Vindman Joins Bipartisan Effort to Honor America’s Public Servants

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.

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.

“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.”

The resolution was led in the U.S. House by Representatives Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.-05) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01).

“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.”

“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.”

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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).

“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.

“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).

The 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).

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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Rep. Weber Leads Mother’s Day Resolution Celebrating America’s Mothers

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.

“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!”

This resolution:

Supports policies that recognize mothers as mothers;

Acknowledges that Mother's Day is intended specifically to commemorate motherhood and to honor the mothers of the United States;

Recognizes 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;

And 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.

Cosponsors 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).

Read the full bill text here.


Rep. Whitesides Leads Roundtable With Local Business Leaders to Highlight Economic Growth in Santa Clarita

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.

“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.”

In 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.

Additionally, 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.

Prior 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.

Rep. Whitesides was joined by the following BizFed business leaders at the leadership series:

Samara Ashely – The Strategic Advocacy Group

Blaine Bacher – Beacon Economics

Sonya Blake – Valley Economic Alliance

Richard Fisk – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Nathan Freeman – Black Business Association

Stephanie Freeman – Black Business Association

Kevin Golden – Black Business Association

Ted Green – Westside Council of Chambers

Jheri Heetland – Northwest Valley Chamber of Commerce

Bob Horning – H&S Wealth Management

Jennings Imel – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Matt Jacobs – Kaiser Permanente

Jazz Keyes – Vermont/Slauson Economics Dev. Corp

John Musella – Santa Clarita Valley Chamber

Tyler Pledger – City of Santa Clarita

Sandy Sanchez – FivePoint

Brian Schlick – SchlickArt

Doug Tripp – Spectrum

Dr. Jasmine Ruys – College of the Canyons

Ivan Volschenk – Santa Clarita Valley Chamber

Rachel Wagner – Southern CA Association of Governments

Michael Yosef – Daley Strategies

Jeffrey Thompson – Santa Clarita Valley Chamber

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The 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


From the Front: May 8, 2026

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Baldwin Demands Answers from Trump After Illegally Firing Entire National Science Foundation Board Without Reason

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.

“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.

On 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.

Baldwin 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.

“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.

The 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.

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

Dear President Trump, Mr. Stone, and Director Kratsios,

I write to you to express concern and disappointment regarding your removal of all members of

the 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.

The 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.

Despite 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.

To 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.

Additionally, 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.

This 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.

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.

Please provide answers to the following questions by June 8, 2026:

What is the legal authority and justification for removing all members of the National Science Board?

What is the policy justification for removing all members of the National Science Board?

What office or official made the decision to remove all members of the National Science Board?

Does 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?

Does 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?

I look forward to your prompt responses to this request.

Sincerely,

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Banks Joins GOP Lawmakers in Supreme Court Brief Supporting In-Person Safeguards for Chemical Abortion Drugs

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.

Background:

In 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.

As a result, abortion drugs can be mailed to states that otherwise restrict abortion. This policy bars states from enforcing their pro-life laws.

The 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.

Argument:

The 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.

Senator 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.”

Read the full brief here.

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Ahead of Mother's Day, Senators Demand Accountability for Dangerous Mistreatment of Pregnant Women in ICE Detention

[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.

“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.”

The 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.

Blumenthal 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

Blumenthal 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.

The 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.

Dear Secretary Mullin:

Recent 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]

Pregnant, 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]

Nursing 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]

Given 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]

In 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.

Our 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]

We 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:

Is the 2021 Pregnancy Directive “Identification and Monitoring of Pregnant, Postpartum, or Nursing Individuals” still in effect?

If no, please list and provide a copy of each policy governing the care and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing individuals in detention.

If yes, please indicate if the policy was ever temporarily suspended or superseded during the period from January 20, 2025, to present.

How 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.

If tracking is not done for any one of these populations, please indicate why not.

List 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.

For each facility listed in response to the above, indicate:

Whether prenatal and postnatal health care is offered on-site or offsite;

the legal name of the entity or entities providing prenatal and postnatal health care if not ICE Health Services Corps;

The number of medical personnel employed at each facility disaggregated by job category;

The dates and hours during which no medical personnel were physically present at the facility, from January 20, 2025 to the present;

For each facility listed in response to the above, indicate how many pregnant, postpartum and nursing individuals were:

transported to a hospital;

referred for off-site obstetric, gynecological, or postpartum care;

treated for emergency pregnancy-related or postpartum complications; or reported to have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, or other serious maternal-health events.

Please 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.

Section 5.4 of the 2021 Pregnancy Directive requires that pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women receive weekly evaluations to determine whether continued detention is appropriate.

Does ICE Health Services Corp. perform these weekly evaluations at facilities it operates?

Does ICE perform any sort of monitoring or audit to verify that such evaluations are performed at non-ICE Health Service Corps and contracted facilities?

Please provide all records[20] related to such weekly evaluations

For each weekly evaluation provided please indicate whether ICE accepted or rejected the recommendations regarding continued detention therein.

Do 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?

If yes, what is the average number of days between a request for medical care and the provision of medical care?

If 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?

Please contact my office if you have any questions about responding to these requests. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

-30-

[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.

[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/.

[3] See Caroline Kitchener et al., supra note 1.

[4] Id.

[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

[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/

[7] See Caroline Kitchener et al., supra note 1.

[8] Id.

[9] Id.

[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.

[11]Id..

[12] Caroline Kitchener et al., supra note 1.

[13] Kyle Cheney, supra note 9.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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

[18] Kyle Cheney, supra note 10.

[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.”

[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).


Blumenthal Joins 13 Colleagues to Demand Trump Administration Resume Russian Oil Sanctions

[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.

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

The 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)

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

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

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

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

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

The full text of the letter is available here.

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Senator Blumenthal: Week in Review 5/1/2026-5/8/2026

Criticizing Trump’s Ballooning White House Vanity Project

[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.

“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.

In 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.

As 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.

In 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.

Blumenthal 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.

The full text of the letter to Clark Construction is available here. The full text of the letter to NPS is available here.

Blumenthal further slammed the massive no-bid contract on Twitter/X.

“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.

Blumenthal 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.

“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.

Blumenthal joined CNN on Thursday to discuss Trump’s ballroom project and the rising costs associated with construction.

“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.

The full video of Blumenthal on CNN can be found here.

Urging Fair Treatment of Combat-Injured Veterans

Blumenthal, 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.

This 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.

This 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.

“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.

“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.”

Blumenthal further highlighted the need for the Major Richard Star Act on Twitter/X.

“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.

Sounding the Alarm on Surging Youth Sports Betting

Blumenthal 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.

“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.

Blumenthal 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.

Blumenthal highlighted the need for legislation enacting guardrails against the dangers of sports betting on Twitter/X.

“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.

Combatting Invasive Hydrilla in CT Waterways

Blumenthal 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.

Blumenthal 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.

“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.”

Blumenthal further highlighted the need for increased federal funding to combat hydrilla on Twitter/X.

“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.

Blumenthal Bulletin

Blumenthal 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.

Blumenthal joined CNN on Thursday to discuss the skyrocketing costs of Trump’s war in Iran.

Blumenthal demanded the Trump Administration resume Russian Oil Sanctions.

Blumenthal demanded accountability for the dangerous mistreatment of pregnant women in ICE detention ahead of Mother’s Day.

Blumenthal released a statement on the $18 million contract for Sikorsky to produce parts for helicopters.

Blumenthal and his colleagues demanded the gun manufacturer Mountain Billy Gun Lab halt marketing campaigns of assault-style weapons to minors.

Blumenthal joined his Democratic colleagues to kill Trump’s Executive Order restricting vote by mail and to press USPS on the unconstitutional Executive Order.

Blumenthal joined StayWell to announce $750,000 in federal funding to help modernize their health information system.

Blumenthal joined state legislators as they enact safeguards against ICE’s spreading tentacles and vicious tactics threatening Connecticut.

Blumenthal celebrated federal funds allowing reconstruction for the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.

Blumenthal congratulated Connecticut’s Small Businesses Awards winners.

Blumenthal called for passage of the Responsible Firearms Marketing Act.

Blumenthal attended the USS Idaho Commissioning.

Blumenthal joined the ARI Walk in Stamford.

Blumenthal attended the University of Bridgeport’s undergraduate commencement.

Blumenthal attended the Meriden Daffodil Parade.

Blumenthal attended the Bruce Museum’s Annual Gala.

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U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Mike Lee, Introduce Repeal of Inflated Government Spending Models

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.

“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.”

The 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.

Rather 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.

“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.”

Furthermore, 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.

Senators 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.

The legislation is endorsed by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

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Budd Applauds FEMA Approval of $58.8+ Million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds for Helene Recovery in WNC

StateDisaster NumberProject NumberTotal Project CostFEMA ShareCost Share (%)BCRType of GrantCategorySummaryNC48279$1,316,897.00$987,672.7575%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Madison County Acquisition Group I

Declaration Date: 09/28/2024

Project 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.

Prior Obligations:

01/14/2026 $279,081.56 NC48279$13,394.57$13,394.57100%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Madison County Acquisition Group I

Declaration Date: 09/28/2024

Project 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%.

Prior Obligations:

01/14/2026 $18,605.43NC482719$3,297,706.25$2,473,279.7575%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Haywood County Acquisition Group II

Declaration Date: 09/28/2024

Project 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.

NC482726$69,029,711.40$51,772,283.5575%1.15HMHMGPTitle: Buncombe County Acquisition Group 3, Batch 1

Declaration Date: 09/28/2024

Project 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

NC482726$1,150,495.19$1,150,495.19100%N/AHMHMGPTitle: Buncombe County Acquisition Group 3, Batch 1

Declaration Date: 09/28/2024

Project 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%.

NC482740$3,220,568.75$2,415,426.5675%1.55HMHMGPTitle: Mitchell County Acquisition Group I

Declaration Date: 09/28/2024

Project 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.


Cantwell & Colleagues Demand FCC Rescind Order for Early License Renewals to Disney Following Trump’s Latest Attacks on Broadcasters

WASHINGTON, 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.

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 President Trump and Chairman Carr to weaponize the FCC’s authorities to target broadcasters.

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

Senators 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.

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

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

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

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

Please provide a status update on each open FCC investigation into Disney or its ABC stations.

Please describe the justification for issuing the early-renewal order amidst these ongoing investigations.

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

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.

Last September, in the wake of ABC’s suspension of Kimmel, Sen. Cantwell strongly defended free speech and condemned the actions of Chairman Carr.

Following 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.

She 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.

Sen. 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.

She also appeared on MSNOW’s Morning Joe to defend to defend freedom of speech and freedom of the press.


PHOTOS: Capito Receives Updates on CDS Project in Elkins

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).

“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.”

“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.”

Photos from the visit are below:

U.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.

U.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.

# # #


Cassidy Leads Entire Louisiana Republican Delegation in Protecting Women & Babies from Dangerous Abortion Drugs, Upholding Louisiana Values

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.

“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.”

“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.

“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.

“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.”

As 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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

The 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).

Read the full brief here.

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Senator Collins Delivers Keynote Address at Maine Manufacturers Annual Summit

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SOUTH 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.

“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.’”

Senator 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.

MAME is a non-profit, non-partisan trade association that provides its members with business development, networking, advocacy, and workforce development services.

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Department of Energy Awards $36 Million to EERC for Enhanced Oil Recovery Program

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.

“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.”

Initial 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.

This 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.


Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Expands Healthcare Training at Williston State College

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WILLISTON, 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.

To 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.

“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.”

Today’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.

While 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.


Crapo, Ernst, Gillibrand Aim to Eliminate Federal Pensions for Sex Offenders

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.

Under 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.

“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.”

“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.”


Curtis, Shaheen Welcome Taiwan Legislative Yuan Approval of Supplementary Defense Budget

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.

“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.

“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.”