, and internet providers to implement standards for missed service appointments.\n\nRequires the FTC to issue rules with respect to telephone providers, cable providers, DBS providers, and internet providers to assess the burden of returning equipment for those with disabilities and/or non-drivers.\n\n“In a time when junk fees are ubiquitous, the Outage Refund Act turns the tide by requiring providers to automatically credit consumers receive cable, phone, and internet outages,” said Susan Weinstock, CEO of the Consumer Federation of America. “The bill places the responsibility in the right place — the consumer should not be expected to beg for refunds on services they didn’t get. The Consumer Federation of America wholeheartedly supports passage of this legislation.”\n\n“People rely on cable, internet, and telephone services to work, see healthcare providers, and stay in touch with family and friends, so long-term outages can be devastating,” said Olivia Wein, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “This bill eases the pain by ensuring that telecommunications providers issue refunds when they fail to deliver the services people rely on and pay for.”\n\n“When a business doesn’t deliver the services people pay for, customers are owed a refund. This bill ensures that telecommunications providers are no exception to this common sense rule,” said Patrick Crotty, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center.\n\nThe Outage Refund Guarantee Act is supported by Public Knowledge and the National Consumer Law Center, on behalf of its low-income clients.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/lummis-hails-historic-committee-passage-of-her-digital-asset-legislation/", "title": "Lummis Hails Historic Committee Passage of Her Digital Asset Legislation", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), released the following statement celebrating the bipartisan passage of her bill, the Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity Act of 2025, out of the Banking Committee by a 15 to 9 vote.\n\n“After nearly a year of around-the-clock negotiations, I am incredibly proud of the product we have passed out of Committee today,” said Lummis. “This is a historic step forward for digital asset innovation, and I am grateful to Chairman Scott for his tireless efforts to move this legislation through Committee and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who chose to put American leadership ahead of politics. Today’s passage out of Committee sends an unmistakable signal that the United States is not ceding the future of digital finance to anyone. I want to thank the industry, stakeholders, and every colleague who spent countless hours working to ensure we produced a bill worthy of this moment, and I believe we accomplished that goal. The United States has long been a beacon of innovation, and with final passage on the Senate floor, we are going to make sure it stays that way. Let’s finish what we started and cement America’s digital asset space for generations to come.”\n\nIn 2022, Senator Lummis joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, a comprehensive bipartisan bill to establish the first regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States, dividing oversight jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC.\n\nIn 2023, Senators Lummis and Gillibrand reintroduced the legislation.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-merkley-colleagues-sound-the-alarm-on-homeland-security-proposal-to-develop-biometric-smart-glasses", "title": "Senators Markey, Merkley, Colleagues Sound the Alarm on Homeland Security Proposal to Develop Biometric Smart Glasses", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (May 14, 2026) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today led their colleagues in writing to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding the agency abandon its dangerous proposal, included in DHS’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, to develop “smart glasses” for its immigration officers. These smart glasses would allow DHS officers to quickly identify individuals in public by covertly taking their photo and running it through biometric identification systems — such as facial recognition software — threatening the privacy and civil liberties of every person in the United States. Smart glasses are the latest example of the Trump administration’s growing surveillance state, which is intended to silence dissent and intimidate Trump’s political opponents.\n\nSenators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) also signed the letter.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators wrote, “Given DHS’s record during the Trump administration of exploiting surveillance technologies, we are deeply concerned that smart glasses will be abused by this administration. Over the past year, DHS has deployed biometric identification tools — including facial recognition technologies — to identify individuals engaged in protest activity, intimidate them, and deter lawful dissent. The Trump administration seems to relish these practices, which endanger the core democratic right to challenge the government without fear of punishment. Smart glasses would provide yet another opportunity for DHS to extend its surveillance capabilities and intimidate individuals across the country.”\n\nSenator Markey has been leading efforts to hold ICE and DHS accountable for their gross violations of Americans’ First Amendment rights and their weaponization of surveillance technologies against peaceful protestors, immigrants, and American citizens.\n\nOn February 5, 2026, Senator Markey, along with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act, bicameral legislation that would ban ICE and CBP from acquiring and using facial recognition technology (FRT) and other biometric identification systems.\n\nAlso in February, Senator Markey wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding that Lyons immediately confirm or deny reports that the agency is maintaining a so-called “domestic terrorists” database to track individuals protesting ICE activities.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Markey wrote to CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, urging the agency to immediately cease using a system of license plate readers (LPRs) and predictive algorithms to monitor the movements of individual Americans. CBP is reportedly using the system to “identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.”\n\nAlso in November, Senator Markey led his colleagues in requesting that ICE cease the use of their biometric phone application known as Mobile Fortify following a previous unanswered request.\n\nIn September, Senators Markey and Merkley wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons, demanding that ICE cease use of Mobile Fortify and requesting detailed information about its policies and practices surrounding the use of biometric technology.\n\nIn July, Senator Markey, along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Schiff (D-Calif.), sent a letter to then-Secretary of DHS Kristi Noem on the DHS’s usage of Predator drones and aerial surveillance against peaceful protesters in Los Angeles. In the letter, the senators raised concerns about the threat to the protesters’ privacy and their constitutional rights that are guaranteed by the First Amendment.\n\nIn June, Senators Markey and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote two letters to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary Noem about the government’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to determine whether an individual poses a national security risk.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-lowering-the-cost-of-living-is-my-biggest-priority/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Lowering the Cost of Living is My Biggest Priority", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins KQAM, The Voice of Reason with Andy Hooser\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Andy Hooser on KQAM to discuss the Farm Bill, year-round E15, lowering the cost of fertilizers, regenerative agriculture, President Trump’s negotiations with China, and helping young Kansans achieve the American dream.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn passing the Farm Bill in the Senate:\n\n“Well, as you can imagine, the Senate moves a little bit slower than the House does. Remind your listeners that we took care of crop insurance and reference prices in the Working Family Tax Cuts bill. We put another $65 billion into those programs, we doubled the death tax exemption, and we gave some farmers some great tax business benefits as well. So there’s not much of a Farm Bill left to do, but we’re very willing to do it. But here’s the holdup. The hold up is over food stamps and work requirements — that’s what the hold up is. In our Working Family Tax Cuts bill, we said that if you’re a working-age, healthy adult — you don’t have children at home — we would like for you to get a job. 20 hours a week, and if you can’t get a job, volunteer for 20 hours a week or do work training. So the Democrats over here are refusing to do a farm bill until we remove those work requirements. And personally, I just think most Kansans think that a job is a good thing to have. So we’ll see if the Democrats will come off to that end of it and let us get this passed. Because remember, we will need 60 votes over here, we can’t do it just with the simple majority.”\n\nOn year-round E15:\n\n“Yeah, no, it’s a 90/10 issue. I think that 90% of Americans think having a job brings purpose and meaning to life. If you know, if you have an addiction or mental health problem, all those things, a job brings purpose to your life. Again, I think it’s a good thing. But more important than a farm bill is E15, Andy, that’s what I’m watching today. E15 would be like doubling our export market. If we export, let’s say, 2 billion bushels of corn a year—if we go to year-round E15, it’d be like increasing that by 50 or 100%. It gives us a constant market, so we’re not sitting there worrying about ‘Is China in? Is China out this year?’ as well. So we are keeping tabs to see if they pass the year-round E15 bill over in the House today — that’s what I got my eye on for the agriculture.”\n\nOn President Trump’s relationship with China:\n\n“Well, of course, everyone needs to realize, and we do, that China is our strategic adversary, whether it’s economic or military or ideological — they’re an adversary. Their goal is to become a world power, and the President is going there with eyes wide open. You know the old saying, ‘Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer.’ So I hate to call them an enemy—I’m not that guy—but certainly I’m disgusted with them. They steal from us, they steal intellectual property, they hoard certain rare earth minerals, this, that, and the other. And we brought this upon ourselves, right? So hopefully the President will bring, you know, keep moving forward, and he’ll use this tariff leverage as he has in the past. Once he left office — after Trump 45 — China stopped buying stuff because they didn’t have a hammer over their head. So he’s going to remind them that if they want to sell us stuff, they need to buy stuff from us as well. That’s what we call good business.”\n\nOn lowering the costs of ag inputs and fertilizers:\n\n“Yeah, let’s talk about nitrogen fertilizers — nitrogen fertilizers are made from natural gas. Guess what we have an abundance of in America? Natural gas. But instead, we’re letting people over in the Middle East process the natural gas and then ship over the nitrogen fertilizer. So, you know, basically there’s a theme here in America right now — because of over-regulation, two or three companies will dominate 90% of an industry. So that’s true of fertilizers, of the seed industry, chemicals that my farmers buy as well, it’s true in the credit card business, it’s true in the pharmacy benefit manager business, and hospitals — you know, one or two hospitals dominate an entire market. So your listeners get that theme. So number one is we need to try to break up the monopolies, and number two, we need to try to bring in some smaller producers of fertilizers, which is what our bill does. And the other thing I’m really excited about, our bio-fertilizers. Rather than using these harsh chemicals, we got a company in Pratt, Kansas — Andy, I know you know where Pratt, Kansas is — they’re taking manure from the feed lots and processing that, heating it up, adding this and that. And it’s a healthy fertilizer that brings more microorganisms back into the soil, which leads to healthier food, more nutrient-rich food as well.”\n\nOn the cost savings of regenerative agriculture:\n\n“It’s a great move. So regenerative agriculture is growing more with less, and more my farmers are doing this. So rather than plowing a field, they’re planting seeds right back into that field. So the soil is one of the three big carbon anchors in the world. You know, the other carbon anchors are, of course, the ocean and trees. So when you don’t turn that soil over, you leave more carbon in it, and then when you use less fertilizer and use these other, more modern techniques, then the food is healthier, and there’s less leakage — fertilizers and chemicals — from that field. And of course, well, that’s also a cost factor. If you can use less fertilizer, of course, that’s going to save the American farmer money as well. So proud of my American farmers practicing regenerative agriculture, and all this leads to healthier food that. There are nutrients in the soil that we don’t even know exist yet, and when some of these fertilizers and chemicals kill those natural nutrients, that’s why our food tastes so bland these days. Andy, I remember growing up, you know, when the strawberries were ripe, my brother and I and my sister would run out to the strawberry field on our family farm and just gorge ourselves on these strawberries. They tasted like candy, and the same with cantaloupe. So the foods have lost their taste because of the lack of nutrients in the soil.”\n\nOn passing another reconciliation bill to lower the cost of living:\n\n“Yeah, so the first reconciliation bill we’re going to pass next week is to fund the Border Patrol and ICE officers. Only Republicans are willing to support funding ICE and Border Patrol. So we got to get that one done next week, and that leaves us an opportunity for Reconciliation 3.0. In my mind, we should be addressing the cost of living, Andy, and we should have five buckets. One of them is the cost of healthcare, and that would be my specialty — happy to dive into that one — then the cost of housing, the cost of childcare, the cost of property insurance, and then just the cost of gas and groceries, that type of thing as well. So, I think the whole focus here should be on bringing down the cost of living, and we know ways to do that. Our Price Tag bill in the healthcare sector would force every healthcare provider to show you the price up front. Look, if your doctor orders an MRI, you could do it in his office for 600 bucks, or go over to the hospital and do it for $6,000. Customers need to know that there’s a huge difference in the price. And I think once we make them shoppers again with today’s technology, we will bring down the cost of healthcare — I’m not kidding you — $1,000 to $2,000 a month per family.”\n\nOn cost of living in Kansas:\n\n“Well, it’s the cost of living, that’s what folks want to talk about. It’s interesting, though, every business I visit is exploding, and they can’t keep up with the sales, they need more workforce, and this and that. And I think a lot of it is because of the tariffs on foreign stuff; people want to buy American-made goods. A window company out in Fort Scott, you know, comes to mind, and all the different people that make farm implements. So, everywhere I go, they tell me business is really good. The tax structures that we changed in the working family tax cuts to help small businesses out — you know, letting them do bonus depreciation and interest deductibility — it’s all coming to fruition. But there’s a group of people out there that are struggling, they’re typically under the age of 40. They’re folks that hadn’t bought their first home yet, their credit cards are maxed out, they have a big college loan, and they’re paying a lot for childcare. Those are the people who are struggling right now. And that’s my priority: how do we help these people, these working families, that are out there? We gave them some good tax breaks. People are getting, you know, the largest tax refund in American history right now as we speak. Those tax refund checks are coming back home, and that’s the help, but we got to give them relief on the home front, and it starts right there, at the kitchen table and at the gas pump.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-president-trump-is-always-working-to-secure-deals-for-the-american-farmer/", "title": "Senator Marshall: President Trump is Always Working to Secure Deals for the American Farmer", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Wake Up America on Newsmax\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Newsmax’s Wake Up America to discuss the importance of President Trump’s trip to China and the impact of his ongoing trade negotiations for American Agriculture. He also highlighted his bill to bring down the cost of fertilizer, which could reduce prices by 20-25%.\n\nLastly, drawing on his experience as an OB-GYN, Senator Marshall praised the Trump administration for the launch of Moms.gov, a comprehensive resource for new and expecting moms across America.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn the importance of President Trump’s meeting with Chinese officials:\n\n“Well, here’s President Trump, the dealmaker. This morning, they announced that they reopened some beef markets to China. China seems to only buy American agricultural products when President Trump is waving this hammer over their head, whether it’s tariffs or something else. And I just want to remind everybody that China needs the Strait of Hormuz open way more than the United States does. They are totally dependent upon the oil and natural gas coming out of there. So I think President Trump has the aces in his hands. He is doing what’s right for America. He’ll try to rebalance this trade relationship, and just like taking on Iran after presidents ignored it for 47 years, President Trump has taken on China as well. But he’s going into this with his eyes wide open, right? His eyes are wide open. He realizes that they are a strategic adversary, whether militarily, economically, or ideologically speaking. So, I trust President Trump. This is his sweet spot out there — making a deal for America.”\n\nOn the Trump administration’s support for American farmers:\n\n“Yeah, look, a couple things. The way the American farmer makes money is when we have a value-added product — when we turn corn into beef, or when we turn sorghum into ethanol and export those products. So that’s what I’m really excited about. Corn exports under President Trump were actually up about 20% last year. Corn and ethanol exports are both projected to be up some 20% this year as well. President Trump is insisting, ‘Look, if we’re buying all these products from China, why are you buying Brazilian soybeans over American soybeans?’ And we know China understands that he means business as well, so we’re trusting it. We trust President Trump to go over there and make a great deal for us. No one has done more for American agriculture and rural America than President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and a Republican-led Congress.”\n\nOn his bill to bring down the costs of fertilizer:\n\n“Yeah, so input costs are the number one challenge right now for the American farmer, and fertilizer is the biggest component of that. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we saw fertilizer prices spike and stay elevated for 18 months at levels even higher than they are right now. It’s amazing the national media never mentions that — for 18 months under Joe Biden, fertilizer prices were higher than they are today. Prices eventually came back down, and now they’ve spiked again because of concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz being closed down. So, way back during the Biden administration, we came up with some solutions, including allowing smaller fertilizer companies to enter the market. As you can imagine, a lot of these markets are dominated by just one or two companies, so we want to make it easier for other businesses to come into the market and compete. There are also countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate imports. We’d like to eliminate those countervailing duties because that could bring phosphate prices down maybe 20 to 25 percent as well. So, there are solutions out there. Again, no one has done more for the American farmer and rural America than President Trump has.”\n\nOn the Trump administration’s new website for moms:\n\n“Yeah, well, you know that I delivered a baby almost every day for 25 years. So, this is a welcome one-stop shop — a one-stop shop for new moms, and really for moms and dads both. I remember, even though I was in medical school and we were about to have our first baby, I knew nothing about being a dad and what I should do to help my wife as a future mom. And for folks who may be struggling to get pregnant as well, there’s some great infertility information available. One of the great things that Trump Rx has done is help bring down infertility medication costs. We had a very busy infertility clinic, and the biggest barrier to treatment was the cost of those drugs. So Trump Rx is addressing that, and this website helps connect people to those resources as well. If you’re just thinking about becoming pregnant, I was always interested in making sure moms were addressing their nutritional needs before becoming pregnant — that they were already taking folic acid, prenatal vitamins, and doing some of those important early steps. So this is a one-stop resource for moms: Moms.gov — M-O-M-S.gov. Thanks to President Trump for helping moms out.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-your-family-is-safer-under-president-trump/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Your Family is Safer Under President Trump", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business, The Evening Edit\n\nWashington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Liz MacDonald on Fox Business’ The Evening Edit to discuss President Trump’s work to make America safer, FBI Director Kash Patel’s success, and the lowest crime rates in decades.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn FBI Director Patel’s exchange with Senator Van Hollen:\n\n“Well, two things come to mind. Number one, my colleague across the aisle there, he’s obviously running for president, so he’s trying to say the most outlandish things he can. And number two is that the Democrat Party is the biggest threat to the safety and security of your family that exists. That they’re a bigger threat to your safety and security than the cartels are. And all you have to do is look at Director Patel’s record here — the lowest murder rate since 1900, a 10-20% drop in violent crimes, they went out and found 6000 of these lost children that the Biden Administration lost. So, I think that the Director’s record speaks for itself, that he’s restoring the integrity the reputation of the FBI. I think he’s doing a heck of a job, based upon the results that I’m seeing.”\n\nOn crime rates under President Trump:\n\n“Yeah, Americans, they have such a short memory that just a couple years ago, President Trump ran on this safety and security banner. And guess what, our borders are safe, your families are safer today, fentanyl poisonings are down, the FBI has literally arrested thousands of terrorists and thousands of cartel members as well — our families are safer today. And we got more work to do. Unfortunately, Joe Biden left us maybe 10s of thousands of these violent criminal illegal aliens in our country. But when I wake up the morning every day, Liz, I’m thinking about, ‘Is my family safe? Is your family safe?’ This is still the most important priority that I have as a U.S. Senator, as a father, and as a grandfather, for that matter.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senators-markey-merkley-colleagues-sound-the-alarm-on-homeland-security-proposal-to-develop-biometric-smart-glasses/", "title": "Senators Markey, Merkley, Colleagues Sound the Alarm on Homeland Security Proposal to Develop Biometric Smart Glasses", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Letter Text (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today led their colleagues in writing to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin demanding the agency abandon its dangerous proposal, included in DHS’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, to develop “smart glasses” for its immigration officers. These smart glasses would allow DHS officers to quickly identify individuals in public by covertly taking their photo and running it through biometric identification systems — such as facial recognition software — threatening the privacy and civil liberties of every person in the United States. Smart glasses are the latest example of the Trump administration’s growing surveillance state, which is intended to silence dissent and intimidate Trump’s political opponents.\n\nSenators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) also signed the letter.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators wrote, “Given DHS’s record during the Trump administration of exploiting surveillance technologies, we are deeply concerned that smart glasses will be abused by this administration. Over the past year, DHS has deployed biometric identification tools — including facial recognition technologies — to identify individuals engaged in protest activity, intimidate them, and deter lawful dissent. The Trump administration seems to relish these practices, which endanger the core democratic right to challenge the government without fear of punishment. Smart glasses would provide yet another opportunity for DHS to extend its surveillance capabilities and intimidate individuals across the country.”\n\nSenator Markey has been leading efforts to hold ICE and DHS accountable for their gross violations of Americans’ First Amendment rights and their weaponization of surveillance technologies against peaceful protestors, immigrants, and American citizens.\n\nOn February 5, 2026, Senator Markey, along with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), introduced the ICE Out of Our Faces Act, bicameral legislation that would ban ICE and CBP from acquiring and using facial recognition technology (FRT) and other biometric identification systems.\n\nAlso in February, Senator Markey wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons demanding that Lyons immediately confirm or deny reports that the agency is maintaining a so-called “domestic terrorists” database to track individuals protesting ICE activities.\n\nIn November 2025, Senator Markey wrote to CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, urging the agency to immediately cease using a system of license plate readers (LPRs) and predictive algorithms to monitor the movements of individual Americans. CBP is reportedly using the system to “identify and detain people whose travel patterns it deems suspicious.”\n\nAlso in November, Senator Markey led his colleagues in requesting that ICE cease the use of their biometric phone application known as Mobile Fortify following a previous unanswered request.\n\nIn September, Senators Markey and Merkley wrote to ICE’s Acting Director Todd Lyons, demanding that ICE cease use of Mobile Fortify and requesting detailed information about its policies and practices surrounding the use of biometric technology.\n\nIn July, Senator Markey, along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Schiff (D-Calif.), sent a letter to then-Secretary of DHS Kristi Noem on the DHS’s usage of Predator drones and aerial surveillance against peaceful protesters in Los Angeles. In the letter, the senators raised concerns about the threat to the protesters’ privacy and their constitutional rights that are guaranteed by the First Amendment.\n\nIn June, Senators Markey and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote two letters to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary Noem about the government’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to determine whether an individual poses a national security risk.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/news-release-sen-moody-leads-with-sen-kennedy-to-suspend-senator-pay-during-a-government-shutdown/", "title": "NEWS RELEASE: Sen. Moody Leads with Sen. Kennedy to Suspend Senator Pay During a Government Shutdown", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is co-leading an effort with Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) to suspend Senator pay during a government shutdown. The resolution has now passed in the chamber and is in effect for Senators.\n\n“It’s astounding that Democrats can hold our government hostage – forcing thousands to go without pay – while still receiving their own paycheck. That ends today. I’m proud to join Sen. Kennedy and have called for this common-sense measure since day one, because I am a firm believer that this place is in desperate need of reform. Withholding Senator pay during a shutdown is a strong first step in fixing a painfully stubborn system that is often used for political games,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn addition to co-leading with Sen. Kennedy on this resolution to suspend Senator pay during a government shutdown, Senator Moody has also:\n\nIntroduced a resolution to end taxpayer funded travel for Senators during government shutdowns;\n\nCosponsored the Eliminate Shutdowns Act, which would trigger an automatic 14-day continuing resolution in the event of a lapse in appropriations;\n\nDonated her salary during a previous Democrat government shutdown to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.\n\nSenator Moody is working hard to bring sanity back to D.C., and ensure the government can remain open and working for the American people.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-release-senator-moody-fires-off-on-lawmakers-who-refuse-to-protect-children-online-get-out-of-the-way/", "title": "VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Fires Off on Lawmakers Who Refuse to Protect Children Online: “Get out of the Way”", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ashley Moody wasted no time yesterday getting right to the heart of the problem with stalled legislation that would increase protections for children online at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. The witnesses at the hearing included two parents of children who lost their lives due to the persistent dangers that lurk online and on social media platforms:\n\n“To any lawmaker that stands to shield these profit-over-protection companies from accountability for the harm they’ve brought to our children: get out of the way. As a mom, I understand the challenges parents face every single day when it comes to protecting their kids online. These online platforms should not be using our kids as a piggy bank for their next quarterly earnings call, which is why as Attorney General I fought to end these abusive practices and shut down intentionally designed features that addict our kids. I held social media companies’ feet to the fire as Attorney General, and I won’t stop as Florida’s newest U.S. Senator,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSen. Moody is dedicated to protecting children from harm online.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Moody’s James T. Woods Act protecting kids by targeting perpetrators of sextortion passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Act explicitly criminalizes intentional threats to distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Under current law, sextortion has fallen outside existing CSAM statutes, forcing prosecutors to rely on patchwork charging theories that fail to reflect the gravity of these crimes.\n\nSenator Moody cosponsors the Kids Online Safety Act. The Kids Online Safety Act is crucial legislation that protects children from online harm. Senator Moody first called for Congress to pass the legislation as former Florida Attorney General. As Florida’s newest U.S. Senator, Moody is a cosponsor of the legislation. Key provisions of the bill include:\n\nMandatory default safety settings: Requiring platforms to automatically enable their strongest safety protections for minors rather than burying these features behind opt-in screens;\n\nAddiction prevention: Allowing young users and their parents to disable manipulative design features and algorithmic recommendations that keep children endlessly scrolling; and\n\nParental empowerment: Providing parents with new tools to identify harmful behaviors and improved capabilities to report dangerous content.\n\nSenator Moody has long been committed to protecting children online. As the former Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody launched investigations into Meta and Instagram, as well as took legal action, over the platform’s algorithms and practices that sought to addict children to using the service and then profit off the children’s data.\n\nAs Attorney General, Senator Moody also called Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify to the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking about Meta applications allowing traffickers to prey on victims using the platform. Moody also released the Online Safety Toolkit to help parents talk to children about safe internet use and to avoid online predators and traffickers.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=2B332FAC-6390-46BB-8232-98EAF45157C7", "title": "Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group Announces Sen. Boozman as the Newest Member", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) – members of the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group – today released the following statement welcoming Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) as the Working Group’s newest member, replacing former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.):\n\n“We are pleased to welcome Sen. Boozman to the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, which exists to further the shared goal of strengthening the 340B program to maintain its long-term viability. The 340B program fulfills a critical purpose of keeping costs low for eligible health care providers and the patients they serve. The Working Group has made significant progress throughout the years, and now, joined by Sen. Boozman, we look forward to continuing our work together on solutions to support this important program.”\n\n“The 340B program is a lifeline for hospitals and clinics across Arkansas, helping vulnerable patients access prescriptions while empowering providers to put savings toward additional services and care in their communities,” said Sen. Boozman. “I am proud to join the bipartisan coalition in the Senate leading the effort to protect and strengthen it. We look forward to advancing solutions that support this essential resource and provide confidence and certainty to participants.”\n\nThe Working Group has existed for more than a decade and is comprised of members who support the 340B program and are committed to sustaining it.\n\nIn the 118th Congress, the Working Group requested feedback from stakeholders on how to improve the 340B program through bipartisan policy solutions and released a legislative discussion draft and supplemental request for information. The legislative discussion draft reflected the Working Group’s belief that the program provides a critical benefit to eligible health care providers that enables them to stretch federal resources to provide health care services for the patients they serve. The draft also acknowledged concerns from stakeholders about ambiguity in the program and how transparency is needed to ensure the program is serving eligible patients as originally intended.\n\nMoving forward, the Working Group will continue its efforts to incorporate the information shared by stakeholders into legislation that provides clarity, transparency and accountability in the 340B program to ensure the program remains strong long into the future.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe 340B program requires that drug manufacturers who participate in Medicaid and Medicare provide certain non-profit health care providers, hospitals and clinics (covered entities) a discount on outpatient drugs. The 340B program enables covered entities to use these savings to provide more comprehensive services to eligible patients and their communities.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9DD54F45-55BB-4CCA-AE0F-3681E873DB3F", "title": "Sen. Moran Applauds Judiciary Committee’s Advancement of Three Kansas Federal Judge Nominees", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) today applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s advancement of three Kansas federal judicial nominees Jeffrey Kuhlman, The Honorable Anthony Powell and Tony Mattivi. The nominations now move to the full Senate for confirmation to fill positions on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.\n\n“I am pleased that the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced the nominations of Jeffrey Kuhlman, Anthony Powell and Tony Mattivi,” said Sen. Moran. “Their personal expertise, commitment to serving Kansans and our country and upholding the rule of law make these nominees highly qualified to serve as federal judges. I look forward to supporting their confirmations by the full Senate and urging my colleagues to vote in favor of their nominations.”\n\nItems to note:\n\nIn April, Sen. Moran introduced Mr. Kuhlman, Judge Powell and Mr. Mattivi during their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.\n\nIn February, Sen. Moran released a statement applauding the selection of the nominees after a lengthy process of considering many qualified candidates to fill the positions.\n\nJeffrey Kuhlman served in private practice as a partner at Watkins Calcara, Chtd. in Great Bend. He was a judicial law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Eric F. Melgren in Wichita and worked as an attorney at Hinkle Law Firm. He graduated from Kansas State University and Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.\n\nThe Honorable Anthony Powell served as the Kansas Solicitor General prior to his nomination to the federal bench. He was previously a judge for the Eighteenth Judicial District, where he served Sedgwick County from 2002 until he was appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals in 2013. His previous experience also includes time as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives, at Martin & Churchill in Wichita and as a staffer for Congressman William Broomfield and Senator Bob Dole. He graduated from George Washington University and Washburn University School of Law.\n\nTony Mattivi previously served as the Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). Prior to that, he was an assistant U.S. Attorney for Kansas, where he prosecuted a number of high-profile cases and led the U.S. Department of Justice team that convicted three Kansas militia members who plotted an attack on Somali Muslim refugees in Garden City. He is a graduate of Metropolitan State University and Washburn University School of Law.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=E3EF80C7-87AF-4909-8A7C-5D5B407FD291", "title": "Sens. Moran, Van Hollen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen & Improve ABLE Program", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) this week introduced three pieces of bipartisan legislation to strengthen and improve access to the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program: the ABLE Tomorrow Act, the ABLE Match Act and the ABLE Direct Deposit Act. The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nCreated in 2014, the ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities to utilize savings accounts without losing eligibility for federal programs. Sen. Moran was an original sponsor of the legislation establishing the ABLE program in the Senate. Sen. Van Hollen, then serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, sponsored the legislation in the House. In January 2026, an update to the ABLE program from Sen. Moran’s ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which was cosponsored by Sen. Van Hollen, went into effect and is predicted to double the number of individuals with disabilities eligible for ABLE accounts.\n\n“The ABLE program has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by improving their options to prepare for the future and removing barriers that have hindered their path to financial security and independence,” said Sen. Moran. “As an original sponsor of the legislation to create ABLE accounts and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome, I have worked to strengthen and improve the ABLE Program by expanding access so more individuals with disabilities can save, plan for the future and gain greater financial independence.” “Over a decade ago, we passed the bipartisan ABLE Act – empowering people with disabilities to take charge of their economic futures without jeopardizing eligibility for critical federal programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income,” said Sen. Van Hollen. “Now, we are fighting to strengthen and modernize the ABLE program to expand access to and awareness of ABLE accounts so people with disabilities and their families can continue taking advantage of these opportunities to plan and save. The ABLE Tomorrow, ABLE Match, and ABLE Direct Deposit Acts will build on the successes of the ABLE Act to strengthen these Americans’ financial security, independence, and quality of life for years to come.”\n\n“ABLE accounts give people with disabilities a vital pathway to build savings and greater financial independence without jeopardizing essential benefits,\" said Jill Jacobs, Executive Director, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD). \"This legislative package strengthens and modernizes the ABLE program so more individuals and families can take advantage of this important tool for economic security.”\n\nThe ABLE Tomorrow Act would:\n\nStrengthen and modernize the ABLE program by eliminating the Medicaid clawback; creating exceptions to annual contribution limits for certain 529 rollovers and one-time contributions; establishing a two-month grace period and a notification requirement before Social Security benefits are suspended when an account exceeds the $100,000 threshold; and allowing employers to contribute to an employee’s ABLE account in lieu of a defined contribution plan without jeopardizing benefit eligibility.\n\nExpand awareness of the ABLE program by directing federal and state agencies to inform eligible individuals about ABLE accounts across programs such as Social Security, VA benefits, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, vocational rehabilitation, Medicare, Head Start and special education; and authorizing $50 million annually through FY2031 for state and tribal grants to increase ABLE awareness and enrollment.\n\nThe ABLE Match Act would:\n\nCreate a new federal program that matches contributions made to an ABLE account of up to $2,000 per year and authorizes $5 million annually through 2030, subject to congressional appropriations, for promoting ABLE accounts and the new matching benefit.\n\nThe ABLE Direct Deposit Act would:\n\nReaffirm that direct deposits from employer and government program contributions can be made to ABLE accounts.\n\nThe legislative package is also supported by: Able Americans; 2Gether-International; Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD); American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR); Autism Society of America; Autism Speaks; Cure SMA; Easter Seals; Global Connections to Employment; Melwood; Muscular Dystrophy Association; National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA); National Disability Institute; National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS); National Federal of Blind (NFB); Partners in Promise; CEO Commission for Disability Employment; National Organization on Disability (NOD); Disability Rights Center of Kansas; Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities; SEEC; New Disabled South; Association of People Supporting Employment First; Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition; and National Down Syndrome Congress.\n\nIn addition, the ABLE Tomorrow Act is endorsed by the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) and ABLE Savings Plans Network (ASPN).\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-discusses-fy27-budget-with-epa-administrator-zeldin", "title": "Murkowski Discusses FY27 Budget with EPA Administrator Zeldin", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC—Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, welcomed Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to discuss the agency’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2027.\n\nSenator Murkowski impressed upon Administrator Zeldin the importance of Tribal resilience as rural communities face increasingly devastating natural disasters. She also raised the bulk fuel crisis affecting rural Alaska and requested collaboration with the agency to provide administrative relief and flexibility to help ensure fuel deliveries reach communities and remain affordable for Alaskans.\n\nWatch the Senator’s opening statement here.\n\nRead Senator Murkowski’s full opening statement below.\n\nFULL TRANSCRIPT\n\nSo, Administrator, thank you for joining us here this morning. Appreciate you being here. Also, a personal thank you for traveling to Alaska. Not everybody wants to come in winter. Maybe you didn't want to come in February, but I think you get a little taste of what some of the locals get to enjoy.\n\nFor colleagues, we had 152 consecutive days in Fairbanks where the temperatures did not get above zero. So, it was a cold winter, and I think you were able to enjoy a little bit of that. But again, thank you for making the trip, not only to my state, but to other colleagues as well, to know and understand and to really gather the facts on the ground. It's appreciated.\n\nI want to acknowledge several of the steps that you've taken over the past year to help Alaska, specifically the transfer of $100 million to the Denali Commission to start addressing the serious bulk fuel storage issues that face so many Alaskan communities. We’ve got more work to do on that, but we're starting that off.\n\nYou drafted a new Waters of the United States rule to provide regulatory clarity and certainty. You're tackling some technical issues, like the diesel exhaust fluid sensor requirements to help reduce system failures in cold climate states. These things matter, and so I appreciate that.\n\nBut as with government, as with bureaucracy, the world's not entirely perfect. We still have more work, as you know, to do when it comes to the draft WOTUS rule as it relates to Alaska. It's not right yet. We wrote you as a delegation to outline its shortcomings, particularly the inclusion of permafrost within the definition of WOTUS. Again, when you're up there in Fairbanks, you have an opportunity—maybe not in the heart of winter, when everything is dramatically frozen—but we see the impact of thawing permafrost. So, I would urge you and your team to fix that and all the concerns that regulated Alaskans raised during the comment period before that rule is finalized.\n\nI mentioned bulk fuel storage. Alaska has gratefully received a significant down payment on this more than $1 billion problem. This is something that, again, I think is pretty unique to Alaska, where you have all of these communities that are off-road, and so their fuel needs are met when they're able to fill up their bulk fuel storage. But we've got a tired history, I guess, with regards to the status of those above-ground storage tanks. So, we started funding that program in our FY26 bill. I'm going to be looking to build on that this year and beyond.\n\nIn the immediate term, I will tell you, Administrator Zeldin, people in Alaska, particularly in our off-road communities, are very anxious about the impacts that we're seeing rising from the conflict in Iran, and the impact not only on prices for fuel, but also being able to source fuel in so many of these communities. Eighty-two percent of our communities are not connected by road, but for the coastal and many of the river communities, they get their fuel basically twice a year. So, you're locked into fuel prices in the spring, which we consider to be June, and then in September.\n\nSo right now, people have ordered their fuel for their village, and they had to order it probably within the past 30 days or so, right when the prices were exorbitantly high. This is going to a region where we already experience fuel prices in the range of $7 to $10 a gallon. So, they're anticipating fuel costs in the range of 15 to $17 a gallon.\n\nAnd when you put it into context, it's not just filling up your pickup truck. For most of these communities, it's not like there are a lot of roads, but the community is powered by diesel generation. So to keep your lights on, it's costing you to power that diesel generator, to fill up your skiff to go fishing for subsistence, or to fill up your four-wheeler to go hunting for subsistence, to be able to go out and collect firewood so that you can keep your home, your cabin, warm. It all requires fuel.\n\nSo, the impact on people's ability to either provide food, provide for some level of economy, or stay warm is already challenged before we've even had the delivery. And what we're hearing is a concern that so much of this supply—the refined product—is coming from South Korea. South Korea, of course, gets much of their oil from the Gulf, and so they're limiting quantities that they are sending out.\n\nSo, I've shared this with Secretary Burgum. I shared it with Secretary Kennedy—basically anybody who's listening—because I'm going to be making asks and encouraging those in the administration to do what you can to help us provide some relief and flexibility to ensure that the fuel not only arrives, but also that people are going to be able to afford it. So, there's a lot of stress there.\n\nYou've heard me talk about our issue with cleanup of contaminated lands in Alaska. We've appropriated funding for this for the last few years. My goal is to keep expanding on that. Again, this is one where, when we think about a raw deal, the federal government comes in for a host of different reasons, leaves an area, and leaves contaminated waste after the war, in some of the building projects, and then just walk away from it.\n\nThen, when we settled up with Alaska Natives through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, so many of these contaminated lands were transferred as part of that settlement. But now you've got a huge problem on your hands. So, we've worked beyond the liability issues. Now it's just about the cleanup, and it's an area that is a considerable source of frustration. So, working with you and your folks on this continues to be a priority of mine.\n\nAnother area of frustration has been EPA’s decision to freeze or cancel grant funding that Congress approved and Alaska communities had secured on a fair and competitive basis. We talked about the situation with Kipnuk. They were a small village in southwest Alaska. They were awarded a grant to address coastal erosion. EPA canceled that grant just months before the community was literally wiped out by ex-Typhoon Halong.\n\nAnd I grant you that particular grant would not have saved Kipnuk, but we have a lot of other coastal communities that need federal help and don't have it. So, it's hard when you have this kind of view from Washington that says this is a waste of money to help a community of 800 or 900 people.\n\nIt was really stunning to hear an EPA spokeswoman who went on the record to claim that the grant cancellation kept taxpayer dollars from being, quote, “swept into the Kuskokwim River.” That was really hard for people in that region to hear. It was pretty offensive, and it made me question what EPA political staff here in Washington, D.C., think of these threatened Alaska Native communities.\n\nSo, I'm going to be putting a lot of my muscle into this effort, because it's not just Kipnuk. It is small Alaska Native communities up and down the coast who are threatened right now with everything from coastal erosion to these devastating fall storms that we're seeing.\n\nI’m very appreciative of what you and your team within the agency have done to end what we would call regulatory overreach that we saw throughout the Biden administration. It was daily. But I also recognize that while overreach is not good, underreach sometimes doesn't help us either.\n\nEvery American counts on EPA to ensure cleaner air, cleaner water, and a livable environment around them. And the baseline that determines what happens on those fronts—and all the other things that I mentioned—is in your annual budget. So that brings me back to the President's request. Like I said last year, there's good and bad within it.\n\nWe continue to target inefficiencies, overlap, and waste at the agency. We must do that. But I will share with you again: I do not support the elimination of virtually all funding for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds or the categorical grants. I think they're good. I think they're reasonable investments, and I figure they're probably going to be some big topics today.\n\nCutting them would hurt public health and safety, especially with many states, including a state like Alaska, that are not able to take over and cover the cost, particularly on short notice. So, it kind of feels like we're in the same place that we were last year.\n\nSo, my approach is going to be the same. We take the President's budget request as a suggestion. We work together to produce a good bill that allows EPA to fulfill its core missions and meet the needs of our communities. I think we did that last year in working with your team. We want to be able to do that again this year.\n\nSo, Administrator Zeldin, I will invite you to give your opening comments to the committee.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/murkowski-noaa-decision-on-chinook-esa-listing-provides-much-needed-clarity", "title": "Murkowski: NOAA Decision on Chinook ESA Listing Provides Much-Needed Clarity", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) completed its review process and declined to list Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA found that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon do not meet the necessary criteria to be classified as threatened or endangered under the ESA.\n\n“NOAA made the right decision here, relying on sound science to determine that it is not appropriate to list Alaska’s Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered,” said Senator Murkowski. “Alaska’s Kings do need help, but the ESA is not the right tool and would not have saved our salmon. This decision lifts the cloud of uncertainty cast by a deeply flawed petition and will hopefully allow everyone—from federal agencies, to the State of Alaska, to coastal communities who depend on fisheries—to focus on more practical solutions to ensure stronger runs.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-duckworth-pressley-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-help-women-with-disabilities-access-reproductive-health-care/", "title": "Murray, Duckworth, Pressley Introduce Bicameral Bill to Help Women with Disabilities Access Reproductive Health Care", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Murray: “This bill will help make a big difference in making sure people with disabilities can get the informed and accessible reproductive health care they deserve.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced their Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help women with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to the timely, informed, and culturally competent reproductive health care they deserve. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D, MA-07) is introducing companion legislation in the House.\n\n“Every single American woman deserves reproductive health care from a provider that understands her unique needs and treats her with dignity and respect as she makes her personal health care decisions—this is especially true for women with disabilities who often face discrimination and additional barriers to receiving basic health care,” said Senator Murray. “While Republicans do all they can to rip away health care, attack our reproductive rights, and try to ban abortion nationwide, I am continuing to fight back and ensure that all women can access high-quality care from providers who understand their unique needs. This bill will help make a big difference in making sure people with disabilities can get the informed and accessible reproductive health care they deserve.”\n\n“Americans with disabilities have long faced barriers to health care services, equipment and providers—and those barriers have only multiplied under the Trump Administration when it comes to reproductive care,” said Senator Duckworth. “Between the fall of Roe and Republicans passing $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, it’s shameful how Donald Trump has made sure it’s even harder for people with disabilities to access reproductive health care. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Senator Murray to help ensure that Americans with disabilities are not left behind in getting the care we need, when we need it.”\n\n“Everyone should have equitable access to healthcare. Disability justice and reproductive justice are connected,” said Congresswoman Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “With a nationwide assault on reproductive healthcare deeply impacting our siblings with disabilities, this bill is timely, urgent and responsive. I’m grateful to Senator Murray, Senator Duckworth, and our advocates for their ongoing partnership on this legislation.”\n\n“The barriers disabled people face when trying to access reproductive health care are real, longstanding, and too often ignored. This bill recognizes that accessibility is not optional when it comes to bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom,” said Mia Ives-Rublee, Senior Director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress. “Everyone deserves the ability to make informed decisions about their own health and future, and that means ensuring care is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of disabled people.”\n\n“For too long, our health care system has subjected people with disabilities, and especially disabled Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, to discrimination in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. And while this discrimination often violates federal civil rights laws, it persists,” said Madeline Morcelle, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program. “We are proud to endorse the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act because it invests in solutions that will help prevent discrimination before it happens, such as comprehensive provider training and grants to increase disabled representation in the SRH care workforce. Together, these measures will help foster a future in which people with disabilities’ sexual and reproductive autonomy is honored, pain and other symptoms are not dismissed, and SRH care is accessible, trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically appropriate, non-coercive, and delivered with dignity.”\n\nAll Americans deserve to decide if, when, and how to start and raise a family—including the roughly one in four adults with disabilities, who report wanting children as much as those without disabilities do. But people with disabilities have long experienced discrimination and barriers when accessing sexual and reproductive health care. They are also less likely to receive contraception counseling and timely prenatal care, experience a higher rate of sterilization, and are at a greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. And they face other barriers to accessing reproductive care, such as a lack of accessibility at health care facilities, accessible medical diagnostic equipment, accessible travel, and health care providers trained on how to treat and address the unique, diverse needs of people with disabilities receiving reproductive health care.\n\nThe legislation would provide grant funding for training and education programs for health care professionals focused on the reproductive health needs of people with disabilities, help to increase the representation of people with disabilities in the health care provider workforce, and establish a new technical assistance center to provide recommendations and best practices regarding sexual and reproductive health care for people with disabilities, among other things. The lawmakers first introduced the bill in 2022, and reintroduced it in 2023 as well.\n\nThe Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act would lower barriers to sexual and reproductive care and help ensure disabled people get timely access to culturally competent health care. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProvide grant funding to carry out training programs for health care professionals providing reproductive health care for individuals with disabilities;\n\nEstablish grants to expand the health care provider workforce by increasing the number of people with disabilities in those professions;\n\nProvide grant funding to carry out education programs for entities with a demonstrated expertise in serving individuals with disabilities, focused on the sexual and reproductive health care needs of this population;\n\nCreate a new technical assistance center to provide recommendations and best practices regarding sexual and reproductive health care for people with disabilities; and\n\nDirect the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a study to analyze reproductive health care for people with disabilities.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union, All* Above All, Catholics for Choice, Center for American Progress, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Abortion Federation, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Disability Rights Network, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, National Health Law Program, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All.\n\nA one-pager on the bill is available here.\n\nThe full text of the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-celebrates-8-8m-nuclear-energy-award-for-richland/", "title": "Senator Murray Celebrates $8.8M Nuclear Energy Award for Richland", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This funding was secured in the FY24 appropriations bill which Murray helped author and negotiate; currently, Murray is the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Energy\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ranking member of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the announcement that the nuclear energy company Framatome was chosen to receive federal funding to support supply chain development for small modular reactors (SMRs). Framatome will receive $8.8 million to expand a fuel fabrication facility in Richland, Washington, by increasing the number of ceramic pellet production lines, adding approximately 200 metric tons of uranium of annual capacity. The award is funded through the FY24 annual appropriations bill, which Senator Murray helped author and negotiate.\n\n“This funding is great news for Richland—it will help create jobs and grow the local economy across the Tri-Cities. During my visit last week, I met with the labor leaders that will make this project a reality and saw firsthand exactly where the materials we need for our clean energy future will be manufactured,” said Senator Murray. “The Tri-Cities has long been a leader in nuclear energy supply chains, and I am proud to make sure that continues into the future, including by supporting funding just like this. It is simple: this project will advance our efforts to reduce emissions, protect the environment, and ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in energy technologies. The Trump administration keeps doing all they can to hurt domestic energy production, cutting billions in funding for energy projects and research, and forcing energy prices to skyrocket. While Trump lines the pockets of big oil companies, I will keep fighting to protect the kinds of investments—like this one—that we need to power a clean energy future for America and bring down utility bills.”\n\nFor FY26, Senator Murray secured over $4.8 billion for the Office of Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy, including $3.1 billion in repurposed supplemental funding to support the deployment of advanced reactor technologies. Senator Murray also rejected Trump’s proposal in FY26 to slash funding for the Department of Energy by $4.7 billion, cut funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs by $2.572 billion, and rescind $15.25 billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law energy programs. Senator Murray has also fought hard against Trump’s effort to cancel $8 billion in energy projects in blue states. In President Trump’s FY27 budget request, he proposed gutting funding for EERE programs by $1.9 billion, or 63%.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-slams-hud-secretary-for-backing-budget-to-fund-war-instead-of-helping-americans-afford-housing/", "title": "Senator Murray Slams HUD Secretary for Backing Budget to Fund War Instead of Helping Americans Afford Housing", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Senator Murray on President Trump’s FY27 Budget Request\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed Secretary Scott Turner on his efforts to dismantle key homelessness programs and the president’s request to gut funding to increase housing supply and keep Americans housed while seeking a half trillion dollar increase in defense funding.\n\n[CONTINUUM OF CARE]\n\nSenator Murray began by pressing Secretary Turner on when HUD will renew Continuum of Care grants that expire this year, as required by the FY26 funding bill. Thousands of organizations across the country rely on the grants to help reduce homelessness.\n\nMURRAY: Mr. Secretary, you know, addressing the homeless crisis is a top priority for my state and for many states across the country. And I am really concerned because your department has ignored the law and done the opposite. HUD is required to prioritize proven strategies to reduce homelessness, including permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing.\n\nBut last year, you limited our local governments’ use of federal grants for those exact proven solutions—at least until a federal judge and Congress stopped you. And, in my state, you could have cut the federal funding to house people who are homeless by more than half! Nationwide, your changes could have put more than 170,000 households on the streets. So, we required you to renew grants and get this money out the door, and I have to tell you communities are still waiting far too long.\n\nCan you commit to us that you will move quickly to renew every Continuum of Care grant that expires this year as required by the language in our [FY]26 appropriations bill?\n\nTURNER: Well, thank you, Senator Murray, Vice Chair Murray, it’s good to see you again. And as you know we have got quarter one and quarter two funds out, and quarter three and quarter four funds also will go out. But I will say–\n\nMURRAY: From last year?\n\nTURNER: Yes ma’am. I will say that we do have a different approach to this, and I believe that the housing first model is a failed model. I believe that the housing first model, part of it—to house people—is important but we can’t stop there. We have to get the root of housing and homelessness, and that is mental addiction, drug addiction, domestic violence, and things of this nature. So, I believe we have to treat people, get them transformed and back out to a life of self-sustainability.\n\nMURRAY: Well, Mr. Secretary, our bill requires you to get this money out, and I’ll just tell you—all of the data, all of the research shows that economic factors are driving homelessness. It’s not because of housing first. If every American is feeling the strain on housing, it’s really hard to believe that those with the least, struggle the most, which is what’s happening.\n\nAnd housing first isn’t housing only. There’s case management, there is substance use, there is mental health, there’s employment services. That’s all part of the housing first model too, which you’re ignoring. So, I think it’s really important that we don’t demonize the people who are struggling today in this country for very real reason and work on building more housing.\n\n[ILLEGAL FUNDING DELAYS]\n\nSenator Murray continued by questioning Secretary Turner about HUD’s compliance with court orders to stop requiring local governments and non-profits to comply with unacceptable grant conditions.\n\nMURRAY: So let me move on, because I want to ask you about another thing. Under your leadership, local governments, and non-profits in my state and actually in the country have been left to navigate illegal, and in many cases, really bizarre new grant conditions, like requiring a housing provider to say they don’t believe trans people exist. Last year, as you know, a federal court prohibited you from requiring or enforcing the grant conditions. But you are continuing to insert illegal conditions into every grant agreement and entities cannot access these grant funds until agreeing to illegal terms.\n\nSo, how exactly is that complying with the court’s order?\n\nTURNER: At HUD ma’am we will be in accordance with every order from the court, we will enforce and uphold the law, we will work with Congress, but we also will enforce the Fair Housing Act in the way we’ve been called to enforce it, as the laws are written on the book. And that’s my job as secretary to ensure we are enforcing the Fair Housing Act.\n\nMURRAY: Well, I just have to tell you, I don’t see how these conditions are complying with the court order, so I have a big disagreement with that. But I also want you to know that our nonprofits who are trying to serve these communities, it is their goal, are wasting a lot of time trying to understand the shifting legal landscape and the bizarre requirements out there.\n\nAnd, you have refused to sign agreements or release notices of funding opportunities for funds that expire five months from now, running down the clock is what it feels like to everybody out there. And all of this comes after you pushed out over a third of the HUD employees last year so there’s less people to be able to get these grants out. It appears to a lot of people who are talking to me that you’re breaking the department, not making sure that people get housing.\n\nTURNER: Well, if I may ma’am, and I have to correct you. We did not push out anyone, we had volunteers–\n\nMURRAY: Okay we’re going into semantics. Okay, a lot of people left your department, we’ll disagree about why.\n\nTURNER: It was voluntarily, the DRP program, and people took it. The people that want to be at HUD, are at HUD and I’m happy to have them–\n\nMURRAY: Would you agree that you have a loss quite a few people at HUD to do the work?\n\nTURNER: But also, the government shutdown has kept us from getting these NOFOs out. Our team is working tirelessly every day to get these NOFOs out and we will get them out. And we have an adequate, sufficient well-working team at HUD across our agency–\n\nMURRAY: We have a lot fewer people at your department for whatever reason you want to talk about, Mr. Secretary and that is causing a lot of people to not get their grants along with all this confusing language.\n\nTURNER: No ma’am, it’s not because our people. We have the right people in the right place doing the right thing.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, we have a disagreement.\n\nTURNER: Okay.\n\n[COST OF WAR]\n\nSenator Murray then addressed President Trump’s proposal to blow $1.5 trillion on his war budget instead of helping families afford housing.\n\nMURRAY: You said in your opening statement that: “taxpayer dollars are finite.” But President Trump’s budget, his whole budget, actually sends war funding through the roof as we all know.\n\nSo instead of blowing a half a trillion dollars more on war funding, I want to ask you, if we weren’t doing that how many more units of housing could we build?\n\nTURNER: Vice Chair Murray, the president is very intentional and very precise on what his national security directors are – my job is to run HUD–\n\nMURRAY: No, yes, I know I just–\n\nTURNER: That’s what I’m focused on is housing affordability. With all due respect, the president is clear on what he wants to do, my job is to run HUD and to take down the regulatory environment, which I hear from the industry experts as I travel, the regulatory environment are crippling building in our country.\n\nMURRAY: You have a different view than I do, and I just want you to know that if we use that money for housing, we could build 1.1 million affordable housing units. That is a huge dent in the seven million units of housing that you yourself say that our country needs. But your budget actually cuts housing. So, let me ask it a different way, can you help more families with housing with $84 billion or with $73.5 billion?\n\nTURNER: Here’s what I’ll say—here’s what I say—in the previous years before we got here, housing affordability was not at an all-time high. Mortgage rates–\n\nMURRAY: This is the go-to answer for every secretary, is go back to Biden – and I’m asking you about your administration, sir.\n\nTURNER: It’s not the go-to answer, as the secretary, I’m just giving you the facts. Mortgage rates were up, interest rates were up, inflation was up, the regulatory environment was crippling. It doesn’t matter the administration, these are the facts, ma’am. And I’ve been dealing with these facts, ma’am, to bring mortgage rates down, interest rates down, to build affordable housing.\n\nMURRAY: You can go back to the Biden administration—it’s the go to answer for every secretary—I’m asking you about your administration. I’m asking you about what you could do with this housing and how we address the number one issue facing many of my constituents and many people in the country. And the answer is you could do a lot more work and help families with funding that went to housing and not $1.5 trillion for a war.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-supreme-court-preserving-access-to-medication-abortion-nationwide/", "title": "Senator Murray Statement on Supreme Court Preserving Access to Medication Abortion Nationwide", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "www.murray.senate.gov", "scraper": "murray", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001111", "name": "Patty Murray", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "ICYMI: Following Emergency Stay, Murray, Schumer, Jeffries Lead 250+ Democrats in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, and FDA Authority\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court pausing a nationwide ban on mail-order and telehealth access to the abortion medication mifepristone, staying a Fifth Circuit order that required patients to set up in-person doctor visits:\n\n“I’m relieved that, for now, women across this country can still get the medication they need—and that doctors can keep prescribing it the way medical evidence says they should. For now, the Supreme Court has continued to preserve access to mifepristone and paused an absurd ruling that attempted to throw decades of scientific safety data out the window.\n\n“But the reality is that a panel of extremist judges with no medical training came within an inch of overriding the FDA on a drug that more than seven million American women have safely used—and access to reproductive health care remains under serious threat as this case is argued in the Fifth Circuit.\n\n“And let’s be honest, this is the world the Dobbs decision has forced American women to live in. Extremist judges tried to take a medication used in the majority of abortions in this country, and used every day for miscarriage care, and make it harder to get in every single state.\n\n“We need to be eyes wide open: Anti-abortion politicians and lawyers are going to keep filing cases until they find a courtroom willing to either restrict or ban abortion nationwide. Reproductive rights are under attack: Mifepristone today, IVF tomorrow, and contraception after that. None of this is hypothetical. We are seeing the anti-abortion playbook unfold in real time. I’m ready to keep fighting for reproductive freedom—America’s pro-choice majority has to dig in and get ready to fight back against every single attack and keep fighting so that we finally restore abortion rights for every woman in every state.”\n\nTwo-thirds of U.S. adults oppose banning medication abortion. The overwhelming majority of Americans don’t want abortion legislated at all.\n\nSenator Murray leads the Democratic caucus on reproductive health care issues, and she has led the fight in Congress to protect and expand access to mifepristone. Senator Murray led the Congressional response to FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a lawsuit brought by Republican anti-abortion extremists trying to rip away access to mifepristone—Murray led multiple amicus briefs, organized her colleagues, and raised the alarm at every turn. In June 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed the case on standing, but Murray made clear that “the nationwide threat to medication abortion has not gone away—far from it. If Donald Trump and his anti-abortion allies return to power, they will do everything they can to rip away access to mifepristone and ban abortion nationwide.”\n\nSenator Murray has grilled Trump’s former FDA Commissioner, Marty Makary, on access to mifepristone at every opportunity she’s had—including at a HELP Committee hearing on his nomination in March 2025, and an Appropriations Agriculture-FDA subcommittee hearing in May of last year. In 2023, Senator Murray pressed national pharmacies including Costco to ensure access to mifepristone, and in August, when Costco announced it would no longer sell mifepristone at its stores, Murray spoke out to demand they reverse course.\n\nIn November of 2025, Senator Murray led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Makary expressing alarm over the Trump administration’s plans to conduct “its own review of the evidence” on the safety and effectiveness of mifepristone. Murray’s letter laid into the recent junk science “report” on mifepristone put out by the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC)—an avowedly anti-abortion think tank—that appears to be the basis for the Trump administration’s announced review of mifepristone. “By elevating the sham EPPC report as rationale for restricting access to mifepristone, HHS is blatantly undermining well-established science and weaponizing disinformation to fit the Trump administration’s clear agenda to cut off abortion access in any way possible,” Murray and the senators wrote.\n\nAt the start of this year, Murray blasted her Republican counterparts on the Senate HELP Committee for holding a sham hearing to discredit medication abortion. Earlier this month, Murray led Congressional Democrats in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone.\n\nThroughout her career, Murray has beat back countless Republican attacks on reproductive care and other family planning services—and she is widely credited with successfully pushing the Bush administration’s FDA to follow the science and make Plan B available over the counter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-votes-to-suspend-pay-of-all-us-senators-during-a-federal-shutdown-and-urges-house-to-follow-suit", "title": "Reed Votes to Suspend Pay of All U.S. Senators During a Federal Shutdown & Urges House to Follow Suit", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the full U.S. Senate voted to adopt a resolution to suspend the pay of U.S. Senators during future government shutdowns.\n\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed supported the resolution (S.Res. 526), which would delay paying U.S. Senators if there is a future funding lapse for any federal agency, starting after November’s midterm elections.\n\n“The federal government should work for the people it serves and avoid costly shutdowns. If federal workers are required to be on the job without a paycheck, then members of Congress should lead by example and share in that sacrifice. The Senate is taking a positive step and I hope Speaker Johnson will follow suit and pass a similar resolution that applies to the House,” said Senator Reed, who has already routinely utilized this system of forgoing his paycheck and having it held during prolonged shutdowns.\n\nUnder the Constitution, members of Congress and the president continue to be paid during federal government shutdowns.\n\nThe Senate resolution only applies to members of the U.S. Senate and does not need to be approved by the House or signed by President Trump.\n\nThe resolution cannot take effect until after November mid-term election because of the 27th Amendment, which prohibits any law that alters the salaries of members of Congress until after the next election of the U.S. House of Representatives.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-votes-to-advance-landmark-bipartisan-digital-asset-market-structure-legislation/", "title": "Ricketts Votes to Advance Landmark, Bipartisan Digital Asset Market Structure Legislation", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "domain": "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "scraper": "ricketts", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000618", "name": "Pete Ricketts", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the SenateBanking Committee, issued the following statement after the committee voted 15-9 to advance theCLARITY Act:\n\n“As Governor, I signed legislation into law that put Nebraska at the forefront of financial innovation. As Senator, I am proud to vote for the CLARITY Act. It establishes clear and enforceable guardrails for digital asset markets. It will counter illicit financial activity and national security threats and foster innovation. I also fought for provisions that will preserve Nebraska’s recently passed law that has helped curb crypto ATM scams.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe CLARITY Act establishes clear, enforceable guardrails for digital asset markets that protect consumers and investors, counters illicit finance and national security threats, and supports responsible innovation in the United States. This bill is the product of extensive, bipartisan negotiations and engagement with regulators, law enforcement, academics, and industry stakeholders. During the negotiations, Senator Ricketts worked to include a provision to Section 205, preserving the authority of states to enforce consumer protection laws combatting cryptocurrency kiosk ATM scams and fraud.\n\nAs Governor of Nebraska, Senator Ricketts signed Nebraska’s Financial Innovation Act into law, making Nebraska the second state in the country to establish a state-level regulatory system for digital assets.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/sens-rick-scott-elizabeth-warren-introduce-bill-to-permanently-ban-members-of-congress-from-lobbying", "title": "Sens. Rick Scott, Elizabeth Warren Introduce Bill to Permanently Ban Members of Congress from Lobbying", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senators Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren introduced the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, to permanently ban former members of the House of Representatives and Senate from lobbying Congress after leaving office.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, “When politicians use their time in public office to cash in after they leave government, the American people lose. Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street is a big part of that. We need to restore the American people’s trust in their government, and that’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to put government clearly back on the side of the people. Our founders never intended public service to become a training ground for a lifetime of lobbying. Senator Warren and I are working to end this practice once and for all.”\n\nSenator Elizabeth Warren said, “It’s simple: Members of Congress should spend their time in Washington serving the American people, not preparing to cash in big time with a cushy lobbying career after they leave office. It’s long past time to close the revolving door that’s corrupted our government and destroyed public trust in elected officials. This bipartisan bill is a no-brainer that Congress should pass now.”\n\nThe BLAST Act prohibits two types of activity — lobbyist registration and conduct.\n\nFirst, it bars former Members and elected officers from working as registered lobbyists, as defined by the Lobbying Disclosure Act.\n\nSecond, it prohibits them from making lobbying contacts, regardless of their registration status.\n\nThis includes making communications or appearances before Members of Congress, congressional staff, or legislative offices with the intent to influence official action on behalf of private parties.\n\nFinally, the bill would also address “shadow lobbying” by expanding existing lobbying restrictions to cover former lawmakers who are compensated for lobbying activities, even if they do not formally register as lobbyists or make direct lobbying contacts themselves.\n\nViolation of this law could result in up to five years in prison as well as civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation.\n\nThis legislation is part of Senator Rick Scott’s longstanding fight to make Washington work for American families, which has also included ending taxpayer-funded Congressional Pensions, imposing term limits on Congress, and No Budget, No Pay legislation to ensure that politicians do not receive government paychecks during government shutdowns.\n\nTo read the full bill text, click here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/14/video-during-national-police-week-rosen-thanks-law-enforcement-urges-colleagues-to-invest-more-resources-in-police/", "title": "VIDEO: During National Police Week, Rosen Thanks Law Enforcement, Urges Colleagues to Invest More Resources in Police", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch Senator Rosen’s full remarks HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to thank the law enforcement officers who serve with honor and integrity to protect communities across Nevada and pledged to continue standing with law enforcement. Senator Rosen honored fallen Officer Jason Roscow, who served for seventeen years with the North Las Vegas Police Department and was tragically killed in the line of duty last year. She also called on her colleagues to invest more resources to ensure police officers have what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.\n\nBelow is a transcript of Senator Rosen’s remarks:\n\nThis week marks National Police Week, a time for our nation to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the men and women in law enforcement who work every single day to keep our communities safe.\n\nThese heroes put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and I want to give a special thanks to the law enforcement officers across Nevada who serve every day with honor and integrity.\n\nEvery day they put on the uniform, they kiss their loved ones goodbye, and head into situations that most of us hope we never have to face.\n\nWhether it’s a major emergency, a domestic dispute, or a routine traffic stop, they face danger every single day.\n\nThey do it because they believe in service. Because they believe in protecting others.\n\nNational Police Week is also about honoring the fallen. Those heroes who left behind families, friends, colleagues, and the communities they served and helped to protect.\n\nHeroes like Officer Jason Roscow, who served for seventeen years proudly with the North Las Vegas Police Department, and was tragically killed in the line of duty last year.\n\nOfficer Roscow devoted his life to serving his fellow Americans – first in uniform for the United States Air Force, and then for nearly two decades in law enforcement in Southern Nevada.\n\nToday, I am thinking about his family, the two sons he left behind, his fellow officers, and the entire North Las Vegas community that continues to mourn this tremendous loss.\n\nAnd unfortunately, Officer Roscow is not alone.\n\nIn Nevada and across this country, far too many officers have made the ultimate sacrifice to their communities.\n\nThis week, every week, and every day, we honor their memory.\n\nWe also honor the work that our officers do, and I want to let Nevada law enforcement know one thing: I have your back.\n\nThat means making sure law enforcement agencies have funding, staffing, training, equipment, and mental health resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.\n\nI’ve worked across party lines to deliver exactly that for Nevada.\n\nEarlier this year, I helped secure millions of dollars in funding to strengthen public safety and support local law enforcement.\n\nThat funding included $1 million for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to procure equipment supporting search and rescue operations, to support patrols, and to support large-scale event security.\n\nIt included three million dollars for Washoe County to acquire a Mobile Command Intelligence Vehicle to improve emergency response capabilities.\n\nAnd the bill included more than one million dollars for the City of Henderson to implement a domestic violence and sexual assault response program, to better support victims and to improve public safety.\n\nThese funds are absolutely critical, and one of the best uses of our taxpayer dollars.\n\nAny time we invest in fighting crime and keeping people safe, we’re investing in ourselves and we’re investing in our communities.\n\nThese are so meaningful, and so much more meaningful than, say, a ballroom.\n\nRight now, Donald Trump has proposed spending $1 billion of your taxpayer dollars, taxpayer money on a new White House ballroom.\n\nImagine that, $1 billion for one room that no one will go to except the president and his friends. One billion dollars.\n\nAt a time when police departments across America are struggling with staffing shortages, recruitment challenges, retention issues, and the growing demands every day on officers, let me tell you this, $1 billion could do a whole lot to support our local law enforcement.\n\nOne billion dollars could fund nearly two years of full funding for the COPS Hiring Program – to help communities hire, train, and retain more officers. Not only that, it could fund two years of the COPS Hiring Program and fully fund two years of the Public Safety Officer Benefits Program.\n\nDo you know what the benefits program is? It’s to help support the families of fallen officers and officers permanently disabled in the line of duty. It could fund two full years for the Safety Officer Benefits Program. And, like I said, two years of the COPS Hiring Program.\n\nFew other things that the one billion dollars could do that’s a lot better than a ballroom for our public safety. One billion dollars could also fund an entire year of the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, which help our local law enforcement agencies combat violent crime, invest in crime prevention, support drug treatment programs, and strengthen public safety initiatives.\n\nAnd these are actually investments that are keeping all of our communities safe, everywhere, all of you safe, keeping our officers safe.\n\nThat’s why I’m gonna be doing a few things. I’m gonna be filing two amendments to the Republican reconciliation package that would redirect the $1 billion boondoggle of a ballroom, take that funding away from the White House ballroom and put it toward the programs that support law enforcement and public safety in our communities.\n\nRemember that, two years here, two years here, another year here for funding for law enforcement and safety for survivors and benefits. It matters.\n\nIf my Republican colleagues truly support law enforcement the way they claim to, then they too should support my amendments.\n\nI’m doing this because I believe we must do everything we can to give our police the resources that they need to stay safe. They’re the ones who put their lives on the line to protect us, and their safety should be a priority for all of us.\n\nAnd so I’m gonna continue to work with my colleagues here in the Senate on both sides of the aisle on solutions that support our police departments, the officers who serve, and their families.\n\nBecause our first responders, our law enforcement, they run in when everyone is running out. They take that risk every day. They will never go to the ballroom. They need the help in our communities.\n\nIt’s the least we can do.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-senate-passes-schatz-hirono-resolution-honoring-uh-mens-volleyball-team-for-ncaa-national-championship-win", "title": "Senate Passes Schatz-Hirono Resolution Honoring UH Men’s Volleyball Team For NCAA National Championship Win", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.schatz.senate.gov", "scraper": "schatz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001194", "name": "Brian Schatz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) congratulating the University of Hawai‘i (UH) men’s volleyball team on their NCAA National Championship win. Schatz and Hirono also paid tribute to the team’s victory in speeches on the Senate floor.\n\n“Congratulations to the ‘Bows on their well-deserved victory,” said Senator Schatz. “This win wasn’t just for the incredible athletes on the court. This win was for the coaches, staff, family, friends, and fans who supported them all along the way. And it was a win for our entire state. This victory belongs to Hawai‘i.”\n\n“As a proud UH alumna, I join people across our state and beyond in congratulating our Men’s Volleyball players, coaches, and fans. Part of what makes this team so special, and successful, is that they don't just tolerate difference — they build around it,” said Senator Hirono. “Hawaii has always understood that diversity is something to celebrate, not fear. At a time when diversity is under attack, this team just showed the entire country that diversity is a competitive advantage.”\n\nA companion resolution has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i).\n\nVideo of the senators’ remarks are available here. The full text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-celebrates-justin-smiths-nomination-for-eighth-circuit-court-of-appeals-moving-one-step-closer-to-confirmation/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Celebrates Justin Smith’s Nomination for Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Moving One Step Closer to Confirmation", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Smith Served as Schmitt’s Chief of Staff in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) released the following statement after President Trump’s nominee for the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, Justin Smith, passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Justin Smith formerly served as Schmit’s Chief of Staff and First Assistant in the Missouri Attorney General’s office.\n\nWatch the Senators remarks HERE.\n\n“Justin Smith is an extremely qualified candidate. He was my First Assistant when I was Attorney General. He understands the proper role of the Judiciary. He will be an excellent 8th Circuit Judge; I can’t recommend him more highly to my colleges. He will be great,” said Senator Schmitt.\n\nSchmitt previously chaired a Senate Judiciary Hearing, introducing Mr. Smith. Watch the Senator’s introduction HERE.\n\nUpon Smith’s confirmation, he will be the latest Schmitt-alum to be tapped by President Trump and serving in the federal legal system.\n\nJohn Sauer, Solicitor General, Department of Justice\n\nTom Albus, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Missouri\n\nCristian Stevens, District Judge, Eastern District of Missouri\n\nMaria Lanahan, District Judge, Eastern District of Missouri\n\nZach Bluestone, District Judge, Eastern District of Missouri\n\nJosh Divine, District Judge, Eastern and Western District of Missouri\n\nJesus Osete, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice\n\nMichael Talent, Assistant Solicitor General, Department of Justice\n\nRachel Jag, Associate Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice\n\nJustin Smith, Circuit Judge, Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/senator-schmitt-honors-the-222nd-anniversary-of-lewis-and-clark-expedition-on-senate-floor/", "title": "Senator Schmitt Honors the 222nd Anniversary of Lewis and Clark Expedition on Senate Floor", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Lewis and Clark’s Historic Journey Began in St. Louis, MO\n\nU.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) spoke on the Senate floor and passed a resolution honoring the 222nd Anniversary of Lewis and Clark embarking on their western expedition beginning in St. Louis, Missouri. Starting on May 14th, 1804, the pioneers explored the Missouri River, crossing the Continental Divide of the Americas, eventually ending at the Pacific Ocean in 1805.\n\nWatch the Senator’s full speech HERE.\n\nExcerpt of remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\n“Two hundred twenty-two years ago today, on May 14, 1804, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery departed from the St. Louis region and began one of the most consequential journeys in the history of this Republic…\n\n“Jefferson understood something too many in this city have forgotten: nations are not forged by committees of caution. They are forged by men with enough faith to act before every risk has been removed.\n\n“Jefferson gave that honor to a small band of men who turned the restless, adventurous, and fearless American spirit into something that would be passed down for centuries.\n\n“They were not soft men. They were not managed men. They were men born close enough to the Revolution to understand that freedom is not a theory. It is something bought, defended, and carried forward across generations…\n\n“Lewis and Clark did not cross a continent so that their descendants would learn to live small. Because America is not just a collection of abstract ideas. It is a nation. It is a people. It is an inheritance — purchased by the sacrifice of generations who refused to accept the limits placed before them and entrusted to us to carry forward.\n\n“From the pioneers who crossed the frontier, to the workers who built our industries, to the innovators who reshaped the modern world, this country has always been defined by people who honored the past by building something worthy of it.\n\n“They did not worship ashes but instead preserved fire. That is the legacy of Lewis and Clark. Not merely that they explored a continent, but that they revealed the character of the people capable of building a civilization upon it.\n\n“A people who move forward. A people who endure. A people who build.\n\n“As America approaches 250 years of independence, that same spirit is being called upon once again. The Spirit of ’76. The Spirit of Manifest Destiny. The Spirit of St. Louis. The American spirit: take the inheritance, carry the flag, and build the future.”\n\nRead Schmitt’s resolution HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-leads-historic-markup-of-digital-asset-market-structure-legislation/", "title": "Sen. Tim Scott Leads Historic Markup of Digital Asset Market Structure Legislation", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today convened a historic markup of H.R. 3633, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025, legislation to establish clear rules of the road for digital assets. During today’s markup, Sen. Scott emphasized that the Clarity Act will protect Main Street, keep innovation in the United States, and safeguard U.S. national security. In his opening remarks, Sen. Scott underscored that years of regulatory uncertainty and regulation by enforcement have driven innovation overseas, left Americans exposed, and made it harder for law enforcement to do its job. He also highlighted that the bill is the product of months of good-faith bipartisan negotiations and takes the side of everyday Americans by bringing digital assets out of the shadows and into a system that is safer, fairer, and more transparent.\n\nSen. Scott’s opening remarks as delivered:\n\nToday is an important day – not just for this Committee, but for the country.\n\nFor years, the digital frontier was trapped in a regulatory gray zone.\n\nDevelopers, entrepreneurs, and investors were left with uncertainty.\n\nThey faced confusion and enforcement actions when, instead, the government should have been crafting clear rules of the road.\n\nThose hurdles drove innovation overseas, left Americans exposed, and made it harder for law enforcement to do their job.\n\nToday, we change that.\n\nThe bill we are marking up achieves three simple goals: protecting consumers, keeping innovation here at home, and safeguarding U.S. national security.\n\nThose are not partisan goals. They are American priorities.\n\nProtecting consumers means making sure everyday people come first.\n\nIt means clear disclosures, safeguards against fraud, and rules that keep markets open, fair, and efficient.\n\nIt means that if someone in South Carolina invests in digital assets, they are protected by a framework with real, enforceable legal standards.\n\nThis bill gives Americans confidence that the system works for them, not against them.\n\nKeeping innovation here at home means giving American builders, entrepreneurs, and businesses the clarity and certainty to do what they do best.\n\nUntil today, outdated rules, unpredictable enforcement, and outright hostility have forced far too many American companies overseas. That costs us jobs, investment, and leadership.\n\nThis bill says that the future of finance should be built in America, under American laws, and with American values.\n\nSafeguarding our national security means closing the doors that criminals, terrorists, and hostile regimes have tried to exploit.\n\nThis bill strengthens anti-money-laundering and sanctions rules and gives law enforcement better tools to go after bad actors.\n\nThese tools make it harder to hide and easier to enforce the law.\n\nNone of this happened overnight.\n\nIt happened because members on both sides of the aisle chose to sit down, listen, and work.\n\nWe’ve had months of good-faith negotiations. Republicans did not get everything we wanted.\n\nBut we made real progress with our Democrat colleagues, and this bill, and ultimately – and more importantly – the American people, will be better off because of it.\n\nThis legislation does not take sides between traditional finance and new technology. Or Republicans and Democrats.\n\nIt takes the side of everyday Americans.\n\nIt brings digital assets out of the shadows and into a system that is safer, fairer, and more transparent.\n\nThis is what good governance looks like.\n\nToday, we take a step forward, together, to protect investors, grow our economy, and keep America leading the world.\n\nI’m proud of this Committee for doing the work, and I look forward to moving this bill forward.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-coons-introduce-bill-to-support-education-excellence-at-hbcus/", "title": "Sens. Scott, Coons Introduce Bill to Support Education Excellence at HBCUs", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.scott.senate.gov", "scraper": "timscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001184", "name": "Tim Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "SC", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), co-chairs of the HBCU Caucus, today introduced the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education (IGNITE) for HBCU Excellence Act, legislation designed to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through investments in infrastructure, research, technology, and workforce development.\n\nThe legislation establishes a competitive federal grant program within the Department of Education to support modernization efforts at HBCUs nationwide.\n\n“HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less. The IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act will help modernize campuses, expand research and workforce training opportunities, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in a 21st-century economy,” said Sen. Scott. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Coons on this legislation to strengthen HBCUs in South Carolina and across the country for generations to come.”\n\n“Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Delaware State University have long been institutions that create opportunity and academic excellence for future generations of community leaders, innovators, educators, and freedom fighters,” said Sen. Coons. “Funding for HBCUs is critical to providing educational resources for low-income students, first generation college students, and those most at risk of not entering college. Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation.”\n\nThe House companion legislation will be led by HBCU Co-Chairs Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12) and French Hill (R-Ark.-02).\n\n“For generations, HBCUs have educated students who went on to lead in every corner of our country, often while operating with far fewer resources than their peer institutions,”said Rep. Adams. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today’s higher education landscape. From academic buildings and research labs to student housing and technology infrastructure, this bill makes long-term investments that will strengthen our campuses, support workforce development, and expand opportunity for future generations. I am proud to continue this bipartisan work through the HBCU Caucus alongside Congressman French Hill and our Senate partners.”\n\n“Central Arkansas is home to four outstanding HBCUs, and I have seen firsthand the difference these institutions make for their students and communities,” said Rep. Hill. “I have also seen how the lack of long-term investment and aging infrastructure limits what these institutions are able to offer their students. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is a meaningful step toward addressing that. It would help ensure our HBCUs have the facilities and infrastructure to match the excellence of the students they serve. This is the kind of investment that will pay dividends for generations, and I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Adams and our Senate colleagues to get it done.”\n\nThe IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act is supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Office of Management and Budget.\n\nSouth Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers said, “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act represents an important investment in the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the students we serve. For South Carolina State University, modern facilities, technology, and research capacity are critical to preparing students for success in today’s workforce and economy. We appreciate Senator Scott’s support of efforts that help strengthen HBCUs and expand opportunities for our students and communities.”\n\n“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act has the potential to be a transformative investment in HBCUs and the students who depend on them,” said UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax. “For generations, HBCUs have nurtured extraordinary talent, yet they have long struggled with unequal access to funding and modern infrastructure. This legislation could reverse those adverse circumstances by providing targeted resources that strengthen both research excellence and campus infrastructure, ensuring HBCUs have the tools to lead in a rapidly changing world.\n\n“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will empower HBCUs by strengthening them financially,” Lomax continued. “We—at UNCF—view strengthening HBCUs both from the financial and infrastructure perspectives as the maximum impact Congress can have on the institutions at this time. When HBCUs thrive, the entire nation benefits. These institutions have long been engines of social mobility and economic growth in our communities. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress will ensure that HBCUs have the capacity to continue shaping leaders, advancing innovation, and serving as vital pillars of our national progress. We urge Congress to act without delay, pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, and make these vital investments in America’s future.”\n\n“The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act will help transform our institutions,” said Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams. “In order for our nation to reach its full potential, we must strategically invest in and support every postsecondary student population to ensure that our country has the robust workforce capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges. By passing the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, Congress is making an affirmative statement that investing in HBCUs and their students is a smart strategic investment to enhance our nation’s global competitiveness. We thank Sen. Scott, Sen. Coons, Rep. Hill and Rep. Adams of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus for bringing this smart piece of legislation forward and we urge Congress to pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act this year.”\n\nBackground\n\nThe IGNITE for HBCU Excellence Act would:\n\nEstablish a competitive federal grant program to fund long-term infrastructure improvements at HBCUs.\n\nPrioritize funding for institutions with the greatest financial need, aging or unsafe facilities, limited fundraising capacity, and high enrollment of low-income students.\n\nAllow grant funding to be used for:\n\nConstruction, modernization, repair, and deferred maintenance of campus facilities\n\nCampus safety improvements\n\nCreation of AI Workforce Development Hubs to prepare students for high-demand careers.\n\nProvide technical assistance to help HBCUs apply for and manage federal grants.\n\nEnsure accountability through federal reporting, evaluation, and oversight requirements.\n\nProvide capital financing relief to institutions left out of prior federal assistance programs.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/05/14/slotkin-bennet-and-curtis-urge-secretary-rubio-to-reaffirm-u-s-commitments-to-taiwan/", "title": "Slotkin, Bennet and Curtis Urge Secretary Rubio to Reaffirm U.S. Commitments to Taiwan", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and John Curtis (R-UT), joined their colleagues on a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and underscoring their belief that there should be no unilateral changes to this policy nor any new U.S. declaratory policy on Taiwan.\n\n“For nearly five decades, the TRA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan ties, enabling a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. This bipartisan law requires the United States to provide Taiwan – a critical economic and technological partner, and a thriving democracy – defense articles and services necessary to maintain the island’s self-defense capability. The TRA further states that the United States would consider any attempt to determineTaiwan’s future by non-peaceful means to be ‘a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific,’ and of ‘grave concern,’” wrote the senators.\n\n“Our commitment to this legislation has long helped ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait — which is essential to U.S. interests there and across the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining this commitment is necessary to ensure the credibility of U.S. security commitments to allies and partners in the region and beyond,” continued the senators.\n\n“In the spirit of longstanding bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, we stand ready to work with your administration to further strengthen this partnership,” concluded the senators.\n\nSenators Slotkin, Bennet and Curtis were joined on this letter by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mitch McConnell (KY), Brian Schatz (D-HI, Thom Tillis (R-NJ), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\n\nThe text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/2026/05/14/slotkin-klobuchar-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-the-usda-research-education-and-economics-mission-area-reorganization/", "title": "Slotkin, Klobuchar, Colleagues Raise Concerns about the USDA Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area Reorganization", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/newsroom/", "domain": "www.slotkin.senate.gov", "scraper": "slotkin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001208", "name": "Elissa Slotkin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Slotkin, Bennet and Curtis Urge Secretary Rubio to Reaffirm U.S. Commitments to Taiwan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with China’s President Xi Jinping in...\n\nWHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Slotkin, Moreno Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles and Protect American Auto Industry and National Security\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) rolled out...\n\nSlotkin Honors Students Nominated for U.S. Service Academies\n\nEAST LANSING, MI — U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) held a ceremony and reception Wednesday evening...\n\nSlotkin, Fetterman Reintroduce Legislation to Support Urban and Innovative Farming Across Michigan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and John Fetterman (D-PA) reintroduced the Supporting Urban...\n\nAhead of Armed Services Hearing, A Review of Hegseth’s Answers to Slotkin on Illegal Orders and Use of the Military Against Americans\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), member of the Senate Armed Services...\n\nSlotkin, Moreno Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles to Protect National and Economic Security\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced the Connected...\n\nPeters, Slotkin, Walberg, and Huizenga Call on Small Business Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration to Assist Communities Impacted by Southwest Michigan Tornadoes\n\nWASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental...\n\nICYMI: In Detroit’s Road & Track Magazine Slotkin Raises Alarm Over Trump Administration’s Soft Stance on the Chinese Auto Industry\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Detroit's Road & Track Magazine recently highlighted U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin’s...\n\nSlotkin Statement on Vote to Block Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin released the following statement after voting...\n\nSlotkin Statement on President Trump’s Threat of U.S. Military Escalation against Iran\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released...\n\nSlotkin, Schumer, Baldwin Demand Trump Take Action Against Chinese Automakers, American Workers and National Security at Risk\n\nThis action comes after President Trump encouraged Chinese companies to expand manufacturing and selling in the...", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DD02F127-5DD8-45F4-B240-A2BDA73445A1", "title": "Thune Honors the Service and Sacrifice of Our Nation’s Law Enforcement Officers", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, last month, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, police officer responded to a report of a weapons violation.\n\n“While pursuing one of the suspects, the officer in question was ambushed by the other suspect and shot.\n\n“Here in D.C. last month, law enforcement officers on duty at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner responded when an individual darted through a security checkpoint with the intent of assassinating the president and members of his administration.\n\n“One officer was shot, fortunately in the vest.\n\n“The job of a law enforcement officer, Mr. President, is an unpredictable one.\n\n“Of course all of life has uncertainty, but when most of us depart our houses every day, we can be pretty certain that we will return that evening the same way we left that morning – in safety.\n\n“Police officers, law enforcement officers, don’t have that same assurance.\n\n“The job of a police officer is unpredictable.\n\n“Some days might be very quiet – helping a stranded motorist, writing a speeding ticket, chatting with kids about police work at a school function.\n\n“But other days, Mr. President?\n\n“Other days a police officer might respond to a call and be confronted with a gunman.\n\n“And law enforcement officers never know what kind of day it will be.\n\n“The Secret Service agent leaving her house in the morning doesn’t know whether she will have to throw herself between her principal and danger before nightfall.\n\n“The sheriff’s deputy serving a warrant doesn’t know whether it will be a peaceful event, or whether he’ll confront a volley of bullets.\n\n“And yet every day, men and women across this country embrace their jobs in law enforcement.\n\n“They’re born protectors, who willingly shoulder the risks and dangers to keep them away from the rest of us.\n\n“And this week, Mr. President, we honor them.\n\n“This week we observe National Police Week, to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s law enforcement officers.\n\n“And tomorrow we observe National Peace Officers Memorial Day – a day to remember the men and women of law enforcement who have given their lives in the line of duty.\n\n“This year’s Police Week resolution notes that in 2025, more than 200 officers were killed in the line of duty.\n\n“Two hundred men and women who left their homes in the morning, and failed to return to it at the end of the day.\n\n“‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’\n\n“For these men and women, we were all their friends.\n\n“Mr. President, as we honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s law enforcement officers, we also need to honor their families.\n\n“Because their families also serve.\n\n“They say goodbye in the morning to a husband or wife, a mom or a dad, a son or a daughter, with the knowledge always at the back of their minds that their loved one may not come home at the end of the day.\n\n“And every year, for some law enforcement [families], that fear comes true.\n\n“And this week and every week, we should remember them.\n\n“Mr. President, this Police Week, I want to say a special thank you to the South Dakota law enforcement officers – police officers, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, tribal police, federal officers who serve our state.\n\n“I am grateful for all you do to keep South Dakotans safe.\n\n“I also want to thank the officers of the Capitol Police, who stand on guard in this building every hour of every day.\n\n“We’re able to work in safety because of your efforts.\n\n“Mr. President, we live in a fallen world.\n\n“And there will always be men and women out there with evil intent.\n\n“And we are blessed to have so many heroic men and women willing to put their lives on the line to protect us.\n\n“To all of our nation’s law enforcement officers, today and every day, thank you.\n\n“And may God bless and protect you as you go about your work.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-introduces-assimilation-act/", "title": "Tuberville Introduces ASSIMILATION Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced the ASSIMILATION Act, legislation to replace chain migration and lottery-based admissions with a national-interest, merit-based system that prioritizes immigrants who intend to assimilate and contribute to the American way of life. Sen. Tuberville appeared on the Will Cain Show earlier this week to discuss the need to fix our broken immigration system.\n\nThe bill would establish a statutory national-interest standard to weed out people who have no intention of assimilating. It would also narrow the availability ofpermanent family-based immigration, eliminate the diversity visa lottery, and reform employment-based immigration to prioritize American workers, not foreigners. It would also tighten H-1B and F-1 student work authorizations, require E-Verify for new hires nationwide, raise naturalization standards, add penalties for visa overstays, and tighten asylum screenings.\n\nSen. Tuberville has repeatedly said that coming to the United States is a privilege, not a right, and that U.S. immigration policy should prioritize those who respect our laws, support themselves, contribute to our economy, and assimilate to American culture and values.\n\n“I’m glad to see the Trump administration is working overtime to deport the millions of criminals who came here illegally during the Biden administration,” Sen. Tuberville said. “But we also need to remove the incentives that are encouraging people who hate this country to come here in the first place. Under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, thousands of terrorists, drug dealers, and criminals were welcomed into the United States with open arms. Unsurprisingly, too many of these illegals are now seeking to harm American citizens and destroy our way of life. Enough is enough. Coming to this country is a privilege, not a right. If you hate this country and refuse to assimilate, we do not want you here.”\n\nRep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville: “Assimilate or Go Home”\n\nTuberville, Grassley Push to Strengthen the Abused Immigration Parole Program\n\nTuberville, Cornyn Introduce Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act to Address Child Care Fraud\n\nTuberville Calls for Mass Deportation of Radical Islamists\n\nTuberville Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese and Iranian Nationals from Studying in the United States\n\nTuberville, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Immigrants Who Murder Innocent Americans\n\nTuberville, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Protect Jobs for American Citizens, Not Illegal Aliens\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-rick-scott-introduce-legislation-to-prevent-doxxing-federal-law-enforcement-officers/", "title": "Tuberville, Rick Scott Introduce Legislation to Prevent Doxxing Federal Law Enforcement Officers", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) in introducing the Blocking Leaks Undermining Law Enforcement (BLUE) Act of 2026 to prohibit the sharing of federal law enforcement officers’ personal location information when intended to obstruct, interfere with, or retaliate against their lawful duties.\n\nThe legislation comes as violent rioters, cartels, and domestic terrorists have increased doxxing attempts against federal law enforcement — particularly against ICE and CBP personnel — since President Trump returned to office last year.\n\n“It’s increasingly clear that the Radical Left doesn’t believe in law and order and will do anything to stop the law from being enforced,” said Sen. Tuberville. “We’ve seen repeated attacks on our brave law enforcement officers, including the ICE agents who are carrying out President Trump’s agenda to remove illegal criminals. Revealing officers’ personal locations—whether they’re on duty or not—is extremely dangerous to their safety. If you do anything to put a law enforcement officer in harm’s way, your butt needs to be thrown in jail. As we recognize National Police Week this week, I’m proud to join the BLUE Act with Sen. Rick Scott to further protect those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”\n\nSen. Tuberville has long championed local, state, and federal law enforcement since coming to the Senate, securing nearly $11 million dollars to bolster Alabama’s law enforcement through the appropriations process.\n\nThe BLUE Act would:\n\nCreate a new criminal prohibition by making it illegal to share certain protected information about a federal law enforcement officer when done with intent to obstruct, interfere with, or retaliate against their official duties or proceedings.\n\nExpand what information is protected by clarifying that for federal law enforcement officers, protected information includes not just personal details but also their current or expected physical locations, whether on or off duty.\n\nJoining Sens. Scott and Tuberville in introducing the legislation are U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), James Lankford (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).\n\nFederal Law Enforcement Officers Agency (FLEOA) endorsed the legislation.\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-klobuchar-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-the-usda-research-education-and-economics-mission-area-reorganization", "title": "Van Hollen, Klobuchar, Colleagues Raise Concerns about the USDA Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area Reorganization", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and 22 of their colleagues in raising strong concerns about the reorganization of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n\n“We write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),” wrote the Senators. “While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”\n\n“In order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations,” the Senators continued. “As strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis.”\n\nAlong with Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Deputy Secretary Vaden:\n\nWe write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.\n\nPrevious relocations of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in 2018 and 2019 resulted in dramatic staff losses, as outlined in a December 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In their publication, GAO noted that this relocation resulted in ERS and NIFA losing over half their staff, with the USDA failing to engage employees, Congress, and stakeholders throughout the relocation process or follow best management practices.\n\nAgencies of the REE mission area were also impacted by dramatic staff losses in 2025, including a loss of over 30 percent of staff within the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). These staff losses have real and immediate impacts on farmers, with many stakeholders now questioning the reliability of USDA’s own data reports. The REE reorganization and restructuring announced this April proposes to relocate REE mission area staff to over 27 different locations within months, but specific details of the relocations remain unclear. This could result in decreased agency capacity, further deteriorating the Department’s ability to conduct research, administer funding, and produce timely and reliable data products.\n\nIn order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations. Additionally, we ask that you detail your engagement with REE mission area staff, including plans to engage with staff covered by existing collective bargaining agreements as well as non-bargaining unit employees. Proactive and ongoing engagement with these employees will be necessary to prevent major disruptions to research, data collection, and education.\n\nAs strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis. Thank you for your attention to this issue, and we look forward to receiving your response within 30 days.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-proposes-amendments-to-clarity-act-to-ensure-transparency-stop-trump-corruption", "title": "Van Hollen Proposes Amendments to CLARITY Act to Ensure Transparency, Stop Trump Corruption", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, has put forward eight amendments to the CLARITY Act ahead of the Senate Banking Committee markup of the legislation. The amendments filed by Senator Van Hollen seek to address an array of issues surrounding digital assets and cryptocurrency, including President Trump and his family’s corrupt use of digital assets for their own financial gain. Specifically, one of Senator Van Hollen’s amendments would prohibit any elected officials and their families from issuing digital assets or owning digital asset platforms – a critical addition to this legislation as President Trump and his family rake in billions of dollars through illicit crypto deals with foreign governments and powerful corporate entities. Additional amendments introduced by the Senator include provisions to prevent insider trading, curb illicit finance, ensure transparency, and protect consumers.\n\n“As we’ve seen time and again, cryptocurrency and digital assets are rife with opportunity for abuse. That’s why we need to protect consumers, safeguard our financial system, prevent politicians from abusing these assets for their own personal gain, and meaningfully address their role in the illicit finance of criminal activities that jeopardize our security. While the CLARITY Act may seek to provide a regulatory framework, as it currently stands, it not only falls far short of those goals but also risks deregulating existing markets and opening the door to further corruption and abuse. This bill needs significant changes to adequately build safeguards around a growing sector and stamp out its use in corrupt and criminal activities. The amendments I’ve put forward are aimed at doing just that – including by reining in President Trump’s rampant crypto corruption and ensuring that no senior elected official can use cryptocurrency to sell access to the highest levels of our government, as we have seen President Trump do,” said Senator Van Hollen.\n\nSenator Van Hollen's Amendments to the CLARITY Act :\n\nProhibits the President, Vice President, members of Congress, senior officials, and their families from owning, promoting, or affiliating with digital asset issuers or platforms, and requires disclosures about officials’ digital asset activities.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProhibits self-dealing by digital asset issuers and insiders, requiring them to act in the best interests of holders of a digital asset.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nRequires that all investors in digital assets receive information that a digital asset issuer discloses to any one investor or to insiders, creating a level playing field about market-moving information.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nPrevents insider trading by requiring digital asset issuers and insiders to give up profits made by trading a digital asset over short windows of time.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProvides the Federal Reserve with tools to regulate credit and leverage in digital asset markets, helping to limit systemic risk.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProhibits creating a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform either to enable illicit finance or with reckless disregard for illicit finance risks, while authorizing the Department of the Treasury to establish rules to prevent illicit finance in DeFi.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProhibits creating a DeFi platform for the purpose of facilitating sanctions evasion, money laundering, or the financing of terrorism.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases/van-hollen-statement-on-opposition-to-digital-assets-legislation", "title": "Van Hollen Statement on Opposition to Digital Assets Legislation", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.vanhollen.senate.gov", "scraper": "vanhollen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000128", "name": "Chris Van Hollen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding his vote against the CLARITY Act, cryptocurrency legislation that was considered by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs:\n\n“As we’ve seen time and again, cryptocurrency and digital assets are rife with opportunity for abuse if left unchecked. That’s why any regulation surrounding digital assets must protect consumers, safeguard our financial system, and stamp out their use in corrupt and criminal activities. While the CLARITY Act may seek to do that, it not only fails to achieve those goals but also risks deregulating existing markets and opening the door to further corruption and abuse.\n\n“In an effort to address some of these issues, I introduced several amendments, including one to ensure that no government official – not the President, not members of Congress – or their families can own, promote, or affiliate with digital asset issuers or platforms. As President Trump and his family rake in billions of dollars through illicit crypto deals with foreign governments, this provision is necessary to prevent self-dealing by those who are in positions to profit from their own decisions. But instead of choosing to stand up to this rampant corruption, Republicans blocked this amendment, siding once again with political cronyism and against the American people. I also offered an amendment to rein in the use of these assets for money laundering, sanctions evasion, and the financing of terrorism – a necessity as the use of digital assets, like DeFi, in illicit activities reached an all-time high last year. The Republican majority voted down this amendment. The other amendments I put forward would have increased consumer protections and transparency and taken additional steps to crack down on illicit finance and corruption; however, the Chair did not allow consideration of those amendments.\n\n“Without adopting these and additional critical changes, the CLARITY Act will put our consumers, financial systems, and national security at risk. It’s for these reasons that I voted against the CLARITY Act.”\n\nSenator Van Hollen's Amendments to the CLARITY Act :\n\nProhibits the President, Vice President, members of Congress, senior officials, and their families from owning, promoting, or affiliating with digital asset issuers or platforms, and requires disclosures about officials’ digital asset activities.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProhibits creating a DeFi platform for the purpose of facilitating sanctions evasion, money laundering, or the financing of terrorism.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProhibits self-dealing by digital asset issuers and insiders, requiring them to act in the best interests of holders of a digital asset.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nRequires that all investors in digital assets receive information that a digital asset issuer discloses to any one investor or to insiders, creating a level playing field about market-moving information.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nPrevents insider trading by requiring digital asset issuers and insiders to give up profits made by trading a digital asset over short windows of time.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProvides the Federal Reserve with tools to regulate credit and leverage in digital asset markets, helping to limit systemic risk.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.\n\nProhibits creating a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform either to enable illicit finance or with reckless disregard for illicit finance risks, while authorizing the Department of the Treasury to establish rules to prevent illicit finance in DeFi.\n\nFull text of the amendment is available here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/fertilizer-experts-acknowledge-trump-administration-has-no-plan-to-bring-down-prices-spiked-by-iran-war/", "title": "Fertilizer Experts Acknowledge Trump Administration Has No Plan to Bring Down Prices Spiked by Iran War", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Tuesday, during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned fertilizer experts on the Trump administration’s plans to lower input costs for American farmers\n\nFarmers in Georgia and across the nation continue to struggle with higher costs as inputs like fertilizer, fuel, equipment, and seeds have increased\n\nSince the start of President Trump’s war in Iran, the price per gallon of diesel has jumped from $3.90 to $5.64\n\n8 in 10 southern farmers can’t afford all their needed fertilizer this year\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “This is not a good time to be dealing with this. And I’m not hearing from anyone here that the White House has a plan that will solve this crisis for farmers. Dialog is one thing; a plan is another”\n\nWATCH Senator Warnock at Tuesday’s Agriculture Committee\n\nWashington, D.C. – Tuesday, during a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee hearing, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) questioned fertilizer experts on the Trump administration’s strategy to lower input costs for American farmers. Since the start of President Trump’s war in Iran, farmers across the country have been forced to pay higher costs for vital inputs like fertilizer, fuel, equipment, and seeds.\n\n“This uncertainty hits farmers at the worst possible time—planting season,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This is not a good time to be dealing with this. And I’m not hearing from anyone here that the White House has a plan that will solve this crisis for farmers. Dialog is one thing; a plan is another.”\n\n“Between the war in Iran, spiking fuel and fertilizer prices, and illegal trade wars increasing the cost of equipment and limiting market access, it is no wonder that farmers in Georgia I talk to say that they can’t take much more,” continued the Senator.\n\nLow crop prices and high production costs have contributed to a 145% increase in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies in Georgia from 2024 to 2025, the second highest increase of any state. Farmers in the Southeast typically purchase fertilizer as needed and weigh market conditions when deciding when to purchase inputs, which leaves them vulnerable to price fluctuations in the market. Due to higher and fluctuating costs, 8 in 10 southern farmers can’t afford all their needed fertilizer this year.\n\nAs a veteran member of the Senate committee overseeing federal agriculture policies, and as a senator representing a state with a proud and prosperous history of agriculture excellence, Senator Warnock is strong supporter of programs that help Georgia farmers keep more profits in their pockets and keep the industry at the frontlines of Georgia’s success. Since President Trump launched his illegal war with Iran in February 2026, Senator Warnock has spoken out against the Trump administration for entangling Americans in another endless war without a clear exit strategy. The President’s war has caused prices to soar in nearly every major category.\n\nWatch the Senator’s remarks HERE and read the transcript below.\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “Brother, Chair—brother, Chair. I’m sure you know that the top state of farm bankruptcies last year was your home state of Arkansas. The number two state was Georgia. So, we’re dealing with this same issue. And I’m sure the Chair and I agree that while we like to see our states leading, we don’t want to be leading in this way. In fact, farm bankruptcies increased by 46% last year due largely to the President’s trade war. And I wonder how many more farmers may go bankrupt by the end of this year because of President Trump’s war in Iran—a war that is raising fertilizer and fuel costs, as we all know, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Which anyone paying attention could have predicted.\n\n“Mr. Rosenbush— the President’s war in Iran has further increased fertilizer prices for farmers in the United States. You’re the CEO of the Fertilizer Institute—the trade association representing the companies that provide farmers with fertilizer. Has the White House presented you with a viable plan for bringing down fertilizer prices this year?”\n\nCorey Rosenbush (CR): “Senator, thank you for that question. We have been very engaged with discussions on Capitol Hill and with the Administration on really an all-government approach to solutions to help mitigate the impacts of the closure of the Strait. What we can do to prioritize domestic supply, what we can do to incentivize projects—like Josh’s—to bolster more domestic supply. So, these supply shocks will not hurt the farmer—will not hurt the farmer in the future, when we’re so reliant on some of these foreign supply sources around the world.”\n\nSRW: “Do you expect fertilizer prices to go down this year?”\n\nCR: “Senator, I that’s a really interesting question.\n\n“I don’t know that I can comment or legally predict what’s going to happen with the price of fertilizer, but I will tell you that we’re very concerned particularly about phosphate with $1,000 plus sulfur. Right now, due to the restriction of sulfur coming through the Strait, we’re now at a point where sulfur costs alone are significantly higher than the cost of phosphate. So, you’ve seen around the world, right now, phosphate mines around the world starting to curtail production because of some of that price impact.”\n\nSRW: “Same question for the rest of the panel. Has anyone seen a viable plan from the White House that gives them confidence that fertilizer prices will decrease in the near term?\n\n“No takers.\n\n“So, fertilizer prices are increasing. Diesel costs have also increased by over $2 a gallon compared to this time last year—and there’s no end in sight.\n\n“Mr. Melton, you’re the president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau. So, you know farmers in the South. They typically don’t pre-purchase their fertilizer and are more subject to price volatility. What are you hearing from your members? Are they able to afford fertilizer this planting season?”\n\nEddie Melton (EM): “So, in Kentucky, we got an early start this year and most of the crop has already been planted this year in Kentucky. Senator, but I can tell you that, and especially on our farm, we did more intensive soil testing and applying fertilizer where we had to without trying to reduce yields. I think that’s across the south. I think a lot of people are doing those things, trying to get more creative to where we can try to pencil out a profit with where current prices are for our commodities.”\n\nSRW: “So, people are feeling the affordability pitch, obviously, right?”\n\nEM: “People are cutting back usage on fertilizer on their farms. Yes, sir.”\n\nSRW: “So, dealing with the uncertainty as best they can. This uncertainty hits farmers at the worst possible time—planting season. Not a good time to be dealing with this. And I’m not hearing from anyone here that the White House has a plan that will solve this crisis for farmers.\n\n“Dialog is one thing; a plan is another. And at this point, the best-case scenario for farmers is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which was open before the war started.\n\n“But even then, the fertilizer market will not bounce back overnight. If we were to open tomorrow, we will still be dealing with these prices.\n\n“And so, between the war in Iran, spiking fuel and fertilizer prices, and illegal trade wars increasing the cost of equipment and limiting market access, it is no wonder that farmers in Georgia I talk to say that they can’t take much more. And we’re dealing with this farm foreclosure crisis.\n\n“As a member of this committee, I’ll continue to fight for farmers doing everything I can to end this illegal war in Iran and unfreeze our fertilizer and fuel markets.\n\n“Thank you very much to the panelists. Thank you, Mr. Chair.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-statement-on-governor-kemp-calling-special-session-to-further-gerrymander-georgia/", "title": "Warnock Statement on Governor Kemp Calling Special Session to Further Gerrymander Georgia", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "According to reporting by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Gov. Brian Kemp is calling a special session set for June 17 to redraw the state’s political maps ahead for the 2028 election\n\nGeorgia is looking to further gerrymander its maps following the Supreme Court’s decision to greenlight states’ ability to more easily dilute the power of Black and brown voters\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement on Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) calling a special session to redraw the state’s political maps.\n\n“Georgians are angry about the broken promises of this President. Everything is more expensive because of an endless war and reckless tariffs. On top of that, 1.2 million Georgians saw their health care premiums double, all to fund tax cuts for billionaires.\n\nNow, the same people who robbed Georgians of their doctor are robbing Georgians of their voice by redrawing the lines. Republicans under the Gold Dome are using their powers, not to make life more affordable, but to escape accountability from the people.\n\nI will continue to lead the charge to ban gerrymandering federally, protecting our democracy once and for all.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-warnock-forces-vote-prohibiting-predatory-medical-debt-collection-practices-gop-kills-effort/", "title": "WATCH: Warnock Forces Vote Prohibiting Predatory Medical Debt Collection Practices, GOP Kills Effort", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Last year, the Trump Administration walked back the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule to protect consumers by ensuring medical debt collectors must keep their medical debt records valid, accurate, and verifiable—or face legal consequences\n\nThe resolution failed 50-50, with all opposition from Senate GOP\n\nSenator Reverend Warnock: “Medical debt leaves Americans in serious financial jams. It wrecks lives”\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) forced a vote to revert to a previous policy to restore a rule that prohibits predatory medical debt collection practices, reversing a 2025 Trump Administration decision. Senator Warnock led 29 colleagues in demanding answers from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on why the Trump Administration was actively working to add medical debt back onto credit reports. Georgia ranks in the top 10 states with the highest rates of medical debt, roughly $855 per Georgian. Over a quarter of rural Georgians have medical collections on their credit report\n\n“Medical debt leaves Americans in serious financial jams. It wrecks lives,” said Senator Warnock. “Folks go to the doctor one day for a bandage or some minor injury and end up leaving with a financial burden the size of a mortgage. It could happen to any one of us.”\n\nSenator Warnock, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, continues to stand up in defense of Georgia consumers by holding the CFPB under President Trump accountable. Last year, Senator Warnock questioned the Trump administration’s CFPB nominees at a Senate Banking Committee Hearing. During the hearing, Senator Warnock asked the nominees if they agreed with President Trump on the CFPB being “A very important thing to get rid of” and if the agency would address the 266,560 outstanding complaints from Georgians in a timely manner.\n\nWatch Senator Warnock’s speech HERE.\n\nSee below a transcript of Senator Warnock’s speech:\n\n“Mr. President,\n\n“I rise today in support of my resolution to restore the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule restricting medical debt collections.\n\n“This rule protected Americans from paying for medical services they did not receive or repaying debt they already paid off.\n\n“Medical debt leaves Americans in serious financial jams. It wrecks lives. Folks go to the doctor one day for a bandage or some minor injury, and end up leaving with a financial burden the size of a mortgage. It could happen to any one of us.\n\n“Georgia ranks among the top 10 states with the highest rates of medical debt, to the tune of $855 per Georgian, in large part because of the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid. In fact, more than a quarter of rural Georgians, rural Georgians, have medical collections on their credit report, one in four, and that’s 10 percentage points higher than the national average. Americans face more barriers as a result.\n\n“Their mortgage costs increase, their access to car loans can be restricted just because they got sick and went into debt for care, and that’s why I led 30 of my colleagues in a letter to the Trump administration defending the CFPB work on protecting families from the consequences of medical debt, but the Trump administration’s actions will make it easier for debt collectors to aggressively go after sick or struggling Americans and prey on families already saddled with medical debt. That’s just cruel and unnecessary.\n\n“I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on this resolution.\n\n“Thank you. I yield back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-scotus-ruling-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-backs-resolution-affirming-abortion-pill-as-safe-effective", "title": "Ahead of SCOTUS Ruling, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus Backs Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Ahead of SCOTUS Ruling, Entire Senate Democratic Caucus Backs Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective\n\nFDA approved mifepristone for use over two decades ago\n\nSupreme Court set to rule on right-wing extremist attempt to roll back access to medication abortion\n\n“Law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.”\n\nText of Resolution (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing a resolution affirming that the abortion medication mifepristone is safe and effective, and underscoring that law and policy related to the medication must be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.\n\nThe resolution comes hours before the Supreme Court’s administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA is set to expire — which, without action, would uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling threatening millions of women’s access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal.\n\nThe resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\n\nThe resolution was endorsed by the following organizations: All* Above All, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, EMAA Project, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Abortion Federation, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America).\n\n“Abortion opponents nationwide continue to push their politically motivated attacks on mifepristone and medication abortion to make it harder for everyone, everywhere to get care. That’s despite decades of research and millions of people using mifepristone to safely and effectively end a pregnancy,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “In the face of these attacks, we are grateful to Senator Warren, Sen. Baldwin, Senate Minority Leader Schumer, Sen. Wyden, Sen. Murray, and Sen. Smith for reaffirming that science-based policies must govern access to mifepristone.”\n\n“Mifepristone continues to be crucial to our ability to access abortion care— and that is precisely why abortion opponents have been relentless in their efforts to restrict it nationwide, including in states where abortion is legally protected,” said Jessica Arons, director of the Liberty Division for Policy and Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “As this resolution affirms, millions of people have used mifepristone to safely end pregnancies and treat miscarriages for more than 25 years, including by telemedicine. We thank Senator Warren for introducing legislation to set the record straight and push back on anti-abortion propaganda, and we call on Congress to protect the right to abortion and end this political interference with our personal healthcare decisions once and for all.”\n\n'“For decades, the science has been overwhelmingly clear: mifepristone is safe and effective. Millions of Americans have relied on this critical medication, which revolutionized access to care. We’re grateful to Senator Warren, Sen. Baldwin, Senate Minority Leader Schumer, Sen. Wyden, Sen. Murray, and Sen. Smith for their ongoing efforts to ensure the critical decisions about necessary—and sometimes life-saving— healthcare are based in science, not ideology,” said Rachana Desai Martin, Chief U.S. Program Officer at the Center for Reproductive Rights.\n\nThe lawmakers first introduced this resolution in 2023, following the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which sparked attacks on reproductive rights across the country. Since then, 20 states have banned or restricted access to abortion care.\n\nSenator Warren has led the charge to protect reproductive freedom:\n\nIn May 2026, 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.\n\nIn March 2026, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.); Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee; and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) led 23 colleagues in publishing a new report revealing the harm Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have caused to Americans in the six months since their dangerous provision to “defund” Planned Parenthood, buried in their Big, Beautiful Bill, went into effect. The report reveals that, in addition to acting as a backdoor abortion ban, the “defund” provision has ripped away Americans’ access to essential services — including primary care, birth control, cancer screenings, and wellness exams — and raised health care costs.\n\nIn November 2025, ahead of the Senate Finance Committee’s confirmation vote for Thomas M. Bell, Donald Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General (IG), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) exposed Bell’s flip-flopping and slammed his extreme anti-abortion views.\n\nIn July 2025, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Michael Stuart, nominee for General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), on his dangerous anti-vaccine views, staunch anti-abortion advocacy, and more. Ahead of his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Finance Committee later today — at which Senator Warren will question Stuart — Senator Warren sent Stuart a letter outlining her key concerns with his nomination.\n\nIn February 2025, Senators Warren and Duckworth pressed Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Trump’s then-nominee for the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), on his hostile anti-abortion record.\n\nIn 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.\n\nIn September 2024, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren highlighted the dangerous consequences women faced after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-new-response-to-warren-pentagon-reveals-interference-with-stars-and-stripes-mission-that-threatens-censorship-media-independence", "title": "In New Response to Warren, Pentagon Reveals Interference with Stars and Stripes Mission That Threatens Censorship, Media Independence", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In New Response to Warren, Pentagon Reveals Interference with Stars and Stripes Mission That Threatens Censorship, Media Independence\n\nPentagon revealed shift in mission and focus of Stars and Stripes on same day it fired Stripes’ advocate for independence\n\n“While America is at war, the Trump administration is hellbent on silencing our key military newspaper and attacking service members’ access to the free press.”\n\nText of Response (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. – In a new response to a recent letter from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), the Pentagon reveals interference that threatens the media independence of Stars and Stripes, the military’s editorially independent newspaper. The response was prepared the same day the Pentagon fired Stripes’ ombudsman, its advocate for independence.\n\n“While America is at war, the Trump administration is hellbent on silencing our key military newspaper and attacking service members’ access to the free press. Every American should be concerned about this blatant censorship,” said Senator Warren.\n\nIn the new response, the Pentagon reiterated that “Stripes will remain editorially independent of the military chain of command, military public affairs activities, or other external influences, and without censorship or propaganda,” but multiple other points in the letter reveal the Pentagon interfering with the mission of the paper and shifting toward censorship and propaganda.\n\nHighlights include:\n\nThe Pentagon explains Stripes’ mission as to “deliver content, specifically relevant to Service members and their families, that is not usually covered by commercial media.” The Pentagon also describes Stripes as a “publication that serves the U.S. military community [and] operates in support of good order and discipline of the military.”\n\nThe Pentagon called First Amendment protections for the military newspaper “unnecessary.” In response to questions from the lawmakers about why it removed a Stripes regulation that called for the newspaper to “[keep] with the principles of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” the Pentagon called the rule “unnecessary principally,” stating that “there was no need for it to be in the Code of Federal Regulations.”\n\nThe 1994 regulations that the Pentagon revoked in January were implemented after years-long oversight investigations from Congress and GAO uncovered systemic issues of censorship at Stripes. The regulations incorporated many of Congress’s and GAO’s recommendations and reforms, including the appointment of a civilian editor in chief and the insulation of editorial decision-making from DoD officials.\n\nThe Pentagon dodged questions about whether it has withheld articles from publication at Stripes. In response to the lawmakers asking whether DoD has withheld any articles from publication, the Pentagon answered narrowly, writing: “The language concerning good order and discipline has not led to any Stripes articles being withheld from publication.”\n\nThe response appears to reveal increased Pentagon influence in directing the future of Stripes. Following a Department of Defense memo from March calling for the creation of an advisory group for Stars and Stripes to be selected by its publisher, the Pentagon, in this new response, notes that the group has yet to be formed but has to receive the office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs’ “concurrence.”\n\nThe new information comes in response to an April letter from the lawmakers, denouncing the Department of Defense’s restrictions on Stars and Stripes. The letter pressed DoD on its decision to limit Stripes’ editorial independence, asked which of the paper’s past articles have violated DoD rules, and pushed for more information on the extent of the involvement of DoD political appointees in editorial decision-making at the paper.\n\nIn March, DoD issued a memo giving DoD political appointees more authority over Stripes, placing new restrictions on its reporters and the paper’s independent ombudsman, and limiting civilian editors from publishing wire service stories unless “approved by” a DoD political appointee, even for sports and coverage of war zone areas. DoD’s memo imposed new rules on Stars and Stripes, including calling for the reprint of DoD official statements in the paper, restricting journalists’ ability to conduct investigative journalism, and limiting access to DoD sources.\n\nStripes has a decades-long history of independent journalism. DoD formally codified many of Congress’s recommendations to protect the paper in 1994, including the appointment of a civilian editor in chief and the insulation of editorial decision-making from DoD officials.\n\nSenator Warren has led efforts to stop the Department of Defense’s attacks on the free press:\n\nIn April 2026, Senator Warren led lawmakers in slamming the Pentagon’s restrictions on the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes and called for the Department to reverse policies that violate press freedom.\n\nIn January 2026, Senator Warren joined Senator Blumenthal and colleagues to speak out in support of the newspaper and urge DoD to reverse course and instead protect its editorial independence in line with the First Amendment.\n\nIn October 2025, Senator Warren pressed Mr. Charles L. Young III, then-nominee to be Army general counsel, on the Department of Defense’s attempts to restrict freedom of the press and his commitment to preserving free speech for military reporters.\n\nIn March 2025, Senator Warren pressed Emil Michael, then-nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), on his concerning history of attacks on journalists and public accountability.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-rick-scott-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-ban-former-members-of-congress-from-lobbying", "title": "Warren, Rick Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Former Members of Congress from Lobbying", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Rick Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ban Former Members of Congress from Lobbying\n\nBill would impose lifetime prohibition on lobbying by former Members of Congress and elected officers of the House and Senate\n\nText of Bill (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced the Banning Lobbying And Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, a bipartisan bill to impose a lifetime ban on lobbying by former members of Congress.\n\nUnder current law, former members of Congress are allowed to lobby their former colleagues in Congress after a “cooling off” period — one year for former members of the House of Representatives and two years for former senators. The BLAST Act would replace “cooling off” periods with a permanent ban and fully prohibit former members from making lobbying contacts, closing a loophole often used to lobby while avoiding registration requirements.\n\n“It’s simple: Members of Congress should spend their time in Washington serving the American people, not preparing to cash in big time with a cushy lobbying career after they leave office,” said Senator Warren. “It’s long past time to close the revolving door that’s corrupted our government and destroyed public trust in elected officials. This bipartisan bill is an important push to get that done.”\n\n“When politicians use their time in public office to cash in after they leave government, the American people lose. Trust in our institutions is at an all-time low, and the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street is a big part of that,” said Senator Rick Scott. “We need to restore the American people’s trust in their government, and that’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to put government clearly back on the side of the people. Our founders never intended public service to become a training ground for a lifetime of lobbying. Senator Warren and I are working to end this practice once and for all.”\n\nThe bill prohibits two categories of activity:\n\nRegistration: This provision bars former members and elected officers from working as registered lobbyists or engaging in any activity that would require them to register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The ban applies to lobbying of Congress and the Executive branch.\n\nConduct: This provision prohibits former members from making lobbying contacts, regardless of their registration status. This includes making communications or appearances before members of Congress, congressional staff, or legislative offices with the intent to influence official action on behalf of private parties.\n\nUnder the BLAST Act, the Department of Justice could pursue both criminal and civil penalties for violations of the lifetime lobbying ban. Criminal penalties include up to one year imprisonment and up to five years for knowing and willful violations. Civil penalties may include fines of up to $50,000 per violation and injunctive relief to prevent ongoing or future violations. While enforcement would typically be handled by the Department of Justice, including the Public Integrity Section, enforcement could be initiated through referrals from Congress, congressional ethics committees, or Inspectors General.\n\nSenator Warren has led the fight to root out corruption and close the revolving door between government officials and the private sector:\n\nIn April 2026, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Secretary Hegseth on allegations that Trump administration officials are engaging in possible insider trading by placing bets on the Iran War through prediction markets.\n\nIn February 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), along with Representatives Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) and Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) pressed the Inspectors General (IGs) of 16 key agencies to open investigations into senior Trump officials who were recently lobbyists or “shadow lobbyists” and may be using their roles to benefit their former employers and clients.\n\nIn January 2026, Senators Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on potential conflicts of interest surrounding the awarding of multiple lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and loans to companies associated with President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.\n\nIn December 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) pressed the Trump administration to follow through on promises to limit defense companies stock buybacks and incentivize them to increase research and development spending.\n\nIn December 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called for then-Attorney General Pam Bondi to recuse herself from the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s review of any Warner Bros. merger due to potential conflicts of interest related to her former employer, lobbying firm Ballard Partners.\n\nSenator Warren’s Department of Defense (DoD) Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act, with now-Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), would limit the influence of contractors on the military, constrain foreign influence on retired senior military officers, and assert greater transparency over contractors and their interaction with DoD.\n\nIn July 2025, Senators Warren (D-Mass.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), wrote to former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin seeking an explanation and further information on his recent decision to start a strategic advisory firm. Austin had publicly promised Senator Warren during his 2021 confirmation process that he would not become a lobbyist after his government service ended.\n\nIn December 2020, Senator Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) reintroduced the Anti-Corruption & Public Integrity Act, to strengthen ethics laws and crack down on government officials’ conflicts of interest across the government.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-rubio-to-abide-by-the-leahy-law-and-investigate-new-reports-of-human-rights-abuses/", "title": "Welch Calls on Rubio to Abide by the Leahy Law and Investigate New Reports of Human Rights Abuses", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch’s remarks on the Senate Floor follow shocking new reporting from the New York Times\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) called on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to abide by the Leahy Law and investigate allegations of sexual violence and human rights abuses by American taxpayer-funded foreign military units.\n\n“Every year Egypt and Israel receive more military aid, paid for by American taxpayers, than any other country, and that’s by far. Yet neither of their governments, nor our own, have shown the slightest concern about addressing longstanding allegations of the widespread use of sexual violence against prisoners in their custody. That is unacceptable—it must change. American taxpayer funds are directly supporting foreign military units that have been credibly implicated in rape and other abhorrent acts of sexual violence…The United States has long embraced in its foreign policy the protection of human rights. It is at the heart of the Leahy Law, passed by this United States Senate. That law directs the Secretary of State to investigate credible reports of human rights abuses,” said Senator Welch on the Senate floor. “Mr. President, in light of the credible reports of gross human rights abuses, I call upon the Secretary of State to act—to investigate and to abide by the provisions of the Leahy Law. I yield back.”\n\nThe Senator’s remarks on the Senate follow new reporting from Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times, published earlier this week, entitled “The Silence That Meets the Rape of Palestinians” and “The Horror of Sexual Assault in Israeli Prisons.” Senator Welch also condemned acts of sexual abuse and violence against Israeli hostages by Hamas, and against prisoners in Egypt.\n\nWatch Senator Welch’s remarks on the Senate Floor here:\n\nRead Senator Welch’s full remarks below:\n\n“Mr. President, multiple press articles and reports by human rights organizations as well as United Nations human rights investigators, have documented the widespread acts of horrific sexual violence against prisoners in the Middle East over many years.\n\n“These articles and reports describe, often in graphic, gruesome detail, a consistent pattern of sexual abuse, corroborated by multiple sources, and in some cases with shocking photographs and videos posted on social media by the perpetrators themselves.\n\n“These allegations amount to gross violations of human rights, including torture, and if committed by members of foreign military and police forces that receive training or equipment from the United States, they are sanctionable under United States law—the Leahy Law.\n\n“In Egypt, allegations of acts of systemic sexual violence against prisoners are not new. The allegations have been the subject of reports, including by U.S. and Egyptian human rights organizations and the Department of State, for many years.\n\n“Mr. President, we also know that Hamas militants who invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, committed brutal acts of sexual violence, including gang rape, against Israelis during the attack, and against Israeli hostages. On May 12th, a team of Israeli researchers released a report which concluded that sexual violence by Hamas militants against women and men was “systematic, widespread and integral” to the attack. Many of us have condemned those barbaric crimes and called for justice for the Israeli victims.\n\n“I personally still have vivid memories of hearing personally of the horrors of these attacks from Israeli victims who bravely came and spoke to members of the U.S. Senate.\n\n“Mr. President, here is also extensive evidence, both before and after October 7th, of a pattern of sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners by Israeli security forces. Allegations of such abuses in Israeli prisons are not new, but they have sharply increased since October 7th. So have reports of widespread abuses and killings of Palestinian civilians by Israeli soldiers, and acts of violence—including sexual assault and murder—by Israeli settlers, which reportedly continue to this day.\n\n“I will not repeat the gruesome details of the attacks reportedly committed against Palestinian prisoners by Israeli soldiers, but I do urge my colleagues, uncomfortable as it may be, to read the articles by Nicholas Kristof in the May 11th New York Times, entitled “The Horror of Sexual Assault in Israeli Prisons” and “The Silence That Meets the Rape of Palestinians.” The heinous acts that were described to him by former prisoners and witnesses, if proven in a court of law, would warrant decades-long prison sentences.\n\n“Despite overwhelming evidence, Egyptian authorities and Hamas officials have denied that forces under their command have sexually assaulted prisoners. Likewise, Israeli authorities, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, while rightly condemning Hamas’s acts of sexual violence, dismiss out of hand the reports of similar acts by Israeli soldiers as fabrications.\n\n“The fact is that these are not isolated reports, nor are victims of sexual violence prone to voluntarily invite the public scrutiny and profound embarrassment that comes with describing being subjected to these types of humiliating mistreatment.\n\n“Mr. President, every year Egypt and Israel receive more military aid, paid for by American taxpayers, than any other country, and that’s by far. Yet neither of their governments, nor our own, have shown the slightest concern about addressing longstanding allegations of the widespread use of sexual violence against prisoners in their custody. That is unacceptable—it must change. American taxpayer funds are directly supporting foreign military units that have been credibly implicated in rape and other abhorrent acts of sexual violence.\n\n“Mr. President, the United States has long embraced in its foreign policy the protection of human rights. It is at the heart of the Leahy Law, passed by this United States Senate. That law directs the Secretary of State to investigate credible reports of human rights abuses.\n\n“Mr. President, in light of the credible reports of gross human rights abuses, I call upon the Secretary of State to act—to investigate and to abide by the provisions of the Leahy Law. I yield back.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-axios-to-discuss-lowering-drug-prices-democrats-post-midterms-health-care-agenda/", "title": "Welch Joins Axios to Discuss Lowering Drug Prices, Democrats’ Post-Midterms Health Care Agenda", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Welch joined Axios’ Future of Health Summit 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee on Health Care, joined Axios Live for their second annual Future of Health Summit to discuss America’s changing health care landscape and Senate Democrats’ early efforts to restore access to health care and lower out-of-pocket costs in the 120th Congress.\n\nIn his interview with Peter Sullivan, Health Care Policy Reporter for Axios, Senator Welch highlighted how his bipartisan Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act would offer relief for millions of patients by requiring pharmaceutical companies to charge Americans what other countries pay for medications.\n\n“We’ve got an incredible challenge in this country. We have to have as a goal—in my view, and it’s got to be a shared goal—that we have to have a health care system where citizens can have access to health care they need regardless of their ability to pay. Now, does that sound like pie in the sky? Most countries have that. All countries with their health care systems have challenges, but our challenges are that we have a health care system that is unsustainably unaffordable. It’s unaffordable for taxpayers with Medicare and Medicaid, it’s unaffordable for employers who are constantly doing their best to take care of their employees,” said Senator Welch. “What I hope is that instead of having a blame game when we get back next year, we appreciate the urgency of coming up with something that’s sustainable for folks, whether they voted for Trump or voted for Harris. It just doesn’t matter, this is too essential to the well-being of our families.”\n\nView photos from the event and watch Senator Welch’s remarks below:\n\nRead key excerpts of Senator Welch’s conversation with Axios Reporter Peter Sullivan:\n\nPeter Sullivan: “The president has been talking about getting Congress to pass this ‘Most Favored Nation’ idea into law. You could see yourself voting for that if it came up?”\n\nSen. Welch: “Well, not only vote for it, I would work actively and aggressively to make it happen. The president hasn’t introduced any legislation, alright?…There’s a lot of talk here, but there’s not real action. But again, here’s the sadness that I have in the current sort of political environment that we have…If you talk to people in Kansas about health care, and you talk to people in Vermont about health care—their anxiety about what those premiums are; their anxieties about the well-being of people they love and their families—it’s totally the same.\n\n“This is a shared problem. And when again you start out with the fact that people here pay twice as much as other countries and we don’t have the same health outcomes, there’s got to be a shared acknowledgement that you know what, that’s messed up. And we’ve got to then start working on a shared solution.”\n\n•••\n\nPeter Sullivan: “Last point on the ‘Most Favored Nation’ drug pricing, I mean, has the administration done outreach? Has anyone from the administration reached out to you to talk about that policy this year? You would like them to reach out to you?\n\nSen. Welch: “I’ll check my inbox—nothing there. I check every single day! [laughter] You know what? I am all in. If President Trump comes down and he says: ‘let’s do Most Favored Nation,’ sign me up. I’m ready, I’m going to go talk to every single one of my colleagues. So, this is not on the level from the administration, okay? Because Trump’s not a shy guy, right? And if he wanted something to happen in the United States Senate, it’s a kind of ‘or else’ situation in terms of his discussions with my Republican colleagues. So, I’ll keep checking, and I’ll keep hoping, and I promise I’ll keep working if he comes in with the ‘Most Favored Nation.’\n\n•••\n\nThis Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermonters, including the 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act, the No Big Blockbuster Bailouts Act, the EMS ROCS Act, the Eliminating Thickets to Improve Competition (ETHIC) Act, the Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, the Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, and the Rural Hospital Support Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-supports-bipartisan-bills-to-support-law-enforcement-and-community-safety-celebrates-advancement-of-bipartisan-carla-walker-act/", "title": "Welch Supports Bipartisan Bills to Support Law Enforcement and Community Safety, Celebrates Advancement of Bipartisan Carla Walker Act", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, the Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced several bipartisan bills co-sponsored by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) that support law enforcement and promote community safety. This includes the Carla Walker Act, sponsored by Sen. Welch and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), which would dedicate existing federal grant funds to support forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis and help solve previously unsolvable cold cases.\n\nRecently, Vermont State Policeused forensic genetic genealogy to identify the remains of Brian Canfield, who disappeared while fishing in Hartland, VT, in 2001. A DNA sample from the man’s brother was matched to a skull found in 2006.\n\n“Advancements in forensic DNA technology have revolutionized our ability to fight crime. In Vermont, detectives were able to use forensic genetic genealogy analysis to help provide answers to a family who thought they might never come. We’ve also seen how this technology can be a powerful tool in giving those wrongly accused a chance to clear their names,” said Senator Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will help investigators across the country harness the incredible power of FGG technology to crack cold cases and deliver justice to countless victims and families, and I’m thankful for Senator Cornyn’s leadership on it.”\n\n“I’m proud this bill advanced out of the Judiciary Committee today, and I’m proud to cosponsor commonsense, bipartisan legislation to keep our communities safe and support police and law enforcement in Vermont,” Welch continued.\n\n“Carla Walker’s case was not solved for 46 years, but thanks to forensic genetic genealogy, her murderer was caught, tried, and convicted in 2021,” said Senator Cornyn. “This bill creates a pilot program to fund the use of forensic genetic genealogy, which enables law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cold cases and other hard-to-solve crimes. By making this cutting-edge technology more widely available to investigative agencies, law enforcement will gain a reliable and effective tool to identify unknown offenders.”\n\nThe Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the following bipartisan bills:\n\nS. 3966, TREY’S Law\n\nS. 736, Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act\n\nS. 825, Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025\n\nS. 4394, Promoting Police Leadership Act\n\nS. 3897, Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026\n\nS. 1890, Carla Walker Act\n\nS. 3041, Tribal Warrant Fairness Act\n\nBackground on the bipartisan Carla Walker Act:\n\nTypically, when a suspect’s identity is unknown, a crime laboratory uploads the genetic material recovered from a crime scene into the FBI’s national database to search for DNA matches between the forensic sample and any known offenders. While this traditional form of forensic DNA profiling only examines 13-20 Short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers, forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) technology examines over half a million Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that span the entirety of the human genome. It does so by cross-referencing shared blocks of SNP markers to identify relatives of the genetic profile by uncovering shared blocks of DNA. This enables criminal investigators to build family trees that ultimately help determine the sample’s identity and solve cases.\n\nCarla Walker was abducted from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 1974. Her body was found three days later just 30 minutes south of Fort Worth. Law enforcement could not solve the murder due to limited forensic technology at the time. Nearly 50 years later, FGG DNA analysis was conducted on the last remaining DNA on a piece of Carla’s clothing, which led to a successful DNA match to the family of Glen McCurley, Jr., who confessed to the crime in 2021 and died in prison in 2023.\n\nThe Carla Walker Act would create a pilot program to make this cutting-edge FGG DNA analysis more widely available to investigative agencies to:\n\nAid in resolving previously unsolvable cold cases;\n\nAssist in the identification of criminals;\n\nSeek justice for previously unidentified victims;\n\nHelp exonerate wrongly accused suspects;\n\nAnd bring closure for the victims’ loved ones.\n\nLearn more about the Carla Walker Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/during-police-week-bipartisan-whitehouse-bill-to-improve-commander-level-police-training-passes-out-of-committee/", "title": "During Police Week, Bipartisan Whitehouse Bill to Improve Commander-Level Police Training Passes Out of Committee", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release", "domain": "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", "scraper": "whitehouse", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000802", "name": "Sheldon Whitehouse", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Promoting Police Leadership Act will provide more training opportunities for the police leaders who run day-to-day operations and improve community relations\n\nWashington, D.C. – To mark Police Week, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) announced that the bipartisan Promoting Police Leadership Act was approved this morning by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation, which is also sponsored by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), will support the development of commander-level law enforcement leadership training and education curricula to enhance the performance of police operations, increase officer accountability and wellness, improve resource management, and strengthen community relations.\n\n“Rhode Islanders can be very proud of our law enforcement officers. State and local police do an exceptional job keeping our communities safe, often in uncertain and dangerous circumstances,” said Whitehouse. “This Police Week, I am very pleased to announce that my bipartisan Promoting Police Leadership Act has advanced out of committee and is well on its way to helping improve training for the officers who make many of the day-to-day decisions that affect their communities.”\n\nThe Promoting Police Leadership Act has strong support from Rhode Island’s law enforcement community.\n\n“As a 40-year veteran of law enforcement—having served as a Chief of Police, the Director of the COPS Office, and now a university public safety leader—I have seen firsthand that the greatest challenges facing modern policing cannot be solved by tactical training alone. They require sophisticated leadership, data-driven management, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. By equipping the next generation of law enforcement executives with a rigorous, curriculum-based education, we aren’t just improving individual departments; we are professionalizing the field and strengthening the bond of trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Brown University Police Chief and Vice President for Public Safety Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr.\n\n“Strong leadership is critical to effective policing. This legislation recognizes that the decisions made at the command level shape everything from officer performance to community trust,” said Colonel Michael E. Correia, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. “By expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based training for our mid-level leaders, the Promoting Police Leadership Act will help ensure departments across Rhode Island and the country are better equipped to meet today’s complex public safety challenges. It’s a smart, forward-looking investment in both our officers and the communities we serve.”\n\nWhile the law enforcement profession requires continuous training and education, training programs often do not keep pace with new demands placed on officers. Training standards can differ across jurisdictions, and educational opportunities may be limited beyond early career instruction.\n\nThe gap in accessible training is particularly striking at the mid-level leadership tier, where day-to-day operational decisions are made. Captains, majors, and precinct or district commanders oversee large sections of a department, making decisions that directly affect officer performance and public safety outcomes.\n\nThe Promoting Police Leadership Act supports the development of commander-level leadership training curricula, providing a voluntary framework that law enforcement agencies can adapt and use to support officers and improve operational effectiveness.\n\nThe bipartisan bill would task the U.S. Attorney General and Department of Justice with developing a broad training curricula framework for commander-level personnel in consultation with state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and other relevant partners. The legislation would also establish a voluntary certification process for the Attorney General to identify high-quality training programs that align with the broader DOJ framework and provide instruction to police departments.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Major County Sheriffs of America, and National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.\n\nWhitehouse and Cornyn have previously teamed up on the Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act, a 2022 law that required the Department of Justice to work with experts to develop comprehensive trainings on de-escalation tactics, alternatives to use of force, safely responding to mental, behavioral, and suicidal crises, and making referrals to community-based mental and behavioral health services and other social programs.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-announces-town-halls-in-josephine-curry-coos-and-douglas-counties", "title": "Wyden Announces Town Halls in Josephine, Curry, Coos and Douglas Counties", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator will hold open-to-all town halls on May 26-27\n\nPortland - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will hold open-to-all town halls in Josephine and Curry counties on Tuesday, May 26 followed by two more in Coos and Douglas counties on Wednesday, May 27.\n\nHeading into these four town halls, Wyden has held 1,164 open-to-all town halls statewide in keeping his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties.\n\n“Oregon is a long way from Washington, DC but these open-to-all town halls shorten that distance so everybody has an opportunity to make their voice heard,” Wyden said. “I very much look forward to taking questions and hearing ideas at these upcoming town halls in southwestern Oregon that can help make our state an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”\n\nThe schedule for the upcoming town halls is as follows:\n\nTuesday, May 26\n\nJosephine County, 10 am, Illinois Valley High School, 625 E River St., Cave Junction\n\nCurry County, 2:30 pm, Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Curry Campus – Lower (Sprague) Commons, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, Brookings\n\nWednesday, May 27\n\nCoos County, 10 am, North Bend Community Center’s Main Hall, 2222 Broadway Ave., North Bend\n\nDouglas County, 1 pm, Reedsport Community Charter Jr/Sr. High School’s Pacific Auditorium, 2260 Longwood Dr. Reedsport (Use the doors at the Pacific Auditorium entrance, and please park on Longwood Drive as school will be in session.)", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-paul-lummis-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-abolish-the-selective-service", "title": "Wyden, Paul, Lummis Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Abolish the Selective Service", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., today introduced a bipartisan bill to end the Selective Service.\n\nThe Selective Service runs an annual budget of more than $31 million per year, preparing for a draft that has not occurred since 1973. Beginning in December 2026, the Selective Service System will use federal data sources to automatically register males aged 18 to 25 for the military draft pool, due to a policy change signed into law December 18, 2025.\n\n“The Selective Service is an outdated program that costs millions of taxpayer dollars to prepare for a military draft that Americans don’t want or need,” Wyden said. “Our volunteer military forces are the strongest in the world, and there is no need to replicate the same draft that sent two million unwilling young men to war 50 years ago. This commonsense bill keeps money in American wallets.” “It has been over 50 years since the draft was last used,” Dr. Paul said. “I’ve long stated that if a war is worth fighting, Congress will vote to declare it and people will volunteer. This outdated government program no longer serves a purpose and should be eliminated permanently.”\n\n\"The Selective Service System has outlived its purpose and should be abolished. It costs us millions of taxpayer dollars every year while contributing nothing to our national defense,” Lummis said. “I'm proud to join Senators Wyden and Paul in doing what Washington rarely does - saving taxpayers money and restoring a little more freedom in the process.\"\n\nThe bill is endorsed by Center on Conscience and War, World Beyond War, RootsAction.org, Military Law Task Force of the National Lawyers Guild, Resisters.info, Friends Committee on National Legislation, War Resisters League’s National Committee, Fellowship of Reconciliation, American Friends Service Committee, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. and Antiwar.com.\n\nThe text of the bill is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-at-ripon-society-america-must-out-compete-china-on-trade-technology-and-shipbuilding/", "title": "Young at Ripon Society: America Must Out-Compete China on Trade, Technology, and Shipbuilding", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) addressed a meeting of The Ripon Society this week and spoke about trade policy, technology competition, and American industrial capacity.\n\nClick here to access Senator Young’s remarks.\n\nIn his remarks, Young described AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing as the defining geopolitical contests of the 21st century. He cited three bills he has introduced in that space — the Create AI Act, the Future of AI Innovation Act, and the National Quantum Innovation Initiative Reauthorization Act — as part of a broader effort to ensure the United States leads in the development and deployment of emerging technologies.\n\n“We are in a strategic competition — you may regard it as a race — with China to lead the world in the development, deployment, and advancement of these various technologies. …The markets will not solve this alone. We need to set the parameters,” said Senator Young.\n\nYoung called for a revival of American shipbuilding — an industry he said has been hollowed out to a degree most Americans do not appreciate. He argued that the loss of commercial shipbuilding capacity represents a strategic vulnerability.\n\n“Last year we built one ocean-going vessel — repeat, one. China has the capacity to build over a thousand in a given year,” said Senator Young.\n\nHe called for passing the SHIPS for America Act, a bipartisan bill he is advancing for which would set a goal of 250 new American vessels built over the next decade.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-lankford-introduce-bill-to-protect-privacy-of-charitable-donors/", "title": "Young, Lankford Introduce Bill to Protect Privacy of Charitable Donors", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) introduced the Protecting Charitable Giving Act to address the unlawful disclosure of data identifying donors who contribute to nonprofit organizations. This legislation would help nonprofit organizations better protect the identities of their donors by reinforcing existing privacy protections and increasing the penalties for disclosure of sensitive taxpayer data.\n\n“Anonymous giving has long been a way for Americans to support philanthropic organizations that rely on generous charitable contributions. In recent years, donor privacy has been threatened on too many occasions,” said Senator Young. “This legislation will address the disclosure of donor data to better protect both charitable organizations and their donors.”\n\n“Nonprofits and their donors are an essential safety net for our communities—providing food, housing, and care to those who need it most. Oklahomans shouldn’t worry about their identities being made public after they provide a donation to a charitable organization. Millions of donors want to do something good without being recognized. We should honor their privacy as they care for others,” said Senator Lankford.\n\nIn an effort to verify the legitimacy of tax-exempt organizations, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires these organizations to collect the names and addresses of all major donors. While the IRS collection form is public, the identities of the donors are considered sensitive information and are not subject to disclosure. States like California and New York have tried to force tax-exempt organizations to disclose donor information. The Supreme Court, however, has ruled that these efforts infringe upon First Amendment rights.\n\nThe Protecting Charitable Giving Act would modify penalties relating to the disclosure of donor information to better ensure donor privacy and protection. More specifically, this legislation would:\n\nIncrease the penalty of willful disclosure of the identities of donors to tax-exempt organizations from no more than $5,000 to between $10,000 and $250,000.\n\nExpand the jurisdiction of prosecution to include the judicial district in which the victim of the offense resides to ensure all cases are subject to a fair trial.\n\nThe Protecting Charitable Giving Act is supported by Philanthropy Roundtable, Americans for Prosperity, and Indiana Philanthropy Alliance.\n\n“Philanthropy Roundtable is deeply grateful to Senators Young and Lankford for their unwavering leadership protecting donor privacy. The right to give how, when and where donors choose, free from the fear of persecution and retaliation, is essential to safeguarding the free association that strengthens our society. The Protecting Charitable Giving Act strengthens federal law to substantially increase the penalties for leaking private donor information and make it easier for victims to pursue justice. Donor privacy has been under fire for years. This law is needed more than ever to protect every American’s right to privately contribute to the causes and communities they care about most,” said Christie Herrera, President and CEO, Philanthropy Roundtable.\n\nAmerican charities are the lifeblood of this country and protecting the privacy of Americans, so that they can give to those charities without fear, is crucially important. The Protecting Charitable Giving Act is commonsense legislation that protects the First Amendment rights of citizens, no matter which charities they choose to support. It sends a clear message to bureaucrats that they cannot invade American’s privacy without serious consequences,” said Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity.\n\n“The Protecting Charitable Giving Act introduced by Senator Young is a vital step forward for philanthropy in Indiana and nationwide. At Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, where we represent a broad network of philanthropic organizations, we understand the importance of donor privacy as a cornerstone of charitable giving. This legislation safeguards that privacy, ensuring donors can support causes they believe in without fear of reprisal or exposure. Setting stronger penalties for breaches and reinforcing legal protections encourages continued generosity and is essential to maintaining support for the crucial work done by nonprofits across our state and nation,” said Angela Carr Klitzsch, President and CEO, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance.\n\nFull legislative text can be found here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-votes-to-back-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week", "title": "Yakym Votes to Back Law Enforcement During National Police Week ", "date": "2026-05-14", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – During National Police Week, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) voted in favor of H. Con. Res. 96, a resolution expressing support for law enforcement officers across the country. The week is set aside each year to honor officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and thank those who continue to serve.\n\n“You cannot have freedom without safety, and you cannot have safety without the men and women willing to defend it,” Rep. Yakym said. “This week, we honor the fallen and thank every officer who puts their life on the line to keep our communities safe. House Republicans stood with law enforcement today because safe communities start with backing the people who protect them.”\n\nBackground:\n\nH. Con. Res. 96 affirms congressional support for law enforcement officers, recognizes the dangers they face, and rejects the anti-police rhetoric and soft-on-crime policies that have driven crime up in cities across the country.\n\nDemocrats spent years cutting police budgets, attacking officers, and excusing violent criminals. Families in communities across America paid the price. Since President Trump took office, Republican leadership has taken a different approach. Violent crime has fallen to a 125-year low nationally. In Democrat-run California over the same period, violent crime rose 15 percent.\n\nIndiana’s Second District is home to thousands of law enforcement officers and first responders who show up every day to protect their neighbors and Rep. Yakym is proud to stand with them.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1608", "title": "Alford Votes to Fund Veterans’ Benefits, Improve Servicemember Quality of Life", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) voted to pass H.R. 8469, the Military Constructions, Veterans Affairs, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2027. H.R. 8469 fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits, while investing in robust military construction to improve servicemembers’ quality of life and ensure our armed forces are prepared for future threats.\n\nWatch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 8469 here.\n\nFourth District priorities secured in the FY27 MilCon-VA bill include provisions to:\n\nIncrease transparency for fees paid to attorneys and consultants to help with VA claims and appeals to ensure our veterans and taxpayers are not being ripped off.\n\nIncrease funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund to $54.6 billion, while ensuring previous appropriations to the fund remain available until expended.\n\nEnhance the VAs utilization of technology, modernize its IT, and encourage adoption of AI to expedite Veterans’ claims and processing, improve data security, and expand access to care.\n\nInstruct the Army to evaluate all buildings built before 1950 for safety, mission readiness, and needs related to improving these facilities. This would include the outdated Central Issuing Facility at Fort Leonard Wood.\n\nCongressman Alford’s amendment to emphasize the importance of creating a pilot program under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program to such educational assistance to no less than 1,000 students who are a dependent of a veteran and prepare them to be successful in college or some other post-high school educational program was included in the bill.\n\nBackground on the FY27 MilCon-VA Appropriations bill:\n\nVeterans Support & Services\n\nFully funds veterans’ health care programs.\n\nFully funds veterans’ benefits.\n\nMaintains funding for:\n\nVeterans research programs\n\nMental health services\n\nOther core support programs relied upon by veterans\n\nInvests over $2 billion in:\n\nCapital improvements for VA medical facilities\n\nFour national cemeteries\n\nVeterans Policy & Administration Priorities\n\nProtects Second Amendment rights of veterans by:\n\nPreventing the VA from submitting veteran information to the FBI without judicial consent\n\nFully funds the Community Care account, expanding access to:\n\nSpecialty care\n\nNon-VA providers based on individual needs\n\nSupports efforts to:\n\nImprove veteran mental health outcomes\n\nStrengthen suicide prevention initiatives\n\nNational Security & Military Construction\n\nProvides robust funding for military construction, including:\n\nInfrastructure supporting advanced weapons systems\n\nStrategic investments in the Indo-Pacific region\n\nMaintains prohibitions on:\n\nClosure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba\n\nUse of military construction funds to house detainees on U.S. soil\n\nChina & Supply Chain Protections\n\nProhibits the VA from:\n\nPurchasing goods or services directly from Communist China\n\nIndirect procurement linked to Chinese sources\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1609", "title": "Bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus Endorses Latest House Version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "alford.house.gov", "scraper": "alford", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000379", "name": "Mark Alford", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, the bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, Reps. Mark Alford (MO-04), Lou Correa (CA-46), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), issued the following statement endorsing the latest version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act from House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters.\n\n\"As bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, we have been clear from the start: any housing package must address our nation’s housing affordability crisis,” said Alford, Correa, Mann, and Pettersen. “We are grateful to House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for delivering bipartisan legislation to do exactly that. Last month, we led a letter signed by 76 Members of Congress outlining our serious concerns with Section 901—the ban on build-to-rent—in the Senate’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters’ bill adequately reforms this provision, while delivering on our shared commitment to restoring access to the American Dream of homeownership. We are proud to endorse the latest House version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.”\n\nLast month, the Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs led a letter signed by 76 Members of Congress urging House leadership to strip or revise disastrous provisions to ban Build-to-Rent homebuilding from the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act before any final, negotiated package comes to the floor for a vote because they would undermine efforts to address our nation’s housing supply and affordability crises.\n\nBackground on the Real Estate Caucus:\n\nWith 135 members, the Congressional Real Estate Caucus provides an informal, bipartisan opportunity to educate Members of Congress on real estate issues, to advocate for bipartisan solutions, and to facilitate engagement between Congress, industry, and other stakeholders.\n\nReal estate represents 16% of U.S. GDP, supports 2.8 million jobs, and generates $50 billion in tax revenue. Given its importance, the Caucus advocates for policies that will allow this industry to prosper.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://allen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7244", "title": "Congressman Allen Backs Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://allen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "allen.house.gov", "scraper": "allen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000372", "name": "Rick W. Allen", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, during National Police Week, House Republicans passed several bills aimed at supporting law enforcement officers nationwide, ending soft-on-crime policies, and keeping violent criminals out of America's communities. After supporting each bill on the House floor, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:\n\n\"We cannot have freedom without safety, and we cannot have safety without the men and women willing to defend it. Every shift, every call, every sacrifice matters. Georgia's 12th District felt this ultimate sacrifice firsthand when one of our own—Deputy Brandon Sikes of Columbia County—lost his life in the line of duty last April. We will never forget Deputy Sikes' extraordinary service.\n\n\"During this National Police Week and always, I am proud to stand with the upstanding men and women of our nation's law enforcement, not just in the 12th District, but across the country. These heroes put the safety of others before their own, and for that, we must always honor their courage. To those who answer the call and keep our communities safe: we salute you.\"\n\nH. Con. Res. 96: Expresses congressional support for the brave men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives to uphold our rule of law and keep Americans safe, recognizes their extraordinary sacrifice, and acknowledges their many contributions to our communities.\n\nH.R. 6260, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act: Amends the federal criminal statute dealing with insurance-related crimes to include corporate, for-profit, and non-profit entities that post bail for defendants, subjecting charitable bail funds to federal insurance fraud laws and state licensing requirements, and requiring their employees to pass criminal background checks.\n\nH.R. 5625, the Cashless Bail Reporting Act: Requires the Attorney General to publish a list of state and local governments that implement reckless bail “reform” policies allowing people who have been accused of certain violent crimes to be released pending trial on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4529", "title": "Support for H.Res.50: Affirming States’ Constitutional Right to Defend Against Border Invasion", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "H.Res.50, authored by House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), affirms states’ constitutional authority to defend themselves when the federal government fails to secure the border.\n\nThe resolution comes in response to the unprecedented border crisis under the Biden administration, during which Texas was forced to spend more than $11 billion through Operation Lone Star to protect its communities while the federal government actively obstructed state enforcement efforts.\n\nWhile President Trump has restored order at the border, we cannot rely on future administrations to maintain secure border policies. H.Res.50 clarifies Congress’s understanding that states facing “invasion” or “imminent danger” retain the sovereign authority under Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution to act in self-defense. The resolution is now backed by every Texas Republican in Congress, constitutional scholars, national policy organizations, law enforcement advocates, and conservative leaders across the country.\n\nPassing H.Res.50 will reaffirm the constitutional balance between the federal government and the states and ensure that states like Texas are never again forced to be passive victims of a failed federal government.\n\nConstitutional & Legal Scholars\n\nOpinion & Editorial Support\n\nMedia Coverage\n\nTexas Republican Delegation\n\nOutside Groups\n\nState Legislative Support\n\nRelated News\n\nTexas GOP House members: What we must do to keep the border secure\n\nMay 13, 2026 | Posted in In the News\n\nOPINION: Texas paid for Biden’s border crisis. Republicans must make sure it never happens again\n\nMay 13, 2026 | Posted in In the News\n\nArrington wins full Texas GOP backing for border invasion resolution\n\nMay 7, 2026 | Posted in In the News\n\nTexas GOP backs resolution saying states have right to repel border ‘invasion’\n\nMay 7, 2026 | Posted in In the News", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4563", "title": "Arrington Celebrates Passage of Largest Investment in Dyess Air Force Base History", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "arrington.house.gov", "scraper": "arrington", "member": {"bioguide_id": "A000375", "name": "Jodey C. Arrington", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement after passage of H.R. 8469, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act.\n\n“The first and most important responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense. This year’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill delivers on that duty by strengthening America’s military readiness and advancing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda.\n\n“I’m especially proud this legislation delivers the largest investment in the history of Dyess Air Force Base — providing more than $164 million for critical B-21 Raider infrastructure and security upgrades, nearly double the previous record appropriated investment we secured just last year. When I met with Airmen and base leadership at Dyess Air Force Base, we discussed the urgent need for these exact infrastructure improvements to support the B-21 beddown mission, strengthen operational readiness, and ensure Dyess remains at the forefront of America’s long-range strike capability.\n\n“From securing Dyess as the future home of the B-21 Raider and protecting the B-1 mission through 2030, to delivering year after year of historic investments in infrastructure and modernization, strengthening and safeguarding Dyess’ mission for generations to come has remained one of my top priorities. These investments will help ensure the Big Country remains the tip of the spear of America’s air arsenal and a cornerstone of our national defense.\n\n“This bill also fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits, invests in mental health and suicide prevention programs, and strengthens the military infrastructure needed to deter our adversaries and defend the homeland.\n\n“I will never stop fighting to ensure our warfighters have what they need to succeed on the battlefield, our veterans receive the support and resources they deserve, and the Big Country remains at the forefront of America’s national defense mission.” – Chairman Arrington.\n\nInvestment in Dyess Air Force Base:", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3CAC591A-717A-4F87-BF02-9581B5493B70", "title": "Rep. Austin Scott Introduces The Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://austinscott.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "austinscott.house.gov", "scraper": "austinscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001189", "name": "Austin Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "GA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C— Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) and U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) introduced the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, during National Police Week, aimed at ensuring Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job, are eligible for federal benefits following their service.\n\nThe legislation will amend title 5 of USC Code to add Certified Fire Investigators and members of the National Response Team, making these officers eligible for a presumption that certain cancers they contract were caused by their job as a federal agent for the ATF. This allows them to receive Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA) benefits covering federal employees who develop illnesses tied to workplace exposure. Benefits will include disability compensation, medical treatment coverage, and survivor and death benefits for families.\n\n“Our law enforcement officers, and their families, sacrifice to keep our communities safe. With the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, we will ensure that federal agents, who contract illnesses while serving and protecting, will become eligible to receive benefits. We have an opportunity to show our appreciation for the work that these men and women do, and during National Police Week, we are doing that by covering them when they step out of the line of duty,” said Rep. Scott.\n\n“ATF’s Certified Fire Investigators and Response Team Members put their lives on the line every day, entering dangerous fire scenes to support criminal investigations and help bring perpetrators to justice,” said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Mathew Silverman. “The Nature of their work consistently places them in toxic and carcinogen-filled environments where health risks are real. This legislation, championed by Representatives Scott and McGovern, closes a critical gap in federal employee occupational protections and reflects a basic principle: take care of those who face hazardous conditions in the line of duty.”\n\nRead the full bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/05/15/baumgartner-hails-passage-of-the-fy-2027-milcon-va-appropriations-bill/", "title": "Baumgartner Hails Passage of the FY 2027 MilCon-VA Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "baumgartner.house.gov", "scraper": "baumgartner", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001322", "name": "Michael Baumgartner", "party": "Republican", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael Baumgartner today welcomed House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill, which fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits while investing in military readiness, family housing, and quality-of-life infrastructure that directly impacts Eastern Washington’s large veteran and military community. The measure was approved by a vote of 400-15.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation provides $450.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, including full funding for veterans’ medical care, benefits, toxic exposure-related care, mental health programs, and VA facility modernization. The bill also continues support for veterans transportation programs that are especially important in rural communities where veterans often travel long distances to reach care.\n\n“Eastern Washington has one of the highest concentrations of veterans and servicemembers in the country, and this bill reflects our responsibility to support the men and women who served,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “For many veterans in our rural communities, getting to a medical appointment can mean driving several hours. Transportation programs connected to Mann-Grandstaff and regional VA clinics are not a luxury — they are a lifeline that helps veterans actually access the care they earned.”\n\n“Supporting veterans means more than rhetoric,” Baumgartner added. “It means protecting benefits from inflation, improving access to care, supporting military families, and making sure communities like Eastern Washington continue to receive the resources needed to honor that service.”\n\nIn addition to fully funding veterans’ health care and benefits, the legislation includes major investments in military construction, barracks improvements, military family housing, child development centers, and infrastructure supporting military readiness and quality of life at installations across the country, including missions connected to Fairchild Air Force Base.\n\nEastern Washington is home to one of the strongest military and veteran communities in the Pacific Northwest. Spokane County alone is home to nearly 42,000 veterans, while Fairchild Air Force Base supports thousands of servicemembers, civilian employees, and military families across the region. Many veterans throughout Eastern Washington rely on the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and regional clinics for primary care, mental health services, and specialty treatment.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9113", "title": "Beyer, Dingell, Buchanan Recognize Endangered Species Day", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "beyer.house.gov", "scraper": "beyer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001292", "name": "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), co-chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus, along with Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), introduced a resolution recognizing Friday, May 15 as Endangered Species Day. The resolution celebrates the strong role that the ESA has played in protecting America’s imperiled species and the need for greater conservation efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.\n\n“For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has proven to be one of our most successful conservation laws, protecting the wide range of biodiversity that sustains our planet. Thanks to the ESA, iconic species once on the brink of extinction – including the bald eagle, our national symbol – have recovered and once again thrive in the wild. By designating Endangered Species Day, we celebrate these remarkable stories of renewal and resurgence and work to strengthen the ESA so future generations can continue to witness the richness and diversity of America’s wildlife,\" said Congressman Beyer.\n\n“The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective conservation legislation ever passed, and its protections are crucial to conserving the species we know and love, like the American bald eagle. It has a 99 percent success rate and has brought back many of our beloved species from the brink of extinction, ” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we must continue working to uphold and strengthen the ESA.”\n\n“Florida’s endangered species are critical to our cultural heritage, our local economy and our way of life. I’m proud to lead this resolution to designate today as ‘Endangered Species Day’ and to highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures,\" said Congressman Buchanan.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/05/15/buchanan-recognizes-endangered-species-day/", "title": "Buchanan Recognizes Endangered Species Day", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Leads Congressional Resolution Supporting Endangered Species Day, Pens Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed\n\nToday, Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, joined Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.) to introduce a resolution supporting the designation of May 15, 2026, as “Endangered Species Day.”\n\n“Florida’s endangered species are critical to our cultural heritage, our local economy and our way of life,” said Buchanan. “I’m proud to lead this resolution to designate today as ‘Endangered Species Day’ and to highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures.”\n\n“The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective conservation legislation ever passed, and its protections are crucial to conserving the species we know and love, like the American bald eagle. It has a 99 percent success rate and has brought back many of our beloved species from the brink of extinction,” said Dingell. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we must continue working to uphold and strengthen the ESA.”\n\n“For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has proven to be one of our most successful conservation laws, protecting the wide range of biodiversity that sustains our planet,” said Beyer. “Thanks to the ESA, iconic species once on the brink of extinction – including the bald eagle, our national symbol – have recovered and once again thrive in the wild. By designating Endangered Species Day, we celebrate these remarkable stories of renewal and resurgence and work to strengthen the ESA so future generations can continue to witness the richness and diversity of America’s wildlife.”\n\nThe resolution recognizes the cultural and economic value of preserving endangered plant and animal species, as well as the successful conservation and protection efforts implemented under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The resolution also calls for the continuation of conservation measures to protect threatened and endangered species and address the biodiversity crisis.\n\nBuchanan also penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune highlighting his work in Congress to protect endangered species and support local businesses and communities that benefit from Florida’s unique ecosystems.\n\nRead the full op-ed here or below:\n\nLet’s keep working to protect Florida’s endangered species | Opinion\n\nCongressman Vern Buchanan\n\nAs we mark Endangered Species Day today, it is worth recognizing its importance here in Florida.\n\nProtecting endangered species is about more than protecting vulnerable animal populations; it includes protecting the habitats our community grow up around, work in and spend their weekends enjoying.\n\nOn Florida’s Gulf Coast, it is not unusual to see a manatee surface near a dock or to spot a sea turtle nest marked off in the sand after a walk on the beach.\n\nThese moments are reminders that we are living alongside species that have been here long before us and depend on the choices we make today.\n\nFlorida’s ecosystems are unique to our country.\n\nOur rivers, coastal waters, wetlands and forests support wildlife that cannot be replaced if they are destroyed.\n\nThe Florida panthers moving through remote stretches of land, manatees gathering in warm water during winter and sea turtles returning to the same beaches year after year are crucial to our state’s identity.\n\nWhen water quality improves in our bays and estuaries, local fishermen notice it in the size and health of their catches.\n\nWhen seagrass beds are healthy, manatees return to familiar areas and bolster local sightseeing opportunities.\n\nI reintroduced the Manatee Protection Act (H.R. 135) to strengthen safeguards for manatees and support long term conservation efforts in Florida’s waters while supporting the local industries that drive our region’s prosperity.\n\nWe have also seen how quickly water quality challenges can escalate, such as harmful algal blooms that impact coastal communities, recreation and marine life.\n\nThat is why I introduced the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act (H.R. 2408) to strengthen monitoring and response efforts for harmful algal blooms, so communities have better tools to protect water resources.\n\nIt’s also critical that we protect both animal habitats and Florida’s growing population as our state continues to expand.\n\nOne tool that we can use to accomplish both goals is building more wildlife corridors.\n\nAs our state’s undeveloped land is increasingly broken up by roads and development, local species are pushed into smaller, more isolated areas that make survival more difficult and increase the likelihood of traffic accidents.\n\nRecently, I co-led the bipartisan Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act (H.R. 8438) with Congressman Don Beyer to expand and improve wildlife corridors, helping connect critical habitats across our state and country while protecting drivers and pedestrians.\n\nClean water and healthy ecosystems are part of our local economy.\n\nLocal guides, bait shops, charter captains, hotel owners and restaurant workers all benefit when conditions in the water are strong and are harmed when they are not.\n\nIn Congress, I will continue working on policies that strengthen habitat protection, improve water quality and support the long-term health of Florida’s natural resources.\n\nThat includes protecting manatees, safeguarding wetlands, addressing harmful algal blooms and building wildlife corridors that keep ecosystems connected across the state.\n\nFlorida is a special place.\n\nAnyone who lives here understands that.\n\nKeeping it that way depends on steady work and a clear understanding of what is at stake.\n\nOn Endangered Species Day, that responsibility is worth keeping in mind.\n\nRep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the chair of the Health Subcommittee. He is also co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for more than 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/05/15/during-national-police-week-momentum-grows-for-buchanans-thin-blue-line-act/", "title": "During National Police Week, Momentum Grows for Buchanan’s Thin Blue Line Act", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Gains Democratic Support, Trump Administration Endorsement\n\nBipartisan Legislation Strengthens Penalties Against Cop Killers\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced new bipartisan support for his Thin Blue Line Act (H.R. 378) and renewed calls to pass the bill. The Thin Blue Line Act strengthens federal penalties for criminals who murder or target law enforcement officers and first responders.\n\n“During National Police Week, we honor the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” said Buchanan. “I’mgrateful that my Thin Blue Line Act has received bipartisan support because protecting those who protect us should never be a partisan issue. I also appreciate the strong support from the Trump Administration and the Department of Justice for this commonsense legislation, which ensures violent criminals who target law enforcement face the full force of the law. I will always stand with our men and women in blue.”\n\nBuchanan’s bill earned new bipartisan support from members of Congress in 2026, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.). Additional cosponsors include Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), Mike Carey (R-Ohio), Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Russell Fry (R-S.C.), Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), John McGuire (R-Va.), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), Tim Moore (R-N.C.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Jay Obernolte(R-Calif.), Pete Sessions (R-Texas), Jefferson Shreve (R-Ind.), Greg Steube (R-Fla.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Roger Williams (R-Texas) and Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.).\n\nBuchanan’s legislation is supported by leading local and national law enforcement organizations, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Sheriffs’ Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells.\n\nIn March, Buchanan announced that the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice formally endorsed his Thin Blue Line Act, as first reported by LiveNOW from Fox.\n\nRead the Department of Justice letter supporting the Thin Blue Line Act here or below.\n\nDear Representative Buchanan:\n\nThis letter presents the views of the Department of Justice on S. 83, the “Thin Blue Line Act,” as introduced in the Senate on January 14, 2025. The Department strongly supports this bill.\n\nCombatting violent crime remains a priority of this Administration and holding violent criminals who attack and murder law enforcement accountable is paramount to those efforts. The Thin Blue Line Act would expand the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty cases to include killing, or targeting, a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder, either while engaged in official duties or because of his or her official duties, consistent with the priorities of this Administration.\n\nWe look forward to working with you in support of this important piece of legislation.\n\nSincerely,\n\nPatrick Davis\n\nAssistant Attorney General\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415646", "title": "Calls on Senate to take up his Stop Forced Organ Harvesting ActSmith chairs hearing on gruesome, systemic practice of forced organ harvesting and trafficking in China", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "chrissmith.house.gov", "scraper": "chrissmith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000522", "name": "Christopher H. Smith", "party": "Republican", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "At a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), heard chilling testimony from expert witnesses about the barbaric, systemic, and lucrative practice of forced organ harvesting and trafficking in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and beyond.\n\n“Today, this Commission examines one of the most barbaric human rights atrocities of our time: the forced harvesting of organs from prisoners of conscience, death row inmates, and other vulnerable people—especially in Communist China,” said Smith during his opening remarks.\n\nSmith explained how Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Christians, death row inmates, and other religious and ethnic minorities in China are targeted and tortured for their organs, which are then implanted into Chinese Communist Party elites or sold to the highest bidder.\n\n“What we are examining today is the conversion of the imprisoned and persecuted into inventory. Hearts. Livers. Kidneys. Lungs. Corneas. Taken from the living. Sold to the desperate. Hidden behind hospital walls. Protected by secrecy, corruption, fear, and state power,” the China policy expert and human rights lawmaker continued.\n\nSmith, who chaired his first congressional hearing on forced organ harvesting thirty years ago, underscored the importance of his Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025 (HR 1503), which passed the House with broad bipartisan support and by a margin of 406 to 1, and urged the Senate to immediately take up his legislation for a vote.\n\n“The Senate has not acted on the bill, but they must. Delay is denial. Every day without consequences is another day perpetrators operate in the shadows, witnesses are intimidated, evidence disappears, and families never learn what happened to their loved ones,” stated Smith.\n\n“No dictator, no party boss, no wealthy patient, and no broker should be able to purchase longevity with the organs of the poor and persecuted. That is all the more reason to pass the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act and make unmistakably clear that the United States will not stand by in the face of such cruelty.”\n\nPolicy experts, investigative journalists present evidence\n\nEthan Gutmann, a Senior Research Fellow in China Studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and the author of The Xinjiang Procedure (2026) and The Slaughter (2014), testified about the nature of China’s forced organ harvesting “market,” drawing from the first-hand accounts of medical and direct witnesses and his extensive research on the gruesome practice.\n\n“If we use one million detainees as the baseline population across camps, prisons, forced-labor facilities, and other carceral environments, that means 25,000 to 50,000 Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other Turkic detainees harvested per year. If two to three organs are taken from each victim, that is enough to support a transplant volume of at least 60,000 successful transplants annually,” he told lawmakers.\n\n“On that basis, my minimum estimate for the cumulative death toll from forced organ harvesting in Xinjiang is over 200,000,” Gutmann continued.\n\nThe Hon. Sam Brownback, the former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, explained how the practice of forced organ harvesting is a byproduct of the CCP’s broader war on religion and human dignity: “Disfavored religious communities are particularly targeted by the perpetrators of the forced organ harvesting scheme, with Falun Gong practitioners systematically catalogued based on biometric markers and then murdered for their organs.\n\n“The organs of Uyghur Muslims are marketed to wealthy Middle Easterners as ‘halal,’ in an unimaginably cynical perversion of their Muslim faith,” Amb. Brownback continued.\n\nJan Jekielek, the Senior Editor of The Epoch Times and the author of the New York Times bestseller, Killed to Order, described how Chinese prisoners of conscience are dehumanized and commercialized, tissue-typed and made available for rapid transplant matching.\n\n“This is why I titled my book Killed to Order,” explained Jekielek. “Because that is exactly what it is: organs delivered on a schedule, matched in advance, extracted from living human beings who are then discarded.\n\n“It is industrialized forced organ harvesting made possible by the CCP’s unique combination of totalitarian control, mass dehumanization, and the willingness to turn human beings into spare parts for profit, power and elite longevity,” he argued.\n\nDetention camp survivors provide eyewitness accounts\n\nThe hearing, entitled “A Market Built on Victims: Stopping Illegal Organ Trafficking in China and Beyond,” also featured the eyewitness accounts of two Chinese detention camp survivors, Kalbinur Sidik and Seyed Alireza “Ali” Motevalian.\n\nSidik, who was forced to work as a Chinese-language instructor at a detention camp in Sangfanggou Village No. 5, Ürümchi City, said: “Every Monday, no classes were held for the detainees. Instead, blood was drawn from them. They were given unidentified injections. Afterwards, they were given small white pills.\n\n“Every day in the classroom, detainees were constantly replaced,” she continued. “Older and stronger prisoners were taken away, while new ones arrived. Familiar faces disappeared, and we were expected to accept whatever explanation the guards gave us.”\n\nMotevalian, who was wrongfully imprisoned in the PRC and spent extended periods of time inside the Shanghai Prisons General Hospital, described an institutional pattern of prisoners being restrained or sedated, forced to provide thumbprints on consent forms, and taken to surgery, never to return. He also detailed the presence of mobile freezer carts, which were moved quickly by guards to waiting vans; the separate handling of bodies or coffins towards an incineration area; and the occurrence of “sleepers,” or unconscious or deeply sedated prisoners, being brought into the surgery area by armed People’s Armed Police personnel.\n\n“Prisoners were restrained or incapacitated, thumb-printed, taken to surgery, and did not return. A freezer cart then moved quickly from the surgery area to a waiting van, while the body or coffin was handled separately toward the rear incineration area. Unconscious restrained prisoners were also brought from outside under armed PAP escort and taken directly toward surgery,” said Motevalian, whose submitted testimony was read at the hearing.\n\n“Based on the repetition, the layout, the behavior of guards and Laodong workers, the separate handling of the freezer cart and body, the lack of ordinary specialist medical care, and the large, controlled surgery area, I understood this as non-consensual organ procurement inside the prison hospital,” he concluded.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://clarke.house.gov/reps-clarke-and-fitzpatrick-sens-gillibrand-and-blunt-rochester-introduce-legislation-to-combat-the-maternal-health-crisis/", "title": "REPS. CLARKE AND FITZPATRICK, SENS. GILLIBRAND AND BLUNT ROCHESTER INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO COMBAT THE MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "domain": "clarke.house.gov", "scraper": "clarke", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001067", "name": "Yvette D. Clarke", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nMay 15, 2026\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.913.0126\n\nMental health conditions—including substance use disorders—are the leading cause of preventable maternal death in the United States\n\nIn New York, the maternal mortality rate for Black women isover four times that of white women\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester have introduced the bicameral Moms Matter Act, legislation that would establish a Maternal Mental Health Equity Grant Program to support community-based initiatives for individuals experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders during and after pregnancy. The bill would also provide funding to expand and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral health workforce. The Moms Matter Act is one of fourteen bills included in the Momnibus package, a comprehensive legislative effort to address the root causes of America’s maternal health crisis and advance maternal health equity nationwide.\n\n“We are facing a maternal health crisis, with Black and brown women disproportionately impacted by barriers to equitable maternal healthcare and competency. I am proud to join my colleagues in the Senate in introducing this bicameral legislation, the Moms Matter Act, to invest in community-based programs supporting pre- and postpartum women facing mental health conditions and substance use disorders,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “As we come off the heels of Mother’s Day and observe this Mental Health Awareness Month, meeting this pivotal moment demands action that goes beyond words of affirmation. Our bill would strengthen and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral health workforce and increase access to high-quality care, because every mother deserves the support she needs to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.”\n\n“Maternal mental health is not separate from family health, child health, or community health—it sits at the center of all three. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I have worked to make sure families can access care early, close to home, and before crisis takes hold,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The Moms Matter Act advances that mission by investing in community-based support for mothers facing mental health and substance use challenges, while strengthening the workforce needed to meet them with the care they deserve during pregnancy and postpartum. No mother should suffer in silence, and no family should be left to face a crisis alone.”\n\n“More women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in any of our peer countries. That is downright shameful,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We must do more to support women at every step of their maternal health journey. This legislation would expand access to high-quality maternal mental healthcare and substance use disorder services to support moms and pregnant women — no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or zip code. It’s a commonsense bill, and I’m determined to get it passed.”\n\n“The United States of America is the richest country in the world, yet American mothers are dying at an alarming, and unacceptable, rate,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “We know mental health conditions and substance use disorders are the leading cause of preventable maternal death during pregnancy and the postpartum period. By investing in programs that provide moms with the additional care they need, this bill offers a straightforward solution to this ongoing health crisis while also tackling disparities in health outcomes, and most importantly, saving the lives of new mothers.”\n\nMental health conditions—including substance use disorders—are theleading cause of preventable maternal death during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. However, despite the high need for care,over 80% of pregnant and recently postpartum women live in areas with a maternal mental health resource shortage.\n\nAdditionally, maternal health challenges aremost acute for low-income and Black families. In New York, the maternal mortality rate for Black women isover four times that for white women. The Moms Matter Act will help combat this crisis by increasing investments in local maternal healthcare programs and by expanding access to these programs in underserved areas.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation will:\n\nEstablish a Maternal Mental Health Equity Grant Program to invest in local initiatives supporting people with mental health conditions or substance use disorders during or after pregnancy; and\n\nProvide funding for programs to grow and diversify the maternal mental and behavioral healthcare workforce to expand access to high-quality maternal mental healthcare and substance use disorder services.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by over 200 maternal health organizations, including Moms Rising, March of Dimes, Reproductive Freedom for All, and the National Partnership for Women and Families.\n\n“The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) strongly supports the Moms Matter Act,” said Jamie Zahlaway Belsito, Founder and Director of Policy and Partnerships at Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. “The latest CDC data confirm that mental health conditions are now the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths, accounting for nearly 28% in 2022. The numbers are increasing. This crisis is preventable. The Moms Matter Act will make critical investments in community-based, culturally responsive care and strengthen the maternal mental health workforce. Congress must commit to ensuring every new mother and family has access to the mental health care they need to survive and thrive.”\n\nThe text of the legislation can be found HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-congressional-real-estate-caucus-endorses-latest-house-version-of-the-21st-century-road-to-housing-act", "title": "Bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus Endorses \r\nLatest House Version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON— Today, the bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46), Mark Alford (MO-04), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), issued the following statement endorsing the latest version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act from House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters:\n\n\"As bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, we have been clear from the start: any housing package must address our nation’s housing affordability crisis. We are grateful to House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for delivering bipartisan legislation to do exactly that. Last month, we led a letter signed by 76 Members of Congress outlining our serious concerns with Section 901—the ban on build-to-rent—in the Senate’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters’ bill adequately reforms this provision, while delivering on our shared commitment to restoring access to the American Dream of homeownership. We are proud to endorse the latest House version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.”\n\nLast month, the Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs led a letter signed by 76 Members of Congress urging House leadership to strip or revise disastrous provisions to ban Build-to-Rent homebuilding from the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act before any final, negotiated package comes to the floor for a vote because they would undermine efforts to address our nation’s housing supply and affordability crises.\n\nBackground on the Real Estate Caucus:\n\nWith 135 members, the Congressional Real Estate Caucus provides an informal, bipartisan opportunity to educate Members of Congress on real estate issues, to advocate for bipartisan solutions, and to facilitate engagement between Congress, industry, and other stakeholders.\n\nReal estate represents 16% of U.S. GDP, supports 2.8 million jobs, and generates $50 billion in tax revenue. Given its importance, the Caucus advocates for policies that will allow this industry to prosper.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/correa-bergman-stress-importance-of-funding-va-medical-research", "title": "CORREA, BERGMAN STRESS IMPORTANCE OF FUNDING VA MEDICAL RESEARCH", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "correa.house.gov", "scraper": "correa", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001110", "name": "J. Luis Correa", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Correa successfully included amendment into the Military Construction VA FY27 funding bill\n\nWASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8469), which included an amendment introduced by U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and General Jack Bergman (MI-01) highlighting the importance of funding medical research at the Department of Veteran Affairs. H.R. 8469 would cut $45 million from the annual VA’s medical research funding, potentially impacting research into psychedelic therapy.\n\n“This amendment is about taking care of those brave Americans who answered the call of duty to defend our country and returned from combat with invisible wounds that have still not healed. On a daily basis, PTSD drives 20 to 40 veterans to take their own lives. Psychedelic therapies have shown tremendous success in helping veterans recover from PTSD and other mental health struggles, essentially curing them. We need to study this therapy so veterans can have the best medical resources available,” said Rep. Correa. “I am asking my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me and Congressman General Jack Bergman in supporting the treatment of veterans’ battleground wounds and restoring funding for medical research for our nation’s heroes.\"\n\nThe Military Construction VA FY27 funding bill allocates $45 million less than current levels to the Medical Research and Prosthetics account, while President Donald Trump requested $22 million more for this area in his annual budget proposal. On April 19th, President Trump just signed an executive order to increase research into psychedelic-assisted therapy that called for $50 million in federal funding for ibogaine research.\n\nThe Medical Research and Prosthetics account is where psychedelic-therapy studies are funded—as well as research on cancer, treatments for traumatic brain injury, prosthetics, and other areas of medical innovation. VA research has led to some of the most innovative health care discoveries like the pacemaker, first successful liver transplant, and the nicotine patch.\n\nThis vote comes a day after Rep. Correa sponsored the Veterans Research Symposium, an event hosted by the National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) and Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research that highlighted cutting-edge research benefiting veterans and the American public while also identifying policy, regulatory, and operational barriers that slow down innovation.\n\n“NAVREF commends Representatives Lou Correa and Jack Bergman on championing the restoration of funding for VA Medical and Prosthetics Research. Their leadership sends a powerful message: That America must continue investing in the scientists, clinicians, and discoveries that honor veterans not just with words, but with action. We urge other Members of Congress to move swiftly and support VA research as a national asset,” said Rashi Romanoff, NAVREF CEO.\n\nRep. Correa co-founded the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus with Republican Rep. General Bergman to address ways to alleviate the national mental health crisis through psychedelic science and research, which currently has 12 members. Representatives Correa and Bergman also led efforts in Congress to promote psychedelic treatments for veterans suffering PTSD, through advocating for more research funding and eventual inclusion of approved psychedelic therapies into veterans' VA care options once it is approved by the FDA.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6875", "title": "Dingell, Beyer, Buchanan Recognize Endangered Species Day", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Don Beyer (D-VA-08), co-chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus, along with Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), introduced a resolution recognizing Friday, May 15 as Endangered Species Day. The resolution celebrates the strong role that the ESA has played in protecting America’s imperiled species and the need for greater conservation efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.\n\n“The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective conservation legislation ever passed, and its protections are crucial to conserving the species we know and love, like the American bald eagle. It has a 99 percent success rate and has brought back many of our beloved species from the brink of extinction,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we must continue working to uphold and strengthen the ESA.”\n\n“For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has proven to be one of our most successful conservation laws, protecting the wide range of biodiversity that sustains our planet. Thanks to the ESA, iconic species once on the brink of extinction – including the bald eagle, our national symbol – have recovered and once again thrive in the wild. By designating Endangered Species Day, we celebrate these remarkable stories of renewal and resurgence and work to strengthen the ESA so future generations can continue to witness the richness and diversity of America’s wildlife,\" said Congressman Beyer.\n\n“Florida’s endangered species are critical to our cultural heritage, our local economy and our way of life. I’m proud to lead this resolution to designate today as ‘Endangered Species Day’ and to highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures,\" said Congressman Buchanan.\n\nIn the United States and around the world, more than 2,300 species are recognized as at risk of extinction now or in the foreseeable future, and many more are experiencing declines in populations and future viability. Many scientists categorize our planet’s current biodiversity crisis as the sixth mass extinction event, with plant and wildlife species across the globe facing heightened risk of extinction that is largely driven by human activity.\n\nCongresswoman Dingell has long worked to protect endangered species across America. As co-chair of the Endangered Species Act Caucus, she has led the charge against the Trump Administration’s sweeping rollbacks, demanding the administration withdraw its ESA rule changes and speaking out against efforts to strip federal protections and funding.\n\nView the full text of the resolution HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6876", "title": "ICYMI: Dingell Spearheads Effort Blocking Chinese Companies from Disrupting American Manufacturing and Workers", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "This week, as President Trump was in China for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) called on the president to keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. or let Chinese car companies disrupt the American auto industry.\n\nCongresswoman Dingell helped spearhead a bipartisan legislative effort alongside Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04), Chairman of the Select Committee on China. The duo introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, legislation that would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.\n\nICYMI, media coverage of their bipartisan efforts can be found below:\n\nCNBC: Auto-state lawmakers seek to keep certain Chinese vehicles out of U.S. as Trump heads to Beijing\n\nBipartisan lawmakers from Michigan on Tuesday announced legislation that would ban Chinese-made “connected vehicles,” software and hardware from the U.S. market, ahead of President Donald Trump’s meeting this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\n\nRep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., chairman of the House Select Committee on China, and Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., rolled out the “Connected Vehicle Security Act,” [...] that would codify Biden-era connected vehicle restrictions over national security and data collection concerns. Connected vehicles have internet access and wireless connectivity with other cars or trucks, technology that supporters say can enhance roadway safety.\n\n“We are not competing on a level playing field when China subsidizes its manufacturers, it manipulates its currency [and] it uses slave labor. That’s not a level playing field,” Dingell said in a press conference Tuesday announcing the bill. “What [China is] trying to do is to get inside our country and fight us from within.\"\n\nDetroit News: Amid Trump trip, Michigan duo latest to float Chinese car ban\n\nA bipartisan duo of Michigan lawmakers is backing a push to ban Chinese vehicles from the United States, adding yet more force behind a widespread effort to keep President Donald Trump from opening the American marketplace to a major competitive threat.\n\nTrump has repeatedly signaled openness to allowing Chinese automakers to manufacture in the United States, on the campaign trail in 2024 and notably during an appearance at the Detroit Economic Club earlier this year.\n\nDingell led a group of Democratic U.S. House members in writing a letter to Trump. Moolenaar, who chairs the U.S. House Select Committee on China, joined Republican members on their own letter.\n\nWashington Post: Are cars the next TikTok?\n\nPresident Donald Trump arrives in China today for a long-anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders have much to discuss — the bitter trade war, the actual war in Iran, the future of Taiwanese sovereignty. One issue is top of mind for a bipartisan cohort of lawmakers: cars.\n\n“President Trump is President Trump, and you never quite know what he’s going to do until he does it,” Dingell said.\n\nDingell said she was sympathetic toward buyers who want a cheap alternative to cars already in the U.S., particularly with constituents grappling with inflation and high fuel costs. But she warned China could jack up prices once it has cornered the market.\n\n“China has a pattern of coming in, subsidizing the cost, to keep the price lower, destroying industry, and then jack up the price,” Dingell told us. “This is about America’s future. This is about the American worker’s future. We know their pattern, and we’re not going to let them do it.”\n\nCBS News Detroit: Michigan Reps. Dingell, Moolenaar introduce bill pushing to keep Chinese vehicles out of U.S.\n\nThe Connected Vehicle Security Act stems from the fear that Chinese cars pose a threat to our auto industry and national security.\n\n\"When the Chinese subsidizes its manufacturers, it manipulates its currency, it uses slave labor. That's not a level playing field and what they're trying to do is fight us from within,\" Dingell said.\n\nPaul Eisenstein, the editor of Headlight.News tells CBS Detroit that the high-tech but far less expensive Chinese vehicles could tear down the auto brands based in Metro Detroit that employ hundreds of thousands of Michiganders.\n\nLawmakers say national security is another key aspect of this new proposed legislation.\n\nReuters: House lawmakers introducing bill to toughen US ban on Chinese vehicles\n\nTwo members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday will introduce legislation to toughen a U.S. government ban on Chinese automakers from ‌entering the American market just before President Donald Trump heads to China for talks.\n\nIn ‌March, ⁠auto trade groups representing nearly all major car companies -- including the Detroit Three, Volkswagen (VOWG.DE), opens new tab, Hyundai (005380.KS), opens new tab and Toyota (7203.T), opens new tab , parts manufacturers, auto dealers and others urged the U.S. government to keep out Chinese carmakers, citing \"serious concerns about China’s ongoing efforts to dominate global automotive manufacturing and to ⁠gain access to the U.S. market.\"\n\nThey added China poses \"a direct threat to America’s global competitiveness, national security, and automotive industrial base.\"\n\nChinese autos also face high tariffs, but U.S. consumers have become ⁠more interested in the vehicles, recent surveys show.\n\nIn January, Trump said he was open to Chinese automakers building vehicles in the United States.\n\nWEMU: Rep. Dingell co-sponsors bill to ban Chinese vehicles in U.S.\n\nAnn Arbor Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has introduced bipartisan legislation with Caledonia Republican John Moolenaar to ban Chinese vehicles in the U.S.\n\nCalled the Connected Vehicle Securities Act, the legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture and sale of vehicles, software and hardware linked to China.\n\nDingell says the timing is important with this week’s upcoming China-U.S. summit.\n\nChina has been accused of using technology to collect and transmit sensitive information from vehicles it produces.\n\nMichigan Advance: Michigan members of Congress push ban on connected Chinese vehicles in America\n\nU.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) and John Moolenaar (R-Caledonia) introduced legislation into the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday to prohibit the importation, manufacture and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China.\n\nThe legislation, known as the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, would also apply to vehicles or related software and hardware from Russia, North Korea or Iran.\n\nDingell joined Democratic members of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, which Moolenaar chairs, on a tour of a General Motors plant and a United Auto Workers chapter in metro Detroit on Saturday, to similarly discuss the impact of Chinese manufacturing and supporting\n\n“We are not competing on a level playing field, when China subsidizes its manufacturers, it manipulates its currency, it uses slave labor,” Dingell said in the press conference with Moolenaar. “That’s not a level playing field. And what they’re trying to do is to get inside our country and fight us from within.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3776", "title": "De La Cruz Honors Texas Law Enforcement for National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://delacruz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "delacruz.house.gov", "scraper": "delacruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000594", "name": "Monica De La Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - In honor of National Police Week, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) recognized the selfless service and achievements of Texas law enforcement on the House floor.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3179", "title": "Congresswoman Escobar Secures Key Wins in Bipartisan Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Funding Bill", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "escobar.house.gov", "scraper": "escobar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000299", "name": "Veronica Escobar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Appropriations bill, which advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee with unanimous bipartisan support.\n\nThe FY2027 MILCON-VA bill provides $481 billion overall, including $157 billion in discretionary funding for military construction and veterans’ programs. It increases funding for veterans’ health care, including investments in suicide prevention, women’s health, and rural services, while including several key provisions the Congresswoman secured.\n\n“As a member of the MILCON-VA Subcommittee, I worked to ensure this bill delivers meaningful progress for our service members, our veterans, and communities like El Paso,” said Rep. Escobar. “While no bill is perfect, this legislation reflects thoughtful bipartisan work and includes important steps forward on oversight, innovation, and accountability.”\n\nDelivering for El Paso Veterans and Military Families\n\nThe bill includes multiple provisions led by the Congresswoman and focused on strengthening veterans’ care and supporting military infrastructure:\n\nEl Paso VA Medical Center Oversight: The Congresswoman wrote language in the legislation to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide detailed updates on activation planning for the new El Paso VA Medical Center, including staffing, equipment, and patient demand. This is in addition to her introduction of the El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act in April. She previously helped secure $700 million for the facility’s construction and continues to push to ensure it opens in a timely and cost-efficient manner.\n\nVeteran Health Care Coordination: The legislation directs the VA to study ways to improve coordination for veterans who rely on multiple health systems, helping reduce gaps in care and improve outcomes.\n\nDialysis Care Protections: The bill reinforces the importance of maintaining and strengthening access to specialty dialysis services for veterans in regions like El Paso.\n\nExpanded Medical Image Sharing: The Congresswoman advanced efforts to modernize the VA’s medical imaging systems, improving coordination between VA facilities, community providers, and federal partners\n\nAdvancing Military Construction Reform and Innovation\n\nThe Congresswoman also secured provisions aimed at modernizing the military construction process:\n\nIntergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSAs): The bill directs the Department of Defense to explore expanding the use of IGSAs for small-scale construction projects, a step toward making military construction faster, more flexible, and more cost-effective.\n\n3D Construction Standards: The legislation encourages the Pentagon to accelerate development of standardized building codes for additive manufacturing, helping military installations adopt innovative construction technologies more efficiently, like the construction currently happening at Fort Bliss.\n\nSupport for Fort Bliss Missions: The Congresswoman supported a measure which highlights the importance of the 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, whose aging headquarters was built in the 1950s, and encourages planning for a modern headquarters to support its global mission.\n\nStanding Up for Veterans Nationwide\n\nAdditional provisions include:\n\nHerbicide Exposure Review in Puerto Rico: The VA is directed to evaluate historical herbicide testing in Puerto Rico and determine whether affected veterans are properly recognized and supported.\n\nVA Technology Modernization Oversight: The bill pushes for stronger data governance and responsible use of artificial intelligence to improve claims processing while maintaining accountability.\n\nVideo remarks can be found here and more information about the bill can be found here.\n\n# # #\n\nRelated News", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://finstad.house.gov/2026/05/15/finstad-sorensen-introduce-the-national-guard-relief-act-ahead-of-armed-forces-day/", "title": "Finstad, Sorensen Introduce the National Guard Relief Act Ahead of Armed Forces Day", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://finstad.house.gov/media", "domain": "finstad.house.gov", "scraper": "finstad", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000475", "name": "Brad Finstad", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), members of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced the National Guard Relief Act, legislation that would designate the National Guard Relief Foundation as a military welfare society under Title 10 of United States Code, improving the foundation’s ability to assist more National Guard Members as they continue to serve the country. Military welfare societies are service-specific non-profit organizations that work alongside the Department of Defense to provide servicemembers and their families with emergency, financial, and community services.\n\n“Under Title 10 currently, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard each have their own military welfare societies, but not our National Guard,” said Rep. Finstad. “The National Guard Relief Act would bridge this gap by adding the National Guard Relief Foundation to the list of Military Welfare Societies and ensuring our National Guard Members and their families find relief in times of need.”\n\nFinstad continued, “Our National Guard Members work tirelessly to serve their communities, states, and country, and deserve to be eligible for assistance under all conditions. I’m proud to introduce this legislation in support of National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and their family members.”\n\n“Illinois National Guard members and their families make incredible sacrifices for our state and our country. I am so proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to help ensure that no National Guard family goes unsupported during a time of crisis,” said Rep. Sorensen.\n\n“The introduction of this legislation is a significant step forward for our National Guard members and their families. Officially recognizing the National Guard Relief Foundation as an official Military Relief Organization helps ensure Guardsmen receive the same level of support and consideration long afforded to their active-duty counterparts. Our Guard families answer the call at home and abroad, often balancing unique challenges tied to state and federal service. This designation will strengthen the Foundation’s ability to expand assistance programs, reach more service members in times of hardship, and provide critical support when it matters most. EANGUS proudly supports this effort because taking care of our people and their families must always remain a national priority,” said CMSgt Josh J. Baker, President of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.\n\n“The National Guard has stood watch over America through war, disaster, crisis, and uncertainty while answering every call without hesitation. The National Guard Relief Act is more than legislation or a “nice to have”. It is a declaration that the families who sacrifice beside our service members will no longer stand alone. Supporting those who defend this nation is not charity, it is a solemn national obligation. A country that relies on its Guard in every hour of need must ensure the Guard can rely on its country in theirs,” said Daniel B. Reilly, Chair of the National Guard Relief Foundation.\n\nBackground:", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1913", "title": "Franklin Statement On House Passage Of FY27 MilConVA Funding Bill", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://franklin.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "franklin.house.gov", "scraper": "franklin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000472", "name": "Scott Franklin", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today issued the following statement after House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:\n\n“Supporting our service members, veterans and military families is a critical responsibility of the federal government. This bill helps ensure those commitments are met. It ensures our troops have the facilities and support they need while improving care and services for the men and women who served our country.\n\n“The bill also includes several priorities I worked to advance, including resiliency improvements at the U.S. Naval Academy to address recurrent flooding that threatens infrastructure, disrupts operations, and impacts the training environment for future naval officers. It also strengthens research and treatment efforts for veterans battling Parkinson’s disease and ALS, expands access to advanced cancer treatment and clinical trials, and continues modernization across the VA system, including cybersecurity protections and emerging technologies that improve early detection and patient care.\n\n“The legislation also fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits, strengthens mental health and suicide prevention programs. Importantly, it also protects veterans’ Second Amendment rights by preventing the VA from sharing theirinformation with the FBI without due process and a judicial determination.\n\n“As an appropriator, I was pleased this bill passed the House with bipartisan support. That’s an important step toward funding the government on time and improving accountability in the process.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://fulcher.house.gov/2026/05/15/fulcher-votes-to-reauthorize-veterans-programs-and-support-servicemembers/", "title": "Fulcher Votes to Reauthorize Veterans’ Programs and Support Servicemembers", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "fulcher.house.gov", "scraper": "fulcher", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000469", "name": "Russ Fulcher", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher (Idaho-01) released the following statement after voting to advance H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027 (MilCon-VA).\n\n“Having the backs of those who serve—and those who have served—our nation must always remain a national priority,” said Congressman Fulcher. “I have voted in favor of the MilCon-VA appropriations bill, the first appropriations bill to pass the House for Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation champions our Veterans and servicemembers by prioritizing improvements at VA Medical Facilities, fully reauthorizing Veterans’ healthcare programs and benefits, and strengthening military housing and childcare services for active-duty personnel and their families.”\n\nBill Background\n\nFully funds Veterans’ health care programs and benefits\n\nPrioritizes improvements at VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries\n\nProtects the 2nd Amendment rights of Veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about Veterans without a judge’s consent\n\nSupports the White House administration’s efforts to improve mental health and suicide prevention among Veterans\n\nProhibits the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from Communist China\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/nh-delegation-urges-dept-of-education-to-fund-trio-upward-bound-programs/", "title": "NH Delegation Urges Dept. of Education to Fund TRIO Upward Bound Programs", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "goodlander.house.gov", "scraper": "goodlander", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000604", "name": "Maggie Goodlander", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) joined Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Senator Maggie Hassan (NH) in sending a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and OMB Director Russell Vought, expressing deep concerns about the Department of Education’s delay in issuing Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for fiscal year 2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs.\n\nTRIO supports individuals from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first person in their families to earn college degrees, students with disabilities, among others, in accessing and achieving postsecondary success.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers said: “We write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Education’s (Department) delay in issuing Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for fiscal year (FY) 2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs that begin on June 1. For the second year in a row, GANs have not been sent to grantee institutions in a timely manner, creating unnecessary disruption to essential programming and uncertainty for the students and educators who depend on the critical services that these federal funds help to provide.”\n\nThey continued: “We are particularly concerned about the damage being caused by the Department’s delayed notification to the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Upward Bound program which faced similar delays in FY25. UNH’s program is slated to begin June 1. They only have enough carry over funding for roughly one month before they would need to lay off staff and shutter a program that has had such a significant positive impact on the lives of so many Granite Staters.”\n\nThey concluded: “We urge you to act without further delay to ensure that TRIO programs can operate on schedule and provide the services that New Hampshire’s students and those across the country are counting on. We look forward to your prompt response.”\n\nThe delegation also demanded answers to a number of questions regarding the nature of the funding delays and for an explanation as to when New Hampshire can expect to receive these funds.\n\nBackground:\n\nGoodlander and the New Hampshire delegation called on the Trump administration to restore Congressionally-approved funding for New Hampshire programs, the Education Alliance for New Hampshire’s Statewide Family Engagement Center grant, and TRIO grants for the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Talent Search and McNair programs. They also called on the administration to restore funding for New Hampshire’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP).\n\nFollowing their advocacy, it was announced earlier this year that funding would be restored for the McNair and Educational Talent Search programs, and the delegation continues to advocate against efforts by the Trump administration toweaken and undermine other TRIO programs.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here and below:\n\nDear Secretary McMahon and Director Vought:\n\nWe write to express our deep concern regarding the Department of Education’s (Department) delay in issuing Grant Award Notifications (GANs) for fiscal year (FY) 2026 TRIO Upward Bound programs that begin on June 1. For the second year in a row, GANs have not been sent to grantee institutions in a timely manner, creating unnecessary disruption to essential programming and uncertainty for the students and educators who depend on the critical services that these federal funds help to provide.\n\nThe TRIO Programs are a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to educational access and upward mobility. TRIO supports individuals from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first person in their families to earn college degrees, students with disabilities, among others, in accessing and achieving postsecondary success. From personalized tutoring to personal mentoring and advising, to assistance applying for and identifying funding options, TRIO programs make a real difference in a student’s ability to attend and complete college. These programs are evidence-based and results-driven. TRIO graduates, according to the Department of Education’s own data, are more likely to enroll in higher education and earn their degrees than non-TRIO students with similar backgrounds. For these reasons, TRIO programs have long enjoyed strong bipartisan support in Congress. They reflect a shared national value—every American, regardless of their zip code, deserves the chance to pursue higher education and the American dream.\n\nSadly, this is not the first we have seen of ongoing delays in issuing GANs which are having real-world consequences in our home state of New Hampshire. We are particularly concerned about the damage being caused by the Department’s delayed notification to the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Upward Bound program which faced similar delays in FY25. UNH’s program is slated to begin June 1. They only have enough carry over funding for roughly one month before they would need to lay off staff and shutter a program that has had such a significant positive impact on the lives of so many Granite Staters. Currently, the program serves 115 students across 11 schools, and 98% of them have persisted to the next grade level or on-time graduation, and 97% of graduates have enrolled in college in the fall too.\n\nA core component of UNH’s Upward Bound program is the operation of the Summer Academy which begins June 21, with staff training and move-in starting June 13. With summer programming rapidly approaching, these delays and uncertainty threaten to undermine planning, staffing, and student participation and long-term educational success. Accordingly, we respectfully request responses to the following questions no later than May 30, 2026.\n\n1. Will the Department of Education commit to issuing GANs for FY26 TRIO programs ahead of June 1?\n\n2. If not, when will you issue them?\n\n3. What specific factors have caused the Department to, once again, miss its usual timelines for delivering GANs to grantees?\n\nWe urge you to act without further delay to ensure that TRIO programs can operate on schedule and provide the services that New Hampshire’s students and those across the country are counting on. We look forward to your prompt response.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases/on-endangered-species-day-rep-grijalva-sen-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-protect-at-risk-wildlife", "title": "On Endangered Species Day, Rep. Grijalva & Sen. Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Protect At-Risk Wildlife", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://grijalva.house.gov/media", "domain": "grijalva.house.gov", "scraper": "grijalva", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000606", "name": "Adelita S. Grijalva", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“As the loss of biodiversity accelerates at an alarming rate, we cannot afford to keep treating conservation as an afterthought,” said Grijalva. “The Extinction Prevention Act makes long-overdue investments in some of the most imperiled and overlooked species in our country, from North American butterflies to Southwest desert fish that are uniquely adapted to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth. In Arizona and across the Southwest, these native fish species are already facing devastating threats from drought, water scarcity, habitat destruction, and climate change. We have a responsibility to future generations to make sure we do not lose these species forever.”\n\n“This legislation recognizes that saving wildlife from extinction requires more than just rhetoric—real resources are essential,” said Blumenthal. “Endangered species and their habitats can be sustained, but only if we back words with action.”\n\nThis legislation would create four separate funds of $5 million per year through Fiscal Year 2032 with the purpose of providing financial assistance to projects that help conserve and recover four groups of species: North American butterflies, Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels, and Southwest desert fish. Habitat protection for these species is chronically underfunded despite them being among the species most at risk of extinction:\n\nNorth American butterflies—one of the fastest declining groups of all endangered species—have not seen a single species improve among the 39 listed.\n\n“Some of America’s most amazing and vulnerable species are rapidly disappearing for the appalling reason that we’ve failed to invest in their recovery,” said Stephanie Kurose, deputy director of government affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Extinction Prevention Act will help deliver the emergency support needed to save the most critically endangered animals and plants that make up our natural heritage. We’re so thankful to Sen. Blumenthal and the other sponsors for helping to give these species a fighting chance.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391031", "title": "Congressman Guthrie Votes to Fully Fund Department of Veterans Affairs and Support Military Infrastructure Projects", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news", "domain": "guthrie.house.gov", "scraper": "guthrie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000558", "name": "Brett Guthrie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027, which fully funds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and invests in critical infrastructure projects to support the readiness of our armed forces.\n\n“Our nation will never be able to fully express our gratitude to those who have chosen to serve our nation in uniform. The House-passed, bipartisan appropriations package allocates nearly $470 billion in overall funding for veterans’ health care and other benefits, invests in VA facilities throughout the nation, and supports construction projects on U.S. military bases, including military family housing,” said Congressman Guthrie. “I am particularly glad to see provisions included in this bill that defend veterans’ Second Amendment rights, expand access to Community Care, and defend the lives of the unborn. This bill is an incredible win for our American heroes.”\n\nBackground:\n\nH.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027, supports our veterans and essential upgrades to U.S. military installations by:\n\n– Providing $450.29 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is $83.6 billion above the previously enacted level,\n\nFunding veterans’ medical care and benefits,\n\n–Protecting the Second Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent,\n\n–Funding the Community Care account, which empowers veterans to seek specialty care to meet their unique needs,\n\n– Affirming the Trump Administration’s prohibition on taxpayer-funded abortion, and\n\n– Providing $19.2 billion for Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing projects to promote our national security and support the quality of life for servicemembers and their families, like barracks, child development centers, and military family housing.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E9A170A8-D614-4FB4-AA29-B54EB68812F4", "title": "Congressman Rogers Applauds House Passage of Federal Funding for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "halrogers.house.gov", "scraper": "halrogers", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000395", "name": "Harold Rogers", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "First of 12 Federal Funding Bills for 2027\n\nWASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced House passage of the first of 12 federal funding bills for fiscal year 2027 on Friday, providing $157 billion for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies. The bill includes more funding to support President Trump’s America First agenda with critical investments for veterans’ care, military readiness and modernization.\n\n“Supporting our American heroes – both our veterans and active servicemembers – remains at the top of our priority list on Capitol Hill,” said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “We are increasing funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs by nearly $84 billion more in 2027 to improve VA medical facilities, services and research to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve. For our veterans in rural areas, it ensures they have transportation for medical care as well.”\n\nThe Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 8469) fully funds veterans’ health care programs, benefits, mental health services and critical VA programs, including the Toxic Exposures Fund, Opioid Addiction Treatment and Veterans Electronic Health Records. It also blocks the VA from purchasing resources from Communist China.\n\nThe legislation provides robust funding for military construction projects, supports American strength in the Indo-Pacific region and invests in advanced weapons systems.\n\n“We’re investing in elite facilities to maintain American military superiority, addressing aging military bases and outdated infrastructure,” said Congressman Rogers. “Supporting the military means providing military families with better housing, childcare and safer facilities for those who carry the burden of service.”\n\nThe federal funding bill passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers work in Washington or at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10035", "title": "RELEASE: REP. HILL VOTES TO SUPPORT VETERANS AND THE ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after voting for H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, which passed the House by a vote of 400-15. The bipartisan bill fully funds veterans' health care and benefits while securing critical investments that can be used for the Arkansas National Guard.\n\nRep. Hill said, \"Our veterans and service members have earned every benefit they were promised, and it is Congress's job to make sure they receive it. This bill fully funds veterans' health care, protects veterans' mental health programs, and keeps faith with those who have sacrificed so much for our country. I am also proud that this bill gives the Arkansas National Guard a path to compete for critical infrastructure funding, including a new hangar and medical building our Guard members need. Taking care of the men and women in uniform and the families who stand beside them will always be one of my top priorities.\"\n\nBackground\n\nH.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, provides $469.49 billion in total funding, including $157 billion in discretionary spending and $329.9 billion in mandatory spending, approximately 3 percent above FY26 enacted levels.\n\nSeveral of Rep. Hill's priorities were included in the bill:\n\nA pathway for the Arkansas National Guard to compete for funding for a new hangar and medical building\n\nSupporting efforts to address the unique challenges facing female veterans\n\nFunding for the VA Office of Enterprise Integration\n\nSupport for the VA data governance and analytics efforts, which strengthen the VA’s delivery of services and benefits\n\nFunding for VA medical services\n\nOther key wins in the bill include:", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=10037", "title": "RELEASE: REP. HILL CALLS OUT GSA FOR WASTING MILLIONS ON UNUSED FEDERAL PROPERTY", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hill.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "hill.house.gov", "scraper": "hill", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001072", "name": "J. French Hill", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) announced the General Services Administration (GSA) as the latest recipient of his Golden Fleece Award. GSA is receiving this award for its failure to efficiently dispose of unneeded federal property. Under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, GSA has the authority to dispose of surplus federal holdings, yet it has largely failed to do so in a timely manner, wasting millions of dollars to maintain unused buildings across the country.\n\nRep. Hill said, “I have been trying to have the USFS convey a property to Perry County, Arkansas for years. The long-vacant building would be a big valuable asset for the community, including as a meeting space for 4-H and put to good use for youth programs, agricultural education, and local conservation efforts. This has been an incredibly long, difficult, and frustrating process and one that is completely unnecessary and should not require an Act of Congress. The government not only loses the trust of the local populace when they refuse to sell or convey unused federal properties, they waste millions in taxpayers’ dollars.\"\n\nIn his letter to GSA Administrator, Mr. Ed Frost, Rep. Hill writes:\n\nDear Administrator Frost,\n\nI am writing to inform you that the General Services Administration (GSA) is the most recent recipient of my Golden Fleece Award. I am awarding the GSA for its failure to efficiently dispose of surplus federal real property, particularly its inability to convey or sell assets that no longer support the needs and missions of the federal agencies. While I know GSA has recently focused on accelerating unloading unneeded property, which I support, it does not change the fact that the cost to maintain these unused federal buildings costs the American public billions each year and has for years.\n\nUnder the Property Act, federal agencies may dispose of property that is no longer needed by a federal agency. Through this process, excess property is first reported as being surplus real property before being offered to other federal agencies for use. Should no federal agency need the surplus property, state and other local governments can obtain the property through a public benefits conveyance, also known as a PBC, through right of first refusal. Under current statute, GSA and the Department of Defense (DoD) are responsible for real property disposal, though, which agency is in control depends on if the property is a former Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) property or non-BRAC property.\n\nMost of the recent attempts to dispose of unneeded property at the federal level involve selling property, however, for some counties, properties are best conveyed under the PBC process often due to lack of appropriate funds for another local or state entity to purchase them. The PBC process is overly complex and underused, leaving unneeded federal property sitting vacant and costing taxpayers’ money.\n\nI have run into this issue within my district. For years, Perry County, Arkansas, has been trying to acquire a U.S. Forest Service building, along with 0.81 acres of Forest Service land it located on. Perry County is a rural area with a population of approximately 10,000 people. Because of the county’s small size, it lacks the necessary funds to purchase the property at market value, as would be directed by law. However, the building has been vacant for some time within Perry County and would serve the county as the Perry County Conservation District, a meeting space for the 4-H Youth Development Program. Additionally, it is where the University of Arkansas Extension Program can provide permanent operations for Perry County.\n\nThough the USFS property in Perry County is eligible for a public benefit conveyance, it has been quicker for me to introduce and work on passing a bill conveying this building to Perry County legislatively than it would have been for the property to be conveyed through the PBC process. This outcome is unacceptable. Local communities like Perry County should not have to wait years to access property that is eligible for transfer and taxpayers should not foot the bill to maintain unused federal assets. Had the PBC process functioned more efficiently, Perry County could already be using the facility to better the county and serve its youth. It should not require an act of Congress to transfer unneeded property or to reduce unnecessary federal spending.\n\nAs I have begun the process of legislatively conveying the building in Perry County to the local government, I have also come across some startling and unfortunate information regarding the disposal of real property through GSA. For example, there is no consistent identifiable data on public benefit conveyances (PBC).\n\nMany sponsoring agencies have inconsistent data reporting on the number, types, and locations of properties conveyed, as well as with properties currently being monitored by GSA for potential PBC conveyance. This data is important for a variety of reasons. Not only is it important to ensure that property no longer needed by the federal government is disposed of, but it is also important to ensure that conveyances that have taken place are being used as agreed by grantees, an important element of managing and maintaining the program in the interest of the American people.\n\nI am committed to ensuring effective fiscal practices at our nation’s federal agencies. Should you require any additional authority from Congress to address these concerns, I urge you to notify me as soon as possible. I would also welcome any technical assistance you could provide to Congress to correct statutory issues that may have contributed to this problem. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to working with you to address this important issue.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4C37566F-2A68-4214-88E3-B5CCA3C0696B", "title": "Himes, DeLauro, Ocasio-Cortez, Torres, and Latimer Urge Amtrak to Prioritize Penn Station Access and Reimburse MTA for Delay Costs", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "himes.house.gov", "scraper": "himes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001047", "name": "James A. Himes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and George Latimer (NY-16) sent a letter to Roger Harris, President of Amtrak, urging the agency to take every action needed to ensure that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad can begin delivering service to constituents in the Bronx, Westchester, and Connecticut as soon as possible.\n\nThe letter is the second the delegation has sent to Amtrak on the Penn Station Access project, following an October 2025 letter that came after reports the $2.9 billion project could be delayed until 2030. The letter calls on Amtrak to prioritize the capital work necessary to achieve full service by early 2029 and to reach an agreement with the MTA on reimbursing the potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in delay costs caused by Amtrak, costs that should not fall on New York and Connecticut taxpayers.\n\n“Providing direct access to Penn Station for the Metro-North riders of Southwestern Connecticut must be a priority for Amtrak,” said Rep. Himes. “The project timeline has already been pushed back two years – another delay caused by a lack of cooperation is unacceptable, both for its denial of service to my constituents and the cost it would incur to Connecticut taxpayers. Amtrak and MTA should do everything in their power to get this project over the finish line by early 2029.”\n\n“Connecticut commuters have waited long enough,” said Rep. DeLauro. “Metro-North is a vital connection that saves working families time and money on their daily commutes. We must prioritize the work needed to get trains running by 2029 and stop passing the costs of delays onto New York and Connecticut taxpayers. Our constituents deserve to have full service begin as soon as possible.”\n\n“The path to 2029 service for Penn Station Access is achievable but only with the complete cooperation of Amtrak,” said Rep. Torres. “The time has come for Amtrak to rise to the occasion and ensure that New York and Connecticut taxpayers are not left holding the bill for delays they did not cause.”\n\nThe full text of the letter reads:\n\n“As members of the New York and Connecticut Congressional Delegations, we remain troubled that the Penn Station Access project is delayed and urge Amtrak to take every action needed to ensure that Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad can begin delivering service to our constituents as soon as possible.\n\n“As we have outlined in our previous October 30, 2025 letter, the project is a critical transportation project for the New York-Connecticut region. It will finally deliver mass transit access to neighborhoods in the Bronx that have long seen passenger trains pass by without stopping, and provide both Westchester and Connecticut access to Penn Station and Manhattan’s West Side, saving commuters significant time.\n\n“Since our initial letter, we have been informed that some issues have been addressed and some progress has even been made to try and make up for lost time. Specifically, the ability to create double-block outages along the rail line has enabled more work to bring the rail line up to a state of good repair and accommodate Metro-North trains faster. This is promising news and we expect this close coordination on outage and staffing support to continue as the project progresses.\n\n“However, given the significant delays to the project, and Amtrak’s inability to accommodate the MTA’s previous plan for limited early service, we understand there are two key outstanding issues: expediting progress so service can begin by early 2029 and reaching an agreement on sharing delay costs.\n\n“The highest priority is providing service. We have learned that it is possible for full service to begin in early 2029 if Amtrak and the MTA can agree to prioritize the capital work needed for service to begin, without compromising safety or reliability, while deferring some other work that is desirable but not critical for service. At the same time, considering the project has been delayed to the point where the initial 2027 deadline is unachievable, we strongly urge Amtrak to address the potentially hundreds of millions of dollars the MTA has incurred due to delays caused by Amtrak. These costs should not fall on New York State or Connecticut taxpayers. We strongly encourage Amtrak to find workable solutions with the MTA on these two critical matters.\n\n“It is paramount that you focus on these outstanding issues in order to allow full service to begin as soon as possible. We understand that the MTA has provided a fair plan to Amtrak for completing the project efficiently. We strongly support this plan and urge Amtrak to cooperate with the MTA for the benefit of the communities we represent in Congress.\n\n“Thank you for your time, and we look forward to your response.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2546", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Highlights Need to Restore American Maritime Dominance During Navy Budget Hearing", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) discussed the urgent need to rebuild American naval power and strengthen Marine Corps readiness during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Department of the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is taking decisive steps to restore maritime dominance and confront growing global threats.\n\n“As the PRC continues to modernize its fleet at a historic pace, the need for a ready and capable American naval force has never been greater,” said Rep. Jackson. “This budget represents a defining moment to reassert the United States as the world’s greatest maritime power, rebuild our industrial base, and deliver a larger, more capable fleet to our Sailors and Marines.”\n\nTestifying before the committee were Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric M. Smith.\n\nClick here or above to watch the full Q&A\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1297", "title": "U.S. House approves Rep. John James request for $162 million for Selfridge to prepare for new fighter mission", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "james.house.gov", "scraper": "james", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000307", "name": "John James", "party": "Republican", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The eagles have not landed yet, but they are on approach.\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives on Friday approved $162 million requested by Rep. John James for Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County.\n\nThe money is needed to prepare for a new fighter mission that President Trump announced when he visited the base a little more than a year ago. Selfridge is slated to get 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to replace the aging A-10 Warthogs when they retire. It is also supposed to get a squadron of KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers.\n\nThe new mission is critical for homeland security, and it’s also massively important for Southeast Michigan’s economy because thousands of jobs are directly and indirectly tied to the base.\n\nThis is not a done deal yet, though. The funding still needs to pass the U.S. Senate and get signed into law, and the state of Michigan also needs to kick in money to prove it is a committed partner.\n\nIt’s still unclear whether that will happen, as state-level lawmakers have not reached an agreement yet.\n\n“This is the largest amount approved for the Selfridge modernization project thus far,” said James, R-Shelby Township, after the vote. “Getting to this point is a victory, but we all have to work together to make sure we get the new fighter mission locked in and secure the future of the base for generations.”\n\nJames represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Selfridge.\n\nHuge win for Michigan\n\nThe $162 million for Selfridge was included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which passed 400-15.\n\nThe money is for three projects:\n\n$110M to improve and extend the runway\n\n$24M for taxiway Bravo\n\n$28M for taxiway Alpha\n\nUnder the plan approved today, Selfridge will get more than half of the construction money for all Air National Guard bases nationwide. That’s 56 cents out of every dollar of the $261M total for Air National Guard construction.\n\nThe $162 million figure is also the 2nd largest appropriations for military construction overall, behind just one project for the Space Force that is larger.\n\nTotal cost around $1 billion\n\nAccording to base commander Brig. Gen. Leah Voelker, the total upgrade project will cost around $1 billion over a span of several years.\n\nJames requested $673 million for Selfridge, which is the amount the Air National Guard asked him to request. Of that, the $162 million approved today is the most important because sequentially, the runway improvements have to happen first before any of the other upgrades.\n\nOther components that will likely come down the road include:\n\n$190M for an eight-bay maintenance complex for the F-15EX Eagle II\n\n$218M for a dual bay hanger complex for the KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers\n\n$34M for a Pegasus aircrew training complex\n\n$28M for Pegasus squadron operations building\n\n$6.6M for an aircraft arresting system used to safely stop aircraft in danger of overshooting the runway\n\n$35M for planning and design\n\nJames previously secured $20 million for Selfridge.\n\nState-level funding dispute explained\n\nFederal guidelines require the host state to put up money to prove it is a committed partner when getting a military base investment of this magnitude.\n\nThe Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives passed a “clean” supplemental appropriation of $152 million for Selfridge on March 3. That means it approved money for just this one project, with nothing else attached.\n\nThe Democrat-controlled Michigan Senate passed its own supplemental nearly two full months later, on April 30, that also included $152 million for Selfridge. But rather than pass a clean spending bill, the state Senate loaded it up with other unrelated projects and tied it to a plan to take money out of the state Rainy Day Fund. It also relies on lapsed funds that won’t lapse until October, meaning the money will not be available immediately.\n\nThe reason the money is needed now is so that construction can get started right away, which is necessary due to concern a future president could scrap the mission and send it to another base in another state if the upgrades are not done before President Trump leaves office.\n\nThe state funds can cover the gap until federal funds are approved by the full Congress. But that means breaking the standoff.\n\nGov. Whitmer has publicly said that state lawmakers need to approve funding by June 1.\n\n“The state Senate is trying to use Selfridge as leverage in state budget negotiations and playing a dangerous game of chicken, putting the mission at risk. They need to get off the stick,” James said.\n\nState lawmakers included $26 million in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, and there was a smattering of state money before that.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/15/leader-jeffries-statement-on-retirement-announcement-of-congressman-steve-cohen/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN STEVE COHEN", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement after Congressman Steve Cohen announced he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:\n\nCongressman Steve Cohen’s life has been defined by the work he has done on a local, state and national level on behalf of the people he has been privileged to represent for decades. After contracting polio at just five years old, Steve developed a unique persistence and determination that would accompany him throughout his career in public service. A proud son of Memphis, Steve served on the Shelby County Commission and later in the State Senate for 24 years.\n\nOver nearly two decades in the House of Representatives, Steve has consistently stood up for the health, safety and economic well-being of children and families, fighting to lower costs, improve the quality and affordability of higher education, strengthen our transportation infrastructure and increase access to healthcare. The first Jewish person elected to represent Tennessee in the Congress, Steve has been a powerful champion for civil rights, leading passage of a resolution issuing the first formal apology for slavery in the U.S. As the Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Steve led hearings on the Voting Rights Act, police reform and racial justice, reaffirming his commitment to making true America’s promise of equality and justice for all.\n\nThe City of Memphis, the Congress and the nation are better because of Steve’s commitment to making a difference. He will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus family in the next Congress, and we all wish him the very best in this next chapter.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2434", "title": "On Fourth Anniversary of May 14, 2022 Tops Supermarket Shooting, Kennedy Leads House Colleagues in Honoring Victims and Survivors of Racist Massacre - Calls for Gun Violence Prevention and End to Hatred", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "kennedy.house.gov", "scraper": "kennedy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000402", "name": "Timothy M. Kennedy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On May 14, 2022, a White Supremacist Gunman Murdered Ten Black People and Injured Three Others in Racist Domestic Terror Attack on a Predominantly Black Community\n\nAs Racism and Hatred Continue, Kennedy Calls for Country to Come Together to Reject Violence and Bigotry in all Forms\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - As Western New Yorkers commemorate the fourth anniversary of the racially-motivated May 14, 2022 Tops Supermarket shooting that claimed the lives of ten innocent people and injured three others, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) led his colleagues in honoring the victims and survivors. Joined by his colleagues, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Kennedy’s remarks shined a spotlight on the dangers of weapons of war, the heroism shown by Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr., and the rich lives lived by the victims of the attack.\n\nKennedy sponsors the Aaron Salter, Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act (H.R.3398), which would limit the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor to the military and law enforcement. The legislation is named in honor of Lt. Salter, a retired Buffalo Police Officer who was working as a security guard on the day of the attack. Salter was able to retrieve his sidearm and open fire on the assailant, however his rounds were unable to penetrate the shooter’s military-grade body armor. Though he lost his own, Lt. Salter’s bravery undoubtedly saved lives, buying precious moments for customers and employees to hide or escape.\n\nFull video of 5/14/26 Special Order Hour Available Here\n\n“Entire generations of children have now grown up with the normalization of mass shootings,” said Congressman Kennedy. “That reality cannot become normal, we must not allow it to become a permanent reality. On the fourth anniversary of this tragedy, we must use this opportunity to advocate for the advancement of commonsense gun violence prevention legislation in the name of every single person we have lost because of a lack of it. We must condemn acts of hateful, racist violence in all forms. And we must come together as Americans to ensure that our supermarkets, our places of worship, our schools, and everywhere else in our community are free from the scourge of gun violence. This body has a moral obligation to take action.”\n\nIn addition, Kennedy noted the continuing scourge of white supremacy, a despicable worldview that led the perpetrator to plan his attack on the only supermarket in a predominantly Black community on Buffalo’s East Side. Among the survivors was Zaire Goodman, son of then-Senator Kennedy’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Zeneta Everhart. In the wake of the shooting, Kennedy accompanied Everhart to Capitol Hill as she testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Weeks later, the first gun violence legislation in nearly three decades was passed and signed into law.\n\nFollowing the shooting, New York State enacted a package of enhanced gun violence legislation, including raising the age of possession of semiautomatic rifles, banning the civilian purchase of body armor, and strengthening red flag laws. Kennedy, a then-State Senator, helped to lead passage of the legislation.\n\nOn May 14, 2022, a racist gunman drove nearly three hours to Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo, intent on carrying out a massacre of Black people. The perpetrator, who had planned his attack in detail, livestreamed the terrorist attack. In a matter of just over two minutes, ten lives were callously stolen, and three more individuals were severely injured. Numerous other customers, employees, and first responders carry emotional scars to this day.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/2026/05/15/congressmembers-mullin-pelosi-and-simon-demand-answers-for-bay-area-veterans-advance-priorities-for-region-in-military-construction-veterans-affairs-and-related-agencies-appropriations-bill/", "title": "Congressmembers Mullin, Pelosi, and Simon Demand Answers for Bay Area Veterans, Advance Priorities for Region in Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://kevinmullin.house.gov/category/press_release/", "domain": "kevinmullin.house.gov", "scraper": "kevinmullin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001225", "name": "Kevin Mullin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), and Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) successfully secured the inclusion of report language in the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to force the Trump Administration to provide answers regarding the cancellation of two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) projects in the Bay Area. The appropriations bill passed the House of Representatives today and now heads to the Senate for consideration, where Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla are championing this language to hold VA accountable.\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill includes report language directing VA to provide answers on the cancellation of the Alameda Point Community Based Outpatient Clinic and columbarium project and the Building 40 at the San Francisco VA Medical Center project. VA would be required to submit a report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees within 60 days of enactment of the bill that includes a detailed analysis of what funding has been obligated, how much funding remains, and rationale for why the projects were cancelled.\n\nThe Alameda Point VA project was years in the making across multiple Administrations and had already received over $395 million in Congressionally approved federal funding before VA abruptly cancelled the project in August 2025.\n\n“Veterans sacrifice so much in service of our country, and in return they deserve to be treated with dignity and receive quality care. We must defend and improve services for veterans and service members across America. I was honored to join my colleagues Congresswoman Simon, Speaker Emerita Pelosi, and Senators Schiff and Padilla in advocating for the Alameda Point Veterans project and much needed improvements at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. This represents an important step toward honoring our debt to Bay Area veterans and those across the country,” said Congressman Mullin.\n\n“My district is home to more than 28,000 veterans, a former Army Base, a proud Coast Guard city, and former Navy city. VA’s cancellation of the Alameda Point Project is unacceptable for veterans in our region who deserve quality health care and families looking to provide a close, accessible final resting place for their loved ones. We must do right by our veterans and ensure they are not left without care OR answers,” said Congresswoman Simon. “Thank you to House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro and Subcommittee Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz for their leadership and advocacy for the Alameda and SF VA projects throughout the appropriations process. We look forward to continuing to advocate for proper services for the 270,000 veterans in the Bay Area.”\n\n“Bay Area Veterans deserve answers from VA on these long-overdue expansion projects that are now indefinitely paused in San Francisco and Alameda,” said Speaker Emerita Pelosi. “Ensuring VA is transparent with Congress is a bipartisan matter, and I will continue to hold this Administration to account in ensuring Veterans get access to the care, burial and disability benefits, and world-class research that they have earned and deserve. I am proud to join my colleagues and the Committee in fighting for the truth so that these projects get back on track.”\n\nCongresswoman Simon, Speaker Emerita Pelosi, and Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla previously demanded answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the cancellation of the VA clinic and columbarium at Alameda Point.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4185", "title": "Larsen Releases Statement on Today's Votes", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "larsen.house.gov", "scraper": "larsen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000560", "name": "Rick Larsen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n\"I missed votes today for an important family commitment. I will be present and voting when the House returns to session next week.\"\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5913", "title": "Lawler, Levin Introduce Bill Targeting Long-Term Effects Of Radiation On Women And Girls", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "lawler.house.gov", "scraper": "lawler", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000599", "name": "Michael Lawler", "party": "Republican", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – 5/15/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Radiation Health Research Act, legislation that directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to design and implement a program to study the health effects of nuclear radiation on women and girls.\n\nThe legislation requires the NIH to specifically examine the effects of nuclear radiation on pregnant women, adolescent girls, and pre-adolescent girls, while providing for long-term monitoring of participants over a period of not less than 10 years.\n\n“Radiation exposure is a serious public health concern, and we have a responsibility to better understand its long-term effects on women and young girls. This commonsense legislation ensures the NIH takes a focused, coordinated approach to studying these risks, closes existing gaps in our knowledge, and strengthens collaboration across federal agencies so we can improve research and accountability. By investing in research now, we can help prevent gaps in care and avoid greater health challenges down the road,” said Congressman Lawler.\n\n“We need more research to better understand the disproportionate impact of nuclear radiation on women’s health and we need to develop the tools to prevent exposure. This bipartisan bill invests in important research that will help us understand the long-term effects of radiation so we can track and tackle health challenges early on. I thank Rep. Lawler for his partnership on this bill and look forward to it moving through the legislative process,” said Congressman Levin.\n\nThe full bill text can be found HERE.\n\nCongressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-advances-millions-in-new-funding-to-help-enroll-veterans-in-healthcare-services", "title": "Rep. Mike Levin Advances Millions in New Funding to Help Enroll Veterans in Healthcare Services", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "levin.house.gov", "scraper": "levin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000593", "name": "Mike Levin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Veterans Spending Bill Provides Over $2 Million for County Veteran Service Officers\n\nWatch Rep. Levin’s House Floor Remarks Here\n\nWashington, D.C—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) advanced new federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) budget bill to help veterans enroll in healthcare services and support veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while they served. The FY27 MilCon-VA bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate for a vote.\n\nThe budget bill includes $2 million to implement the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, a bipartisan bill led by Rep. Levin that was signed into law in 2024. Currently, out of 15.8 million veterans in the United States, fewer than half are enrolled in VA healthcare services. The new funding would establish a grant program to help state and local governments hire and train more county veteran service officers—the people on the ground connecting veterans to the care and benefits they have earned.\n\n“I represent Marines and Sailers on Camp Pendleton—some of the most capable, disciplined, and battle-ready men and women this nation has ever produced. So, when this Congress funds the military and our veterans, I take that responsibility seriously,” said Rep. Levin on the House Floor. “I’m proud to be a Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, and pleased that we were collectively able to put our service members and our veterans over politics. That is how this work is supposed to get done, and this bill is proof that it still can be.”\n\nThe FY27 MilCon-VA bill also includes $53.7 billion for the Toxic Exposure Fund established under the bipartisan PACT Act. This funding will help veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while they served our country in uniform.\n\nRead Rep. Levin’s House Floor remarks in support of the budget bill as prepared for delivery below:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m so honored to represent the Marines and Sailors on Camp Pendleton — some of the most capable, disciplined, and battle-ready men and women this nation has ever produced. So, when this Congress funds the military and our veterans, I take that responsibility very seriously.\n\nI’m proud to be a Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, and pleased that we were collectively able to put our service members and our veterans over politics.\n\nThat is how this work is supposed to get done, and this bill is proof that it still can be. My thanks to the Chair and the Ranking Member for their hard work.\n\nBefore serving on Appropriations, I served on the Veterans Affairs Committee for six years. During that time, we passed the PACT Act and established the Toxic Exposure Fund, because this country made a promise to our veterans that were exposed to toxic chemicals while they served, and that promise doesn't expire no matter what's happening politically in Washington, D.C.\n\nI’m so glad this bill delivers on that promise with advance funding for the Toxic Exposure Fund, and I am so proud of that bipartisan work as it continues.\n\nThis bill also includes $2 million to implement the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, or CVSO Act, a bipartisan bill I led that was signed into law as part of the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Act.\n\nRight now, out of 15.8 million veterans in this country, fewer than half are enrolled in VA health care. That is unacceptable.\n\nThis funding will establish a grant program to help state and local governments hire and train more county veteran service officers — those are the people on the ground doing the work connecting veterans to the care and benefits they’ve earned.\n\nI supported this bill in committee, and I urge my colleagues to protect this bipartisan compromise and reject any amendments that would jeopardize it.\n\nWhile it’s not perfect, as the bill stands, I am encouraged that even in this moment when we still come together across the aisle we can do big things to serve our military and our veterans.\n\nThank you, I yield back.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/announcing-pregnancy-mciver-speaks-to-hope-and-continued-fight-to-protect", "title": "Announcing Pregnancy, McIver Speaks to Hope and Continued Fight to Protect", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mciver.house.gov", "scraper": "mciver", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001229", "name": "LaMonica McIver", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) announced that she is expecting her second child. She released the following statement:\n\n“I am so excited to be welcoming a new baby to our family this fall. This moment is filled with so much joy for my family and me. Being a mom is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I am grateful that my family is growing,” said McIver. She continued, addressing the Trump DOJ’s ongoing case against her, “I have been clear that this case will not keep me from doing my job, and it will not keep me from living my life. I will keep fighting against this administration’s cruel agenda and for a better world—that’s what moms do for our babies, and it is what I have always done for my community.”\n\nMcIver already has one nine-year-old daughter. McIver is one of a small group of women serving in Congress with school-aged children and will be one of only a small handful who have given birth while holding congressional office. She has shared her reproductive health journey in the past, including her rush from a uterine fibroid removal surgery in New Jersey to make a vote in Washington, D.C., to protect healthcare for Americans.\n\nMcIver has repeatedly called for oversight of ICE and DHS, which have separated children and families and abused detainees. In a January profile in The New Yorker, she spoke about those abuses: “McIver’s fiery, sometimes combative public persona was gone; in its place was the heavy-lidded look of someone overwhelmed by what she’d just witnessed. ‘The one thing, in addition to sadness and depression and disappointment, was the whole idea that all of these people were Black and brown,’ she said. [...] She met a family from Toms River, New Jersey—a mother, son, and daughter who’d been living in the U.S. for twelve years when they were arrested by ICE.”\n\nIn April, McIver and counsel filed a brief with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in U.S. v. McIver arguing that the Trump Department of Justice cannot prosecute her for doing her job, nor can it selectively prosecute her because of her opposition to the administration’s mass deportation agenda. The government has now replied to that brief. McIver is appealing the decisions by the district court, declining to dismiss the case that was filed against her by then-interim U.S. Attorney, and Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Alina Habba. McIver’s next court appearance will be in relation to this appeal. Oral arguments before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals are slated for June 23, 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-menefee-and-dean-introduce-the-kimberly-vaughan-firearm-safe-storage-act", "title": "Reps. Menefee and Dean Introduce the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://menefee.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "menefee.house.gov", "scraper": "menefee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001245", "name": "Christian D. Menefee", "party": "Democrat", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmembers Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) and Madeleine Dean (PA-04) introduced the Kimberly Vaughn Firearm Safe Storage Act, legislation aimed at increasing education and awareness around safe firearm storage and preventing tragedies caused by unsecured firearms.\n\nThe bill is named in honor of Kimberly Vaughan, one of the 10 lives tragically stolen during the May 18, 2018 mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas. Kimberly was sitting in her art class when a classmate opened fire using firearms taken from his father that had been left unsecured in the home.\n\nThe legislation would require federally licensed firearm manufacturers, importers, and dealers to provide written safe storage information and a safe storage device with every firearm sold. It would also direct the Department of Justice to develop and distribute best practices for safe firearm storage and establish a grant program to help communities access safe storage devices. In addition, the bill would create a federal tax credit to make firearm safes and storage devices more affordable for American families seeking to responsibly own a firearm.\n\n“Safe firearm storage is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent gun violence, suicides, accidental shootings, and to keep stolen weapons from ending up in the wrong hands.” said Rep. Menefee. “That’s why I am proud to team up with Rep. Dean on this commonsense bill to increase education and awareness around safe firearm storage so we can prevent further tragedies like the Santa Fe High School shooting and keep our communities safe.”\n\n“As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to keep our communities, especially our kids, safe — yet the leading cause of death for minors in the U.S. is gun violence,” said Rep. Dean. “Unsafe storage and unsupervised firearm use is an enormous danger to our children and teens. The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act will better equip legal gun owners with safe storage practices. I’m thankful to Congressman Menefee for his leadership on this legislation. We can save lives.”\n\n“Unsecured firearms that are unlocked and loaded in the home increase the risk of intentional and unintentional gun violence. More than 73 percent of children aged 5 to 14 know where their parents keep their firearms, and more than a third have handled those guns without their parents’ knowledge. Moreover, over 90 percent of guns used in accidental shootings of children that resulted in death were left unsecured. The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act will educate, encourage, and incentivize secure firearm storage practices to keep all our loved ones safe. Brady thanks Representative Menefee for championing this lifesaving bill in his first year in office that will prevent unauthorized access to deadly weapons and reduce instances of family fire and other gun violence,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady United.\n\nUnsecured firearms contribute to preventable injuries, deaths, and gun thefts across the United States each year. Hundreds of thousands of firearms are stolen annually from homes and vehicles, with many later recovered in connection to violent crimes, including robberies and homicides. Research has consistently found that safe firearm storage practices, including the use of gun safes, lock boxes, and trigger locks, can reduce accidental shootings, youth access to firearms, and firearm suicides.\n\nThe Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act is not about restricting lawful gun ownership. It is about promoting responsible firearm storage and helping prevent avoidable tragedies through education, awareness, and access to safe storage devices.\n\nCongressman Menefee spoke on the House Floor to highlight this legislation and raise awareness about the importance of safe firearm storage. To watch the video, click here or below.\n\nImage", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2884", "title": "House Republicans Fully Fund Veterans Health Care Programs and Support Military Families", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 8469, the FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.\n\n“This legislation builds on House Republicans’ commitment to supporting veterans, American soldiers, and military families, and represents the beginning of our regular order appropriations process for FY27.\n\n“Thanks to the great work of the House Appropriations Committee, this legislation fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits, invests billions of dollars in capital and infrastructure improvements at VA medical facilities nationwide, and continues to fund critically important mental health and suicide prevention programs for American veterans.\n\nThis legislation also supports military families – the unsung heroes who keep the home fires burning while our servicemembers are away serving our country.\n\n“We owe a large debt of gratitude to America’s men and women in uniform, and this legislation reflects House Republicans commitment to our servicemembers, their families, and their wellbeing. Congress will always look out for the men and women who voluntarily took up arms to defend our nation.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405689", "title": "Griffith Statement on Spanberger Support of Anti-Second Amendment Bills", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law various measures that restrict Second Amendment rights. One bill in particular, SB 749, creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases or transfers an “assault firearm.” Additionally, the bill targets large capacity ammunition feeding devices such as magazines that hold 15 or more rounds of ammunition. The law gives Virginia’s gun owners until July 1, 2026, to make preparations for the new gun restrictions.\n\nFollowing Governor Spanberger’s action, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n“The Governor Spanberger gun grab is wrong! Not only do these extreme bills restrict Second Amendment rights, but they punish law-abiding gun owners in Virginia’s Ninth District.\n\n“This latest action, taken together with attempted partisan congressional redistricting and pushing higher energy costs, shows that the Spanberger Administration is failing to deliver for rural communities in Virginia. These actions hurt rural Virginia!\n\n“As the co-sponsor of the National Constitutional Carry Act in Congress, I will continue to stand up for lawful gun owners at the federal level and fight back against the radical left’s attempts to infringe on our fundamental right to bear arms.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongressman Griffith is a co-sponsor of H.R. 645, the National Constitutional Carry Act. The bill allows lawful U.S. gun owners to carry a firearm in any U.S. community, regardless of local or State law.\n\nCongressman Griffith’s recent e-newsletter on his support for Second Amendment rights can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405690", "title": "Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 5.15.26", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "May is a time for Congress to pay homage to America’s fallen heroes.\n\nNational Police Week is one opportunity for us to recognize our fallen law enforcement heroes.\n\nLaw enforcement works to make our communities safe from crime, drugs and other threats. Dedicated professionals in local sheriff departments, state police agencies and the Virginia Department of Corrections are among the countless heroes working for our protection.\n\nUnfortunately, such police efforts can turn serious, dangerous and even deadly.\n\nThis was particularly evident to communities in Virginia’s Ninth District after terrible news in late 2025.\n\nOfficer Jeremy Hall of Grayson County was a Corrections Officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections. He worked at the River North Correctional Center in Independence.\n\nOne day in November 2025, Officer Hall started a morning shift. That morning, an inmate at the Center unleashed an attack on multiple officers, including Officer Hall.\n\nAs a result of the attack, Officer Hall suffered serious injuries. Officer Hall lost his life.\n\nWe continue to mourn the tragic killing of Officer Hall. In DC, we honored Officer Hall’s service during National Police Week.\n\nI shared Officer Hall’s story on the House floor while defending a slew of law enforcement bills that House Republicans advanced.\n\nAs the cosponsor of H. Res. 1252, a resolution that memorializes law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, I was proud to see Members of Congress from both sides come together to support this resolution.\n\nThe resolution listed Officer Hall and the 362 other officers killed in the line of duty and whose stories were recovered during 2025.\n\nThese fallen heroes also had their names added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which is the national monument that honors law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty.\n\nWith regard to the National Police Week events that took place in DC, I stopped by a candlelight vigil on the National Mall. During the vigil, Officer Hall’s name was read aloud.\n\nWhile at the vigil, I met with Officer Hall’s widow and other Virginia law enforcement representatives.\n\nOfficer Hall’s widow showed strength when she came to DC, where she advocated for her husband and attended numerous law enforcement events. We pray for her and their family’s resilience as they continue to find comfort and honor Officer Hall’s legacy.\n\nWe also pray for every family that loses their loved ones resulting from service that protects our communities. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed and your courage inspires us all.\n\nLater in May, we will also honor the fallen heroes that served in America’s armed forces.\n\nLike President Trump, I believe in the projection of American strength. Our incredible military trains, operates and executes to deliver on American strength.\n\nOur servicemembers dedicate so much of their time, attention and stamina to this goal.\n\nBut this work takes its toll, and unfortunately it can require the ultimate sacrifice by our servicemen and women.\n\nWhile Memorial Day weekend is a time for us to spend time with family and enjoy the warmer weather, it is also an important time to reflect on this fact. Every Memorial Day, I make sure to pay tribute to the American heroes that gave their lives for our great country.\n\nWith this year being the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, it is particularly important for us to remember all the hard-fought conflicts in our nation’s history and recognize those that sacrificed their lives.\n\nThe countless names include Army Air Force Private Donald E. Bays of Lee County.\n\nPrivate Bays was stationed in the Pacific during World War II. On December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.\n\nPrivate Hays was killed during the attack.\n\nHays’ remains were never identified until recently. In 2025, they were returned home to Lee County for proper burial at the Hubbard Springs Christian Church Cemetery.\n\nFor Memorial Day, we will honor all of our fallen soldiers that paved the way for American greatness.\n\nBecause of the sacrifices of American heroes in law enforcement and the military, American security, American service and American liberty will continue to prevail.\n\nTo honor these sacrifices, communities in Virginia’s Ninth District can access numerous Memorial Day weekend activities, including the parade in Marion, and the wreath laying ceremony at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, among many others.\n\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405691", "title": "Griffith Honors Fallen SWVA Officer on House Floor, Takes Action to Support Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "domain": "morgangriffith.house.gov", "scraper": "morgangriffith", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000568", "name": "H. Morgan Griffith", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "The United States of America observes National Police Week from May 10, 2026, through May 16, 2026. As part of the weeklong observance, officers killed in the line of duty continued to be honored. This includes Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Jeremy Hall, who was killed by an inmate attack in November 2025. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith spoke on the House floor to honor Officer Hall’s service. His remarks can be watched below.\n\nGriffith Speaks on House Floor\n\n“I would be remiss if I didn't speak about the fact that this is police week. It's one of the reasons why we have these bills and others in front of us.\n\n“And this year, and unfortunately, it has happened before since I've been in office, an officer was killed in the Ninth Congressional District. Officer Hall was killed in an inmate attack at the North River Correctional Center in Independence, Virginia, which is in Grayson County, in November of last year.\n\n“Two additional officers were attacked at that time. Both are physically doing okay. But, Mr. Speaker, I don't know how you ever get over an act of violence where you witness a colleague, a friend, a brother in law enforcement being murdered.\n\n“That's really what we're about this week. And this rule promotes four bills that will help, doesn't solve everything, doesn't resolve everything. But Jeremy Hall will be remembered in another resolution coming up this week that we will be voting on to honor fallen law enforcement officers.”\n\nIn addition to his House floor remarks, Congressman Griffith is sponsor of H. Res. 1252, a resolution that memorializes law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The resolution recognizes Officer Hall among the other 2025 fallen law enforcement officers. The resolution passed the House.\n\nFurther, Congressman Griffith supported other measures this week for National Police Week. These measures include:\n\nH.R. 5625 – Cashless Bail Reporting Act\n\nH.R. 6260 – Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025\n\nH. Con. Res. 96 – Expressing support for law enforcement officers\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCongressman Griffith’s Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record that honors Officer Hall can be found here.\n\nCongressman Griffith’s Statement on National Police Week can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1723", "title": "Rep. Pettersen Amendment in Support of Fremont County VA Clinic Passes House with Bipartisan Support", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen celebrated bipartisan passage of her amendment in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations package aimed at supporting construction of a long-awaited VA clinic in Fremont County to better serve veterans in Cañon City, Florence, and surrounding communities.\n\nThe amendment comes after years of advocacy from Rep. Pettersen alongside local veterans pushing for improved access to care in a region home to an estimated 3,500 veterans in Cañon City and Florence and as many as 5,000 eligible veterans across Fremont County. Despite the large veteran population, the area still lacks a dedicated VA clinic, forcing many veterans to travel long distances to receive care.\n\n“Our veterans have sacrificed everything to serve our country. They should not have to fight through bureaucratic delays just to access the health care they’ve earned,” said Rep. Pettersen. “For too long, veterans in Fremont County have gone without the care and support they deserve, forcing them to drive long distances for care and face significant wait times. I’m proud to see bipartisan support for this clinic, and I will continue pushing to finally deliver this much-needed facility for our community.”\n\nThe amendment is just the latest in Pettersen’s ongoing efforts to construct a VA clinic in Fremont County since coming to Congress. After meeting with local officials and veterans in Fremont County and hearing their concerns about delays in the construction of a clinic, she has fought for this project to ensure veterans have access to the resources they need in Fremont County and throughout Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District.\n\n###\n\nTo access downloadable, high-quality photos, click here. To stay up-to-date on what Pettersen is doing in Congress, follow her on Twitter here, Facebook here, or Instagram here. Residents can also sign-up for her e-newsletter subscription here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2966", "title": "CTI Chairman Pfluger Leads Joint Roundtable for National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, co-led the Subcommittee's joint roundtable with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Subcommittee on the National Intelligence Enterprise. The members held the roundtable during National Police Week to examine how federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and intelligence sharing support a robust homeland security posture.\n\n“This National Police Week, it was an honor to hear directly from leaders in the law enforcement and intelligence communities about the ways we can better support their missions and ensure we are prepared to secure upcoming international events on U.S. soil. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, this roundtable was a valuable opportunity to discuss the Subcommittee’s work to reform DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis and examine ways to strengthen information sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement. At a time of heightened homeland security threats, I remain committed to giving our law enforcement officers the support and resources they need to fulfill their no-fail mission to protect the American people and our values,” said Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX).\n\nAs the United States prepares to host significant large-scale events over the next several years, including the America 250 Celebration, the FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Summer Olympics, federal law enforcement must build and maintain a productive and open line of intelligence sharing with state and local law enforcement. The roundtable highlighted the dangerous impacts of a siloed approach to law enforcement.\n\nParticipants included representatives from key law enforcement stakeholders, including the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Fusion Center Association (NFCA), Secure Community Network (SCN), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), DHS Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A), and the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEE).\n\nPictures are available for broadcast and distribution below:\n\nHouse Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Subcommittee on National Intelligence Enterprise Chairman Austin Scott (R-GA) released the following statements on the Roundtable:\n\n“Effective coordination between DHS and law enforcement is critical to identifying threats, sharing intelligence quickly, and preventing attacks before they occur. Congress must ensure that operational coordination, information sharing, and counterterrorism response capabilities are working at the speed and scale required by today’s threat environment,” said Subcommittee on National Intelligence Enterprise Chairman Austin Scott (R-GA).\n\n“As the nation prepares to host a series of high-profile, high-stakes events over the coming years, we must ensure all measures are taken to guarantee the highest level of preparedness to ensure the safety and security of all Americans in attendance. As we continue to operate in a heightened threat environment, we should never let a lack of imagination be our downfall. Robust and comprehensive intelligence sharing is a vital part of this effort. One of the most glaring and unsurprising gaps highlighted during today’s discussion was the lack of coordination and engagement between DHS’s Office of Bomb Prevention and local jurisdictions’ bomb squads. This is unacceptable and must be addressed to maintain a ‘left of boom’ posture. Additionally, as we move ahead, I look forward to working with NIE Chairman Scott, CTI Chairman Pfluger, and Chairman Garbarino within our shared jurisdiction of DHS I&A to ensure I&A is working effectively and appropriately to carry out its true mission of facilitating information sharing with state, local, and tribal law enforcement,” said House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR).", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2967", "title": "Rep. Pfluger Emphasizes Need for Local Input on Transmission Siting Decisions", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Read highlights from their discussion below:\n\nRep. Pfluger: The discussion is so important to our future, our security, and the ability for us to continue to produce what we need, with demand growing. It's not just a timely discussion; it's something that, quite frankly, we're behind on. So thank you for that, and I strongly support every aspect of generating more power, of getting that to consumers, of competing with China, and I think we should be clear-eyed on this competition with the Chinese Communist Party that would really like to take data centers, in particular, back to the mainland of China, instead of allowing them to be here. So, yes, I think we can do all of it. And I've got a couple of questions that I'll jump into. There are a variety of ways to do this, but when lines are built, and they go through private land, I think the onus is on all of us to really tell that story about what we're doing. There are a lot of concerns back in my home district. I'm supportive of having lines transmit electricity, more electricity, but we've heard a lot of concern. And this is mostly a state-level issue in the state of Texas, so less federal interaction, but I think the Nexus here is, and I'll start with Mr. Clark, but what are the best practices for ensuring that landowners and the local communities can have a meaningful voice in transmission, siting decisions?\n\nTony Clark: Congressman, thank you for the question. The first thing I would say is that if I'm making recommendations to project developers, the best recommendation I would have is to make sure you have really good land agents, because that's where it starts. I've seen a number of occasions where a project will really get off track, and it's not always electric transmission lines. It can be pipelines too. But if you have land agents who aren't working well in the community and with landowners, that can be a problem. A second recommendation I would have is anything that you can do from a congressional standpoint to open up opportunities to use things like rights of way, to streamline the federal permitting process, so that project developers don't avoid multi-use federal land. I've seen many projects where it would be better to place it on the multi-use federal land and keep it off of private landowners' land, but the project developer won't choose that route. Even though it's most cost-effective, it would be better put on multi-use land, and we're not talking about wilderness areas or things like that, but they don't go that way because they don't want to trigger federal Nexus, which then triggers all sorts of federal permitting. So I think those two things will help with landowner relations and get projects done more quickly and efficiently.\n\nRep. Pfluger: Thank you, and I'll come back to that in just a second. Your point is well taken there. I want to go to Chairman Christie. Do you believe states are better positioned than the federal government to weigh landowner concerns and to deal with them?", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2970", "title": "CTI Chairman Pfluger Holds Subcommittee Markup, Advances Bills to Strengthen Intelligence Sharing", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, led a Subcommittee markup that advanced seven bipartisan bills aimed at reforming the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A).\n\nIncluded in the bills advanced was Chairman Pfluger's bipartisan “I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026,” which would update I&A’s statutory responsibility to clearly define its focus, reinforce accountability, and improve operational effectiveness. The legislation would strengthen information sharing with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners.\n\n“The threats to our homeland are evolving, and it is critical that our intelligence posture keeps pace. The I&A Mission Reorientation Act refocused DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis on its core mission to deliver timely, actionable intelligence to state and local partners on the front lines. By strengthening information sharing and expanding our forward-deployed capabilities, this bill will close critical gaps and ensure intelligence flows swiftly to decision-makers on the ground,” Chairman Pfluger said on the need for this legislation.\n\nRead more about the markup in NextGovhere.\n\nWatch Chairman Pfluger's full opening remarks HERE or by clicking the image below:\n\nRead Chairman Pfluger's opening statement for the markup below as well:\n\n“This is a major first step in a series of crucial reforms. Every piece of legislation we’ll consider today is bipartisan, and I want to thank Ranking Member Magaziner and his staff for their partnership in this important effort. For the past year, a major focus of this Committee has been conducting oversight and learning as much as we can about the threat landscape ahead of major national events, including the World Cup, which is just a few short weeks away. As we were reminded in our Police Week roundtable that we held this morning, the bad guys only have to be right once, but we have to be right every time. And DHS I&A is on the frontlines. It’s no secret that I&A has had challenges in the past. Concerns around mission overreach, political bias, and other hurdles have hurt this agency’s reputation. Yet, everyone here recognizes how important I&A’s mission is to securing the homeland, which is why we’re here today considering seven bipartisan bills that aim to refocus the agency’s mission and improve efficiency, training, and oversight, so that I&A can fully realize and embody its unique stakeholder-facing role. I strongly support all of the bills under consideration in today’s markup.”\n\nBackground:\n\nI&A was created in 2004 to serve as the hub for intelligence information sharing between the federal government and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector (SLTTP) partners.\n\nI&A has unique authorities, making it the only Intelligence Community (IC) element statutorily required to deliver intelligence to SLTTP partners and develop intelligence from those partners for DHS and the IC. However, politicization risks and concerns regarding the protection of civil liberties under previous administrations have warranted continued oversight and reform.\n\nAccording to a 2025 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), I&A has failed to consistently complete policy requirements “due to a lack of leadership focus.”\n\nChairman Pfluger has long advocated for I&A reform to ensure that the office is best serving the nation in the way it was intended. In March, Chairman Pfluger also introduced the “Field Integration of Homeland Intelligence Act of 2026,” which would require the DHS secretary to transition I&A from a headquarters-based model to a field-based model within two years, better integrating fusion centers and law enforcement partners across the country.\n\nThis markup was after the Subcommittee's closed-door roundtable for Police Week, bringing together national law enforcement organizations, fusion centers, community-based security partners, and DHS I&A. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration, preparing for major national events, and advancing ongoing reforms within I&A.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2971", "title": "Pfluger Fly-By: May 15, 2026", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "pfluger.house.gov", "scraper": "pfluger", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000048", "name": "August Pfluger", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Friend,\n\nWelcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a weekly roundup of the work I am doing to represent you and our communities in Congress.\n\nIt was a busy week back in Washington. To honor National Police Week, I was proud to vote in favor of several pieces of legislation to support law enforcement and co-lead a roundtable with law enforcement leaders to identify security concerns before several high-profile events on U.S. soil. Back in Texas-11, I also had the pleasure of meeting with the Coleman Police and Fire Departments to honor and thank them for their service.\n\nIn addition, as Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I led a markup that advanced seven bipartisan bills, including my \"I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026.\" I also hosted Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at this week's RSC member meeting, participated in a roundtable on Airpower, cosponsored legislation to uphold Title IX, and questioned witnesses on best practices for landowners to have a meaningful voice regarding transmission siting decisions.\n\nBelow, you'll find highlights, including pictures, in-depth updates, and information on how my office can help you with any federal concerns. As always, my team and I are here to serve you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.\n\nBest,", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6070", "title": "CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ENGAGED ON WATER SPIRIT FREIGHT DISRUPTION AFFECTING VIRGIN ISLANDS SUPPLY CHAIN", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://plaskett.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "plaskett.house.gov", "scraper": "plaskett", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000610", "name": "Stacey E. Plaskett", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland\n\nMay 15, 2026 202-808-6129\n\nPRESS RELEASE\n\nCONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ENGAGED ON WATER SPIRIT FREIGHT DISRUPTION AFFECTING VIRGIN ISLANDS SUPPLY CHAIN\n\nU.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-USVI) is actively engaged with federal authorities and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority following docking restrictions imposed on Water Spirit Freight Services V.I., Inc., a St. Croix-based cargo carrier that has provided island-to-island freight service across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the broader Caribbean for more than two decades.\n\nWe all recognize this disruption poses a direct concern for Virgin Islands residents and businesses who depend on Water Spirit's freight service for the timely movement of goods between St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, and San Juan.\n\nCongresswoman Plaskett's office reached out directly to the U.S. Coast Guard and has remained in continuous contact with USCG and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. The office has also reached out to Water Spirit to help determine what the best path forward is—pursuing all forms of engagement to ensure that the Virgin Islands has a voice in these discussions as authorities work toward a resolution.\n\n\"Virgin Islanders depend on reliable cargo service — this is not an abstract maritime matter, it is a supply chain issue that affects real people and real businesses in our territory,\" said Congresswoman Plaskett. \"My office has also reached out to our own local port authority for additional support. We will continue to monitor developments and continue our advocacy for a resolution that protects the uninterrupted flow of goods to and from our territory.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2016", "title": "Congresswoman Scanlon Introduces Legislation To Facilitate State Prosecution of Criminal Actions by Immigration Agents", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://scanlon.house.gov/news/", "domain": "scanlon.house.gov", "scraper": "scanlon", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001205", "name": "Mary Gay Scanlon", "party": "Democrat", "state": "PA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government, today introduced the No Special Immunity for Violating Our State Laws Act, legislation to ensure that states don’t have to fight through legal roadblocks to prosecute appalling criminal actions by ICE or other rogue federal agents.\n\nThe Trump administration has unleashed masked and armed federal immigration forces onto American streets to terrorize communities with dangerous and unlawful tactics. Rogue agents have seriously injured people across the country, and left Americans dead in Minnesota and Texas. In the aftermath of these events, administration officials have tried to evade accountability by withholding evidence, promoting disinformation, and blocking investigations. For example, after blocking state officials from investigating the shooting of Renee Good, ICE reinstated the agent who shot and killed her. No matter where in America this administration targets, it’s clear that everyone’s rights are at stake. That’s why state and local officials need to be able to challenge such federal abuses.\n\nContrary to White House claims (especially by Stephen Miller and Vice President Vance), ICE agents don’t have absolute immunity from state criminal prosecution under the law. However, a legal doctrine known as “supremacy clause immunity” can make state prosecutions of federal officers difficult to pursue. If state prosecutors bring charges, they are likely to face a drawn-out battle to overcome claims of federal immunity before even getting to trial. These procedural barriers can take years to resolve or even cause courts to dismiss charges on the basis of federal immunity.\n\n“If violent federal immigration agents descend on our neighborhoods and break our state laws, they must be held accountable,” said Rep. Scanlon. “We need to make clear that immunity claims can’t be used to block a state’s ability to protect the people who live within its borders, including by prosecuting outrageous misconduct by federal agents.”\n\nThe No Special Immunity for Violating Our State Laws Act would ensure that any person engaged in immigration enforcement who kills or seriously injures another person cannot claim immunity from state criminal prosecution. That means states will have a clearer, quicker path to ensuring justice and holding accountable unrestrained federal forces that try to wreak havoc on our communities.\n\nFind the full bill text here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401977", "title": "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Handheld and Mobile Vehicle Radios for Bingham County Sheriff’s Office", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $440,000 in funding for the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office Mobile and Handheld Radio Update Project in Blackfoot, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“Improving communication among our law enforcement officers can truly save lives,” said Rep. Simpson. “When responding to emergencies, nothing is more important than for our law enforcement to be equipped with up-to-date resources. I join Idahoans and express my gratitude to our brave law enforcement officers for their tireless work in keeping our communities safe. As Idaho’s only appropriator, I take pride in advocating for funding to support these dedicated heroes and their service.”\n\n“We are extremely thankful for Congressman Simpson’s support of Idaho First Responders. Funds secured by Congressman Simpson will allow us to make critical updates to our outdated radio units, both handheld and those that are mobile in vehicles. This technology is an increasingly large, daunting task for all First Responders to keep up with through local funding mechanisms, but it is a lifeline for us and those we serve. Congressman Simpson’s willingness to support us in emergency communications—when lives are on the line and every second counts—tells us that he clearly understands priorities and wants to keep Idahoans safe,” said Chief Deputy of Bingham County Sheriff’s Office Jordyn Nebeker.\n\nThis funding would be used to secure 30 handheld radio units and 25 mobile radio units for mission-critical Law Enforcement emergency communication needs. The Bingham County Sheriff's Office is experiencing a major need to make capital improvements to replace outdated and/or end-of-life handheld and mobile radios.\n\nAs Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401979", "title": "Rep. Simpson Votes to Fully Fund Veterans Health Care and Benefits", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement. This bill champions America’s veterans by fully funding veterans’ health care programs and benefits. This legislation also supports military families, strengthens America’s defense, and supports the Trump administration’s policy initiatives.\n\n“One of my top priorities in Congress is supporting our troops and veterans,” said Rep. Simpson. “By fully funding veterans’ health care programs and benefits, investing in mental health services, prioritizing funding for military family housing, and so much more, this legislation fulfills our promises to those who have sacrificed so greatly for our country. This is a must-pass bill each year to honor the brave men and women who have courageously served.”\n\nHighlights of the bill include:\n\nFully funding veterans’ health care programs.\n\nFully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.\n\nProtecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans, preventing VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.\n\nSupporting the Trump Administration’s efforts in improving mental health and suicide prevention among veterans.\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill keeps America’s promise to its veterans by fully funding veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and other critical VA programs. The measure was approved with a vote of 400 to 15.\n\nThis funding package will now go to the Senate for further consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/5/house-passes-stanton-led-bipartisan-amendments-improving-native-american-veteran-health-care-access", "title": "House Passes Stanton-Led Bipartisan Amendments Improving Native American Veteran Health Care Access", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC - The House passed two bipartisan amendments led by U.S. Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ) to improve health care access and culturally competent care for tens of thousands of Native American veterans living in rural communities across the United States. The amendments passed unanimously as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Veterans Affairs funding bill.\n\n\"Native Americans have served in the military at higher rates than other communities, yet many still face unnecessary barriers to accessing the VA benefits and care they have rightly earned,\" Stanton said. \"These common-sense, bipartisan amendments provide a necessary increase in funding that will make VA health care more accessible and address gaps in culturally competent care.\"\n\nThe first amendment redirects $5 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health to support mobile clinics and targeted clinical staffing for Tribal veterans in rural and underserved communities. The funding aims to address the geographic barriers many Native American veterans face when seeking care. Veterans living on sovereign Tribal lands outside the Phoenix metro area can face drives of up to four hours to reach the Carl T. Hayden Phoenix VA Medical Center.\n\nThe second amendment emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care for Tribal veterans. It encourages the VA Secretary to consult directly with Tribal partners on expanding the hiring of culturally competent clinical staff and restoring culturally significant insignia at facilities serving Native veterans. This follows the Trump Administration's removal of flags representing Arizona's 22 federally recognized Tribes from the Phoenix VA Medical Center — a decision that sent a troubling message that these communities' sacrifices are being overlooked or erased.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://stanton.house.gov/2026/5/stanton-leads-efforts-to-renew-his-commitment-to-protect-taiwan-during-week-of-trump-xi-summit", "title": "Stanton Leads Efforts to Renew His Commitment to Protect Taiwan During Week of Trump- Xi Summit", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "stanton.house.gov", "scraper": "stanton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001211", "name": "Greg Stanton", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Taiwan Caucus, is helping to pass and lead bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s partnership with Taiwan and support its defense during a time of growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.\n\nAhead of President Trump’s high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, Representative Stanton joined Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02), in introducing a bipartisan resolution reaffirming longstanding U.S. policy toward Taiwan. The measure underscores that Taiwan’s future must be determined solely by peaceful means and reiterates U.S. opposition to any use of force or coercion against Taiwan and its people.\n\n“Taiwan has shown a serious commitment to its own defense, and the United States must hold up our end of the deal,” said Congressman Stanton in remarks on the House Floor following Trump’s visit to Beijing this week, criticizing the Trump Administration’s decision to withhold a $14 billion defense sale to Taiwan.\n\nStanton also helped advance the bipartisan PORCUPINE Act out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday streamlining the delivery of critical U.S. defense systems to Taiwan and strengthening deterrence against Chinese aggression as regional security challenges intensify. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and passed the Senate in December 2025. Specifically, the legislation would:\n\nDefine Taiwan as a “NATO-plus” country — meaning shorter approval timelines for arms sales to Taiwan and a higher cost threshold requiring congressional approval.\n\nGive the President authority to reduce or waive certain fees for arms sales to Taiwan.\n\nStreamline reporting requirements for certain arms sales.\n\nRequire the State Department to conduct a feasibility assessment for expediting licenses for allies to transfer military equipment to Taiwan.\n\nAdditionally, Stanton co-led bipartisan legislation alongside Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Young Kim (CA-40) recognizing May 10–16, 2026, as Taiwanese American Heritage Week to honor the more than 700,000 Taiwanese Americans who have contributed to communities across the United States as innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, members of the Armed Forces, and leaders in science and technology. The resolution also recognizes the close people-to-people ties between the United States and Taiwan and the shared democratic values that continue to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership.\n\nStanton has repeatedly emphasized that Taiwan’s security is directly tied to America’s economy and national security, particularly as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) continues its historic largest foreign direct investment in Arizona of over $260 billion, helping make the state a global hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-votes-to-support-veterans-healthcare-and-benefits", "title": "Rep. Sykes Votes to Support Veterans’ Healthcare and Benefits", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "sykes.house.gov", "scraper": "sykes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001223", "name": "Emilia Strong Sykes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in favor of H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, legislation that funds veterans’ health care, benefits, toxic exposure treatment, and opioid prevention programs.\n\nThe bill provides $481 billion for fiscal year 2027, nearly $32 billion more than current funding levels. The bill also provides advance funding through fiscal year 2028 to ensure veterans continue receiving uninterrupted care and benefits.\n\n“Our veterans should never have to fight for access to healthcare or the benefits they earned serving our country. This funding helps ensure they receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve,” said Rep. Sykes.\n\nThe legislation includes:\n\n$121 billion for veterans’ medical care nationwide;\n\n$54.6 billion for the Toxic Exposures Fund in FY27 funding and $53.7 million in advance FY28 funding to support veterans exposed to toxic substances;\n\n$710 million for opioid prevention and treatment programs;\n\nAdvance funding through FY28 for medical services, community care, and medical facilities.\n\nThe bill could directly support more than 40,000 veterans living in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, including veterans who rely on the Akron VA Clinic, Akron West VA Clinic, Canton VA Clinic, Summit County VA Clinic, Stark County Vet Center, and Stark County Mobile Vet Center.\n\nOhio continues to face the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic. In 2023, the state recorded 4,452 unintentional overdose deaths. In 2024, Summit County recorded 101 accidental fatal overdoses, while Stark County recorded 104 overdose deaths.\n\nRep. Sykes also expressed concern about provisions in the bill that could weaken federal gun safety protections and cuts to military construction projects that may affect projects supporting servicemembers and military families across Ohio.\n\nThe legislation passed the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-tokuda-presses-army-secretary-on-hawaii-training-land-lease-talks-demands-commitment-to-rule-out-condemnation", "title": "Rep. Tokuda Presses Army Secretary on Hawaiʻi Training Land Lease Talks, Demands Commitment to Rule Out Condemnation", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://tokuda.house.gov/media/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1&", "domain": "tokuda.house.gov", "scraper": "tokuda", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000487", "name": "Jill N. Tokuda", "party": "Democrat", "state": "HI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jill N. Tokuda (HI-02) questioned Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the future of State-owned training lands in Hawaiʻi, including lands at Pōhakuloa Training Area.\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. Tokuda raised concerns over whether discussions with the State of Hawaiʻi have included alternatives to condemnation, including a lease extension or new lease agreement. She pressed Secretary Driscoll to rule out the use of condemnation authority to seize State lands and demanded good-faith negotiations that prioritize the best interests of the people of Hawaiʻi.\n\n“You have time to make sure that for this land that we are talking about, we can leave it to the next generation of Hawaiians to determine the sovereignty and autonomy of this land,” said Rep. Tokuda.“Condemnation would take that away from them.”\n\nFull clip of the hearing for media use can be found here. Full clip on Rep. Tokuda’s channel available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3793", "title": "Congressman Valadao Votes to Fully Fund Benefits for Central Valley Servicemembers and Veterans", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://valadao.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "valadao.house.gov", "scraper": "valadao", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000129", "name": "David G. Valadao", "party": "Republican", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This bill includes critical investments to modernize military infrastructure, support combat readiness, and enhance the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families.\n\n“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I was proud to support the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,” said Congressman Valadao. “Our servicemembers and veterans have made great sacrifices in defense of our nation, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they have access to the benefits they’ve earned. This bill fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits programs, invests in critical quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers and their families, and continues efforts to advance construction of the new Bakersfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic. As the first FY27 funding package to pass the House, this legislation reflects our commitment to those who serve, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to move the remaining appropriations bills forward.”\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\nFully funds veterans' healthcare programs\n\nFully funds veterans' benefits\n\nReaffirms our commitment to the construction of the Bakersfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic\n\nMaintains funding for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans\n\nInvests over $2 billion in capital improvements for VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries\n\nProvides resources to improve mental health and suicide prevention among veterans\n\nFully funds the Community Care account, which empowers veterans to seek specialty care to meet their unique needs\n\nInvests $90 million for the design of barracks and child development centers to address current deficiencies\n\nFunds improvements in Department of Defense family housing for active servicemembers and their families\n\nBackground:\n\nThe FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes a total discretionary allocation of $157 billion, which is nearly $4 billion (3%) above the FY26 enacted level. This bill also provides $323.9 billion for mandatory programs, for a total of $469.49 billion in overall funding. Last month, the FY27 bill was approved by the full House Appropriations Committee with a unanimous vote of 58 to 0.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/15/vindman-honors-law-enforcement-officers-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-during-national-police-week/", "title": "Vindman Honors Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) yesterday supported a resolution honoring police officers and law enforcement personnel and reaffirming the importance of ensuring they have the resources needed to keep our communities safe.\n\n“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities and keep Virginia’s families safe,” said Vindman. “This National Police Week, I’m proud to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who continue to serve our neighborhoods with professionalism and dedication, and to remember the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.”\n\nThe resolution recognizes the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers across the country and expresses gratitude and condolences to the families and loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It also highlights the need to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve to help keep neighborhoods safe.\n\nRead the full text of the resolution HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman has been a champion for law enforcement across Virginia and the United States. In 2026, Vindman secured more than $2,750,000 for law enforcement and public safety projects in Virginia’s Seventh District as part of a U.S. House-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill.\n\nSince coming to Congress, Vindman has led key congressional efforts — like the Nitazene Control Act, the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, and the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act — to give law enforcement the tools they need to tackle the fentanyl and nitazene crises.\n\nVindman has cosponsored the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act, and the COPS Reauthorization Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=557", "title": "Walkinshaw Legislation to Strengthen Veteran Tech Training and Boost Job Outcomes Clears Committee", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs today advanced Congressman James R. Walkinshaw's (VA-11) bipartisan Veteran Technology Employment Success Act, moving the legislation one step closer to ensuring the VA's Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program is reaching its full potential for America's veterans. The program helps veterans and transitioning service members gain skills for high-demand technology careers and move into good-paying civilian jobs.\n\n\"Making the transition from military service to civilian life isn't easy, and our veterans deserve every advantage we can give them. This bill is about building on what VET TEC is already doing well and making sure we are squeezing every last opportunity out of it so veterans can thrive in good-paying tech careers,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “By strengthening transparency and holding providers accountable, we can make a strong program even stronger for those who have already given so much to our country.\"\n\nThe bipartisan Veteran Technology Employment Success Act would require the VA to publicly report employment outcomes, standardize how job placement is calculated to prevent inflated numbers, expand reporting to cover full-time, part-time, and self-employment, and strengthen participant feedback to drive program improvement.\n\nRep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-3) and Rep. Abraham J. Hamadeh (AZ-8) are cosponsors of the legislation. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.\n\nBackground: Recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports found significant gaps in how the VA's Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses program tracks employment outcomes and collects participant feedback, making it difficult to evaluate whether veterans are actually getting results. Walkinshaw's legislation responds directly to those findings, requiring the VA to give veterans accurate, transparent data.\n\nRead Congressman Walkinshaw’s bill text here and the Committee cleared bill text here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=558", "title": "Walkinshaw Statement on Trump’s $1.7 Billion Plan to Cut Checks to Political Allies with Taxpayer Dollars", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, issued the following statement on reports that President Trump is moving to create a $1.7 billion taxpayer-funded fund for January 6 defendants, Trump-connected entities, and MAGA allies.\n\n“New reporting shows Donald Trump is moving to create a $1.7 billion slush fund to cut checks with your tax dollars to January 6 defendants, Trump-connected entities, and MAGA allies claiming they were wrongfully targeted by the Biden Administration. No oversight. No transparency. No accountability.\n\nFamilies are stretching every paycheck to keep food on the table, gas in the tank, and a roof over their heads. Meanwhile, President Trump is reaching into those same taxpayers’ pockets to reward his political allies instead of lowering costs or helping working families.\n\nLet’s call this what it is: corruption in plain sight. President Trump and his allies are openly stealing from the American people by using the machinery of government to reward political loyalists with taxpayer money.\n\nCongress has the power of the purse, and we have an obligation to use it to stop this abuse.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=559", "title": "Walkinshaw Amendment to Improve Clean Air Standards at VA and Military Facilities Passes U.S. House", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "walkinshaw.house.gov", "scraper": "walkinshaw", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000831", "name": "James R. Walkinshaw", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment by Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) that supports establishing indoor air quality and ventilation standards at VA and military facilities, backed by independent oversight to ensure those standards are actually met.\n\n\"Our veterans and service members deserve world-class facilities. That is why I fought to pass this amendment — to establish strong indoor air quality and ventilation standards at VA and military facilities, with independent oversight to make sure those standards are actually being met. Our troops and veterans have already sacrificed enough. The last thing they should have to worry about is breathing clean air in the buildings where they receive care and serve our country.\"\n\nThe measure was adopted through an en bloc vote as part of the 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. It now heads to the Senate.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3499", "title": "Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "domain": "wassermanschultz.house.gov", "scraper": "wassermanschultz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000797", "name": "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "party": "Democrat", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington D.C. – In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, led by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Nikema Williams (D-GA) proudly celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, and released the following statement:\n\n\"As we mark Jewish American Heritage Month this May, we honor generations of Jewish Americans whose faith, resilience, and leadership in all facets of American life have contributed to our nation's strength.\n\n\"We also recognize the historic bonds between Black and Jewish people in the United States, forged through our shared struggle for justice, civil rights, and equality under the law. The achievements of Black Jewish Americans like Rabbi Alysa Stanton, the first Black woman rabbi, are a point of pride for both communities.\n\n\"At a time of rising antisemitic and racist attacks, political violence, and cynical efforts to reverse decades of progress and undermine our democracy, this solidarity has never been more essential.\n\n“This May, as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, we recommit to our mission of building cross-community collaboration, defeating hate in all forms, and fending off attacks on our fundamental rights as Americans.\"\n\n####", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-introduces-bill-to-study-impact-of-traumatic-births", "title": "Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Study Impact of Traumatic Births", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "scraper": "watsoncoleman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000822", "name": "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced theTraumatic Births Research Act, legislation that would authorize research on the impacts of traumatic birth experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder on mothers, infants, and their families, as well as evaluate how midwife-driven care can improve maternal health outcomes.\n\nMaternal mental health (MMH) disorders—such as postpartum depression and PTSD—are the most common complication of childbirth, affecting about one in five U.S. women, and have worsened significantly in recent years. Many of these challenges stem from the birth experience itself. A staggering one in three women report birth-related trauma, and one in five report mistreatment in healthcare settings during pregnancy or childbirth. Women of color face a higher rate of complications and substandard care, contributing to poorer mental health outcomes. Up to 40% of Black and Latina mothers experience postpartum depressive symptoms—about twice the rate of white mothers—and are significantly less likely to receive treatment.\n\nThe bill would also include research into how midwife-driven care can decrease the frequency of traumatic births and improve outcomes for mothers. In many high-income countries, midwives serve as the primary maternity care providers, resulting in significantly better birth outcomes. Given their proven success globally, studying the impact of midwives and doulas in the U.S. could greatly improve maternal health and reduce MMH disorders.\n\nTwo recent incidents brought attention to the pervasiveness of traumatic birth experiences. In November 2025, Mercedes Wells was turned away from an Indiana hospital while in active labor. Minutes later, Mercedes' daughter was born on the side of the road while her husband attempted to drive her to another hospital. A few days earlier, in a Dallas hospital, Kiara Jones was left in a hospital triage room for 30 minutes while in active labor. Jones gave birth minutes after she was finally moved to a labor and delivery room.\n\n“In 2025, two Black women faced traumatic birthing experiences at opposite ends of the country that raised the issue of how women, and especially women of color, are treated in hospitals,” said Watson Coleman. “Traumatic births lead to higher rates of complications. Through this bill, we will finally get mothers the much-needed answer to questions surrounding trauma, birth, and mental health. With sufficient research, we can implement practices that can save lives.”\n\nThe Traumatic Births Research Act is endorsed by the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.\n\n“No mother should leave childbirth carrying invisible trauma without support or recognition,” said Jamie Zahlaway Belsito, Founder and Director of Policy and Partnerships for Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. “This bill is an important step toward addressing traumatic birth experiences, maternal PTSD, and the long-term impacts on mothers and infants. It also recognizes the critical role midwives play in providing compassionate, patient-centered care that can improve maternal mental health outcomes. As the U.S. continues to face an ongoing maternal health crisis, we must center equity and expand access to respectful, culturally responsive care, especially for women in underserved communities and women of color who continue to experience disproportionately high maternal mortality rates.”\n\nThe Traumatic Births Research Act is cosponsored by Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Hank Johnson (GA-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and André Carson (IN-07).", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EA23998E-643E-41DE-A75D-F8BC050B7703", "title": "Webster Votes to Support America’s Veterans and Strengthen Military Readiness", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://webster.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "webster.house.gov", "scraper": "webster", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000806", "name": "Daniel Webster", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. This bill provides funding for military construction projects, veterans’ health care and benefits, servicemember housing, and national defense infrastructure.\n\n“For years, I have called on Congress to return to regular order by advancing individual appropriations bills,” said Rep. Webster. “Today, I voted to fulfill this responsibility by supporting our servicemembers, strengthen military readiness, and ensure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice.”\n\nH.R. 8469 funds veterans’ medical services, including medical care, community care programs, caregiver support, and toxic exposure research. It also invests in military construction projects for every branch of the armed forces, strengthens military family housing, and improves facilities that support servicemembers and their families.\n\nHighlights of H.R. 8469 include:\n\nFully funds veterans’ health care programs.\n\nStrengthens oversight at the Department of Veterans Affairs through enhanced reporting requirements.\n\nInvests in military readiness and quality of life for servicemembers and military families through funding military construction, barracks improvements, and family housing, child development centers.\n\nUpholds longstanding protections against taxpayer-funded abortion, DEI initiatives, and so-called “gender transition” procedures.\n\nProtects veterans’ Second Amendment rights by prohibiting the VA from reporting veterans to the NICS database solely because they require fiduciary assistance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410773", "title": "House Passes First Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill, Increasing Resources for Veteran Care and Critical Military Infrastructure", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://womack.house.gov/news", "domain": "womack.house.gov", "scraper": "womack", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000809", "name": "Steve Womack", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 15, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill allocates $157 billion in discretionary funding—nearly $4 billion over the FY 2026 enacted level.\n\nCongressman Womack said, “House Appropriators have made it a top priority to restore regular order to the annual government funding process, and today’s House passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill brings us closer to achieving that objective. Moreover, this bill fully funds support systems for our veterans while also strengthening the infrastructure our servicemembers rely on to protect our nation. It is my hope that we can continue this momentum and pass full‑year funding bills on time for Fiscal Year 2027, fulfilling our responsibility to the American people.”\n\nBill highlights:\n\nSupports our veterans by:\n\nFully funding veterans’ health care programs.\n\nFully funding veterans’ benefits.\n\nMaintaining funding for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.\n\nInvesting over $2 billion in capital improvements for VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries.\n\nBolsters U.S. national security by:\n\nProviding robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support United States advanced weapons systems.\n\nIncreasing funding for the design of barracks and child development centers, enhancing quality of life of servicemembers and their families.\n\nCongressman Womack’s speech in support of the bill can be viewed HERE.\n\nA summary of the bill is available HERE.\n\nThe bill text is available HERE.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\n\nwomack.house.gov\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/roduce-legislation-to-protect-at-risk-wildlife", "title": "On Endangered Species Day, Blumenthal & Grijalva Introduce Legislation to Protect At-Risk Wildlife", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ) today introduced the Extinction Prevention Act, legislation that would provide much-needed funding for some of the country’s most imperiled yet vastly underfunded wildlife species.\n\n“This legislation recognizes that saving wildlife from extinction requires more than just rhetoric—real resources are essential,” said Blumenthal. “Endangered species and their habitats can be sustained, but only if we back words with action.”\n\n“As the loss of biodiversity accelerates at an alarming rate, we cannot afford to keep treating conservation as an afterthought,” said Grijalva. “The Extinction Prevention Act makes long-overdue investments in some of the most imperiled and overlooked species in our country, from North American butterflies to Southwest desert fish that are uniquely adapted to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth. In Arizona and across the Southwest, these native fish species are already facing devastating threats from drought, water scarcity, habitat destruction, and climate change. We have a responsibility to future generations to make sure we do not lose these species forever.”\n\nThis legislation would create four separate funds of $5 million per year through Fiscal Year 2032 with the purpose of providing financial assistance to projects that help conserve and recover four groups of species: North American butterflies, Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels, and Southwest desert fish. Habitat protection for these species is chronically underfunded despite them being among the species most at risk of extinction:\n\nNorth American butterflies—one of the fastest declining groups of all endangered species—have not seen a single species improve among the 39 listed.\n\nThe situation is equally dire in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, where nearly 400 plant species are threatened or endangered, representing almost a quarter of all listed species. In Hawaii, over 200 plant species have dwindled to fewer than 50 wild individuals.\n\nFreshwater mussels are currently the most imperiled animal group in the country, with 70 percent of U.S. species at risk of extinction and 38 species already lost.\n\nSouthwest desert fish are being threatened by drought and water scarcity, resulting in significant population and habitat reductions. Currently, over 45 species are listed as endangered or threatened.\n\nTargeted funds under the legislation would support on-the-ground conservation projects to stabilize and save from extinction the most critically endangered species from each of the four groups. States, Tribes, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, wildlife management authorities, and others may apply for these funds.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and endorsed by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Animal Welfare Institute, the American Bird Conservancy, the Endangered Species Coalition, and the Sierra Club.\n\n“Some of America’s most amazing and vulnerable species are rapidly disappearing for the appalling reason that we’ve failed to invest in their recovery,” said Stephanie Kurose, deputy director of government affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Extinction Prevention Act will help deliver the emergency support needed to save the most critically endangered animals and plants that make up our natural heritage. We’re so thankful to Sen. Blumenthal and the other sponsors for helping to give these species a fighting chance.”\n\nText of the Senate legislation can be found here.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=65605DD8-017D-468E-A6DE-FF423A8BFF36", "title": "Boozman Honored with Lifetime of Excellence Award for Service to Optometry and Vision Care", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "Sen. Boozman accepts the Arkansas Optometric Association Lifetime of Excellence Award. (Photo by Michael Pirnique)\n\nWASHINGTON—The Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) presented U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its Lifetime of Excellence Award in recognition of his distinguished career in optometry, public service and advocacy for patient access to vision care.\n\n“It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow optometrists dedicated to improving eye health and ensuring optometry remains a viable and rewarding profession,” said Boozman. “Serving families in Arkansas over many years was a privilege and showed me the importance of protecting access to high-quality care. Now as a lawmaker, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue driving policies that support providers while advancing vision health for patients across America.”\n\n“Senator Boozman has left an indelible mark on optometry and patient care not only in Arkansas, but throughout the country,” said ArOA Executive Director Matt Burns. “We are excited to honor him and to recognize his decades of service to the profession and the state.”\n\nBoozman co-founded a successful eye-care practice with his brother in Northwest Arkansas that became a major regional provider offering a full range of vision services. He also established the low vision program at the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock, provided support to low-income families and delivered care while on mission trips to Haiti and Costa Rica. The senator completed his pre-optometry studies at the University of Arkansas before earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977.\n\nAs a member of Congress, Boozman has demonstrated steadfast leadership on behalf of optometry providers and patients. He is a member of Congressional Vision Caucus and has championed legislation to improve access to care, strengthen physician reimbursement, expand delivery of vision services for children and underserved populations, as well as support servicemembers experiencing combat-related eye injuries. His policy efforts have also delivered enhanced eye care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, veterans and Americans living with blindness or low vision.\n\nThe Arkansas Optometric Association, founded in 1906, represents optometrists across The Natural State and advocates policies that support access to vision care and advance the profession of optometry. The association presented the award during its convention recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and contributions to optometry and patient outcomes.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C6363935-8591-41C3-A330-6A12F420EFE3", "title": "Boozman Joins Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.boozman.senate.gov", "scraper": "boozman", "member": null, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman announced he has joined the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, a collection of lawmakers committed to sustaining the key program that provides discounts to certain nonprofit health care providers, hospitals and clinics on outpatient drugs, replacing former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).\n\n“The 340B program is a lifeline for hospitals and clinics across Arkansas, helping vulnerable patients access prescriptions while empowering providers to put savings toward additional services and care in their communities,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join the bipartisan coalition in the Senate leading the effort to protect and strengthen it. We look forward to advancing solutions that support this essential resource and provide confidence and certainty to participants.\n\n“We are pleased to welcome Sen. Boozman to the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, which exists to further the shared goal of strengthening the 340B program to maintain its long-term viability. The 340B program fulfills a critical purpose of keeping costs low for eligible health care providers and the patients they serve. The Working Group has made significant progress throughout the years, and now joined by Sen. Boozman, we look forward to continuing our work together on solutions to support this important program,” said 340B Bipartisan Working Group Members Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).\n\nThe Working Group has existed for more than a decade and is comprised of members who support the 340B program and are committed to sustaining it.\n\nIn the 118th Congress, the Working Group requested feedback from stakeholders on how to improve the 340B program through bipartisan policy solutions and released a legislative discussion draft and supplemental request for information. The legislative discussion draft reflected the Working Group’s belief that the program provides a critical benefit to eligible health care providers that enables them to stretch federal resources to provide healthcare services for the patients they serve. The draft also acknowledged concerns from stakeholders about ambiguity in the program and how transparency is needed to ensure the program is serving eligible patients as originally intended.\n\nMoving forward, the Working Group will continue its efforts to incorporate the information shared by stakeholders into legislation that provides clarity, transparency and accountability in the 340B program to ensure the program remains strong long into the future.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe 340B program requires that drug manufacturers who participate in Medicaid and Medicare provide certain non-profit health care providers, hospitals and clinics (covered entities) a discount on outpatient drugs. The 340B program enables covered entities to use these savings to provide more comprehensive services to eligible patients and their communities.", "collected_at": "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-honors-fallen-alabama-conservation-officer-shawn-nixon-during-national-police-week/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Alabama Conservation Officer Shawn Nixon During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Officer Shawn Nixon of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.\n\nSenator Britt made the following remarks on Officer Nixon:\n\n“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.\n\n“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.\n\n…\n\n“Shawn Nixon was always known as a ‘man on a mission.’ This was evident through his incredible performance in the field, which was rightfully recognized. So much so that he was nominated for an unprecedented 14 Officer of the Year awards. He was ultimately honored with the Shikar Safari Officer of the Year award just two years ago. Shawn wasn’t just an incredible officer, though. He was a loving father and a loyal friend. He was remembered by all who know him, his two children, and countless friends, and the entire Alabama police community as a man whose mission will continue to live on. And they will carry their memory, his memory, with them.\n\n…\n\n“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late, don’t wait until after their service.\n\n“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”\n\nYou can watch the Senator’s remarks honoring Officer Nixon here and her full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-honors-fallen-alabama-officer-dallas-hinton-during-national-police-week/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Alabama Officer Dallas Hinton During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Officer Dallas Hinton of the Thomasville Police Department.\n\nSenator Britt made the following remarks on Officer Hinton:\n\n“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.\n\n“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.\n\n…\n\n“I’d also like to recognize Dallas Hinton. In the greatest nation in the world, young people are fortunate to have what seems like endless paths they can take in life. Dallas chose one of the most noble paths possible by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After his time in the Marines came to an end, Dallas became a police officer with the Thomasville Police Department just two years ago. Dallas served the Thomasville community with the same strength, courage, and valor that he displayed during his time in the Marines. And at just 25 years old, when he had his whole life ahead of him, his life unfortunately was cut short. I am confident it would have been a bright one. He leaves behind a loving fiancée, a mother, a father, as well as two brothers and two sisters. It is my hope that we can all lead our lives with the same courage that Dallas did. He will not be forgotten, and his spirit of service will live on across Alabama with the many lives that he touched.\n\n…\n\n“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late, don’t wait until after their service.\n\n“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”\n\nYou can watch the Senator’s remarks honoring Officer Hinton here and her full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-honors-fallen-officer-corporal-david-hathcock-during-national-police-week/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Officer Corporal David Hathcock During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Corporal David Hathcock of the Montgomery Police Department.\n\nSenator Britt made the following remarks on Cpl. Hathcock:\n\n“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.\n\n“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.\n\n…\n\n“Only a couple of months ago, the Montgomery community mourned the loss of David Hathcock, a 20-year veteran of the Montgomery Police Department. Being a part of any community for that long, much less protecting it every single day, you are bound to make a lasting impact. That’s exactly what Corporal Hathcock did.\n\n“He was considered a leader by those around him, even those who were more senior than him in the department, but especially young officers looked to him as they rose through the ranks for guidance and as an incredible example. David led with excellence, pride and courage, which trickled down throughout the entire department. His memory will live on through his wife and two daughters, as well as countless colleagues and Montgomery residents whose lives he touched.\n\n…\n\n“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late. Don’t wait until after their service.\n\n“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”\n\nYou can watch Senator Britt’s remarks remembering Cpl. Hathcock here and her full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-honors-fallen-officer-lieutenant-mark-meadows-during-national-police-week/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Officer Lieutenant Mark Meadows During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Lieutenant Mark Meadows of the Irondale Police Department.\n\nSenator Britt made the following remarks on Lt. Meadows:\n\n“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.\n\n“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.\n\n…\n\n“Mr. President, I would like to recognize Lieutenant Mark Meadows. An Army Ranger veteran, Lieutenant Meadows was no stranger to service. After beginning his career as a police officer in Mountain Brook in 1992, Mark found his home in Irondale, Alabama. He became a fixture of that community, serving the Irondale Police Department for over 30 years. Outside of work, he was a helping hand to all who needed it, helping to coordinate traffic security or the security at his home church. He did that for more than a decade. Mark was the real deal and will always be remembered as leaning in and helping those who needed it most.\n\n…\n\n“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late, don’t wait until after their service.\n\n“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”\n\nYou can watch Senator Britt’s remarks honoring Lt. Meadows here and her full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-joins-colleagues-in-resolutions-backing-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Colleagues in Resolutions Backing Law Enforcement During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined several of her Senate colleagues in sponsoring bipartisan resolutions recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers during National Police Week. She is a proud cosponsor of Senator Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) resolution expressing support for police officers across the country, honoring those killed or injured in the line of duty, and calling for increased resources for law enforcement. She’s also a cosponsor of Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) resolution, S.Res.735, designating May 10 through May 16, 2026, as “National Police Week.”\n\nYesterday, S.Res.735 passed the Senate by unanimous consent.\n\n“This National Police Week, we honor the unwavering commitment and dedication of our law enforcement officers, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Britt. “Across our nation, these brave men and women risk their lives to protect our communities, leaving their homes and putting themselves in harm’s way so we can safely return to ours. Each and every day, they courageously put the safety of others above of their own. I am deeply grateful for their service in upholding the rule of law and strengthening the communities they serve.”\n\nSenator Britt is deeply honored to support the efforts and sacrifices of our nation’s law enforcement officers, and is a proud cosponsor of the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provides new tools for officers to protect themselves.\n\nSenator Britt also honored four fallen Alabama law enforcement officers this week on the floor of the Senate, including Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton, Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-questions-fbi-director-kash-patel-atf-director-robert-cekada-on-fy27-budget-requests-in-senate-appropriations-hearing/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Questions FBI Director Kash Patel, ATF Director Robert Cekada on FY27 Budget Requests in Senate Appropriations Hearing", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined a hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to review the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Requests for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The hearing featured testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel, DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, USMS Director Gadyaces Serralta and ATF Director Robert Cekada.\n\nSenator Britt thanked FBI Director Patel for the work the Bureau has done to keep Alabama communities safe: “I want to just highlight some of the great work that the FBI has done in Alabama. So, over the last year, we have seen the Bureau oversee the arrest of 1,187 criminals. We have seen you seize 31kg of cocaine and over three [kilograms] of fentanyl. If you look over just the last four months alone, you have arrested [154] criminals, 15 of which have crimes related to human trafficking or crimes against children. And that includes a two-week operation, Operation Southern Star in Montgomery, Alabama, which was an interagency operation where I believe you had 63 arrests, 52 guns recovered and 40 drug seizures. As a resident of Montgomery and as someone who is raising her children there, I want to say thank you on behalf of me, on behalf of all the moms and dads that are that are raising their family there and behalf of our community, we say, thank you.”\n\nSenator Britt continued, “I know that this is not just Alabama where you’re doing this, you’re doing this across the country. It is why the FBI has overseen the largest dip in recorded murders in history … I think it is also why you have asked for a significant increase when it comes to actually returning to your mission of putting criminals behind bars … Can you talk about how that increase would help you continue the good work that you’re doing in Alabama, going after criminals, violent criminals, cartels and others, and of course, across the country as well?”\n\nFBI Director Patel highlighted how investing in Redstone Arsenal’s world-class advanced training capabilities will continue to strengthen our law enforcement personnel: “[W]hat we also need to do is work with our state and local folks in the field and provide them with the advanced training capabilities they need. Specifically, for instance, the drone program capability, we launched the first ever of its kind … a counter-UAS program down at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. We’ve graduated 65 state cops from that program. The waitlist is long. Every single agency across the country wants their police officers there … So, the enhancements we’ve requested specifically relate(d) to … Redstone Arsenal are advancing training capabilities, including our cyber center, our TEDAC school, and we’re the only ones in the world that have a ballistic research facility that’s housed at Redstone Arsenal. That’s how we train the next generation of law enforcement officials.”\n\nIn her second line of questioning, Senator Britt addressed ATF Director Cekada regarding illicit Chinese vapes, saying, “I know that we discussed at your confirmation hearing the great work the ATF is doing to combat the flow of illicit Chinese vapes into our nation. … These unsafe products target kids in many instances, and I think we have got to put a stop to this.”\n\nDirector Cekada responded, noting the need for an increased budget to curtail the flow of illicit vapes, stating, “as you mentioned, Director Serralta … Administrator Cole … and our partners at the FDA are working hand in hand to identify these wholesalers and retailers that are dealing in these illicit vapes. … I can speak for ATF, we are very short staffed as far as our agents go, and our agents are primarily focused on the violent crime efforts that we’re making around the country. … So, we would love to have more agents to focus on this effort in particular, but it’s very challenging for us to do so with the budget that we have.”\n\nYou can view the Senator’s full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-colleagues-reintroduce-bill-to-protect-washingtons-trail", "title": "Capito, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Protect Washington’s Trail", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined her colleagues in reintroducing the Washington’s Trail — 1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility test to designate Washington’s Trail as a national historic trail.\n\n“Washington’s Trail represents an amazing chapter in our nation’s founding, and West Virginia is proud to be a part of that story,” Senator Capito said. “By studying the feasibility of designating Washington’s Trail as a National Historic Trail, we can help preserve this important legacy and ensure future generations understand West Virginia’s unique role in America’s early history.”\n\n“Washington’s Trail is just one example of an iconic piece of American history. We should absolutely do everything we can to protect and preserve this trail for all of us and future generations to enjoy,” Senator Fetterman said. “Recognizing Pennsylvania’s role in history is something I’ll always be proud to talk about. As we celebrate America’s 250th, I can think of no better time than now to get this bill signed into law and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and House who joined its reintroduction.”\n\n“Securing National Historic Trail status for Washington’s Trail is about more than just preservation: it’s a strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s heritage and conservation that honors the journey of a young George Washington right here in our backyard,” Senator McCormick said. “I’m proud to join Senator Fetterman and my colleagues in this designation that will turn a critical piece of our frontier history into a lasting economic and educational asset, ensuring that the story of American leadership continues to inspire both our local communities and visitors from across the nation.”\n\n“George Washington’s journey through what is now West Virginia helped shape the course of American history. Washington’s Trail tells the story of courage, leadership, and the early fight for our nation’s future. These historic trails connect folks to the people, places, and moments that came before us. I’m proud to support the Washington’s Trail—1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to help preserve Washington’s brave footsteps, while also bringing new opportunities for tourism and appreciation for the outdoors in Almost Heaven and beyond,” Senator Justice said.\n\n“The Washington Trail follows George Washington’s first military and diplomatic mission and commemorates an important part of our history,” Senator Kaine said. “As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, we recommit to preserving the stories of America’s founding. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that would begin the process of preserving this trail so that future generations can learn about its significance.”\n\n“Washington’s Trail – which starts right in Williamsburg, Virginia – traces the historic journey that a young George Washington took on his first military and diplomatic venture,” Senator Warner said. “Virginians take great pride in the instrumental role the Commonwealth played in our nation’s earliest years, which is why I’m joining my colleagues in taking this step to designate Washington’s route as a National Historic Trail. Preserving this piece of our country’s past will provide educational opportunities to young people, promote tourism, boost local economies, and protect cultural and historical resources for future generations to enjoy.”\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.-16).\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-kennedy-introduce-bill-to-prevent-collection-of-small-business-owners-personal-data", "title": "Capito, Kennedy Introduce Bill to Prevent Collection of Small Business Owners’ Personal Data", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.capito.senate.gov", "scraper": "capito", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001047", "name": "Shelley Moore Capito", "party": "Republican", "state": "WV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced a bill to prevent the U.S. Treasury Department from unnecessarily collecting small business owners’ personal information.\n\n“I’m proud to support this legislation that reins in unnecessary data collection and puts U.S. small businesses’ privacy first,” Senator Capito said. “For too long, hardworking Americans—including many West Virginians—have faced overly broad reporting requirements that do little to enhance security while also exposing their sensitive personal information. This bill takes a targeted, responsible approach that ensures oversight efforts are focused where they matter most, while lifting an undue burden.”\n\n“When an obscure government policy requires small business owners to fork over personal data that even our government admits it doesn’t need, it’s time to change that policy. That’s why I’m leading the bill to permanently end this burdensome mandate and keep law-abiding Americans’ personal information out of a database it should never have been in,” Senator Kennedy said.\n\nIn addition to Senators Capito and Kennedy, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) also joined in introducing the bill.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nUnder 2021’s Corporate Transparency Act, the federal government began mandating the collection of certain individuals’ Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI), including small business owners’ full legal names, dates of birth, addresses and unique identifying numbers.\n\nThe U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) ultimately found these reporting requirements to be overly onerous and intrusive for small businesses.\n\nBy March 2025, FinCEN issued a rule narrowing the scope of the data collection to foreign reporting companies, pausing the collection of many Americans’ data.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-defends-jones-act-highlights-importance-for-louisiana-shipbuilding-economy/", "title": "Cassidy Defends Jones Act, Highlights Importance for Louisiana Shipbuilding, Economy", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "(Click here to watch and here to download.)\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor defending the Jones Act and warning against waivers of the law, which protects Louisiana ports, shipyards, energy producers, and maritime workers from unfair competition from foreign vessels and labor.\n\n“[The Jones Act] supports American industry. In my state, Louisiana ports, shipyards, energy producers, maritime workers, are a large portion of the state’s economy,” said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-speaks-at-disabled-american-veterans-state-convention/", "title": "Cassidy Speaks at Disabled American Veterans State Convention", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "scraper": "cassidy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001075", "name": "Bill Cassidy", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BATON ROUGE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke at the State Convention for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Baton Rouge, where he committed to continue advocating for veterans and their families in Washington.\n\n“It is our duty to support our veterans, who risked their lives to defend our freedoms,” said Dr. Cassidy. “In Washington, I’m working to make sure Congress works for them.”\n\nIn December, Cassidy passed the VetPAC Act and the Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act through the Senate. These bills would make VA hospitals more effective and efficient and increase access to job counseling services for widows and widowers of deceased servicemembers.\n\nCassidy is also a co-sponsor of the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat or combat-related injuries to receive both their VA disability compensation and full military retirement pay.\n\nAt the state convention, Cassidy also met with attendees and discussed how his Baton Rouge office can help them with any individual problem they have with the VA. He was welcomed to the convention by Mr. Paul Hermann, Adjutant for the DAV Department of Louisiana.\n\n“The Disabled American Veterans Department of Louisiana appreciates the time that Senator Cassidy took to attend our department’s convention and inform us on the work he is doing in DC to support veterans and especially disabled veterans,” said Mr. Hermann.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-attends-grand-opening-of-millinocket-regional-hospitals-new-emergency-department", "title": "Senator Collins Attends Grand Opening of Millinocket Regional Hospital’s New Emergency Department", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nMILLINOCKET, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the grand opening of Millinocket Regional Hospital’s new emergency department where she delivered remarks and toured the facility with hospital staff. Since 2022, Senator Collins has secured nearly $13.4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to help construct and equip Millinocket Regional Hospital’s new emergency department, which will double the number of rooms available to patients.\n\n“As a native of Caribou, I know how important emergency health care access is to the vitality, and even the survival, of our state’s rural communities. Seeing the beautiful new emergency department in Millinocket today, I was struck by how thoughtfully it was designed and built to meet the specific needs of this region,” said Senator Collins. “This critical addition to the community will help increase access to quality emergency services for both residents and visitors of the Katahdin Region alike. It was a pleasure to congratulate the leaders, staff, and supporters of Millinocket Regional Hospital on this significant advancement, and I was proud to help make it possible by securing nearly $13.4 million through two Congressionally Directed Spending awards to construct and equip this facility.”\n\n+++\n\nThroughout her Senate service, Senator Collins has continued to be a champion for rural Maine. In December, Senator Collins announced that Maine will receive $190 million in first-year funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion initiative that will be awarded over five years that she proposed to support rural health care systems across the country. The RHTP is the largest single federal investment in rural health care in more than two decades.\n\nSenator Collins recently joined Steve Michaud, the longtime President of the Maine Hospital Association, for a conversation at the American Hospital Association’s annual meeting about the challenges facing our rural health and how she is working to address them.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/photo-cornyn-meets-with-bryan-college-station-chamber-of-commerce-2/", "title": "PHOTO: Cornyn Meets with Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke yesterday with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and local leaders, including City of Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and City of College Station Mayor John Nichols, to discuss the provisions in the once-in-a-generation Working Families Tax Cuts Act secured by Sen. Cornyn and President Trump to help small businesses reinvest in their employees and Texas families to keep more of their hard-earned money. They also discussed Texas A&M University and the entire University System’s commitment to building a talent pipeline to fill in-demand jobs and ensure Texas has a skilled workforce. See photo below.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-honors-police-week-advances-legislation-to-support-law-enforcement/", "title": "Cortez Masto Honors Police Week, Advances Legislation to Support Law Enforcement", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) gave a speech on the Senate floor to honor Nevada law enforcement and highlight her work to support public safety. This week, Congress advanced her bills to combat organized retail crime, support Tribal public safety, and posthumously honor fallen law enforcement officers.\n\n“For me, supporting law enforcement is personal. My husband is a retired law enforcement officer,” said Senator Cortez Masto on the Senate floor. “And I have seen firsthand the sacrifices our officers and their families make so our families feel safe at home. That’s why I’ve worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to champion legislation to support police officers across the country.”\n\nProgress was made on several of Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to support law enforcement this week:\n\nOn Monday, the Senate unanimously passed Senator Cortez Masto’s Medal of Sacrifice Act. The legislation, which the Senator led alongside Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), would create a new presidential award to posthumously honor law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.\n\nOn Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed Senator Cortez Masto’s legislation to crack down on retail theft schemes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, co-led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail and supply chain theft. This bill now awaits a vote in the Senate.\n\nOn Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan legislation to help Tribal law enforcement track down violent criminals and search for missing children. The Tribal Warrant Fairness Act would allow the U.S. Marshals Service to assist Tribal law enforcement as it would any other law enforcement agency. The bill now awaits a vote on the floor of the Senate.\n\nThe former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto is a leading advocate in the Senate for Nevada’s police officers. Last year, Cortez Masto’s bill to ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers killed as a result of their service have access to benefits was signed into law and her legislation to strengthen public safety in Indian Country passed the Senate. She is leading bipartisan legislation to combat human trafficking along America’s interstates, airways, railroads, and waterways. Cortez Masto has also introduced legislation to redirect excessive funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to local law enforcement and has condemned the pardons of violent criminals who assaulted police officers on January 6th.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-rosen-deliver-natural-disaster-emergency-funding-for-nevada/", "title": "Cortez Masto, Rosen Deliver Natural Disaster, Emergency Funding for Nevada", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cortezmasto.senate.gov", "scraper": "cortezmasto", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001113", "name": "Catherine Cortez Masto", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) delivered over $3.5 million in funding to community projects across Nevada for disaster mitigation and for emergency planning and response. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill recently signed into law provides a full year of funding to the Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Coast Guard. It does not include any additional funding for ICE and Border Patrol.\n\n“I’ve been calling for the passage of this bill to pay FEMA, TSA, Secret Service, and Coast Guard employees for months,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m glad to see it finally signed into law and on its way to delivering critical support for federal employees and projects across rural Nevada and Las Vegas.”\n\n“I’m proud to have helped pass this legislation to pay TSA officers and other federal employees in Nevada, while securing critical funding for projects in our state to keep hardworking families safe,” said Senator Rosen. “I’ll continue working across party lines to make sure Nevada gets its fair share of federal resources to support our first responders and protect Nevadans.”\n\nSenators Cortez Masto and Rosen worked together to secure over $3.5 million for community projects across Nevada, including:\n\n$1.1 million to fund the installation of new backup generators at the Flamingo Water Resource Center (FWRC) wastewater treatment facility, which will provide resilience during power outages.\n\n$1 million to help Clark County fund critical upgrades to the emergency notification, communication, and information management systems at the South Site Emergency Operations Center.\n\n$500,000 for Humboldt County to repurpose a historic Air Force Base as the County’s emergency operations center.\n\n$375,000 for Lyon County to purchase and install emergency backup generators for the Lyon County Administrative Complex, Yerington Senior Center, Silver Springs Senior Center, and Dayton Senior Center.\n\n$338,000 to formulate and document viable alternatives to address the persistent flooding issues experienced throughout the Town of Pahrump.\n\n$323,000 to help Nye County develop construction-ready solutions to mitigate dangerous flooding conditions that regularly threaten both motorists and pedestrians during inclement weather.\n\n$150,000 for the City of Las Vegas to make upgrades at their emergency operations center.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-revoke-visas-of-terrorists-family-members", "title": "Cotton Introduces Bill to Revoke Visas of Terrorists’ Family Members", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.cotton.senate.gov", "scraper": "cotton", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001095", "name": "Tom Cotton", "party": "Republican", "state": "AR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601\n\nMay 15, 2026\n\nCotton Introduces Bill to Revoke Visas of Terrorists’ Family Members\n\nWashington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to close a national-security loophole that allows close family members of designated terrorists to legally live in the United States.\n\nThe No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would revoke existing visas from terrorists’ close family members and prohibit them from obtaining any future visas. This follows the recent report that Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani’s niece and grandniece, known for spreading anti-American, pro-terror propaganda, were allowed to legally live in the United States on visas for years.\n\n“Relatives of terrorists have no business being in our country. My bill would revoke visas from family members of terrorists to keep Arkansans safer,” said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\nThe No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would:\n\nCreate a new, permanent ground of inadmissibility that prevents spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of America’s most dangerous adversaries from receiving any U.S. visa or immigrating here.\n\nRequire the Secretary of State to revoke any existing visa held by a covered family member within 30 days of determining they are inadmissible.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-remarks-on-senate-judiciary-committee-passing-john-barnes-act-to-strengthen-benefits-for-public-safety-officers", "title": "Sen. Cruz Remarks on Senate Judiciary Committee Passing John Barnes Act to Strengthen Benefits for Public Safety Officers", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.cruz.senate.gov", "scraper": "cruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001098", "name": "Ted Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, delivered remarks as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted yesterday to pass the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026. Sen. Cruz introduced and is leading the bipartisan legislation with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). This bill speeds up benefit determinations for public safety officers by amending the existing Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program.\n\nClick here or on the image above to watch Sen. Cruz’s opening remarks.\n\nPlease see below for excerpts and highlights from Sen. Cruz’s opening remarks as delivered:\n\n“This week, we remember the 201 law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty this year, including 16 Texans. And we honor the fallen by keeping faith with the living. That faith has a name: the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program, created by Congress in 1976, so that when our first responders answer the call of sacrifice, their country does not answer with silence. But silence is exactly what too many heroes have received. The program is failing too many first responders and their loved ones.\n\n“That's why I have teamed up with Senator Gillibrand to introduce the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers Benefits Program Expansion Act. The bill forces the program to make final determinations within 270 days of receiving completed claims. It provides temporary relief to first responders left waiting by inexcusable delays, and it creates an expedited system of review for public safety officers who did not hesitate to act during the September 11 attacks.\n\n“I want to thank the supporters of this bill, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the National Association of Police Organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Narcotics Officers Association Coalition, the United States Deputy Sheriffs' Association, and the Voices Center for Resilience. I appreciate the senators who have joined me on this, and I urge the committee to adopt the bill.”\n\nClick here to read more about the bill.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026 would:", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-remarks-on-senate-judiciary-committee-passing-treys-law-to-protect-child-sexual-assault-victims", "title": "Sen. Cruz Remarks On Senate Judiciary Committee Passing TREY’S Law To Protect Child Sexual Assault Victims", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.cruz.senate.gov", "scraper": "cruz", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001098", "name": "Ted Cruz", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, delivered remarks as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted yesterday to pass the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S) Law. Sen. Cruz introduced and is leading the bipartisan legislation with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). The bill voids non-disclosure agreements that silence survivors of child sexual abuse.\n\nClick here or on the image above to watch Sen. Cruz’s remarks on TREY’S Law.\n\nPlease see below for Sen. Cruz’s opening remarks as delivered:\n\n“I'll speak briefly. I addressed this bill at greater length two weeks ago at the last markup we did. But Trey's Law is an important civil rights law and an important protection for kids.\n\n“It is named for Trey Carlock, who is a Texan. As a young boy, he attended a Christian summer camp, and tragically, he was groomed and sexually assaulted by an adult male at that camp for a period of years. He lived with the agony of that abuse. Ultimately, litigation ensued. He settled that litigation, and as part of the settlement, he signed a non-disclosure agreement, and as a result, Trey kept the details of that abuse silent his entire life. He agonized under that silence. Ultimately, Trey took his own life in the aftermath of what had occurred at that camp.\n\n“Trey's Law is a simple, common-sense step that says a non-disclosure agreement shall not be enforced to silence child victims of sexual assault. I wish I could say what happened to Trey was an outlier, was unusual, but it is not. Child sexual assault occurs far too often in this country, and frequently, litigation that ensues results in a non-disclosure agreement that attempts to muzzle the child from telling his story or her story forever. That is wrong.\n\n“Trey's sister Elizabeth has been a heroic warrior, telling his story, advocating for this protection for kids. Texas has passed Trey's Law, as Senator Cornyn noted. Jeff Leach introduced it and carried it through in the state legislature. Thank you, Jeff, for doing so. Congress will be following Texas's lead very shortly, but this is an important common-sense protection. A number of senators are co-sponsors of this bill, and I am grateful for all of you, and I urge the committee to pass it.”\n\nClick here to read more about the bill.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nTrey’s Law prevents the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and trafficking. The bill makes any NDA provision unenforceable if it prohibits or restricts someone from disclosing the sexual abuse of a minor or facts related to that abuse. Importantly, this protection applies regardless of when the NDA was signed, whether before a dispute arose or as part of a civil settlement agreement.\n\nThe bill is named in honor of Trey Carlock, a beloved citizen of Dallas, Texas, who was silenced by an NDA after enduring a retraumatizing civil litigation process against Kanakuk Ministries. He ultimately died by suicide at age 28.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-rosen-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-help-protect-drinking-water-infrastructure-during-extreme-heat", "title": "Curtis, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Protect Drinking Water Infrastructure During Extreme Heat", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.curtis.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.curtis.senate.gov", "scraper": "curtis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001114", "name": "John R. Curtis", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced legislation to help protect drinking water infrastructure when faced with extreme heat or cold. The bipartisan Protecting America’s Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act would make extreme temperatures, like extreme heat, an eligible condition for public water systems to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program. This program is currently only available to bolster water infrastructure against extreme weather, natural disasters, and cybersecurity attacks. The bill would also reauthorize the program—which is set to expire this year—through 2032. The legislation is cosponsored by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\n“From prolonged heat to freezing winter conditions, extreme temperatures can threaten access to safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Utah and the West,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan bill gives local water systems greater flexibility to strengthen infrastructure before emergencies happen and helps ensure families can continue to count on clean water no matter the weather.”\n\n“Nevada has seen some of the hottest summers ever recorded over the past few years—putting at risk our ability to access clean drinking water when we need it the most,” said Senator Rosen. “Extreme temperatures pose as much of a threat to our infrastructure as other weather events. That’s why I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure our communities can qualify for federal resources to strengthen public water systems.”\n\n“Americans count on their government to ensure they have access to clean water, especially during extreme heat and extreme cold,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “We must properly invest in the resiliency of the infrastructure that makes it happen. I am proud to stand with Senators Rosen and Curtis to introduce the bipartisan Protecting Midsize and Large Drinking Water Systems from Extreme Temperature Act.”\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\nBackground:\n\nCommunities facing extreme temperatures are especially vulnerable to drinking water contamination and interruptions. Rapid temperature changes can weaken underground drinking water pipes, and extreme heat can warm drinking water enough to grow toxic microorganisms and expose the water to plastic or metal pollutants from overheated pipes. In the case of extreme cold, pipes can burst and leave many homes without running water.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/2026/05/15/daines-reacts-to-trumps-historic-china-visit-a-great-moment-for-america/", "title": "Daines Reacts to Trump’s Historic China Visit: A Great Moment for America", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.daines.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.daines.senate.gov", "scraper": "daines", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000618", "name": "Steve Daines", "party": "Republican", "state": "MT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Joins Fox News, Fox Business, and Bloomberg\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined Fox News, Fox Business, and Bloomberg TV to react to President Trump’s historic trip to China as well as latest updates in Iran. Read highlights below.\n\nDaines on Fox and Friends\n\nI could not be prouder of President Trump. And what I just heard, I’m watching this live feed that you’re watching as well. I never thought I’d live to see the day when President Xi Jinping said, Make America Great Again. This is a great moment. I was just in that great hall literally a week ago today. In fact, if you look at the seating with President Trump, the gentleman to his right is Premier Li Qiang. That’s the number two leader in China. And then around [the table] you see Marco Rubio then Foreign Minister Wang Yi. I met with both the Premier and Wang Yi last week in Beijing with a bipartisan delegation of five U.S. senators. And it was just the fourth visit to China in six years by U.S. senators. It’s so important that we not decouple. We need to engage. We need to, as was just described, promote strategic stability at this moment. It’s the two largest economies in the world, the two largest militaries in the world. There’s so much at stake. And I’m so proud of President Trump, who now has been to China twice. President Biden never went to China. President Trump’s been there twice. A credit to the president, his team, and those great leaders of America who are there working to get better access for U.S. businesses.\n\nWatch the full interview on Fox News HERE.\n\nDaines on Varney & Co.\n\n[Trump’s] not decoupling. He’s engaging. He’s stabilizing this most important relationship. I think you’re going to see a Boeing deal, a beef deal, a beans deal. We call it Boeing, beef and beans….another one of the things we’re looking at is cooperating on reducing the fentanyl precursors that are shipped from China into Mexico, converted to fentanyl by cartels, and then poisoning and killing the American people. That’s something I was working on a year ago in Beijing with the premier. And the good news, Stuart, is I’ve been chatting with our drug enforcement folks, both on the ground working for the United States in China as well as here in the United States. We are making progress seeing the Chinese stopping some of these precursors that are killing Americans. So one of the things the Chinese could get out of this is reducing one of the tariffs we have in place resulting from these fentanyl precursors. So it’s always give and take in these negotiations. But here’s the good news, Stuart, is that President Trump is engaged. He’s working diplomatically. He’s saying the right things. He’s engaging the right people up and down from the top to mid-level to the bottom so we can improve this relationship. The world’s counting on us to strengthen this relationship between the United States and China.\n\nWatch the full interview on Fox Business HERE.\n\nDaines on Bloomberg TV\n\nThe day before I met with Wang Yi the Iranian foreign minister was sitting in the same chair I was sitting in a day later talking about the issues in Iran and the conflict. And the readout from that meeting was that the Chinese want to help stabilize the situation, to de-escalate it and get the Strait of Hormuz open, get the flow of oil moving forward, getting the price of oil down, getting the price of gasoline down. That’ll serve not only the United States and China, but the global economy. So they were being helpful. And I’m glad to see that President Trump and Xi Jinping continued that discussion. And from everything I’m hearing, it was constructive. And we need China to help us. They do have a unique role to play as an interlocutor with the Iranian government. And we need them to be leading and helping us to stop the conflict in Iran and helping us bring this to an end.\n\nWatch the full interview on Bloomberg HERE.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/after-personally-calling-dhs-secretary-mullen-duckworth-announces-military-spouse-deisy-rivera-ortega-has-been-released-from-ice-detention", "title": "After Personally Calling DHS Secretary Mullin, Duckworth Announces Military Spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega Has Been Released from ICE Detention", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Duckworth (D-IL) announced the release of military spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega from ICE detention after the Senator personally called U.S. Department of Homeland Security Director Markwayne Mullin this week advocating on Ms. Rivera Ortega’s behalf. Duckworth’s call comes after Ms. Rivera Ortega—wife of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Serrano—was arrested and detained by ICE during a routine immigration check-in appointment on April 14, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. SFC Jose Serrano is an active-duty soldier who has served in the Army for over 25 years, including in Afghanistan.\n\n“I am so incredibly grateful for Deisy’s release and for her to be reunited with her family. Deisy was doing everything “the right way:” attending her Military Parole in Place interview when she was detained by ICE with no warrant and no explanation. There is no higher betrayal to our heroes than to have one of their family members deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend.\n\n“I’m thankful to Secretary Mullin for heeding my personal call to release Deisy, but she—and so many others—should never have been in this situation to begin with. I will never stop working to protect our Veterans and military families. They fought for this country, we must fight for them.”\n\nIn January, Duckworth introduced the PROTECT Military Families Act, a bicameral bill that aims to protect military families from deportation and forced separation detrimental to military morale and mission readiness. Last year, as Donald Trump continued to target our brave immigrant Veterans and servicemembers in his mass deportation campaign, Duckworth reintroduced a package of bills—the Veterans Visa and Protection Act, HOPE Act and I-VETS Act—that would prohibit the deportation of immigrant Veterans who are not violent offenders, provide these Veterans with a pathway to citizenship through their military service and help ensure those who have already been deported can access the VA healthcare services they are entitled to.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-and-baldwin-urge-faa-to-review-how-reduced-crew-size-impacts-emergency-evacuation-standards-and-passenger-safety", "title": "Duckworth and Baldwin Urge FAA to Review How Reduced Crew Size Impacts Emergency Evacuation Standards and Passenger Safety", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.duckworth.senate.gov", "scraper": "duckworth", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000622", "name": "Tammy Duckworth", "party": "Democrat", "state": "IL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After a series of high-profile emergency evacuations over the last year, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)—authors of the EVAC Act in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024—today called on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford to provide a status update on the implementation of the Senators’ legislation. As our nation continues to see more emergency evacuations failing to meet federal safety standards, the Senators also requested a study examining how the FAA’s decision to allow several major airlines to reduce the size of their crew on certain dual-aisle aircraft could impact passenger safety in the event of an evacuation. Reduction in crew size could create dangerous gaps in safety, considering how carriers rarely—if ever—complete evacuations within FAA’s required 90-second window even when the aircraft is fully staffed.\n\nThe Senators wrote: “Passengers and crewmembers trust the FAA to ensure that the minimum crew requirements adequately address their safety during emergency evacuation, as well as in other emergencies, such as onboard fires, medical emergencies, or security threats. Past evacuation incidents reinforce what we have learned from real-world experience: The presence of Flight Attendants, stationed in the right locations, help passengers survive when their lives depend on it. Appropriate crew staffing is not a luxury; it is a life-saving necessity.”\n\nDuckworth and Baldwin passed into law their EVAC Act in the historic FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that requires the FAA to update its emergency evacuation standards for aircraft to reflect real-world conditions, including the presence of carry-on bags and passengers who may be senior citizens, children or persons with disabilities. The law required the study on improvements to evacuation standards be completed by May 16, 2025—but almost two years after its enactment, the report is still not complete.\n\nThe Senators also highlight how, even though the FAA’s approvals to reduce minimum crew requirements for certain American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines aircraft technically comply with the agency’s regulations, it shirks the longstanding industry standard that all dual-aisle aircraft have an equal number of flight attendants and floor-level emergency exits. By neglecting this standard for dual-aisle aircraft, the FAA could potentially put the flying public’s safety at needless risk by weakening flight crews’ ability to meet evacuation safety standards.\n\nThe Senators continued: “Without a certified Flight Attendant positioned at every dual-aisle floor-level exit, passengers could be left vulnerable at precisely the moment they must rely on skilled, decisive guidance and rapid action from highly trained and certified Flight Attendants. Furthermore, reduced staffing poses additional risk in the unfortunate event that a Flight Attendant is left incapacitated during a serious incident.”\n\nA copy of the letter can be found on the Senator’s website and below:\n\nWe are concerned about the critical safety standards that help passengers survive when an emergency evacuation of an aircraft becomes necessary. As we eagerly await the implementation of Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-63), commonly referred to as the EVAC Act, it has been brought to our attention that several major U.S. carriers are now operating dual-aisle aircraft without a certified Flight Attendant at every floor-level exit.\n\nWe are requesting that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide a status update on the implementation of Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Separately, we urge the FAA to examine the impact of revised minimum crew requirements on the efficiency of emergency evacuations. Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 requires the FAA to examine the changing attributes of the modern-day flying public, including age, height, weight, ability level, language skills, carry-on luggage, seat size, passenger space, aircraft configuration, pets and service animals, among other factors. Past emergency evacuations show that factors such as these have affected efficiency. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 required the study on improvements to evacuation standards be completed by May 16, 2025. Almost two years after enactment, the report is still not complete.\n\nSeparately, 14 CFR Part 121.391 mandates safety standards for evacuating an aircraft within 90 seconds. This standard is not arbitrary—it is based on the harsh reality that seconds can be the difference between life and death. Despite the importance of efficient evacuations, a September 2020 Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General investigation concluded that the FAA, “has not conducted sufficient research on passenger behaviors—such as evacuations with carry-on bags and the presence of emotional support animals—and seat dimensions to show how they affect evacuation standards.”\n\nDynamics impacting emergency evacuations continue to evolve, including the decision by major U.S. carriers to operate dual-aisle aircraft without a certified Flight Attendant at every floor-level exit. In a dual-aisle aircraft, the fuselage is wide enough to accommodate two aisles with passenger seats arranged in multiple columns, ranging from six to ten seats across in the economy section. These aircraft frequently carry more than 200 passengers. While reducing the number of crewmembers may technically satisfy 14 CFR Part 121.391, which requires one Flight Attendant per 50 passenger seats, it violates the purpose of evacuation certification and creates a dangerous gap in safety.\n\nReducing the minimum crew requirement means that a single Flight Attendant is solely responsible for operating two doors, up to 19 feet apart. This means one Flight Attendant could be responsible for evacuating hundreds of passengers across two aisles and middle column seats. Without a certified Flight Attendant positioned at every dual-aisle floor-level exit, passengers could be left vulnerable at precisely the moment they must rely on skilled, decisive guidance and rapid action from highly trained and certified Flight Attendants. Furthermore, reduced staffing poses additional risk in the unfortunate event that a Flight Attendant is left incapacitated during a serious incident. The minimum crew reduction on dual-aisle aircraft has been adopted by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and, most recently, American Airlines.\n\nThe certification of the Boeing 787 was done using an analysis of earlier dual-aisle aircraft models, meaning it never underwent full, in-person evacuation testing to prove it could be safely evacuated in 90 seconds. The previous analysis also does not account for the realities of today’s flying public, which increasingly includes older adults, people with disabilities, families traveling with young children, and record passenger load factors. Therefore, it seems risky to assume the aircraft could be evacuated without adequate staffing.\n\nWe urge the FAA to complete the study mandated by Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to examine the attributes of today’s traveling public. Given recent concerns, we ask that the FAA separately study the impact of minimum crew requirements and crew placement in relation to floor-level exits on evacuation efficiency, particularly on dual-aisle aircraft, including examination of following:\n\nThe impact of not having a certified Flight Attendant stationed at every floor-level exit\n\nThe potential impact of passengers operating floor-level exits on dual-aisle aircraft\n\nThe impact of incapacitated Flight Attendant(s) on the efficiency of an evacuation\n\nThe impact of current aircraft configuration and design on evacuation efficiency\n\nThe impact of requiring a Flight Attendant to establish evacuation flow on a dual aisle aircraft at the primary door, cross a crowded galley or aisle to an additional door and continue the evacuation\n\nThe current Flight Attendant hands-on training and procedures for evacuating multiple floor-level exits on dual-aisle aircraft.\n\nPassengers and crewmembers trust the FAA to ensure that the minimum crew requirements adequately address their safety during emergency evacuation, as well as in other emergencies, such as onboard fires, medical emergencies, or security threats. Past evacuation incidents reinforce what we have learned from real-world experience: The presence of Flight Attendants, stationed in the right locations, help passengers survive when their lives depend on it. Appropriate crew staffing is not a luxury; it is a life-saving necessity.\n\nWe encourage the FAA to complete the study required by Section 365 and build on the findings by examining additional evacuation factors to ensure the highest integrity of our aviation safety standards.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F1A0E260-D9B2-4B15-94DF-B4A531560894", "title": "Fischer Addresses Offutt Infrastructure Projects, POW/MIA Lab", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Department of Defense officials on the status of flood recovery projects and the failure to request funding for a new laboratory for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) at Offutt Air Force Base.\n\nDownload video of Fischer’s questioning here\n\nDownload audio of Fischer’s questioning here\n\nFischer’s questioning on Offutt infrastructure:\n\nFISCHER: General Bell, I appreciated our conversation yesterday on the importance of completing that flood recovery project that we have at Offutt. We have airmen and civilians that are working out of a building originally built as a bomber factory in World War II. As new facilities are being constructed and are being outfitted, do you have an estimate for when these new facilities are going to be completed?\n\nBELL: Senator Fischer, thank you for that question. Yes, of course, the floods that took place there were disastrous. The national disaster recovery plan for Offutt had seven different MILCON projects that were part of them. Four of them are complete. Three more are still in work with an estimated completion of September of [20]28 and I can certainly give you more details on those.\n\nFischer’s questioning on POW/MIA lab:\n\nFISCHER: Mr. Marks, I'm very disappointed that the department has chosen not to include a MILCON request for a new laboratory for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. The DPAA’s current laboratory at Offutt is housed in a World War II bomber factory that needs to be demolished.\n\nThis agency has a sacred mission, and that's to account for missing service members in part of a solemn commitment to this country, and that it makes to service members willing to give their lives for the defense of our country. And failing to prioritize the construction of the agency's new lab is really at odds with that commitment.\n\nMr. Marks, since the DPAA is a defense wide agency, it has a unique military construction prioritization. Will you commit to working with my office to ensure that the department understands this mission and the new laboratory is properly prioritized in future fiscal years?\n\nMARKS: Senator, absolutely. So, I've been to the one, not only in Hawaii, but also at Offutt. I'm very, very familiar. It is one of our most sacred, if not the most sacred, mission that we do have. And the director happens to be a personal friend of mine. We've spoken frequently about this. I will absolutely commit to look not only into this, but I'll follow back up with you to ensure that we're putting a proper priority on it to the best of our ability.\n\nToday’s hearing was convened by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs to examine the fiscal year 2027 military construction and family housing budget.\n\nThe following Department of Defense officials testified at the hearing:\n\nThe Honorable Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Department of Defense\n\nLieutenant General Michelle Donahue, Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Logistics, United States Army\n\nRear Admiral Timothy Brown, Director, Logistics Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy\n\nLieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, United States Marine Corps\n\nLieutenant General Kenyon Bell, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection, United States Air Force\n\nMs. Kathryn Kolbe, Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Installations and Logistics, United States Space Force\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/in-buffalo-amid-skyrocketing-gas-prices-gillibrand-demands-end-to-trumps-reckless-war-with-iran-to-provide-relief-to-western-new-york-families/", "title": "In Buffalo: Amid Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Gillibrand Demands End To Trump’s Reckless War With Iran To Provide Relief To Western New York Families", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gaggled with reporters at an ARCO gas station in Buffalo, slamming President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years. With the average cost of gas in New York State today at $4.60 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago—Gillibrand called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking New Yorkers.\n\n“From driving down the 90 to dropping your child off at school or traveling to a doctor’s appointment, Western New Yorkers are now paying 50 percent more just to get where they need to go,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This is the direct result of President Trump’s reckless war with Iran. The people of Buffalo do not want a forever war; they want to be able to afford their lives. The president must end this conflict and deliver immediate relief to families and small businesses across New York.”\n\n“Rising gas prices are making everyday life more expensive for working families, children, and seniors across Erie County,” said Erie County Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera. “Every extra trip adds up, from getting to work and school to doctor’s appointments, sports practices, and after-school programs. Erie County has resources available to assist residents impacted by rising costs, but real relief must begin with federal action. I join Senator Gillibrand in calling on the federal government to end this war and focus on lowering costs for hardworking Americans, and I thank her for her leadership on this important issue.”\n\n“Buffalo families and local businesses are already dealing with enough economic uncertainty without higher gas prices caused by President Trump’s war and worsening instability in the Middle East,” said Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan.“When fuel costs spike, it drives up the price of goods and services for families and takes money out of local economies. I thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for continuing to fight for policies that lower costs and support working families.”\n\nSenator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than reckless foreign wars abroad.\n\nToday’s stop in Buffalo is part of Senator Gillibrand’s statewide tour to address New Yorkers’ anxieties about the rising cost of gas, which is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/in-mattydale-amid-skyrocketing-gas-prices-gillibrand-demands-end-to-reckless-war-with-iran-to-provide-relief-to-central-new-york-families/", "title": "In Mattydale: Amid Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Gillibrand Demands End To Reckless War With Iran To Provide Relief To Central New York Families", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gaggled with reporters at Byrne Dairy in Mattydale, calling out President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years with direct impacts on Central New York families and farmers. With the average cost of gas in New York State today at $4.60 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago—Gillibrand called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking New Yorkers.\n\n“Because of this reckless war with Iran, Central New Yorkers are now paying 50 percent more just to get where they need to go,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This isn’t just hitting families at the pump; it is also crushing our New York farmers, who are seeing their profits destroyed by the rising cost of diesel needed to run their equipment and get their goods to market. Central New Yorkers do not want a forever war—they want to be able to afford their lives. The president must end this conflict and deliver immediate relief to families and farmers across New York.”\n\nSenator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than foreign wars abroad.\n\nToday’s stop in Mattydale is part of Senator Gillibrand’s statewide tour to address New Yorkers’ anxieties about the rising cost of gas, which is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/on-long-island-amid-skyrocketing-gas-prices-gillibrand-demands-end-to-reckless-war-with-iran-to-provide-relief-to-long-island-families/", "title": "On Long Island: Amid Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Gillibrand Demands End To Reckless War With Iran To Provide Relief To Long Island Families", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gaggled with reporters at the Mobil gas station in Massapequa, slamming President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years. With the average cost of gas in New York State today at $4.60 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago—Gillibrand called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking New Yorkers.\n\n“Long Islanders are being forced to pay 50 percent more just to get where they need to go,”said Senator Gillibrand. “This is the direct result of President Trump’s reckless war with Iran. Long Islanders do not want a forever war; they want to be able to afford their lives. It is time for the president to end this conflict and provide immediate relief to Long Island families.”\n\nSenator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than reckless foreign wars abroad.\n\nToday’s stop on Long Island is part of Senator Gillibrand’s statewide tour to address New Yorkers’ anxieties about the rising cost of gas, which is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-18T06:31:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-18T06:33:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/sen-gillibrand-reps-kennedy-and-meng-introduce-new-legislation-to-ban-enhanced-body-armor-use-by-civilians/", "title": "Sen. Gillibrand, Reps. Kennedy And Meng Introduce New Legislation To Ban Enhanced Body Armor Use By Civilians", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Legislation would ban armor like that worn by the assailant in the 2022 Tops supermarket shooting in Buffalo, NY, which killed 10 people\n\nToday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced legislation to prohibit the sale, transfer, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. Reps. Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26) and Grace Meng (D-NY-06) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThe Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act is named for Aaron Salter, Jr., a retired Buffalo police officer who was the security guard on duty during the deadly shooting at Tops. Mr. Salter took immediate action to combat the shooter, but his weapon was no match for the enhanced body armor that the shooter wore.\n\n“This is commonsense legislation that could help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am introducing this legislation in honor of the lives that were lost four years ago at Tops in Buffalo. We must get it passed to combat the scourge of gun violence that is terrorizing communities across our country.”\n\n“Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr. died a hero, buying patrons and workers precious seconds to hide or escape as a result of his unwavering courage and his willingness to protect those in harm’s way,” said Congressman Kennedy. “No civilian should have access to the military-grade body armor the assailant used on 5/14 – equipment that is designed for war, not our streets. Through this critical legislation, we can ensure that enhanced body armor never falls in the wrong hands again.”\n\n“Four years ago, a white supremacist, armed with a weapon of war and enhanced body armor, targeted a predominantly Black neighborhood in the City of Buffalo. He took the lives of ten innocent people and wounded three others. Aaron Salter Jr., a 30–year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department, was the security guard on duty that day. He did everything he could to protect his community, but his weapon was no match for the enhanced body armor the shooter wore,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It should never be possible for anyone with internet access to purchase equipment designed to withstand military-grade ammunition. This is commonsense legislation, which I am proud to lead with Rep. Kennedy and Senator Gillibrand for the Buffalo community and the far too many others throughout the United States that have experienced the terror and tragedy of gun violence. It not only honors Officer Salter, who was a hero on May 14, 2022, but it also takes concrete action to protect law.”\n\nThis week marked the four-year anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets grocery store shooting in Buffalo, New York, during which a racist gunman opened fire at the Tops supermarket in East Buffalo. The shooter killed 10 people and injured three more.\n\nThis legislation aims to reduce the amount of enhanced body armor—which is designed to withstand rifle ammunition—available for purchase. Enhanced body armor is defined as body armor that meets or exceeds Level III ballistic resistance level, which is tested to stop 7.62 mm rifle ammunition, as determined by the National Institute of Justice at the U.S. Department of Justice. Currently, this kind of body armor is legal for civilians in most states to purchase online without federal restrictions. This legislation seeks to change this by prohibiting its sale, transfer, or possession by civilians, while exempting law enforcement and military personnel.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Brady, GIFFORDS, Everytown, and Newtown Action Alliance.\n\nThe text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-airports-to-receive-1575-million-from-grassley-backed-infrastructure-law", "title": "Iowa Airports to Receive $15.75 Million from Grassley-Backed Infrastructure Law", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that four Iowa airports will receive a total of $15.75 million to modernize and expand terminal areas and infrastructure. The funding comes from the USDOT’s Airport Terminal Program, which was established by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This latest announcement will benefit Iowans in the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, Burlington and Fort Dodge areas by funding much-needed airport improvement projects.\n\n“Iowa’s airports are a gateway to our state, connecting people and moving our world-class products to market. Keeping our infrastructure up to date strengthens Iowa’s economy, supports travelers’ safety and promotes more efficient travel. From roads to bridges to airport terminals, I’m proud Iowa continues to benefit substantially as a result of my support for the bipartisan infrastructure law,” Grassley said.\n\nDetails on the federal awards follow:", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-to-receive-over-56-million-from-fema-to-support-local-communities", "title": "Iowa to Receive Over $5.6 Million from FEMA to Support Local Communities", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA– U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that 13 projects in Iowa will receive a combined $5.6 million in funding. The funding will benefit Iowans in the following counties: Adair, Cherokee, Clay, Jasper, Lyon, Marshall, Osceola and Sioux.\n\n\"As Iowa communities continue to repair and rebuild in the wake of floods and severe storms, this announcement is welcome news,” Grassley said. “I'm glad to see these funds move out the door and into the communities where they belong.”\n\nThe 13 FEMA awards are:\n\nCity of Newton: $127,162.86 to fund embankment, guard rail, other repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.\n\nAdair County Memorial Hospital: $830,418.01 to fund building exterior, building interior, contents, exterior site repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.\n\nMarshall County Secondary Roads: $756,799.28 to fund embankment repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.\n\nLyon County: $652,608.29 to fund building interior repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nCity of Cherokee: $331,200.00 to fund pipe repair or replacement and $210,739.07 to fund the repair or replacement of docks, equipment, park buildings and tables as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nSioux County Conservation Board: $800,214.15 to fund beach, furniture, piers, tables repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nTrinity Lutheran Church: $632,768.46 to fund building exterior, building interior repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nClay County Secondary Roads: $101,562.59 to fund costs related to the management of Public Assistance (PA) Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nCity of Spencer: $573,691.05 to fund emergency measures to lessen immediate threats to public health and safety and property due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nOsceola County Secondary Roads: $178,272.03 to fund costs related to the management of PA Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nSpencer Municipal Utilities: $163,109.38 to fund costs related to the management of PA Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nRock Valley Residential Housing: $252,505.24 to fund costs related to the management of PA Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/law-enforcement-groups-cheer-senate-judiciary-committee-advancement-of-police-week-legislation", "title": "Law Enforcement Groups Cheer Senate Judiciary Committee Advancement of Police Week Legislation", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Major law enforcement organizations are applauding the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), for its successful advancement of six law enforcement bills during National Police Week, including legislation to improve officers’ access to mental health resources, speed up critical benefits determinations for first responders and stem the flow of contraband in federal prisons, among others.\n\nHere’s what they are saying:\n\nTheNationalAssociationofPoliceOrganizations(NAPO):\n\n“On behalf of the nearly 250,000 sworn law enforcement officers we represent, NAPO thanks the committee for considering this bipartisan pro-law enforcement agenda in honor of National Police Week, particularly the Fighting PTSD Act and the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act. These important bills support officers and their families who have sacrificed so much in service to their communities. We look forward to seeing these bills advance swiftly to the full Senate.”\n\nThe Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA):\n\n“America’s law enforcement officers serve with courage, professionalism and sacrifice each day to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law. We thank Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin for advancing this strong bipartisan slate of legislation in recognition of National Police Week. These measures reinforce support for the men and women on the front lines and help ensure law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources needed to address evolving threats. FLEOA appreciates their leadership and stands ready to support these efforts as the legislation advances through Congress.”\n\nAcoalitionofeightmajorlawenforcementorganizations,representinghundredsofthousandsofofficers,criminalinvestigatorsandprosecutorsnationwide:\n\n“On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing state, local and federal law enforcement nationwide, we thank the Senate Judiciary Committee for putting forward a strong bipartisan public safety agenda during National Police Week and urge the Committee to advance these important measures… Collectively, these measures reflect a strong bipartisan commitment to supporting the men and women serving on the front lines, strengthening public safety operations and ensuring agencies have the tools, training and resources needed to meet evolving threats. Thank you again for your leadership and continued commitment to public safety.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-police-week-matters", "title": "Q&A: Police Week Matters", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Q: Why do Americans observe National Police Week?\n\nA: When moms and dads wait for a teenage driver to return home safely or a small business owner locks up their doors for the night, Americans across the country appreciate that law enforcement officers stand on the thin blue line every day to uphold law and order. Around the clock, 365 days a year, our men and women in blue patrol the streets and keep the peace. When they put on the badge and head out the door, they shield their neighbors from crime and violence, working on the front lines of danger and putting public safety above their own. Tragically, some peace officers don’t return home safely from duty.\n\nIn 1962, Congress adopted a joint resolution authorizing President John F. Kennedy to designate May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and to observe the entire week as Police Week. For more than six decades, Americans are called upon in May to pay special tribute to law enforcement officers who serve and protect public safety. On May 15, flags on government buildings are flown at half-staff to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty.\n\nTens of thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country attend the annual Candlelight Vigil and National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. to honor fallen officers. These ceremonies bridge the enduring loss and bereavement of families left behind with the solemn appreciation of a nation grateful for their public service. In 2026, the names of 363 officers were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Notably, the memory and sacrifice of 10 Iowans from the annals of history were included in the annual roll call, some of whom were Civil War veterans: Charles Lodine, Albert City (1901); Augustus C. Becker, Des Moines (1904); Reuben Fenstermaker, Farmington (1867); Robert W. Coulter, Farmington (1902); Samuel S. Cronk, Jackson County (1867); Samuel H. Hamilton, Le Mars (1888); James W. Busby, Paton (1911); Elmer J. Lennon, Postville (1939); John Kerr Myers, Stuart (1921); Charles Loucks, Stuart (1954).\n\nFallen peace officers leave behind a legacy of public service that continues today across our state. I join my fellow Iowans in gratitude for the men and women in blue who have followed in their footsteps and answered the call to work in law enforcement. Thank you for keeping the peace, protecting life and property and making our communities a safe place to raise a family, run a business and call Iowa home.\n\nQ: What law enforcement policies did you advance during Police Week?\n\nA: As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I steered a half-dozen bipartisan bills through the committee that provide much-needed support for our brave members of law enforcement. These bills provide resources to invest in training, technology and mental health resources and benefits for the men and women in blue who keep our communities safe.\n\nWorking in law enforcement is a highly stressful job that tests mental health day after day. Officers are called upon to stay calm in the face of danger when responding to criminal violence, such as hostage situations, drug trafficking and gang activity. First responders and emergency dispatchers are on the front lines of crisis in their local communities; the emotional toll cuts deep when responding to mass casualties, domestic violence and traffic fatalities, especially when it involves young children. My bipartisan Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act recognizes these burdens and directs the Department of Justice to develop treatment programs for police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel who suffer from PTSD or acute stress disorders.\n\nI also advanced my bipartisan bill to combat contraband cell phones from getting into federal prisons to improve prison security for inmates, staff and the public. This measure builds on my bill President Obama signed into law to prevent inmates from using cell phones to commit crimes while serving time in prison. Named after a corrections officer killed in the line of duty in 2013, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act would strengthen accountability and beef up the penalty for smuggling or possessing a contraband cellphone in federal prison from a misdemeanor to a felony. The Department of Justice Inspector General recently said a “cell phone in a prison is a deadly weapon.”\n\nI’m working to get these measures supporting the men and women who stand on the thin blue line every day across the finish line in Congress.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-demand-answers-on-how-usdas-restructuring-will-affect-new-mexico-farmers-ranchers-and-rural-communities", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Demand Answers on How USDA’s Restructuring Will Affect New Mexico Farmers, Ranchers, & Rural Communities", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden raising concerns and demanding answers on how the restructuring of USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area will affect scientific innovation and data that supports New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.\n\n“The REE reorganization and restructuring announced this April...could result in decreased agency capacity, further deteriorating the Department’s ability to conduct research, administer funding, and produce timely and reliable data products,” the senators wrote to USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden. “In order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers.”\n\n“It is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letter is led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is here and below:\n\nDear Deputy Secretary Vaden:\n\nWe write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.\n\nPrevious relocations of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in 2018 and 2019 resulted in dramatic staff losses, as outlined in a December 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In their publication, GAO noted that this relocation resulted in ERS and NIFA losing over half their staff, with the USDA failing to engage employees, Congress, and stakeholders throughout the relocation process or follow best management practices.\n\nAgencies of the REE mission area were also impacted by dramatic staff losses in 2025, including a loss of over 30 percent of staff within the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). These staff losses have real and immediate impacts on farmers, with many stakeholders now questioning the reliability of USDA’s own data reports. The REE reorganization and restructuring announced this April proposes to relocate REE mission area staff to over 27 different locations within months, but specific details of the relocations remain unclear. This could result in decreased agency capacity, further deteriorating the Department’s ability to conduct research, administer funding, and produce timely and reliable data products.\n\nIn order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations. Additionally, we ask that you detail your engagement with REE mission area staff, including plans to engage with staff covered by existing collective bargaining agreements as well as non-bargaining unit employees. Proactive and ongoing engagement with these employees will be necessary to prevent major disruptions to research, data collection, and education.\n\nAs strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis. Thank you for your attention to this issue, and we look forward to receiving your response within 30 days.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-join-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-in-backing-resolution-affirming-abortion-pill-as-safe-effective", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Join Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Backing Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "FDA approved mifepristone for use over two decades ago\n\n“Law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer- reviewed evidence-based science.”\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing a resolution affirming that the abortion medication mifepristone is safe and effective, and underscoring that law and policy related to the medication must be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.\n\nThe resolution came hours before the Supreme Court’s administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA — which, without action, would uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling threatening millions of women’s access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal.\n\nAlongside Heinrich and Luján, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).\n\nThe resolution is endorsed by the following organizations: All* Above All, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, EMAA Project, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America).\n\n“Mifepristone continues to be crucial to our ability to access abortion care— and that is precisely why abortion opponents have been relentless in their efforts to restrict it nationwide, including in states where abortion is legally protected,” said Jessica Arons, director of the Liberty Division for Policy and Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “As this resolution affirms, millions of people have used mifepristone to safely end pregnancies and treat miscarriages for more than 25 years, including by telemedicine. We thank Senator Warren for introducing legislation to set the record straight and push back on anti-abortion propaganda, and we call on Congress to protect the right to abortion and end this political interference with our personal healthcare decisions once and for all.”\n\nThe lawmakers first introduced this resolution in 2023, following the Supreme Court’s decision overturningRoe v. Wade, which sparked attacks on reproductive rights across the country. Since then, 20 states have banned or restricted access to abortion care.\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-questions-forest-service-chief-schultz-on-whether-he-will-follow-the-law-and-disperse-funds-appropriated-by-congress-stresses-importance-of-listening-to-local-communities-following-pecos-protection-reversal-and-presses-schultz-on-using-infrastructure-law-funding-for-workforce-reductions", "title": "Heinrich Questions Forest Service Chief Schultz on Whether He Will Follow the Law and Disperse Funds Appropriated by Congress, Stresses Importance of Listening to Local Communities Following Pecos Protection Reversal, and Presses Schultz on Using Infrastructure Law Funding for Workforce Reductions", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – During a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the Trump administration’s Budget Request for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), the Committee’s Ranking Member, questioned USFS Chief Tom Schultz on the administration’s budget proposal that cuts funding for state, private, and Tribal forestry programs. He also called out the administration for ignoring local communities in New Mexico who advocated against the recent decision to reverse protections for the Upper Pecos Watershed, and questioned why the administration used congressionally appropriated funds from the Infrastructure Law for workforce reductions instead of wildfire management.\n\nVIDEO: Ranking Member Heinrich (D-N.M.) questions Forest Service Chief Shultz on cuts to USFS programs before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, May 13, 2026.\n\nOn Eliminating Funding for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry Programs\n\nHeinrich began, “Chairman Lee said, ‘partnerships matter.’ You talked about the importance of partnerships, particularly with states, but this budget eliminates the funding for the state, private, and Tribal accounts that really support those partnerships. Talk to me — I don't understand how those two things line up.”\n\nSchultz answered, “So Mr. Chairman, Senator Heinrich, historically, state and private programs were set up by the federal government to encourage the states to develop forestry programs, and I have worked in state government for almost 30 years, so I've got extensive experience in those programs. What we've seen over time is that states have developed more expertise. They've developed greater capacity to do much of the work that state and private does. Now, states do come to rely on that funding over time, but what we're proposing here is to reduce that funding. It doesn't mean we're not going to still cooperate. We still cooperate extensively in wildfire management and even land management discussions and opportunities. It just means that there would be a greater reliance for the funding to come from the states and those other partners, but that we would still consult. We would still work directly with states. We would have cooperative agreements that just would not necessarily be the same funding available that we've had in the past.”\n\nHeinrich followed, “Historically, if Congress rejects that suggestion, will you commit to dispersing the funds as appropriated by Congress?”\n\nSchutlz asked, “Excuse me, sir?”\n\nHeinrich elaborated, “If Congress rejects the funding level suggested in the President’s budget, will you commit to dispersing the funds as appropriated?”\n\nSchultz answered, “Mr. Chairman, Senator Heinrich, yes, we would disperse the funds as required by law. Yes, sir.”\n\nOn Trump Administration Reversing Pecos Watershed Protections\n\nHeinrich continued, “One of the things that you said in your opening was that ‘national forests are more than clean water and places to recreate.’ Clean water and recreation are what drive my state's economy, and a great example of that is the Pecos Watershed, which economically supports agriculture, recreation, tourism, hunting, and fishing. Last month, the administration officially canceled the withdrawal application of the Upper Pecos Watershed, and did that over the objection of, to my knowledge, all of the local elected leadership, as well as the agricultural community. This has been an overwhelmingly popular initiative that was driven by the local community. Why didn't the views of the local community carry more weight in the decision-making process, particularly when it's my understanding that there are no current plans for mining operations in this area?”\n\nSchultz answered, “Mr. Chairman, Senator Heinrich, I think you're right. There are no current plans that are identified to us yet. I think what we're trying to make sure is that lands are available and open for multiple use, whether that be grazing, whether that be timber, whether that be mining. So, I think that's the overall perspective, is that we want to make sure lands are available and open for those uses.”\n\nHeinrich replied, “The frustration I think, of the local community, is one, they don't feel like they were adequately consulted, and two, they lost other multiple uses as a result of mining impacts and spills on that river where fisheries were deeply impacted, [and] irrigation was not able to be conducted because the Pecos River was, you know, a wash in mine tailings. So, we have to not do multiple use. [It] doesn't mean every single use on every single acre. We've heard a lot of lip service about listening to local communities, but I think we actually need to do that, especially in these cases where the community is of one mind. There is, to my knowledge, no support for new mining in this area.”\n\nOn Wildland Fire Hazardous Fuels Treatment and Using Infrastructure Law Funds to Pay for Agency Resignations\n\nHeinrich continued, “I want to go back to wildfire hazardous fuels treatments. In 2024, we treated 4.29 million acres. Last year, we treated 3.1. Why the drop? I want to understand why funds from the Infrastructure Bill were used to reduce the workforce, because none of us discuss that as an authorized use when we wrote that legislation. It was a great example of bipartisan legislation, but we thought we were authorizing those infrastructure funds to get into those watersheds and reduce fuels, and instead, those infrastructure funds were used to fund their resignation program. How is that an authorized use?”\n\nSchultz answered, “Chairman, Senator Heinrich, just to clarify on the fuels numbers. In 2025, we treated about 3.3 million acres collectively when you look...”\n\nHeinrich interjected, “When you look down from 4.3...”\n\nSchultz continued, “So it was 4.286 in 24, but I'm going to give you some data. If you go back to 2020, we typically look at trends with data so we don't try to pick out any one given year. So between 2020 and 2025, with that six-year period, we treated, on average, about 3.57 million acres per year over that five-year period, that six-year period. This year, our target is 3.6 million acres, so we're right in there with the average that we've done over the last six years. And we'll continue to prioritize those acres... Last year at this time, we had prescribed fire acres. We treated the entire year, about 1.1 million acres. This year to date, we're at about 1.53, so we've averaged 1.6 million acres a year just with prescribed fire, and this year we're just about right there this early in the season. So, we feel we've made a lot of progress. We are prioritizing field trips, just so we're clear on that. I mean, any given year, things can be up, they can be down, and like we talked about conditions, we'll talk about that more this year. I [have given] to most of you maps of your states to kind of show you the tough conditions. When conditions are that difficult, in Oregon, for instance, we know that snow pack the snow tell data is about we're about less than 20% of average. So our ability to go out and conduct a prescribed fire right now is challenged because we put fire on the landscape when conditions are as difficult as they are. It will challenge us.”\n\nHeinrich interjected, “And using infrastructure funds for the...”\n\nSchultz continued, “What we did was, as part of the DRP process, we had obligations to pay folks out. There was about you mentioned the numbers of folks that took the DRP process to leave the agency early, and we had all the funds that we had to look at that we had available to us. And those are funds that we had to accommodate, that, we had about a 700...”\n\nHeinrich interjected, “I just want to be really clear: I don't think any of us voted for funding in the infrastructure bill to be used to reduce the workforce. That was funding that was really focused on watershed treatment.”\n\nSchultz answered, “So, sir, we were, we had a shortfall about $750 million in our budget.”\n\nHeinrich followed, “But you don't get to just pull money from anywhere. It has to be authorized for that use.”\n\nSchultz answered, “We think what we did was legal.”\n\nHeinrich followed, “It may be legal. It wasn’t what any of us had in mind for those funds.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press_releases/hickenlooper-statement-on-tina-peters-commuted-sentence/", "title": "Hickenlooper Statement on Tina Peters’ Commuted Sentence", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hickenlooper.senate.gov/press/page/", "domain": "www.hickenlooper.senate.gov", "scraper": "hickenlooper", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H000273", "name": "John W. Hickenlooper", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“Tina Peters is guilty as sin and a disgrace to Colorado.”\n\nWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced he will commute Tina Peters’ prison sentence following a months-long political retribution campaign by President Trump, during which his administration cancelled hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for Colorado:\n\n“Tina Peters is guilty as sin and a disgrace to Colorado.\n\n“She tried to undermine Colorado’s free and fair election system. When she was caught red-handed, she was prosecuted by a Republican district attorney and rightfully convicted by a jury of her peers.\n\n“Reducing her sentence sends the wrong message to those seeking to undermine trust in our elections and it will do nothing to deter Donald Trump’s illegal attacks on Colorado. I strongly disagree with this decision.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-faa-awards-3-4-million-to-north-dakota-airport-terminal-projects", "title": "Hoeven: FAA Awards $3.4 Million to North Dakota Airport Terminal Projects", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $3.4 million in funding for three airport infrastructure projects across North Dakota through the Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Terminal Program (ATP). As a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has secured funding to advance airport development projects and strong federal investments in transportation infrastructure to benefit communities across North Dakota.\n\nThe funding will support the following projects:\n\nRolla Municipal Airport – $1.425 million – Reconstruct existing terminal building\n\nBismarck Municipal Airport – $1 million – Reconstruct and expand existing terminal building\n\nHector International Airport (Fargo) – $1 million – Install passenger boarding bridges as part of terminal expansion project\n\n“Modern, reliable airport infrastructure is essential for supporting commerce, connecting communities and improving travel across North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “These grants will help enhance terminal facilities in Rolla, Bismarck, and Fargo while ensuring these airports are better equipped to serve residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-secures-commitment-from-epa-administrator-to-promptly-approve-redevelopment-of-minots-former-landfill", "title": "Hoeven Secures Commitment from EPA Administrator to Promptly Approve Redevelopment of Minot’s Former Landfill", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Interior and Environment Appropriations Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven secured a commitment from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to promptly issue the final approval needed for the redevelopment of Minot’s former landfill.\n\nThe landfill had been previously designated as a Superfund site but was cleaned up and removed from the Superfund National Priorities List in 1997.\n\nIn 2016, the EPA determined the property could be redeveloped, and the city has since been working with the agency to make use of the space for recreational opportunities.\n\nFinal approval for the plan is pending, and Hoeven is working with Zeldin to bring the process to a close so the construction can move forward.\n\nThe project will include a disc golf course, mountain biking trails and cross-country running trails.\n\n“Minot’s former landfill has been cleaned up, and the city is ready to move forward with construction to create a new outdoor recreation site for local residents. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin for his commitment to move this final approval forward in a timely way,” said Hoeven. “This is a real opportunity to create a new outdoor asset for the community and enhance the quality of life for local residents.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-working-to-advance-redevelopment-of-mid-america-steel-site-in-fargo", "title": "Hoeven Working to Advance Redevelopment of Mid-America Steel Site In Fargo", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Interior and Environment Appropriations Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven made the case to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for advancing the redevelopment of Mid-America Steel’s previous location in Fargo.\n\nMid-America Steel was relocated to make way for the region’s nearly complete flood protection project.\n\nThe former site is centrally located and highly visible, making it a prime candidate for redevelopment.\n\nHowever, as a former industrial site, the city must first address environmental conditions before moving forward.\n\nHoeven is advancing the EPA’s Brownfields Program as an opportunity to assist with the project.\n\nHoeven outlined how he successfully worked with the city and the EPA to use the program in support of remediating the Lashkowitz Tower, which is adjacent to the Mid-America Steel site, prior to its demolition and redevelopment.\n\n“The Mid-America Steel site is in the heart of Fargo, but there are some environmental concerns that need to be addressed before this property can be put to good use,” said Hoeven. “Just like we did with the Lashkowitz Tower, the EPA can be a partner in this effort through the Brownfields Program. I welcome Administrator Zeldin’s support and look forward to working more with him and the city to secure this funding opportunity.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/media/press-releases/husted-visits-patients-families-at-dayton-childrens-hospital/", "title": "Husted visits patients, families at Dayton Children’s Hospital", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.husted.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.husted.senate.gov", "scraper": "husted", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001104", "name": "Jon Husted", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The Mathile Center for Mental Health & Wellness is doing important work to help children in Ohio, and it was great to see this firsthand today.”\n\nDAYTON, Ohio – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today visited the Mathile Center for Mental Health & Wellness at Dayton Children’s Hospital to tour the facilities and meet with a patient family to learn about the importance of early intervention, ongoing support and the role hospitals play in helping youth and families overcome mental health challenges.\n\n“As mental health conditions continue to increase among young Ohioans, it’s essential that there are appropriate resources to support our kids. The Mathile Center for Mental Health & Wellness is doing important work to help children in Ohio, and it was great to see this firsthand today,” said Husted.\n\nThe Mathile Center for Mental Health & Wellness opened its doors in summer 2025 and serves as a comprehensive, under-one-roof hub for children facing mental health crises. The center offers inpatient care, a crisis center and outpatient services in a purpose-built, therapeutic environment.\n\nHusted is a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.\n\nThis visit builds on Husted’s work to support kids’ mental health. Husted recently led a resolution to support the designation of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.\n\nHe is also leading several bills to protect children’s mental health on social media. In March 2026, Husted introducedSammy’s Law, a bill that would empower parents to protect their children on social media platforms by providing them the right to know if their children are engaging in dangerous or risky interactions.\n\nIn December 2025, Husted joined the Kids Online Safety Act to protect minors’ personal data on online platforms and implement safety tools for parents and minors to target any harmful online content for children.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-foreign-relations-democrats-statement-on-trump-xi-summit", "title": "Senate Foreign Relations Democrats Statement on Trump-Xi Summit", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement after the conclusion of President Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi in Beijing.\n\n“The United States’ relationship with China is among the most consequential in the world and dialogue between the two countries is important to maintain. But President Trump failed to use his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to advance any objectives important to the American people — to counter China’s unfair trade practices and military aggression, preserve American technological and economic leadership, stand up for human rights or strengthen deterrence to prevent a conflict over Taiwan. Rather than coordinate a unified approach ahead of time with allies and partners, Trump instead demonstrated once again his willingness to go-it-alone and to sacrifice American national security for minimal and reversible 'deals.' The Trump Administration’s reckless policies have deeply undermined the foundations of our competitive edge against China and put the country in a position of weakness heading into this summit.\n\n“We are deeply disturbed by President Trump’s refusal to defend America’s support for Taiwan during this summit, including by consulting with President Xi regarding U.S. obligations to help provide for Taiwan’s defense. We call on the Administration to formally notify the $14 billion in U.S. arms sales that Congress pre-approved in January 2026. As established by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Congress will continue to ensure that the United States supports Taiwan, including by rejecting any attempt to alter the status quo by force or coercion.\n\n“While U.S. forces are engaged in hostilities against Iran, President Trump refrained from confronting President Xi on China’s extensive support for the Iranian regime and its sharing of intelligence directly contributing to attacks against U.S. forces — a clear dereliction of his duties as commander-in-chief. It is also unconscionable that President Trump apparently refused to pressure President Xi to cease his support for Putin’s murderous war in Ukraine, which continues to kill innocent people and destabilize the global economy.\n\n“We welcome news that the United States and China will discuss how to keep the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models out of the hands of non-state actors and look forward to an administration briefing on the full scope of these proposed talks. At the same time, AI safety talks cannot serve as a Trojan Horse for technological surrender. The Trump administration has dangerously greenlit, and appears to be actively encouraging, the sale of advanced AI chips to Chinese competitors like Alibaba and Tencent — firms with direct ties to the Chinese military. We reiterate bipartisan calls for strict enforcement of export controls and the closure of loopholes that allow AI chips and manufacturing equipment to reach Beijing. We must continue to ensure America maintains its leading advantages in the AI race.\n\n“The summit’s meager announcements are a transparent attempt to recover ground lost as a result of President Trump’s misguided trade war, which provoked Beijing’s global weaponization of rare earth export controls and spurred U.S. agricultural exports to China to plummet by over 50%, even as costs skyrocketed at home. Minor aircraft and agricultural deals do nothing to address the unfair economic practices that have hurt American workers and businesses for decades. China must stop the industrial-scale theft of American intellectual property and cease weaponizing its control of rare earth minerals to the detriment of American manufacturing. The summit produced no meaningful or lasting progress for American workers or industries. President Trump secured zero concessions from Beijing, failing even to secure the release of political prisoners Jimmy Lai, Ezra Jin and others, while providing President Xi an opportunity to project strength without any corresponding changes in China’s unfair and coercive economic practices.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-press-va-on-elimination-of-over-1700-positions-in-virginia-tens-of-thousands-nationwide", "title": "Warner, Kaine Press VA on Elimination of Over 1,700 Positions in Virginia, Tens of Thousands Nationwide", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on their elimination of tens of thousands of positions nationwide, a decision that has hit the Commonwealth particularly hard. Virginia is home to more than 629,000 veterans, one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and the second-highest share of veterans as a percentage of population among all states. In just a matter of months from last fall through January of this year, more than 1,700 vacant positions have been taken off the books across Virginia, including the elimination of more than 700 vacancies at the Hampton VAMC, 300 at the Richmond VAMC, 200 at the Salem VAMC, and several hundred at community clinics and other facilities.\n\nIn a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the senators wrote, “These roles span the workforce – positions including social workers, technicians, chaplains, and security officers. Adding to the concern, is that based on a review of the data, more than half of the eliminated vacancies in Virginia appear to have been for roles with a direct clinical nexus to patients – physicians, nurses, specialists, therapists, pharmacists, among others. No matter the role – and as we have argued in response to your Department’s assertion that earlier hiring freezes were not impacting patient care – the workforce at VA facilities is meant to function as a team; dramatic cuts to any position therefore necessitates that the remaining personnel shoulder increasingly more responsibility.”\n\nThe senators have long fought to address VA workforce challenges, helping pass the PACT Act, which provided VA with additional authorities and incentives to more aggressively recruit personnel. Instead of investing in VA’s workforce, the Trump administration has conducted hiring freezes, enacted staffing caps, trimmed tens of thousands from the workforce, and now has eliminated thousands of vacant roles thereby ending the recruitment process for these positions.\n\nThe letter concluded with a list of questions regarding VA decision making, data collection, communications, and the criteria used to make determinations about personnel and vacancy reductions. This includes requesting the regional and facility staffing models that, by statute, VA is required to have created, but that have yet to be provided to Congress. The senators requested a response to their questions no later than June 1, 2026.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Collins:\n\nWe write with considerable concern over recent steps taken by your Department that further impact the Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce at health facilities across the country. Late last year you announced that the Department would eliminate tens of thousands of vacant positions nationwide, thereby ending the process of filling many of those roles that would have directly interfaced with and provided care to veterans.\n\nVirginia has been hit particularly hard by this decision. According to data that we have seen, through January of this year, more than 1,700 vacancies have been taken off the books across Virginia. This has meant more than 700 vacancies eliminated at the Hampton VAMC, more than 300 vacancies eliminated at the Richmond VAMC, more than 200 vacancies eliminated at the Salem VAMC, and several hundred more eliminated at community clinics and other facilities across the Commonwealth.\n\nThese roles span the workforce – positions including social workers, technicians, chaplains, and security officers. Adding to the concern, is that based on a review of the data, more than half of the eliminated vacancies in Virginia appear to have been for roles with a direct clinical nexus to patients – physicians, nurses, specialists, therapists, pharmacists, among others. No matter the role – and as we have argued in response to your Department’s assertion that earlier hiring freezes were not impacting patient care – the workforce at VA facilities is meant to function as a team; dramatic cuts to any position therefore necessitates that the remaining personnel shoulder increasingly more responsibility.\n\nFor many years, the VA has sought to address workforce challenges across the country, including challenges recruiting and retaining personnel, and challenges matching compensation to other employment alternatives for certain positions. This is why under the PACT Act, Congress provided VA with additional authorities and incentives to more aggressively recruit personnel. Under your leadership, the VA should be doing everything possible to build out and invest in the Department’s workforce. Instead, we’ve seen hiring freezes, staffing caps, the shedding of tens of thousands of personnel last year, rhetoric by administration officials demonizing federal employees, and now this process to eliminate vacant roles nationwide thereby ending the recruitment process for these positions.\n\nWe have heard from VA personnel how all of these factors have made it increasingly hard for them to do their jobs – which is to provide the care and benefits that our nation’s veterans have earned through their service. We’re concerned by the appearance that these decisions are being made without due consideration to their clinical impact, and we have serious questions about the process by which these vacancy eliminations were decided.\n\nTo that end, we request answers to the following questions no later than June 1. We note that the data and documentation below should all be information that your Department has readily available:\n\nData that we have seen and have represented in this letter is data through January 2026. Please provide us with current data related to vacancies eliminated from facilities in Virginia.\n\nA Department spokesperson has said that the VA directed “facility leaders to keep all of the positions they need and eliminate any unfilled positions that they don’t need.”\n\nPlease provide a copy of the guidance that was communicated to facility and regional leadership for identifying vacancies.\n\nWere any facilities provided a quota or target of any kind – whether number of positions, a percentage of workforce, or otherwise – for reduction of vacancies that they should achieve?\n\nWhat was the criteria by which facility leaders were directed to identify positions “that they don’t need”? Was this determination based on current conditions, or future projections?\n\nDid Department personnel involved in this process receive any concern, pushback, or other feedback that was counter to the vacancy cuts – particularly related to clinical impact, overall workforce health, or personnel morale – from any facility- or VISN-level personnel? What was the process for addressing that information?\n\nDid facility leaders concur with the final determinations regarding vacancy cuts?\n\nOf the eliminated vacancies in Virginia, how many were occupied for any period during 2025 and/or 2026?\n\nFor any of the vacant positions that have been eliminated, had an employment offer been made to any individual(s) at the time of the vacancy’s elimination?\n\nSection 146 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (P.L.118-210) outlines direction to the VA to “develop, validate, and implement a staffing model…that includes appropriate target staffing levels nationally, regionally, and locally to ensure timely access to care and effectively oversee the provision of care by the Department, whether at a facility of the Department or through a non-Department provider”.\n\nPlease provide the staffing models that relate to the Hampton VAMC, the Richmond VAMC, the Salem VAMC, as well as other facilities in Virginia for which staffing models exist.\n\nDid VA personnel involved in these vacancy cuts – including any VISN and facility leadership – consult these staffing models in making determinations related to vacancy elimination?\n\nIf, either presently or in the future, a determination is made that any of these eliminated vacant positions need to be re-created and hired for, what is that process?\n\nTo the extent that any positions were cut because of an inability to attract candidates, what does the Department plan to do differently to fill those positions either now or in the future?\n\nFor each VA facility in Virginia, please provide the current number of personnel, the number of openings that the facility is presently hiring for, and the target or ‘full-capacity’ number of personnel for that facility.\n\nWhat data does the VA collect at the facility-level, examining how workforce changes – including personnel or vacancy reductions – impact the current facility staff?\n\nHow do these vacancy eliminations reconcile with the Department’s own analysis from recent years, which showed that projected veteran population growth in the Commonwealth of Virginia could support multiple new facilities, beyond even those that are open presently?\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this matter, as well as to our continued engagement with the Department on this topic going forward.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-lummis-donalds-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-cut-nuclear-construction-costs-and-speed-up-new-energy-projects/", "title": "Kelly, Lummis, Donalds Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cut Nuclear Construction Costs and Speed Up New Energy Projects", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), alongside Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), introduced bipartisan legislation to help build new nuclear power plants faster and cheaper in the United States. The Build Nuclear with Local Materials Actwould direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue a rulemaking allowing commercial-grade concrete and steel to be used in non-safety-related structures of nuclear power plants.\n\n“We need more reliable, affordable power to keep up with growing demand in Arizona and across the country, but outdated rules about building materials drive up costs and slow down construction for nuclear plants,” said Sen. Kelly. “With this commonsense solution, we can build clean nuclear power plants faster and cheaper while keeping the same strong safety standards that protect Arizona families.”\n\n“As nuclear technology evolves, our regulations should evolve with it,” said Sen. Lummis. “Requiring nuclear-grade materials in parts of a plant that have nothing to do with safety drives up costs and locks out local construction crews who are more than capable of doing the job. This legislation fixes that by requiring the NRC to allow commercial-grade concrete and steel where it’s safe to do so. I’m pleased to work with Senator Kelly and Congressman Donalds to get this done. The result is simple: lower costs, more local jobs, and zero compromise on safety.”\n\n“Energy security is national and economic security for the United States. As our energy demands continue to grow, it is essential that nuclear energy is a viable source of base load power. We must take a hard look at outdated and burdensome regulations and make practical, common-sense reforms,” said Congressman Donalds.“I am proud to work alongside Senator Lummis to introduce the Build Nuclear with Local Labor Act to reduce construction and compliance costs for nuclear reactors, without sacrificing safety.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act builds on a precedent the NRC already established for TerraPower’s Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming, where the agency determined that commercial-grade materials could be safely used in non-safety areas of the plant. Current NRC requirements apply nuclear-grade standards broadly to both safety and non-safety structures— a one-size-fits-all approach that drives up costs and extends timelines.\n\nNuclear-grade concrete and steel are significantly more time- and cost-intensive than standard materials. Foundations can require roughly double the pouring time, while superstructures take up to 50% longer, driving up both costs and project timelines. Concrete makes up ~79.5% of overall materials used in nuclear power plant construction.[1] Allowing commercial-grade materials in appropriate areas could reduce construction time and costs by an estimated 28%.\n\nThe Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act does not eliminate nuclear-grade standards—it directs the NRC to identify where commercial-grade materials can be safely used while fully preserving the safety and integrity of nuclear power plants.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-in-sasc-hearing-kelly-demands-answers-on-cuts-to-civilian-protection-staff-propaganda-funding-gap/", "title": "WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Demands Answers on Cuts to Civilian Protection Staff, Propaganda Funding Gap", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "This week, during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly (D-AZ) demanded answers from the commanders of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on the gutting of Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) staff and on a funding shortfall leaving AFRICOM unable to effectively counter Chinese and Russian disinformation across Africa.\n\nKelly pressed Admiral Cooper directly on the reduction of CENTCOM’s civilian harm mitigation team: “My understanding is that you’ve gone from ten down to one as part of a department wide reduction in CHMR, that their role is to try to minimize harm to civilians when we’re conducting combat operations.”\n\nKelly asked whether Cooper would reinstate staff if an error in the targeting process were found.\n\nKelly also asked Cooper about the civilian casualty count from the war in Iran, including the strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab that reportedly killed at least 168 people, mostly children, to which Cooper said an investigation remains ongoing. In March, Kelly joined 45 colleagues to demand answers from the Pentagon on the Minab airstrike and broader civilian casualties in the war on Iran.\n\nKelly then turned to General Anderson on AFRICOM’s information operations funding gap,limiting America’s ability to fightChinese and Russianpropaganda,misinformationand disinformation on the continent: “You requested $94 million for information operation activities. You were promised $25 million from the department. You ultimately received only $19 million […] What are you able to do if you were fully funded?”\n\nAnderson said more funding would allow AFRICOM to actively combat Chinese and Russianpropagandainstead of just react to it, arguing America’s best weapon is the truth: “What America brings is very unique. We’re still a beacon of hope and light in the world, and I think we should be willing to talk about who we are. […] we should focus on the goodness and the positivity of engaging with America and worry less about the disinformation that our partners put out. But we have to engage in this environment. We have to be active in the information space.”\n\nKelly agreed, saying the U.S. should get AFRICOM the resources it needs to do the job.\n\nSen. Kelly questions Admiral Cooper and General Anderson during a SASC hearing.\n\nClick here to download a video of Kelly’s remarks. See the transcript below:\n\nSenator Kelly:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral Cooper. General Anderson, thank you both for being here today. Admiral Cooper, I want to start with you. I’ve got questions for both of you, but I want to talk a little bit about the civilian harm mitigation team at CENTCOM. My understanding is that you’ve gone from ten down to one as part of a department wide reduction in CHMR, that their role is to try to minimize harm to civilians when we’re conducting combat operations. Is that correct, you’ve gone from ten to one?\n\nAdmiral Charles B. Cooper:\n\nYes, sir. There’s a larger component to this. Over a course of years, we’ve gone from a compliance to civilian casualties in risk mitigation being just part of the culture. There are dozens, if not hundreds of people who are involved in this process.\n\nKelly:\n\nWhat did those nine individuals do who were removed from there from their jobs?\n\nCooper:\n\nThey’re now integrated in other capacities. They retained in other capacities in the joint, what we would call joint—\n\nKelly:\n\nBut what were they doing when they were part of the civilian harm mitigation team?\n\nCooper:\n\nThey’re playing a key role in helping us move from compliance to culture on safeguards, focusing on it every day, which they continue to do.\n\nKelly:\n\nSo, by your estimates, how many civilians have been killed or injured over the course of this war?\n\nCooper:\n\nThe investigation on the one incident that we’ve had after more than 13,000 strikes is still underway. We will certainly be transparent, get it released that when we can. This is a matter that I’m passionate about. I’d like to use the occasion to invite you, other members of the committee and your staffs to Tampa to take a look at what our targeting process looks like.\n\nKelly:\n\nIf you were to find out that there was an error in the targeting process, would you reinstate some of those people that were removed from that team?\n\nCooper:\n\nSir. That’s a hypothetical. I’m always looking to organize to purpose, and we’ll just see what the implications—\n\nKelly:\n\nAre you taking any additional steps now because of the civilian casualties to date?\n\nCooper:\n\nWe have taken additional steps. Our additional steps have been very proactive throughout Epic Fury. Our staff specifically warned the Iranian people more than 100 times about the threat of them being used as human shields. I personally warn the Iranian people on March 8th, 11th and the 23rd that they had the potential to be human shields and that communication was very effective. So again, we’re moving not just targeting, but a proactive measures to minimize.\n\nKelly:\n\nThank you for doing that. General Anderson. So, China and Russia continue to expand their influence across Africa, we discussed this, with misinformation, disinformation, across many African countries. You requested $94 million for information operation activities. You were promised—and this is in fiscal year 26.—you were promised $25 million from the department. You ultimately received only $19 million. Can you talk about the difference between having $19 million to do that job and $94 million, like, what are you able to do if you were fully funded General Anderson, I get it. I mean, we see this stuff all the time. The amount of misinformation that comes from the Chinese and the Russians, it is a huge problem. But if you could just explain to us a little bit about what you could do if you had the full request.\n\nGeneral Dagvin R.M. Anderson:\n\nSenator, I think the key point there is right now, we are in a reactionary mode to propaganda and to other information operations, to what we can do at the moment. What the fuller funding would do, especially if it’s consistent over time, would allow us to build an information campaign and address these issues across the continent. We’re one of the few organizations that looks across the entirety of the continent, and can understand how these propaganda and misinformation play across borders. We work very closely with the State Department, U.S. embassies on this to make sure our messaging is key, but this would allow us to do is help coordinate that messaging across regions and across the continent to highlight the issues that come with this misinformation, especially as much of it is destabilizing the democracies across the region.\n\nKelly:\n\nDo you ever feel like we should be countering some of their disinformation with disinformation of our own?\n\nAnderson:\n\nSir, I think the most powerful tool we have is the truth. What America brings is very unique. We’re still a beacon of hope and light in the world, and I think we should be willing to talk about who we are. This is America’s 250th anniversary. There’s a long history on the continent that is, I mean, it’s good and bad, but there’s a lot of good that we can talk about, of what America brings. The fact that John C. Robinson founded the Tuskegee Airmen two years later, founded the Ethiopian Air Force, and then went on to found Ethiopian Airlines, which is now the pride not only of Ethiopia, but Africa. It’s not a story that’s well known, but that is a tie that we have had between the aviation communities for years. There are multiple stories like that across the continent that we need to propagate and talk about. So, I would say we should focus on the goodness and the positivity of engaging with America and worry less about the disinformation that our partners put out. But we have to engage in this environment. We have to be active in the information space.\n\nKelly:\n\nSo you got about 25% of the requests. So, if you got the full amount, you could put more out there, positive stuff that the United States is doing. And I know these are challenging times with resources even beyond what DoD has, USAID and others. But do you think that that would be sufficient to counter Chinese and Russian misinformation?\n\nAnderson:\n\nSenator, I think information operations is one of the lower cost investments that we can make that have outsized return and help amplify the limited resources we have in the military side and highlight the benefits that those provide, and being able to talk about that broadly, I do think has outside proportion. So, small investments can have large impact. And this is an area of information where I think we can make a lot of gains, even despite our smaller physical presence, that can highlight the totality of what the United States brings.\n\nKelly:\n\nI 100% agree with you, General, and we should really look into get you the resources you need to do this job. Thank you.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-questions-africa-commander-on-how-americas-reduction-in-soft-power-is-feeding-an-expansion-of-terrorism", "title": "King Questions Africa Commander on How America’s Reduction in Soft Power is Feeding an Expansion of Terrorism", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/table", "domain": "www.king.senate.gov", "scraper": "angusking", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000383", "name": "Angus S. King, Jr.", "party": "Independent", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned a top military general on the reduction of non-military power in Africa and the impact that has had on the expansion of global terrorism. In his exchange with United States Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a hearing centered on the Department’s Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027, King argued that the cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have contributed to a resurgence of Al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates intent on attacking the American homeland.\n\nGeneral Anderson testified that the African continent “has become the center of gravity for global jihadism, with West Africa accounting for over 51 percent of global terror-related deaths in 2024.” He is not alone in raising issues. The Council for Foreign Relations addressed this rise in terrorism and acknowledges that the removal of soft power instruments USAID in the Sahel region created a vacuum in which violent extremism can expand – including groups like Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), and the Islamic State in the West African Province (ISWAP).\n\nSenator King began, “General Anderson, talk to me about the loss of soft power in Africa, our abandonment of USAID and what has happened with the Chinese and Russians that, my understanding is, are now filling that gap in addition to the other aggressive actions they are taking?”\n\n“Senator, I would say that we look at all facets of national power and how to bring those to bear on the continent to provide a security outcomes,” General Anderson replied.\n\nSenator King then followed up, “I think one facet of our national power off the table, unilaterally, for no apparent reason. The whim of Elon Musk.”\n\n“Senator, we work very closely with the state, commerce, and energy in order to look at the security requirements on the continent,”General Anderson replied. “I have a foreign service commercial officer joining staff this summer along with a liaison from Department of Energy.”\n\nSenator King asked again for a straight answer, “It is a fact is it not that we have essentially left all of the role that USAID played on the continent. That's gone? That’s a yes or no question.”\n\n“Senator, there are still aid programs that are active on the continent,” General Anderson said. “They are much reduced from what they were before.”\n\n“Much reduced. That is a fair way of stating it,” Senator King quipped. “You mentioned earlier that the Al Qaeda and ISIS have resurged in Africa. The term epicenter has been used several times of world terrorism. You said they have the will and intent to attack the homeland. My question is, do they have the capacity? Are they developing weapons, strategies, other ways to take that will and intent and turn it into something of imminent danger to the American people?”\n\nGeneral Anderson concluded in agreement, “Senator, that is the exact issue that's my top concern.”\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King has spoken on the Senator Floor several times to discuss the critical importance of USAID. He has also joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing their deep concern regarding the growing chaos at the U.S. Department of State and the Trump Administration’s attempt to abolish USAID.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=5E8920F2-32CD-4B25-A74B-3AB4D2CD8E9E", "title": "Klobuchar Recognized by the Plant Based Products Council as Bioeconomy Champion", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", "scraper": "klobuchar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000367", "name": "Amy Klobuchar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Klobuchar receiving the Bioeconomy Champion Award from Plant Based Products Council Executive Director James Glueck.\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was recognized by the Plant Based Products Council with the Bioeconomy Champion Award, recognizing her longtime support for the bioeconomy. The Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) represents bioplastic companies using renewable feedstocks, consumer facing brands, and corn and soybean growers.\n\n“It’s an honor to receive this award alongside my colleague Senator Ernst. We’ve worked together to grow biobased products and the bioeconomy,” Klobuchar said. “Investing in homegrown bioproducts can create new markets for farmers, grow manufacturing jobs, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil, which is why the work of the plant-based products industry is so important. That’s why I’m focused on making bioproducts the expectation, not the exception, across the country.”\n\nKlobuchar leads two bills to support plant-based product innovation.\n\nThe Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2025 enhances the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ability to promote the growing range of plant-based bioproducts with the voluntary BioPreferred label and government procurement of biobased products.\n\nThe Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act updates USDA’s Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Products Manufacturing Assistance Program to administer grants and guaranteed loans for the development of advanced biofuel, renewable chemical, and biobased products processing facilities.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-demand-answers-on-how-usdas-restructuring-will-affect-new-mexico-farmers-ranchers-rural-communities/", "title": "Heinrich, Luján Demand Answers on How USDA’s Restructuring Will Affect New Mexico Farmers, Ranchers, & Rural Communities", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden raising concerns and demanding answers on how the restructuring of USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area will affect scientific innovation and data that supports New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.\n\n“The REE reorganization and restructuring announced this April…could result in decreased agency capacity, further deteriorating the Department’s ability to conduct research, administer funding, and produce timely and reliable data products,” the senators wrote to USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden. “In order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers.”\n\n“It is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis,” the senators concluded.\n\nThe letter is led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full text of the letter is here and below:\n\nDear Deputy Secretary Vaden:\n\nWe write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.\n\nPrevious relocations of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in 2018 and 2019 resulted in dramatic staff losses, as outlined in a December 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In their publication, GAO noted that this relocation resulted in ERS and NIFA losing over half their staff, with the USDA failing to engage employees, Congress, and stakeholders throughout the relocation process or follow best management practices.\n\nAgencies of the REE mission area were also impacted by dramatic staff losses in 2025, including a loss of over 30 percent of staff within the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). These staff losses have real and immediate impacts on farmers, with many stakeholders now questioning the reliability of USDA’s own data reports. The REE reorganization and restructuring announced this April proposes to relocate REE mission area staff to over 27 different locations within months, but specific details of the relocations remain unclear. This could result in decreased agency capacity, further deteriorating the Department’s ability to conduct research, administer funding, and produce timely and reliable data products.\n\nIn order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations. Additionally, we ask that you detail your engagement with REE mission area staff, including plans to engage with staff covered by existing collective bargaining agreements as well as non-bargaining unit employees. Proactive and ongoing engagement with these employees will be necessary to prevent major disruptions to research, data collection, and education.\n\nAs strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis. Thank you for your attention to this issue, and we look forward to receiving your response within 30 days.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/lummis-kelly-donalds-introduce-build-nuclear-with-local-materials-act-to-cut-costs-boost-local-hiring/", "title": "Lummis, Kelly, Donalds Introduce Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act to Cut Costs, Boost Local Hiring", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) this week introduced the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act, legislation that will direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue a rulemaking allowing commercial-grade concrete and steel to be used in non-safety-related structures of nuclear power plants.\n\n“As nuclear technology evolves, our regulations should evolve with it,” said Senator Cynthia Lummis. “Requiring nuclear-grade materials in parts of a plant that have nothing to do with safety drives up costs and locks out local construction crews who are more than capable of doing the job. This legislation fixes that by requiring the NRC to allow commercial-grade concrete and steel where it’s safe to do so. I’m pleased to work with Senator Kelly and Congressman Donalds to get this done. The result is simple: lower costs, more local jobs, and zero compromise on safety.”\n\n“We need more reliable, affordable power to keep up with growing demand in Arizona and across the country, but outdated rules about building materials drive up costs and slow down construction for nuclear plants,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “With this commonsense solution, we can build clean nuclear power plants faster and cheaper while keeping the same strong safety standards that protect Arizona families.”\n\n“Energy security is national and economic security for the United States. As our energy demands continue to grow, it is essential that nuclear energy is a viable source of base load power. We must take a hard look at outdated and burdensome regulations and make practical, common-sense reforms,” said Congressman Byron Donalds. “I am proud to work alongside Senator Lummis to introduce the Build Nuclear with Local Labor Act to reduce construction and compliance costs for nuclear reactors, without sacrificing safety.”\n\n“We are proud to support Senator Cynthia Lummis’ efforts to encourage the further buildout of nuclear energy in the United States by lessening the burdens placed on the construction and manufacture of these facilities via oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC),” said Faith Burns, Energy Policy Fellow- Americans for Prosperity. “The current text in Senator Lummis’ bill requires the agency to finalize a rulemaking to authorize the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear facilities. This bill provides a reasonable and responsible manner to address building and construction activities at nuclear facilities. Senator Lummis has been a stalwart in the energy and natural resources space, and we are thankful for her leadership.”\n\n“The Breakthrough Institute commends Senator Lummis for introducing the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act,” said Dr. Adam Stein, Director, Nuclear Energy Innovation, The Breakthrough Institute.” After decades of stagnant demand, growing industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and broader electrification will bring large loads to the grid – and advanced nuclear technologies offer promising generation to meet that demand. A key barrier to new nuclear deployment in the United States is the relatively high cost of construction. Regulatory requirements governing the use of safety-related materials in non-safety-related structures can be a meaningful contributor to this cost. The use of commercial-grade concrete and steel in non-safety-related applications maintains rigorous safety requirements for safety-significant systems and structures while advancing a more performance-aligned regulatory approach. This offers a clear pathway to reduce project timelines and costs without compromising public health and safety. We applaud Senator Lummis’s leadership on advancing nuclear energy deployment and her efforts to foster a supportive environment for nuclear technology in Wyoming.”\n\n“Nuclear-grade materials carry an enormous cost premium for little to no additional safety benefit,“ said Nick Loris, President of Policy, C3 Solutions Action. “Three-quarters of a nuclear reactor is concrete, and thanks to federal regulations, that concrete costs 50 percent more than what we use to build bridges and skyscrapers, not because it’s meaningfully safer, but because the regulations say so. The same story holds for steel. For nuclear energy to succeed in the United States, it needs to be cost-competitive, and reducing government regulations that unnecessarily inflate costs is key to achieving that. Senator Lummis’s bill is a long-overdue course correction that will help deploy more clean, dependable power without compromising on safety.”\n\n”Senator Lummis’ bill as a practical step toward making it easier to build more nuclear power in America,” said Chris Koopman, Abundance Institute, CEO. “This kind of targeted reform helps create a more build friendly environment for new nuclear projects and moves the country closer to abundant, reliable American energy. This is exactly the kind of policy Congress should advance if it is serious about energy abundance.”\n\n“For too long, the federal government has stifled nuclear energy with misguided and unnecessary red tape,” said Josh Smith, Senior Fellow, Pacific Legal Foundation. “Pacific Legal Foundation applauds Senator Lummis for introducing the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act which directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to permit the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete at nuclear facilities. Passing this bill is one of many important steps needed to remove key barriers for American nuclear energy to expand, innovate, and power the future.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act builds on a precedent the NRC already established for TerraPower’s Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming, where the agency determined that commercial-grade materials could be safely used in non-safety areas of the plant.\n\nCurrent NRC requirements apply nuclear-grade standards broadly to both safety and non-safety structures — a one-size-fits-all approach that drives up costs, extends timelines, and locks out local construction crews who lack specialized nuclear certifications. Allowing commercial-grade concrete and steel in non-safety structures could reduce construction costs and timelines by an estimated 28% while opening nuclear projects to local contractors and skilled trades workers.\n\nNuclear-grade concrete and steel are significantly more time- and labor-intensive than standard materials. Foundations can require roughly double the pouring time, while superstructures take up to 50% longer, driving up both costs and project timelines. Concrete makes up ~79.5% of overall materials used in nuclear power plant construction. Allowing commercial-grade materials in appropriate areas could reduce construction time and costs by an estimated 28%.\n\nThe bill does not eliminate nuclear-grade standards — it directs the NRC to identify where commercial-grade materials can be safely used while fully preserving the safety and integrity of nuclear power plants.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-mccormick-and-gallego-introduce-bill-to-advance-job-opportunities-in-tech-for-veterans/", "title": "SENATOR MCCORMICK AND GALLEGO INTRODUCE BILL TO ADVANCE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN TECH FOR VETERANS", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.mccormick.senate.gov", "scraper": "davemccormick", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001243", "name": "David McCormick", "party": "Republican", "state": "PA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) recently introduced the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation aimed at helping veterans transition to civilian life by expanding career opportunities in emerging technologies through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program.\n\n“While the transition back to civilian life isn’t always easy, I know firsthand as a veteran that our service men and women return as leaders, highly skilled and ready to contribute. It is our job to make sure the doors are open when they get home,” said Senator McCormick. “With over 200,000 service members leaving the military each year, the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act does exactly that by helping to connect veterans in Pennsylvania and across the country to job opportunities in high-growth tech industries where they can find stable employment, financial security and a renewed sense of purpose.”\n\n“Emerging technologies like semiconductor manufacturing are creating thousands of good-paying jobs and shaping the future of Arizona’s economy. This bill would make sure veterans can use the education benefits they earned to train for careers in these rapidly growing industries and help America stay the global leader in technological innovation,” said Senator Gallego.\n\nA successful transition from military to civilian life is more than finding a job. It helps provide long-term stability for veterans and their families while strengthening our workforce. The VET TEC program connects veterans with leading training providers to help them develop or advance in skills needed for high-tech industries. This bill would broaden the current program, adding training and employment pathways in emerging industries, like artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, so veterans are equipped with the skills needed to compete for high-demand jobs in our modern economy.\n\nSpecifically, the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2026 will:\n\nDirect the VA to identify and designate technologies of critical national importance as “emerging technologies” eligible under the VET TEC program, with artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing as named examples.\n\nRequire the VA to promote emerging technology fields, courses, and career pathways on its website and incorporate them into transition assistance services, so veterans and transitioning service members are aware of these opportunities.\n\nRequire the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to work with private-sector partners, educational institutions, veteran-serving nonprofits to identify industries and occupations expected to experience significant job growth driven by emerging technologies with a focus on fields that align with veterans’ existing education, training, and skills.\n\nThe following organizations and stakeholders have expressed support for the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2026:\n\n“The VFW supports the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act, which will help veterans access education and training programs for high-demand careers in emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. By requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate with industry partners, expand visibility through the Transition Assistance Program, and implement an expedited course approval process, this legislation will better position veterans to succeed in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Legislative Service Associate Director Joe Grassi.\n\n“IAVA survey data has consistently shown that veterans are chronically underemployed compared to their level of expertise, abilities, and skillset,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) CEO. “We welcome the Senate introduction of the Improving Emerging Tech Options for Veterans Act of 2026, which will help bridge the gap between our veterans’ true capabilities and the high-skilled careers where we know they can excel.”\n\nSenator McCormick has introduced or cosponsored several additional bills in support of our veterans including:\n\nThe Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act, which would create a new grant program to fund innovative treatments for chronic mild TBI—an injury that affects thousands of our veterans and is linked to mental health struggles and suicide risk.\n\nTheVA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project of 2025, which would establish a pilot program to significantly reduce veteran suicides by providing extensive training for VA staff about suicide screening, risk assessment, treatment, and care transition procedures.\n\nThe Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, which wouldpermanently exclude disability payments from income calculations used to determine housing assistance eligibility ensuring veterans can access HUD-VA housing support without being penalized for benefits they already earned through their service.\n\nThe Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, which would increase federally funded research on innovative therapies to treat veterans experiencing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, and depression.\n\nThe full text of the Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2026 may be found here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/senate-foreign-relations-democrats-statement-on-trump-xi-summit/", "title": "Senate Foreign Relations Democrats Statement on Trump-Xi Summit", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“The United States’ relationship with China is among the most consequential in the world and dialogue between the two countries is important to maintain. But President Trump failed to use his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping to advance any objectives important to the American people — to counter China’s unfair trade practices and military aggression, preserve American technological and economic leadership, stand up for human rights or strengthen deterrence to prevent a conflict over Taiwan. Rather than coordinate a unified approach ahead of time with allies and partners, Trump instead demonstrated once again his willingness to go-it-alone and to sacrifice American national security for minimal and reversible ‘deals.’ The Trump Administration’s reckless policies have deeply undermined the foundations of our competitive edge against China and put the country in a position of weakness heading into this summit.\n\n“We are deeply disturbed by President Trump’s refusal to defend America’s support for Taiwan during this summit, including by consulting with President Xi regarding U.S. obligations to help provide for Taiwan’s defense. We call on the Administration to formally notify the $14 billion in U.S. arms sales that Congress pre-approved in January 2026. As established by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Congress will continue to ensure that the United States supports Taiwan, including by rejecting any attempt to alter the status quo by force or coercion.\n\n“While U.S. forces are engaged in hostilities against Iran, President Trump refrained from confronting President Xi on China’s extensive support for the Iranian regime and its sharing of intelligence directly contributing to attacks against U.S. forces — a clear dereliction of his duties as commander-in-chief. It is also unconscionable that President Trump apparently refused to pressure President Xi to cease his support for Putin’s murderous war in Ukraine, which continues to kill innocent people and destabilize the global economy.\n\n“We welcome news that the United States and China will discuss how to keep the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models out of the hands of non-state actors and look forward to an administration briefing on the full scope of these proposed talks. At the same time, AI safety talks cannot serve as a Trojan Horse for technological surrender. The Trump administration has dangerously greenlit, and appears to be actively encouraging, the sale of advanced AI chips to Chinese competitors like Alibaba and Tencent — firms with direct ties to the Chinese military. We reiterate bipartisan calls for strict enforcement of export controls and the closure of loopholes that allow AI chips and manufacturing equipment to reach Beijing. We must continue to ensure America maintains its leading advantages in the AI race.\n\n“The summit’s meager announcements are a transparent attempt to recover ground lost as a result of President Trump’s misguided trade war, which provoked Beijing’s global weaponization of rare earth export controls and spurred U.S. agricultural exports to China to plummet by over 50%, even as costs skyrocketed at home. Minor aircraft and agricultural deals do nothing to address the unfair economic practices that have hurt American workers and businesses for decades. China must stop the industrial-scale theft of American intellectual property and cease weaponizing its control of rare earth minerals to the detriment of American manufacturing. The summit produced no meaningful or lasting progress for American workers or industries. President Trump secured zero concessions from Beijing, failing even to secure the release of political prisoners Jimmy Lai, Ezra Jin and others, while providing President Xi an opportunity to project strength without any corresponding changes in China’s unfair and coercive economic practices.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/wyden-merkley-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-trump-administrations-usda-reorganization/", "title": "Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Raise Concerns about Trump Administration’s USDA Reorganization", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues in questioning how Trump’s reorganization of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture will affect farmers and ranchers in Oregon and nationwide.\n\n“We write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),” the senators wrote to Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. “While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”\n\n“In order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations,” the senators continued. “As strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis.”\n\nThe Research, Education, and Economics mission area conducts critical research relating to agriculture production, pest and disease resistance, market transparency, and rural economies. In their letter, Wyden and Merkley highlighted that previous attempts at reorganizing the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in 2018 and 2019 resulted in dramatic staff losses and interrupted services for farmers and rural communities.\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Angus King, I-Maine, Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Rev. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Peter Welch, D-Vt.\n\nThe full letter is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/news-release-senator-moody-advances-six-bills-to-support-law-enforcement-strengthen-public-safety-and-deliver-critical-tools-to-officers-during-national-police-week/", "title": "NEWS RELEASE: Senator Moody Advances Six Bills to Support Law Enforcement, Strengthen Public Safety and Deliver Critical Tools to Officers During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody advanced a package of six pro-law enforcement bills out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on National Police Week to expand mental health support for officers, strengthen leadership training, expedite benefits for injured officers, and advance cold case investigations among other improvements.\n\n“Our law enforcement officers step up every day to protect our communities, and we must have their backs. I’m proud to vote to advance these measures out of the Senate Judiciary Committee during National Police Week to strengthen officer safety, expand mental health resources, support families of fallen officers, and provide law enforcement with additional tools to keep Americans safe. Florida will always stand with the brave men and women who wear the badge,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nEarlier this week, Senator Moody cosponsored a resolution recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s courageous law enforcement officers and their families.\n\nThe six bills passed out of the Judiciary Committee this week are:\n\nS. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act would enhance safety and accountability in federal prisons by stemming the flow of contraband.\n\nS. 825, the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop treatment programs for first responders suffering from PTSD or acute stress disorders.\n\nS. 4394, the Promoting Police Leadership Act would improve commander-level training curriculum across law enforcement agencies.\n\nS. 3897, the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 would speed up Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program determinations and extend benefits to additional public safety officers.\n\nS. 1890, the Carla Walker Act would dedicate federal grant funds to support forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis to help solve cold cases.\n\nS. 3041, the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act would allow the U.S. Marshals Service to assist Tribal law enforcement in tracking down violent criminals and searching for missing children.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=057A8E15-4579-406B-8AF3-139B4C24D649", "title": "VIDEO: Chairman Moran Leads Hearing to Review the President’s FY27 Budget Request for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science – this week led a subcommittee hearing to review the President’s FY27 budget request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).\n\n“This hearing takes place during National Police Week, and this is a time for our country to recognize the men and women in law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities and country safe,” said Sen. Moran.\n\n“I’ve seen firsthand the important work these agencies are doing in my home state,” continued Sen. Moran. “Whether it’s ATF expanding crime gun intelligence through its partnership at Wichita State University; DEA’s effort to combat fentanyl trafficking and support law enforcement in rural communities across Kansas; the FBI’s coordination with state and local partners as Kansas City prepares to host soccer matches during the FIFA 2026 World Cup or the Marshals working alongside local law enforcement through fugitive task forces across the district of Kansas.”\n\n“Today’s hearing is an opportunity for this committee to better understand the challenges facing each of your agencies, the resources you believe are necessary to carry out your missions and how Congress can best support the men and women serving in the federal law enforcement,” concluded Sen. Moran.\n\nSen. Moran’s full lines of questioning can be found here and here.\n\nClick HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Opening Statement\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-leads-democratic-senate-colleagues-in-reintroducing-bill-to-provide-resources-to-underfunded-schools-strengthen-diversity-in-the-classroom", "title": "Murphy Leads Democratic Senate Colleagues In Reintroducing Bill to Provide Resources to Underfunded Schools, Strengthen Diversity in the Classroom", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.murphy.senate.gov", "scraper": "chrismurphy", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001169", "name": "Christopher Murphy", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the Strength in Diversity Act, legislation to give schools the resources they need to tackle segregation in the classroom. Though Brown v. Board of Education declared school segregation unconstitutional more than 70 years ago, America’s public schools remain highly segregated along racial and socioeconomic lines. The most segregated public schools are often the most underfunded, making it much harder for Black and Latino kids and students from low-income families to get a fair shot at a good education.\n\nThe Strength in Diversity Act addresses this problem by providing new grant funding to help public schools build voluntary, community-driven programs to cultivate diversity in the classrooms. School districts and regional educational agencies will be able to access funding for a range of proposals, including:\n\nStudying segregation, evaluating current policies and developing evidence-based plans to address socioeconomic and racial isolation;\n\nRevising school boundaries, expanding equitable access to transportation for students, or improving open enrollment processes;\n\nCreating or expanding school programs that can attract students from outside the local area;\n\nRecruiting, hiring and training new teachers and improving teacher diversity;\n\nSupporting the development and maintenance of best practices.\n\n“Decades of bad policy decisions have segregated our schools and created a system where students of color and low-income kids are forced to settle for less,” said Senator Murphy. “Desegregating our schools is not just about fairness, it’s about giving all kids the opportunity to learn together in diverse classrooms and grow up to be more engaged and empathetic citizens.”\n\n“Our measure makes critical investments to ensure every child in America has access to a quality education and the best possible resources to succeed,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Seventy years since the Supreme Court struck down school segregation, the promise of equitable education for all children regardless of race remains unfulfilled. Our legislation works to break down the racial and socioeconomic lines that keep many schools across America segregated to this day and empowers kids to achieve their dreams.”\n\n\"Children are 100% of our future,\" said Senator Markey. \"We can't afford to underfund our schools and deny equal opportunity to kids because of their zip code. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing the Strength in Diversity Act to ensure that we're prepared not only for the 21st century - but also for every century after that.\"\n\n“Diversity is our strength and we thrive as a country when we address inequities in our schools. The Strength in Diversity Act would dedicate additional resources to support academic excellence for students, regardless of their backgrounds. When we break these barriers, our kids and school staff have the opportunity to grow, feel supported, and succeed,” said Senator Padilla.\n\nThe bill is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\nThe Strength in Diversity Act has been endorsed by the following organizations:\n\nAACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education), Advocates for Trans Equality, AFT, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Brown's Promise, Campus Without Walls, Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED), Children's Defense Fund, Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles at UCLA, Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity, EdTrust, Education Law Center, ERASE Racism, Glisten (Formerly GLSEN), IDRA, Institute for Social Progress, Wayne County Community College District, Institute on Metropolitan Opportunity at the University of Minnesota Law School, Integrated Schools, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Legal Defense Fund, Magnet Schools of America, METCO, Inc., National Action Network, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Center for Youth Law, National Coalition on School Diversity, National Education Association, New York Appleseed, PFLAG National, Poverty & Race Research Action Council, Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK), School Diversity Notebook, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and Sheff Movement Coalition.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/watch-sen-ossoff-continues-working-to-improve-privatized-housing-for-military-families/", "title": "WATCH: Sen. Ossoff Continues Working to Improve Privatized Housing for Military Families", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Ft. Gordon, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff secured a commitment from the U.S. Army to improve privatized housing and hold contractors accountable.\n\nSen. Ossoff, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, yesterday held a hearing about funding priorities for military construction projects and highlighted the ongoing need to improve privatized housing conditions for servicemembers and their families.\n\nSen. Ossoff serves as the top Democrat on the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee, positioning him to fight for and deliver Federal funding for key Georgia projects impacting national security, military readiness, quality-of-life for servicemembers and military families, and more.\n\nDuring the hearing, Sen. Ossoff spoke with Lieutenant General Michelle Donahue and raised the importance of improving housing conditions for servicemembers and their families.\n\n“General Donahue, it’s been six years since legislation was enacted to provide more protection for military families living in privatized housing. You may be aware in 2022, I led an eight-month bipartisan investigation into the mistreatment of military families and privatized housing on post at Fort Gordon, shocking testimony from servicemembers whose families had their health impacted in serious ways. We wound up having the Balfour Beatty executives come up and testify under oath. I was able, last Fiscal Year, working with the Chairman, to secure additional funding in our bill for expanded oversight, tenant support, and maintenance for privatized housing,” said Ranking Member Ossoff.\n\n“But we continue to hear troubling stories and reports from servicemembers at installations across Georgia, across the south, across the country, about poor conditions and privatized housing, inadequate support from housing providers on installations in Georgia and nationwide, some of these abusive non-disclosure provisions that families are forced into. So, given that these issues persist, what is the Army doing to stay after this and make sure that we’re not allowing any of these families to face mistreatment at the house at the hands of these housing providers?” Ranking Member Ossoff asked.\n\nSen. Ossoff secured Lieutenant General Donahue’s commitment to continue working with him and the Subcommittee to ensure servicemembers’ concerns are addressed.\n\nIn 2022, Sen. Ossoff led an 8-month bipartisan investigation that uncovered mistreatment and neglect of families living in privatized military housing on post at Ft. Gordon. As a direct result of Sen. Ossoff’s investigation, the U.S. Army then conducted unit-by-unit inspections of housing on military installations, starting at Ft. Gordon.\n\nIn 2023, Sen. Ossoff then convened a military housing oversight session to continue his work to improve housing conditions for military families in Georgia and across the nation.\n\nClick here to watch Sen. Ossoff’s line of questioning.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-markey-merkley-democratic-colleagues-sound-alarm-on-homeland-security-proposal-to-develop-biometric-smart-glasses/", "title": "Padilla, Markey, Merkley, Democratic Colleagues Sound Alarm on Homeland Security Proposal to Develop Biometric Smart Glasses", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), to lead their Democratic colleagues in pushing back on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) dangerous budget proposal which includes the development of “smart glasses” for its immigration enforcement officers and agents.\n\nIn a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Senators warn that these smart glasses would allow DHS officers and agents to quickly identify individuals in public by covertly taking their photo and running it through biometric identification systems — such as facial recognition software — threatening the privacy and civil liberties of every person in the United States. These biometric smart glasses are the latest example of the Trump Administration’s growing surveillance state, which is intended to silence dissent and intimidate people in communities across the country.\n\n“Given DHS’s record during the Trump administration of exploiting surveillance technologies, we are deeply concerned that smart glasses will be abused by this administration,” wrote the Senators. “Over the past year, DHS has deployed biometric identification tools — including facial recognition technologies — to identify individuals engaged in protest activity, intimidate them, and deter lawful dissent. The Trump administration seems to relish these practices, which endanger the core democratic right to challenge the government without fear of punishment. Smart glasses would provide yet another opportunity for DHS to extend its surveillance capabilities and intimidate individuals across the country.”\n\nIn addition to Padilla, Markey, and Merkley, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).\n\nEarlier this year, Padilla and his Democratic colleagues called for an investigation of DHS agencies, including ICE, over warrantless purchases of Americans’ location data.\n\nPadilla has strongly opposed President Trump’s cruel and indiscriminate mass deportation agenda and denial of basic services for detained individuals. In March, Padilla opposed Mullin’s confirmation to be Secretary of Homeland Security. Padilla has also confronted former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on the Trump Administration’s cruel mass deportation and detention campaign, attacks on legal immigration, and efforts to meddle in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Padilla has attended a series of bicameral spotlight forums to denounce DHS officers and agents’ unlawful arrests of U.S. citizens, violent tactics, and disproportionate use of force. He also co-led a letter denouncing the Trump Administration’s stops, arrests, detentions, and deportations of U.S. citizens.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Mullin,\n\nThe Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) 2027 budget proposal to develop “smart glasses” for biometric identification presents a grave threat to the privacy and civil rights of people across the United States. DHS’s proposed smart glasses could allow its agents to identify individuals, including U.S. citizens, in real time by covertly collecting their biometric information — for example, through a facial scan — without their knowledge or consent. Given the Trump Administration’s record of abusing surveillance technologies, DHS would be able to weaponize smart glasses and turn them into an authoritarian tool against anyone who speaks out against President Trump. DHS should immediately abandon any plans it has to develop this technology.\n\nThe Trump administration’s proposal to develop smart glasses represents a chilling expansion of its surveillance state. According to DHS’s own budget documents, the Department seeks $7.5 million to develop new technologies and analytics tools for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including smart glasses to “equip agents with real-time access to information and biometric identification capabilities in the field.” Smart glasses are designed to be indistinguishable from regular glasses but include small cameras, which would enable ICE and CBP officers to capture thousands of images of faces each day — without the subjects’ knowledge or consent — and identify them with biometric recognition technology. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that data collected would only be used for immigration enforcement. In essence, DHS wants to provide its officers with a tool to quickly and covertly identify members of the public, a breathtaking expansion of its technological capacity to surveil the American people.\n\nThe dangers here are obvious. This technology can easily be co-opted to support the wrongful arrest, detainment, and deportation of U.S. citizens or other lawful residents and immigrants, as the Department has already done since the start of the second Trump administration. An ICE officer could use smart glasses to identify and later target peaceful protesters, even exploiting that information to create a database of President Trump’s political opponents. A CBP officer wearing smart glasses in the field could covertly scan thousands of faces a day, cross referencing them against social media and government databases to flag journalists, activists or critics for detention. Meanwhile, immigration enforcement officers continue to use face coverings to avoid being identified in public, underscoring the irony of agents’ desire for privacy while simultaneously using privacy invasive technology. Such frictionless, real-time surveillance is un-American. Every person in the United States has the right to move through daily life without fear that the federal government is tracking, scanning, and cataloguing their every step.\n\nGiven DHS’s record during the Trump administration of exploiting surveillance technologies, we are deeply concerned that smart glasses will be abused by this administration. Over the past year, DHS has deployed biometric identification tools — including facial recognition technologies — to identify individuals engaged in protest activity, intimidate them, and deter lawful dissent. For example, in Portland, Maine, an ICE officer recorded a protester on video and told her that her information would go into a so-called “domestic terrorist” database. In a separate incident, an ICE agent, without consent, photographed a Minneapolis woman documenting ICE activity in her neighborhood and then recited her personal information to her, including her address — a clear intimidation tactic. The woman later described being terrified by the encounter. The Trump administration seems to relish these practices, which endanger the core democratic right to challenge the government without fear of punishment. Smart glasses would provide yet another opportunity for DHS to extend its surveillance capabilities and intimidate individuals across the country.\n\nDHS’s funding request for smart glasses continues the Administration’s unaccountable expansion of its surveillance infrastructure under the banner of national security. Since the start of President Trump’s second term, we have repeatedly sounded the alarm on DHS’s abuses of its growing arsenal of surveillance tools. We, individually or as a group, have written oversight letters requesting detailed information about ICE’s “Mobile Fortify” facial recognition application; CBP’s nationwide network of license plate readers; DHS’s use of predictive algorithms to identify national security threats; DHS’s monitoring of social media information; and DHS’s deployment of Predator drones to observe protesters. DHS or its subcomponents have refused to provide a meaningful response to any of these inquiries. The pattern is unmistakable: DHS continues to introduce powerful new surveillance technologies while stonewalling legitimate congressional oversight. That is unacceptable.\n\nGiven the serious risk to the privacy and civil liberties of Americans, DHS should abandon its plans to develop and deploy smart glasses. In the meantime, the Department owes the American people answers about its plans to deploy such an invasive and dangerous technology. Please respond to the following questions in writing by June 4, 2026:\n\n1. Please describe all evaluations DHS has conducted regarding the civil rights and privacy implications of deploying smart-glasses technologies. In your response:\n\nIdentify and describe any assessments of how such technologies would affect the privacy rights of individuals whose images or data may be captured, including bystanders and other non-targets.\n\nDescribe any analysis of whether biometric identification through smart glasses could chill lawful activity protected by the First Amendment.\n\nState whether DHS has evaluated the risks of misidentification, disparate impact, or other discriminatory outcomes associated with these technologies, and provide any findings.\n\nDescribe any safeguards DHS has considered or adopted to prevent misuse by DHS personnel or contractors.\n\nIdentify any Privacy Threshold Analyses, Privacy Impact Assessments, or third party audits conducted or commissioned in connection with smart-glasses technologies, and provide copies. If none have been conducted, state whether DHS intends to do so and provide a timeline for completion and public release.\n\n2. Please describe DHS’s anticipated practices regarding the collection, use, and retention of biometric data in connection with any deployment of smart glasses. In your response:\n\nIdentify the categories of biometric data that would be collected and the legal authorities supporting such collection.\n\nDescribe how DHS would provide meaningful notice and obtain consent from individuals whose biometric data may be captured, including bystanders and nontargets.\n\nSpecify applicable retention periods and the policies governing data minimization, deletion, and access controls.\n\nState whether individuals will be able to request deletion of their biometric data and, if so, describe the procedures that will govern such requests and ensure timely and complete compliance.\n\nExplain how DHS will ensure compliance with applicable state biometric privacy laws, including requirements related to notice, consent, retention, and restrictions on data sharing.\n\n3. Please identify any third parties with which DHS has contracted or otherwise partnered to develop, test, or deploy smart-glasses technologies, and describe the scope and terms of those engagements.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-celebrates-44-million-federal-earmark-for-rocky-point-gateway-project", "title": "Reed Celebrates $4.4 Million Federal Earmark for Rocky Point Gateway Project", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WARWICK, RI – As part of the continued revitalization of Rocky Point State Park, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today delivered a $4.4 million earmark to the City of Warwick for upgrades to the north and south entranceways to Rocky Point along Palmer Avenue and Rocky Point Avenue.\n\nSenator Reed was joined by Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and George Shuster, Jr. of the Rocky Point Foundation to celebrate the funding and get a sneak peak of the coming improvements.\n\nThanks to a $4.4 million federal earmark secured by Senator Reed, the City of Warwick will move forward with the Rocky Point Gateway Project to enhance roadway and pedestrian accessibility to the park and create inviting new entranceways that are worthy of the park’s history and natural beauty.\n\n“Like so many Rhode Islanders, I have great memories of Rocky Point. From amusement park to state park, the work that we’ve been able to do here has helped to ensure that future generations of Rhode Islanders get to share and make new memories here too,” said Reed, who was an early champion of ensuring public access to the property. “This $4.4 million federal investment will shore up the park’s entryways for visitors now and in the future and improve public access to this beautiful park and shoreline.”\n\n“Rocky Point is one of Rhode Island’s most treasured destinations, and these improvements will create welcoming entrances that match the beauty and history of the park,” said Mayor Picozzi. “We’re grateful to Senator Reed for his continued support and investment in Warwick.”\n\nIn 2003, Senator Reed secured the initial $2.2 million federal earmark that enabled the City of Warwick to acquire 41 acres of land at the park. After acquiring the remaining 80+ acres with the support of additional federal and state funds, state and local leaders moved forward with creating the Rocky Point State Park in 2014.\n\nThroughout the park, signage and plaques help preserve and remember the rich history of Rocky Point, highlighting significant events and artifacts from the park. In 1877, Rocky Point was the site where President Rutherford B. Hayes made the first official telephone call by a U.S. President, receiving a call from Alexander Graham Bell in Providence. And in 1914, during a Providence Grays baseball game, legendary slugger Babe Ruth launched a homerun ball into the waters of Narragansett Bay.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/5/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-daily-wire-victory-in-iran-nothing-less", "title": "In Case You Missed It… Sen. Rick Scott in the Daily Wire: Victory in Iran, Nothing Less", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "page_html", "source": "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "scraper": "rickscott", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001217", "name": "Rick Scott", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. Earlier this week, Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in the Daily Wire explaining why American victory, and nothing less, should be Washington’s focus in military operations against Iran.\n\nIn the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “Iran’s radical Islamic leadership has chanted ‘Death to America’ for nearly half a century. To them, that’s not a slogan; it’s a promise. When your enemy tells you who they are, believe them.\n\n…\n\n“This is the greatest nuclear threat America has faced since the Soviet Union fell. Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon for deterrence. The regime actively wants to detonate a nuclear weapon in our homeland and kill millions of Americans. Our nation has never experienced such a violent tragedy, and we cannot passively watch Iran achieve that ambition.\n\n…\n\n“If your neighbor spent the last decade saying he wants to burn your house down, you might dismiss him as crazy. But if he starts making Molotov cocktails in his garage, you’d worry he wants to use them. It doesn’t take more than common sense to predict his target.\n\n…\n\n“At a time like this, we need to focus on helping warriors accomplish the mission, not bicker about process in Washington and speculate on cable news.”\n\nRead the full article HERE\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/15/rosen-cornyn-introduce-bill-to-combat-fuel-theft-by-cartels/", "title": "Rosen, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Combat Fuel Theft by Cartels", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced a bill to address fuel theft by cartels in Mexico. The bipartisan Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act would require the Department of Defense to report to Congress on its efforts to clamp down on fuel smuggling by criminal groups in Mexico.\n\nTransnational Criminal Organizations in Mexico steal fuel by illegally tapping pipelines, seizing trucks, and conducting sophisticated cross-border smuggling schemes. These criminal groups profit by selling the stolen or trafficked fuel at lower prices on the black market to evade taxes and get rich, leading to a major rise in violence in Mexico that then bleeds into the United States. Communities near pipelines are experiencing cartel-connected shootings, extortion, and intimidation. In recent years, the illicit trade has expanded beyond Mexico, with fuel smuggling linked to international money laundering and cross-border criminal operations, making it an economic, energy, and national security issue.\n\n“Fuel theft in Mexico has become the most significant source of non-drug revenue for cartels, enabling them to sustain their illegal operations on both sides of the border, and we must take action to combat it.” said Senator Rosen. “I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to help clamp down on the cartels’ ability to profit off of stolen fuel and crude oil, and I will continue to work across party lines to protect American families.”\n\n“Cartels and other criminal groups in Mexico are developing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal or smuggle hydrocarbon products, sell them on the black market, and use the profits to fund the drug and human trafficking that infiltrates our communities and kills innocent Americans every day,” Cornyn said.\n\nSenator Rosen has been a leader in the fight against cartels and illicit drug trafficking. She recently helped introduce legislation to combat illicit gold mining by transnational criminal organizations, including drug trafficking organizations, in the Western Hemisphere. Senator Rosen also helped introduce legislation to stop illicit drug trafficking through commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles, and ships. She also helped pass into law the bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which requires the President to sanction drug rings involved in international drug trafficking.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/15/rosen-cortez-masto-deliver-natural-disaster-emergency-funding-for-nevada/", "title": "Rosen, Cortez Masto Deliver Natural Disaster, Emergency Funding for Nevada", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) delivered over $3.5 million in funding to community projects across Nevada for disaster mitigation and for emergency planning and response. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill recently signed into law provides a full year of funding to the Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Coast Guard. It does not include any additional funding for ICE and Border Patrol.\n\n“I’m proud to have helped pass this legislation to pay TSA officers and other federal employees in Nevada, while securing critical funding for projects in our state to keep hardworking families safe,” said Senator Rosen. “I’ll continue working across party lines to make sure Nevada gets its fair share of federal resources to support our first responders and protect Nevadans.”\n\n“I’ve been calling for the passage of this bill to pay FEMA, TSA, Secret Service, and Coast Guard employees for months,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m glad to see it finally signed into law and on its way to delivering critical support for federal employees and projects across rural Nevada and Las Vegas.”\n\nA full breakdown of the funding can be found below:\n\n$1.1 million to fund the installation of new backup generators at the Flamingo Water Resource Center (FWRC) wastewater treatment facility, which will provide resilience during power outages.\n\n$1 million to help Clark County fund critical upgrades to the emergency notification, communication, and information management systems at the South Site Emergency Operations Center.\n\n$500,000 for Humboldt County to repurpose a historic Air Force Base as the County’s emergency operations center.\n\n$375,000 for Lyon County to purchase and install emergency backup generators for the Lyon County Administrative Complex, Yerington Senior Center, Silver Springs Senior Center, and Dayton Senior Center.\n\n$338,000 to formulate and document viable alternatives to address the persistent flooding issues experienced throughout the Town of Pahrump.\n\n$323,000 to help Nye County develop construction-ready solutions to mitigate dangerous flooding conditions that regularly threaten both motorists and pedestrians during inclement weather.\n\n$150,000 for the City of Las Vegas to make upgrades at their emergency operations center.\n\nSenator Rosen has been a champion for Nevada’s first responders and their families. Senator Rosen helped pass the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act into law, expanding access to federal support for the families of first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Additionally, Senator Rosen has secured critical funding for Nevada’s first responders, including $8 million to support hiring efforts for firefighters through the Fire Grants and Safety Act she helped pass into law.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/15/rosen-curtis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-help-protect-drinking-water-infrastructure-during-extreme-heat/", "title": "Rosen, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Protect Drinking Water Infrastructure During Extreme Heat", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced a bill to help protect drinking water infrastructure in the case of extreme heat or cold. The bipartisan Protecting America’s Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act would make extreme temperatures, like extreme heat, an eligible condition for public water systems to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, which is currently only available to bolster water infrastructure against extreme weather, natural disasters, and cybersecurity attacks. Their bill would also reauthorize the program – which is set to expire this year – through 2032. This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).\n\nCommunities facing extreme temperatures are especially vulnerable to drinking water contamination and interruptions. Rapid temperature changes can weaken underground drinking water pipes, and extreme heat can warm drinking water enough to grow toxic microorganisms and expose the water to plastic or metal pollutants from overheated pipes. In the case of extreme cold, pipes can burst and leave many homes without running water.\n\n“Nevada has seen some of the hottest summers ever recorded over the past few years – putting at risk our ability to access clean drinking water when we need it the most,” said Senator Rosen. “Extreme temperatures pose as much of a threat to our infrastructure as other weather events. That’s why I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure our communities can qualify for federal resources to strengthen public water systems.”\n\n“From prolonged heat to freezing winter conditions, extreme weather can threaten access to safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Utah and the West,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan bill gives local water systems greater flexibility to strengthen infrastructure before emergencies happen and helps ensure families can continue to count on clean water no matter the weather.”\n\n“Americans count on their government to ensure they have access to clean water, especially during extreme heat and extreme cold,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “We must properly invest in the resiliency of the infrastructure that makes it happen. I am proud to stand with Senators Rosen and Curtis to introduce the bipartisan Protecting Midsize and Large Drinking Water Systems from Extreme Temperature Act.”\n\nSenator Rosen has worked to ensure that Nevadans have the support they need to stay safe during natural disasters, including extreme temperatures. Last summer, she introduced a bill to qualify extreme heat as a major disaster, which would make more federal resources available for affected communities. For years, she has been calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal assistance to address extreme heat in Nevada. Senator Rosen has also supported legislation to cut red tape and make it easier for individuals and families devastated by natural disasters, such as wildfires or severe weather, to request federal assistance.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/schmitt-statement-one-year-after-st-louis-tornado/", "title": "Schmitt Statement One Year After St. Louis Tornado", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schmitt.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schmitt.senate.gov", "scraper": "schmitt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001227", "name": "Eric Schmitt", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. SENATE – Today U.S Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) released the following statement ahead of the one year anniversary of the tornado that hit St. Louis.\n\n“One year ago today, St. Louis was forever changed by a devastating tornado that stole the lives of five Missourians, upended hundreds of families, and left lasting scars in communities throughout our city. One year later, the pain of that day is still fresh—but so is the determination to rebuild. I could not be prouder to see St. Louisans rally together with the common goal of supporting each other. I know that only together—we will recover,” said Senator Eric Schmitt. Since the storm, I’ve been working hand and glove with Mayor Spencer, Governor Kehoe, and the Trump administration to secure critical resources to help St. Louis. We’ve made meaningful progress—but there’s still work to be done, and I look forward to continuing these partnerships to help make these communities whole again.”\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Schmitt was the first member of the federal delegation to tour the devastation and advocated directly with President Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for St. Louis to receive federal support that same weekend.\n\nOn May 21, 2025 Senator Schmitt sent a letter to President Trump, requesting immediate action on Governor Mike Kehoe’s disaster declarations for the storm that touched down in St. Louis on May 16. Read the full letter Senator Schmitt led HERE.\n\nSenator Schmitt pushed for the approval of these declarations, and on June 9, it was announced that President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Missouri, unlocking critical federal resources. Read the release HERE.\n\nOn August 1, 2025, Senator Schmitt led the entire Missouri federal congressional delegation in a letter to FEMA writing in support for private property debris removal assistance. Read the full letter Senator Schmitt led HERE.\n\nSenator Schmitt followed up on that letter with direct advocacy with the Trump Administration for St. Louis to receive a mission, and on September 18th, Senator Schmitt secured a debris removal mission, estimated to include $180 million in federal funding alongside technical assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Read the release Senator Schmitt led HERE.\n\nSenator Schmitt remained, and continues to remain, in close communication with the Trump Administration, the Governor’s Office, and the Mayor’s Office throughout the review process to advocate for St. Louis to receive debris removal assistance.\n\nSenator Schmitt has also been in contact with Mayor Spencer and has met with the Trump Administration on multiple occasions to advocate for a potential U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief allocation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tuberville-husted-make-move-to-crack-down-on-student-aid-fraud/", "title": "Tuberville, Husted Make Move to Crack Down on Student Aid Fraud", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.tuberville.senate.gov/press-releases/", "domain": "www.tuberville.senate.gov", "scraper": "tuberville", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000278", "name": "Tommy Tuberville", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Education and the American Family, and U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced the Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act. This bill would implement strong safeguards to prevent student aid fraud.\n\nThe bill would target “ghost students,” a stolen or fabricated identity that impersonates a student to enroll in classes to fraudulently obtain federal and state financial aid. These scammers, often operating in coordinated, international networks, collect grants and financial aid, then disappear without ever attending classes, leaving taxpayers holding the bill.\n\nThis comes as Sens. Tuberville and Husted co-lead a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) task force centered on rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse in federal funding.\n\n“Our students spend years paying back debts from higher education institutions that are oftentimes recklessly spending their money without any sort of accountability,” said Sen. Tuberville.“Bad actors steal student aid funds and never pay them back—meanwhile actual students pay the price when they aren’t allowed to take the courses needed to graduate. This bill creates much needed oversight that puts the student and taxpayer first and holds our universities accountable.”\n\n“Criminals are exploiting financial aid programs by impersonating students, which is wasting taxpayer dollars that could be going to the students who need it the most,” said Sen. Husted.“This bill would strengthen oversight capabilities at the Department of Education to ensure federal aid goes to real students while protecting hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”\n\nSens. Tuberville and Husted were joined by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in introducing the bill. U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives which passed out of the Education and Workforce Committee in March.\n\nRead full text of the bill here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSpecifically, the Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act would create an oversight mechanism requiring the Department of Education to identify institutions that disburse federal aid to applicants flagged for potential fraud. Schools that are flagged would then be placed in a priority category for program review, audits and other oversight. Schools can be exempted if they verify student identities through an in-person or live video call, before aid is dispersed.\n\nMORE:\n\nTuberville Helps Introduce Bill Targeting Financial Aid Fraud\n\nTuberville Introduces Bill to Prevent Illegals from Receiving Federal Student Loans\n\nTuberville Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Provide Transparency for Students\n\nTuberville, Banks Call for End of Taxpayer-Funded Student Loans for Terrorists\n\nTuberville, Grassley Introduce Bill to Help Students Navigate College Costs\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-sanders-blumenthal-heinrich-probe-major-airlines-on-fare-and-fee-increases-as-jet-fuel-costs-spike-due-to-trumps-iran-war", "title": "Warren, Sanders, Blumenthal, Heinrich, Probe Major Airlines On Fare and Fee Increases as Jet Fuel Costs Spike Due To Trump’s Iran War", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, Sanders, Blumenthal, Heinrich, Probe Major Airlines On Fare and Fee Increases as Jet Fuel Costs Spike Due To Trump’s Iran War\n\nFlights are almost 20% more expensive to fly this year than at the same time last year.\n\n“Americans are paying the high price for President Trump’s war.”\n\nText of Delta Letter (PDF) | Text of United Letter (PDF) | Text of American Letter (PDF) | Text of JetBlue Letter (PDF) | Text of Alaska Letter (PDF) | Text of Southwest Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) pressed the CEOs of the six biggest U.S. airlines over how they plan to address rising jet fuel costs as President Trump’s war in Iran continues to increase costs for American businesses and consumers.\n\nFollowing President Trump's launch of attacks on Iran, global oil and fuel markets fell into chaos. Before the start of the war, the average jet fuel price was $2.50. By the end of April, jet fuel prices had climbed to $4.51, increasing by 80%.\n\nOne of the airlines impacted, Spirit Airlines, was set to successfully emerge from bankruptcy when the jet fuel increases hit, delivering the final nail in the coffin that drove the airline to collapse.\n\nReporting initially suggested the Trump administration might enter into a $500 million deal to bail out Spirit and was considering a similar $2.5 billion action on behalf of other value carriers, who have been “disproportionately affected by the run-up in fuel prices.”\n\nHowever, in late April, “Spirit was informed that this potential new financing was no longer an available option,” and on May 2, Spirit announced that the company had begun to wind down operations and had cancelled all flights. In a declaration filed in bankruptcy court, Spirit’s Chief Financial Officer blamed geopolitical events, pointing to Trump’s war with Iran, which caused a “massive and sustained increase in fuel prices” that “will require U.S. airlines to spend billions of incremental dollars on fuel in 2026.”\n\nTravelers are facing potentially permanent fare and fee increases from airlines following the beginning of President Trump’s war:\n\nAmerican announced it raised bag fees by $10 to $50 for the first bag and $60 for the second bag.\n\nUnited Airlines claims it aims to pass on 100% of the fuel increase to passengers, hiking fares by as much as 20 percent and raising checked bag fees by $10 to $50.\n\nDelta Air Lines raised checked bag fees by $10, to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second. Delta has also announced that it will eliminate food and beverage services for all flights shorter than 350 miles for all passengers who are not in first class.\n\nSouthwest Airlines also raised checked bag fees by $10, to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second.\n\nAlaska Airlines raised checked bag fees by $5 for the first bag and $10 for the second.\n\nJetBlue is reportedly working to “identify flights”— presumably to eliminate — that “won't bring in enough revenue to cover the costs of fuel, airport landing fees, and maintenance” and has raised baggage fees for economy passengers by up to almost $10 to a minimum of $39.\n\n“Americans are paying the high price for President Trump’s war,” wrote the senators.\n\nYet, there has been no indication from airlines that they will take other measures — such as capping executive pay or limiting stock buybacks and dividends — to offset costs. CEOs continue to rake in exorbitant profits: in 2025, American’s CEO made more than $13.8 million, United's CEO made more than $32.2 million, Delta's CEO made more than $19.2 million, Southwest's CEO made more than $16.5 million, Alaska's CEO made more than $9.9 million, and JetBlue’s CEO made more than $5.1 million.\n\nTo inform work addressing the pressure on American families from rising costs, the senators requested that the airlines answer questions by May 29, including airlines’ profit margins in 2025, how the airlines determine fares, whether the companies plan to offset rising costs by reducing CEO pay or limiting stock buybacks and dividends, and whether and when airlines will bring fares and fees back down if jet fuel costs decrease.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-17T06:10:29Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-17T06:12:11Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-klobuchar-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-the-usda-research-education-and-economics-mission-area-reorganization/", "title": "Welch, Klobuchar, Colleagues Raise Concerns about the USDA Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area Reorganization", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and 22 fellow Senate Democrats in raising strong concerns about the reorganization of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\n\n“We write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),” wrote the Senators. “While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”\n\n“In order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations,” the Senators continued. “As strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis.”\n\nAlong with Senator Welch and Ranking Member Klobuchar, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nThe full letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Deputy Secretary Vaden:\n\nWe write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.\n\nPrevious relocations of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in 2018 and 2019 resulted in dramatic staff losses, as outlined in a December 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In their publication, GAO noted that this relocation resulted in ERS and NIFA losing over half their staff, with the USDA failing to engage employees, Congress, and stakeholders throughout the relocation process or follow best management practices.\n\nAgencies of the REE mission area were also impacted by dramatic staff losses in 2025, including a loss of over 30 percent of staff within the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). These staff losses have real and immediate impacts on farmers, with many stakeholders now questioning the reliability of USDA’s own data reports. The REE reorganization and restructuring announced this April proposes to relocate REE mission area staff to over 27 different locations within months, but specific details of the relocations remain unclear. This could result in decreased agency capacity, further deteriorating the Department’s ability to conduct research, administer funding, and produce timely and reliable data products.\n\nIn order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations. Additionally, we ask that you detail your engagement with REE mission area staff, including plans to engage with staff covered by existing collective bargaining agreements as well as non-bargaining unit employees. Proactive and ongoing engagement with these employees will be necessary to prevent major disruptions to research, data collection, and education.\n\nAs strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis. Thank you for your attention to this issue, and we look forward to receiving your response within 30 days.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/2026/5/chairman-wicker-leads-sasc-hearing-on-united-states-central-command-and-united-states-africa-command-posture-for-fy-2027", "title": "Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on United States Central Command and United States Africa Command Posture for FY 2027", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wicker.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.wicker.senate.gov", "scraper": "wicker", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000437", "name": "Roger F. Wicker", "party": "Republican", "state": "MS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Watch Video Here\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to examine the posture of United States Central Command and United States Africa Command amid ongoing operations in the Middle East, the significant degradation of Iran in Operation Epic Freedom, growing threats from Islamist terrorist organizations, and increasing strategic competition from China and Russia across Africa.\n\nAdmiral Charles B. Cooper II, USN, Commander of United States Central Command, and General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, USAF, Commander of United States Africa Command, both testified before the committee.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized the importance of sustaining pressure on Iran and countering growing threats from terrorist organizations, China, and Russia across the Middle East and Africa. The chairman also highlighted the critical role of United States Central Command and United States Africa Command in protecting American interests, combating terrorism, and responding to increasing strategic competition across both regions.\n\nRead Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.\n\nWe convene publicly after a classified session on the posture of U.S.?Central Command and U.S. Africa Command.??At the outset, I want to thank Admiral Cooper?and General Anderson for their distinguished service to their country as well their candid testimony during the closed session.\n\nLet me start by addressing the situation in the Middle East. Throughout Operation Epic Fury, Admiral Cooper commanded our highly trained and courageous men and women in uniform as they executed an exceptional military campaign. That campaign has rendered the Islamic Republic of Iran a shadow of its former self. The effort has not been without significant losses, though. And certainly, we continue to honor the memory of the fourteen service members who lost their lives in this campaign, as well as the approximately [300] service members who have been injured.\n\nSince 1979, Iran’s clerical regime has chosen to make the United States its number-one enemy. The motto of Iran’s ayatollahs has never been “God bless Iran” or “long live Iran.” They have chanted “Death to America, Death to Israel.” The regime states its murderous goals plainly. Its entire foreign policy revolves around killing others rather than building for its people.\n\nAs part of Iran’s war of choice against the United States, the regime has directed its terrorist proxies to kill hundreds of American service members, take dozens of Americans hostage, and assassinate senior American officials— including attempts on the life of President Trump. It has also developed a nuclear and ballistic missile program that aimed to hold multiple continents, and dozens of U.S. partners, at risk.\n\nEvery American president since Carter has had to deal with the consequences of Iran’s war on the United States. Yet rather than dealing with the problem, successive Democrat and Republican administrations sought so-called “de-escalation” with Iran. This often afforded Iran the time and resources to develop its nuclear program, the ballistic missile program, and global terrorist infrastructure.\n\nI commend President Trump for recognizing that the Iranian regime cannot be appeased and for directing action to defeat this threat. Doing so will not be easy. The Iranian regime is deeply ideological and insists that it is winning even when it is losing by every conceivable metric. I look forward to Admiral Cooper sharing his assessment of how close we are to destroying Iran’s military capabilities. I would also like to hear what he needs from Congress to ensure our men and women in uniform have what they need to finish the job.\n\nFailing to complete the Iran mission would send our adversaries a dangerous signal about our nation’s wherewithal and resolve. We would send it that erroneous message to Iran and other adversaries around the globe.\n\nAs we have seen, the nature and scope of the threats we face transcend geographic boundaries. This is particularly true as we look to Africa. That is where General Anderson comes in. The continent is not a distant concern for American national security. Rather, it is an arena of growing strategic consequence, defined by converging threats from adversarial nation-states like China and Russia, radical Islamist terrorism, and instability driven by weak governance.\n\nChina and Russia recognize the strategic importance of Africa. China is leveraging economic coercion, debt diplomacy, and military basing to support President Xi’s global ambitions. Through its mercenaries and other proxies, Russia is destabilizing fragile states and extracting resources in order to bankroll its malign activities in Ukraine and elsewhere around the world. I look to General Anderson to provide his assessment of Chinese and Russian objectives in Africa and to update the committee on how Africa Command is addressing the threat posed by these nefarious actors.\n\nThe terrorist threats across Africa remain persistent, adaptive, and dangerous. Increasingly, Africa is becoming the epicenter of global terrorism. Al-Qaeda and ISIS senior leadership now reside in Africa, and their terrorist affiliates are expanding in size, capability, and geographic reach — from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa. Their murderous ambitions are not confined to that continent. These groups remain intent on killing Americans around the world. Yet, significant shortfalls in key military capabilities, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, complicate our ability to track these groups and the threat they pose.\n\nSo, we look to General Anderson to let the committee know how these resource shortfalls are impacting his ability to combat the terrorist threat, and where this committee can be helpful.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-designates-may-16-as-kids-to-parks-day", "title": "Senate Designates May 16 as “Kids to Parks Day”", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and colleagues today applauded the Senate’s passage of their bipartisan resolution to empower young people and their families to get outdoors and promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 16, 2026 National Kids to Parks Day.\n\nStarted in 2011 with the National Park Trust, the fifteenth annual Kids to Parks Day kicks off a summer-long series of events at local, state and national parks. The Senate passed the resolution by unanimous consent last night.\n\n“Appreciation for our beautiful outdoor spaces is in the DNA of every Oregonian,” Wyden said. “This bipartisan National Kids to Parks Day resolution recognizes the generational connection of Oregonians enjoying and preserving our beloved outdoor spaces for years to come.\n\n“Time outdoors gives children the chance to be active, curious, and connected to the world around them,” Hyde-Smith said. “National Kids to Parks Day is a great reminder for families to step away from screens, explore our parks and trails, and enjoy the natural beauty we’re fortunate to have in Mississippi and across the country.”\n\n“We are excited that National Kids to Parks Day is commemorating its Sweet 16 --16 years of park celebration and appreciation on May 16th. This initiative, launched by National Park Trust in 2010, inspires families to get outside, connect with nature, and support the parks they love. Spending time enjoying our public lands and parks plays a vital role in children’s health and well-being. We also believe that kids who grow up exploring parks are more likely to become the future stewards these spaces need to thrive,” said Grace Lee, executive director of National Park Trust.\n\nWyden and Hyde-Smith were joined by Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., Jim Justice, R-W.V., Steve Daines, R-Mont., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., in introducing the resolution.\n\nThe text of the resolution is here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-colleagues-raise-concerns-about-trump-administrations-usda-reorganization", "title": "Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Raise Concerns about Trump Administration’s USDA Reorganization", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today joined Senate colleagues in questioning how Trump’s reorganization of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture will affect farmers and ranchers in Oregon and nationwide.\n\n“We write with strong concern regarding the reorganization and restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),” the senators wrote to Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. “While we support actions to improve efficiencies and enhance service, this effort will erode the capacity of USDA’s research agencies and threaten their ability to deliver innovation and timely economic data for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”\n\n“In order to address these concerns, we ask that you provide a detailed description of actions the Department has taken to minimize disruptions to farmers, ranchers, and ag researchers and adhere to recommendations as outlined by GAO regarding agency reorganizations,” the senators continued. “As strong supporters of USDA’s research agencies, it is our goal to make sure the REE mission functions as Congress intends – focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and rural communities overcome the challenges they face through scientific innovation and complex data analysis.”\n\nThe Research, Education, and Economics mission area conducts critical research relating to agriculture production, pest and disease resistance, market transparency, and rural economies. In their letter, Wyden and Merkley highlighted that previous attempts at reorganizing the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in 2018 and 2019 resulted in dramatic staff losses and interrupted services for farmers and rural communities.\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Angus King, I-Maine, Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Rev. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Peter Welch, D-Vt.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-presses-trump-administration-over-failure-to-respond-to-emerging-threat-of-synthetic-opioids", "title": "Wyden Presses Trump Administration Over Failure to Respond to Emerging Threat of Synthetic Opioids", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Wyden warns reorganization of key agency could threaten substance abuse work on nitazenes and more\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today pressed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over its failure to adequately prepare for emerging drug threats like synthetic opioids known as nitazenes, as well as how its proposed reorganization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will undermine the agency's work to combat substance abuse.\n\nToday’s letter follows a response from HHS to Wyden’s call late last year for the Trump administration to crack down on the growing threat of synthetic opioids.\n\n“Furthermore, I am concerned that recent decisions by HHS to dismantle SAMHSA and consolidate it within a larger agency, therefore weakening its existing powers, are inconsistent with the Department’s stated commitment to enhanced monitoring and rapid response,” Wyden wrote. “These actions risk undermining the ability of states and community-based organizations to detect and respond to emerging synthetic opioids, even as these threats accelerate.”\n\nNitazenes, a class of synthetic opioid are most commonly illicitly manufactured abroad and then smuggled into the United States. While originally developed as pain relievers in the 1950s, nitazenes were never approved for clinical use. Instead, nitazenes have entered the illicit drug supply and can be as much as ten times more potent than fentanyl. Many times, nitazenes are not detectable during field toxicology tests, posing unique challenges to law enforcement’s counternarcotics strategies.\n\nSince its inception in 1992, SAMHSA has been a linchpin in helping local communities fight the evolving drug and mental health crises in America. Earlier this year, the Trump administration announced the abrupt cancellation of $2 billion in funding for SAMHSA grants, but then backtracked on the funding cuts less than 24 hours later. Just last month, it was announced that the administration proposed a significant consolidation and reorganization of the agency under Donald Trump’s FY2027 budget, threatening staffing and funding levels.\n\nDue to the recent surge in these drugs, Wyden warned that the Trump administration is still vastly unprepared to meet the challenge synthetic opioids are inflicting on people and communities in the United States.\n\nThe response from HHS to Sen. Wyden's previous letter is here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/condemning-abc57s-unprofessional-behavior", "title": "Condemning ABC57’s Unprofessional Behavior", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — The office of Congressman Rudy Yakym is condemning ABC57 for secretly recording a congressional intern without their knowledge as part of an ongoing effort to smear the Congressman.\n\n“ABC57 has made clear they are not interested in journalism. They are interested in a hit job. Secretly recording an intern is a cowardly, unethical tactic that exposes exactly the kind of outlet they are. ABC57 has ignored every single bill that Congressman Yakym has introduced in the last two years, including legislation that became law. No statement from this office will be given to a network that operates in such an unprofessional manner.” – Ben Falkowski, Chief of Staff for Congressman Rudy Yakym\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nA recent ABC57 segment opened with a reporter calling Congressman Yakym’s office. This call was answered by an intern on her fourth day. Interns are not authorized to speak on the record to reporters and have no ability to schedule meetings or interviews with the Congressman. The intern was not informed the call was being recorded or that what she was saying was on the record for a news report. The intern performed admirably in the face of unprofessional and unethical behavior from a reporter who should know better than to engage in such deceptive tactics.\n\nHere are the facts about ABC57:\n\nCongressman Yakym has introduced 24 bills in the 119th Congress. This includes bills impacting local industries and honoring Lou Holtz. ABC57 has covered none of them.\n\nOne of Congressman Yakym’s bills became law, two have passed the House, and two have advanced out of their committees. ABC57 has covered none of them.\n\nCongressman Yakym has sent 159 press releases on a range of national and local issues to news outlets, including ABC57 since the beginning of the 119th Congress. He has also posted hundreds of times on social media across all platforms, which are readily available to ABC57 and others. ABC57 has chosen not to avail themselves to these publicly available statements and statements sent to them directly.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/reps-yakym-castro-launch-u-s-mexico-caucus", "title": "Reps. Yakym, Castro Launch U.S.- Mexico Caucus", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) launched the bipartisan U.S.-Mexico Caucus. They will lead as co-chairs of the Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will focus on strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico and facilitating a dialogue on trade, security, and culture.\n\nRep. Yakym speaks at the U.S. – Mexico Caucus launch.\n\n“I’m proud to co-chair the U.S.-Mexico Congressional Caucus and help foster strong relations between our two countries,” Rep. Yakym said. “The U.S.-Mexico relationship is important for our shared economic security and national security. Hoosier manufacturers and farmers rely on Mexico for inputs and exports, while our communities count on a strong security relationship to keep fentanyl and other deadly drugs off the streets. I look forward to this caucus serving as a forum to deepen that relationship.”\n\n“I am thrilled to announce the official launch of the U.S.-Mexico Caucus to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Mexico,” Rep. Castro said. “Our shared border, history and interests—particularly in trade, migration, and security—make the creation of this caucus relevant now more than ever. I am looking forward to working with Congressman Yaykm and my colleagues to continue building a bipartisan and collaborative U.S.-Mexico relationship and strengthening our bilateral policy approach.”\n\n“America’s security and economic future are deeply connected to our relationship with Mexico,” Rep. Salazar, Chairwoman, House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee said. “From immigration to trade to energy security and the fight against the cartels, these challenges demand serious cooperation and strong leadership. I’m proud to join the bipartisan US-Mexico Caucus to deepen this alliance, strengthen America’s position in the region, and help build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous hemisphere.”\n\n“This is a critical moment in U.S.-Mexico relations. Our two nations have so much to gain by drawing closer together — especially with the USMCA review on the horizon,” Rep. Stanton said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in this caucus to strengthen our partnership with our Mexican counterparts on trade, security, and the deep people-to-people ties that bind our communities together.”\n\n“Mexico and the United States are connected not only by our southern border, but also by mutual security challenges and shared economic interests,” Rep. McCaul said. “As the chair of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group who recently led a delegation to Mexico, I’m very proud to join this caucus to ensure Congress continues to prioritize our bilateral relationship. Strengthening areas of collaboration — from agriculture to immigration to counter-narcotic efforts — will no doubt benefit both our nations and the broader region.”\n\n“As Co-Chair of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, I know how important the U.S.-Mexico relationship remains for Laredo and communities across South Texas,” Rep. Cueller said. “Our economy, trade corridors, and daily way of life depend on strong coordination between both countries. Both nations need to continue working together to address security challenges, water issues, and strengthen military coordination along the border. This caucus will help bring leaders to the table, improve communication, and support the businesses, workers, and families who rely on a strong U.S.-Mexico partnership every day. I would like to thank Co-Chairs Congressman Castro and Congressman Yakym for leading this initiative.”\n\n“This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and economic security for communities across the United States,” Sergio Gonzales, Founding President & CEO of the AMLC said. “So many of the sectors that drive our economy, from agriculture to finance, innovation and trade depend on a successful relationship with Mexico. America’s strength and competitiveness in the world are deeply connected to the success of this partnership.”\n\n“The launch of this bipartisan caucus sends a strong message: the U.S.-Mexico relationship transcends politics,” Ambassador Nathalie Rayes, founder and co-chair of the American Mexican Leadership Council said. “It is about maintaining economic strength, striving towards shared security, and the millions of people whose lives are shaped by this partnership.”\n\nInaugural members of the U.S.-Mexico Caucus include:\n\nRep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02)\n\nRep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20)\n\nRep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33)\n\nRep. María Salazar (R-FL-27)\n\nRep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13)\n\nRep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06)\n\nRep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04)\n\nRep. Michael McCaul (R-TX-10)\n\nRep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16)\n\nRep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02)\n\nRep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-votes-to-fully-fund-veterans-healthcare-invest-in-military-infrastructure", "title": "Yakym Votes to Fully Fund Veterans’ Healthcare, Invest in Military Infrastructure", "date": "2026-05-15", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://yakym.house.gov/press", "domain": "yakym.house.gov", "scraper": "yakym", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000067", "name": "Rudy Yakym III", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) voted in favor of H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. The legislation fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits while making critical investments in military infrastructure, housing, and improving VA facilities.\n\n“The men and women who served this country deserve care and benefits that match their sacrifice,” Rep. Yakym said. “This bill delivers on that promise. It fully funds veterans’ medical care, protects their constitutional rights, and invests in the military infrastructure our service members and their families rely on every day.”\n\nBackground:\n\nThe FY2027 MilCon-VA Appropriations Act provides $469.49 billion in total funding, including $157 billion in discretionary funding. Key provisions include:\n\nVeterans’ Medical Care: Fully funds veterans’ medical care at $138.2 billion, equal to the President’s FY2027 Budget Request.\n\nMilitary Construction: Provides $19.2 billion for critical investments in infrastructure, housing, and childcare for service members and their families.\n\nCommunity Care: Fully funds the Community Care account, empowering veterans to seek specialty care that meets their individual needs.\n\nVA Facility Upgrades: Invests over $2 billion in capital improvements for VA medical facilities and four national cemeteries.\n\nVeterans’ Second Amendment Rights: Prevents the VA from transmitting veterans’ information to the FBI without a judge’s consent.\n\nAmerican Security: Prohibits the VA from purchasing resources from the People’s Republic of China and maintains the prohibition on closing Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.\n\nTaxpayer Protections: Upholds the Trump Administration’s prohibition on taxpayer-funded abortion, DEI programs, and biological sex-rejecting procedures.\n\nThe legislation also provides $352.93 million for related agencies, including the American Battle Monument Commission, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-16T06:05:00Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-16T06:06:37Z"}
{"url": "https://jeffries.house.gov/2026/05/16/leader-jeffries-statement-on-islamophobic-attack-in-brooklyn/", "title": "LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ISLAMOPHOBIC ATTACK IN BROOKLYN", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jeffries.house.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "jeffries.house.gov", "scraper": "jeffries", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000294", "name": "Hakeem S. Jeffries", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Know Your Immigration Rights\n\nIf you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.\n\nAsk for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.\n\nYour right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.\n\nAlways consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.\n\nThe New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.", "collected_at": "2026-05-17T06:10:29Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-17T06:12:11Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=89EFB1E3-47AA-4EF5-91F5-121373436FFE", "title": "Whip Clark in Alabama: \"We Are Going to Keep Fighting\"", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Montgomery, AL — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7) and Members of the House Democratic Caucus for a press conference ahead of “All Roads Lead to the South” — a national day of action for voting rights. Below is a transcript of her remarks:\n\n\"House Democrats are here to stand with you, Terri, and with Congressman Figures. We are here to stand with the people of Alabama whose fundamental rights are under attack. We are here to stand with voters across this country. Because we are witnessing an assault on American democracy, at a scale that we have not seen in half a century.\n\n\"An attack on the legacy and the hard-won progress of those who organized, bled, and died across this state of Alabama. Americans who died so their children and grandchildren could know the taste of freedom and know the power of having a voice. So they could know that this is their democracy, too. Full stop. We will not let anyone steal that legacy.\n\n\"Montgomery has been in this fight before. Here in this city, the forces of freedom and democracy stood up to the forces of tyranny and racism. And we will wage that fight again. Because we’re not going back. We’re not going back to Jim Crow. We’re not going back to racist voter suppression. We’re not going to stand by while they decimate Black and Brown political power.\n\n\"Ella Baker told us what we need to do. She said, 'We who believe in freedom cannot rest.' And our dear friend and mentor — and we are so proud to have called him those two words — liked to tell us: 'Find a way to get in the way.' And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.\n\n“We are going to keep fighting in the courts. We are going to fight for and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We are going to keep organizing and mobilizing in every community across this country. We are going to channel the fury that is out there — hardworking people across this country who can't work any faster or harder but are not making it because the system is rigged against them. And they know that we can't have a fair economy, we can't have fair opportunity, unless we have fair elections. So we are going to win back the People's House because we have the American people on our side. We have truth on our side. We have history on our side. And that is why we will triumph in the end.\n\n\"But it is so, so moving to be here with all of you. We see it, just like we did when John Lewis took us across that Edmund Pettus Bridge, with that steep rise on that bridge, that you're in the middle of it before you can see what awaits. And we know we're facing the same violence and ugliness that John Lewis and those foot soldiers faced. But we're going to cross it. And we're going to cross it together — and when we do, we will triumph.\"\n\nTo watch the full press conference, click HERE.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-17T06:10:29Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-17T06:12:11Z"}
{"url": "https://raskin.house.gov/2026/5/raskin-delivers-commencement-address-at-american-university-s-washington-college-of-law", "title": "Raskin Delivers Commencement Address at American University's Washington College of Law", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "raskin.house.gov", "scraper": "raskin", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000606", "name": "Jamie Raskin", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MD", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "On May 16, 2026, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) delivered the commencement address at American University's Washington College of Law. These are his remarks as delivered:\n\nWashington College of Law\n\nCommencement Address\n\nMay 16, 2026\n\nGood morning, Class of 2026! I’m very honored to be invited to spend the next hour and 45 minutes with you providing my analysis of the rise and fall of substantive due process jurisprudence between Griswold v. Connecticut and the Dobbs decision. Take out your notepads.\n\nGraduates, Moms and Dads, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, husbands and wives, friends and cousins. Nico Menacho-Foronda, that was quite a speech man, that was really quite a speech. President Jonathan Alger, Provost Vicky Wilkins, Dean Heather Hughes, your very cool Board President Charlie Lydecker Members of the Board of Trustees, Trustee Mehdi Heravi, Members of the President’s Council, faculty, staff, graduates, and families, and above all, residents of Maryland’s beautiful 8th Congressional District. Professor Stephen Wermiel, Professor Brenda Smith, Adeen Postar. And fellow Emeritus professors, “emeritus” being Latin for “you no longer have an office, but you can keep your email address.”\n\nI know a great story about Oliver Wendell Holmes, the famously absent-minded professor and Supreme Court Justice who was taking the train north from Union Station. When the Conductor came down the aisle collecting tickets, Justice Holmes could not find his ticket anywhere—he’s checking his pockets, his suit coat, his overcoat. But the conductor recognized him and said: “No problem, Justice Holmes. You ride all the time, and we know you have a ticket.” He walked on but Holmes kept searching, under the seat, overhead, on the floor. The Conductor returned and said: “Justice Holmes, honestly, we know you have a ticket and you need not worry another minute about finding it.”\n\nAnd Holmes said to him: “Good Sir, you seem to think the problem is where is my ticket? The problem is where am I going?”\n\nSo where are you going today? It’s the question of the hour. But before we get there, permit me to say something personal about WCL because I was a ConLaw professor here for 25 years when our kids were small and my career was just starting out. With the sainted Tom Sargentich, I co-founded the Program on Law and Government. With Steve Wermiel, a luminous teacher, constitutional patriot, and WCL graduate himself, I co-founded the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project. I was adviser to the American Constitution Society and to the Federalist Society. I had remarkable students, not to mention great Dean’s Fellows, moot court advisees, and, most importantly, very reliable babysitters. All of these fine WCL grads today are judges, public defenders, prosecutors, managing partners of law firms, lawyers who make me proud, business people, and an impressive array of elected officials including a Boston City Councilwoman, a Nebraska State Senator, a Member of Congress I serve with from the Virgin Islands, the Majority Leader of the Maryland State House, a D.C. City Councilman and the Shadow Senator from the disenfranchised Capital City. I served with extraordinary Colleagues under remarkable Deans. I wrote books and law review articles. In fact, I was even the Academic Dean myself for awhile, although I confess I never figured out what I was supposed to do be doing in that job.\n\nBut I left the safety of our dazzling new campus in January 2017 to go to Congress, the same day Donald Trump was elected President. And since leaving the warm, supportive, and intellectually vibrant environment of WCL, I have lived through the following public events:\n\n- A mass violent insurrection and attempted political coup at the Capitol;\n\n- three total government shutdowns and two partial ones;\n\n- a global pandemic;\n\n- an unconstitutional war and several failed War Powers Act Resolutions;\n\n- a Judiciary Committee hearing with the Attorney General of the United States who called me “a washed-up loser lawyer” and “not even a lawyer;”\n\n- and a presidential assassination attempt several weeks ago just down the road a bit in April, during which I got thrown to the ground by a Secret Service Agent;\n\nSo my main message is, hell no, do not graduate. Stay right here at beautiful and safe WCL. Get an LLM or an SJD. Stay as long as you can! In fact, do you guys know whether they’ve found someone to take Steve Wermiel’s classes in the Fall yet? because I’ve brought my resume with me today.\n\nBut, alas, for both you and me, and fortunately for your parents, time rolls on, it stops for no one. You can’t stay on campus in the glory of youth forever. Academia has its place in our lives, and it dwells close in many hearts, especially the further away you get from it. But I assure you that there are other ways to keep learning and perhaps even better ways to contribute, to make your life count.\n\nNow, distinguished graduates of 2026, maybe some of you believe we inhabit a Golden Age of peace, prosperity and fairness for all. And if you do, well, all I can say is more power to you.\n\nBut for the rest of you, I don’t need to tell you that we’re in the fight of our lives today to save constitutional democracy and the rule of law and freedom, which are in danger not just in America but all over the world. The dangers of authoritarianism, antisemitism, racism and fascism loom large, but other perils are on the near horizon too, including climate change—which is the overhanging crisis of civilization, and Artificial Intelligence, which can be part of our salvation and progress or an instrument of our disempowerment, dehumanization and even extinction, depending on how we manage it.\n\nSo I want to tell you—in the few minutes left before you graduate—that the most important thing you need to know to be prepared to join this fight is something you have not yet been taught in law school.\n\nYou’ve learned the body and content of essential legal subject matters. You know criminal law and civil procedure. You have had the chance to become expert in the Socratic Method and the Platonic Relationship.\n\nBut here’s the thing—nobody can ever really teach you or impress upon you: Nothing in the profession you are about to embark upon is self-executing. That is, the law of war is not like the law of gravity. It doesn’t work on its own. If someone commits war crimes, they just commit war crimes. If someone commits human rights violations, they just commit human rights violations. God does not strike them down. An indictment does not appear suddenly under their pillow like a dollar from the tooth fairy.\n\nEvery part of the Constitution just sits there on paper waiting for a citizen, a lawyer, to come along and make it real. The Freedom of Speech, the Establishment Clauses, Due Process, Equal Protection, the Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses, the 15th Amendment, the 25th Amendment. The laws of the country—anti-trust, civil rights, voting rights, the laws against rape and sexual harassment—they all mean nothing unless and until citizens and lawyers decide to use them to fight for justice—in court, in the legislatures, in the streets. As my friend Dar Williams sings, “it’s a long road from law to justice.”\n\nAnd that is where you come in—your values, your dreams, your convictions. The law in 2026 will only be as strong as your understanding of it, your physical and mental energy to engage with it and, above all, your moral and existential courage to fight for it.\n\nJean-Paul Sartre and the existentialists were right about this: the choice is yours.\n\nI know a funny story about this that I learned from my Dad. The young Bobby Kennedy—a different Bobby Kennedy than the 21st Century version—was an attorney with the Senate Committee on Racketeering and he was questioning the mobbed-up union boss Jimmy Hoffa. He said, “Mr. Hoffa, as President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters Mid-Atlantic Pension Fund, a man of your great power and resources is capable of doing both very great good and very great evil.” And Hoffa leaned into his microphone and said: “I intend to live up to both of my responsibilities.”\n\nNow, I know Professor Wermiel has taught a seminar on what has happened to constitutional law in the Trump era. Someone else should teach a professional responsibility seminar on how lawyers have responded to the ethical dilemmas and political traps of practicing law in these mad times.\n\nSome attorneys in Trump’s employ have acted like in-house mob lawyers who work not to stop their client from committing crimes and transgressions against the Constitution, but to facilitate and encourage them.\n\nThere was a coterie of lawyers who helped Trump try to steal the 2020 election, which Joe Biden one by more than 7 million votes, 306-232 in the Electoral College. Sidney Powell pled guilty in 2023 to six misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to interfere with elections.\n\nA law school classmate of mine, whom I served on the Law Review with and who was a research assistant to Professor Laurence Tribe, pled guilty to a felony count of conspiracy to commit the filing of false documents in the fraudulent elector scheme. Jenna Ellis pled guilty in 2023 to a felony charge of aiding and abetting false statements and perjury. Stewart Rhodes, Yale Law School graduate and founder of the Oath Keepers, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 18 years in prison before Trump commuted his sentence. And he now wants a piece of the $1.7 billion pie at the new slush fund at the Department of Justice.\n\nRudy Guiliani was disbarred in New York and Washington in 2024 because he made knowingly false statements in multiple frivolous court challenges to the 2020 election. As he admitted outside of court, “we have a lot of theories, we just don’t have the evidence.” Law Professor and former Law Dean John Eastman was permanently disbarred in California for his role in the scheme to nullify and overturn the election. Numerous other lawyers have been sanctioned across the country for participating in the counterfeit electors’ scheme and making false statements in court alleging electoral fraud, claims that were rejected in 60 federal and state court decisions.\n\nLook, politicians can, alas, lie freely in politics, but the Supreme Court has found that lawyers are officers of the Court and cannot knowingly lie to the bench. Indeed, nobody can perjure himself or herself in court. The law is not agnostic about the existence of the truth, which is why witnesses swear to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” And this is why we have evidentiary standards in court that revolve around proof beyond a reasonable doubt or clear and convincing evidence: we assume that the truth is actually true, as Daniel Berrigan once said of Dorothy Day and her approach to life. Our entire system of law and justice depends on the actual existence of that most beleaguered and endangered species, which we call facts.\n\nIn the current presidential term, the lawyers thrust most dangerously into the maelstrom have not been the couple dozen who chose to go to work for the President but the thousands he has targeted for their politics, their clients or their workplace.\n\nRight after taking office, Trump unleashed unprecedented financial shakedowns of law firms he felt had wronged him, either because one of their lawyers had investigated him, like former Special Counsel Robert Mueller or Jack Smith, or because they simply represented people that he didn’t like. Or because they did their jobs and helped prosecute 1,600 rioters and insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol. Trump issued unheard-of Executive Orders targeting thousands of lawyers who had done nothing wrong for government sanctions. He ordered them to be barred from federal contracts, federal employment, federal security clearances and federal buildings, including courthouses, which makes it difficult to practice law. It was like a really absurd constitutional law issue-spotter.\n\nNow, here’s the remarkable thing. When I heard about these Executive Orders and shakedowns, I said to myself, “The firms are going to fight back and win. The Executive Orders were imposed on innocent lawyers without any Due Process. They impose mass collective guilt and guilt by association, and blatantly violate both the client’s right to counsel and the lawyers’ own rights to freedom of speech and association. They’ll fight and win. They’ll become heroes.”\n\nWell, here’s the thing. That’s not what happened. A lot of the most prestigious law firms in the country, like Paul Weiss in New York, didn’t fight back at all. They said they could not afford to alienate the President. Their clients might suffer the consequences or they might leave the firm, and the partners could lose a lot of money. Some partners earning tens of millions of dollars per year reportedly complained they might have to take a pay cut of a few million dollars if they fought back. So they caved in and they signed themselves and their Associates up for the staggering assignment of doing free legal work for the President of the United States and his ever-expanding legal docket. So many targeted law firms worked to appease the President’s wrath that he pocketed nearly a million hours of promised pro bono hours, worth nearly a billion dollars, to be used for whatever purpose Trump chose, for his policies like unilaterally imposed tariffs, undeclared wars, illegal deportations, lawless political slush funds, and unauthorized demolitions of federal buildings belonging to the people.\n\nBut not all of the law firms buckled under. They followed the inspiring actions of Danielle Sassoon, a conservative Federalist Society Lawyer who had clerked for Justice Scalia and was the Acting U.S. Attorney in New York. She refused to participate in a corrupt order to terminate a criminal indictment handed down unanimously by a Grand Jury for purely political reasons. She and her entire staff decided to fight back, choosing to resign instead of to participate in that illegality from the White House.\n\nA number of the law firms affected by these retaliatory Executive Orders like Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Susman Godfrey, and Wilmer Hale caucused, rallied their lawyers, did real legal analysis and they chose to do what lawyers are trained to do when necessary—they sued. Hundreds of other law firms not directly targeted—thousands of solo practitioners—signed statements in support of the firms who stood up against the threats.\n\nAnd the law firms that sued won sweeping victories in every case, in every federal district court. Right here in D.C., four different federal judges—John Bates, Richard Leon, Beryl Howell and Loren Alikahn—issued orders blocking the President’s blanket retaliatory punishment of these firms, with Judge Alikahn calling the Executive Order against Susman Godfrey “unconstitutional from beginning to end.”\n\nWhat can we draw from this remarkable episode?\n\nWell, first of all, it’s hard to predict how any lawyer or any person will react in a moment of moral, political, legal and existential crisis, and the powers of self-rationalization are formidable, especially in lawyers, mind you. One lawyer whose firm complied justified it by saying that it really wasn’t unfair because the Administration was cracking down on all law firms that had defied his will, firms with both Democrats and Republicans working there.\n\nThat reminded me of a story about a friend of my Dad’s, named Sidney Morgenbesser, who was a philosopher at Columbia University. And he was subpoenaed for jury duty and in the voir dire process, the judge said, “Professor Morgenbesser, this is a case about police brutality and before we put you on the jury, we want to make sure you haven’t had any experience with the police that was unpleasant or unfair.” And Morgenbesser said: “Well, I did have one experience with the police and it was unpleasant, but it wasn’t unfair.” And the judge said, “Well, what happened?” And he said, “Well, I went to this civil rights rally in Central Park and these two police officers started beating me over the head with billy clubs.” And the judge said, “Well, that’s awful, but why do you say it was unpleasant, but it wasn’t unfair?” And he said: “Well, when they were hitting me over the head, it hurt a lot, so it was unpleasant, but they were doing it to everybody, so it wasn’t unfair.” I guess that you could say, in that sense, that these Executive Orders weren’t unfair.\n\nI have tried to talk both to lawyers who fought back and to the lawyers who succumbed. Many knew each other from practice or law school, and they all wrestled with the same issues when they were trying to deal with this onslaught. And they were all torn about what to do because decision-making under authoritarian circumstances is agonizing and confusing.\n\nBut the ones who fought back clearly saw our profession as a calling to improve our common social and political life. They believed that the rule of law must be an instrument of justice for society and not just a form of private business activity, much less a tool of official repression. They saw the choice facing them as a moral and existential crossroads, and not just as a financial and business crisis. They saw the Constitution as foundational to their work.\n\nIt seems to me and this is not rooted in any kind of formal study—but hey it’s a Commencement Address—it seems to me that the lawyers who hung tough for their rights were the ones who had not lost touch with the values that drove them to become lawyers in the first place. They remembered the promises they had made to their friends, their families, their classmates, their professors, themselves. They considered themselves part of a profession, yes, but also part of a community. They did not place newly acquired status, money and power above the dream of professional excellence and effective community service. They kept their personalities and their consciences intact. And, in fact, amazingly, at least so far, they have been rewarded with more clients, more job applicants, more public acclaim and more pride in our profession even as some of the fanciest law firms in America have suffered a public disgrace and the dramatic loss of clients and moral standing within the Bar. Sometimes—just sometimes—the brave thing to do is not only the right thing to do but the popular thing to do as well.\n\nI’m not saying that this was an easy decision for anyone or that people’s careers and livelihoods have not been affected by this lawlessness from the top, and I am definitely not judging anyone in this situation. One thing we have learned is that ethical and personal decision-making in a time of authoritarian stress is extremely difficult. I clearly have my sympathies, but in the situations of legal, moral and personal exigency that multiply furiously under tyranny, we are all torn between our longing for personal integrity and the struggle for personal survival and the survival of those we love.\n\nBut in that see-saw battle between integrity and survival, just remember when you are out on the battlefield my friends, that we swear an Oath. An Oath to support and defend the Constitution, an Oath that can sometimes tip the balance when we are in a moral and civic emergency and a professional quandary. That’s what the law is for. As lawyers we are not just making decisions for ourselves but, in a very deep sense, we are deciding for everybody else too. So choose wisely.\n\nMy son Tommy loved a passage from Wittgenstein, in which the philosopher said that “the truth of an empirical proposition is whether it corresponds to empirical reality, the truth of an analytical proposition is whether it corresponds to the rules of logic, but the truth of a moral or ethical proposition is the courage with which we act to make it real in the world.”\n\nI want to express my hope that you will act with courage in your career to make democratic truths real, to stand on the side of justice rather than on the side of power if they come into conflict when the times have found you. My father used to say: when everything looks hopeless, you are the hope. I see a lot of hope out there today, tremendous talent, boundless promise. I pray you all become instruments of justice in your careers and shower happiness and love on your families and friends every day.\n\nI got a late-night call one night from your Dean of Students and my former student, David Jaffe, last year. Because a WCL alum, Diane Seltzer, was running for President of the D.C. Bar and he asked whether I would meet with her and consider endorsing her. Well, of course, I said, I had heard of her already as a renowned employment lawyer with a law firm in downtown Bethesda in the heart of the Eighth District, and I always lean to the WCL candidates anyway. After I met her, I was incredibly impressed by her commitment to public service and equal rights of everybody. No surprise, I suppose, given her alma mater, which is one of the Top Five law schools in America for students going into public service and to government.\n\nBut of course, I had to do my due diligence. Who was she running against? I feared it might be another WCL grad, since WCL has dominated the D.C. Bar since the days of Emma Gillette and Ellen Spencer Mussey. But it turned out that her opponent was one Bradley Bondi, a University of Florida grad and brother of none other than the then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, the one covering up the Epstein files, the one who had called me a “washed-up loser lawyer” and “not even a real lawyer.” Brad Bondi was the subject, I learned, of news reports that, since his sister had become the AG in 2025, he had suddenly and miraculously settled several high-profile cases worth tens of millions of dollars on extremely favorable and unusually rapid terms with the Department of Justice.\n\nSay no more. For the very first time, I publicly and enthusiastically endorsed a candidate for Bar President, not that she needed my support anyway. President-elect Seltzer won more than 90% of the vote in an election that had a record-breaking turnout of the Members of the Bar. She will be the President of the D.C. Bar who swears you in when you all pass the Bar in D.C. if that’s the one you’re taking. The moral of that story: Don’t mess with WCL. Don’t mess with David Jaffe.\n\nI hope you all go out in your glorious careers and follow the path of Diane Seltzer and Steve Wermiel, Judge Reggie Walton, Brenda Smith, Adeen Postar, Emma Gillette and Ellen Spencer Mussey, and not Rudy Guiliani and Pam Bondi. But that’s just my personal preference. The choice is yours.\n\n* * * * * * *", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/rep-steube-and-sen-scott-host-u-s-service-academy-fair/", "title": "Rep. Steube and Sen. Scott Host U.S. Service Academy Fair", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "domain": "steube.house.gov", "scraper": "steube", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001214", "name": "W. Gregory Steube", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Steube and Sen. Scott Host U.S. Service Academy Fair\n\nSARASOTA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) today hosted a U.S. Service Academy Fair at the Sarasota Military Academy. Each of the five military academies sent representatives to the event to answer questions and provide information to potential applicants.\n\n“One of the most rewarding parts of serving Florida’s Suncoast is meeting young men and women who are ready to answer the call to serve our nation,” said Rep. Steube. “The Service Academy Fair gives students and their families a chance to connect directly with representatives from our nation’s top military academies and better understand the nomination process. Seeing so many students eager to serve their country speaks volumes about the strength and patriotism of the next generation.”\n\nAll students interested in attending the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY), the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), or the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY) must receive a congressional nomination. Applicants must also possess an exceptional academic background, pass a physical aptitude test, and demonstrate strong leadership potential in order to receive consideration.", "collected_at": "2026-05-17T06:10:29Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-17T06:12:11Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-long-island-rail-road-strike/", "title": "Gillibrand Statement On Long Island Rail Road Strike", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", "scraper": "gillibrand", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000555", "name": "Kirsten E. Gillibrand", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, released the following statement regarding the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) strike that began Saturday morning after stalled contract negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and five unions:\n\n“With over 300,000 New Yorkers relying on the LIRR every day, the strike underscores just how critical this service is to our city and state. To get our trains running, we must treat the workers with the dignity and respect they have earned. LIRR workers haven’t seen a pay increase since 2022. While the cost of living in New York continues to climb, these workers have shown up every single day to keep commuters and families moving. I am urging both sides to come to a fair deal and resume train service.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-18T06:31:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-18T06:33:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/golden-ballroom-slush-fund-violates-byrd-rule-according-to-senate-parliamentarian/", "title": "Golden Ballroom Slush Fund Violates Byrd Rule, According to Senate Parliamentarian", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate Parliamentarian advised that the provision in the Judiciary Committee title of the Republicans’ bill that provides $1 billion for Trump’s gilded ballroom would be subject to a 60-vote threshold if it remains in the bill.\n\n“The American people shouldn’t spend a single dime on Trump’s gold-plated ballroom boondoggle. That’s why in a bill where Republicans are ignoring the needs of working America and instead attempting to funnel a billion dollars into Trump’s Louis XIV-style ballroom and throw tens of billions more at two lawless agencies, Democrats are fighting back,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley. “While we expect Republicans to change this bill to appease Trump, Democrats are prepared to challenge any change to this bill. We cannot let Republicans waste our national treasure on a mission of chaos and corruption while turning a blind eye to the needs of the American people.”\n\nProvisions Subject to a 60-Vote Byrd Rule Point of Order\n\nUnited States Secret Service (Section 5)\n\nThis section provides $1 billion to the U.S. Secret Service for the ballroom project in the East Wing of the White House. A project as complex and large in scale as Trump’s proposed ballroom necessarily involves the coordination of many government agencies which span the jurisdiction of many Senate committees. As drafted, the provision inappropriately funds activities outside the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee.\n\nThe Parliamentarian’s advice is based on whether a provision is appropriate for reconciliation and conforms to the limitations of the Byrd Rule; it is not a judgement on the relative merits of a particular policy.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/leader-schumer-and-ranking-members-merkley-durbin-peters-whitehouse-heinrich-statement-on-successfully-striking-gops-first-attempt-to-fund-1-billion-for-trumps-gilded-ballroom/", "title": "Leader Schumer, And Ranking Members Merkley, Durbin, Peters, Whitehouse, Heinrich Statement On Successfully Striking GOP’s First Attempt To Fund $1 Billion For Trump’s Gilded Ballroom In Republican Bill", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee released the below statement after winning their initial challenge before the Senate Parliamentarian, who advised that the current language in the reconciliation bill providing funding for Trump’s gilded ballroom would be subject to a 60-vote Byrd Rule point of order.\n\n“Throwing a billion taxpayer dollars at Trump’s gold-plated ballroom is the last thing Congress should be doing while hardworking Americans are getting crushed at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and by higher housing, health care, and home energy costs. That’s why Senate Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to strip the funding for Trump’s gold-plated ballroom from this Republican funding bill.\n\n“Republicans’ only focus has been funding Trump’s ballroom and throwing tens of billions more taxpayer dollars at ICE and Border Patrol without any reforms or accountability – all while providing $0 in cost relief to American families. Senate Democrats are focused on bringing down costs, and throughout this process, Democrats will continue to show the American people that we are fighting to make it easier for families to get ahead and build an economy where families thrive and billionaires pay their fair share.”\n\nFollowing this guidance from the Senate Parliamentarian, Republicans will either have to strip the provision as drafted from the bill, or Democrats will raise a Byrd Rule point of order on the floor, and the provision will fail to get the necessary 60 votes to remain in the bill. Democrats are prepared to challenge any future language the Republicans try to pass to use taxpayer dollars to fund Trump’s ballroom.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-trump-administration-ignoring-request-from-senate-intelligence-committee-leadership-to-release-secret-surveillance-court-opinion", "title": "Wyden Statement on Trump Administration Ignoring Request from Senate Intelligence Committee Leadership to Release Secret Surveillance Court Opinion", "date": "2026-05-16", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.wyden.senate.gov", "scraper": "wyden", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000779", "name": "Ron Wyden", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senate Intelligence Committee Leaders Urged Executive Branch to Release Opinion by May 15; FISA Court Document Sheds Light on Violations of Americans’ Constitutional Rights During Government Surveillance\n\nWashington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the longest-serving member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called out the Trump Administration for ignoring a request by Senate Intelligence Committee leaders to declassify a surveillance court opinion by May 15.\n\nWyden secured a commitment from Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vice-Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., to push for release of a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court opinion about surveillance conducted under FISA Section 702.\n\n\"The executive branch has ignored a request from the chair and vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee for basic transparency about FISA surveillance. I'll have more to say about this next week,\" Wyden said. “It's clear that this administration cannot be trusted with unfettered, warrantless surveillance of Americans. Every member of Congress should keep this in mind when we consider FISA 702 in a few weeks.”\n\nThe opinion, which was issued on March 17, reveals compliance issues with federal surveillance that are directly related to Americans’ Constitutional rights, and must be made public before Congress debates reauthorizing FISA Section 702, Wyden has said. The executive branch is already required to declassify the opinion under federal law, within 180 days.\n\nOn May 1, Cotton and Warner wrote to the Director of National Intelligence and Acting Attorney General, making clear the opinion should be released by May 15.\n\n“In order to inform the Senate debate on reauthorization of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, we expect that this declassification review will be completed, and the FISC opinion released publicly, within 15 days,” Cotton and Warner wrote.\n\nSection 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows government surveillance of intelligence targets overseas, but also scoops up vast quantities of Americans’ communications in the process. The NSA, FBI and other federal agencies can then end-run the Fourth Amendment and read those communications without a warrant or any court order whatsoever.\n\nWyden and a bipartisan coalition of members in the House and Senate have called for reforms to Section 702 to ensure the law is only renewed with strong protections for Americans’ constitutional rights.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-17T06:10:29Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-17T06:12:11Z"}
{"url": "https://rouzer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2964", "title": "House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Releases B...", "date": "2026-05-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://rouzer.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "rouzer.house.gov", "scraper": "rouzer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000603", "name": "David Rouzer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NC", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC - House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) issued the following statement today after the Committee released its bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs.\n\nThe Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th (BUILD America 250) Act emphasizes moving people, goods, and freight safely and efficiently across the country. The bill provides the largest ever investment in America’s bridges, focuses on proven surface transportation infrastructure programs, provides passenger rail investments and reforms, improves rail safety, ensures transportation projects and programs are more efficient, encourages innovation, and provides the first ever autonomous commercial motor vehicle framework.\n\nThe bill also strengthens the long-term stability of the Highway Trust Fund by ensuring highway users contribute to the maintenance and improvement of our roads. The BUILD America 250 Act injects the Highway Trust Fund with its first new stream of revenue for infrastructure in over three decades. While there is still much to be done to address its solvency, this legislation is a step in the right direction.\n\n\"Our nation’s infrastructure is the silent engine of American productivity, and it cannot afford to sit idle,\" said Congressman Rouzer. \"The BUILD America 250 Act brings commonsense fundamentals back to the forefront, strengthening our roads, highways, and bridges while ensuring the strategic, responsible use of hard-earned taxpayer dollars to get even more projects delivered. This bill is the culmination of years of hard work and input from Members of Congress and the public, including job creators around the nation, to pass a surface transportation bill that meets the fundamental infrastructure needs of the country. I look forward to working with Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and my other colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”\n\nBackground:\n\nTo prepare for the BUILD America 250 Act, the Committee spent the last 18 months holding numerous hearings, including several chaired by Congressman Rouzer. The Committee also solicited input, ideas, and priorities for consideration from all Members of the House and infrastructure job creators across the nation – over 11,000 individual policy requests were submitted in total.\n\nThe Committee will announce further plans for a legislative markup of the bill, with the ultimate goal of sending legislation from Congress to the President’s desk before the current surface transportation authorization expires on September 30, 2026.", "collected_at": "2026-05-18T06:31:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-18T06:33:05Z"}
{"url": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-senator-blunt-rochester-releases-statement-on-fire-at-mother-african-union-church/", "title": "NEWS: Senator Blunt Rochester Releases Statement on Fire at Mother African Union Church", "date": "2026-05-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.bluntrochester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.bluntrochester.senate.gov", "scraper": "bluntrochester", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001303", "name": "Lisa Blunt Rochester", "party": "Democrat", "state": "DE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released a statement in response to the devastating fire at Mother African Union Church in Wilmington, DE.\n\n“Very sad news for Delawareans to wake up to this Sunday morning. Mother African Union church is a historic landmark and present-day conscience within our community. It is also a powerful symbol of liberation for Black Americans nationwide. The Mother Church has a rich history as a safe haven for African Americans to worship and build community, dating back to 1814. Its August Quarterly has brought people of African descent together in freedom and solidarity annually for centuries.\n\nWhile I’m grateful that no one was physically hurt, I am mourning with Rev. Dr. Whitaker and the entire Mother African congregation, and pray that the God uplifts them in this difficult time and remind them that weeping may endure for a season, but joy is coming in the morning.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-leads-effort-in-successfully-striking-gops-first-attempt-to-fund-1-billion-for-trumps-ballroom-in-republicans-budget-bill", "title": "Heinrich Leads Effort in Successfully Striking GOP’s First Attempt to Fund $1 Billion for Trump’s Ballroom in Republican’s Budget Bill", "date": "2026-05-17", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, U. S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, after winning an initial challenge before the Senate Parliamentarian, who advised that the current language in Republicans' budget bill providing funding for Trump’s gilded ballroom would be subject to a 60-vote Byrd Rule point of order:\n\n“Throwing a billion taxpayer dollars at Trump’s gold-plated ballroom is the last thing Congress should be doing while hardworking Americans are getting crushed at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and by higher housing, health care, and home energy costs. That's why Senate Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to strip the funding for Trump’s gold-plated ballroom from this Republican funding bill.\n\n“Republicans’ only focus has been funding Trump’s ballroom and throwing tens of billions more taxpayer dollars at ICE and Border Patrol without any reforms or accountability – all while providing $0 in cost relief to American families. Senate Democrats are focused on bringing down costs, and throughout this process, Democrats will continue to show the American people that we are fighting to make it easier for families to get ahead and build an economy where families thrive and billionaires pay their fair share.”\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nUnder Senate rules, provisions included in a budget reconciliation bill must have a direct impact on federal spending or revenue and cannot be considered “extraneous” to the budget process. The Senate Parliamentarian is the nonpartisan official responsible for interpreting those rules, including the Byrd Rule — a Senate rule designed to prevent unrelated policy provisions from being jammed into reconciliation bills that can pass with a simple majority instead of the usual 60-vote threshold. In this case, the Parliamentarian advised that Republicans’ proposal to spend taxpayer dollars on Trump’s ballroom would be subject to a Byrd Rule challenge, meaning Democrats can force a vote requiring 60 senators to keep the provision in the bill — a threshold Republicans are unlikely to meet.\n\nHeinrich and his colleagues are prepared to challenge any future language the Republicans try to pass to use taxpayer dollars to fund Trump’s ballroom.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-18T06:31:12Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-18T06:33:05Z"}
{"url": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-moore-carbajal-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-support-transit-infrastructure-in-midsized-cities", "title": "Representatives Moore, Carbajal Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support Transit Infrastructure in Mid-Sized Cities", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "blakemoore.house.gov", "scraper": "blakemoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001213", "name": "Blake D. Moore", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide more federal support for transportation infrastructure in medium-sized cities.\n\nThe Medium Transit Intensive Cities (MTIC) Authorization Act creates a new Medium Transit Intensive Cities category within the Section 5307 transit-funding program. The program would be modeled on the successful Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) formula but designed for medium-sized urban areas with 200,000 to 999,999 residents.\n\nWhile medium-sized urban areas often provide transit service comparable in quality and intensity to large metropolitan systems, the current federal funding formula for infrastructure projects does not adequately recognize or reward their performance.\n\n\"Existing transit programs often favor either small or large cities, overlooking medium-sized cities such as Ogden and Layton in Northern Utah. By creating a federal set-aside to reward high-performing transit agencies operating in medium-sized cities, we can ensure that transit agencies are able to meet citizens' needs and make the long-term investments necessary to support growing populations. I’m excited to work with Representative Carbajal to introduce the Medium Transit Intensive Cities Authorization Act to support medium-sized communities that are providing high-quality transit options,” Rep. Moore said.\n\n“Many medium-sized cities on the Central Coast and across the country have strong transit systems that people depend on to get to work, school, and to stay connected with their communities,” Rep. Carbajal said. “But the current federal transit funding framework isn’t adequate for these communities, leaving too many of them without the support they need. My bipartisan bill closes that gap by ensuring we invest in transit systems that serve their riders effectively, no matter the community’s size.”\n\n“Utah Transit Authority (UTA) strongly supports the Medium Transit Cities Authorization Act and applauds Rep. Salud Carbajal and Rep. Blake Moore for their leadership in advancing this important bipartisan legislation,” UTA Executive Director Jay Fox said. “Mid-sized regions like Utah’s are experiencing rapid growth and increasing transit demand, yet too often face challenges competing for limited federal transit resources. This legislation will help ensure communities that are meeting or exceeding performance benchmarks receive the fair share of federal transit funding to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and strengthen regional economies. UTA is especially grateful to Congressman Moore for championing this issue and advocating for transit systems in Utah that are delivering real results for the communities they serve.”\n\nUnder current law, transit agencies in medium-sized regions are effectively measured against—and must compete with—large urban areas with populations over one million, which benefit from scale, density, and significantly greater resources. As a result, even high-performing medium-sized transit systems are at a structural disadvantage and are less able to access performance-based funding opportunities available within the existing framework.\n\nThe MTIC program would dedicate 1.5 percent of Section 5307 funding to reward transit agencies in these mid-sized regions that meet or exceed performance benchmarks. Metrics such as ridership, service frequency, and service provided per capita would be used to ensure that funding is directed toward systems delivering strong results for their communities.\n\nBy aligning incentives with performance, this proposal would:\n\nReward high-performing transit agencies in medium-sized regions that are often overlooked in the current formula\n\nEncourage improved service delivery and efficiency, strengthening transit systems nationwide\n\nPromote equity across urbanized areas by recognizing that strong transit outcomes are not limited to the largest cities\n\nSupport economic growth and mobility in communities that rely on robust transit but lack proportional federal support", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://buchanan.house.gov/2026/05/18/buchanan-announces-2026-service-academy-appointments/", "title": "Buchanan Announces 2026 Service Academy Appointments", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://buchanan.house.gov/media/", "domain": "buchanan.house.gov", "scraper": "buchanan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001260", "name": "Vern Buchanan", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "16 FL-16 Students Appointed to Service Academies\n\nPhotograph L to R: Micah Pubillones, Jack Crosbie, Caine Cokkinias, Hunter Wilk, Dax Morgan, Caitlin Nguyen, John Wheaton\n\nRiverview, Fla. — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that 16 of the students he nominated have received an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy.\n\n“I would like to congratulate these exceptional young men and women on earning appointments to our nation’s prestigious U.S. Service Academies,” said Buchanan. “This achievement reflects their hard work, leadership, character and commitment to serving our country. It is a tremendous honor for these students, their families, their mentors and our entire community. I wish them continued success as they begin this important journey in service to our nation.”\n\nEach year, members of the U.S. House and Senate nominate high school seniors in their districts and states for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies. Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a non-partisan Service Academy Board appointed by the congressman. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination to be accepted.\n\nThe following students nominated by Buchanan received an academy appointment for the fall:\n\nManatee County\n\nJack Crosbie, Lakewood Ranch High School, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nErik Geiger Thompson, Culver Academy, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy\n\nMakayla Berlin, Farragut Academy, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy\n\nEtienne Gaillard, Acellus Academy, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy\n\nDax Morgan, IMG Academy, appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy\n\nAidan Peters, Georgia Military College, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy\n\nHillsborough County\n\nCaine Cokkinias, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy\n\nReid Freda, Lakeland Christian High School, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nTyler Stargardt, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nHunter Wilk, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy\n\nCaitlin Nguyen, Riverview High School, appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy\n\nMicah Pubillones, home schooled, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nJohn Wheaton, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy\n\nRory Jones, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy\n\nLazariyah Rashae Aranda, Naval Academy Prep School, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy\n\nLevi Ward, Georgia Military College, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy\n\nThe U.S. Service Academies are four-year post-secondary institutions that combine educational excellence with military officer training. Students accepted to the academies receive a free four-year education in return for a commitment to serve five-years in the active-duty military after graduation.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6878", "title": "Dingell, Joyce, McCaul Introduce Resolution Raising Awareness of Pediatric Cancer", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), David Joyce (R-OH-14), and Michael McCaul (R-TX-10), introduced a resolution honoring May 17 as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day to support expanded research for treatments and care for DIPG, a deadly form of pediatric cancer. DIPG is the leading cause of childhood death due to brain tumors; less than one percent of its victims live more than five years after diagnosis.\n\n“It is impossible to express the heartbreak and devastation a family faces when their child receives a cancer diagnosis. Every cancer battle is grueling, but for a child with a whole life ahead of them, it is a uniquely devastating journey,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “DIPG remains one of the deadliest pediatric brain tumor diagnoses, and its low survival rates make clear we must do more. We must work together to continue the fight against childhood cancer by driving awareness, supporting research endeavours, and pursuing the treatments these children deserve. No family should ever face this fight alone, and together, we can make sure they never do.”\n\n\"Every child deserves to live a happy and healthy life, but unfortunately, those diagnosed with DIPG have to deal with an incredibly difficult and uncertain future,\" said Congressman Joyce. \"The children and families dealing with this terrible disease merit support from all levels, including Congress. I want to thank Representatives Dingell and McCaul for their unwavering support and commitment to fighting this cancer and working towards a cure.\"\n\n\"With a heartbreaking survival rate of less than one percent, DIPG is considered the most lethal form of childhood cancer. We must do everything in our power to change that and give these children the futures they deserve. As founder of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I'm proud to join Reps. Dingell and Joyce in raising awareness of DIPG as we work toward a cure. For the precious young lives diagnosed with this disease, there’s no time to waste,\" said Congressman McCaul.\n\n\"It’s a challenge to adequately express my gratitude for Representative Dingell's steadfast commitment to raise awareness of the urgent, unmet medical needs of children with DIPG with the DIPG Awareness Resolution. Most people don’t know that brain cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death in children in our country, and that for decades nothing has significantly changed in DIPG’s terminal diagnosis. Representatives Dingell, Joyce, and McCaul all merit our gratitude for ensuring that this voiceless community of suffering is recognized, and that outcomes for children with DIPG are improved,\" said Janet Demeter, President of Jack's Angels.\n\nThis resolution raises awareness and supports efforts by the Carr family, who launched the Chad Tough Foundation in 2015 in honor of five-year-old Chad Carr of Ann Arbor, who lost his battle with DIPG in 2015; Jack's Angels Foundation that was launched in honor of three-year-old Jack Demeter who lost his battle with DIPG in 2012; and every family impacted by DIPG.\n\nView the full text of the resolution HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6894", "title": "Dingell Secures More Than $72 Million in Healthcare Funding for the University of Michigan", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://debbiedingell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "debbiedingell.house.gov", "scraper": "debbiedingell", "member": {"bioguide_id": "D000624", "name": "Debbie Dingell", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) announced she secured $72,215,728 in federal grant funding for the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor to support a wide range of research initiatives, including aging, nursing, neurological disorders, cancer, and more. The funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and was made possible by Congresswoman Dingell’s advocacy.\n\n“This funding will bolster the University of Michigan’s leadership in research and innovation,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “These federal grants are a powerful investment in the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, and I am proud to have secured this money. I will never stop working to deliver federal resources to Michigan that secure better treatments and improve patient outcomes.”\n\nProjects receiving funding include:\n\n$5,357,600 for Aging Research\n\n$1,291,669 for Alcohol Research Programs\n\n$4,926,655 for Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research\n\n$172,720 for Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research\n\n$1,728,000 for B - Cooperative Agreements\n\n$6,052,192 for Biomedical Research and Research Training\n\n$3,933,654 for Blood Diseases and Resources Research\n\n$2,504,638 for Cancer Biology Research\n\n$1,056,331 for Cancer Cause and Prevention Research\n\n$361,475 for Cancer Research Manpower\n\n$3,035,105 for Cancer Treatment Research\n\n$5,366,789 for Cardiovascular Diseases Research\n\n$5,272,226 for Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research\n\n$399,999 for D33 - Preventive Medicine Residencies\n\n$3,084,398 for Diabetes Digestive and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research\n\n$2,649,914 for Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health\n\n$3,163,758 for Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs\n\n$1,611,738 for Environmental Health\n\n$2,940,414 for Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders\n\n$500,000 for H30 - Hemophilia Treatment Centers (SPRANS)\n\n$1,005,852 for Lung Diseases Research\n\n$1,715,793 for Medical Library Assistance\n\n$4,662,752 for Mental Health Research Grants\n\n$137,160 for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research\n\n$5,031,047 for Oral Diseases and Disorders Research\n\n$191,582 for Research Infrastructure Programs\n\n$750,707 for Research on Healthcare Costs Quality and Outcomes\n\n$1,570,188 for Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders\n\n$67,117 for RFA-CE-22-003 Rigorously Evaluating Programs and Policies to Pre\n\n$366,572 for T76 - Maternal and Child Health Public Health Training Program\n\n$1,287,683 for Vision Research\n\nA full list of projects receiving grant funding can be found HERE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/whip-emmer-tim-walz-dfl-block-life-changing-tax-cuts-for-minnesotans", "title": "Whip Emmer: Tim Walz, DFL Block Life-Changing Tax Cuts for Minnesotans", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "emmer.house.gov", "scraper": "emmer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000294", "name": "Tom Emmer", "party": "Republican", "state": "MN", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) released a statement following the conclusion of the 2026 Minnesota legislative session, during which Tim Walz and Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party officials blocked key provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts from going into effect for hardworking Minnesota families.\n\n“Tim Walz and the DFL just blocked historic tax relief for hardworking Minnesotans for one reason and one reason only: they are sick with Trump Derangement Syndrome,” said Whip Emmer. “Tens of thousands of tipped and overtime workers in Minnesota stood to keep their hard-earned pay thanks to the Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts, but out-of-touch Leftists hate to see the American people win under President Trump’s leadership. Make no mistake, Tim Walz and the DFL just sacrificed the freedom, prosperity, and success of Minnesotans on the altar of their radical, far-left base.”\n\nBackground:\n\nPresident Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law on July 4, 2025. The Minnesota legislature and Governor Tim Walz failed to conform the state tax code to match that of the new federal law, denying massive wins for Minnesotans.\n\nMinnesota families and workers were estimated to win big thanks to provisions within the Working Families Tax Cuts:\n\nA typical family with two children in Minnesota could have seen a higher take-home pay of about $7,700 to $11,100, thanks to the bill.\n\nAround 4% of the labor force in Minnesota is employed in occupations that would likely benefit from the no taxes on tips provision of the bill.\n\nAround 24% of all employees in Minnesota regularly work overtime and could benefit from the no tax on overtime provision of the bill. An even larger 62% of workers in Minnesota are in occupations that are likely eligible for overtime and could also benefit.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-announces-new-bipartisan-legislation-to-ban-ai-surveillance-pricing-at-grocery-stores-delivery-services", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Announces New Bipartisan Legislation to Ban AI Surveillance Pricing at Grocery Stores & Delivery Services ", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Above: Gottheimer announces No Rigged Grocery Prices Act.\n\nFORT LEE, NJ — Today, May 18, 2026, at Cafasso’s Fairway Market in Fort Lee, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the Democratic AI Commission, announced the No Rigged Grocery Prices Act, new bipartisan legislation to protect consumers from AI-powered surveillance pricing at grocery stores and third-party grocery delivery platforms. Gottheimer is introducing the bill with Republican co-lead Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).\n\n“Two people standing in the same store, buying the exact same item, at the exact same time could be paying two different prices based on what they’ve told their chatbot. Why? Because an algorithm decided one of them could afford more,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).\n\nGottheimer continued, “Imagine a mom whose kids love oranges. She buys them every single week. The algorithm sees that, knows she’ll pay whatever it charges, and quietly jacks up her price. That’s not innovation. That’s not efficient. That’s just downright wrong. That’s why my new legislation is so important, to help protect hard-working families.”\n\nWatch Gottheimer’s Full Remarks Here.\n\nGroceries are up more than 18 percent since January 2022, with beef, coffee, and tomatoes all up by double digits in the past year alone.\n\nThe bill comes after Instacart was caught changing prices on products customers ordered online, charging some shoppers up to 23 percent more for the exact same item, at the exact same store, at the exact same moment. For a family of four, that amounts to roughly $1,200 more per year. The Federal Trade Commission opened a formal investigation, state attorneys general in New York and California launched their own probes, and, in a separate case for other deceptive practices, Instacart was hit with a $60 million fine.\n\nAs families across North Jersey continue to feel the squeeze of rising costs, Gottheimer warned that AI surveillance pricing threatens to make things even worse. Using vast amounts of personal data, companies can deploy AI systems to identify the highest price each individual shopper will pay and charge them accordingly, meaning two people standing in the same store, buying the exact same item, at the exact same time, could pay two very different prices. That’s why Gottheimer is introducing his new bipartisan bill to stop grocers from being able to target families and increase prices.\n\nThe bipartisan “No Rigged Grocery Prices” Act would:\n\nProhibit grocery retailers and third-party delivery platforms from using consumers’ personal data to charge different prices for the same items;\n\nRequire clear disclosures when prices legitimately change — such as for items sold by weight or when supply runs short; and\n\nStrengthen protections around grocery substitutions, so consumers remain in control of what ends up in their cart and what they pay for it.\n\nThe legislation still allows AI to be used for discounts, promotions, loyalty programs, and rewards programs that help consumers save money.\n\nGottheimer’s Other Actions to Protect Jersey Families:\n\nSending letters to Amazon, Albertsons, Costco, Kroger, Walmart, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart, demanding to know how they are using AI to set prices and whether they will commit to avoiding individualized pricing based on personal data.\n\nCalling on the Department of Labor to investigate the impact of electronic shelf labels and other AI-driven technologies on grocery workers, examine existing workforce training and displacement programs, and report back to Congress on whether additional legislative action is needed to protect workers.\n\nThe “No Rigged Grocery Prices” Act builds on momentum at the state level. Maryland recently passed the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, the first state law to ban companies from using personal data to raise prices. In New Jersey, State Senator Joe Lagana is advancing the Fair Price Protection Act in Trenton.\n\nGottheimer was joined at today’s announcement by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, Fort Lee Councilman Harvey Sohmer, and David and Maria Cafasso of Cafasso’s Fairway Market, whose family has served the Fort Lee community for nearly a century since Umberto and Marianna Cafasso founded the store in 1927.\n\n“Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between understand that the price on the shelf should be the same regardless of who is standing in front of it, ”said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).\n\nBelow: Gottheimer announces No Rigged Grocery Prices Act.\n\nRead Gottheimer’s Full Remarks Below:\n\nGood morning, everybody, and thank you all for being here. And thank you to Cafasso’s for welcoming us today, and for everything you do to serve families here in Fort Lee.\n\nCafasso’s Fairway Market was founded almost one hundred years ago by Umberto and Marianna Cafasso . What started as a “mom and pop” business has become a staple of North Jersey. But, it still does what it always has, serve neighbors and families. Like so many small businesses across North Jersey, and most families, they’re working harder than ever just to keep costs down and stay afloat under ever-rising costs. They feel the pressure every single week.\n\nLook around. You can see why. It’s at every grocery store. Grocery prices are up more than eighteen percent since January 2022. Beef, coffee, tomatoes — all up by double digits in just the last year.\n\nNow more than ever, families are trying to stretch every dollar they can. Seniors on fixed incomes are carefully counting every nickel. Working parents are balancing record utility and grocery bills, gas prices, and child care costs, rent, and taxes. So, the last thing families need right now is a new technology, driven by AI, that figures out a way to stick it to them when they walk into the grocery store, or order food online, and send those prices even higher.\n\nThat’s not some sci-fi, Jetsons far away idea. It’s actually happened, and we need to do everything we can to stop what’s called surveillance pricing.\n\nLet me give you a real-world scenario. You walk into a grocery store after spending the night searching for recipes on ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, or Gemini. They know you need brown sugar for the cake you’re baking. Here comes the problem. If your grocery store recently installed electronic pricing tags on their shelves, and knows from your AI searches that you just walked in looking for that key ingredient, it could then charge you $2 more than the next person walking down the aisle who is casually shopping. In essence, the grocery store starts surveilling you and charges you what it thinks it can get from you. That’s not good.\n\nNow, I’m not talking about coupons and discounts. They can do that all day long. I’m talking about knowing it’s you from AI and then using that technology to have some sort of surge pricing, to charge you more, like what Uber does to you when it’s raining. Think about what that actually means. Two people, standing in the same store, buying the exact same item, at the exact same moment — paying two different prices based on what they’ve told their chatbot. Why? Because an algorithm decided one of them could afford more.\n\nImagine a mom whose kids love oranges. She buys them every single week. The algorithm sees that, knows she’ll pay whatever it charges, and quietly jacks up her price. That’s not innovation. That’s not efficient. That’s just downright wrong.\n\nSurveillance pricing, powered by AI, could also charge you more when you get your groceries delivered from Amazon, Walmart, Albertsons, and FreshDirect, like lots of families do every week. Thanks to your chatbots, they know lots about you, from what you can afford to your schedule to what your neighbors are willing to pay for food.\n\nYou might be saying – no way. Just recently, Instacart got caught red-handed doing exactly this. They were changing prices on the products customers were ordering online — charging some shoppers up to twenty-three percent more for the very same item, at the very same store, at the very same moment. For a family of four, that’s about twelve hundred dollars a year — straight out of their pocket.\n\nAnd, when they got busted, caught red-handed, the response was loud and bipartisan: members of Congress on both sides of the aisle demanded answers. The Federal Trade Commission opened a formal investigation. State attorneys general in New York and California launched probes of their own. And, in a separate case for other deceptive practices, Instacart was hit with a sixty-million-dollar fine.\n\nThe idea is simple: companies collect huge amounts of personal data about all of us. They’re tracking what we buy, where we shop, what we search for online, where we travel, the financial and medical questions we ask, and even major life events. Then they have AI systems analyze that information to determine the highest price they think each person will pay.\n\nAnd that’s what brings us here today. We need to ensure that as AI becomes a bigger part of our economy and our everyday lives, it actually helps us – it can’t be used to hurt families and consumers.\n\nThat’s why I’m proudly introducing new bipartisan legislation, the No Rigged Grocery Prices Act, so that AI isn’t allowed to jack up the prices you pay for groceries when you go to the store or have them delivered at home. No more surveillance pricing.\n\nOur bipartisan bill that I’m leading with New York Republican Congressman Mike Lawler will do three things.\n\nFirst, it will prevent grocery stores and grocery delivery apps from using your AI-driven personal data to charge you more than the person standing next to you or your next-door neighbor. No electronic shelf pricing suddenly changes when you walk up to it. Second, it will require clear disclosures whenever prices legitimately change — for items sold by weight, for example, or when supply runs short. No random surges or changes just because you can pay more. It will also still allow for discounts and promotional pricing. That’s not a problem. It’s when they try to screw you with higher prices because they can.\n\nAnd third, the No Rigged Grocery Prices Act will stop AI chatbots from randomly substituting something you ordered with something you didn’t order – think switching in generic store-branded frosted Mini Wheats instead of the real thing, without getting your permission. I hate that.\n\nImportantly, again, my bipartisan legislation will allow AI to help with discounts, promotions, loyalty programs, and rewards programs that genuinely help consumers save money. But it will stop surveillance pricing.\n\nDon’t get me wrong — with the appropriate protections, AI has enormous potential. It can transform health care by finding new cures to cancer and help government operate more efficiently, like helping you avoid the DMV. But like every powerful new technology before it, AI needs common sense guardrails and worker protections to make sure it’s being used to lift families up, not squeeze them dry. Technology should support workers and consumers alike, not leave them behind.\n\nThat’s why I’m also sending a letter to the Department of Labor, calling on them to investigate the impact that electronic shelf labels could have on American jobs. We must protect workers who might be affected by any emerging AI technologies.\n\nWe’re also asking tough questions about the next generation of AI shopping tools. I’m sending a letter to the major grocers and food delivery apps: Amazon, Albertsons, Costco, Kroger, Walmart, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart, asking them how they are using AI to set prices and whether they will commit to staying away from setting higher prices based on personal data.\n\nAs more people rely on AI to help make purchases and compare prices, families deserve to know how companies are using their personal and sensitive data to raise their bottom line.\n\nI want to be clear. This legislation is not about stopping innovation or preventing businesses from operating efficiently. It’s about making sure innovation works for families instead of exploiting them. Consumers shouldn’t have to wonder whether an AI system is quietly charging them more because of what it knows about their lives.\n\nAnd at the end of the day, this is a common sense issue. Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between understand that the price on the shelf should be the same regardless of who is standing in front of it. The good news is that states across the country are already taking steps to address this. Maryland led the way with the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, the first state law to ban companies from using personal data to jack up prices. Our bill builds on that foundation.\n\nHere in Jersey, my good friend State Senator Joe Lagana is leading the same fight in Trenton with his Fair Price Protection Act, and other members of Congress like Frank Pallone are asking the right questions.\n\nWe all know people in Jersey are smart. They understand sales, coupons, and discounts. What they don’t support is a possible secretive AI system deciding that one family should pay more simply because an algorithm thinks it can get away with it.\n\nThe goal here is simple: we want AI to help people, not exploit them. We want technology that lowers costs, improves service, and creates opportunity. But we also want strong guardrails that keep Jersey Families from getting screwed over.\n\nCompanies developing these technologies need to put consumers first.\n\nBecause Jersey families work too hard to be charged more simply because an algorithm thinks they can afford it.\n\nNot on our watch.\n\nIn the greatest country in the world, I know that if we work together, our best days will always be ahead of us.\n\nThank you, and God bless.\n\nCredentialed media with questions should contact Haraden@mail.house.gov and Yael.Velvel@mail.house.gov.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-praises-anthropic-for-taking-action-after-addressing-his-concerns", "title": "RELEASE: Gottheimer Praises Anthropic for Taking Action After Addressing His Concerns ", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gottheimer.house.gov/press", "domain": "gottheimer.house.gov", "scraper": "gottheimer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000583", "name": "Josh Gottheimer", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NJ", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, applauded Anthropic for taking action to address concerns raised about “Project Glasswing” and the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that had prevented participating organizations from sharing information about critical cyber vulnerabilities identified through the program.\n\nFollowing Gottheimer’s letter calling on Anthropic to change course, Anthropic announced carve-outs to the program that will allow organizations to responsibly share information about urgent cyber threats with trusted partners and relevant stakeholders. Gottheimer called on all platforms to follow suit.\n\n“I’m glad that Anthropic has done the right thing here and made these critical changes,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Responsible information sharing is a cornerstone of cybersecurity. No entity should be contractually restricted from warning others, coordinating mitigations, or informing relevant and trusted stakeholders about urgent cyber risks — and Anthropic stepped up.”\n\n“I encourage all other platforms to quickly follow suit,” Gottheimer continued. “As AI systems become more advanced, we need strong safeguards and rapid information sharing to protect against cyber threats and keep Americans safe.”\n\nGottheimer had previously called on Anthropic to nullify the portions of its NDA that prohibited responsible sharing of cyber vulnerability information with trusted organizations, and urged all frontier AI developers — including OpenAI and others operating similar programs — to ensure organizations can share critical cyber risk information with trusted industry partners and government agencies.\n\nFind the full letter here and below:\n\nMr. Dario Amodei\n\nCEO\n\nAnthropic\n\n548 Market Street\n\nSan Francisco, CA 94104\n\nDear Mr. Amodei:\n\nProject Glasswing is an important step toward securing critical physical and digital infrastructure\n\nfrom the cyber risks posed by your frontier AI model, Mythos. It is essential that any frontier AI\n\nmodel developer building these systems acts with the utmost caution when credible\n\nvulnerabilities are identified. My understanding is that you decided to limit Project Glasswing to\n\napproximately forty companies, which, of course, excluded many organizations — small,\n\nmedium, and large — in a cross section of industries with vulnerabilities.\n\nIt has also come to my attention that Anthropic required the limited organizations allowed to\n\nparticipate in Project Glasswing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that prevents any\n\ninformation sharing with other organizations about critical cyber vulnerabilities they identified\n\nthrough this process.\n\nGiven the serious risk models including Mythos pose to critical systems, I urge Anthropic to\n\nnullify that part of its NDA and immediately allow the companies participating in Project\n\nGlasswing to share their findings with other trusted industry partners. Doing so will help ensure\n\nthat as many entities as possible are protected against these types of cyber threats. I’m sure that\n\nyou would agree that they would all benefit from the learnings of those that have access to\n\nMythos to help protect their organizations from the vulnerabilities it can expose. All\n\nfoundational model developers should do everything they can to prevent malicious exploitation\n\nand ensure that this information is shared responsibly and used to strengthen defenses.\n\nNo entity should be contractually restricted from warning others, coordinating mitigations, or\n\ninforming relevant and trusted stakeholders about urgent cyber risks. For example, a large utility\n\nor hospital that has access to Mythos should be able to let smaller organizations in their industry\n\nrelying on similar software systems know what vulnerabilities Mythos exposed, so that they can\n\nsecure their systems, too. Of course, there should be an appropriate vetting process, but the\n\nNDA should not be a bottleneck to these organizations being able to share with other known,\n\ntrusted organizations.\n\nResponsible information sharing is a cornerstone of cybersecurity — one organization’s data on an attack can help others detect the same tactic earlier, reduce damage, and respond faster. As frontier AI models gain increasing cyber capabilities, the need for rapid and protected information sharing about potential vulnerabilities becomes more urgent. Any insights on the vulnerabilities that Mythos found in one company’s system can help a significant number of others that may never get access to it, or don’t have the resources to, either technologically or financially, to utilize it.\n\nI also urge all of the leading platforms to adopt the same approach, including OpenAI for entities\n\ninvolved in its Trusted Access for Cyber program. If trusted organizations participating in that\n\nprogram identify serious vulnerabilities, exploit paths, or misuse risks, they must be free to share\n\nthat information responsibly, so threats can be contained before they are used by malicious\n\nactors. No company operating at the frontier of AI should use contractual restrictions to impede\n\ndisclosure of critical cyber risk information, including, of course, with the Department of\n\nHomeland Security and the Intelligence Community.\n\nI look forward to your response and to continuing to work with you on this critical national\n\nsecurity issue. Thank you.\n\nSincerely, Josh Gottheimer Member of Congress\n\nCC: The Honorable Scott Bessent, United States Secretary of the Treasury The Honorable Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of Homeland Security The Honorable Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence The Honorable John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency The Honorable General Joshua Rudd, Director of the National Security Agency The Honorable Nick Andersen, Acting Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Meta Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391034", "title": "Chairman Guthrie Op-Ed – Fraud in Federal Health Programs", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news", "domain": "guthrie.house.gov", "scraper": "guthrie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000558", "name": "Brett Guthrie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bowling Green, KY – In a new op-ed in the Bowling Green Daily News, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Brett Guthrie (KY-02), outlined how he and his Committee have led the charge to expose fraud being committed in federal health programs like Medicaid and Medicare.\n\nChairman Guthrie: Fraud in Federal Health Programs\n\nBowling Green Daily News\n\nChairman Brett Guthrie\n\nMay 16, 2026\n\n“In November 2024, the American people sent President Trump and a Republican trifecta to Washington to restore common sense and, importantly, take action to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. Over the past 16 months, government agencies, special task forces, and even independent reporters have exposed a pervasive and nearly institutionalized level of fraud in programs across the federal government.\n\n“Like so many Americans, I have been outraged by the fraud that has come to light.\n\n“In Congress, I serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has a broad jurisdiction of health care policy, including Medicaid and parts of Medicare. Last year, Republicans in Congress took action to close loopholes in these programs that enabled fraud and abuse as a part of the work we did in H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts. Early this year, my Committee continued this work, conducting a series of hearings to examine fraud that has occurred in these programs.\n\n“During a recent hearing, I asked Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the most shocking examples of fraud he has seen uncovered since he took office.\n\n“Secretary Kennedy highlighted the ways that, while in office, the Biden-Harris Administration enabled fraud to snowball in our government health programs. Some examples he gave included the establishment of a program that knowingly paid out fraudulent claims, the significant reduction in the staff of the program integrity office, the way in which the Biden-Harris Administration prevented the government from validating eligibility for benefits more than once a year, and more.\n\n“Unfortunately, this isn’t a surprise. In our first hearing in this series, we heard from witnesses who work in various roles that identify and work to eliminate fraud in health systems across the country. For nearly three hours, these witnesses explained common schemes that they see which negatively impact Medicaid and Medicare. Examples included:\n\nPeople’s identities being stolen, and benefits being used to pay scammers, which often results in a denial of care when the patient actually needs it.\n\nScammers, including foreign entities, setting up fake Medicare and Medicaid accounts to receive illegitimate benefits.\n\nBad-faith health providers and fraudsters billing the taxpayer for services they never provided to patients.\n\n“We also conducted a hearing with Kimberly Brandt, who serves as the Deputy Administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). During this hearing, Deputy Administrator Brandt discussed the work CMS is actively doing to combat fraud in the system.\n\n“For example, CMS has uncovered schemes in which scammers will fraudulently bill Medicare for durable medical equipment, genetic testing, and clinical laboratory testing that are either medically unnecessary or were never provided. They have also shockingly uncovered schemes in which Medicare beneficiaries without terminal illnesses are being unknowingly signed up for hospice care. Bad actors are undermining Americans’ trust in these programs and risking the integrity of Medicaid and Medicare; it cannot be allowed to continue.\n\n“The fact is, billions of taxpayer dollars are being scammed from federal health programs annually, and it is negatively affecting the Medicare and Medicaid programs for those who need it most: seniors, expectant mothers, children, and people with disabilities.\n\n“Rather than seeing this as an opportunity to work across the aisle and find bipartisan ways to end fraud, my Democrat colleagues have spent the past months fighting against transparent investigations, undermining the important work carried out by this Committee… even wasting time debating the definition of 'fraud.' This is sadly all an attempt to cover up the fact that the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration enabled fraud to run rampant for years. Some things you just can’t make up.\n\n“From California, to Minnesota, to New York, fraud in federal health care programs have created real consequences for the most vulnerable Americans who rely on Medicaid and Medicare. To preserve the integrity of these important programs, we must close loopholes, prosecute bad actors, and safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities.\n\n“I am grateful for the work the Trump Administration has already undertaken to combat the rampant fraud in federal health programs, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues in Congress to end this concerning trend to guarantee that benefits are available to those who need them most.\n\n“Congressman Brett Guthrie serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has a broad health care jurisdiction, including Medicaid and some Medicare policy.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391035", "title": "Congressman Guthrie Op-Ed – Supporting Much-Needed Certainty and Relief for Kentucky Farmers", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://guthrie.house.gov/news", "domain": "guthrie.house.gov", "scraper": "guthrie", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000558", "name": "Brett Guthrie", "party": "Republican", "state": "KY", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Bowling Green, KY – In a new op-ed in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) outlined the ways that, in passing the 2026 Farm Bill, the House of Representatives has delivered much-needed certainty and relief for Kentucky farmers.\n\nCongressman Guthrie: Supporting Much-Needed Certainty and Relief for Kentucky Farmers\n\nOwensboro Messenger-Inquirer\n\nCongressman Brett Guthrie\n\nMay 15, 2026\n\n“For hundreds of years, Kentucky agriculture has been at the core of the Commonwealth’s culture and economic prosperity.\n\n“In Kentucky’s Second District alone, nearly 20,000 farms help feed and clothe our nation while supporting the rural communities that so many Kentuckians call home.\n\n“Unfortunately, since the last Farm Bill was authorized in 2018, farmers have faced rising input costs, market uncertainty, workforce shortages, and severe weather that have made it hard to do business.\n\n“Since the beginning of the 119th Congress, Republicans have been working to enact solutions and provide agriculture producers the certainty and support they deserve.\n\n“Last summer, Republicans in Congress took our first step, passing H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts. This bill notably strengthened the farm safety net by making a $56 billion investment in commodity programs, including raising reference prices and increasing Marketing Assistance Loan rates. It also invested $6 billion in crop insurance, making stronger coverage more affordable for producers facing unpredictable conditions.\n\n“Additionally, the Working Families Tax Cuts provided additional certainty for farmers by establishing a standing framework for providing support for specialty crop producers in times of economic peril, creating a standing block grant authority for future disaster payments, and ensuring producers are able to repay their marketing loans in the event of a government shutdown.\n\n“While H.R. 1 delivered critical, much-needed relief, particularly in commodity pricing, we still had more work to do. That’s why, recently, the House took action, passing H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the 2026 Farm Bill.\n\n“This historic legislation, along with H.R. 1, is the largest investment for American farmers in a generation. Once enacted, the Farm Bill will strengthen our rural economy, increase affordability throughout the food supply chain, and bolster the competitiveness of American producers on the global market.\n\n“The 2026 Farm Bill improves access to precision agriculture technologies and services, helping producers increase efficiency and productivity while conserving resources. It also supports rural development by encouraging private capital investment in rural communities through the renewal of existing business and cooperative development programs, and investing in programs that address workforce shortages that continue to impact rural areas across the country.\n\n“Additionally, the bill reauthorizes programs that strengthen rural communities by helping bridge the digital divide through expanded broadband connectivity and increased access to telehealth services through programs such as the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program.\n\n“Kentucky farmers know that healthy, sustainable farmland is necessary for farmers to be able to efficiently carry out their work. For generations, they have been at the forefront of responsible farming, and I am proud to report that our bill enacts important conservation efforts to support soil health, water quality, and prevent future erosion.\n\n“Importantly, the Farm Bill also builds upon efforts in the Working Families Tax Cuts to improve nutrition outcomes and bolster the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). By enacting reforms that increase state partnerships and improve individual accountability, the Farm Bill closes loopholes that have enabled fraud so that the program remains viable for those it is intended to serve well into the future. It also takes action to improve nutrition by codifying updated dietary guidelines that emphasize nutrient-dense foods.\n\n“Finally, this Farm Bill includes Congressman Andy Barr’s White Oak Resilience Act, which I was proud to help lead as an original co-sponsor. This bill will help to promote the long-term health of the American white oak — a keystone species essential to forest ecosystems and a critical component of Kentucky’s economy.\n\n“The House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill is an important step toward providing long-term stability and certainty for America’s farmers and rural communities. Our agricultural producers work tirelessly every day to keep our nation fed and clothed. They deserve policies that support their success, strengthen rural economies, and ensure American agriculture remains the strongest in the world.\n\n“This Farm Bill delivers on that mission.\n\n“Congressman Brett Guthrie has served the people of Kentucky’s Second District in Congress since 2009. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5936", "title": "ICYMI: Moore, Sanders, Omar, McGovern Lead More Than 100 Colleagues in Helping End Child Hunger Through Universal School Meals", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://gwenmoore.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "gwenmoore.house.gov", "scraper": "gwenmoore", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001160", "name": "Gwen Moore", "party": "Democrat", "state": "WI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Rep. Gwen Moore, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. McGovern introduced legislation to end child hunger in the United States. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America — regardless of income — and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools.\n\n“Millions of families already face hunger in this country. But with Republicans cutting SNAP and families struggling with the high cost of living, it is even more urgent that we pass the Universal School Meals Program Act,” said Rep. Gwen Moore. Congress can and should help end child hunger, and I implore my colleagues to support this legislation.”\n\n“It is outrageous that, while the billionaire class has never had it so good, one in five children will go hungry in America this year,” Sanders said. “The United States is the richest country in the history of the world. Nobody should be going hungry. And what we learned during the pandemic is that a universal approach to school meals works and helps kids do better in school. States across the country continue to prove this every day. It is time for Congress to reinstate universal school meals at the national level to finally ensure no student goes hungry.”\n\n“No child should have to sit in a classroom hungry or worried about where their next meal will come from,” Omar said. “As a former nutrition educator and someone who experienced hunger firsthand, this fight is deeply personal to me. I have always believed you must feed kids’ bellies before you can feed their brains. That is why I am proud to partner again with Bernie Sanders to introduce the Universal School Meals Program Act, which would provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to students year-round. Universal school meals are not a luxury—they are a necessity.”\n\n\"School meals improve food security, health outcomes, and academic performance—simply put, they help kids succeed. Several states—including my home state of Massachusetts—have permanently implemented free universal school meals, helping expand access to breakfasts and lunches for all students. It has been hugely successful in increasing participation, reducing stigma, and making life a little easier and more affordable for families,” said Rep. James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee. “It is long past time we permanently implement universal school meals nationwide and increase reimbursement rates to ensure every student can go to school knowing they have two healthy meals to fuel their learning.”\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 comes at a critical moment: the Trump administration and congressional Republicans have enacted the deepest cuts to federal nutrition programs in history, slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion, imposing harsh new bureaucratic requirements that have stripped food assistance from millions of Americans, and refusing to fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown in fall 2025.\n\nCongress funded universal school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that the model increases school meal participation, reduces the stigma for students from low-income households and removes stress on families to secure healthy meals for their kids. While Congress let the universal model expire at the end of the 2021–2022 school year, nine states — Vermont, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico and New York — have passed laws to provide universal school meals. This legislation builds on this progress to return the model nationwide.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent food security report — which the Trump administration has now ended — 48 million Americans, including over 14 million children, are food insecure. Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are 18 or younger. It is time to permanently make school meals free to all students, regardless of income, and finally address this crisis. Studies show time and again that students with free access to breakfast have improved attendance and better performance in school, and that free meals reduce financial stress for both students and families. Moreover, free and accessible school meals improve health outcomes, relieve the stigma associated with school meals and reduce behavioral incidents. Parents will not be forced to deal with paperwork or subjected to threats to have their children taken away.\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 provides the most cost-effective and inclusive model for students, families, teachers, public schools, childcare providers and communities by:\n\nProviding free breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack to every student — regardless of income.\n\nEliminating school meal debt for every public school student in America by reimbursing schools and ending harassment of parents and students over unpaid bills. In a 2025 survey, the School Nutrition Association found that nearly 1,400 school districts across the country hold a median of $6,000 in unpaid meal debt.\n\nIncreasing the reimbursement rate for schools to get closer to the actual cost of producing meals.\n\nIncentivizing schools to buy from local farms, bringing food from nearby farms into schools while supporting local economies.\n\nProviding summer meals to all children and increased SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) to lower-income children. Currently, only communities where 50% of children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch may operate a summer meals program. This bill makes all communities eligible, regardless of income.\n\nStrengthening and expanding the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to allow three meals and a snack each day, eliminate the two-tiered reimbursement rate for CACFP, and allow childcare providers to receive the highest reimbursement rate regardless of income.\n\nJoining Moore, Sanders and Omar as cosponsors on this legislation are Reps. Jim McGovern, Pete Aguilar, Gabe Amo, Yassamin Ansari, Jake Auchincloss, Becca Balint, Nanette Barragan, Joyce Beatty, Wesley Bell, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Nikki Budzinski, André Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Sean Casten, Kathy Castor, Judy Chu, Steve Cohen, Angie Craig, Suzan DelBene, Mark DeSaulnier, Maxine Dexter, Debbie Dingell, Dwight Evans, Laura Friedman, Maxwell Frost, John Garamendi, Sylvia Garcia, Jesús “Chuy” García, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Josh Gotteimer, Adelita Grijalva, Jared Huffman, Jonathan Jackson, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr., Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, John Larson, Summer Lee, Stephen F. Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, Betty McCollum, Morgan McGarvey, LaMonica McIver, Christian Menefee, Grace Meng, Joseph Morelle, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Jerry Nadler, Richard Neal, Donald Norcross, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Frank Pallone, Jr., Brittany Pettersen, Chellie Pingree, Stacey Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, Jamie Raskin, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Adam Smith, Marilyn Strickland, Shri Thanedar, Rashida Tlaib, Paul Tonko, Juan Vargas, Nydia Velazquez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Frederica Wilson and 19 Senators.\n\nThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 is endorsed by nearly 100 organizations, including the American Heart Association, Food Research & Action Center, Hunger Free America, Hunger Free Vermont, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, National Education Association (NEA), National Family Farm Coalition, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Afterschool, Vermont Foodbank, Washington Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, and Washington School Nutrition Association.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=53AD45F9-FF87-4958-B650-14E9F40E4BA0", "title": "Hayes, Pettersen Introduce Bill to Bolster Child Education Workforce", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "hayes.house.gov", "scraper": "hayes", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001081", "name": "Jahana Hayes", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen teacher preparation programs and better equip educators working with young children.\n\nThe bill would require training in early childhood development, including child social and emotional growth, age-appropriate behavioral supports, and effective instructional practices. The legislation recognizes that the earliest years of the life of a child are critical to long-term learning and development and ensures educators have the tools to support children during these formative years.\n\nThe first five years of a child’s life are critical for development. Leaders working with young children must be equipped with evidence-based strategies that promote social and emotional growth,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “By investing in teacher development, the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act lays a strong foundation for student success.”\n\n“As a mom of two young kids, I know how critical those early years are and that early childhood lays the groundwork for lifelong learning,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “As Trump continues to dismantle the services that support our families, it’s getting even harder – and more expensive – for regular people to access high-quality child care. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation to bolster our child care workforce and put our kids on the path to thrive long-term.”\n\nSpecifically, the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would modify Title II of the Higher Education Act by mandating that school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants incorporate training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children from birth to age eight. Companion legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). Bill text is availablehere.\n\nThe legislation has the endorsement of the Association of Educational Services Agencies (AESA), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), School Superintendents Association, The Early Care & Education Consortium, The Education Trust, and ZERO TO THREE.\n\nCongresswoman Hayes continues to be a strong proponent of early childhood initiatives. The Congresswoman led 188 Members of Congress in requesting $14.27 billion for the Head Start Program. Additionally, Congresswoman Hayes introduced the Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers (PROSPECT) Act. This legislation aims to improve access to affordable, quality infant and toddler child care for student parents.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2547", "title": "ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Calls for Stronger Investment in America’s Special Operations Forces in New Op-ed", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://jackson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "jackson.house.gov", "scraper": "jackson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000304", "name": "Ronny Jackson", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — In an opinion editorial published by RealClear Defense, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) highlighted the urgent need to properly fund America’s Special Operations Forces as growing global threats continue to increase the demands placed on these elite servicemembers.\n\nIn case you missed it…\n\nThe Growing Gap Between SOF Missions and SOF Resources\n\nRealClear Defense\n\nRonny Jackson\n\nMay 18, 2026\n\nAs Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, I have the privilege of overseeing some of the most capable, disciplined, and courageous warriors our nation has ever produced. The men and women of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) represent the very best of America’s armed forces–oftentimes undertaking the most dangerous missions in defense of our national security and our way of life.\n\nFollowing the attacks of September 11, 2001, our nation fundamentally shifted the way it viewed Special Operations Forces (SOF). No longer considered a niche capability reserved for limited missions, SOF became central to America’s counterterrorism strategy and broader national defense posture. Over the last two decades, these operators have carried an extraordinary burden, serving as the tip of the spear in nearly every major conflict and high-risk operation across the globe.\n\nAnd yet, the USSOCOM budget has remained relatively flat over the last decade, failing to keep pace with inflation. This stagnant budget has not only created critical modernization gaps but has actually eroded buying power for the Combatant Command, resulting in a 14% reduction in purchasing power since 2019. As of the most recent Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget Request, USSOCOM now accounts for just above 1% of the total Department of War Budget, while global demand for SOF has surged to meet the evolving landscape of great power competition.\n\nThe operational tempo for SOF has, and will continue to, put significant demands on the force. From operations in the Middle East and Africa, to narcoterrorists in our own hemisphere, SOF remains heavily engaged across multiple theaters. At the same time, we are asking our most agile, precise, and strategically valuable forces to do more with less, while simultaneously expecting the same results.\n\nLast month’s high-risk rescue operation of two downed airmen deep inside Iran demonstrated the extraordinary reach and capability of American special operators. In a mission described as one of the most complex in U.S. history, hundreds of personnel and dozens of aircraft were mobilized for the recovery under hostile conditions, ultimately bringing both home safely. That operation was not just a tactical success. It reaffirmed a foundational American principle: we leave no man behind.\n\nIn another notable success earlier this year, U.S. special operations forces executed a precision mission operation targeting Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Following months of intelligence preparation, joint-force coordination, and operational rehearsal, that mission showcased the unique ability of SOF to operate in politically sensitive and operationally complex environments where conventional forces are neither designed nor intended to lead.\n\nThese missions are not outliers. They are emblematic of what SOF does every day. They keep us safe, often out of public view, and increasingly at the forefront of strategic competition.\n\nAs global risks from our foreign adversaries continue to rise, America can no longer afford to remain on peacetime footing.\n\nChina is rapidly expanding its irregular warfare capabilities, cyber operations, and advanced technologies specifically designed to counter American military advantages. Iran, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations are becoming more adaptive, networked, and technologically sophisticated. The operating environment is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and SOF units are often the first called upon to respond.\n\nYet, while the mission set expands, the resources have not kept pace. SOF’s culture of discipline, efficiency, and innovation is one of its greatest strengths, BUT there is a difference between being efficient and being under-resourced.\n\nThe question before us is not whether SOF can \"make do,” because history shows that they will. The question is whether or not we are willing to accept unnecessary risks because we failed to invest at a level commensurate with their importance. Within the last year alone, USSOCOM was forced to deny requests for SOF capabilities around 70 times due to the lack of available resources.\n\nEvery additional defense dollar must be carefully scrutinized in today’s constrained fiscal environment. We will continue to ensure that all Department of War resources serve the end goal of ensuring American military dominance and lethality for generations to come. This is precisely why USSOCOM is a responsible home for Department of War resources, for even a modest increase in funding would generate an outsized return on investment for America’s national security.\n\nRestoring balance means investing in next-generation capabilities that allow small teams to operate with greater effectiveness in contested environments. It means ensuring operators have the training, equipment, and support they need to succeed in missions that often carry strategic consequences.\n\nSOF is no longer a niche capability reserved for exceptional circumstances. It is a central pillar of how the United States competes, deters, and, when necessary, prevails in today’s security environment. As we approach SOF Week, we should celebrate the extraordinary courage of these men and women and extend them our gratitude by ensuring they receive the tools they need to succeed.\n\nRestoring USSOCOM funding to approximately 2% of the defense budget is a targeted first step that will help ensure America’s special operations forces remain ready, resilient, and capable of meeting the challenges ahead.\n\nIn an era defined by speed, complexity, and uncertainty, SOF provides the nation with options that are precise, scalable, and effective. It is time our budget reflects the urgency of this necessity.\n\nPeace through strength remains the cornerstone of American deterrence, and ensuring the continued dominance of our Special Operations Forces is essential to maintaining that strength.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://joyce.house.gov/posts/joyce-colleagues-introduce-resolution-to-promote-dipg-awareness", "title": "Joyce, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Promote DIPG Awareness", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://joyce.house.gov/press", "domain": "joyce.house.gov", "scraper": "joyce", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000295", "name": "David P. Joyce", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) introduced a resolution designating May 17 as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Awareness Day. DIPG is a rare and deadly form of pediatric cancer, with an average life expectancy after diagnosis of one year. This resolution promotes expanded research and care for the disease, which affects 300 children a year.\n\n“Every child deserves to live a happy and healthy life, but unfortunately, those diagnosed with DIPG have to deal with an incredibly difficult and uncertain future,” said Congressman Joyce. “The children and families dealing with this terrible disease merit support from all levels, including Congress. I want to thank Representatives Dingell and McCaul for their unwavering support and commitment to fighting this cancer and working towards a cure.”\n\n“It is impossible to express the heartbreak and devastation a family faces when their child receives a cancer diagnosis. Every cancer battle is grueling, but for a child with a whole life ahead of them, it is a uniquely devastating journey,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “DIPG remains one of the deadliest pediatric brain tumor diagnoses, and its low survival rates make clear we must do more. We must work together to continue the fight against childhood cancer by driving awareness, supporting research endeavors, and pursuing the treatments these children deserve. No family should ever face this fight alone, and together, we can make sure they never do.”\n\n“With a heartbreaking survival rate of less than one percent, DIPG is considered the most lethal form of childhood cancer. We must do everything in our power to change that and give these children the futures they deserve,” said Congressman McCaul. “As founder of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I’m proud to join Reps. Dingell and Joyce in raising awareness of DIPG as we work toward a cure. For the precious young lives diagnosed with this disease, there’s no time to waste.”\n\nBackground:\n\nEvery year, nearly 16,000 children across the country are diagnosed with cancer. Of those, approximately 300 are diagnosed with DIPG. The average life expectancy after receiving a DIPG diagnosis is less than one year. Despite the fact that DIPG is the second most common pediatric brain tumor, research into treatments and cures is sorely lacking. This resolution calls for expanded research on possible treatments, encourages entities to factor in the mortality rate and number of life years lost when considering awarding research grants, and, if passed, would support designating May 17 as National DIPG Awareness Day.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=05CCCE65-8C60-4180-8924-CF942E13CFAA", "title": "Whip Clark Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "katherineclark.house.gov", "scraper": "clark", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001101", "name": "Katherine M. Clark", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "MALDEN, MA – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) announced Christina Xiao, a Lexington high school student, as this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner from Massachusetts’ Fifth Congressional District.\n\n“The skill and creativity of our district’s young artists never cease to amaze me,” said Whip Clark. “Christina’s winning submission masterfully embodies the core strength and beauty of our nation — its diversity of culture, of thought, and of experience. I’m incredibly proud of Christina and look forward to displaying her work in the Capitol for all to see.”\n\nXiao’s piece, entitled “A Nation in Windows,” depicts a building composed of the American flag, with 16 windows representing diverse communities across the United States. Xiao was honored at a private ceremony at the Woburn Public Library last month. She will be recognized at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where her art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol’s Cannon Tunnel, alongside winners from other Congressional districts. To view Xiao’s winning piece and photos of the Woburn award ceremony, click HERE.\n\nEach spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage young artistic talent across the country. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://maxmiller.house.gov/posts/congressman-max-miller-introduces-cable-security-fleet-expansion-act", "title": "Congressman Max Miller Introduces Cable Security Fleet Expansion Act  ", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://maxmiller.house.gov/press", "domain": "maxmiller.house.gov", "scraper": "maxmiller", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001222", "name": "Max L. Miller", "party": "Republican", "state": "OH", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07), alongside Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), introduced the Cable Security Fleet Expansion Act, legislation to strengthen America’s ability to protect and repair critical undersea communications infrastructure.\n\nSubsea fiber-optic cables carry approximately 99 percent of international internet traffic and facilitate nearly $10 trillion in financial transactions daily, making them essential to both U.S. national security and the global economy. Recent incidents in the waters near Taiwan and in the Baltic Sea have highlighted the growing vulnerability of this infrastructure to disruption and sabotage. This legislation updates the Cable Security Fleet program to better address evolving national security threats and strengthen U.S. resilience against disruptions to critical subsea infrastructure.\n\n“America’s national and economic security depends on infrastructure most people never think about, but use every day,” said Congressman Miller. “Undersea cables are critical to global communications, financial markets, and military readiness. This legislation ensures the United States has the capacity to repair and protect these systems when it matters most.”\n\n“Nearly all of the United States’ international internet traffic, along with trillions of dollars in financial transactions, travels over subsea cables across the world,” said Congressman Luttrell. “Our adversaries know this and can exploit this national security vulnerability should we lose the ability to sustain and repair these cables. This legislation makes a long-overdue investment in the infrastructure we depend on, and I am proud to help lead this effort.”\n\n“The lack of preparedness to protect and repair critical infrastructure tied to Americans’ international internet traffic is startling at best and a flat-out nightmare at worst,” said Congressman McDowell. “Through the Cable Security Fleet Expansion Act, America will be better prepared to repair subsea cables when urgency is of the utmost importance, keeping America’s communications up and running with the outside world.”\n\nSpecifically, the Cable Security Fleet Expansion Act will:\n\nIncreases the number of vessels permitted to be retained in the Cable Security Fleet from two to “not less than six.”\n\nGrants MARAD some contract negotiation flexibility by allowing them to retain vessels for “up to $7M per year” rather than the fixed $5M contract that is in current law; and\n\nFinally, the legislation increases the total Cable Security Fleet authorization from $10M to $56M, which is enough for MARAD to retain at least eight vessels at the full stipend amount of $7M.\n\nBill text here.\n\nOne-pager here.\n\nEditor’s note regarding Congressman Miller:\n\nCongressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District, which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Republican sophomore members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Main Street Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit https://maxmiller.house.gov for more information.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2885", "title": "Speaker Johnson Leads Nation in Prayer of Rededication", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "mikejohnson.house.gov", "scraper": "mikejohnson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "J000299", "name": "Mike Johnson", "party": "Republican", "state": "LA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Yesterday at Rededicate 250, Speaker Johnson led thousands gathered on the National Mall in a prayer of rededication, acknowledging God’s providence over the past 250 years and seeking His blessing for the next 250.\n\nWatch Speaker Johnson’s full remarks here.\n\nBelow are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:\n\n“Thank you so much, my friends. It is such a blessing to welcome you all here to the nation's capital. My humble assignment here today is to bring us straight to the Lord in a prayer of rededication. Would you join me in that?\n\nOur Heavenly Father, we thank you. Thank you so much for this great day that you've given us here, as we remember that your mighty hand has been upon our nation since the very beginning.\n\nSince Christopher Columbus set sail in the New World, since the settlers at Jamestown planted the cross at Cape Henry, and since the pilgrims at Plymouth made a covenant to give you the glory, in all that time, you guided us at every pivotal moment. And when our forefathers took up the great cause of American independence, they turned to you in steadfast prayer.\n\nOn this very day, two and a half centuries ago, the Second Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia. Facing imminent battle and almost certain death, our Founders held a decisive day of what they called ‘humiliation, fasting and prayer.’ They did that to humble themselves and to seek your guidance at the dawn of their fight for freedom.\n\nJust weeks later, Lord, on July 4th, 1776, you gave 56 patriots the courage and the conviction to sign their names to the Declaration of Independence, forming 13 distant and disparate colonies into a new nation, which would become by your mercy and grace, the freest, most successful, most benevolent nation in the history of the world.\n\nIn those early days, you safeguarded George Washington and his ragtag army as they defeated the mightiest of empires. And you gave our fathers the wisdom and faith to establish this new nation premised on the biblical and foundational principle that all men are created equal and free before you. Through your divine providence, our Founders acknowledged and boldly proclaimed the self-evident truth that every single person is created in your image, and that we are endowed by you, our Creator, with our inalienable rights to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.\n\nLord, we know that that Declaration, which has been recognized as our nation's creed, has also been the inspiration for the single greatest force for peace and justice and human flourishing. It set in motion a chain of events that altered the very course of human history, and today as we seek to fulfill its true meaning, those self-evident truths still guide our nation and still call us to honor and cherish and protect the dignity of every human life.\n\nLord, today, our people gather once again in your name. We have humbled ourselves before you. We acknowledge that the miracle of our founding, and the countless miracles that have followed, are your doing. We remember that we owe our nation – every victory, every hero, every good deed she has brought forth – to you, Almighty God.\n\nAmid a bloody civil war, you gave Abraham Lincoln the vision and the fortitude to ignite a ‘new birth of freedom.’ And in the turbulent years that followed you, you offered us healing and restoration, calling us even then, to the better angels of our nature.\n\nWhen our allies in Europe fell prey to the dark shadow of fascism, you equipped our greatest generation with the strength to defend and liberate Western Civilization. You filled the sojourners of the civil rights movement with your spirit as they challenged their generation to live up to the promises enshrined in the Declaration. In the 20th century, you gave brave leaders like President Ronald Reagan, the courage and heart to speak boldly to the promise of God-given liberty and the emptiness of godless Soviet tyranny.\n\nAt the dawn of a new century when terrorists struck our homeland on September 11th, you gave 44 heroes on Flight 93 your divine courage to thwart that murderous attack. You drove out fear out of the hearts of rescuers and first responders who ran upstairs and into fires to help those in need. And in the years that followed, as we cleared the ashes and debris, you healed our broken hearts and you revealed again, the fierce, unbreakable spirit of the American people.\n\nEvery day since, over each of our 250 years, America has been a land of hope and liberty, a place of miracles, and the ‘light and glory’ of all nations because of you.\n\nNow as we approach the 250th anniversary of American Independence, we face a new set of challenges in a new era. In recent years, we've seen sinister ideologies sow confusion and discord among our people. We've witnessed attacks on our history, on our heroes, and on the cherished moral and spiritual identity of this great nation. These voices insist to the young and impressionable that our story – the American story – is one of oppression and hypocrisy and failure, and that this story can only be understood through the lens of our sins. But Father, we reject that. We rebuke it in your name.\n\nThose voices have sought to distort the self-evident truth that we know so well, and that our founders boldly proclaim in the Declaration: that our rights do not derive from the government, they come from you, our Creator and Heavenly Father.\n\nLord, just as we humbly sought out your guidance in past trials, we are doing it here again today. We turn to you once again to save us from these afflictions, to deliver us from the forces of evil oppression and justice and tyranny – both within our borders and beyond our shores – and Lord, never let us be separated from your mercy and your love.\n\nWe pray, Lord, that you continue to bless our President with the wisdom and prudence and strength to govern our nation in accordance with your will. We pray that you guide our lawmakers, that you walk with us and grant us the moral clarity to rise above partisan differences, and give us the wisdom and humility to serve selflessly and sacrificially.\n\nLord, protect our servicemembers, our law enforcement officers, our first responders, all those who risk their own lives daily as they administer justice and preserve the peace in our communities in accordance with your word.\n\nHelp all our faith leaders and pastors and priests to be faithful in their calling and successful in their ministries to shine your light of hope and salvation across our land. We pray too that you will safeguard all houses of worship, that they remain sanctuaries of prayer and peace.\n\nGive every American parent the grace they need to raise and protect the next generation of freedom-loving children. Father, we pray for marriages across this land. That husbands and wives have the patience to love one another in all the days of their lives. Heal the wounds of broken hearts God, and the battles that we do not see.\n\nLord, we ask that you equip our educators with the knowledge to teach the truth, for they will shape the next generation of government and leaders. Be with our physicians and our nurses and our healthcare workers, and give comfort to the sick and to those on Heaven's door.\n\nWe pray that you bestow upon all Americans a renewed love of country, hope for the future, and faith in your everlasting mercy and grace.\n\nFather, we pray for mercy upon our land, mercy upon us for our mistakes. Forgive us of our sins individually and collectively and help us devote ourselves with a renewed piety and patriotism to the eternal truths of your word and to the enduring principles of the Declaration you blessed us with.\n\nAbove all Lord, grant us the courage in your favor to preserve this Republic. Instill within us, the same devotion that compelled 56 men to pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to this grand experiment in self-governance. The same devotion of patriots like Patrick Henry, for whom liberty was worth any price. The same devotion of President Abraham Lincoln, who at Gettysburg charged his countrymen to rededicate themselves to the unfinished work of our fathers. Lord, today we pray that you grant us that same devotion to these United States.\n\nGive us courage and make us worthy of all those who devoted and sacrificed their lives so that a government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the Earth, almighty God.\n\nWe ask that you hear these solemn petitions just as we in the beginning dedicated this land to your most holy name today. Here Lord, in this 250th year of American Independence, we hereby rededicate the United States of America as ‘One Nation, Under God.’\n\nLook upon us with favor upon your country as we celebrate this momentous anniversary and let your Holy Spirit descend upon this land so that future generations will look back at this day, in this present age, and once again, see your providential hand at work. I ask this today, Lord, I pray it and I believe it, in your holy name, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://moran.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2750", "title": "Congressman Moran Honors Six East Texas Students at Service Academy Nominees Brunch", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://moran.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "moran.house.gov", "scraper": "nathanielmoran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001224", "name": "Nathaniel Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "TX-01 nominees recognized for earning appointments to the nation’s most prestigious military institutions\n\nOn Saturday, May 16, 2026, Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) hosted his annual Service Academy Nominees Brunch to honor six outstanding young men and women from East Texas who have earned appointments to the United States’ most prestigious military service academies.\n\nThe brunch brought together the nominees, their families, and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional students and the beginning of their journeys in service to our nation.\n\n“Serving our country in uniform is not a decision anyone makes lightly, and the young men and women we honored today understand exactly what they're signing up for,” said Congressman Moran. “They've already demonstrated the character, the work ethic, and the heart for service that our military demands. East Texas has always answered the call when our nation needs it most, and this class carries that tradition forward. I'm grateful to their families for raising the kind of young people our country needs, and I look forward to watching them lead.”\n\nThis year’s class of nominees from the 1st Congressional District of Texas represents the best of East Texas. Each student endured a demanding application process that tested their academic achievement, physical fitness, leadership, and character. Their appointments reflect not only their individual merit but also the strong families, schools, and communities that shaped them.\n\n2026 SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINEES\n\nNora Ni\n\nUnited States Military Academy — West Point, NY\n\nBrook Hill High School\n\n“Applying to the service academies was a journey of endurance and consistency, and I am deeply grateful for the support from my family, teachers, mentors, and Congressman Moran’s office in this endeavor. It is truly an honor and a privilege to give back in service to our nation alongside such an exceptional team. I know the years ahead won’t be easy, but I am excited to face the challenges because I know they will build my capacity to serve and lead.”\n\n— — —\n\nBrock Sieber\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy — Colorado Springs, CO\n\nGrace Community High School\n\n“Applying for the service academies has been a rigorous and long process but my hard work has paid off. My desire to serve my country has given me the discipline to overcome the challenges that come with the process. There is no greater sacrifice for the ones I love than to dedicate my life to protecting all Americans. I am beyond grateful to be given the opportunity to serve God, my community, the state of Texas, and the United States of America in the Air Force.”\n\n— — —\n\nJames Thomson\n\nUnited States Naval Academy — Annapolis, MD\n\nHendrix College\n\n“I feel extremely honored to get this opportunity to serve my country. The application process has been long, yet undoubtedly worthwhile. I look forward to contributing my best and becoming part of a lifelong family.”\n\n— — —\n\nBrooks Frans\n\nUnited States Naval Academy — Annapolis, MD\n\nBishop Gorman High School\n\n“I believe that service means giving myself and my talents for the good of others. Throughout the admissions process, I learned more on my own work process and the guidance God gives through His plan. In all, I believe that I am well prepared to serve as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy.”\n\n— — —\n\nJayden Riley\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy Preparatory School — Colorado Springs, CO\n\nAtlanta High School\n\n“Applying to the United States Air Force Academy has been a journey of discipline, growth, and purpose for me. It has shown me what it truly means to commit to something bigger than myself. To me, serving my country isn’t just about wearing the uniform—it’s about leading with integrity and putting others before myself every day. It’s an honor and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”\n\n— — —\n\nMatthew Scheusner\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy — Kings Point, NY\n\nTyler Legacy High School\n\n“The application experience itself separated the wheat from the chaff—those who could finish the application and those who couldn’t. I’m very grateful to everyone who helped me finish the application and then being accepted on top of that. I want to give back to my community—the great city of Tyler and its mentors—which helped me get to where I am today. To do so, I am going to honor them by serving my country and one day invest in the next generation like they did for me.”\n\nMembers of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO), and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY). Each member may nominate up to fifteen individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to their district.\n\nStudents interested in pursuing a service academy nomination from Congressman Moran’s office may begin the process during their junior year of high school by contacting the district office at (903) 561-6349 and asking to speak with the Service Academy Coordinator.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1726", "title": "Reps. Pettersen, Hayes Introduce Bill to Bolster Child Education Workforce", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://pettersen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "pettersen.house.gov", "scraper": "pettersen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000620", "name": "Brittany Pettersen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CO", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen teacher preparation programs and better equip educators working with young children.\n\nThe bill would require training in early childhood development, including children’s social and emotional growth, age-appropriate behavioral supports, and effective instructional practices. The legislation recognizes that the earliest years of a child’s life are critical to long-term learning and development and ensures educators have the tools to support children during these formative years.\n\n“As a mom of two young kids, I know how critical those early years are and that early childhood lays the groundwork for lifelong learning,” said Pettersen. “As Trump continues to dismantle the services that support our families, it’s getting even harder – and more expensive – for regular people to access high-quality child care. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation to bolster our child care workforce and put our kids on the path to thrive long-term.”\n\n“The first five years of the life of a child are critical for development. Leaders working with young children must be equipped with evidence-based strategies that promote social and emotional growth,” said Hayes. “By investing in the development of teachers, the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act lays a strong foundation for student success.”\n\nThe Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would modify Title II of the Higher Education Act by mandating that school leadership programs receiving federal Teacher Quality Partnership grants incorporate training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children from birth to age eight. Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Ben Ray Lujan (R-NM). Bill text is available HERE.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Association of Educational Services Agencies, National Association for the Education of Young Children, School Superintendents Association, The Early Care & Education Consortium, The Education Trust, and ZERO TO THREE.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://simpson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401980", "title": "Rep. Simpson Advances Funding for Montpelier Police Department Radio Upgrade", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://simpson.house.gov/news", "domain": "simpson.house.gov", "scraper": "simpson", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001148", "name": "Michael K. Simpson", "party": "Republican", "state": "ID", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson highlighted the inclusion of $66,000 in funding for the Montpelier Police Department Radio Upgrade Project in Montpelier, Idaho, at his request through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.\n\n“Several Idaho police officers have vocalized that outdated communication equipment for their department can result in problematic operational challenges. I hear these concerns and want our law enforcement officers to serve our communities to the best of their ability. I am proud to fight for these radio upgrades for Montpelier’s Police Department, so they have the resources they need to respond efficiently in emergencies,” said Rep. Simpson.\n\n“On behalf of the Montpelier Police Department and the community we serve, I want to sincerely thank Congressman Simpson for his continued support of Idaho’s first responders,” said Chief Blake Wells of the Montpelier Police Department. “The funding Congressman Simpson helped secure will allow our department to purchase much-needed in-vehicle and handheld radios, improving our ability to communicate effectively and respond safely in critical situations. These upgrades are essential for officer safety, interoperability, and providing the highest level of service to our citizens. We greatly appreciate Congressman Simpson’s commitment to public safety and rural law enforcement agencies across Idaho.”\n\nThis funding will be used to replace its handheld and vehicle radio equipment with newer models. The Montpelier Police Department is currently using equipment that is over 10 years old.\n\nAs Idaho’s only appropriator, Rep. Simpson has a unique opportunity to fight for Idaho’s priorities and ensure Idahoans’ hard-earned tax dollars return to Idaho.\n\nThe Montpelier Police Department Radio Upgrade Project is a part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/takano-adams-sanders-reintroduce-restoring-overtime-pay-act", "title": "Takano, Adams, Sanders Reintroduce Restoring Overtime Pay Act", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://takano.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "takano.house.gov", "scraper": "takano", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000472", "name": "Mark Takano", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Mark Takano (CA-39), Representative Alma Adams (NC-12) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) reintroduced the Restoring Overtime Pay Act to expand and strengthen overtime protections for workers, legislation that is especially vital as President Donald Trump’s policies drive up costs for everyday Americans.\n\nCurrently, just eight percent of full-time salaried workers are eligible for overtime pay based on their salaries alone. In 1975, nearly 63 percent of all full-time salaried workers were guaranteed overtime pay. While 60 percent of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, the Trump Administration is trying to make it more difficult for working families to make ends meet by weakening the protections set by the Biden Administration. In response, this bold, commonsense legislation will help restore fairness to an economy rigged against workers and their families.\n\nThe Restoring Overtime Pay Act expands and strengthens overtime protections for up to 29.3 million workers by gradually increasing the overtime salary threshold to the 55th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationwide.\n\n“Americans are working more for less,” said Rep. Takano. “Expanding the overtime threshold for salaried employees is the best way to ensure that families can survive the cost-of-living crisis caused by Donald Trump. I am proud to introduce this bill to help make sure over 29 million workers get paid fairly.”\n\n“For far too long, tens of millions of Americans have been denied overtime pay because of outdated federal law,” said Rep.?Adams. “In my district, thousands of residents are struggling to make ends meet while the Trump administration puts the interests of billionaires above those of ordinary Americans. Working people need overtime pay now more than ever, and I am proud to partner with Congressman Takano and Senator Sanders to introduce the Restoring Overtime Pay Act and ensure workers are paid what they’re owed.”\n\n“At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, it is beyond unacceptable that President Trump is denying overtime pay to millions of workers who desperately need it to keep up with the outrageously high cost of living,”?said Sen. Sanders.?“We should be making it easier, not harder, for Americans who work more than 40 hours a week to get the time-and-a-half pay that they have earned and deserve. That’s precisely what this bill would do.”\n\nEndorsing Orgs:?AFL-CIO; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance-AFL-CIO (APALA); Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); the Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues; Communications Workers of America (CWA); Demos; Equal Rights Advocates; Family Values?@ Work; the Feminist Majority Foundation; International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); National Education Association (NEA); National Employment Law Project (NELP); National Employment Lawyers Association; National Institute for Workers’ Rights; National Partnership for Women & Families; National Women’s Law Center; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; North Carolina Justice Center; Oxfam America; Patriotic Millionaires; Public Justice Center; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); UNITE HERE; United Autoworkers (UAW), United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE); United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW); United for Respect; United Steelworkers (USW); Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center; WorkLife Law; Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute.\n\nRead the one-pager and section-by-section summary of the Restoring Overtime Pay Act.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-shri-thanedar-supports-constitutional-amendment-to-stop-trumps-pardon-abuse", "title": "Congressman Shri Thanedar Supports Constitutional Amendment to Stop Trump’s Pardon Abuse", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://thanedar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "domain": "thanedar.house.gov", "scraper": "thanedar", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000488", "name": "Shri Thanedar", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MI", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – Congressman Shri Thanedar co-sponsored the Pardon Integrity Constitutional Amendment, a constitutional amendment designed to crack down on President Trump’s abuse of the presidential pardon power.\n\n“From being the first member to file articles of impeachment against President Trump to opposing his efforts to build an ICE detention center in my district, I have made fighting President Trump’s attacks on our democracy a top priority”, said Congressman Shri Thanedar. “The Pardon Integrity Constitutional Amendment would provide needed Congressional oversight on the pardon power by requiring the President to notify Congress of the intent to issue a pardon and allowing Congress to veto the pardon by a two-thirds vote in each chamber. With President Trump’s extensive history of pardoning those who have donated to his campaign, people who have defrauded Americans, and sex predators & violent criminals who assaulted police officers and tried to overturn the 2020 election, this amendment is especially important to fight back against Trump’s repeated attempts to profit off of America’s highest office and assault American democracy. I’m proud to support it, and urge my colleagues to pass this critical amendment in order to hold President Trump accountable.”\n\nCongressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/housing-infrastructure-and-transportation-working-group-chair-norma-torres-on-updated-housing-for-the-21st-century-act", "title": "Housing, Infrastructure, and Transportation Working Group Chair Norma Torres on Updated Housing for the 21st Century Act", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "domain": "torres.house.gov", "scraper": "torres", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000474", "name": "Norma J. Torres", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Today, New Democrat Coalition Housing, Infrastructure, and Transportation Working Group Chair Norma Torres (CA-35) issued a statement in support of the bipartisan agreement to pass an improved version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. As laid out in the New Democrat Coalition’sHousing Affordability Agenda, New Dems are committed to building more homes and getting them on the market fast, making it easier to buy or rent a home, and improving housing data and transparency so resources can be surged where they are needed most. This agreement delivers on all three.\n\nWorking Group Chair Norma Torres issued the following statement on the legislation:\n\n“As families across the country are crushed by rising rents and home prices, it is essential that Congress advance serious policies that tackle the housing crisis. This package meets the urgency of the moment and demonstrates real momentum toward expanding housing supply and lowering costs for Americans.\n\n“This legislation reflects many of the recommendations from New Dems’ Housing Affordability Agenda, including 19 bills led by New Dem Members to build more homes, get them on the market faster, and surge resources where they’re needed most. Affordable housing is a cornerstone of the New Dems’ American Promise and restoring the American dream for all.\n\n“I urge the House to pass this updated package without delay and for the Senate to follow swiftly so we can deliver the abundant, affordable homes working families deserve.”\n\nNew Dems has engaged with the House Financial Services Committee, our partners in the Senate, and outside stakeholders to ensure our Members’ priorities are reflected in housing legislation. This bipartisan agreement reflects provisions of numerous New Dem-sponsored or co-led bills, including:\n\nH.R. 4660, Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act - Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)\n\nH.R. 5907, Accelerating Home Building Act - Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01)\n\nH.R. 6327, Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act - Rep. Eugene Vindman (VA-07)\n\nH.R. 7791, Increasing Housing in Opportunity Zones Act - Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09)\n\nH.R. 5990, Whole Home Repairs Act - Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)\n\nH.R. 6363, Build Now Act - Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04)\n\nH.R. 4810, BUILD Housing Act - Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)\n\nH.R. 6727, To amend the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to provide reforms to housing counseling and financial literacy programs - the late Rep. David Scott (GA-13)\n\nH.R. 5591, RESIDE Act - Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)\n\nH.R. 6293, Housing Supply Expansion Act - Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46) and Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50)\n\nH.R. 7792, Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act - Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04), Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09), and Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16)\n\nH.R. 6025, Appraisal Industry Improvement Act - Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32) and Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05)\n\nH.R. 1981, Choice in Affordable Housing Act - Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06)\n\nH.R. 2362, VA Home Loan Awareness Act - Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09), and Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02)\n\nH.R. 965, Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act - Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32)\n\nH.R. 4989, Streamlining Rural Housing Act - Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)\n\nH.R. 7504, Housing for America’s Middle Class Act - Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05)\n\nH.R. 1640, HEIRS Act - Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05)\n\nH.R. 975, Credit Union Board Modernization Act - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52)\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://vindman.house.gov/2026/05/18/vindman-releases-statement-calling-for-lower-utility-bills-for-virginians/", "title": "Vindman Releases Statement Calling for Lower Utility Bills for Virginians", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "domain": "vindman.house.gov", "scraper": "vindman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "V000138", "name": "Eugene Simon Vindman", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "“When it comes to utilities, Virginians and I care about one thing: lowering costs.”\n\nWashington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), a founding member of the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, released the following statement in response to the news that NextEra will attempt to acquire Dominion Energy.\n\n“When it comes to utilities, Virginians and I care about one thing: lowering costs. Electricity bills are out of control in Virginia, and I am skeptical that the merger of two multibillion dollar companies will help lower costs for working families in my district. I want to see more details on the proposal, specifically the cost implications for families now and in the future, before commenting further,” said Vindman. “My office has heard from hundreds of Virginians frustrated by rising utility costs and repeated rate hikes, which is why I remain focused on lowering energy bills for them.”\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman has a record of fighting for lower utility bills. In February, he helped launch the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to bring lawmakers together to provide real oversight and accountability. The caucus examines rate hikes, holds utility providers accountable, and pursues practical solutions that put affordability and fairness first.\n\nWhen federal workers needed support most, Vindman spoke out joining 53 colleagues urging major utility companies to suspend late penalties and utility shutoffs for federal employees and contractors amid the federal government shutdown.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3692", "title": "Rep. Weber Announces Major Texas Gulf Coast Funding Wins as FY27 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Advances", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://weber.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "domain": "weber.house.gov", "scraper": "weber", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000814", "name": "Randy K. Weber, Sr.", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced more than $120 million in funding victories for Texas’ 14th Congressional District in the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act following passage out of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water. The legislation will now advance to the full House Appropriations Committee before it heads to the U.S. House Floor.\n\nThe bill includes critical funding for Texas Gulf Coast priorities championed by Rep. Weber, including the Sabine-Neches Waterway, the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study, and the Galveston Harbor and Channel.\n\n“Texas’ 14th District is the district that powers America, and these investments are proof that the work happening on the Texas Gulf Coast matters to every single American,” said Rep. Weber. “Our ports, waterways, and energy infrastructure keep this country moving. From producing the fuel that powers our military to moving commerce through some of the nation's busiest waterways, Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast are essential to America’s economic strength and national security. I’ll continue fighting every single day to make sure our communities remain at the forefront of these conversations in Washington.”\n\nIncluded in the FY27 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Act:\n\n$100 million for the Sabine-Neches Waterway construction project, continuing progress on the deepening and expansion of one of the nation’s most important waterways for energy production and exports.\n\n$12.7 million for Galveston Harbor and Channel operations and maintenance, supporting dredging and navigation improvements for one of the busiest entrance channels in the United States.\n\n$9.2 million for the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study (locally known as the Ike Dike Project), helping advance long-term coastal storm protection efforts along the Texas Gulf Coast.\n\n\"Deepening the Sabine-Neches Waterway is one of the most vital missions of our time, and we are honored to serve Jefferson County, Texas, and this great nation,\" said Randy Reese, Executive Director and CEO of the Sabine-Neches Navigation District. \"We are committed to delivering economic prosperity and energy security for generations.\"\n\n“The Port of Galveston greatly appreciates the leadership and support of Congressman Randy Weber and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Chairman of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, for recognizing the national and regional importance of the Galveston Harbor and Channel project,\" said Rodger Rees, Port Director & CEO, Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston. \"Under Chairman Fleischmann’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2027 House appropriations legislation proposes increasing the President’s budget request for the Galveston Harbor and Channel project from $44.8 million to $60.5 million to help ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has sufficient funding to adequately maintain this critical federal navigation project. While the legislation still requires approval by the full House and subsequent congressional action, this represents a significant step forward for the Port of Galveston and the many industries that rely upon this federal navigation channel.\"", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6930", "title": "Wittman Announces Winner of Virginia's First District’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://wittman.house.gov/news", "domain": "wittman.house.gov", "scraper": "wittman", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000804", "name": "Robert J. Wittman", "party": "Republican", "state": "VA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced Isabel Chung, a student from Glen Allen, as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Virginia’s First District.\n\nThe winning art piece of Congressman Wittman’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition is titled “A New Beginning at Norfolk” by Isabel Chung of Glen Allen.\n\n\"The Congressional Art Competition is a way to display the artistic talents of students across the nation,” said Rep. Wittman. “I am delighted to announce that this year’s winner for Virginia’s First District is Isabel Chung, whose artwork titled “A New Beginning at Norfolk” is exceptional. I look forward to congratulating her in person and seeing her painting displayed in the U.S. Capitol.”\n\nIn addition to having her artwork showcased in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning pieces from across the country, Congressman Wittman looks forward to congratulating her in-person and celebrating her achievement.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-applauds-dow-assigning-one-star-flag-officer-to-nws-crane/", "title": "Senator Banks Applauds DoW Assigning One-Star Flag Officer to NWS Crane", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.banks.senate.gov", "scraper": "banks", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001299", "name": "Jim Banks", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement applauding Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao’s decision to assign a one-star Reserve Flag Officer to Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Crane no later than October 1, 2026.\n\nSenator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “This is the most significant expansion of NWS Crane since its creation. It will bring game changing new authorities and manpower to our state and further cements Indiana as the heart of America’s hypersonic enterprise. I’m proud to have helped secure this major win for Indiana and grateful to Secretary Hegseth and Acting Secretary Cao for advancing Crane’s indispensable role in supporting America’s national defense.”\n\nThis position will be responsible for integrating the Navy’s Nuclear Sea Launch Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) and Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapons systems onto surface ships and submarines. It will initially report to the director, Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) in Washington, DC.\n\nLast July, Senator Banks met with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to advocate for a one-star position at Crane and sent a letter requesting that the Department of War relocate the Navy Director, Regional Strike Systems, Navy Strategic Systems Programs (Navy SSP) and its subordinate program offices to NWS Crane in southern Indiana.\n\nBackground:\n\nNaval Weapons Station Crane is the 3rd largest Navy installation in the world. With over 6,000 highly skilled employees and contractors, Crane includes tenant Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (NSWC Crane), America’s leader in hypersonic weapons, microelectronics, air and missile defense, and electronic warfare.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-and-merkley-lead-of-10-senators-in-demanding-fda-reverse-dangerous-authorization-of-flavored-e-cigarettes", "title": "Blumenthal & Merkley Lead of 10 Senators in Demanding FDA Reverse Dangerous Authorization of Flavored E-Cigarettes", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a group of ten senators in calling on Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Kyle Diamantas to rescind FDA’s recent decision to authorize flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children. By authorizing fruit flavors, the FDA is once again enabling a resurgence in youth tobacco use and exacerbating the risk of serious chronic disease and death for a new generation. This is compounded by FDA’s recent guidance allowing e-cigarettes to be marketed pending FDA review.\n\n“There is no scientific consensus that flavors provide a benefit to adults who want to quit using tobacco products, but there is clear data that proves flavored products draw in young people and that the tobacco industry intentionally markets flavored products to young people,” the senators wrote.\n\nWhile the U.S. has made significant progress reducing youth e-cigarette usage, over 1.4 million middle and high school students still use e-cigarettes according to the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey.\n\nIn addition to Blumenthal and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Diamantas,\n\nWe are deeply concerned by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) shortsighted and reckless decision to authorize flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children. By authorizing fruit flavors, FDA is once again exacerbating the risk of chronic disease and death for a new generation. We urge FDA to rescind this decision immediately.\n\nWhile the U.S. has made significant progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use, according to the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey, over 1.4 million middle and high school students still use e-cigarettes.[1] There is no scientific consensus that flavors provide a benefit to adults who want to quit using tobacco products, but there is clear data that proves flavored products draw in young people and that the tobacco industry intentionally markets flavored products to young people. According to FDA’s own figures, nearly all youth who use e-cigarettes report using flavored products, and fruit flavors are the most popular.[2] A 2024 report from the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations detailed FDA’s failure to regulate flavored e-cigarettes when manufacturers first put them on the market, which led to soaring rates of vaping among high school and middle school students, undoing decades of progress in reducing youth tobacco use.[3]\n\nMedia reports suggest that FDA was pressured by the White House to make this decision—effectively abandoning its scientific integrity to help the President score political points. It is no secret that during his 2024 campaign, President Trump promised to “save vaping”,[4] risking the health of American children in favor of his political donors.[5] Just last month, The Wall Street Journal reported on internal documents showing that former FDA Commissioner Makary had concerns about the public health risks of authorizing flavored products that appeal to children.[6] Further, the New York Times recently reported that Dr. Makary “ultimately resigned over concerns about the administration’s decision to authorize fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, an action he opposed.”[7] This adds to the mounting evidence that potential political conflicts of interest led FDA to approve these dangerous products rather than impartial science and public health considerations, as required by the law. Trust is a key component of public health, and these actions erode public trust—threatening lives and risking Americans’ confidence in our public health agencies.\n\nFDA justified its approval of these dangerous products by claiming that the use of “device access restriction (DAR) technology” will mitigate the risk to young people. However, just two months ago, FDA issued draft guidance stating that there is a “current lack of real-world experience regarding use of DAR to prevent or sufficiently mitigate the risk of youth use.”[8] Relying on unproven technology – technology that FDA itself said is likely insufficient to protect children – in justifying its approval of these products[9] is not just hypocritical, but foolish and extremely dangerous.\n\nThe harmful impact of this decision is compounded by President Trump’s efforts to dismantle tobacco prevention and cessation programs. This includes attempts to eliminate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH), which is essential to preventing youth tobacco use[10] and a key source of federal funding for state quitlines[11] and the Tips From Former Smokers educational campaign that help adult tobacco users with cessation,[12] causing an upheaval at FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products by terminating—and then later reinstating—staff responsible for levying fines on retailers that sold tobacco to minors,[13]and cutting research at the National Institutes of Health, including a grant that sought to determine the most effective messages to persuade teenagers not to vape.[14] Taken together, these actions significantly impair the ability to protect youth from Big Tobacco’s predatory practices and will likely lead to a renewed surge in youth use of flavored tobacco products.\n\nIn order to protect public health and restore faith in the scientific integrity of the FDA, we request responses to the following questions by June 1, 2026:\n\nPlease provide a detailed description of policies at the Center for Tobacco Products regarding the ability of political appointees to modify or overrule the conclusions of career scientists regarding the approval of new product applications.\n\nPlease provide a list of all political appointees at the agency who were involved in the decision to approve Glas, Inc.’s application for flavored e-cigarettes.\n\nPlease describe agency practices for the involvement of career agency employees who form part of a new product review team at the Center for Tobacco Products are part of final approval decisions for that product. Were any career agency employees who were part of the review team for the Glas, Inc. application but subsequently excluded from the final approval decision?\n\nWhat evidence convinced the agency that the benefits of authorizing mango- and blueberry-flavored products outweighed the risk of addicting more children? What evidence came to light after former Commissioner Makary blocked the authorization of fruit flavored vapes as reported by The Wall Street Journal in April?\n\nWill FDA make public the marketing granted orders (MGOs) and Technical Project Lead Review decision summaries for the GLAS, Inc. authorizations, as it has done for other authorized products?\n\nDoes FDA still believe fruit-flavored e-cigarettes require a heightened evidentiary burden because of their appeal to youth? Please provide a detailed description of the ways the application from Glas, Inc. differed from those of flavored e-cigarette applications the agency had recently rejected.\n\nDid FDA consider other youth mitigation factors in addition to the device access restriction (DAR) technology when authorizing two fruit-flavored e-cigarette products?\n\nIn March 2026, FDA issued draft flavored e-cigarette PMTA guidance acknowledging that there is little real-world evidence demonstrating that DAR technology works at scale, particularly for products with high youth appeal. Please provide a detailed explanation for why DAR technology is adequate for the approved products of Glas Inc. but inadequate for other previously rejected flavored products.\n\nWhat specifically is FDA’s post-market surveillance plan for these products and this DAR technology?\n\nHow frequently will FDA publicly release post-market surveillance data so Congress, public health experts, and parents can evaluate whether these products are in fact meeting public health standards?\n\nWhy did FDA choose to authorize these Glas Inc. products before finalizing its flavored e-cigarette PMTA guidance?\n\nFDA has repeatedly suggested that authorizing e-cigarettes is about giving adults who smoke cigarettes alternatives, but FDA has never approved any e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation product. Dual use of both e-cigarettes and cigarettes has not been proven to meaningfully reduce one's risk of tobacco-related disease and may in fact result in greater exposure to toxins and worse respiratory health outcomes than using either product alone. What evidence does FDA have that these products help people to quit smoking completely, rather than leading to long-term dual use?\n\nThank you. We look forward to your response.\n\n-30-\n\n[1]National Youth Tobacco Survey. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March, 4th 2026. https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/national-youth-tobacco-survey-nyts\n\n[2]Ibid.\n\n[3]“The Youth Vaping Epidemic: Federal Regulation of E-cigarettes and the Rise of JUUL and Puff Bar.” February 29, 2024. https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-29-PSI-E-cig-Report-Final.pdf\n\n[4]Ventura, Juliann. “Trump vows to ‘save vaping’ despite previous support for ban.” The Hill. September 21, 2024. https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4892387-trump-vaping-ban-post/\n\n[5]Durkee, Alison. “This Tobacco Giant Was The Biggest Corporate Donor to the 2024 Presdiential Race.” Forbes. December 27, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/12/27/this-tobacco-giant-was-the-biggest-corporate-donor-to-the-2024-presidential-race/\n\n[6]Essley Whyte, Liz. “White House Pushes for Flavored Vapes Blocked by FDA Head.” The Wall Street Journal. April 17, 2026. https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/white-house-pushes-for-flavored-vapes-blocked-by-fda-head-2f8f0138?mod=article_inline\n\n[7]Jewett, Christina. “F.D.A. Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Weeks of Pressure.” The New York Times. May 12, 2026. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/12/us/politics/trump-fires-fda-commissioner-makary.html\n\n[8]“Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Premarket Applications – Considerations Related to Youth Risk.” Draft Guidance for Industry. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 2026. https://www.fda.gov/media/191455/download\n\n[9]“FDA Expands Market Access, Authorizes New ENDS Products.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. May 5, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-market-access-authorizes-new-ends-products\n\n[10]Dale, Jill. “New Report Details Devastating Impact of Federal Cuts on Lifesaving Tobacco Prevention and Quit Programs. American Lung Association. May 28, 2025. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/new-report-details-devastating-impact-of-federal-c\n\n[11]Todd, Sarah. “Why CDC cuts are being called “the greatest gift to tobacco industry in the last half century.” STAT News. April 14, 2025. https://www.statnews.com/2025/04/14/cdc-closing-office-smoking-health-called-gift-to-big-tobacco-by-former-osh-director/\n\n[12] “Tips From Former Smokers.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/index.html\n\n[13]Cancryn, Adam and Gardner, Lauren. “The FDA fired its tobacco enforcers. Now it wants them back.” POLITICO. April 14, 2025. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/14/fda-fired-tobacco-enforcers-asked-return-00289985\n\n[14]Jewett, Christina. “Trump Budget Cuts Hobble Antismoking Programs.” The New York Times. May 15, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/health/trump-budget-cuts-anti-smoking-tobacco.html", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-for-ig-investigation-into-impact-of-kash-patels-reported-irresponsible-behavior-on-fbi-readiness-and-public-safety-alleged-manipulation-of-arrest-statistics", "title": "Blumenthal Calls for IG Investigation into Impact of Kash Patel's Reported Irresponsible Behavior on FBI Readiness & Public Safety, Alleged Manipulation of Arrest Statistics", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press", "domain": "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", "scraper": "blumenthal", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001277", "name": "Richard Blumenthal", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "[WASHINGTON, DC] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today wrote to the official performing the duties of the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General for the Department of Justice (DOJ) William Blier, demanding an investigation after recent reports suggest that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel is both a risk to the FBI’s ability to protect the country and manipulating statistics about arrests and fugitive captures.\n\nCiting recent reporting from The Atlantic and The New York Times, Blumenthal raised concerns that Patel’s alleged excessive drinking and unexplained absences have interfered with his job performance, including rendering him unavailable to respond to emerging threats: “The role of FBI Director is not a part-time job. The Director must be on call and ready to perform at all hours. We are fortunate that a terror attack, mass shooting, or assassination did not occur while Patel was intoxicated or unreachable—but these allegations leave me deeply concerned about his ability to continue serving in the role.”\n\nBlumenthal continued, “Moreover, last week, MS NOW reported that Patel has artificially inflated the Bureau’s arrest statistics and manipulated the FBI’s Most Wanted list to expand the appearance of accomplishments. He reportedly imposed new policies that change the way the Bureau catalogs arrests that make arrests appear to have increased, but failed to clarify those changes before publicly touting the FBI’s arrest record under his tenure. The Bureau also reportedly manipulated its Most Wanted list to add fugitives mere days or even just hours before their anticipated capture—creating a false impression of steady progress on that list and of Patel’s leadership.”\n\n“Accuracy around crime and arrest data allows us to get a clear picture of what is happening on our streets and in our neighborhoods. The Most Wanted list is a tool to focus agent and public attention on dangerous, at-large criminals. Manipulation of either to improve the reputation of a struggling FBI Director is unacceptable and cuts against the FBI’s mission to ensure public safety,” Blumenthal concluded.\n\nThe full text of Blumenthal’s letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Deputy Inspector General Blier,\n\nThe Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI or the Bureau) is our nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency. We rely on the Bureau both to prevent crime before it happens and to investigate crime that has already occurred. Recent reporting, however, suggests that the Bureau’s own director is both a risk to the FBI’s ability to protect this country and manipulating statistics about arrests and fugitive captures.\n\nLast month, The Atlantic reported that Director Kash Patel’s alleged excessive drinking and unexplained absences have interfered with his job performance, including rendering him unavailable to respond to emerging threats.[1] Members of his security detail reportedly have had difficulty waking him because of his apparent intoxication. On one occasion, they even reportedly made a request for SWAT-style “breaching equipment” because Patel was unresponsive behind locked doors. Moreover, the reporting indicates that Patel’s attendance at the office has been inconsistent—causing delays in decision-making in ongoing investigations.\n\nAnd his tenure has been marked with reporting about his alleged broader inattentiveness and focus on the perks, rather than the substance, of the job. He attended the men’s hockey gold medal game at the Milan Olympics and a “VIP snorkel” tour at the Pearl Harbor memorial—swimming next to the U.S.S. Arizona, which holds the remains of more than 900 Navy sailors and Marines who died at Pearl Harbor—both on purported work travel.[2] Ahead of an international intelligence conference, he reportedly focused on setting up a helicopter tour and jet skiing rather than in-office meetings with allies.[3]\n\nThe role of FBI Director is not a part-time job. The Director must be on call and ready to perform at all hours. We are fortunate that a terror attack, mass shooting, or assassination did not occur while Patel was intoxicated or unreachable—but these allegations leave me deeply concerned about his ability to continue serving in the role.\n\nMoreover, last week, MS NOW reported that Patel has artificially inflated the Bureau’s arrest statistics and manipulated the FBI’s Most Wanted list to expand the appearance of accomplishments.[4] He reportedly imposed new policies that change the way the Bureau catalogs arrests that make arrests appear to have increased, but failed to clarify those changes before publicly touting the FBI’s arrest record under his tenure. The Bureau also reportedly manipulated its Most Wanted list to add fugitives mere days or even just hours before their anticipated capture—creating a false impression of steady progress on that list and of Patel’s leadership.\n\nAccuracy around crime and arrest data allows us to get a clear picture of what is happening on our streets and in our neighborhoods. The Most Wanted list is a tool to focus agent and public attention on dangerous, at-large criminals. Manipulation of either to improve the reputation of a struggling FBI Director is unacceptable and cuts against the FBI’s mission to ensure public safety.\n\nIn light of recent reporting, I request that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigate both (1) the allegations that Director Patel’s excessive drinking has interfered with his ability to perform his role and, coupled with his broader inattentiveness, had a negative impact on the FBI’s readiness and public safety; and (2) the allegations that Director Patel is manipulating both arrest statistics and the FBI’s Most Wanted list. I appreciate your attention to this important request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n-30-", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-continues-calls-for-federal-action-to-protect-children-from-the-harms-of-social-media/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Continues Calls for Federal Action to Protect Children from the Harms of Social Media", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law to discuss how landmark social media verdicts demand Congressional action to protect children from online dangers. Senator Britt spoke with witnesses Rachel Lanier, Managing Attorney of the Lanier Law Firm, Joann Bogard, survivor parent and member of Parents for Safe Online Spaces, Bridgette Norring, survivor parent and founder of the Devin J. Norring Foundation, and Professor Mary Graw Leary, Professor of Law at Catholic University Columbus School of Law.\n\nPrior to questioning the witnesses, Senator Britt addressed the survivor parents: “To the parents here— thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for being so brave and courageous. … We used to lock our doors at night and believed we had kept our children safe. And now we do that, but yet the enemy is in the palm of our kids hands. And so, thank you for telling your story. Mrs. Bogard … I appreciate you continuing to tell your story to all of the parents out there … you are what is pushing us. Your story, honoring your children—that’s what’s making a difference here. … [Y]ou are the fuel and the momentum that’s actually going to get something done.”\n\nIn her first line of questioning, Senator Britt addressed Rachel Lanier, stating, “Thank you on behalf of all of us, as a mom of two teenagers. You got right in the fight and got real results. I think we have a lot of parents out there, though, that don’t actually know the harms of social media. … I think every parent needs to know that [social media platforms] are actually designed to addict our children. … [I]f you were to have a 30 second PSA to all parents in America, what would you want them to know about these social media platforms?”\n\nMs. Lanier agreed, responding, “I would say that what you just said hit the nail on the head, that the access that these companies have to our children is frightening. They are able to access them in the ‘safety’ of a child’s home and addict them to the platforms. And what’s so scary is that the companies will tell parents and Americans and tell all of you one thing, and their platforms are doing something completely different …”\n\nSenator Britt doubled down, saying, “And what you uncovered, that the earlier that [social media companies] know, the earlier they get our children addicted, than the more likely [children] are to be a lifetime user and the more likely they are to stay on there, and the longer they stay on there … the more money [social media companies] make … So, they are putting people behind their profits. And in this case, these people are our most vulnerable and our greatest asset, that’s our children. It’s disgusting.”\n\nIn her second line of questioning, Senator addressed Professor Leary: “I heard you say earlier, there can’t just be a remedy, there has to be protection and prevention. Talk to me about what the pitfalls are in that line of thinking, and what you also think needs to be done.”\n\nProfessor Leary discussed the need for legislative change to hold Big Tech accountable and protect children: “Yes, that is a dangerous thought to think that after … decades of attorneys, estates attorneys generals, trying to pierce that wall of Section 230, not being able to enforce their own state laws, not being able to hold a company liable for actually receiving child sexual abuse material. The list goes on. Creative and skilled attorneys like Mrs. Lanier and many of the folks, the Attorney General of New Mexico, the fact that they managed to get through once or twice and hopefully more, is not the … only solution … And the state court judge himself has expressed a concern. He said, ‘I am not a legislator,’ so that’s a limit. And then the other limit is financial. $300 million is a lot of money to most people. It’s not to a $400 billion company … Both these things, civil private rights of action and affirmative legislation together, are what creates prevention.”\n\nSenator Britt concluded: “Well, the time to act is now … And thank you again for telling your story.”\n\nYou can view the Senator’s full remarks here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-votes-to-confirm-u-s-attorney-nominee-phil-williams/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Votes to Confirm U.S. Attorney Nominee Phil Williams", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today voted to confirm Phillip Williams, Jr., President Trump’s nominee to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Williams was confirmed en bloc by a vote of 46-43 in a nominations package.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Britt voted to advance Williams’ nomination out of committee earlier this year.\n\n“Today, I joined many of my Senate colleagues in voting to confirm President Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Phil Williams. U.S. Attorneys play a critical role in ensuring the Department of Justice faithfully executes the law, keeps criminals off our streets, and ensures public safety across the country. I’m glad to see two out of three of the President’s U.S. Attorney nominees confirmed to their positions in Alabama, and I know our great state will be stronger and safer as a result,” said Senator Britt.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-votes-to-confirm-u-s-attorney-nominee-thomas-govan/", "title": "U.S. Senator Katie Britt Votes to Confirm U.S. Attorney Nominee Thomas Govan", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today voted to confirm Thomas Govan, President Trump’s nominee to serve as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Govan was confirmed en bloc by a vote of 46-43 in a nominations package.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Britt voted to advance Govan’s nomination out of committee earlier this year.\n\n“President Trump made an incredible choice by nominating Thomas Govan to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Today, I was proud to vote alongside many of my Senate colleagues and confirm him. His expertise, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the legal system provide him with an incredible foundation on which to serve our great state. I look forward to seeing how his leadership as a U.S. Attorney brings violent criminals to justice, upholds the rule of law, and strengthens public safety for communities across Alabama,” said Senator Britt.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senators-katie-britt-richard-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-shield-youth-from-targeted-gambling-advertising/", "title": "U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Richard Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Shield Youth from Targeted Gambling Advertising", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.britt.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.britt.senate.gov", "scraper": "britt", "member": {"bioguide_id": "B001319", "name": "Katie Boyd Britt", "party": "Republican", "state": "AL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced landmark legislation to combat the rapid and concerning rise in youth gambling. The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would prohibit social media companies and other advertising websites from targeting minors with sports betting through online advertising.\n\n“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” said Senator Britt. “We know targeted advertising from gambling and prediction market websites can serve as the gateway to dangerous habits that too often become crippling addictions. Our legislation takes a critical step toward addressing this problem before it worsens. Our next generation is our greatest asset, and it’s our responsibility to take the necessary steps to protect them from online dangers whenever we can—which is exactly what this bill does.”\n\n“Sportsbooks and prediction markets are treating young people like a gold rush, flooding the internet with advertisements and promotions to hook them on gambling when they’re young,” said Senator Blumenthal. “High schoolers, even middle schoolers, are now gambling on their phones as never before, losing real money and creating life-altering addiction. The GAME Act would create a nationwide ban on targeted advertising of gambling to kids, backed with the force of punishing fines.”\n\nA 2024 study found that individuals who begin gambling before the age of 18 are 50% more likely to develop a gambling problem, while 1 in 6 parents say they would not know if their child was gambling.\n\nSenator Britt noted, “Years ago, parents could lock the door at night and assume that their children were safe. In today’s digital age, that is sadly no longer the case—dangers can enter our homes every single day through the palm of our children’s hands. Youth gambling addictions could be developing under parents’ roofs without them even knowing it, which is why it’s critical that we help parents combat this.”\n\nAnother recent study found that 45% of adolescent boys who gamble see gambling-related content online. Additionally, 59% reported that gambling-related content began appearing in their algorithms without them proactively searching for it.\n\nThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for enforcing the law, which would begin one year after enactment. Failure to comply could result in civil financial penalties and injunctive relief sought through the courts.\n\nUnder the GAME Act, repeat offenders can be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which could impose financial penalties of up to $100,000 for each advertisement shown to a minor that promotes sports gambling. In cases where thousands of advertisements are shown to minors, the financial penalties could become substantial.\n\nSenator Britt has been a leading voice in combating the rise in youth sports gambling and has led two separate bipartisan letters on the issue. In October of 2025, she led a bipartisan effort urging the DOJ to take action against illegal offshore gaming operations, which often lack strong age verification procedures to keep minors off their platform. In January of 2026, she led a bipartisan letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urging the agency to further study the alarming rise in gambling among America’s youth.\n\n“I’m thankful to partner with Senator Blumenthal in this bipartisan effort, and I hope our colleagues will rally around this important issue so we can get this legislation to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible,” said Senator Britt.\n\nYou can view the full bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/seeking-to-help-more-americans-lower-their-energy-bills-senators-collins-reed-urge-administration-to-release-weatherization-aid", "title": "Seeking to Help More Americans Lower Their Energy Bills, Senators Collins, Reed Urge Administration to Release Weatherization Aid", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an effort to help residents save on their utility bills and make more homes energy efficient, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are teaming up with seventeen of their colleagues, including Senator Angus King (I-ME), in urging the Administration to release nearly $360 million across the country for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and $66 million for the State Energy Program (SEP).\n\nNoting that the WAP and SEP both have strong track records, bipartisan support, and offer cost-effective solutions to save families and taxpayers money while cutting air pollution and supporting thousands of jobs, the nineteen Senators are calling on U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright to immediately release guidance to states for both programs.\n\n“WAP and SEP provide vital formula funding to all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia to address energy affordability, reliability, and security. WAP provides states with funding to weatherize homes for low-income Americans, saving participants on average $372 on utility bills every year. Conserving energy helps participating households devote their income to other essentials such as food and medicine. SEP provides funding to help states improve energy security, increase energy efficiency, and boost economic growth,” the 19 U.S. Senators wrote.\n\nStates typically begin their Weatherization programs toward the end of the federal fiscal year, a calendar that has historically insulated the program from appropriations delays. State Energy Program funds follow a similar schedule, with states and territories usually starting their programs on July 1. However, the 2026 funding process is very behind schedule. So far, the Administration has not published any instructions at all for states to apply for grant funds that would be used starting July 1. These documents are typically available in December of the previous year to allow states to conduct their planning processes, including consultation and public meetings, in time to meet a May 1 submission, which has now passed.\n\nLast year, Maine received $4,465,333 for WAP funds and $564,650 for SEP. As a result of the Administration’s delays, Maine has not received the similar amount of federal funds it is expecting, despite repeated requests from states. All other states and territories are facing a similar situation. Across the country, according to the National Community Action Foundation, local WAP implementers report that continued delays in federal guidance and funding create significant operational challenges. Many agencies have had to rely on other funding sources to keep crews and contractors working, and several indicate they can only sustain operations for a limited period without the timely release of FY 2026 funds. Agencies also note that compressed timelines make it difficult to meet production goals, retain skilled contractors, and plan work efficiently.\n\n“To avoid further delays to program start dates, we urge you to not only immediately release this guidance, but to also speed state application approvals and the release of appropriated funds. DOE regulations require the agency to approve or deny timely filed WAP and SEP applications within 60 days. We urge you to speed this review period to minimize adverse impacts on state programs,” the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senators Collins, Reed, and King, the letter is also signed by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).\n\nClick here for the complete text of the letter.\n\nBenefits of the WAP and SEP include:\n\nThroughout the program’s history, WAP has helped more than 7.4 million low-income households reduce their energy bills and saved each household an average of $372 in annual energy costs. The program supports 8,500 jobs and provides weatherization services to approximately 32,000 homes nationwide every year.\n\nSEP combines the scientific and economic knowledge of the Department of Energy with locally led planning to improve the energy efficiency of hospitals and schools, support clean energy projects, and boost private sector energy innovation. A study by ORNL shows that every federal dollar invested in SEP leverages over $10 for energy-related economic development and produces over $7 in energy savings.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senate-confirms-nominees-to-serve-as-us-attorney-and-us-marshal-for-the-district-of-maine", "title": "Senate Confirms Nominees to Serve as U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.collins.senate.gov", "scraper": "collins", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001035", "name": "Susan M. Collins", "party": "Republican", "state": "ME", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced today that the Senate has confirmed Andrew Benson to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine and David St. Pierre to serve as U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine. Earlier this year, the nominations of Judge Benson and Chief St. Pierre were advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee by strong bipartisan votes of 19-3 and 20-2, respectively.\n\n“Ensuring that the State of Maine has a full complement of highly experienced and talented law enforcement officials who share a deep commitment to keeping our communities safe is critically important,” said Senator Collins. “Judge Benson and Chief St. Pierre have each devoted more than three decades to public service and law enforcement in Maine. Judge Benson’s many years of experience as a senior homicide prosecutor and his long tenure on the Maine District Court give me great confidence that he will serve our state well as U.S. Attorney. Chief St. Pierre’s steady leadership during the most challenging moment in Maine’s recent history, the tragic mass shooting of 2023, demonstrated his professionalism, composure, and devotion to public safety. I was proud to support both their nominations and now confirmations, and I am confident that they will serve the people of Maine with distinction.”\n\nA native of Bethel and current resident of Unity, Judge Andrew Benson served as a Judge on the Maine District Court from 2014 to 2025. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Benson was a senior homicide prosecutor for the Office of the Maine Attorney General from 1999 to 2014. On October 22, 2025, Judge Benson was appointed to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine, pending confirmation of his nomination by the Senate. Judge Benson received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and his J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law.\n\nDavid St. Pierre served with the Lewiston Police Department for more than thirty years and was the city’s Chief of Police from 2021 until his retirement from the Department last year. As Chief, he oversaw a department of ninety-nine employees and managed a budget exceeding $10 million. Over the course of his career, he held law enforcement positions ranging from patrol officer to State Drug Agent, Detective Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant, gaining broad experience in criminal investigations, internal affairs, and interagency coordination. Chief St. Pierre played a central leadership role in coordinating the hundreds of local, state, and federal officers who responded to the deadliest shooting in Maine’s history in 2023.\n\nAs the senior Republican member of Maine’s congressional delegation, Senator Collins advises the Administration as it evaluates candidates for federal positions in the state. As part of that process, Senator Collins established a Federal Appointments Advisory Committee comprised of community leaders and experienced attorneys from across the state. Judge Benson and Chief St. Pierre were applicants the Committee assessed for Senate-confirmed vacancies in Maine.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-on-new-bill-to-bar-aliens-who-support-sharia-law-from-united-states/", "title": "Cornyn on New Bill to Bar Aliens Who Support Sharia Law from United States", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/", "domain": "www.cornyn.senate.gov", "scraper": "cornyn", "member": {"bioguide_id": "C001056", "name": "John Cornyn", "party": "Republican", "state": "TX", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "AUSTIN – Last week on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed his Ban Outsiders Openly Touting (BOOT) Sharia Law Act, which has been introduced and would bar aliens who support Sharia Law from entering or remaining in the United States. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.\n\n“America is a country envied by millions, or perhaps billions of people around the world who long to experience the liberties we too often take for granted here at home. But it’s also true that many countries do not share our values. Instead, they impose authoritarian or theocratic rules on their own citizens, as we’ve witnessed in recent years.”\n\n“In Texas, my constituents have become increasingly alarmed at immigrant enclaves that seek to adopt Sharia Law right here in the United States. Last summer, a group of individuals attempted to create a Sharia Law compound in Josephine, Texas, known as the East Plano Islamic Center, otherwise known as EPIC City.”\n\n“This is clearly a very lightly veiled attempt at religious discrimination, and of course, is prohibited by federal law, including the Fair Housing Act.”\n\n“I plan to introduce legislation here in the Senate to ensure that any attempts to impose or adopt religious law, including Sharia, never become realized. Our country was founded on principles of liberty, equality, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech. We cannot shrink from these ideals by allowing certain individuals to advocate or embrace Sharia Law, nor can we allow advocates for Sharia Law to enter our country and actively work to undermine our Constitution.”\n\nBackground:\n\nSpecifically, the Ban Outsiders Openly Touting (BOOT) Sharia Law Act is cosponsored by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and would:\n\nBar aliens from receiving immigration benefits, like asylum or a green card, if they endorse or advocate for the imposition of Sharia Law;\n\nEquip the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with additional tools to bar aliens from immigration benefits if they protest the U.S. and its form of government, or support terrorism or terrorist groups in the United States;\n\nAnd allow DHS a longer period to revoke green cards and add new bases to terminate green cards when aliens advocate for terrorism or terrorist groups, oppose the U.S. and its form of government, and support individuals or terrorist groups who carried out terrorist attacks on U.S. Armed Forces.\n\nSen. Cornyn called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) last spring to investigate the East Plano Islamic Center’s (EPIC) planned Muslim community, EPIC Ranches City, in Josephine, Texas, in light of potential religious discrimination against Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities. This legislation builds on these efforts as well as the No Sharia Act, which Sen. Cornyn cosponsored. The No Sharia Act would prohibit courts from enforcing judgments, decrees, or contracts relying on foreign laws that violate the Constitution.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-mapleton-hometown-variety", "title": "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Mapleton Hometown Variety", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.ernst.senate.gov", "scraper": "ernst", "member": {"bioguide_id": "E000295", "name": "Joni Ernst", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Mapleton Hometown Variety of Monona County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.\n\n“For nearly four decades, Mapleton Hometown Variety has woven into the fabric of the Mapleton community with quality products, personalized customer service, and a strong commitment to supporting local families,” said Chair Ernst. “From toys to floral arrangements, Carol has consistently led a top-notch team that continues to serve Iowans and define Iowa small businesses.”\n\nAcquired in 1987 by Jerry Koenigs, Mapleton Hometown Variety has become a trusted retail destination for residents in Monona County and the surrounding area. After Jerry passed, his wife Carol has carried on his legacy. The store continues offering a wide variety of products including fabric, toys, gifts, home decor, craft supplies, greeting cards, and floral arrangements for any occasion. The business has built a reputation for quality merchandise, convenience, and a welcoming shopping experience rooted in small-town Iowa values.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=691DECE3-0E36-4427-AECB-B130BFD6453A", "title": "Fischer in Omaha World-Herald: I recently got back from China. Here's how I advocated for Nebraska.", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.fischer.senate.gov", "scraper": "fischer", "member": {"bioguide_id": "F000463", "name": "Deb Fischer", "party": "Republican", "state": "NE", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In case you missed it: In the Omaha World-Herald, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) detailed her recent official trip to China, during which she advocated for market access and the removal of non-tariff barriers for Nebraska farmers and ranchers.\n\nRead the full piece here or key excerpts below.\n\n“Last week, I returned from an official congressional delegation trip to China. Four of my Senate colleagues and I traveled to Beijing and Shanghai to foster productive relationships with foreign leaders and advocate for American — and Nebraskan — interests. We met with several top Chinese officials: Premier Li Qiang, National People's Congress Chairman Zhao Leji and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.\n\n“During these meetings, we talked about curbing the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States, stability in the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian foreign minister’s recent visit to China, supply chain security, rare earth minerals, artificial intelligence, and the basic importance of keeping direct lines of communication open between our two governments.\n\n“But let me tell you what was most on my mind while in Asia: Nebraska. That’s why we brought up market access and non-tariff barriers for Nebraska farmers and ranchers who are being shut out of one of the largest consumer markets on earth.\n\n“The Chinese beef market — the biggest in the world outside the United States — has been closed to American producers for over a year. Foreign Minister Yi told us that China has the demand for beef, and the United States can provide it. Now, they need to follow through. …\n\n“We also need to see more progress on stopping the flow of fentanyl. Premier Li has been open to working on this issue, and we made sure he knew how serious of a priority this is for us. Chinese authorities are beginning to cooperate more meaningfully to disrupt the pipeline that sends precursor chemicals from China to Mexico and ultimately into American communities. It is not enough yet. But it is movement, and we will keep pushing.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-kelly-press-faa-to-stop-delaying-kingman-airport-land-release-support-economic-growth-in-northwest-arizona/", "title": "Gallego, Kelly Press FAA to Stop Delaying Kingman Airport Land Release, Support Economic Growth in Northwest Arizona", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to work with the City of Kingman to finalize a long-delayed land release at Kingman Municipal Airport that would unlock approximately $250 million in investment and support economic development in northwest Arizona.\n\nIn a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, the senators raised concerns that after more than six years of coordination with the FAA, the City of Kingman is now facing additional bureaucratic hurdles and increased costs that threaten the project’s future.\n\n“The City has worked with the FAA for over six years to complete this process, which would support approximately $250 million in investment at the airport. Despite working in good faith with the FAA for years, the City is now being asked to undertake additional bureaucratic steps by the FAA, requiring the City to incur additional costs and needlessly delay the land transfer. We urge the FAA to work with the City of Kingman to resolve any outstanding issues to complete this land release in a timely manner,” wrote the senators.\n\nKingman Municipal Airport, originally established as a World War II Army Air Corps training facility, spans roughly 4,000 acres and serves as a major transportation hub with direct access to Interstate 40, Interstate 11, and the BNSF Southern Transcon rail line. The FAA-approved 2021 Airport Layout Plan concluded that much of the undeveloped land at the airport is not needed for current or future airport operations.\n\nThe senators also raised concerns about changing appraisal and payment requirements that conflict with prior agreements reached with the FAA’s Phoenix Airport District Office: “We urge FAA to re-evaluate the prior decisions made by ACO rather than requiring the City to acquire new appraisals at the city’s expense, which will further delay the process of seeing the deed release. If FAA determines that an additional appraisal is needed, we urge that the ACO act expeditiously to work with the City to identify an acceptable appraiser who has experience valuing properties in Kingman. Lastly, we urge FAA to honor the arrangement the Airport and ADO reached regarding a payment schedule for the deed release.”\n\nThe senators warned that continued delays and changing procedural expectations are creating unnecessary burdens for the City and limiting economic opportunity in northwest Arizona: “The evolving interpretations of appraisal requirements and other procedural expectations have created additional hurdles for the City of Kingman and prolonged a process that has already been underway for six years. We urge ACO to redouble efforts with the City of Kingman to resolve any outstanding issues and advance this land release without further unnecessary delay. Completing this process will allow the city to move forward with a project that will create jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen the regional economy while maintaining the operational integrity of Kingman Municipal Airport.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/gallego-to-warner-bros-discovery-paramount-merger-explain-how-this-wont-hurt-arizonans/", "title": "Gallego to Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount Merger: Explain How this Won’t Hurt Arizonans", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.gallego.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.gallego.senate.gov", "scraper": "gallego", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000574", "name": "Ruben Gallego", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) today sent a letter to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) pushing the Department for answers on the recently announced merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, particularly how the merger will impact job losses and workforce reductions in Arizona.\n\nThe merger “would combine two of the largest vertically integrated film studios with prominent streaming platforms, further concentrating decision-making power in this already consolidated market. Labor organizations in the industry have raised concerns that increased concentration can reduce competition among employers, limit opportunities for workers, and place downward pressure on wages and working conditions. Recent reporting also indicates that similar transactions have resulted in layoffs and workforce reductions across the entertainment sector,” Gallego wrote in the letter.\n\nThe Copper Courier: Arizona senator warns Hollywood’s media merger will kill jobs\n\nAs the letter indicates, Arizona would be severely impacted by the merger. In the state:\n\nArizona has 80 theatres across our state, putting films on 869 screens;\n\nTwenty different theatrical exhibition companies operate in-state and eight are headquartered here;\n\nFor every dollar spent at a movie theater, an estimated additional $1.50 is spent at nearby businesses, including restaurants, retail outlets, and transportation; and\n\nArizona movie theatre related spending supported 11,607 jobs, generated $530.1 million in labor income, and produced $1.64 billion in total output in 2023, including especially significant impacts in Maricopa and Pima Counties.\n\nGallego continues: “Past consolidation in the media sector also suggests that increased concentration can expand the market power of major studios, giving them greater leverage over production, distribution, and exhibition. Across theatrical distribution, market share is concentrated among a small number of major studios that collectively account for most domestic box office revenue.”\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nThe recently announced merger, which critics have indicated is a “potentially corrupt acquisition,” comes after the Netflix CEO—who was competing for the acquisition—was summoned to the White House for a closed-door meeting with President Trump. Recently released financial disclosure documents show President Trump purchasedParamount and Warner Bros. Discovery securities in March 2026.\n\nGallego’s letter builds on his track record standing up for Arizona families and against corporations who seek to make a profit at their expense.\n\nRead More:", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-republicans-confirm-13-us-attorneys-8-us-marshals", "title": "Senate Republicans Confirm 13 U.S. Attorneys, 8 U.S. Marshals", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "domain": "www.grassley.senate.gov", "scraper": "grassley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "G000386", "name": "Chuck Grassley", "party": "Republican", "state": "IA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) applauded the Senate’s confirmation of 13 U.S. Attorneys and eight U.S. Marshals. The nominees were confirmed as part of a nominations package of 49 executive nominees, by a vote of 46-43.\n\nUnder Grassley’s leadership in the 119th Congress, the Senate Judiciary Committee has so far advanced 124 nominees, including: seven U.S. circuit judges, 37 U.S. district judges, one U.S. Court of International Trade judge, 46 U.S. Attorneys and 12 U.S. Marshals. The Senate has now confirmed 110 of those nominees, including: six circuit judges, 31 district judges, 44 U.S. Attorneys and eight U.S. Marshals.\n\n“U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals are essential components of federal law enforcement – responsible for prosecuting violent offenders, safeguarding the public and enforcing the rule of law. On the heels of National Police Week, I’m proud Republicans are delivering states’ their top law enforcement officials,” Grassley said. “It’s clear that Democrats are determined to deny and defund our nation’s brave men and women in blue. Republicans will continue to unapologetically back the blue, ensuring America’s law enforcement officers are confirmed, supported and fully funded. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I’ll continue my work to advance President Trump’s law and order nominees.”\n\nThe nominees confirmed today include:\n\nAndrew Benson, to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine.\n\nWilliam Boyle, to be U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.\n\nKevin Holmes, to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas.\n\nBrian David Miller, to be U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.\n\nRichard Price, to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.\n\nDarin Smith, to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming.\n\nThomas Govan, Jr., to be U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.\n\nZachary Keller, to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.\n\nRyan Raybould, to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.\n\nGregory Gilmore, to be U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois.\n\nMelissa Holyoak, to be U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah.\n\nPhillip Williams, Jr., to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.\n\nJames Bishop, to be U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.\n\nRobert Rotter, to be U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa.\n\nDaniel Satterlee, to be U.S. Marshal for the District of South Dakota.\n\nDavid St. Pierre, to be U.S. Marshal for the District of Maine.\n\nBrian Barber, to be U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana.\n\nSteven Lewis, to be U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri.\n\nPriscilla Lopez, to be U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida.\n\nBrian Gootkin, to be U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana.\n\nJames Stuart, to be U.S. Marshal for the District of Minnesota.\n\nBackground:\n\nHistorically, executive nominees – like U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals – were routinely confirmed on a bipartisan basis due to their non-political and non-controversial nature. That bipartisan tradition was destroyed last year when Senate Democrats placed a blanket hold on all of President Trump’s 93 U.S. Attorneys.\n\nSenate Republicans overcame the partisan blockade in October of 2025, confirming 16 U.S. Attorneys as part of an initial nominations package of 107 executive nominees. The Senate confirmed an additional 14 U.S. Attorneys last December, as part of a second nominations package of 97 nominees.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-hassan-meets-with-portsmouth-police-officers-discusses-bipartisan-bill-to-support-families-of-fallen-first-responders-during-national-police-week", "title": "Senator Hassan Meets with Portsmouth Police Officers, Discusses Bipartisan Bill to Support Families of Fallen First Responders During National Police Week", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.hassan.senate.gov", "scraper": "hassan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001076", "name": "Margaret Wood Hassan", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NH", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "PORTSMOUTH – On Friday, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan met with local law enforcement officers at the Portsmouth Police Department, toured the department’s facility, and hosted a press conference on her bipartisan legislation to support the families of fallen first responders.\n\nEarlier last week, Senator Hassan introduced the Relief for Families of the Fallen Act, bipartisan legislation that would allow the families of public safety officers — including police officers, firefighters, and other first responders — who die in the line of duty to not pay federal income taxes on the fallen first responder’s income for the year of their death and the preceding year. The bill would also make those families eligible for refunds on any taxes already paid for those years.\n\n“First responders sacrifice for our communities each and every day, and when some make the ultimate sacrifice, we owe their surviving families our support,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill gives the families of our fallen heroes the opportunity to receive financial support as they navigate their loss. It also ensures that the last thing that they have to worry about is an unexpected bill from the IRS.”\n\n“Senator Hassan has been nonstop support for New Hampshire law enforcement even back in her days as governor. Her bringing this bill forward, introducing it with someone across the aisle in Texas, means a lot. It means a lot for us.” said Anthony Cattabriga, Vice President of the New Hampshire Troopers Association.\n\n“Nobody does this job to get recognition. But occasionally when somebody takes the time to show up and show that support, it really means a lot,” said Portsmouth Deputy Chief Michael Maloney. “We hope certainly no first responder ever has to use that benefit, but knowing it's there, it gives the families peace of mind moving forward as they try to move on with their lives, that they're not going to get a little reminder in a year and a half that only adds to the pain and suffering.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/hawley-applauds-100-million-milestone-for-missouri-radiation-survivors/", "title": "Hawley Applauds $100 Million Milestone for Missouri Radiation Survivors", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hawley.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.hawley.senate.gov", "scraper": "hawley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001089", "name": "Josh Hawley", "party": "Republican", "state": "MO", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced that he received an update from the U.S. Department of Justice that $101,950,000 in compensation has been delivered directly to Missourians harmed by exposure to Manhattan Project nuclear waste. This milestone comes after Senator Hawley’s legislation, expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include Missourians, was signed into law by President Trump in 2025.\n\nRECA provides compensation to Americans who developed radiation-linked cancers due to the federal nuclear arms program during the Second World War- and Cold War-eras. Over $320 million has been delivered in total to survivors across the country under Senator Hawley’s RECA law.\n\nThousands more survivors and their families may still be eligible to receive RECA compensation, which is administered by the Department of Justice. Senator Hawley’s office is dedicated to helping all affected Missourians determine eligibility and file their claims before the deadline: December 31, 2027.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-senate-confirmation-of-steve-pearce-as-director-of-the-bureau-of-land-management", "title": "Heinrich Statement on Senate Confirmation of Steve Pearce as Director of the Bureau of Land Management", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.heinrich.senate.gov", "scraper": "heinrich", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001046", "name": "Martin Heinrich", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), released the following statement in response to the Senate’s confirmation of former Congressman Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):\n\n“I’ve strongly disagreed with Congressman Pearce’s past opposition to national monument designations and support for public land sell-offs, and that is why I voted against his nomination to lead BLM. Now that the Senate has confirmed him, however, I will hold him accountable for following the rule of law, protecting our public lands, and honoring his confirmation hearing commitments. I also look forward to working with Pearce on efforts to omit orphan wells — a place we agree should be a priority for BLM.”\n\nIn February, Heinrich secured key commitments from Congressman Pearce during his confirmation hearing before ENR. However, in March, Heinrich ultimately voted against advancing Congressman Pearce’s nomination to lead BLM, citing his past record. During his time in Congress, Pearce pushed to sell off public lands, opposed the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument designation in New Mexico, advocated for downsizing national monuments, and pushed to privatize public lands for corporate interests instead of maintaining them for public use and recreation.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-advancing-new-space-operations-center-that-will-bring-800-guardians-to-grand-forks-air-force-base", "title": "Hoeven Advancing New Space Operations Center That Will Bring 800 Guardians to Grand Forks Air Force Base", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Military Construction Appropriations Committee, this week worked to advance funding for the U.S. Space Force’s proposed $250 million Space Operations Center at Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB), with a senior Space Force official testifying the center will bring 800 Guardians to the base. Hoeven reviewed the president’s request to fund the center with Kathryn Kolbe, who oversees installations and logistics for the U.S. Space Force.\n\nHoeven questioned Kolbe on the missions being performed at and manpower required for the Space Force’s requested $250 million Space Operations Center in Grand Forks.\n\n“The Space Force has requested in the military construction budget four highly classified, consolidated Space Operations facilities with the intent to geographically disperse and create resiliency with our existing space advanced systems and missions, but also to house new missions at these locations,” Kolbe responded. “We anticipate that these facilities will be housing approximately 800 guardians working 24/7 continuous, uninterrupted operations in support of our combatant commands.”\n\n“Clearly, Grand Forks is leading the way for our nation’s military communications and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This $250 million Space Force Operation Center, which is only one of four in the country, will bring new and exciting missions to North Dakota with an anticipated 800 service members working round the clock to keep our nation safe. We look forward to working with the Space Force to fund this project through the annual appropriations process so we can start moving forward on design and construction,” said Hoeven.\n\nIn addition to housing 800 Guardians, the proposed Space Operations Center will bring to Grand Forks:\n\nA more than 180,000 square foot center fully equipped as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF).\n\nHighly-classified operations supporting both Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office.\n\nThrough his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee and Senate Military Construction Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to secure the funding needed to support the Space Force expansion in Grand Forks, with the design phase of the new facility expected to start later this year.\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hoeven-continues-advancing-continuum-of-care-grant-renewals-for-north-dakota", "title": "Hoeven Continues Advancing Continuum of Care Grant Renewals for North Dakota", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.hoeven.senate.gov", "scraper": "hoeven", "member": {"bioguide_id": "H001061", "name": "John Hoeven", "party": "Republican", "state": "ND", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven continued his efforts to advance the timely renewal of Continuum of Care (CoC) grants for providers in North Dakota. Hoeven raised the priority to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner during a recent Senate Transportation-HUD Appropriations committee hearing, requesting an update on the grants that are still due for renewal this year and calling for HUD to approve the funds in a timely manner. The senator highlighted the legislation he passed directing HUD to renew the expiring grants, stressing the important services they support for homeless individuals and families and victims of domestic violence. Hoeven and Turner discussed how the secretary had the opportunity to learn about these services and the good work of providers in North Dakota firsthand as part of a visit the senator hosted last year.\n\nThe hearing builds upon the grant renewals Hoeven secured earlier this year totaling more than $840,000 for North Dakota providers. The remaining grants, which start expiring at the end of August, are expected to total more than $2.5 million and would support the:\n\nYWCA.\n\nAbused Adult Resource Center.\n\nFargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority.\n\nGrand Forks Housing Authority.\n\nInstitute for Community Alliances.\n\nMountain Plains Youth Services Coalition.\n\nNorth Dakota Housing Finance Agency.\n\nPathfinder Services of ND.\n\nHoeven also continues working with Secretary Turner, HUD Regional Director Tim Geitner and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs Assistance Caitlyn McKenney to ensure the grants are renewed in future years to provide certainty to the YWCA and others.\n\n“The services provided under these Continuum of Care grants save lives, helping some of the most vulnerable people in our state. We’re grateful to the providers for the important and difficult work they do to help victims of violence recover and escape homelessness. That’s why we passed legislation to renew these grants, and I appreciate Secretary Turner and his team for continuing to work with us to get these funds out in a timely way,” said Hoeven. “Doing so gives certainty this year for providers across the state, and we continue working to make sure the grants are renewed in the years to come as well.”\n\n-###-", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-73-million-in-federal-funding-to-improve-virginia-airports", "title": "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $73 Million In Federal Funding to Improve Virginia Airports", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "domain": "www.kaine.senate.gov", "scraper": "kaine", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000384", "name": "Tim Kaine", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $73,600,752 in federal funding to improve three Virginia airports. This funding is awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminals Program, which provides competitive grants for airport terminal improvements, airport-owned airport traffic control towers, and on-airport rail and bus projects that improve multimodal connections. The program is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.\n\n“We’re thrilled to announce more than $73 million in federal funding to improve the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of three Virginia airports,” said the senators. “The investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have been critical in improving passenger experience and bringing our Commonwealth’s and country’s airports into the 21st century.”\n\nThe program grants are allocated as follows:\n\n$41,800,752 for Dulles International Airport to partially fund the construction of a new 14-gate terminal building, which includes direct connections to Aerotrain and an indirect connection to Metrorail, improving airport infrastructure, enhancing passenger access for families, and adding operational efficiency.\n\n$26,000,000 for Manassas Regional Airport to partially fund the relocation and construction of a new BNATCS-equipped Airport Traffic Control Tower, replacing an 82-year-old tower that has reached the end of its useful life to enhance air traffic safety and operational efficiency.\n\n$5,800,000 for Richmond International Airport to fund a portion of the construction of a consolidated passenger screening checkpoint to improve passenger flow, reduce congestion, and enhance the travel experience for passengers and families by providing a more efficient and comfortable security screening process.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have been fierce supporters of efforts to modernize and improve Virginia’s airports. Earlier this month, the senators announced more than $21 million in federal funding to upgrade 8 Virginia airports. Last year, the senators announced almost $106 million in federal funding for airports across the Commonwealth. Many of these grants were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that has secured billions in federal funding for airport infrastructure since 2021.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-in-wide-ranging-interview-on-pbs-kelly-talks-about-the-importance-of-holding-the-trump-administration-accountable-and-the-future-of-this-count/", "title": "ICYMI: In Wide-Ranging Interview on PBS, Kelly Talks About the Importance of Holding the Trump Administration Accountable and the Future of This Country", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“We are stronger, more effective, and we’ll have a much better future if we all realize that we are in this together.”\n\nIn case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined PBS’ Overheard with Evan Smith for a wide-ranging conversation covering the Trump administration’s attempts to silence retired servicemembers, the failed strategy in the war with Iran, wealth inequality in the U.S., and Trump’s unprecedented corruption. Kelly also emphasized that political leaders need to bring people together and described his years long fight against gun violence alongside his wife Gabby Giffords.\n\nSen. Kelly speaks to Evan Smith.\n\nWatch the full conversation here. See key excepts below:\n\nOn the administration’s attempts to silence retired servicemembers…\n\n“This isn’t about me. This is about 2 million retired service members that they’re trying to silence. But they’re not going to shut me up. And I’m not backing down. Because there is a lot at stake here. I mean, retired service members have a role in our discourse. Especially on military matters.\n\n“I’m also on the Armed Services Committee in the Senate. It’s my job to hold these people accountable, the Secretary of Defense and even the president. When they make bad decisions, which in my view, they often do, it’s my role to call them out on it. They don’t like that. They want to shut people up.”\n\nOn the administration’s lack ofstrategyin Iran…\n\n“The president hasn’t made it clear case why we are there. He doesn’t have a strategic goal. He didn’t have a plan. He didn’t have any kind of a timeline or an exit strategy. So, he finds himself kind of stuck.”\n\nOn Trump’s instinct to divide rather than unite…\n\n“His instinct is every single opportunity, ‘Let’s try to divide us.’ We are stronger, more effective, and we’ll have a much better future if we all realize that we are in this together. It’s a dangerous world out there.”\n\nOnwealth inequality in the United States…\n\n“This nation, the United States, we have collectively, folks in Washington, not me, have transferred an enormous amount of our country’s wealth from the middle class and hardworking people to the top 1%. It’s unsustainable. And it’s not just about the fact that it makes it harder for people to afford their lives. It’s also one of these things that divide us. There’s the billionaire class. And they control as much of our country’s GDP, more now, than the majority. And it’s unhealthy. It is an unhealthy situation that we find ourselves in.”\n\nOn holding the administration accountable for unprecedented corruption…\n\n“You mentioned accountability as a ‘looking back’ kind of thing. I don’t look at it that way. We are a country of laws. People have to be held accountable for the most egregious things. The amount of corruption we’ve seen out of this administration, it’s unprecedented. It’s outrageous. It’s really obscene, what we are seeing. The pay for play, the, ‘donate to my ballroom,’ million-dollar fees at Mar-a-Lago, crypto-scams, meme coins, businesses around the world. There needs to be investigations for the most serious stuff. I think there has to be. These people need to be held accountable.”\n\nOnpassingcommonsense gun laws…\n\n“I’m a gun owner. I’m a supporter of the Second Amendment. At the same time, we just can’t continue to be so stupid about it and let dangerous people have easy access to firearms. So, that’s what Gabby is fighting for. Sensible laws that most Americans agree with. Things like background checks for gun sales. That polls at 90%. You know what polls at 90% in our country? Two things. Free money and ice cream.\n\n“It seems pretty logical that we should be able to get this passed. But because of the money that is put into our political system from corporations and other special interest groups, it’s become really, really hard to fix some problems that seem really, really simple.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-gallego-press-faa-to-stop-delaying-kingman-airport-land-release-support-economic-growth-in-northwest-arizona/", "title": "Kelly, Gallego Press FAA to Stop Delaying Kingman Airport Land Release, Support Economic Growth in Northwest Arizona", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.kelly.senate.gov", "scraper": "markkelly", "member": {"bioguide_id": "K000377", "name": "Mark Kelly", "party": "Democrat", "state": "AZ", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to work with the City of Kingman to finalize a long-delayed land release at Kingman Municipal Airport that would unlock approximately $250 million in investment and support economic development in northwest Arizona.\n\nIn a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, the senators raised concerns that after more than six years of coordination with the FAA, the City of Kingman is now facing additional bureaucratic hurdles and increased costs that threaten the project’s future.\n\n“The City has worked with the FAA for over six years to complete this process, which would support approximately $250 million in investment at the airport. Despite working in good faith with the FAA for years, the City is now being asked to undertake additional bureaucratic steps by the FAA, requiring the City to incur additional costs and needlessly delay the land transfer. We urge the FAA to work with the City of Kingman to resolve any outstanding issues to complete this land release in a timely manner,” wrote the senators.\n\nKingman Municipal Airport, originally established as a World War II Army Air Corps training facility, spans roughly 4,000 acres and serves as a major transportation hub with direct access to Interstate 40, Interstate 11, and the BNSF Southern Transcon rail line. The FAA-approved 2021 Airport Layout Plan concluded that much of the undeveloped land at the airport is not needed for current or future airport operations.\n\nThe senators also raised concerns about changing appraisal and payment requirements that conflict with prior agreements reached with the FAA’s Phoenix Airport District Office: “We urge FAA to re-evaluate the prior decisions made by ACO rather than requiring the City to acquire new appraisals at the city’s expense, which will further delay the process of seeing the deed release. If FAA determines that an additional appraisal is needed, we urge that the ACO act expeditiously to work with the City to identify an acceptable appraiser who has experience valuing properties in Kingman. Lastly, we urge FAA to honor the arrangement the Airport and ADO reached regarding a payment schedule for the deed release.”\n\nThe senators warned that continued delays and changing procedural expectations are creating unnecessary burdens for the City and limiting economic opportunity in northwest Arizona: “The evolving interpretations of appraisal requirements and other procedural expectations have created additional hurdles for the City of Kingman and prolonged a process that has already been underway for six years. We urge ACO to redouble efforts with the City of Kingman to resolve any outstanding issues and advance this land release without further unnecessary delay. Completing this process will allow the city to move forward with a project that will create jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen the regional economy while maintaining the operational integrity of Kingman Municipal Airport.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/2026/5/lee-cosponsors-blue-act-with-protections-against-doxxing-police-officers", "title": "Lee Cosponsors BLUE Act with Protections Against Doxxing Police Officers", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.lee.senate.gov", "scraper": "mikelee", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000577", "name": "Mike Lee", "party": "Republican", "state": "UT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) cosponsored the Blocking Leaks Undermining Law Enforcement (BLUE) Act during National Police Week with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to protect law enforcement officers from being doxxed. This legislation would shield federal law enforcement officers and their families from credible violent threats by prohibiting the sharing of their personal information and location with intent to obstruct, interfere with, or retaliate against their lawful duties.\n\n“Violent anti-police protestors are purposely endangering our law enforcement officers and their families with doxxing and threats,” said Senator Mike Lee. “To protect the patriots who keep us safe, the BLUE Act will outlaw sharing their personal information with the intention of obstructing or retaliating against their police work. As politicized threats against their lives increase, this change will provide the legal shield that our law enforcement officers and their families need to continue protecting Americans every day.”\n\n“It is despicable that radical left-wing protesters are routinely attacking federal law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect Americans,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Democrats continue protecting criminal illegal aliens and their radical left-wing defenders instead of the law enforcement officers keeping our communities safe. Trump Derangement Syndrome and years of ‘defund the police’ rhetoric has gone too far, and the BLUE Act protects law enforcement officers doing their jobs and keeps their families’ identities safe. I proudly stand with federal law enforcement and against the lunatics putting public safety at risk.”\n\nThe BLUE Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Mike Rounds (R-SD), and endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).\n\n“It’s increasingly clear that the Radical Left doesn’t believe in law and order and will do anything to stop the law from being enforced,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville. “We’ve seen repeated attacks on our brave law enforcement officers, including the ICE agents who are carrying out President Trump’s agenda to remove illegal criminals. Revealing officers’ personal locations—whether they’re on duty or not—is extremely dangerous to their safety. If you do anything to put a law enforcement officer in harm’s way, your butt needs to be thrown in jail. As we recognize National Police Week this week, I’m proud to join the BLUE Act with Sen. Rick Scott to further protect those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.\n\n“Attacks on federal law enforcement are at an all time high, with perpetrators becoming increasingly more brazen in targeted physical and doxing attacks on officers and their families. That is why we are grateful to the leadership of Sen. Scott to advance the ‘BLUE Act’ during National Police Week. This is a common sense bill to ensure appropriate penalties for those who seek to undermine public safety, and we urge Congress to swiftly send it to President Trump’s desk.” – Mathew Silverman, National President, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)\n\nThe Blue Act:\n\nCreates a new criminal prohibition: Makes it illegal to share certain protected information about a federal law enforcement officer when done with intent to obstruct, interfere with, or retaliate against their official duties or proceedings.\n\nExpands what information is protected: Clarifies that, for federal law enforcement officers, protected information includes not just personal details but also their current or expected physical locations, whether on or off duty.\n\nRead exclusive coverage by Townhall here.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-releases-snapshot-of-republican-reconciliation-bill-ahead-of-budget-fight-72-billion-for-trumps-wants-0-for-americans-needs/", "title": "Luján Releases Snapshot of Republican Reconciliation Bill Ahead of Budget Fight $72 Billion for Trump’s Wants, $0 For Americans’ Needs", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.”\n\n– Donald Trump (May 12, 2026)\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement and breakdown of the Senate Republicans’ proposed budget.\n\n“In every corner of New Mexico and across the country, families are facing sky-high costs. Instead of spending billions to fund an out-of-control ICE and CBP and President Trump’s ballroom, my Republican colleagues should focus on lowering gas, grocery, and health care costs for American families. This partisan bill is a betrayal of families across America who are paying the price for this administration’s failed policies,” said Senator Luján.\n\nRepublicans gutted vital programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, and as soaring costs crush families, Senate Republicans are trying to jam through more than $70 billion in taxpayer money for rogue ICE operations and another $1 billion into Trump’s ballroom—all while they do nothing to lower costs for families.\n\nRepublicans’ bill includes more than $70 billion for ICE and CBP, with NO real reforms, NO guardrails, and NO accountability for the violence and abuses we’ve seen from Trump’s rogue enforcement. ICE and CBP are already sitting on more than $100 billion that Republicans funneled to them through the Republican Budget Betrayal passed into law last year.\n\nKey Stats:\n\nInflation surged to 3.8%—its highest level since the pandemic—and is outpacing wage growth\n\nGas is nearly $5.00 a gallon—and prices just keep climbing\n\nGrocery prices had the biggest one-month jump in nearly four years—fresh vegetables are 44% more expensive than they were just 3 months ago\n\nMore than 1 in 5 Americans who got health insurance this year from the Healthcare.gov marketplace were dropped after the first month for being unable to pay their premiums\n\nElectricity bills are up by as much as 13% under Trump’s watch—and are expected to stay high\n\nAlready-high mortgage rates are increasing even more as inflation jumps\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-voting-against-steve-pearce-to-serve-as-director-of-the-bureau-of-land-management/", "title": "Luján Statement on Voting Against Steve Pearce to Serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.lujan.senate.gov", "scraper": "lujan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000570", "name": "Ben Ray Luján", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NM", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting against the confirmation of Steve Pearce as the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):\n\n“At a time when Republicans are rushing to sell off our public lands, they cannot be trusted to lead the Bureau of Land Management. While serving in Congress, Mr. Pearce opposed protections for the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument in his own district, a treasured New Mexico landscape. His record makes it clear that he will not stand up for our public lands.\n\n“I voted against Mr. Pearce because his record speaks for itself. The Bureau of Land Management stewards 13 million acres across New Mexico that support our outdoor recreation economy, ranchers, Tribal communities, and local economies. New Mexico cannot afford a director who has spent his career working against them.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/swc-chair-lummis-applauds-confirmation-of-steve-pearce-to-lead-blm/", "title": "SWC Chair Lummis Applauds Confirmation of Steve Pearce to Lead BLM", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.lummis.senate.gov/press-releases/page/", "domain": "www.lummis.senate.gov", "scraper": "lummis", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000571", "name": "Cynthia M. Lummis", "party": "Republican", "state": "WY", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) applauded the confirmation tonight of former New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):\n\n“I am pleased that the U.S. Senate tonight confirmed my friend and former colleague Steve Pearce as Director of the Bureau of Land Management,” said Lummis. “The BLM oversees nearly 30 percent of Wyoming’s land, making its leadership deeply personal to our state and critical to the communities and economies across the West. Steve brings the experience and vision to honor that responsibility and will serve as an outstanding guardian of our lands. I look forward to working with Steve and his team in his new role.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-warren-celebrate-more-than-47-million-in-grants-for-airport-infrastructure-across-massachusetts", "title": "Senators Markey, Warren Celebrate More Than $47 Million in Grants for Airport Infrastructure Across Massachusetts", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "domain": "www.markey.senate.gov", "scraper": "markey", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000133", "name": "Edward J. Markey", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Awards List (PDF)\n\nWashington (May 18, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement after Massachusetts cities and towns received more than $47 million in grant funding from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. The AIP airport grant program funds airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings and will strengthen airport infrastructure across Massachusetts. The AIG program, which was created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides additional federal support for airport infrastructure projects.\n\n“We fought hard to ensure the FAA Reauthorization Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included robust funding for airport infrastructure investments,” said Senators Markey and Warren. “Now, this funding is at work in communities across Massachusetts. From the Pittsfield Municipal Airport to Boston-Logan, this funding will make our airports more resilient, safe, and modern.”\n\nA full list of awards is available HERE for AIP awards and HERE for AIG awards.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-manufacturing-is-booming-in-kansas/", "title": "Senator Marshall: Manufacturing is Booming in Kansas", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria\n\nKansas City – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria to discuss the Vice President’s trip to Kansas City, passing ICE and CBP funding, a third reconciliation bill to lower the cost of living, thriving manufacturing in Kansas, the conflict in Iran, and Kevin Warsh’s upcoming swearing in.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn DHS and border patrol funding:\n\n“Well, it’s not surprising, this Parliamentarian has always leaned left. And we’ll get to work, we’re going to fix it at the end of the day — we’re going to be able to fund ICE, as well as the border patrol. It sounds like she’s happy with the ICE funding, but she’s not happy with the border patrol funding. So, we’ll have all of our lawyers. Lindsey Graham is a great attorney; he’ll be in there, Chairman of the Budget Committee, arguing, getting the language right. At the end of the day, we’ll fund ICE, we’ll fund border patrol, we’ll have to figure out what we can do and not do. But remember the security funding, the billion dollars in security funding, a lot of that was extra funding and training for the Secret Service, and really making the entire White House more secure.”\n\nOn passing another reconciliation bill:\n\n“Well, it’s going to be an uphill battle, but I think our focus should be on the cost of living. We have a package of bills that would drive down the cost of health care. Our price tags would force every health care provider to show their cost up front with more transparency. We could trim back the pharmacy benefit managers some more, a prior authorization bill to force insurance companies to have a streamlined prior authorization process. We should be focused on the cost of housing, on childcare, on property insurance — those things that went up 50% under Joe Biden, that should be our focus. It will be an uphill battle, but we’re going to certainly put our shoulder into it and do our best.”\n\nOn manufacturing in Kansas:\n\n“Yeah, so certainly we owe to Trump the manufacturing jobs all across the state of Kansas. I talked to especially the small manufacturers, their business is absolutely booming. Kansas City itself, home to over 100,000 manufacturing jobs. Think General Motors, think Ford, Panasonic has a big plan here as well, Garmin is up here. So you think about the Vice President’s story, and Hillbilly Elegy, how the Rust Belt, and how they lost all those manufacturing jobs in his home area. We don’t want that to happen here in Kansas City, and actually just the opposite is happening now. The Working Family Tax Cuts has made it much easier for manufacturers to build things; bonus depreciation is one of them. So, he’ll be accounting manufacturing jobs, the Trump agenda that is actually working. Maria, I’m telling you that the economy here in Kansas is really set to go forward this year.”\n\nOn ending the conflict in Iran:\n\n“Well, look, nobody likes war, no one is celebrating war, but President Trump is absolutely trying to keep Americans safe for generations in the future. I think it’s not lost on me, and nor should it be lost by the Iranian regime, is that this meeting is in the situation room, that the military, the Pentagon, is going to come forward to show the president, here’s your options: A, B, C, and D, this is what we could do. And then be prepared, right? So the clock is indeed ticking; Iran better be listening, they better be listening hard. This president is not going to waste much more time. Evidently, Iran is going to send us some type of another updated peace agreement today. Hopefully, that will include the end of nuclear weapon development by Iran as well. Could you imagine the Iranian regime with a nuclear weapon, what that would be like? Gas would be $20 a gallon.”\n\nOn a possible Pentagon supplemental:\n\n“They’re going to have to convince me of that, Maria. We give the military a trillion dollars a year, and just like every agency in the United States government, I think there’s 10-20% fraud, waste, and abuse. I think a trillion dollars is more than enough money. I’m disappointed that they’ve been building million-dollar missiles to take out a $6 drone. I think they can be much more frugal with their money. The biggest challenge to America, and you know this as well, is our national debt. I don’t think we can afford the $1.5 trillion, nor is it necessary. Europe needs to pick up their pace, NATO needs to pick up their pace, we need to be more efficient as well. So, I’m going to be a hard sell to increase that trillion dollars.”\n\n“Yeah, that’s right. And look, I believe in peace through strength. My boyhood hero, President Eisenhower coined that term. President Reagan used it, I believe, but I think a trillion dollars is plenty.”\n\nOn Kevin Warsh as the chair of the Federal Reserve:\n\n“Yeah, I sure hope so, Maria. And I’m very optimistic — Kevin, I think will be a steady hand. Wall Street, small businesses, we all like a steady hand. I expect him to start looking at the Fed’s balance sheet first and foremost. We will get the gas price down again, and that will allow him, I think, to bring interest rates down as well. So we’re all looking forward to it, and he cannot get sworn in soon enough.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-we-have-solutions-to-bring-down-costs-now-we-have-to-finish-the-job/", "title": "Senator Marshall: We Have Solutions to Bring Down Costs – Now we Have to Finish the Job", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.marshall.senate.gov", "scraper": "marshall", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001198", "name": "Roger Marshall", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Senator Marshall Joins Mundo in the Morning\n\nKansas City – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Pete Mundo on Mundo in the Morning live in his KC studio ahead of Vice President Vance’s visit to Kansas City to discuss the importance of the city’s manufacturing industry and its role in the national economy.\n\nSenator Marshall also discussed his focus on the cost of living, highlighting his work to address healthcare costs, credit card swipe fees, and year-round E-15.\n\nClick here to download the full video.\n\nOn Vice President Vance’s visit to Kansas City:\n\n“Yeah, Pete, great to be with you. Big day for Kansas City. Folks across the rest of the country need to understand that Kansas City is more than barbecue and the Kansas City Chiefs. Over 100,000 people have jobs in the manufacturing industry in Kansas City, so it’s a major manufacturing hub. Think about Garmin, Panasonic, GM, Ford — all the usual cast of characters. And when you think about the Vice President’s story in Hillbilly Elegy, the story of his life is really about manufacturing jobs leaving the Rust Belt. So, he’s here to tout the Working Family Tax Cuts bill, which gave manufacturing some huge tax breaks to encourage manufacturing jobs.”\n\nOn the manufacturing industry:\n\n“Well, certainly, manufacturing is one of the big three pillars of any economy, along with agriculture and mining. If you don’t have those three right, you’re not going to have a good economy. We’ve been in, I think, 95 or 96 counties already this year alone — this is our seventh visit — and I’m telling you, manufacturing jobs and manufacturing companies are dealing with a huge backlog right now. Boeing is investing another billion dollars in Wichita. China just ordered another 200 planes. In a typical year, Boeing is only making about 600 planes, so another 200-plane order in a year is a pretty good day for Boeing as well. So I go back to the Trump policies here and the Working Family Tax Cuts bill. Bonus depreciation is probably the biggest one for manufacturing. As we move toward more automated manufacturing jobs, being able to write off those big machines that do all the heavy lifting is a major benefit. I think that’s a big part of it — the bonus depreciation provision in the Working Family Tax Cuts bill. But don’t forget overtime. That was our gig — we wrote the portion of that bill on no tax on overtime. We don’t have enough workers in this economy right now, so enticing people to work overtime can help us fill some of those manufacturing orders.”\n\nOn manufacturing in Kansas:\n\n“Well, certainly, when you think about the Kansas economy, it is agriculture, quite a bit of oil and gas as well, and then manufacturing would be the third leg of it. There’s a much bigger presence from GM and Ford. GM has had a hiccup here lately, thanks to the Biden EV policies, but at the end of the day, these tariffs are forcing GM to build more of their next car line here as well. So I think manufacturing across the state is on the uptick. I don’t have an exact number for you, Pete, whether it’s 10 or 20 percent of the economy, but it’s very significant. When you have a manufacturing plant — I think in Wichita it’s around 14,000 employed in aerospace — every one of those jobs supports another three to five jobs tied to that manufacturing plant as well.”\n\nOn tariffs:\n\n“Without any doubt, America is now the third-leading producer of steel thanks to these tariffs. We have the first aluminum smelter in my lifetime — I think a new aluminum smelter is being built down in Oklahoma as well. And I certainly think of a window manufacturer over in Fort Scott that, all of a sudden, is seeing big construction companies wanting Kansas, American-made windows as well. So really, the limiting factor for these manufacturing jobs is people. We don’t have enough people for the jobs. But what a great place to come to — Central Kansas, and just the affordability across the state. Certainly, housing is expensive here, but it’s nothing compared to what it’s like on the coasts.”\n\nOn the use of AI and its effect on jobs:\n\n“Well, I think there’s going to be — and I go back to these manufacturing jobs — I’m not sure they’re AI-proof, but they’re much more AI-proof than entry-level management, white-collar jobs, or even mid-level positions as well. You just have to look at Facebook and Google and the thousands of people they’re laying off from white-collar-type jobs. But on the other end of the spectrum are these STEM-related jobs and manufacturing jobs. Again, I’m probably most familiar with the aerospace industry down in Wichita. They’re doing very fine labor that takes a good head on your shoulders, precision work that has to be exact. Then they’re using AI to go back in and check their workmanship, so they’re bringing AI in to make those manufacturers — those workers — more efficient.”\n\nOn the cost of living:\n\n“You know, Pete, I think it’s kind of a two-tier economy. I mentioned that manufacturing is doing great. One-hundred-dollar-a-barrel oil is actually good for a lot of Kansas producers as well. People over the age of 50 — we’ve seen our retirement plans almost double here over the last seven or eight years as well. But there’s also a group of people who are struggling — those under the age of 40. They’ve got two kids, maybe three kids, and they haven’t bought their house yet. So those are the people I’m really focused on right now: the cost of living, whether it’s the cost of gas, groceries, housing, or child care. A lot of those costs went up 50 percent under Joe Biden. Inflation is cumulative, so even though, generally speaking, wages are increasing faster than inflation, there’s still a group of people out there — typically under the age of 50 — who are struggling. That’s what we need to be focused on in Washington: how do we help that hardworking family out there?”\n\nOn the price of gas:\n\n“Yeah, well, I think gas prices will go down as fast as they went up, because we do have the supply here and we’re ready to go. Unlike Iran right now, even though they have the oil, they can’t send it through the refinery process, so they’re standing in line. We have the oil here in place as well. By the way, if we passed E15 year-round ethanol, it could save maybe 30 to 40 cents a gallon. Our credit card bill would lower the price of gasoline another 10 to 15 cents a gallon as well. On the health care front, you talk to any small business in town, and they’ll talk to you about health care costs. Our Price Tags bill, which would force every health care provider to show prices up front, could lower the cost of health care by $1,000, maybe $2,000 a month. So there are things that D.C. can do, and we need to get locked in and get them across the finish line.”\n\nOn year round E-15:\n\n“Yeah, it’s disappointing that year-round E15 is more important than the huge deal the president got done with China. Look, that was a great deal for the American farmer. He helped not only Boeing, he helped beef producers, he helped soybean farmers as well. But year-round E15 would be like doubling our export market for corn. In an average year, we export a little over 2 billion bushels of corn. If we went to year-round E15, it would consume another 2 billion bushels of corn as well. You know, this is big oil versus the farmer right now, and I’m going to bet on the farmer here. I know President Trump has put a big emphasis on this. No one has done more for the American farmer and rural America than the Trump administration. We have four, five, maybe six senators from big oil states who are holding us up.”\n\nOn swipe fees and the Credit Card Competition Act:\n\n“Well, I think we’re probably treading water, the way I would look at it. Look, this is Main Street versus Wall Street. The Wall Street banks and the big credit card companies have dumped in, I’m sure, hundreds of millions of dollars attacking me on this particular issue. But what it would do is lower swipe fee costs. Look, there are two credit card companies and a handful of Wall Street banks that control 90 percent of the credit card industry. Because of that, Americans are paying seven times more than people do in Europe. And when you go to a convenience store, the second- or third-highest expense they have is their swipe fee. The second- or third-highest expense they have is their swipe fees. They’re paying more in swipe fees than they are for electricity, more than they are for health care as well. That’s how high a cost this is for them, and it’s being passed on to the consumer. So we’ll see. With the cost-of-living issue being a major focus for President Trump right now, when we see the opportunity, maybe we can get it across the finish line.”\n\nOn healthcare costs:\n\n“I think that, you know, putting blame where blame goes, the cost of health care has gone up because of Obamacare. But regardless, we have the solutions — I have the bills to get across the finish line. With my time in the Senate, we’ve gained some more, I’m going to say, power and control, so we’re really close to getting those across the finish line. These are bills that I wrote six or seven years ago. It typically takes six or seven years to get major legislation across the finish line. So we’ve already talked about our Price Tags bill, but we also have a pharmacy benefit manager bill that would trim back those costs as well — more transparency. Prior authorization is a big, big issue for patients as well as doctors. We had this, one of our signature pieces of legislation, is poised to get across the finish line as well. So we need to finish the job. And I think I may be the only person in Congress that’s actually helped run a hospital, let alone being a doctor and overseeing a county health department. So I do have a little bit of experience in it, and I know the consequences. His solution will probably be Medicare for All. He’ll be joining the Bernie Sanders wing of the Democrat Party.”\n\n“Yeah, so he’s obviously a real opponent. He’s going to be able to print money. I mean, he’s a megachurch pastor — obviously a televangelist-type style. I think he’ll have a challenge getting through the Democratic Party primary alone. But we’re going to stay focused, Pete. We’re going to stay focused on bringing down the cost of living. I’m going to take care of business, and we’ll worry about the election more after the August primary.”\n\nOn the Kansas City Chiefs:\n\n“So you know the first month is one of the easiest schedules on in the NFL, and maybe that’ll be a chance, maybe we can let Patrick get fully recovered, but then it’s just a juggernaut of a schedule after that as well, I’m just excited. I’m excited that this may be the best rookie class that we’ve ever had in Chiefs land since going back to when Buck Buchanan was drafted back in the 1960s with a handful of Lynn Dawson was on board with that as well back in the 60s. So I’m just looking forward to getting it going again.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/blumenthal-merkley-lead-group-of-10-senators-in-demanding-fda-reverse-dangerous-authorization-of-flavored-e-cigarettes/", "title": "BLUMENTHAL & MERKLEY LEAD GROUP OF 10 SENATORS IN DEMANDING FDA REVERSE DANGEROUS AUTHORIZATION OF FLAVORED E-CIGARETTES", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Recent FDA authorization of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes enables & encourages youth tobacco use\n\nWashington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) led a group of ten senators in calling on Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Kyle Diamantas to rescind FDA’s recent decision to authorize flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children. By authorizing fruit flavors, the FDA is once again enabling a resurgence in youth tobacco use and exacerbating the risk of serious chronic disease and death for a new generation. This is compounded by FDA’s recent guidance allowing e-cigarettes to be marketed pending FDA review.\n\n“There is no scientific consensus that flavors provide a benefit to adults who want to quit using tobacco products, but there is clear data that proves flavored products draw in young people and that the tobacco industry intentionally markets flavored products to young people,” the senators wrote.\n\nWhile the U.S. has made significant progress reducing youth e-cigarette usage, over 1.4 million middle and high school students still use e-cigarettes according to the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey.\n\nIn addition to Blumenthal and Merkley, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Mr. Diamantas,\n\nWe are deeply concerned by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) shortsighted and reckless decision to authorize flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children. By authorizing fruit flavors, FDA is once again exacerbating the risk of chronic disease and death for a new generation. We urge FDA to rescind this decision immediately.\n\nWhile the U.S. has made significant progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use, according to the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey, over 1.4 million middle and high school students still use e-cigarettes.[1] There is no scientific consensus that flavors provide a benefit to adults who want to quit using tobacco products, but there is clear data that proves flavored products draw in young people and that the tobacco industry intentionally markets flavored products to young people. According to FDA’s own figures, nearly all youth who use e-cigarettes report using flavored products, and fruit flavors are the most popular.[2] A 2024 report from the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations detailed FDA’s failure to regulate flavored e-cigarettes when manufacturers first put them on the market, which led to soaring rates of vaping among high school and middle school students, undoing decades of progress in reducing youth tobacco use.[3]\n\nMedia reports suggest that FDA was pressured by the White House to make this decision—effectively abandoning its scientific integrity to help the President score political points. It is no secret that during his 2024 campaign, President Trump promised to “save vaping”,[4] risking the health of American children in favor of his political donors.[5] Just last month, The Wall Street Journal reported on internal documents showing that former FDA Commissioner Makary had concerns about the public health risks of authorizing flavored products that appeal to children.[6] Further, the New York Times recently reported that Dr. Makary “ultimately resigned over concerns about the administration’s decision to authorize fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, an action he opposed.”[7] This adds to the mounting evidence that potential political conflicts of interest led FDA to approve these dangerous products rather than impartial science and public health considerations, as required by the law. Trust is a key component of public health, and these actions erode public trust—threatening lives and risking Americans’ confidence in our public health agencies.\n\nFDA justified its approval of these dangerous products by claiming that the use of “device access restriction (DAR) technology” will mitigate the risk to young people. However, just two months ago, FDA issued draft guidance stating that there is a “current lack of real-world experience regarding use of DAR to prevent or sufficiently mitigate the risk of youth use.”[8] Relying on unproven technology – technology that FDA itself said is likely insufficient to protect children – in justifying its approval of these products[9] is not just hypocritical, but foolish and extremely dangerous.\n\nThe harmful impact of this decision is compounded by President Trump’s efforts to dismantle tobacco prevention and cessation programs. This includes attempts to eliminate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH), which is essential to preventing youth tobacco use[10] and a key source of federal funding for state quitlines[11] and the Tips From Former Smokers educational campaign that help adult tobacco users with cessation,[12] causing an upheaval at FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products by terminating—and then later reinstating—staff responsible for levying fines on retailers that sold tobacco to minors,[13]and cutting research at the National Institutes of Health, including a grant that sought to determine the most effective messages to persuade teenagers not to vape.[14] Taken together, these actions significantly impair the ability to protect youth from Big Tobacco’s predatory practices and will likely lead to a renewed surge in youth use of flavored tobacco products.\n\nIn order to protect public health and restore faith in the scientific integrity of the FDA, we request responses to the following questions by June 1, 2026:\n\nPlease provide a detailed description of policies at the Center for Tobacco Products regarding the ability of political appointees to modify or overrule the conclusions of career scientists regarding the approval of new product applications.\n\nPlease provide a list of all political appointees at the agency who were involved in the decision to approve Glas, Inc.’s application for flavored e-cigarettes.\n\nPlease describe agency practices for the involvement of career agency employees who form part of a new product review team at the Center for Tobacco Products are part of final approval decisions for that product. Were any career agency employees who were part of the review team for the Glas, Inc. application but subsequently excluded from the final approval decision?\n\nWhat evidence convinced the agency that the benefits of authorizing mango- and blueberry-flavored products outweighed the risk of addicting more children? What evidence came to light after former Commissioner Makary blocked the authorization of fruit flavored vapes as reported by The Wall Street Journal in April?\n\nWill FDA make public the marketing granted orders (MGOs) and Technical Project Lead Review decision summaries for the GLAS, Inc. authorizations, as it has done for other authorized products?\n\nDoes FDA still believe fruit-flavored e-cigarettes require a heightened evidentiary burden because of their appeal to youth? Please provide a detailed description of the ways the application from Glas, Inc. differed from those of flavored e-cigarette applications the agency had recently rejected.\n\nDid FDA consider other youth mitigation factors in addition to the device access restriction (DAR) technology when authorizing two fruit-flavored e-cigarette products?\n\nIn March 2026, FDA issued draft flavored e-cigarette PMTA guidance acknowledging that there is little real-world evidence demonstrating that DAR technology works at scale, particularly for products with high youth appeal. Please provide a detailed explanation for why DAR technology is adequate for the approved products of Glas Inc. but inadequate for other previously rejected flavored products.\n\nWhat specifically is FDA’s post-market surveillance plan for these products and this DAR technology?\n\nHow frequently will FDA publicly release post-market surveillance data so Congress, public health experts, and parents can evaluate whether these products are in fact meeting public health standards?\n\nWhy did FDA choose to authorize these Glas Inc. products before finalizing its flavored e-cigarette PMTA guidance?\n\nFDA has repeatedly suggested that authorizing e-cigarettes is about giving adults who smoke cigarettes alternatives, but FDA has never approved any e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation product. Dual use of both e-cigarettes and cigarettes has not been proven to meaningfully reduce one’s risk of tobacco-related disease and may in fact result in greater exposure to toxins and worse respiratory health outcomes than using either product alone. What evidence does FDA have that these products help people to quit smoking completely, rather than leading to long-term dual use?\n\nThank you. We look forward to your response.\n\n[1]National Youth Tobacco Survey. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March, 4th 2026. https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/national-youth-tobacco-survey-nyts\n\n[2]Ibid.\n\n[3]“The Youth Vaping Epidemic: Federal Regulation of E-cigarettes and the Rise of JUUL and Puff Bar.” February 29, 2024. https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-29-PSI-E-cig-Report-Final.pdf\n\n[4]Ventura, Juliann. “Trump vows to ‘save vaping’ despite previous support for ban.” The Hill. September 21, 2024. https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4892387-trump-vaping-ban-post/\n\n[5]Durkee, Alison. “This Tobacco Giant Was The Biggest Corporate Donor to the 2024 Presdiential Race.” Forbes. December 27, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/12/27/this-tobacco-giant-was-the-biggest-corporate-donor-to-the-2024-presidential-race/\n\n[6]Essley Whyte, Liz. “White House Pushes for Flavored Vapes Blocked by FDA Head.” The Wall Street Journal. April 17, 2026. https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/white-house-pushes-for-flavored-vapes-blocked-by-fda-head-2f8f0138?mod=article_inline\n\n[7]Jewett, Christina. “F.D.A. Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Weeks of Pressure.” The New York Times. May 12, 2026. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/12/us/politics/trump-fires-fda-commissioner-makary.html\n\n[8]“Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Premarket Applications – Considerations Related to Youth Risk.” Draft Guidance for Industry. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. March 2026. https://www.fda.gov/media/191455/download\n\n[9]“FDA Expands Market Access, Authorizes New ENDS Products.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. May 5, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-expands-market-access-authorizes-new-ends-products\n\n[10]Dale, Jill. “New Report Details Devastating Impact of Federal Cuts on Lifesaving Tobacco Prevention and Quit Programs. American Lung Association. May 28, 2025. https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/new-report-details-devastating-impact-of-federal-c\n\n[11]Todd, Sarah. “Why CDC cuts are being called “the greatest gift to tobacco industry in the last half century.” STAT News. April 14, 2025. https://www.statnews.com/2025/04/14/cdc-closing-office-smoking-health-called-gift-to-big-tobacco-by-former-osh-director/\n\n[12] “Tips From Former Smokers.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/index.html\n\n[13]Cancryn, Adam and Gardner, Lauren. “The FDA fired its tobacco enforcers. Now it wants them back.” POLITICO. April 14, 2025. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/14/fda-fired-tobacco-enforcers-asked-return-00289985\n\n[14]Jewett, Christina. “Trump Budget Cuts Hobble Antismoking Programs.” The New York Times. May 15, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/health/trump-budget-cuts-anti-smoking-tobacco.html\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/oregon-airports-to-receive-nearly-19-million-in-federal-investment/", "title": "Oregon Airports to Receive Nearly $19 Million in Federal Investment", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "domain": "www.merkley.senate.gov", "scraper": "merkley", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001176", "name": "Jeff Merkley", "party": "Democrat", "state": "OR", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "“I appreciate the Oregon delegation’s commitment to keeping our infrastructure ready for all scenarios, whether that’s severe weather or increased capacity,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We’re eager to put this funding to work to upgrade PDX’s North Runway, including its lighting and navigation systems, and sustain our track record of safe and efficient airport operations.”\n\n“The Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is appreciative of the grant award. These funds will allow us to rehabilitate and/or reconstruct the asphalt portion of a large General Aviation (GA) apron immediately adjacent to MillionAir, one of our Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), as well as Mercy Flights, our local emergency air-ambulance provider,” said Amber Judd, Airport Director for Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. “This asphalt is nearing the end of its useful life, and this project will ensure continued, improved access to and from these important airport businesses for many years to come.”\n\n“We are honored that Madras Municipal Airport has been awarded a federal grant through the Department of Transportation, which will allow us to make critical improvements to our airport’s weather system infrastructure. The funding will provide for the design phase of the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) replacement,” said Lorraine Martinelli, Airport Manager for Madras Municipal Airport. “The AWOS is heavily relied on for the safety of our pilots and crews. These funds will enhance safety, ensuring our facility continues to meet the needs of our growing community and the region we serve. Our current system has served us well, but the components are no longer serviceable, and the system is nearing the end of its service life. Next year we will apply for grant funding to cover the construction and replacement of the AWOS system. Our community is appreciative of the funds made available to maintain our airport’s function and safety.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-secures-massive-1-5-billion-in-fema-disaster-recovery-funding-for-florida/", "title": "Senator Moody Secures Massive $1.5 BILLION in FEMA Disaster Recovery Funding for Florida", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.moody.senate.gov", "scraper": "moody", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001244", "name": "Ashley Moody", "party": "Republican", "state": "FL", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator Ashley Moody announced her successful effort to secure more than $1.5 billion in FEMA relief to be distributed throughout Florida. These funds will be used as federal aid for disasters spanning the past several years:\n\n“I came to Washington to fight for Florida’s best interest, which is why I’m proud to announce the successful recovery of more than $1.5 Billion in FEMA reimbursements for Florida communities hit hard by disasters. This is money that has been slow-walked and tangled in our federal government – I’m cutting through bureaucracy and getting things done for Florida,” said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, FEMA is committed to cutting red tape and getting resources directly to the American people and communities who need them most. Senator Moody has been a great partner in our efforts to slash bureaucracy, strengthen accountability, and ensure rapid, effective recovery for Floridians. I want to thank her for fighting alongside us to get this disaster recovery funding across the finish line,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe grand total reimbursed by FEMA currently stands at $1,563,897,520.\n\nDuring his tenure as the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin has worked closely with Senator Moody to reimburse 397 FEMA projects thus far, providing the State of Florida with over $847 million in federal assistance. These funds have directly supported Floridians recover from disasters\n\nThese new grants will be distributed along with the previously announced funds through FEMA’s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs to support more than 500 recovery projects across the state. This money is disbursed to the state and local communities for disaster recovery projects.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9E23318B-9995-4BDF-B4AB-F6A6E13E80F5", "title": "Sen. Moran Hosts ATF Director Cekada in Wichita for Grand Opening of ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Lab", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "domain": "www.moran.senate.gov", "scraper": "moran", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M000934", "name": "Jerry Moran", "party": "Republican", "state": "KS", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Acting U.S. Attorney General Blanche delivered remarks virtually\n\nWASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science – today hosted Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Robert Cekada in Wichita for the grand opening of the ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory at Wichita State University (WSU). Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche also provided remarks virtually.\n\n“The partnership between ATF and WSU is a testament to Wichita’s leadership in advancing forensic science and bolstering the work of federal, state and local law enforcement, while giving students opportunities to gain real-world experience,” said Sen. Moran. “Because of these efforts, it will not be very long before a law enforcement official across the country will be taking a fingerprint or ballistic evidence and will say, ‘send it to Kansas; send it to Wichita – that’s where they have the capabilities to help us solve this crime.’”\n\nFull video of the grand opening ceremony can be found here.\n\nItems to note:\n\nLocated alongside ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network National Correlation and Training Center at WSU’s Innovation Campus, the laboratory will help to support crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis and training.\n\nATF estimates the laboratory will create 36 new jobs after the first year and around 100 positions within the next three years.\n\nIn addition to its operational role, the laboratory will provide students, through partnership with WSU, the opportunity to train alongside law enforcement professionals in a real-world setting, creating a direct pathway from education to employment in forensic science.\n\nClick HERE to Download Photos\n\nWSU President Rick Muma, ATF Director Cekada and Sen. Moran\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/alaska-delegation-celebrates-first-oil-from-pikka-development", "title": "Alaska Delegation Celebrates First Oil from Pikka Development", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.murkowski.senate.gov", "scraper": "murkowski", "member": {"bioguide_id": "M001153", "name": "Lisa Murkowski", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today celebrated an announcement from Santos and Repsol that first oil has been produced at the Pikka development on Alaska’s North Slope.\n\n“This is one of the most significant achievements on the North Slope in decades and further cements the region’s renaissance. Pikka will help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, create great jobs for Alaskans, and bring billions to the state over its lifespan—benefitting all who live here,” Murkowski said. “This is also just the start, with new phases of the project yet to come and additional development taking place across the Nanushuk formation. I heartily congratulate Santos, Repsol, their hard-working teams, and individuals like Bill Armstrong who made this happen—from the vision to explore and discover, to now firmly putting Alaska back on the map as the place to produce energy.”\n\n“The Pikka project, Alaska’s largest oil development in more than 20 years, is more than a decade in the making,” Sullivan said. “I had the honor of approving the exploration well when I served as Alaska’s DNR commissioner as we were marshaling new companies from around the world, large and small, to come and invest in our great state. We also worked relentlessly to make our permitting system more efficient, ensured companies were abiding by the terms of their leases, and if they weren’t got them out to bid to others quickly, and we also worked with the Legislature to create a more predictable tax system. All of this resulted in the Pikka discovery and more energy companies working on the North Slope—which is now one of the hottest oil plays in the world. Pikka will deliver 80,000 barrels of peak daily production through TAPS, billions of dollars in investments in our state and communities over its lifetime, and thousands of good-paying direct and indirect jobs for Alaskans across the state. I want to congratulate all the hard-working men and women who put in thousands of hours to bring Pikka online and to reach this major milestone in Alaska energy development. The Alaska Comeback continues!”\n\n“First oil at Pikka signifies that Alaska’s North Slope remains one of the world’s premier energy regions and reinforces Alaska’s critical role in American energy security. This project is the result of decades long persistence and the willingness to invest in Alaska when many doubted what was possible,” Begich said. “At peak production, Pikka is expected to deliver 80,000 barrels per day, generating billions in investment and revenue for Alaska. That kind of opportunity only exists because people were willing to reject the idea of decline, think long-term, and invest in Alaska’s future. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing Pikka to first oil and look forward to seeing the opportunities this project will continue to create for Alaska families and America’s energy future.”\n\nAccording to Santos, production at Pikka will initially reach 20,000 barrels per day over the next few weeks as various subsystems are brought online and eventually reach 80,000 barrels per day by the third quarter of 2026.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sen-ossoff-working-to-improve-pedestrian-safety-across-georgia/", "title": "Sen. Ossoff Working to Improve Pedestrian Safety Across Georgia", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "domain": "www.ossoff.senate.gov", "scraper": "ossoff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "O000174", "name": "Jon Ossoff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to improve pedestrian safety in Georgia.\n\nSen. Ossoff is cosponsoring the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act to help communities address dangerous gaps in sidewalks, bike lanes, and other active transportation networks.\n\nThe bipartisan bill, led by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), would allow states and localities to use Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds to complete pedestrian and cyclist safety projects. It would also help rural and underserved communities implement safety upgrades.\n\n“I am working across the aisle to make our roadways safer for pedestrians,” Sen. Ossoff said. “This bipartisan legislation would help address gaps in pedestrian and cyclist safety.”\n\n“Passing the Langenkamp Act means that more Georgians will get home safely at the end of their trip — Go Georgia couldn’t be more grateful for Senator Ossoff’s leadership to advance this life-or-death issue,” said John Devine, Executive Director of Go Georgia.\n\nSen. Ossoff continues working to protect Georgia families.\n\nIn January, Sens. Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock delivered over $50 million through the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program to help strengthen road safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers.\n\nLast January, Sen. Ossoff delivered $2.8 million in Federal resources through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, created by the bipartisan infrastructure law, to help revitalize historically underserved areas and improve mobility and connectivity – helping families get to work, school, the doctor’s office, and more.\n\nIn 2024, Sen. Ossoff, alongside Sen. Warnock, announced over $37 million in Federal funding for localities across Georgia to strengthen road safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, as well as promote better connectivity among communities.\n\nIn 2023, Sen. Ossoff delivered over $3.5 million in Federal funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to help local governments create and execute safety action plans aimed at improving road safety and preventing deaths and injuries to drivers and pedestrians.\n\nClick here to read the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/padilla-leads-senate-democrats-in-demanding-white-house-fire-election-denial-czar-kurt-olsen/", "title": "Padilla Leads Senate Democrats in Demanding White House Fire Election-Denial Czar Kurt Olsen", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.padilla.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.padilla.senate.gov", "scraper": "padilla", "member": {"bioguide_id": "P000145", "name": "Alex Padilla", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, led ten Democratic colleagues in calling for election-denier Kurt Olsen’s removal as Director of Election Security and Integrity at the White House. The lawmakers emphasized that Olsen has exceeded the legal limit of 130 days as a “special government employee” appointed by President Trump to “investigate” the 2020 election.\n\nIn a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, White House Counsel David Warrington, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Presidential Personnel Dan Scavino, the Senators emphasized the danger of Olsen’s ongoing efforts to manufacture baseless claims of voter fraud to support Trump’s election interference efforts.\n\n“On October 29, 2025, several U.S. Senators alerted senior White House officials to serious concerns regarding the appointment of Mr. Olsen to investigate conspiracy theories around the 2020 election,” wrote the Senators. “These concerns have been borne out. Public court filings have confirmed that Mr. Olsen made debunked conspiracy theories the basis of the FBI’s search warrant in the Administration’s unprecedented raid on Fulton County, Georgia election offices, with the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in attendance. Public reporting also shows that Mr. Olsen’s investigation was behind the Administration’s seizure of election equipment in Puerto Rico, and he remains unpersuaded that even his own biased investigation has found no evidence for these conspiracy theories.”\n\nOlsen was hired at the White House as a “special government employee” by Trump in October 2025, as part of a strategy of hiring 2020 election deniers and Trump loyalists to “investigate” baseless claims of election interference. His involvement in the unprecedented seizing of ballots and voting equipment has raised fears that he could help Trump illegally interfere in the midterm elections. Since his hiring, Olsen has also been granted rare access to American intelligence agencies — using his position to divert their resources from national security needs to debunk 2020 election conspiracies.\n\n“President Trump is then using these theories to justify his ongoing baseless claims about the 2020 election and assert illegal and unconstitutional powers to ‘take over the voting’ in certain states in the upcoming election,” said the Senators.\n\nThe Senators also highlighted reports that the Administration is attempting to find other agencies in which to place Olsen following this role — furthering Trump’s attempts to fill his Administration with political allies and loyalists. The Senators emphasized the immediate need to remove Olsen from the White House and prevent him from any further involvement in future elections, given that Olsen has been sanctioned in federal court for false election claims and is rejecting the results of his own investigation when it fails to support his conspiracy theories.\n\nIn addition to Padilla, the letter was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, Padilla has led the charge opposing Trump’s unlawful attempts to influence the midterm elections, including through his anti-voter executive order (EO). In October of last year, Padilla led eight Democratic colleagues in a letter condemning the White House’s alarming hiring Olsen as a “special government employee” to “investigate” the 2020 election. In the letter, Padilla and his colleagues condemned Trump’s EO illegally directing the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to revise voting system standards and rescind voting machine certifications. Additionally, Padilla slammed the President’s threat to issue another illegal and unconstitutional executive order to ban mail-in ballots.\n\nIn response to Trump’s unlawful EO, Padilla introduced the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, which would nullify Trump’s EO and place restrictions on the administration’s attempts to implement any unlawful voter restrictions. Padilla also took to the Senate floor four times as a leader in the Democratic opposition to the SAVE Act.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Ms. Wiles, Mr. Warrington, and Mr. Scavino:\n\nThe public record is clear that Mr. Kurt Olsen’s service as a special government employee (SGE), most recently as the Director of Election Security and Integrity at the White House, has exceeded the legal limits for such appointments and, therefore, should come to an end immediately.\n\nFederal law, 18 U.S.C. § 202, limits the appointment of such SGE’s to 130 days in any consecutive 365-day period. Public reports of Mr. Olsen’s appointment date back to as early as October 18, 2025, over 200 days ago. Thus, it is past time to end this temporary appointment or provide a full explanation of how his continued service is legally justified, including Mr. Olsen’s exact dates of service.\n\nOn October 29, 2025, several U.S. Senators alerted senior White House officials to serious concerns regarding the appointment of Mr. Olsen to investigate conspiracy theories around the 2020 election. These concerns have been borne out. Public court filings have confirmed that Mr. Olsen made debunked conspiracy theories the basis of the FBI’s search warrant in the Administration’s unprecedented raid on Fulton County, Georgia election offices, with the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in attendance. Public reporting also shows that Mr. Olsen’s investigation was behind the Administration’s seizure of election equipment in Puerto Rico, and he remains unpersuaded that even his own biased investigation has found no evidence for these conspiracy theories.\n\nAdditional reports show that Mr. Olsen has been given unfettered access to American intelligence agencies and classified information. He is using this position to divert these agencies’ resources away from their national security missions to 2020 election conspiracy theories. President Trump is then using these theories to justify his ongoing baseless claims about the 2020 election and assert illegal and unconstitutional powers to “take over the voting” in certain states in the upcoming election.\n\nAs noted in the October 29 letter, Mr. Olsen has been sanctioned by courts for making false statements in election cases, and he is continuing that track record during his White House service. Instead of accepting the results that failed to support his conspiracy theories, he is accusing a cybersecurity firm that the Trump Administration hired, which found no hacking of voting machines, of being the “deep state” and falsely claiming it is funded by George Soros. Additional reporting reveals that Mr. Olsen personally provided data to this investigation in non-standard formats with no chain of custody, raising serious concerns about whether his data is reliable and was obtained by legal means.\n\nFurther nonpublic reports indicate that the Administration is attempting to find other agencies to place Mr. Olsen within the Trump Administration, now that he has exceeded the legal limits to serve as an SGE. If he remains in government during the 2026 general election, there is a clear and foreseeable risk that he will seek to interfere in the free and fair administration of the 2026 general election. It would be a mistake for the Administration to allow this dangerous initiative to continue.\n\nThere is no reason to believe that Mr. Olsen’s activities will find anything new or useful about the 2020 election, which has been reviewed more than any other election in history. However, these efforts perpetuate false narratives that serve as pretexts for attempts to interfere in upcoming elections. To avoid further destabilizing – and potentially illegal – activities, Mr. Olsen should be immediately removed from his SGE role and the Administration should refrain from appointing him to any other federal position with any involvement in past or future elections.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trump-admin-green-lighting-fruit-flavored-vapes-is-hazardous-to-childrens-health", "title": "Reed: Trump Admin. Green-Lighting Fruit-Flavored Vapes is Hazardous to Children’s Health", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC -- In a major gift to the vaping industry, President Donald Trump is taking steps to make vaping more attractive and appealing to underage users. The marketing and sale of fruit-flavored vaping products means more children are likely to get addicted to nicotine delivery systems that are bad for their health, can impair brain development and harm their lungs, and cost taxpayers more money for public health.\n\nDespite overwhelming scientific evidence and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) own repeated conclusions that fruit-flavored vapes pose a substantial risk to young people, President Trump applied such extreme partisan pressure on this issue that the person he recently appointed to lead the FDA was ousted, resulting in an end run around the FDA’s scientific review process and the resignation of a top official at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) who openly declared that the Trump Administration’s approval of flavored e-cigarettes “would appeal to children and expose them to nicotine addiction, lung damage, and higher risk of cancer.”\n\nWhile sales of both electronic and traditional cigarettes to minors are illegal nationwide, Senator Reed noted that this move to attract young people to smoke with flavored vapes is right out of the Big Tobacco playbook.\n\n“This is another example of President Trump’s agenda undermining public health. By pushing new fruit-flavored vape rules he is effectively letting these big corporations go after kids in a harmful, unhealthy way that is going to lead to more young people vaping, getting addicted, and developing chronic health issues,” said Senator Reed.\n\nPublic health organizations, including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, have demonstrated that fruit and candy flavors act as an on-ramp for underage nicotine use, driving up youth vaping rates. Following logic and science, the FDA has for years denied millions of marketing applications for fruit and candy e-cigarettes, citing substantial public health risks. But now, after ousting the head of the FDA, the Trump Administration is giving the vaping industry exactly what it wants and getting a new generation of Americans hooked on their products.\n\nSenator Reed is teaming up with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and several colleagues in calling on Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Kyle Diamantas to rescind FDA’s recent decision to authorize flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children.\n\n“There is no scientific consensus that flavors provide a benefit to adults who want to quit using tobacco products, but there is clear data that proves flavored products draw in young people and that the tobacco industry intentionally markets flavored products to young people,” the ten U.S. Senators wrote.\n\nWhile the U.S. has made significant progress reducing youth e-cigarette usage, over 1.4 million middle and high school students still use e-cigarettes according to the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey.\n\nIn addition to Blumenthal, Merkley, and Reed, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\n\nThe full text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Mr. Diamantas,\n\nWe are deeply concerned by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) shortsighted and reckless decision to authorize flavored e-cigarette products that appeal to children. By authorizing fruit flavors, FDA is once again exacerbating the risk of chronic disease and death for a new generation. We urge FDA to rescind this decision immediately.\n\nWhile the U.S. has made significant progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use, according to the 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey, over 1.4 million middle and high school students still use e-cigarettes.[1] There is no scientific consensus that flavors provide a benefit to adults who want to quit using tobacco products, but there is clear data that proves flavored products draw in young people and that the tobacco industry intentionally markets flavored products to young people. According to FDA’s own figures, nearly all youth who use e-cigarettes report using flavored products, and fruit flavors are the most popular.[2] A 2024 report from the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations detailed FDA’s failure to regulate flavored e-cigarettes when manufacturers first put them on the market, which led to soaring rates of vaping among high school and middle school students, undoing decades of progress in reducing youth tobacco use.[3]\n\nMedia reports suggest that FDA was pressured by the White House to make this decision—effectively abandoning its scientific integrity to help the President score political points. It is no secret that during his 2024 campaign, President Trump promised to “save vaping”,[4] risking the health of American children in favor of his political donors.[5] Just last month, The Wall Street Journal reported on internal documents showing that former FDA Commissioner Makary had concerns about the public health risks of authorizing flavored products that appeal to children.[6] Further, the New York Times recently reported that Dr. Makary “ultimately resigned over concerns about the administration’s decision to authorize fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, an action he opposed.”[7] This adds to the mounting evidence that potential political conflicts of interest led FDA to approve these dangerous products rather than impartial science and public health considerations, as required by the law. Trust is a key component of public health, and these actions erode public trust—threatening lives and risking Americans’ confidence in our public health agencies.\n\nFDA justified its approval of these dangerous products by claiming that the use of “device access restriction (DAR) technology” will mitigate the risk to young people. However, just two months ago, FDA issued draft guidance stating that there is a “current lack of real-world experience regarding use of DAR to prevent or sufficiently mitigate the risk of youth use.”[8] Relying on unproven technology – technology that FDA itself said is likely insufficient to protect children – in justifying its approval of these products[9] is not just hypocritical, but foolish and extremely dangerous.\n\nThe harmful impact of this decision is compounded by President Trump’s efforts to dismantle tobacco prevention and cessation programs. This includes attempts to eliminate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health (OSH), which is essential to preventing youth tobacco use[10] and a key source of federal funding for state quitlines[11] and the Tips From Former Smokers educational campaign that help adult tobacco users with cessation,[12] causing an upheaval at FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products by terminating—and then later reinstating—staff responsible for levying fines on retailers that sold tobacco to minors,[13]and cutting research at the National Institutes of Health, including a grant that sought to determine the most effective messages to persuade teenagers not to vape.[14] Taken together, these actions significantly impair the ability to protect youth from Big Tobacco’s predatory practices and will likely lead to a renewed surge in youth use of flavored tobacco products.\n\nIn order to protect public health and restore faith in the scientific integrity of the FDA, we request responses to the following questions by June 1, 2026:\n\n1. Please provide a detailed description of policies at the Center for Tobacco Products regarding the ability of political appointees to modify or overrule the conclusions of career scientists regarding the approval of new product applications.\n\n2. Please provide a list of all political appointees at the agency who were involved in the decision to approve Glas, Inc.’s application for flavored e-cigarettes.\n\n3. Please describe agency practices for the involvement of career agency employees who form part of a new product review team at the Center for Tobacco Products are part of final approval decisions for that product. Were any career agency employees who were part of the review team for the Glas, Inc. application but subsequently excluded from the final approval decision?\n\n4. What evidence convinced the agency that the benefits of authorizing mango- and blueberry-flavored products outweighed the risk of addicting more children? What evidence came to light after former Commissioner Makary blocked the authorization of fruit flavored vapes as reported by The Wall Street Journal in April?\n\na. Will FDA make public the marketing granted orders (MGOs) and Technical Project Lead Review decision summaries for the GLAS, Inc. authorizations, as it has done for other authorized products?\n\n5. Does FDA still believe fruit-flavored e-cigarettes require a heightened evidentiary burden because of their appeal to youth? Please provide a detailed description of the ways the application from Glas, Inc. differed from those of flavored e-cigarette applications the agency had recently rejected.\n\n6. Did FDA consider other youth mitigation factors in addition to the device access restriction (DAR) technology when authorizing two fruit-flavored e-cigarette products?\n\na. In March 2026, FDA issued draft flavored e-cigarette PMTA guidance acknowledging that there is little real-world evidence demonstrating that DAR technology works at scale, particularly for products with high youth appeal. Please provide a detailed explanation for why DAR technology is adequate for the approved products of Glas Inc. but inadequate for other previously rejected flavored products.\n\nb. What specifically is FDA’s post-market surveillance plan for these products and this DAR technology?\n\nc. How frequently will FDA publicly release post-market surveillance data so Congress, public health experts, and parents can evaluate whether these products are in fact meeting public health standards?\n\n7. Why did FDA choose to authorize these Glas Inc. products before finalizing its flavored e-cigarette PMTA guidance?\n\n8. FDA has repeatedly suggested that authorizing e-cigarettes is about giving adults who smoke cigarettes alternatives, but FDA has never approved any e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation product. Dual use of both e-cigarettes and cigarettes has not been proven to meaningfully reduce one's risk of tobacco-related disease and may in fact result in greater exposure to toxins and worse respiratory health outcomes than using either product alone. What evidence does FDA have that these products help people to quit smoking completely, rather than leading to long-term dual use?\n\nThank you. We look forward to your response.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-secures-203-million-for-tf-green-international-airport-and-local-airports", "title": "RI Delegation Secures $20.3 Million for T.F. Green International Airport & Local Airports", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has been awarded $20,372,714 million in federal funding to advance infrastructure upgrades and construction projects at T.F. Green International Airport and several local airports across the state.\n\nThis federal funding is administered through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which all four members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation have supported through the annual appropriations process. The funding was authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed on November 15, 2021, which included an additional $15 billion in AIP funding.\n\nWith increased air traffic in the region, these federal AIP grants are allocated to RIAC and distributed as follows:\n\n$12,573,995 for Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) for a new 42,000 square yard Remain Overnight Apron to accommodate more aircraft operations. This federal grant finances a portion of the total project.\n\n$5,399,160 for Westerly State Airport (WST) to help rehabilitate over 4,000 feet of existing paved Runway 7/25 to enhance and maintain its structural integrity and extend its useful life.\n\n$1,966,339 for Newport State Airport (UUU) to help rehabilitate 2,600 feet of existing paved Runway 4/22 to enhance and maintain its structural integrity and extend its useful life.\n\n$254,271 for Quonset State Airport (OQU), a joint civil-military public airport located on Quonset Point, in northeastern North Kingstown. to help remove obstructions along the Runway 16 approach. This project removes vegetation identified as obstructions by the FAA to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.\n\n$178,949 for North Central State Airport (SFZ) in Smithfield to help remove vegetation identified as obstructions by the FAA to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase one, which consists of acquiring two avigation easements on the approach end of Runway 5.\n\n“These funds will keep Rhode Island airports safe, updated, and operating efficiently. I am pleased to have helped secure this funding to enhance local airports and ensure they continue to serve the people who depend on them,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.\n\n“I was glad to support these federal investments in T.F. Green and Rhode Island’s smaller airports. The improvements will keep operations running smoothly for passengers and commerce,” said Senator Whitehouse, Ranking Member on the Environment and Public Works Committee.\n\n“Rhode Island’s airports help power our economy and make life more convenient for people across our state,” said Magaziner. “I will continue to work with my colleagues in the delegation to ensure that our airports are adequately funded so that air travel in Rhode Island is safe, accessible and efficient.”\n\n“This federal funding will ensure our airports get the infrastructure improvements they need so travelers can get to their destinations safely and efficiently. I will continue to work with my colleagues in our delegation to ensure our gateways to the world remain safe, modern, and built for the future.”\n\nRhode Island’s regional airports play a critical role in providing accessible air travel for residents and visitors alike and serve both private and commercial aviation needs.\n\n“We appreciate the continued support of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation and the FAA. These investments will enhance safety, strengthen infrastructure, and support the long-term reliability of Rhode Island’s airport system,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.\n\n“These federal investments are essential to maintaining and improving the infrastructure that supports Rhode Island‘s economy and traveling public. We deeply appreciate the continued leadership and advocacy of our congressional delegation,” said Jonathan Savage, Chair of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation Board of Directors.\n\nUnder FAA guidelines, AIP awards may cover up to 95 percent of the cost of AIP projects, with the rest coming from airport revenues.\n\nRIAC is a quasi-public corporation empowered to undertake the planning, development, management, acquisition, ownership, operations, repair, construction, improvement, maintenance, sale, lease, or other disposition of Rhode Island Airports: Rhode Island T.F. Green Airport, Warwick; North Central Airport, Smithfield; Quonset Airport, North Kingstown; Westerly Airport, Westerly; Newport Airport, Middletown; Block Island Airport, New Shoreham.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/seeking-to-help-more-americans-lower-their-energy-bills-bipartisan-us-senators-urge-trump-admin-to-release-weatherization-aid", "title": "Seeking to Help More Americans Lower Their Energy Bills, Bipartisan U.S. Senators Urge Trump Admin. to Release Weatherization Aid", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "domain": "www.reed.senate.gov", "scraper": "jackreed", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000122", "name": "Jack Reed", "party": "Democrat", "state": "RI", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help residents save on their utility bills and make more homes energy efficient, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are teaming up with seventeen of their colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to release nearly $360 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and $66 million for the State Energy Program (SEP).\n\nNoting that the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program both have strong track records, bipartisan support, and offer cost-effective solutions to save families and taxpayers money while cutting air pollution, and supporting thousands of jobs, the nineteen U.S. Senators are calling on U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright of the Department of Energy (DOE) to immediately release guidance to states for both the WAP and SEP programs.\n\n“WAP and SEP provide vital formula funding to all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia to address energy affordability, reliability, and security. WAP provides states with funding to weatherize homes for low-income Americans, saving participants on average $372 on utility bills every year. Conserving energy helps participating households devote their income to other essentials such as food and medicine. SEP provides funding to help states improve energy security, increase energy efficiency, and boost economic growth,” the 19 U.S. Senators wrote.\n\nIn addition to Reed and Collins, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the Ranking Member on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.\n\nStates typically begin their Weatherization programs toward the end of the federal fiscal year, a calendar that has historically insulated the program from appropriations delays. State Energy Program funds follow a similar schedule, with states and territories usually starting their programs on July 1.\n\nHowever, the 2026 funding process is very behind schedule. So far, the Trump Administration has not published any instructions at all for states to apply for grant funds that would be used starting July 1. These documents are typically available in December of the previous year to allow states to conduct their planning processes, including consultation and public meetings, in time to meet a May 1 submission, which has now passed.\n\nLast year, Rhode Island received $1,863,055 for WAP funds and received $496,310 for SEP. Maine received $4,465,333 for WAP funds and $564,650 for SEP. As a result of the Trump Administration’s delays, Rhode Island and Maine have not received the similar amount of federal funds they are expecting, despite repeated requests from states. All other states and territories are in a similar boat.\n\nAcross the country, according to the National Community Action Foundation, local WAP implementers report that continued delays in federal guidance and funding create significant operational challenges. Many agencies have had to rely on other funding sources to keep crews and contractors working, and several indicate they can only sustain operations for a limited period without the timely release of FY 2026 funds. Agencies also note that compressed timelines make it difficult to meet production goals, retain skilled contractors, and plan work efficiently.\n\n“To avoid further delays to program start dates, we urge you to not only immediately release this guidance, but to also speed state application approvals and the release of appropriated funds. DOE regulations require the agency to approve or deny timely filed WAP and SEP applications within 60 days. We urge you to speed this review period to minimize adverse impacts on state programs,” the Senators wrote.\n\nWAP applications are accepted by Community Action Agencies throughout the year as the program aims to reduce household energy costs while improving health and safety for residents. The program targets older Americans, persons with disabilities, and low-income families with children to create energy cost savings for households that are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in energy costs and health hazards due to poorly constructed or unsafe homes.\n\nWAP & SEP benefits:\n\n• Throughout the history of the program, WAP has helped more than 7.4 million low-income households reduce their energy bills and saved each household an average of $372 in annual energy costs. At a time where energy costs are skyrocketing across the country, it is more important than ever to make energy efficiency investments that will help Americans for the long-term.\n\n• The program supports 8,500 jobs and provides weatherization services to approximately 32,000 homes every year using DOE funds.\n\n• SEP combines the scientific and economic knowledge of the Department of Energy with locally led planning to improve the energy efficiency of hospitals and schools, support clean energy projects, and boost private sector energy innovation. A study by ORNL shows that every federal dollar invested in SEP leverages over $10 for energy-related economic development and produces over $7 in energy savings.\n\nIn addition to saving families money, energy efficient homes also help cut down on our carbon footprint, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.\n\nFull text of the letter follows:\n\nDear Secretary Wright:\n\nWe write to urge you to immediately issue Program Year 2026 guidance for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and State Energy Program (SEP) to ensure the uninterrupted operation of both programs.\n\nWAP and SEP provide vital formula funding to all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia to address energy affordability, reliability, and security. WAP provides states with funding to weatherize homes for low-income Americans, saving participants on average $372 on utility bills every year. Conserving energy helps participating households devote their income to other essentials such as food and medicine. SEP provides funding to help states improve energy security, increase energy efficiency, and boost economic growth.\n\nDOE typically publishes annual Weatherization Program Notices in December of the prior year to provide state offices adequate time for planning, public comment periods, and DOE approval ahead of April 1 and July 1 Program Year start dates. Similarly, DOE typically publishes annual State Energy Program grant applications in February. However, DOE still has not issued WAP nor SEP application guidance. Without these instructions, state offices do not have necessary information to develop and submit plans, creating uncertainty for program timelines, targets, and workforce planning. Continued delays could cause severe program disruptions, including state program pauses and weatherization network layoffs for subgrantees and home weatherization contractors.\n\nTo avoid further delays to program start dates, we urge you to not only immediately release this guidance, but to also speed state application approvals and the release of appropriated funds. DOE regulations require the agency to approve or deny timely filed WAP and SEP applications within 60 days. We urge you to speed this review period to minimize adverse impacts on state programs.\n\nBy expeditiously deploying WAP and SEP formula funds, the Department can make an important difference in improving the reliability of the grid and in helping reduce the burden on Americans who struggle to pay their energy bills. Thank you for your attention to our concerns and those of our constituents, and we look forward to working with you on these vital programs.\n\nSincerely,", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2026/05/18/rosen-joins-colleagues-in-introducing-a-resolution-affirming-mifepristone-as-safe-effective/", "title": "Rosen Joins Colleagues in Introducing A Resolution Affirming Mifepristone As Safe, Effective", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.rosen.senate.gov/press-releases", "domain": "www.rosen.senate.gov", "scraper": "rosen", "member": {"bioguide_id": "R000608", "name": "Jacky Rosen", "party": "Democrat", "state": "NV", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in introducing a resolution affirming that the abortion medication, mifepristone, is safe and effective. The resolution came as the Supreme Court’s initial administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA was set to expire — which would have allowed the Fifth Circuit’s ruling to go into effect, threatening millions of women’s access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal. The Supreme Court eventually ruled to extend the stay until the case makes it fully through the legal process, allowing mifepristone to remain available via telehealth.\n\n“Mifepristone has been used safely and effectively for decades and restricting access unnecessarily puts women’s lives at risk. This is another example of Trump and extreme Republicans trying to restrict a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions,” said Senator Rosen. “While this case makes its way through the legal process, I will do everything that I can to ensure access to mifepristone. I will always fight to protect women’s reproductive rights.”\n\nSenator Rosen continues to fight to support women’s reproductive freedom. She voted to overturn the Trump Administration’s extreme rule ending life-saving abortion counseling and reproductive care for veterans. Senator Rosen also helped introduce the Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine Roe protections in federal law and restore women’s reproductive freedom. Last Congress, Senator Rosen helped introduce the Right to Contraception Act, aimed at federally guaranteeing the right to obtain and use contraceptives and shielding providers who prescribe and offer them.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-takano-introduce-legislation-to-expand-overtime-pay-to-nearly-30-million-workers/", "title": "NEWS: Sanders, Takano Introduce Legislation to Expand Overtime Pay to Nearly 30 Million Workers", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/", "domain": "www.sanders.senate.gov", "scraper": "sanders", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S000033", "name": "Bernard Sanders", "party": "Independent", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, May 18 — As President Trump and congressional Republicans tout so-called “No Tax on Overtime” while simultaneously denying the right to overtime pay for more than 4.3 million workers, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) today introduced the Restoring Overtime Pay Act to expand and strengthen overtime protections for nearly 30 million workers.\n\n“At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, it is beyond unacceptable that President Trump is denying overtime pay to millions of workers who desperately need it to keep up with the outrageously high cost of living,” Sanders said. “We should be making it easier, not harder, for Americans who work more than 40 hours a week to get the time-and-a-half pay that they have earned and deserve. That’s precisely what this bill would do.”\n\n“Americans are working more for less,” Takano said. “Expanding the overtime threshold for salaried employees is the best way to ensure that families can survive the cost-of-living crisis caused by Donald Trump. I am proud to introduce this bill to help make sure over 29 million workers get paid fairly.”\n\nThe Restoring Overtime Pay Act would expand or strengthen overtime protections for up to 29.3 million workers by gradually increasing the overtime salary threshold from just $35,568 today to more than $89,000 by 2030. This legislation comes on the heels of President Trump’s rescission of a Biden-era rule that would have expanded overtime pay for more than 4 million workers.\n\nCurrently, just eight percent of full-time salaried workers are eligible for overtime pay based on their salaries alone. This legislation would increase that figure to 55% of full-time salaried workers. This is not a radical idea. In 1975, nearly 63% of all full-time salaried workers were guaranteed overtime pay.\n\nRestoring Overtime Pay Act Timeline\n\nYearOvertime Threshold2026$45,0002027$55,0002028$65,0002029$75,000203055th percentile\n\nof full-time salaried workers\n\nnationally*, updated annually\n\n*The current 55th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally is $89,440 and could increase to $98,000 by 2030.\n\nJoining Sanders and Takano on this legislation are Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and 22 members of the House of Representatives.\n\nThe Restoring Overtime Pay Act has been endorsed by 34 organizations, including the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers (UAW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), UNITE HERE, United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), United for Respect, and United Steelworkers (USW).\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nRead a fact sheet here.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/news-sen-schiff-unveils-major-legislation-to-ensure-fair-and-affordable-energy-costs-for-americans-amid-data-center-buildouts/", "title": "NEWS: Sen. Schiff Unveils Major Legislation to Ensure Fair and Affordable Energy Costs for Americans Amid Data Center Buildouts", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff’s Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act would protect Americans from rising energy costs while strengthening grid reliability\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) announced new major legislation, the Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act, to ensure that Americans are not saddled with rising energy costs, and that private companies pay their fair share for energy they consume and necessary grid infrastructure upgrades to protect against blackouts.\n\nThe legislation comes as the American energy grid undergoes a once-in-a-generation increase in demand. Americans are facing rapidly rising electricity rates as the costs of new energy infrastructure required by the buildout of AI data centers are being passed on to consumers.\n\n“Our nation is witnessing a generational increase in energy demand with the buildout of data centers, and hard-working Americans should not be left to foot the tab for rising energy costs,” said Senator Schiff. “My Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act would protect ratepayers from rising costs by ensuring that companies are paying their fair share for their energy use and implementing critical modernizations to ensure we can protect against blackouts. Artificial Intelligence is already deeply impacting our society, economy, and national security, and it is critical that we maintain our international leadership – however that growth cannot come at the cost of consumers or society. There needs to be guardrails that protect Americans’ pocketbooks.”\n\nThe Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission\n\n(FERC) and transmission providers the authorities and tools needed to shield consumers from rising energy costs, maintain resource adequacy, and avoid blackouts, while ensuring that America can continue to lead the world in technological innovation. It would also direct and empower our national labs to take a hard look at this problem, collect the data they need, and report back to Congress on what their scientists and engineers think we can do better.\n\nSpecifically, Schiff’s Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act would:\n\nRequire energy-intensive facilities like data centers to agree to be flexible with their energy demand and bring their own power as conditions for connecting to the transmission grid; and prioritize projects that use battery storage systems. These policies reduce grid strain and obviate the need to build additional grid infrastructure, eliminating electric bill increases for American households.\n\nRequire large load facilities like data centers to be responsible for 100 percent of the grid network upgrades needed to deliver power to them so that those costs are not shifted to others and requires large load facilities to pay for grid reliability services if they benefit from such services.\n\nDirect the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to update transmission policies to allow energy-intensive facilities like data centers to dial down their demand during peak energy consumption periods (non-firm transmission service) and pump any excess power they generate back onto the grid for others to use, thus driving down costs. These policy changes would also allow grid operators to reduce the amount of energy going to data centers during peak demand periods (curtailment).\n\nBlock energy-intensive facilities like data centers from siphoning power from existing power plants that are serving the American public.\n\nUpdate grid forecasting and the process to apply for a grid interconnection to deter speculative, non-serious projects from messing up grid forecasts and clogging up the line to connect to the grid for everyone else.\n\nUtilize Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory expertise for research and development by directing them to collect data, analyze energy usage patterns, and submit recommendations to Congress on reducing energy consumption\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-delivers-commencement-addresses-to-graduating-classes-of-san-diego-miramar-college-and-california-state-university-san-marcos/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Delivers Commencement Addresses to Graduating Classes of San Diego Miramar College and California State University San Marcos", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Schiff: “Don’t just be amazed. Amaze us. Be amazed at the quiet dignity of countless Americans who wake up early and work tirelessly to provide for their families and amaze us with your efforts to deliver them a more secure future.”\n\nSan Diego, CA – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) delivered the commencement addresses for the 2026 graduating classes of San Diego Miramar College (SDMC) and the graduating students of the Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences class at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM).\n\n“Your presence here is a testament to how this place has supported and empowered you. And it is a testament, above all, to your talent, your drive, your resilience—and, no doubt, your impressive caffeine intake. The piece of paper you will shortly hold in your hand is not a guarantee of success, but it is a passport to a future of tremendous possibility. The question now is, what are you going to do with it?” said Senator Schiff.\n\nSchiff addressed thousands of graduates across the two universities, offering encouragement and advice on how to be your best, look beyond caricatures, hold onto friendships, not let fear hold you back, and amaze the world.\n\nSan Diego Miramar College is a San Diego community college that services 14,000 students annually offering 70 associate degrees and 90 career technical education certificates preparing students to succeed in and out of the classroom. California State University San Marcos is home to more than 17,000 students and is recognized as the number one university for social mobility in the country. Schiff was a part-time professor at Glendale Community College where he taught political science. He continues to be a champion for California’s community colleges, state colleges, and access to a quality, affordable higher education.\n\nView his remarks HERE and HERE.\n\nRead his remarks as delivered below:\n\nSan Diego Miramar College:\n\nGood morning!\n\nGeysil thank you for that very kind introduction.\n\nChancellor Smith… President Lundburg… members of the Board of Trustees… proud parents and loved ones… and, of course, distinguished graduates — congratulations!\n\nWhat a wonderful occasion this is and I’m so thrilled to be back in San Diego. My wife Eve is from this area and attended Torrey Pines High School. Any Falcons out there? Ok a couple.\n\nThis time last year, I was sitting in the audience at our son Eli’s graduation, his college graduation. Eli had the good fortune to have, Steve Carell as his graduation speaker. That’s Michael Scott for you fans of the Office.\n\nIn the middle of his remarks, Carell stopped to lead us all in a dance break that he called “as invigorating as it was disturbing.”\n\nNow, to reach this day, you’ve already had to sit in traffic for a potentially long time on the I-15.\n\nYou endured a heartbreaking Padres collapse in the National League Division Series a couple seasons ago against my hometown Dodgers. Well, I got through almost a minute without a boo. My condolences.\n\nAnd, just when it seemed like you were at the finish line, Miramar got hit by a cyber-attack that disrupted online classes, took down campus systems, and—perhaps most tragically—even closed the C-Store.\n\nAll of which is to say, I will not compound your suffering by subjecting you to my dancing. And I’ll try to be as brief as a politician can be.\n\nSince this commencement, however, I will subject you to a few reflections and even some words of advice.\n\nIn many ways, a day like this is the very embodiment of the American idea.\n\nOur nation was formed from an improbable experiment, rooted in an unproven idea that the people could govern themselves.\n\nThat we need not be ruled by a tyrant or a king.\n\nThat here, anyone with enough drive, talent, and intellect could prosper.\n\nFor 250 years now, that promise of something better — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — has attracted the best and brightest to our shores. In places wracked by poverty and persecution, that single word — “America” —has been almost a whispered prayer.\n\nAt our best, our country has welcomed new arrivals, lifting our lamp beside a golden door.\n\nAnd at our worst, America has been downright hostile to our newest Americans. The Chinese Exclusion Act. Prop 187. Fear and violence on the streets of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis.\n\nYet even as every generation seeks to dim as some of the generations seek to dim America’s light, the idea at the heart of this country persists: that no matter who you are or where you’re from, where you begin in life should not determine where you end up.\n\nOnly you can do that.\n\nWhen one of my former colleagues arrived in the Senate — he was a farmer from Montana named Jon Tester — he was greeted by the chamber’s richest man, John D. Rockefeller, who told him, “You and I started from very different places, but we both ended up here.”\n\nAnd perhaps nowhere do we see the idea that we can determine our own future realized more clearly than through an education like the one you’ve received.\n\nMy father Ed—the grandson of Lithuanian immigrants—left high school early to enlist during World War II. He never finished college. Even as he went from selling clothes as a traveling salesman to building a successful lumber and concrete business, dropping out of college remained one of the few regrets he had in life.\n\nStill, my father believed deeply in the great equalizing power of an education. “An education,” he’d remind me and my brother, “is the one thing they can never take away.”\n\nEducation is what brought my family, as we like to say, from the shtetl to the Congress in three generations.\n\nIt has opened doors for me, and it will open doors for you.\n\nAt a moment when the once-sturdy ladder into the middle class is shaky — when economists debate whether the American Dream is now more readily achievable in other places —schools like this one are helping so many talented strivers climb higher.\n\nSo many of you, I know, are the first in your families to attend college.\n\nMany of you completed your coursework while juggling multiple jobs, raising kids, worrying about a spouse deployed overseas or even a knock on the door that could rip you away from your loved ones.\n\nA handful of you — Miramar’s Rising Scholars — have overcome incarceration to pursue your education, learning side-by-side with fellow students who will one day pin on a shield to protect and serve their communities.\n\nYour presence here is a testament to how this place has supported and empowered you.\n\nAnd it is a testament, above all, to your talent, your drive, your resilience — and, no doubt, your impressive caffeine intake.\n\nThe piece of paper you will shortly hold in your hand is not a guarantee of success, but it is a passport to a future of tremendous possibility.\n\nThe question now is, what are you going to do with it?\n\nAnswering that question is perhaps more difficult than usual, compounded by a challenging economy, an unpredictable administration — to put it charitably — and rapid technological change.\n\nA little while ago, the New Yorker featured a cartoon with a couple mob enforcers walking along, one of them wielding a baseball bat. And the other one says, “At least A.I. ain’t comin’ for our jobs.”\n\nThe uncertainty you may be feeling — fear, even — is understandable. It’s natural.\n\nMy own graduation occurred a little bit longer ago than I’d care to admit, but I do recall a few things.\n\nI remember wondering if my girlfriend and I would stay together. Spoiler alert: we did not.\n\nI remember that I would occasionally venture around campus wearing overalls — which may or may not have contributed to the aforementioned break-up.\n\nWhat I remember most, though, was a sense of uncertainty that was equal parts invigorating and terrifying.\n\nAfter graduation, I was going to spend the summer as a wildland firefighter, working alongside hotshots like those of you who’ve trained at the Fire Academy here.\n\nBeyond that… I wasn’t entirely sure.\n\nI decided to go to law school, but had no idea where that would lead me, whether I would enjoy it or find it fulfilling.\n\nAs it turned out, law school led me to the U.S. attorney’s office, which led to an interest in the criminal justice system and how it might be fixed, which led me to elected office.\n\nNot exactly how I’d drawn it up when I was blasting Billy Joel at all hours of the night from my college dorm room.\n\nBut what helped me navigate the uncertainty were some words of wisdom from my father: “If you’re good at what you do, he said, there will always be a demand for you.”\n\nI should warn you that we’ve reached the advice part of the speech, and that’s the first bit of guidance.\n\nMy father was a child of the Great Depression, with memories of working around the clock to keep the family pharmacy afloat. He could easily have told me to fixate on finding the most lucrative career possible.\n\nBut what he appreciated — what I hope you’ll come to appreciate — is that true job security comes not from pursuing a particular profession, but rather from pursuing excellence in whatever you do.\n\nDr. Martin Luther King put it more poetically. As he once told a different group of young people, “If it falls to your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures… Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.”\n\nThat liberating idea is what my brother, is why my brother ended up becoming a playwright.\n\nIt’s what led me into politics — much to my parents’ chagrin. And eventual, if reluctant, pride.\n\nWhether you’re headed next to a four-year institution or a job in aviation maintenance, no algorithm can match the curiosity, creativity, and resourcefulness that you’ve learned here.\n\nSo, focus on being very good at what you do. Here on this Compass Point, at the center of campus, let your interests and your passions be your true north.\n\nAnd if you change your mind about what that thing is five times, or fifteen times? That is totally fine. Figuring it all out is the best part.\n\nMy second piece of advice: Dare to try.\n\nNobody likes to fail. To bomb an exam, or lose a job, or miss out on a promotion. But you can’t go through life so afraid of messing up that you never take your shot.\n\nTake it from me.\n\nWhen I was 30 years old, I ran for the California state assembly.\n\nOn Election Day, I got my ass handed to me. Finished eleventh out of fifteen candidates.\n\nA few years later, I ran again. And same story. Lost again.\n\nAfter that second loss, I was ready to hang it up. I’d given it my best. It just was not meant to be.\n\nAnd just as I was moving on, the president of the state senate called me and asked me to try once more. Well third time was the charm, and here I am today.\n\nI learned a lot from those failed races. Like, never cash out your retirement savings to keep your campaign afloat.\n\nReally, don’t do that.\n\nMost importantly, I learned there’s something worse than failing, and that is not trying. You can get a lot even from falling short, but the only thing you get from not trying is… regret.\n\nEllen Johnson Sirleaf, the Nobel laureate and first democratically elected woman head of state in Africa, perhaps said it best: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”\n\nThird, look beyond caricatures.\n\nOne of my favorite experiences so far as a senator happened when I was in the far north of state in Butte County. I was visiting the Farm Bureau, and let’s just say that a lot of the folks in the room only knew me from Fox News — which is not a particularly flattering portrait.\n\nNow, I’m not an expert in farming. In my old LA urban-suburban district, the only agriculture we had was of the illegal variety.\n\nSo, I explained that I was eager to learn more, to talk about trade and tariffs and immigration and water, so I could represent them better.\n\nAnd I knew I’d made progress when, at the end of the meeting, one of farmers turned to me and said, “I don’t know why the president calls you ‘watermelon head.’ You have a perfectly normal sized head.”\n\nAnd they’re experts in melons up there.\n\nIt can be difficult to reach people who drastically have different worldviews. Especially in this inflamed moment. When so many people find it difficult to disagree without being thoroughly disagreeable. When we are experiencing a dangerous level of political violence.\n\nBut our families, our workplaces — our democracy — cannot function unless we open ourselves up to people with whom we disagree.\n\nSo, look past the labels and the fear-mongering. Seek out that tiny sliver of common ground and build from there.\n\nMore often than not, you’ll discover that the monster you’ve imagined — on the left or on the right — bears very little resemblance to the human being standing in front of you.\n\nWhich leads me to my fourth and final word of advice.\n\nThis one comes from one of the great philosophical texts of our time — the 1990 cult classic film Joe Versus the Volcano.\n\nFor those of you unfamiliar with Spielberg’s earlier work, the movie stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, and involves a terminally ill Tom Hanks getting paid to throw himself into a volcano to appease a fire god.\n\nPretty realistic, I know. And believe it or not, it’s a rom-com.\n\nAt one point, the two are floating on a boat in the Pacific when Meg Ryan says something that’s always stuck with me.\n\nShe says, “Almost the whole world is asleep… Only a few people are awake, and they live in a state of constant total amazement.”\n\nClass of 2026, do not sleep-walk through life. Instead, live in a state of constant, total amazement.\n\nLet yourself be amazed by the sun setting over Del Mar Beach.\n\nBy the feel of an infant’s small hand in yours.\n\nBy the fierce love and pride written on your families’ faces as you walk across this stage.\n\nI want to ask something more of you:\n\nDon’t just be amazed. Amaze us.\n\nBe amazed at the quiet dignity of countless Americans who wake up early and work tirelessly to provide for their families… and amaze us with your efforts to deliver them a more secure future.\n\nBe amazed by this wondrous, fragile democratic experiment of ours — free elections, a free press, and the rule of law — and amaze us by the way you take a stand to defend it.\n\nFigure out a cause that’s important to you, and dive in.\n\nThere is nothing more demoralizing than feeling powerless, and nothing more empowering than working towards a goal. All of us — all of us — have the ability to influence others, whether our circle is large or small.\n\nClass of 2026, you now have an education that can never be taken away.\n\nYou have achieved so much already and will achieve greater things still.\n\nAnd as you do, I will be watching… in a state of constant, total amazement.\n\nCongratulations, and good luck! Thank you so much.\n\nCalifornia State University San Marcos:\n\nHello, Cougars! How are you doing today?\n\nPresident Neufeldt faculty and administrators… thank you making this school truly a gem of higher education in California.\n\nAs the father of two recent college graduates, I would be remiss not to acknowledge everyone who helped make this day possible: parents and grandparents, siblings… Frank the Therapy Dog. This moment belongs to you.\n\nAnd, of course, to the Class of 2026 — congratulations! Congratulations!\n\nWhether it took you three or four or six years, you’re here. At your graduation.\n\nYou’ve worked hard in your classes… and perhaps even harder to find parking.\n\nYou’ve discovered, and I can understand why looking at this beautiful campus, with your glutes and quads burning, why some students call this “Cal State Stair Master.”\n\nAll of you, evidently, managed to avoid stepping on that Founder’s Seal. And here you are.\n\nNow I know I can’t compete with the time Jeremiah from Love Island visited here, but I’m going to do the best that I can.\n\nWhat I may lack in reality TV star power, I make up for with a truly encyclopedic knowledge of obscure 1980’s movies.\n\nIn many ways, a day like this is the very embodiment of the American idea.\n\nOur nation was formed as an improbable experiment, rooted in the unproven idea that the people could govern themselves.\n\nThat we did not be ruled by a tyrant or king.\n\nThat here, anyone with enough drive, talent, and intellect could prosper.\n\nFor 250 years now, that promise of something better — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — has attracted the best and brightest to our shores. In places wracked by poverty and persecution, that single word — “America” — has been almost a whispered prayer.\n\nAt our best, our country has welcomed new arrivals, lifting our lamp beside a golden door.\n\nAt our worst, America has been downright hostile to the newest Americans. The Chinese Exclusion Act. Prop 187. Fear and violence on the streets of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis.\n\nYet, the idea at the heart of this country persists: that no matter where you’re from, where you begin in life should not determine where you end up.\n\nOnly you can do that.\n\nWhen one of my former colleagues arrived in the Senate — a farmer from Montana named Jon Tester — he was greeted by the chamber’s richest man, John D. Rockefeller, who told him, “you and I started from very different places, but we both ended up here.”\n\nAnd perhaps nowhere do we see the idea that we can determine our own future realized more clearly than through an education like the one you’ve received here.\n\nMy father Ed—the grandson of Lithuanian immigrants — left high school early to enlist during World War II. He never finished college. Even as he went from selling clothes as a traveling salesman to building a successful lumber and concrete business, dropping out of college remained one of his few regrets in life.\n\nStill, my father believed deeply in the great equalizing power of an education. “An education,” he would remind me and my brother, “is the one thing they can never take away.”\n\nEducation is what brought my family, as we like to say, from the shtetl to the Congress in three generations.\n\nIt has opened doors for me, and it will open doors for you.\n\nMore than half of you are the first in your families to attend college.\n\nMany of you completed your coursework while juggling multiple jobs, raising kids, worrying about a spouse who was deployed overseas or a knock on the door that could rip you away from loved ones.\n\nYour presence here is a testament to how this institution has supported and empowered you.\n\nIt is a testament, above all, to your talent, your drive, your resilience — and, no doubt, your impressive caffeine intake.\n\nThe piece of paper you shortly will hold in your hand is not a guarantee of success, but it is a passport to a future with tremendous possibility.\n\nThe question now is, what are you going to do with it?\n\nThe uncertainty you may be feeling — fear, even — is understandable. It is natural.\n\nMy own graduation occurred a little bit longer than I’d like to admit, a little bit longer ago, but I do recall a few things.\n\nI recall wondering if my girlfriend and I would stay together. Spoiler alert: we did not.\n\nI remember I would occasionally venture around campus wearing overalls — which may or may not have contributed to the aforementioned break-up.\n\nWhat I remember most, though, was a sense of uncertainty that was equal parts invigorating and terrifying.\n\nAfter graduation, I was going to spend the summer as a wildland firefighter.\n\nBeyond that… I wasn’t entirely sure.\n\nI thought I’d try being a lawyer, but had no idea where that would lead me, whether I would find enjoyment in it or fulfillment.\n\nAs it turned out, law school led me to the U.S. attorney’s office, which led to an interest in criminal justice system and how it might be fixed, which led me to elected office.\n\nThat was not exactly how I drew it up when I was blasting Billy Joel at all hours of the night and day in my college dorm room.\n\nBut what helped me navigate the uncertainty were some words of wisdom from my father: “If you’re good at what you do, he said, there will always be a demand for you.”\n\nI should warn you that we’ve reached that point of the speech where I give advice.\n\nMy father was a child of the Great Depression, with memories of working around the clock to keep the family pharmacy afloat. He could easily have told me to fixate on finding the most lucrative career possible.\n\nBut what he appreciated — what I hope you’ll come to appreciate — is that true job security comes not from pursuing a particular profession, but rather from pursuing excellence in whatever you do.\n\nDr. Marin Luther King put it more poetically. As he once told a different group of young people, “If it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures… Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.”\n\nThat liberating idea is why my brother ended up as a playwright.\n\nIt’s why I went into politics — much to my parents’ chagrin.\n\nIt’s why I’m confident you will find not only gainful employment but fulfilling employment.\n\nHere at San Marcos, you have learned creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness. That no algorithm can match.\n\nSo, focus on being very good at what you do.\n\nAnd if you change your mind about what that thing is five times, or fifteen times? That is totally fine.\n\nFiguring it out is the best part.\n\nMy second piece of advice: Dare to try.\n\nNobody likes to fail. To bomb an exam, lose a job, miss out on a promotion. But you can’t go through life so afraid of messing up that you never take your shot.\n\nTake it from me.\n\nWhen I was 30 years old, I ran for California state assembly. Spent hours knocking on doors.\n\nAnd on Election Day, I got my ass handed to me. Finished eleventh out of fifteen.\n\nA few years later, I ran again. Same story. Lost again.\n\nAfter that second loss, I was ready to hang it up. I’d given it my best. It just wasn’t meant to be.\n\nJust as I was moving on, the president of the state senate called me and asked me to try once more. Third time was the charm, and here I am today.\n\nI’ve learned a lot from those failed races. Like, never cash out your retirement savings to keep your campaign afloat.\n\nReally, don’t do that.\n\nMost importantly, I learned there’s something worse than failing, and that is not trying. You can get a lot from falling short, but the only thing you get from not trying is… regret.\n\nThird, as you’re navigating life’s uncertainties and failures, its joys and successes, never walk past an old friend to greet a new friend. One of my own old friends taught me that.\n\nBy all means, make new friends. But cherish the old ones.\n\nSo don’t forget the friendships you have made here, forged over $5 pints at Players and pies to the face during U Hour. I shudder to think of how much I could raise for charity with a pie to the face.\n\nDon’t cast these relationships aside because you meet someone with a flashier car, or a fancier title, or connections that might help you get ahead in your career.\n\nThe people sitting beside you right now, they know where you come from, they’ve seen who you are, they’ve read everything posted about you on YikYak—and they like that person.\n\nHang onto them. Let them ground you, uplift you, and cheer you on.\n\nFourth, look beyond caricatures.\n\nOne of my favorite experiences as a senator so far was up north in Butte County. When I was visiting the Farm Bureau, and let’s just say that a lot of the folks in the room only knew me from Fox News — which is not a particularly flattering portrait.\n\nNow, I’m not an expert in farming. In my old LA urban-suburban House district, the only agriculture we had was of the illegal variety.\n\nSo, I explained that I was eager to learn more, to talk about trade and tariffs and immigration and water, so I could represent them better.\n\nAnd I knew when I’d made progress when, at the end of the meeting, one of farmers turned to me and said, “I don’t know why the president calls you ‘watermelon head.’ You have a perfectly normal sized head.”\n\nAnd they’re experts in melons up there.\n\nIt can be difficult to reach people with very different worldviews. Especially in this inflamed moment. When so many people find it difficult to disagree without being thoroughly disagreeable.\n\nWhen we are experiencing a dangerous level of political violence.\n\nBut our families, our workplaces — our democracy — cannot function unless we open ourselves up to people with whom we disagree.\n\nSo, look past the labels and the fearmongering. Seek out that tiny sliver of common ground and build from there.\n\nMore often than not, you’ll discover that the monster you’ve imagined — on the left or the right — bears very little resemblance to the human being standing in front of you.\n\nWhich leads me to my final bit of advice.\n\nThis one comes from the great philosophical texts of our time — the 1990 cult classic film Joe Versus the Volcano.\n\nSo for those of you unfamiliar with Spielberg’s earlier work, the movie stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, and involves a terminally-ill Tom Hanks getting paid to throw himself into a volcano to appease a fire god.\n\nBelieve it or not, it’s a rom-com.\n\nAt one point, the two are floating on a boat in the Pacific when Meg Ryan says something that has always stuck with me.\n\nShe says, “Almost the whole world is asleep… Only a few people are awake, and they live in a state of constant total amazement.”\n\nClass of 2026, do not sleep-walk through life. Instead, live in that state of constant, total amazement.\n\nLet yourself be amazed by the sun setting over Carlsbad Beach.\n\nBy the feel of an infant’s small hand in yours.\n\nBy the fierce love and pride written on your families’ faces as you walk across this stage.\n\nAnd lastly, I want to ask you something of you:\n\nDon’t just be amazed. Amaze us.\n\nBe amazed at the quiet dignity of countless Americans who wake up early and work tirelessly to provide for their families… and amaze us with your efforts to deliver them a more secure future.\n\nBe amazed by this wondrous, fragile democratic experiment of ours — free elections, a free press, the rule of law — and amaze us by the way you take a stand to defend it.\n\nFigure out a cause that’s important to you, and dive in.\n\nThere is nothing more demoralizing than feeling powerless, and nothing more empowering than working towards a goal. All of us — all of us — have the ability to influence others, whether our circle is large or small.\n\nClass of 2026, you now have an education that can never be taken away.\n\nYou have achieved so much already and will achieve greater things still.\n\nAnd as you do, I will be watching… in a state of constant, total amazement.\n\nCongratulations, and best of luck to you! Go Cougars!\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-sen-schiff-tours-feeding-san-diego-highlights-harmful-impact-of-trumps-snap-cuts/", "title": "PHOTOS: Sen. Schiff Tours Feeding San Diego, Highlights Harmful Impact of Trump’s SNAP Cuts", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "San Diego, CA – On Saturday, May 16, 2026, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, toured Feeding San Diego to learn more about the organization’s food rescue and hunger relief programs which provide meals for thousands of families in San Diego.\n\nDuring the visit, Senator Schiff joined volunteers to package up local produce, learning about the work that goes into the production of meals. He also heard directly about the devastating impact that President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is already having for food-insecure families through the gutting of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, placing a larger strain on food assistance organizations across the country.\n\nSchiff highlighted his commitment to ensuring the Farm Bill reverses cuts to SNAP as well as bolsters other federal feeding programs that will ensure American families and the most vulnerable can easily access nutritious food.\n\nView photos from the visit below:\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-sen-schiff-on-islamic-center-of-san-diego-shooting/", "title": "STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff on Islamic Center of San Diego Shooting", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.schiff.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.schiff.senate.gov", "scraper": "schiff", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001150", "name": "Adam B. Schiff", "party": "Democrat", "state": "CA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "San Diego, CA – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to today’s shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which took three lives:\n\n“I’m heartbroken by the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and my prayers are with the families of the three precious lives lost today.\n\n“Today’s shooting is a horrific attack on Southern California’s Muslim community. Every American should be able to practice their faith without fear of violence. And we must never be silent in the face of hate.\n\n“I am immensely grateful to law enforcement officers and first responders who, in the face of terror, heroically ran into harm’s way to protect families and children.\n\n“My heart is with all San Diego families during this terrible tragedy.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alaska-delegation-celebrates-first-oil-from-pikka-development", "title": "Alaska Delegation Celebrates First Oil from Pikka Development", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases?PageNum_rs=1", "domain": "www.sullivan.senate.gov", "scraper": "sullivan", "member": {"bioguide_id": "S001198", "name": "Dan Sullivan", "party": "Republican", "state": "AK", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, and Congressman Nick Begich (all R-Alaska), today celebrated an announcement from Santos and Repsol that first oil has been produced at the Pikka development on Alaska’s North Slope.\n\n“The Pikka project, Alaska’s largest oil development in more than 20 years, is over a decade in the making,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I had the honor of approving the exploration well when I served as Alaska’s DNR Commissioner and as we were marshaling new companies from around the world, large and small, to come and invest in our great state. We worked relentlessly to make our permitting system more efficient, and ensured companies were abiding by the terms of their leases, and if they weren’t, we got them out to bid to others quickly. We also worked with the Legislature to create a more predictable tax system. All of this resulted in the Pikka discovery and more energy companies working on the North Slope—which is now one of the hottest oil plays in the world. Pikka will deliver 80,000 barrels of peak daily production through TAPS, billions of dollars in investments in our state and communities over its lifetime, and thousands of good-paying direct and indirect jobs for Alaskans across the state. I want to congratulate all the hard-working men and women who put in thousands of hours to bring Pikka online and to reach this major milestone in Alaska energy development. The Alaska Comeback continues!”\n\n“This is one of the most significant achievements on the North Slope in decades and further cements the region’s renaissance. Pikka will help refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, create great jobs for Alaskans, and bring billions to the state over its lifespan—benefitting all who live here,” Murkowski said. “This is also just the start, with new phases of the project yet to come and additional development taking place across the Nanushuk formation. I heartily congratulate Santos, Repsol, their hard-working teams, and individuals like Bill Armstrong who made this happen—from the vision to explore and discover, to now firmly putting Alaska back on the map as the place to produce energy.”\n\n“First oil at Pikka signifies that Alaska’s North Slope remains one of the world’s premier energy regions and reinforces Alaska’s critical role in American energy security. This project is the result of decades long persistence and the willingness to invest in Alaska when many doubted what was possible,” said Congressman Begich. “At peak production, Pikka is expected to deliver 80,000 barrels per day, generating billions in investment and revenue for Alaska. That kind of opportunity only exists because people were willing to reject the idea of decline, think long-term, and invest in Alaska’s future. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing Pikka to first oil and look forward to seeing the opportunities this project will continue to create for Alaska families and America’s energy future.”\n\nAccording to Santos, production at Pikka will initially reach 20,000 barrels per day over the next few weeks as various subsystems are brought online and eventually reach 80,000 barrels per day by the third quarter of 2026.\n\n# # #", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EC80BE53-A095-4966-BDAF-13AEE3B2BF17", "title": "Thune Honors Members of the United States Military", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "domain": "www.thune.senate.gov", "scraper": "thune", "member": {"bioguide_id": "T000250", "name": "John Thune", "party": "Republican", "state": "SD", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Clickhereto watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:\n\nThune’s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n“Mr. President, the month of May is dedicated to America’s finest.\n\n“We observed Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day last week, and the entire month of May is Military Appreciation Month.\n\n“Armed Forces Day was Saturday, and next week we will observe Memorial Day and remember all those who have laid down their lives in America’s service.\n\n“Mr. President, it’s an extraordinary thing they do, the men and women who sign up to join our military.\n\n“They don’t simply choose service; they choose a kind of service that may require them to sacrifice everything.\n\n“And they do it. Willingly. Proudly.\n\n“For love of their country.\n\n“For love of their fellow soldiers.\n\n“And for love of their fellow man.\n\n“Mr. President, we live in a country of unmatched blessing.\n\n“And it can be easy to take that for granted.\n\n“To take our prosperity, our freedom, our peace and safety as a given.\n\n“But they are not a given, Mr. President.\n\n“They are secured for us – and have been secured for us – by the men and women of the United States military.\n\n“That’s not patriotic rhetoric.\n\n“That is a fact.\n\n“None of the blessings we enjoy as citizens of the United States would last long in the absence of the men and women who commit their lives to defending them.\n\n“Mr. President, my job as a senator gives me the privilege of regularly getting to interact with our military men and women.\n\n“That might be at Ellsworth Air Force Base talking to airmen about recent B-1 or MQ-9 combat operations or the fast-approaching B-21 mission.\n\n“It might be welcoming home South Dakota National Guard troops or our 114th Fighter Wing from a deployment.\n\n“Or it might be greeting veterans on an Honor Flight here in Washington, D.C.\n\n“It is a privilege, Mr. President.\n\n“To talk to men and women who have not only chosen to serve a cause greater than themselves, but have committed to giving their lives for that cause if necessary.\n\n“Their pride, their professionalism, their enthusiasm – their wholehearted embrace of our country’s ideals – there is nothing more inspiring and uplifting than meeting the men and women of the United States military.\n\n“Mr. President, I’ve talked about our armed forces’ willingness to sacrifice – to lay down their lives if necessary to protect our country.\n\n“And across the river from the Capitol building where we stand, at Arlington National Cemetery, rows upon rows of white markers bear witness to the men and women who have made that ultimate sacrifice.\n\n“And not just on Memorial Day, but every day – every day, Mr. President – we need to remember them.\n\n“To remember that our freedom has been secured for us at a great cost.\n\n“And to live in such a way as to honor that sacrifice.\n\n“Mr. President, no discussion of the service of our military men and women is complete without mentioning their families.\n\n“They too embrace a cause greater than themselves.\n\n“They also serve, and often without recognition.\n\n“They endure long absences from their loved ones, missed birthdays and date nights and dinners.\n\n“Frequent moves, new schools, and job changes.\n\n“And for some, their loved one never comes home.\n\n“And just as we remember our soldiers this month, we remember their families.\n\n“Their families, and what they too have given in the service of our country.\n\n“Mr. President, as we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day, my prayers and gratitude are with the men and women of the United States military.\n\n“God bless and protect them as they stand on guard for us.”", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-demands-secretary-kennedy-allow-cdc-experts-to-do-their-jobs-amid-global-health-emergencies/", "title": "Warnock Demands Secretary Kennedy Allow CDC Experts to Do Their Jobs Amid Global Health Emergencies", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "In a new letter, Senator Reverend Warnock is demanding that Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. allow expert scientists and physicians at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to speak candidly, “without political interference” about the hantavirus and other infectious disease outbreaks\n\nThe CDC’s lack of communications response to the recent outbreak has drawn criticism from public health experts\n\nReports allege that Trump administration political appointees have been suppressing communications by career CDC professionals.\n\nSenator Warnock: “Let us be clear: we have complete confidence in the career experts at CDC who are, and have been, working to respond to this potential threat. What concerns us is the Administration’s potential hamstringing of those experts’ ability to convey scientifically backed information to the public.”\n\nWashington, D.C. – In a new letter, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is demanding that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. allow expert scientists and physicians at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to speak freely and candidly, “without political interference” about the hantavirus threat to the public. Senator Warnock was joined by U.S. Senators Angela D. Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael F. Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\n“Let us be clear: we have complete confidence in the career experts at CDC who are, and have been, working to respond to this potential threat,” said Senator Reverend Warnock, senators. “What concern us is the Administration’s potential hamstringing of those experts’ ability to convey scientifically backed information to the public.”\n\n“The absence of a trusted voice allows conspiracy theorists and misinformation to fester, creating more panic,” said Senator Reverend Warnock, senators. “Getting factual, real-time information gives the American people confidence in the U.S.’s ability to keep them safe.”\n\nCriticism of the CDC’s lack of public response has been growing since news agencies first reported that six Americans and 30 passengers had been sickened with hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The first death from the current outbreak occurred on April 11, 2026, with the second death occurring just two weeks later on April 26. The CDC did not issue an alert until May 8, nearly a month after the first reported death, roughly two weeks after the second death, and six days after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first notice about the potential outbreak on May 2.\n\nThe lawmakers’ letter comes on the heels of another global health emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. On Sunday, the CDC announced that a small number of U.S. citizens have been directly impacted by the latest outbreak. Senator Warnock and his office are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates when available.\n\nSince the CDC and its employees became a target of this administration, Senator Warnock has led several efforts defending their employment and the crucial role they play in keeping the nation safe. In August 2025, Senator Warnock reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Georgia’s CDC employees following the shooting at the CDC that claimed the life of a DeKalb County police officer. During a September hearing, Senator Warnock pushed for accountability after the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and the attack at the Atlanta campus, subsequently calling on President Trump to fire Secretary Kennedy.\n\nSenator Warnock has repeatedly called for the firing or resignation of Secretary Kennedy, delivering a frank assessment of Kennedy’s leadership of the nation’s top health agency. In just 15 months, Secretary Kennedy has overseen massive reductions in the federal health workforce, a shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, the firing of his own CDC Director, and a deadly measles outbreak that ravaged the U.S. Secretary Kennedy’s incompetence has gravely impacted infectious disease research at the CDC, jeopardizing America’s public health.\n\nAccording to numbers shared to Congress by HHS in April 2026, CDC has lost over 26 percent of its staff, or 3,369 employees, since January 2025, which raises questions whether the beleaguered agency and HHS can effectively fulfill its role of leading preparedness and response efforts to a larger outbreak or epidemic.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE and text is below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy,\n\nGiven the growing threat of hantavirus, we write with a simple request: let the experts speak. The Department of Health and Human Services and particularly the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employ hundreds of infectious disease experts, and their knowledge is needed now more than ever. We have been alarmed by reports that political appointees have been muzzling CDC communications, and we urge you to allow our nation’s expert scientists and physicians to speak candidly, without political interference. Given your previously expressed commitment to “radical transparency,” we expect you will be able to easily honor this commitment.\n\nThe first death from this outbreak of the hantavirus was on April 11, 2026. The second death was two weeks later, on April 26. The World Health Organization (WHO) received notice about the potential outbreak on May 2. However, the CDC did not put out an alert on the Health Alert Network (HAN) to public health practitioners, officials, laboratorians and clinicians until May 8, nearly a month after the first death, nearly two weeks after the second death, and six days after the WHO received its first notification.\n\nCDC held its first briefing on May 9, but only for invited press. According to reports, the invited media “could not cite the speakers by name under rules set by aides to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.” An open press briefing in Nebraska on May 11 provided more answers, and we urge you to give CDC experts the flexibility to share information as it changes.\n\nLet us be clear: we have complete confidence in the career experts at CDC who are, and have been, working to respond to this potential threat. What concerns us is the Administration’s potential hamstringing of those experts’ ability to convey scientifically backed information to the public. The absence of a trusted voice allows conspiracy theorists and misinformation to fester, creating more panic. Getting factual, real-time information gives the American people confidence in the U.S.’s ability to keep them safe.\n\nWe also worry that this outbreak shows the gaps in our country’s ability to respond to threats, considering the United States’ recent withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, the CDC has been crippled by staffing cuts over the past year, which has undoubtedly weakened its ability to promptly respond to emerging health threats. According to numbers shared to Congress by HHS in April 2026, CDC has lost over 26 percent of its staff, or 3,369 employees, since January 2025. These reckless staffing cuts call into question whether the beleaguered agency and HHS as a whole can effectively fulfill its role of leading preparedness and response efforts to a larger outbreak or epidemic.\n\nAccording to experts, the current strain of the hantavirus outbreak has historically required very close contact with symptomatic individuals. However, if this virus or a different virus with high transmission and case fatality rates circulates, the country’s lack of involvement with WHO, staffing shortages at CDC, and absence of frequent communication from experts will be a recipe for disaster. The least this Administration can do is allow CDC to communicate publicly to build trust with the American people and to keep families safe.\n\nWe do not need a lengthy or extensive response to our request. We respectfully request a “yes” or “no” to the following question: With the growing threat of hantavirus, will you permit public health experts and scientists at the CDC, and not the Administration’s political appointees, to make the final decisions on what is said to the public, when it is said, and through what manner, about the hantavirus and other infectious disease threats?\n\nWe also request a briefing on efforts to respond to this outbreak by CDC career subject matter experts within one week of receipt of this letter.\n\nSincerely.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warnock-statement-on-air-force-plan-to-retire-e-11-bacn-fleet/", "title": "Warnock Statement on Air Force Plan to Retire E-11 BACN Fleet", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.warnock.senate.gov", "scraper": "warnock", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000790", "name": "Raphael G. Warnock", "party": "Democrat", "state": "GA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "According to reporting, the U.S. Air Force plans to divest its E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN) aircraft and will retire the fleet in fiscal year 2028\n\nThe E-11 is the only permanently stationed aircraft flying at Robins Air Force Base\n\nWashington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Air Force’s plan to divest and retire its fleet of E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communication Bode (BACN) aircraft in fiscal year 2028.\n\n“I am deeply disappointed by this plan from the U.S. Air Force to phase out and retire the E-11,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Since 2023, the E-11 has been the only permanently stationed aircraft at Robins Air Force Base, and its divestment would be a major loss for Georgia and the Warner Robins community. My office has reached out to the Air Force for an explanation. Should the Air Force move forward with this plan, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Georgia Congressional delegation and Secretary Meink to ensure a strong and sustainable replacement mission is brought to Robins Air Force Base.”\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-king-wyden-push-government-watchdog-to-launch-probe-into-ineffective-free-file-tax-program", "title": "Warren, King, Wyden Push Government Watchdog to Launch Probe Into Ineffective “Free File” Tax Program", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "domain": "www.warren.senate.gov", "scraper": "warren", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000817", "name": "Elizabeth Warren", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "Warren, King, Wyden Push Government Watchdog to Launch Probe Into Ineffective “Free File” Tax Program\n\n“Free File cannot efficiently, effectively, and securely serve the taxpayers who are statutorily entitled to free tax filing services.”\n\nText of Letter (PDF)\n\nWashington, DC - U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Angus King (I-Maine), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to launch a new probe into the Free File program, a partnership with private tax prep companies. The request comes after the Trump administration killed the Direct File program, instead touting its failed Free File program, which has a nearly two-decade-long record of underperformance.\n\n“We have serious concerns that Free File cannot efficiently, effectively, and securely serve the taxpayers who are statutorily entitled to free tax filing services,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\nIn April 2022, GAO released a report entitled “IRS Should Develop Additional Options for Taxpayers to File for Free,” highlighting the need for the government to develop new ways for low- and middle-income Americans to file their taxes for free. In response, the Biden administration created the Direct File program, which allowed Americans to file their tax returns online, for free, and directly with the IRS.\n\nLast October, the Trump administration killed the Direct File program, asserting that the Free File program, which is operated by for-profit tax preparation firms and has a lengthy track record of underperformance, could meet taxpayers’ needs.\n\nIn addition to GAO’s earlier report, numerous reports by Congressional committees, nonpartisan watchdogs, and media outlets have identified serious problems with Free File. Free File partners have deliberately misled taxpayers into paying for assistance when they are eligible to file for free. Additionally, an investigation by Senator Warren found that Free File partners have leaked sensitive taxpayer data to private tech companies, putting taxpayers’ most sensitive information at risk.\n\nTo address concerns surrounding Free File’s underperformance and the lack of options for Americans to truly file their taxes for free, the senators requested that GAO initiate an investigation to evaluate the program’s user experience, accessibility, accuracy, and costs.\n\nSenator Warren is a leading voice in advocating for taxpayers and for improved IRS resources:\n\nIn April 2026, Senator Warren introduced the Stop Corporations and High Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce the Rules Strictly (Stop CHEATERS) Act, a bill to restore and revitalize the IRS with additional funding for tax enforcement, technology operations support, systems modernization, and taxpayer services like free taxpayer assistance.\n\nIn April 2026, Senator Warren took to the Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to pass the Direct File Act. The bill would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program—which allowed Americans to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government—and make the program permanent.\n\nIn February 2026, Senator Warren led over 150 lawmakers in introducing the Direct File Act, new legislation that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program — which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government — and make the program permanent.\n\nIn February 2026, Senator Warren led her colleagues in pressing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Chief of Taxpayer Services Ken Corbin on the Treasury Department’s decision to end Direct File and instead promote Free File.\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-effort-to-rein-in-defense-departments-use-of-fast-tracked-contracts-to-help-build-ice-warehouses/", "title": "Welch Leads Effort to Rein in Defense Department’s Use of Fast-Tracked Contracts to Help Build ICE Warehouses", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/", "domain": "www.welch.senate.gov", "scraper": "welch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "W000800", "name": "Peter Welch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "VT", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led 15 of his colleagues in calling for new language in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) appropriations bill to tighten control and oversight of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) use of fast-tracked contract vehicles for domestic immigration enforcement. In the absence of this oversight, DOD has helped the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bypass local and state regulation and federal procurement rules to build ICE’s warehouse-style migrant detention centers across the country.\n\n“We write to request your inclusion of language in the FY27 Defense Appropriations bill and report tightening control and oversight over the Department’s use of DOD expeditionary contract vehicles for domestic immigration enforcement. Congress intended contract vehicles such as the Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract (WEXMAC) to give DOD exceptional authority to provide accelerated and flexible logistical and support services to U.S. expeditionary forces around the world. Yet in recent months, DOD has deviated from this purpose by allowing DHS to use WEXMAC-TITUS to bypass federal acquisition procedures and local and state control, in order to fast-track construction and acquisition of domestic infrastructure for a campaign of mass deportation,” wrote the lawmakers.\n\n“DOD’s warfighter contract vehicles are being misused to facilitate the largest immigrant detention camp system since World War II’s detention of persons of Japanese ancestry. This bill and report language will allow Congress to reassert appropriate oversight and restore original legislative intent surrounding these authorities,” the lawmakers conclude.\n\nSenator Welch was joined by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).\n\nRead the full letter hereand below:\n\nDear Chairman McConnell and Ranking Member Coons:\n\nWe write to request your inclusion of language in the FY27 Defense Appropriations bill and report tightening control and oversight over the Department’s use of DOD expeditionary contract vehicles for domestic immigration enforcement. Congress intended contract vehicles such as the Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract (WEXMAC) to give DOD exceptional authority to provide accelerated and flexible logistical and support services to U.S. expeditionary forces around the world. Yet in recent months, DOD has deviated from this purpose by allowing DHS to use WEXMAC-TITUS to bypass federal acquisition procedures and local and state control, in order to fast-track construction and acquisition of domestic infrastructure for a campaign of mass deportation.\n\nTo restore WEXMAC to its intended purpose, we respectfully request inclusion of the following bill and report language in the FY27 Defense Appropriations bill:\n\nBill language: SEC. ___. PROHIBITION AGAINST THE USE OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FUNDING TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense by this Act may be used to enter into any new contract or agreement or to execute any existing contract or agreement whose primary purpose is expeditionary logistics, contingency contracting, base operations support, theater opening or sustainment contracting, and operational contract support, for the purpose of supporting domestic immigration enforcement operations for the Department of Homeland Security.\n\nReport language: Report and Briefing—The Committee is concerned by reports that the Department of Homeland Security has used the Department of Defense’s WEXMAC-TITUS contracting vehicle to bypass standard federal contracting guidelines, state and local oversight and approval, farmland and rural land preservation guidelines, and standard environmental review requirements. Within 60 days of enactment, the committee requests a report and briefing by the Department on actions by the Department to (1) amend regulations to clarify that “humanitarian assistance” and “logistics support” for purposes of the WEXMAC-TITUS vehicle shall not include incarceration or detention of humans; (2) bring WEXMAC-TITUS in line with federal competitive bidding procurement regulations requiring public notice and competitive bidding; (3) ensure that state and local zoning laws and approval regulations are respected by WEXMAC-TITUS federal procurement processes; (4) require all DHS facilities contracted through DOD vehicles to undergo full environmental impact studies with regards to sewage and water usage for detention purposes. The committee also requests that the Department share all WEXMAC-TITUS contract documents and all amounts spent on detention-related warehouses, facilities, and services for DHS with the committees on armed services and appropriations.\n\nDOD’s warfighter contract vehicles are being misused to facilitate the largest immigrant detention camp system since World War II’s detention of persons of Japanese ancestry. This bill and report language will allow Congress to reassert appropriate oversight and restore original legislative intent surrounding these authorities.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-attends-heartland-bioworks-groundbreaking-in-indianapolis/", "title": "Young Attends Heartland BioWorks Groundbreaking in Indianapolis", "date": "2026-05-18", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/", "domain": "www.young.senate.gov", "scraper": "toddyoung", "member": {"bioguide_id": "Y000064", "name": "Todd Young", "party": "Republican", "state": "IN", "chamber": "Senate"}, "text": "INDIANAPOLIS – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Hoosier leaders from government, industry, and academia for a groundbreaking ceremony on the Heartland BioWorks HQ, a $24.3 million biomanufacturing workforce training and innovation facility located in the 16 Tech Innovation District in downtown Indianapolis.\n\nHeartland BioWorks will offer a centralized training facility with world-recognized curriculum to rapidly provide individuals with the hands-on, industry-grade preparation required. The facility is funded with $18.3 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, which Young helped author, and a $6 million investment from Eli Lilly and Company for state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot-scale process simulation equipment.\n\n“When I helped author and pass the CHIPS and Science Act, this is the kind of national impact I envisioned,” said Senator Young. “Heartland BioWorks is proving that the Midwest can lead the next generation of American innovation by developing the talent, technology, and partnerships needed to secure our nation’s economic and biosciences future.”\n\nThe 20,000-square-foot, two-story building will be the first centralized biomanufacturing training facility in the multi-state Midwest region and is expected to open in mid-2027.", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}
{"url": "https://lynch.house.gov/2026/5/please-join-me-for-our-virtual-town-hall/ec249365-33ca-4dd3-b147-a6503d3c899e", "title": "Please Join me for our Virtual Town Hall on May 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM", "date": "2026-05-19", "date_source": "scraper", "source": "https://lynch.house.gov/press-releases", "domain": "lynch.house.gov", "scraper": "lynch", "member": {"bioguide_id": "L000562", "name": "Stephen F. Lynch", "party": "Democrat", "state": "MA", "chamber": "House"}, "text": "Please be advised that I will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall next Tuesday, May 19, starting at 6:30 PM.\n\nTo sign up, please register here - https://tthm.com/RepLynch", "collected_at": "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "updated_at": "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"}