Duckworth, Ossoff Introduce Legislation to Better Support Servicemembers as They Transition Back to Civilian Life

[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.

“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.”

“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.”

This 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.

The 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.

Duckworth, 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.

In 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.

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

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Durbin Calls Out Trump Administration’s Actions Against DACA

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.

“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.

"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.

Durbin 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.

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Durbin Statement On Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans’ Reconciliation Text To Fund President Trump’s Ballroom, Mass Deportation Campaign

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:

“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.

“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.”

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Ernst Marks National Small Business Week, Honors American Entrepreneurs

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.

“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.”

“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.”

Watch Senator Ernst celebrate National Small Business Week here.

There 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.

Click here to read the resolution.

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Fetterman, Ricketts Introduce FAIR Labels Act to Protect Beef, Require Transparent Labeling for Plant-Based Protein Products

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).

“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.”

“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.”

The FAIR Labels Act would:

Amend 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;

Prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products.

Currently, 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.”


Senators Gillibrand And Ernst Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Eliminate Federal Pensions For Sex Offenders

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.

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 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.

“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.”

Senators 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.

Additionally, 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.

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Senators Gillibrand And Tillis Pass Resolution To Honor “Donut Dollies” For Wartime Service

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

Today, 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.

“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.”

“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.”

Background:

During World War I, Salvation Army volunteers known as the “Doughnut Lassies” served near the front lines, providing coffee, doughnuts, and comfort to American troops, inspiring the later Red Cross “Donut Dollies” programs. During World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, American Red Cross volunteers traveled to bases and combat zones to boost morale by offering refreshments, recreation, and a connection to home. From 1965 to 1972 alone, more than 600 Donut Dollies served in Vietnam through the Supplemental 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.

Text of the resolution is available HERE.

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Grassley Releases GAO Report Exposing Inadequacies in Federal Prisons’ Approach to Sexual Abuse

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.

Per 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.

“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.

Grassley 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.

Read the full report HERE. Background, findings and recommendations follow.

Background:

Enacted 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.

Despite 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.

Findings:

The 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.

The 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.

In 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.

GAO’s Recommendations for DOJ:

Enhance the ability of PREA audits to detect ongoing sexual abuse.

Assess BOP’s current contracting approach for risks that may result in inaccurate auditing.

Provide PREA auditors with sufficient access to audit documentation.

Analyze PREA data to identify trends and other findings that may require targeted action.

Publish uniform data for allegations where a prisoner was the perpetrator and where a BOP employee was the perpetrator.

Include men’s facilities in future cultural assessments.

Review the DOJ’s national standards to strengthen prevention, detection and response to sexual abuse in correction facilities.


Following Emergency Stay, N.M. Delegation Join 250+ Democrats in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, And FDA Authority

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.

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.

“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.

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

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the 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.”

The members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.

“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.

In 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.

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Hickenlooper, Senators Press Head of Employment Protections Commission on Attacks on Workers Undergoing IVF

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.

“[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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

During his 2024 campaign, President Trump repeatedly claimed he was a supporter of fertility treatment, calling himself the “father of IVF” and even going as far as to promise that he would make fertilization treatments free. Yet, President Trump’s Executive Order aiming to expand access to IVF, the implementation of which the senators describe as “weak,” “fail[s] to address the larger expense of IVF cycles.” In particular, President Trump’s attempt to get drug manufacturers to lower prices for IVF drugs only applies to a “narrow subset of drugs within the broader IVF regimen,” leaving patients on the hook for the costs of other medications used, embryo storage, and embryo transfers.

President Trump and Congressional Republicans also made massive cuts to health care through their One Big Beautiful Bill, which will kick millions of people off their health insurance.

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

Hickenlooper 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.

For full text of the letter, click HERE.

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Hoeven Announces Nearly $10 Million in FY25–FY26 Navy Funding for Packet Digital

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.

As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to:

Secure continued investment in Packet Digital’s battery development and domestic production work.

Strengthen North Dakota’s role in defense through ongoing advanced battery manufacturing.

“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.”

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Husted in Cleveland with NASA Glenn leadership

“When we look at the historic Artemis II mission, it’s important to recognize Ohioans played a key role in its success.”

CLEVELAND – 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.

“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.

Husted 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.

Husted has also secured several legislative wins to date that support NASA Glenn’s work:


Kaine Introduces Bill to Improve Educators’ Access to Mental Health Resources

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.

“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.”

Specifically, the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act would:

Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and disseminate best practices for improving mental health among education professionals,

Require the establishment of a national initiative to increase education professionals’ awareness of mental health resources and encourage use of these existing resources,

Provide funding to establish additional resources and improve existing resources that promote mental health among the education workforce, and

Mandate 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.

The 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).

The 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.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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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

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.

“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.

“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.”

The 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:

Prohibit 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;

Require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to notify consumer reporting agencies when federal agencies enter and exit shutdown status;

Allow federal workers to correct adverse information already on their credit report.

The 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.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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WATCH: Senator Kim Calls for Diplomacy to End Iran War Immediately

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.

“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.”

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Speaking 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.

“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.”

Senator 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.

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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.

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.

“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.

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

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the 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.”

The members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower district court.

“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.

In 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.

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ICYMI: Luján Pens Washington Post Letter to the Editor Pushing to Modernize Broken Mining Law While Protecting Public Resources

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.

Senator 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.

Read the full letter to the editor here or below:

Washington Post: Sen. Ben Ray Luján: Reform the 154-year-old mining law

By Ben Ray Luján | May 3, 2026

Regarding 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):

Lummis 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.

I 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.

New 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.

The 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.

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Senator Markey Demands CDC Resume Testing for Dangerous Diseases

Letter Text (PDF)

Boston (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.

In 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.”

Senator Markey requested answers by May 19, 2026, to questions that include:

What is the precise reason for the suspension of each of the more than two dozen tests currently paused or newly discontinued?

How many CDC laboratory staff positions have been eliminated since January 20, 2025?

What specific benchmarks must be met before each paused test is restored, and what is the projected date for resuming all “temporarily paused” testing services?

What interim arrangements have been made with state and local laboratories, commercial labs, and/or academic partners to fill the diagnostic gap during this pause?

Given the national security implications, has the CDC consulted with the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community on the testing suspension?

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Senator Marshall Celebrates Kansas Cattle Producers

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.

“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.”

Background:

Senator 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.

Senator Marshall introduced the DIRECT Act last fall to support expanded marketing of state-inspected beef products across state lines.

Senator Marshall supported the Trump Administration’s updated nutrition guidelines, which encourage beef consumption.

See the resolution here.

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Senator Marshall Highlights Rural Economies & Healthcare in Western Kansas

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.

Senator Marshall shared his recent work in the Senate to support small businesses and strengthen rural Kansas economies.

Highlights from the visit include:

Edwards County Small Businesses

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Senator 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.

Senator 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.

Hodgeman County Pharmacy

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In 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.

Senator Marshall highlighted recent PBM reforms passed by Congress to increase transparency, ensure fair competition, and support rural pharmacies serving their communities.

Dighton Inn

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Next, 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.

L&R Supply

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Senator 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.

NuLife Market

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Senator 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.

Senator 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.

Dick Construction

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Next, Senator Marshall visited Dick Construction, a major regional contractor building schools, hospitals, and community facilities across Western Kansas.

Senator 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.

Care to Thrive Clinic

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Senator 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.

Senator 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Text of the bill is here.

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NEWS RELEASE: Senator Moody Supports Florida Small Businesses

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.

“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.

BACKGROUND:

· 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.

· According to a recent report, Florida was ranked best place to start a business in the country.

· In the U.S., there are more than 36.2 million small businesses that support more than 62.3 million jobs.

· Read full resolution here.

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Murphy Demands Trump Administration Comply With Law, Use Foreign Assistance Funding to Support Global Health, Food Aid, Help Save Lives as Congress Directed

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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

The 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.).

The full text of the letter follows and is available here.

Dear Secretary Rubio, Director Vought, and Deputy Director Ueland:

On 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).

The 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.

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 $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.

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.

We 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).

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.

We 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.

Sincerely,


Following Emergency Stay, Murray, Schumer, Jeffries Lead 250+ Democrats in Supreme Court Fight to Protect Mifepristone Access, Women’s Health Care, and FDA Authority

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.

ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Fifth Circuit Ruling to Harshly Limit Access to Medication Abortion Nationwide

Washington, 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.

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.

“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.

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

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the 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.”

The members argued that this is a clear case of judicial overreach by a lower court.

“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.

In 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.

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In Ellensburg, Murray Highlights Importance of Rural Healthcare, Rejecting Trump & Republican Cuts to Medicaid

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

ICYMI: Murray Secures Hundreds of Millions for Transportation & Housing Projects Across WA in Final Appropriations Bills; Boosts Funding for Medical Research, Housing, Child Care & More

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

Ellensburg, 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.

Murray 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.

“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.”

Kittitas 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.

When 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.

“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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.

ABOUT TRUMP’S MEDICAID CUTS:

Nationwide, 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.

Hospitals 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.

ABOUT GOP REFUSAL TO EXTEND ACA TAX CREDITS:

In 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.

Senator 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.

Senator 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.

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Sens. Ossoff, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Support Servicemembers’ Transition Out of the Armed Forces

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing legislation to strengthen support for servicemembers as they transition out of the Armed Forces.

Today, 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.

Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Sens. 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia’s servicemembers and military families as they transition into civilian life.

This 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.

Sen. 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.

In 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.

Also in 2024, Sen. Ossoff cosponsored the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act to help servicemembers more easily access VA benefits as they transition to civilian life.

In 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.

Click here to read the Servicemember Civilian Transition Support Act.

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Padilla, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Oil Market Manipulation and Protect Consumers As Gas Prices Climb

California gas prices are up more than $1.50 per gallon since the start of Trump’s war with Iran

WASHINGTON, 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.

The 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.

California 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.

“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.”

The Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act would:

Strengthen 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.

Establish Dedicated Monitoring: Create a permanent FTC unit responsible for continuously tracking crude oil and fuel markets to identify irregularities and protect consumers.

Target Market Manipulation: Empower regulators to investigate and penalize companies engaging in price manipulation, abuse of market power, or other anti-competitive practices.

Increase Penalties: Double the maximum penalty for market manipulation to $2 million per day, per violation.

Improve Transparency: Expand federal data collection and public reporting on fuel supply and pricing to promote fair competition and prevent price gouging.

The 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.

Despite 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.

A one-page summary of the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act is available here.

The full bill text is available here.

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VIDEO: Peters Delivers Commencement Address at the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Graduation Ceremony

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.

“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.”

To watch video of Senator Peters’ commencement address, click here.

Peters also highlighted the legacy of the Ford School, named after U.S. President and Michigander Gerald R. Ford.

“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.”

Peters 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.

“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.”

Peters 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.”

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Reed: Americans Don’t Want $1 Billion of Their Tax Dollars Spent on Transforming the White House into a Tacky Palace

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.

U.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.

Reed 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.

“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.”

Senator 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.

Last 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.

A 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.

In 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.

Senator 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.”

Reed 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.

“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.”

During 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.