Webster Votes to Support America’s Veterans and Strengthen Military Readiness

Washington, D.C. — Today, Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, voted to pass H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. This bill provides funding for military construction projects, veterans’ health care and benefits, servicemember housing, and national defense infrastructure.

“For years, I have called on Congress to return to regular order by advancing individual appropriations bills,” said Rep. Webster. “Today, I voted to fulfill this responsibility by supporting our servicemembers, strengthen military readiness, and ensure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice.”

H.R. 8469 funds veterans’ medical services, including medical care, community care programs, caregiver support, and toxic exposure research. It also invests in military construction projects for every branch of the armed forces, strengthens military family housing, and improves facilities that support servicemembers and their families.

Highlights of H.R. 8469 include:

Fully funds veterans’ health care programs.

Strengthens oversight at the Department of Veterans Affairs through enhanced reporting requirements.

Invests in military readiness and quality of life for servicemembers and military families through funding military construction, barracks improvements, and family housing, child development centers.

Upholds longstanding protections against taxpayer-funded abortion, DEI initiatives, and so-called “gender transition” procedures.

Protects veterans’ Second Amendment rights by prohibiting the VA from reporting veterans to the NICS database solely because they require fiduciary assistance.

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House Passes First Fiscal Year 2027 Funding Bill, Increasing Resources for Veteran Care and Critical Military Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 15, 2026…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill allocates $157 billion in discretionary funding—nearly $4 billion over the FY 2026 enacted level.

Congressman Womack said, “House Appropriators have made it a top priority to restore regular order to the annual government funding process, and today’s House passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill brings us closer to achieving that objective. Moreover, this bill fully funds support systems for our veterans while also strengthening the infrastructure our servicemembers rely on to protect our nation. It is my hope that we can continue this momentum and pass full‑year funding bills on time for Fiscal Year 2027, fulfilling our responsibility to the American people.”

Bill highlights:

Supports our veterans by:

Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.

Fully funding veterans’ benefits.

Maintaining funding for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.

Investing over $2 billion in capital improvements for VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries.

Bolsters U.S. national security by:

Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support United States advanced weapons systems.

Increasing funding for the design of barracks and child development centers, enhancing quality of life of servicemembers and their families.

Congressman Womack’s speech in support of the bill can be viewed HERE.

A summary of the bill is available HERE.

The bill text is available HERE.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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On Endangered Species Day, Blumenthal & Grijalva Introduce Legislation to Protect At-Risk Wildlife

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Adelita S. Grijalva (D-AZ) today introduced the Extinction Prevention Act, legislation that would provide much-needed funding for some of the country’s most imperiled yet vastly underfunded wildlife species.

“This legislation recognizes that saving wildlife from extinction requires more than just rhetoric—real resources are essential,” said Blumenthal. “Endangered species and their habitats can be sustained, but only if we back words with action.”

“As the loss of biodiversity accelerates at an alarming rate, we cannot afford to keep treating conservation as an afterthought,” said Grijalva. “The Extinction Prevention Act makes long-overdue investments in some of the most imperiled and overlooked species in our country, from North American butterflies to Southwest desert fish that are uniquely adapted to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth. In Arizona and across the Southwest, these native fish species are already facing devastating threats from drought, water scarcity, habitat destruction, and climate change. We have a responsibility to future generations to make sure we do not lose these species forever.”

This legislation would create four separate funds of $5 million per year through Fiscal Year 2032 with the purpose of providing financial assistance to projects that help conserve and recover four groups of species: North American butterflies, Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels, and Southwest desert fish. Habitat protection for these species is chronically underfunded despite them being among the species most at risk of extinction:

North American butterflies—one of the fastest declining groups of all endangered species—have not seen a single species improve among the 39 listed.

The situation is equally dire in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, where nearly 400 plant species are threatened or endangered, representing almost a quarter of all listed species. In Hawaii, over 200 plant species have dwindled to fewer than 50 wild individuals.

Freshwater mussels are currently the most imperiled animal group in the country, with 70 percent of U.S. species at risk of extinction and 38 species already lost.

Southwest desert fish are being threatened by drought and water scarcity, resulting in significant population and habitat reductions. Currently, over 45 species are listed as endangered or threatened.

Targeted funds under the legislation would support on-the-ground conservation projects to stabilize and save from extinction the most critically endangered species from each of the four groups. States, Tribes, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, wildlife management authorities, and others may apply for these funds.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and endorsed by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Animal Welfare Institute, the American Bird Conservancy, the Endangered Species Coalition, and the Sierra Club.

“Some of America’s most amazing and vulnerable species are rapidly disappearing for the appalling reason that we’ve failed to invest in their recovery,” said Stephanie Kurose, deputy director of government affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Extinction Prevention Act will help deliver the emergency support needed to save the most critically endangered animals and plants that make up our natural heritage. We’re so thankful to Sen. Blumenthal and the other sponsors for helping to give these species a fighting chance.”

Text of the Senate legislation can be found here.

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Boozman Honored with Lifetime of Excellence Award for Service to Optometry and Vision Care

Sen. Boozman accepts the Arkansas Optometric Association Lifetime of Excellence Award. (Photo by Michael Pirnique)

WASHINGTON—The Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) presented U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its Lifetime of Excellence Award in recognition of his distinguished career in optometry, public service and advocacy for patient access to vision care.

“It is an honor to be recognized by my fellow optometrists dedicated to improving eye health and ensuring optometry remains a viable and rewarding profession,” said Boozman. “Serving families in Arkansas over many years was a privilege and showed me the importance of protecting access to high-quality care. Now as a lawmaker, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue driving policies that support providers while advancing vision health for patients across America.”

“Senator Boozman has left an indelible mark on optometry and patient care not only in Arkansas, but throughout the country,” said ArOA Executive Director Matt Burns. “We are excited to honor him and to recognize his decades of service to the profession and the state.”

Boozman co-founded a successful eye-care practice with his brother in Northwest Arkansas that became a major regional provider offering a full range of vision services. He also established the low vision program at the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock, provided support to low-income families and delivered care while on mission trips to Haiti and Costa Rica. The senator completed his pre-optometry studies at the University of Arkansas before earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1977.

As a member of Congress, Boozman has demonstrated steadfast leadership on behalf of optometry providers and patients. He is a member of Congressional Vision Caucus and has championed legislation to improve access to care, strengthen physician reimbursement, expand delivery of vision services for children and underserved populations, as well as support servicemembers experiencing combat-related eye injuries. His policy efforts have also delivered enhanced eye care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, veterans and Americans living with blindness or low vision.

The Arkansas Optometric Association, founded in 1906, represents optometrists across The Natural State and advocates policies that support access to vision care and advance the profession of optometry. The association presented the award during its convention recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and contributions to optometry and patient outcomes.


Boozman Joins Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman announced he has joined the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, a collection of lawmakers committed to sustaining the key program that provides discounts to certain nonprofit health care providers, hospitals and clinics on outpatient drugs, replacing former Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).

“The 340B program is a lifeline for hospitals and clinics across Arkansas, helping vulnerable patients access prescriptions while empowering providers to put savings toward additional services and care in their communities,” said Boozman. “I am proud to join the bipartisan coalition in the Senate leading the effort to protect and strengthen it. We look forward to advancing solutions that support this essential resource and provide confidence and certainty to participants.

“We are pleased to welcome Sen. Boozman to the Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group, which exists to further the shared goal of strengthening the 340B program to maintain its long-term viability. The 340B program fulfills a critical purpose of keeping costs low for eligible health care providers and the patients they serve. The Working Group has made significant progress throughout the years, and now joined by Sen. Boozman, we look forward to continuing our work together on solutions to support this important program,” said 340B Bipartisan Working Group Members Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

The Working Group has existed for more than a decade and is comprised of members who support the 340B program and are committed to sustaining it.

In the 118th Congress, the Working Group requested feedback from stakeholders on how to improve the 340B program through bipartisan policy solutions and released a legislative discussion draft and supplemental request for information. The legislative discussion draft reflected the Working Group’s belief that the program provides a critical benefit to eligible health care providers that enables them to stretch federal resources to provide healthcare services for the patients they serve. The draft also acknowledged concerns from stakeholders about ambiguity in the program and how transparency is needed to ensure the program is serving eligible patients as originally intended.

Moving forward, the Working Group will continue its efforts to incorporate the information shared by stakeholders into legislation that provides clarity, transparency and accountability in the 340B program to ensure the program remains strong long into the future.

Background:

The 340B program requires that drug manufacturers who participate in Medicaid and Medicare provide certain non-profit health care providers, hospitals and clinics (covered entities) a discount on outpatient drugs. The 340B program enables covered entities to use these savings to provide more comprehensive services to eligible patients and their communities.


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Alabama Conservation Officer Shawn Nixon During National Police Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Officer Shawn Nixon of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

Senator Britt made the following remarks on Officer Nixon:

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.

“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.

…

“Shawn Nixon was always known as a ‘man on a mission.’ This was evident through his incredible performance in the field, which was rightfully recognized. So much so that he was nominated for an unprecedented 14 Officer of the Year awards. He was ultimately honored with the Shikar Safari Officer of the Year award just two years ago. Shawn wasn’t just an incredible officer, though. He was a loving father and a loyal friend. He was remembered by all who know him, his two children, and countless friends, and the entire Alabama police community as a man whose mission will continue to live on. And they will carry their memory, his memory, with them.

…

“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late, don’t wait until after their service.

“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”

You can watch the Senator’s remarks honoring Officer Nixon here and her full remarks here.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Alabama Officer Dallas Hinton During National Police Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Officer Dallas Hinton of the Thomasville Police Department.

Senator Britt made the following remarks on Officer Hinton:

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.

“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.

…

“I’d also like to recognize Dallas Hinton. In the greatest nation in the world, young people are fortunate to have what seems like endless paths they can take in life. Dallas chose one of the most noble paths possible by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After his time in the Marines came to an end, Dallas became a police officer with the Thomasville Police Department just two years ago. Dallas served the Thomasville community with the same strength, courage, and valor that he displayed during his time in the Marines. And at just 25 years old, when he had his whole life ahead of him, his life unfortunately was cut short. I am confident it would have been a bright one. He leaves behind a loving fiancée, a mother, a father, as well as two brothers and two sisters. It is my hope that we can all lead our lives with the same courage that Dallas did. He will not be forgotten, and his spirit of service will live on across Alabama with the many lives that he touched.

…

“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late, don’t wait until after their service.

“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”

You can watch the Senator’s remarks honoring Officer Hinton here and her full remarks here.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Officer Corporal David Hathcock During National Police Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Corporal David Hathcock of the Montgomery Police Department.

Senator Britt made the following remarks on Cpl. Hathcock:

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.

“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.

…

“Only a couple of months ago, the Montgomery community mourned the loss of David Hathcock, a 20-year veteran of the Montgomery Police Department. Being a part of any community for that long, much less protecting it every single day, you are bound to make a lasting impact. That’s exactly what Corporal Hathcock did.

“He was considered a leader by those around him, even those who were more senior than him in the department, but especially young officers looked to him as they rose through the ranks for guidance and as an incredible example. David led with excellence, pride and courage, which trickled down throughout the entire department. His memory will live on through his wife and two daughters, as well as countless colleagues and Montgomery residents whose lives he touched.

…

“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late. Don’t wait until after their service.

“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”

You can watch Senator Britt’s remarks remembering Cpl. Hathcock here and her full remarks here.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Honors Fallen Officer Lieutenant Mark Meadows During National Police Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) took to the Senate floor to recognize several Alabama police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past year, including Lieutenant Mark Meadows of the Irondale Police Department.

Senator Britt made the following remarks on Lt. Meadows:

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day when they leave their home, so that we can return to the safety of ours: these incredible hard-working men and women [of our] law enforcement. This National Police Week, I am reminded of those men and women, but I am also reminded of the ones that never returned home.

“There are several Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice this year while protecting our communities, and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them. Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton… Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows all recently lost their lives while serving their communities valiantly.

…

“Mr. President, I would like to recognize Lieutenant Mark Meadows. An Army Ranger veteran, Lieutenant Meadows was no stranger to service. After beginning his career as a police officer in Mountain Brook in 1992, Mark found his home in Irondale, Alabama. He became a fixture of that community, serving the Irondale Police Department for over 30 years. Outside of work, he was a helping hand to all who needed it, helping to coordinate traffic security or the security at his home church. He did that for more than a decade. Mark was the real deal and will always be remembered as leaning in and helping those who needed it most.

…

“Mr. President, I want to encourage everyone across our nation this week to thank a police officer. The stories I just told were those of Alabamians who love their community, their state, and their country. They displayed that every single day. And as we all know, when police officers leave the safety of their home so we can return to ours, we owe them a debt of gratitude. These men that we just honored didn’t have the opportunity to return home. So don’t wait until it’s too late, don’t wait until after their service.

“When you see an officer, let them know how much you appreciate it. Let them know how much you appreciate their sacrifice and their service, whether it’s here in this building, which we are so grateful for, whether it’s back home, (or) whether it’s on the street corner. We appreciate the law and order that they bring and making sure that our communities are safe and sound.”

You can watch Senator Britt’s remarks honoring Lt. Meadows here and her full remarks here.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins Colleagues in Resolutions Backing Law Enforcement During National Police Week

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined several of her Senate colleagues in sponsoring bipartisan resolutions recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers during National Police Week. She is a proud cosponsor of Senator Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) resolution expressing support for police officers across the country, honoring those killed or injured in the line of duty, and calling for increased resources for law enforcement. She’s also a cosponsor of Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) resolution, S.Res.735, designating May 10 through May 16, 2026, as “National Police Week.”

Yesterday, S.Res.735 passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

“This National Police Week, we honor the unwavering commitment and dedication of our law enforcement officers, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Britt. “Across our nation, these brave men and women risk their lives to protect our communities, leaving their homes and putting themselves in harm’s way so we can safely return to ours. Each and every day, they courageously put the safety of others above of their own. I am deeply grateful for their service in upholding the rule of law and strengthening the communities they serve.”

Senator Britt is deeply honored to support the efforts and sacrifices of our nation’s law enforcement officers, and is a proud cosponsor of the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provides new tools for officers to protect themselves.

Senator Britt also honored four fallen Alabama law enforcement officers this week on the floor of the Senate, including Conservation Enforcement Officer Shawn Nixon, Police Officer Dallas Hinton, Corporal David Hathcock, and Lieutenant Mark Meadows.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Questions FBI Director Kash Patel, ATF Director Robert Cekada on FY27 Budget Requests in Senate Appropriations Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined a hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to review the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Requests for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The hearing featured testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel, DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, USMS Director Gadyaces Serralta and ATF Director Robert Cekada.

Senator Britt thanked FBI Director Patel for the work the Bureau has done to keep Alabama communities safe: “I want to just highlight some of the great work that the FBI has done in Alabama. So, over the last year, we have seen the Bureau oversee the arrest of 1,187 criminals. We have seen you seize 31kg of cocaine and over three [kilograms] of fentanyl. If you look over just the last four months alone, you have arrested [154] criminals, 15 of which have crimes related to human trafficking or crimes against children. And that includes a two-week operation, Operation Southern Star in Montgomery, Alabama, which was an interagency operation where I believe you had 63 arrests, 52 guns recovered and 40 drug seizures. As a resident of Montgomery and as someone who is raising her children there, I want to say thank you on behalf of me, on behalf of all the moms and dads that are that are raising their family there and behalf of our community, we say, thank you.”

Senator Britt continued, “I know that this is not just Alabama where you’re doing this, you’re doing this across the country. It is why the FBI has overseen the largest dip in recorded murders in history … I think it is also why you have asked for a significant increase when it comes to actually returning to your mission of putting criminals behind bars … Can you talk about how that increase would help you continue the good work that you’re doing in Alabama, going after criminals, violent criminals, cartels and others, and of course, across the country as well?”

FBI Director Patel highlighted how investing in Redstone Arsenal’s world-class advanced training capabilities will continue to strengthen our law enforcement personnel: “[W]hat we also need to do is work with our state and local folks in the field and provide them with the advanced training capabilities they need. Specifically, for instance, the drone program capability, we launched the first ever of its kind … a counter-UAS program down at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. We’ve graduated 65 state cops from that program. The waitlist is long. Every single agency across the country wants their police officers there … So, the enhancements we’ve requested specifically relate(d) to … Redstone Arsenal are advancing training capabilities, including our cyber center, our TEDAC school, and we’re the only ones in the world that have a ballistic research facility that’s housed at Redstone Arsenal. That’s how we train the next generation of law enforcement officials.”

In her second line of questioning, Senator Britt addressed ATF Director Cekada regarding illicit Chinese vapes, saying, “I know that we discussed at your confirmation hearing the great work the ATF is doing to combat the flow of illicit Chinese vapes into our nation. … These unsafe products target kids in many instances, and I think we have got to put a stop to this.”

Director Cekada responded, noting the need for an increased budget to curtail the flow of illicit vapes, stating, “as you mentioned, Director Serralta … Administrator Cole … and our partners at the FDA are working hand in hand to identify these wholesalers and retailers that are dealing in these illicit vapes. … I can speak for ATF, we are very short staffed as far as our agents go, and our agents are primarily focused on the violent crime efforts that we’re making around the country. … So, we would love to have more agents to focus on this effort in particular, but it’s very challenging for us to do so with the budget that we have.”

You can view the Senator’s full remarks here.

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Capito, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Protect Washington’s Trail

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined her colleagues in reintroducing the Washington’s Trail — 1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility test to designate Washington’s Trail as a national historic trail.

“Washington’s Trail represents an amazing chapter in our nation’s founding, and West Virginia is proud to be a part of that story,” Senator Capito said. “By studying the feasibility of designating Washington’s Trail as a National Historic Trail, we can help preserve this important legacy and ensure future generations understand West Virginia’s unique role in America’s early history.”

“Washington’s Trail is just one example of an iconic piece of American history. We should absolutely do everything we can to protect and preserve this trail for all of us and future generations to enjoy,” Senator Fetterman said. “Recognizing Pennsylvania’s role in history is something I’ll always be proud to talk about. As we celebrate America’s 250th, I can think of no better time than now to get this bill signed into law and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and House who joined its reintroduction.”

“Securing National Historic Trail status for Washington’s Trail is about more than just preservation: it’s a strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s heritage and conservation that honors the journey of a young George Washington right here in our backyard,” Senator McCormick said. “I’m proud to join Senator Fetterman and my colleagues in this designation that will turn a critical piece of our frontier history into a lasting economic and educational asset, ensuring that the story of American leadership continues to inspire both our local communities and visitors from across the nation.”

“George Washington’s journey through what is now West Virginia helped shape the course of American history. Washington’s Trail tells the story of courage, leadership, and the early fight for our nation’s future. These historic trails connect folks to the people, places, and moments that came before us. I’m proud to support the Washington’s Trail—1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to help preserve Washington’s brave footsteps, while also bringing new opportunities for tourism and appreciation for the outdoors in Almost Heaven and beyond,” Senator Justice said.

“The Washington Trail follows George Washington’s first military and diplomatic mission and commemorates an important part of our history,” Senator Kaine said. “As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, we recommit to preserving the stories of America’s founding. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that would begin the process of preserving this trail so that future generations can learn about its significance.”

“Washington’s Trail – which starts right in Williamsburg, Virginia – traces the historic journey that a young George Washington took on his first military and diplomatic venture,” Senator Warner said. “Virginians take great pride in the instrumental role the Commonwealth played in our nation’s earliest years, which is why I’m joining my colleagues in taking this step to designate Washington’s route as a National Historic Trail. Preserving this piece of our country’s past will provide educational opportunities to young people, promote tourism, boost local economies, and protect cultural and historical resources for future generations to enjoy.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.-16).

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Capito, Kennedy Introduce Bill to Prevent Collection of Small Business Owners’ Personal Data

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced a bill to prevent the U.S. Treasury Department from unnecessarily collecting small business owners’ personal information.

“I’m proud to support this legislation that reins in unnecessary data collection and puts U.S. small businesses’ privacy first,” Senator Capito said. “For too long, hardworking Americans—including many West Virginians—have faced overly broad reporting requirements that do little to enhance security while also exposing their sensitive personal information. This bill takes a targeted, responsible approach that ensures oversight efforts are focused where they matter most, while lifting an undue burden.”

“When an obscure government policy requires small business owners to fork over personal data that even our government admits it doesn’t need, it’s time to change that policy. That’s why I’m leading the bill to permanently end this burdensome mandate and keep law-abiding Americans’ personal information out of a database it should never have been in,” Senator Kennedy said.

In addition to Senators Capito and Kennedy, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) also joined in introducing the bill.

BACKGROUND:

Under 2021’s Corporate Transparency Act, the federal government began mandating the collection of certain individuals’ Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI), including small business owners’ full legal names, dates of birth, addresses and unique identifying numbers.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) ultimately found these reporting requirements to be overly onerous and intrusive for small businesses.

By March 2025, FinCEN issued a rule narrowing the scope of the data collection to foreign reporting companies, pausing the collection of many Americans’ data.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Cassidy Defends Jones Act, Highlights Importance for Louisiana Shipbuilding, Economy

(Click here to watch and here to download.)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor defending the Jones Act and warning against waivers of the law, which protects Louisiana ports, shipyards, energy producers, and maritime workers from unfair competition from foreign vessels and labor.

“[The Jones Act] supports American industry. In my state, Louisiana ports, shipyards, energy producers, maritime workers, are a large portion of the state’s economy,” said Dr. Cassidy.

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Cassidy Speaks at Disabled American Veterans State Convention

BATON ROUGE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke at the State Convention for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Baton Rouge, where he committed to continue advocating for veterans and their families in Washington.

“It is our duty to support our veterans, who risked their lives to defend our freedoms,” said Dr. Cassidy. “In Washington, I’m working to make sure Congress works for them.”

In December, Cassidy passed the VetPAC Act and the Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act through the Senate. These bills would make VA hospitals more effective and efficient and increase access to job counseling services for widows and widowers of deceased servicemembers.

Cassidy is also a co-sponsor of the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat or combat-related injuries to receive both their VA disability compensation and full military retirement pay.

At the state convention, Cassidy also met with attendees and discussed how his Baton Rouge office can help them with any individual problem they have with the VA. He was welcomed to the convention by Mr. Paul Hermann, Adjutant for the DAV Department of Louisiana.

“The Disabled American Veterans Department of Louisiana appreciates the time that Senator Cassidy took to attend our department’s convention and inform us on the work he is doing in DC to support veterans and especially disabled veterans,” said Mr. Hermann.

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Senator Collins Attends Grand Opening of Millinocket Regional Hospital’s New Emergency Department

Click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.

MILLINOCKET, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins attended the grand opening of Millinocket Regional Hospital’s new emergency department where she delivered remarks and toured the facility with hospital staff. Since 2022, Senator Collins has secured nearly $13.4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to help construct and equip Millinocket Regional Hospital’s new emergency department, which will double the number of rooms available to patients.

“As a native of Caribou, I know how important emergency health care access is to the vitality, and even the survival, of our state’s rural communities. Seeing the beautiful new emergency department in Millinocket today, I was struck by how thoughtfully it was designed and built to meet the specific needs of this region,” said Senator Collins. “This critical addition to the community will help increase access to quality emergency services for both residents and visitors of the Katahdin Region alike. It was a pleasure to congratulate the leaders, staff, and supporters of Millinocket Regional Hospital on this significant advancement, and I was proud to help make it possible by securing nearly $13.4 million through two Congressionally Directed Spending awards to construct and equip this facility.”

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Throughout her Senate service, Senator Collins has continued to be a champion for rural Maine. In December, Senator Collins announced that Maine will receive $190 million in first-year funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion initiative that will be awarded over five years that she proposed to support rural health care systems across the country. The RHTP is the largest single federal investment in rural health care in more than two decades.

Senator Collins recently joined Steve Michaud, the longtime President of the Maine Hospital Association, for a conversation at the American Hospital Association’s annual meeting about the challenges facing our rural health and how she is working to address them.

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PHOTO: Cornyn Meets with Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke yesterday with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and local leaders, including City of Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and City of College Station Mayor John Nichols, to discuss the provisions in the once-in-a-generation Working Families Tax Cuts Act secured by Sen. Cornyn and President Trump to help small businesses reinvest in their employees and Texas families to keep more of their hard-earned money. They also discussed Texas A&M University and the entire University System’s commitment to building a talent pipeline to fill in-demand jobs and ensure Texas has a skilled workforce. See photo below.


Cortez Masto Honors Police Week, Advances Legislation to Support Law Enforcement

Washington, D.C. – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) gave a speech on the Senate floor to honor Nevada law enforcement and highlight her work to support public safety. This week, Congress advanced her bills to combat organized retail crime, support Tribal public safety, and posthumously honor fallen law enforcement officers.

“For me, supporting law enforcement is personal. My husband is a retired law enforcement officer,” said Senator Cortez Masto on the Senate floor. “And I have seen firsthand the sacrifices our officers and their families make so our families feel safe at home. That’s why I’ve worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to champion legislation to support police officers across the country.”

Progress was made on several of Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to support law enforcement this week:

On Monday, the Senate unanimously passed Senator Cortez Masto’s Medal of Sacrifice Act. The legislation, which the Senator led alongside Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), would create a new presidential award to posthumously honor law enforcement officers and other first responders killed in the line of duty. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed Senator Cortez Masto’s legislation to crack down on retail theft schemes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, co-led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and create new tools to tackle evolving trends in organized retail and supply chain theft. This bill now awaits a vote in the Senate.

On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan legislation to help Tribal law enforcement track down violent criminals and search for missing children. The Tribal Warrant Fairness Act would allow the U.S. Marshals Service to assist Tribal law enforcement as it would any other law enforcement agency. The bill now awaits a vote on the floor of the Senate.

The former top law enforcement official in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto is a leading advocate in the Senate for Nevada’s police officers. Last year, Cortez Masto’s bill to ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers killed as a result of their service have access to benefits was signed into law and her legislation to strengthen public safety in Indian Country passed the Senate. She is leading bipartisan legislation to combat human trafficking along America’s interstates, airways, railroads, and waterways. Cortez Masto has also introduced legislation to redirect excessive funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to local law enforcement and has condemned the pardons of violent criminals who assaulted police officers on January 6th.

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Cortez Masto, Rosen Deliver Natural Disaster, Emergency Funding for Nevada

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) delivered over $3.5 million in funding to community projects across Nevada for disaster mitigation and for emergency planning and response. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill recently signed into law provides a full year of funding to the Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Coast Guard. It does not include any additional funding for ICE and Border Patrol.

“I’ve been calling for the passage of this bill to pay FEMA, TSA, Secret Service, and Coast Guard employees for months,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m glad to see it finally signed into law and on its way to delivering critical support for federal employees and projects across rural Nevada and Las Vegas.”

“I’m proud to have helped pass this legislation to pay TSA officers and other federal employees in Nevada, while securing critical funding for projects in our state to keep hardworking families safe,” said Senator Rosen. “I’ll continue working across party lines to make sure Nevada gets its fair share of federal resources to support our first responders and protect Nevadans.”

Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen worked together to secure over $3.5 million for community projects across Nevada, including:

$1.1 million to fund the installation of new backup generators at the Flamingo Water Resource Center (FWRC) wastewater treatment facility, which will provide resilience during power outages.

$1 million to help Clark County fund critical upgrades to the emergency notification, communication, and information management systems at the South Site Emergency Operations Center.

$500,000 for Humboldt County to repurpose a historic Air Force Base as the County’s emergency operations center.

$375,000 for Lyon County to purchase and install emergency backup generators for the Lyon County Administrative Complex, Yerington Senior Center, Silver Springs Senior Center, and Dayton Senior Center.

$338,000 to formulate and document viable alternatives to address the persistent flooding issues experienced throughout the Town of Pahrump.

$323,000 to help Nye County develop construction-ready solutions to mitigate dangerous flooding conditions that regularly threaten both motorists and pedestrians during inclement weather.

$150,000 for the City of Las Vegas to make upgrades at their emergency operations center.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hannah McCarthy (202) 465-5601

May 15, 2026

Cotton Introduces Bill to Revoke Visas of Terrorists’ Family Members

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to close a national-security loophole that allows close family members of designated terrorists to legally live in the United States.

The No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would revoke existing visas from terrorists’ close family members and prohibit them from obtaining any future visas. This follows the recent report that Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani’s niece and grandniece, known for spreading anti-American, pro-terror propaganda, were allowed to legally live in the United States on visas for years.

“Relatives of terrorists have no business being in our country. My bill would revoke visas from family members of terrorists to keep Arkansans safer,” said Senator Cotton.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The No Safe Haven for Terrorist Families Act would:

Create a new, permanent ground of inadmissibility that prevents spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of America’s most dangerous adversaries from receiving any U.S. visa or immigrating here.

Require the Secretary of State to revoke any existing visa held by a covered family member within 30 days of determining they are inadmissible.


Sen. Cruz Remarks on Senate Judiciary Committee Passing John Barnes Act to Strengthen Benefits for Public Safety Officers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, delivered remarks as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted yesterday to pass the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026. Sen. Cruz introduced and is leading the bipartisan legislation with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). This bill speeds up benefit determinations for public safety officers by amending the existing Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program.

Click here or on the image above to watch Sen. Cruz’s opening remarks.

Please see below for excerpts and highlights from Sen. Cruz’s opening remarks as delivered:

“This week, we remember the 201 law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty this year, including 16 Texans. And we honor the fallen by keeping faith with the living. That faith has a name: the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program, created by Congress in 1976, so that when our first responders answer the call of sacrifice, their country does not answer with silence. But silence is exactly what too many heroes have received. The program is failing too many first responders and their loved ones.

“That's why I have teamed up with Senator Gillibrand to introduce the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers Benefits Program Expansion Act. The bill forces the program to make final determinations within 270 days of receiving completed claims. It provides temporary relief to first responders left waiting by inexcusable delays, and it creates an expedited system of review for public safety officers who did not hesitate to act during the September 11 attacks.

“I want to thank the supporters of this bill, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the National Association of Police Organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Narcotics Officers Association Coalition, the United States Deputy Sheriffs' Association, and the Voices Center for Resilience. I appreciate the senators who have joined me on this, and I urge the committee to adopt the bill.”

Click here to read more about the bill.

BACKGROUND

The Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026 would:


Sen. Cruz Remarks On Senate Judiciary Committee Passing TREY’S Law To Protect Child Sexual Assault Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, delivered remarks as the Senate Judiciary Committee voted yesterday to pass the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S) Law. Sen. Cruz introduced and is leading the bipartisan legislation with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). The bill voids non-disclosure agreements that silence survivors of child sexual abuse.

Click here or on the image above to watch Sen. Cruz’s remarks on TREY’S Law.

Please see below for Sen. Cruz’s opening remarks as delivered:

“I'll speak briefly. I addressed this bill at greater length two weeks ago at the last markup we did. But Trey's Law is an important civil rights law and an important protection for kids.

“It is named for Trey Carlock, who is a Texan. As a young boy, he attended a Christian summer camp, and tragically, he was groomed and sexually assaulted by an adult male at that camp for a period of years. He lived with the agony of that abuse. Ultimately, litigation ensued. He settled that litigation, and as part of the settlement, he signed a non-disclosure agreement, and as a result, Trey kept the details of that abuse silent his entire life. He agonized under that silence. Ultimately, Trey took his own life in the aftermath of what had occurred at that camp.

“Trey's Law is a simple, common-sense step that says a non-disclosure agreement shall not be enforced to silence child victims of sexual assault. I wish I could say what happened to Trey was an outlier, was unusual, but it is not. Child sexual assault occurs far too often in this country, and frequently, litigation that ensues results in a non-disclosure agreement that attempts to muzzle the child from telling his story or her story forever. That is wrong.

“Trey's sister Elizabeth has been a heroic warrior, telling his story, advocating for this protection for kids. Texas has passed Trey's Law, as Senator Cornyn noted. Jeff Leach introduced it and carried it through in the state legislature. Thank you, Jeff, for doing so. Congress will be following Texas's lead very shortly, but this is an important common-sense protection. A number of senators are co-sponsors of this bill, and I am grateful for all of you, and I urge the committee to pass it.”

Click here to read more about the bill.

BACKGROUND

Trey’s Law prevents the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and trafficking. The bill makes any NDA provision unenforceable if it prohibits or restricts someone from disclosing the sexual abuse of a minor or facts related to that abuse. Importantly, this protection applies regardless of when the NDA was signed, whether before a dispute arose or as part of a civil settlement agreement.

The bill is named in honor of Trey Carlock, a beloved citizen of Dallas, Texas, who was silenced by an NDA after enduring a retraumatizing civil litigation process against Kanakuk Ministries. He ultimately died by suicide at age 28.


Curtis, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Protect Drinking Water Infrastructure During Extreme Heat

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced legislation to help protect drinking water infrastructure when faced with extreme heat or cold. The bipartisan Protecting America’s Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act would make extreme temperatures, like extreme heat, an eligible condition for public water systems to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program. This program is currently only available to bolster water infrastructure against extreme weather, natural disasters, and cybersecurity attacks. The bill would also reauthorize the program—which is set to expire this year—through 2032. The legislation is cosponsored by Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

“From prolonged heat to freezing winter conditions, extreme temperatures can threaten access to safe, reliable drinking water for communities across Utah and the West,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan bill gives local water systems greater flexibility to strengthen infrastructure before emergencies happen and helps ensure families can continue to count on clean water no matter the weather.”

“Nevada has seen some of the hottest summers ever recorded over the past few years—putting at risk our ability to access clean drinking water when we need it the most,” said Senator Rosen. “Extreme temperatures pose as much of a threat to our infrastructure as other weather events. That’s why I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure our communities can qualify for federal resources to strengthen public water systems.”

“Americans count on their government to ensure they have access to clean water, especially during extreme heat and extreme cold,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “We must properly invest in the resiliency of the infrastructure that makes it happen. I am proud to stand with Senators Rosen and Curtis to introduce the bipartisan Protecting Midsize and Large Drinking Water Systems from Extreme Temperature Act.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Background:

Communities facing extreme temperatures are especially vulnerable to drinking water contamination and interruptions. Rapid temperature changes can weaken underground drinking water pipes, and extreme heat can warm drinking water enough to grow toxic microorganisms and expose the water to plastic or metal pollutants from overheated pipes. In the case of extreme cold, pipes can burst and leave many homes without running water.


Daines Reacts to Trump’s Historic China Visit: A Great Moment for America

Joins Fox News, Fox Business, and Bloomberg

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines joined Fox News, Fox Business, and Bloomberg TV to react to President Trump’s historic trip to China as well as latest updates in Iran. Read highlights below.

Daines on Fox and Friends

I could not be prouder of President Trump. And what I just heard, I’m watching this live feed that you’re watching as well. I never thought I’d live to see the day when President Xi Jinping said, Make America Great Again. This is a great moment. I was just in that great hall literally a week ago today. In fact, if you look at the seating with President Trump, the gentleman to his right is Premier Li Qiang. That’s the number two leader in China. And then around [the table] you see Marco Rubio then Foreign Minister Wang Yi. I met with both the Premier and Wang Yi last week in Beijing with a bipartisan delegation of five U.S. senators. And it was just the fourth visit to China in six years by U.S. senators. It’s so important that we not decouple. We need to engage. We need to, as was just described, promote strategic stability at this moment. It’s the two largest economies in the world, the two largest militaries in the world. There’s so much at stake. And I’m so proud of President Trump, who now has been to China twice. President Biden never went to China. President Trump’s been there twice. A credit to the president, his team, and those great leaders of America who are there working to get better access for U.S. businesses.

Watch the full interview on Fox News HERE.

Daines on Varney & Co.

[Trump’s] not decoupling. He’s engaging. He’s stabilizing this most important relationship. I think you’re going to see a Boeing deal, a beef deal, a beans deal. We call it Boeing, beef and beans….another one of the things we’re looking at is cooperating on reducing the fentanyl precursors that are shipped from China into Mexico, converted to fentanyl by cartels, and then poisoning and killing the American people. That’s something I was working on a year ago in Beijing with the premier. And the good news, Stuart, is I’ve been chatting with our drug enforcement folks, both on the ground working for the United States in China as well as here in the United States. We are making progress seeing the Chinese stopping some of these precursors that are killing Americans. So one of the things the Chinese could get out of this is reducing one of the tariffs we have in place resulting from these fentanyl precursors. So it’s always give and take in these negotiations. But here’s the good news, Stuart, is that President Trump is engaged. He’s working diplomatically. He’s saying the right things. He’s engaging the right people up and down from the top to mid-level to the bottom so we can improve this relationship. The world’s counting on us to strengthen this relationship between the United States and China.

Watch the full interview on Fox Business HERE.

Daines on Bloomberg TV

The day before I met with Wang Yi the Iranian foreign minister was sitting in the same chair I was sitting in a day later talking about the issues in Iran and the conflict. And the readout from that meeting was that the Chinese want to help stabilize the situation, to de-escalate it and get the Strait of Hormuz open, get the flow of oil moving forward, getting the price of oil down, getting the price of gasoline down. That’ll serve not only the United States and China, but the global economy. So they were being helpful. And I’m glad to see that President Trump and Xi Jinping continued that discussion. And from everything I’m hearing, it was constructive. And we need China to help us. They do have a unique role to play as an interlocutor with the Iranian government. And we need them to be leading and helping us to stop the conflict in Iran and helping us bring this to an end.

Watch the full interview on Bloomberg HERE.

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After Personally Calling DHS Secretary Mullin, Duckworth Announces Military Spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega Has Been Released from ICE Detention

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Duckworth (D-IL) announced the release of military spouse Deisy Rivera Ortega from ICE detention after the Senator personally called U.S. Department of Homeland Security Director Markwayne Mullin this week advocating on Ms. Rivera Ortega’s behalf. Duckworth’s call comes after Ms. Rivera Ortega—wife of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Serrano—was arrested and detained by ICE during a routine immigration check-in appointment on April 14, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. SFC Jose Serrano is an active-duty soldier who has served in the Army for over 25 years, including in Afghanistan.

“I am so incredibly grateful for Deisy’s release and for her to be reunited with her family. Deisy was doing everything “the right way:” attending her Military Parole in Place interview when she was detained by ICE with no warrant and no explanation. There is no higher betrayal to our heroes than to have one of their family members deported by the same nation they sacrificed to defend.

“I’m thankful to Secretary Mullin for heeding my personal call to release Deisy, but she—and so many others—should never have been in this situation to begin with. I will never stop working to protect our Veterans and military families. They fought for this country, we must fight for them.”

In January, Duckworth introduced the PROTECT Military Families Act, a bicameral bill that aims to protect military families from deportation and forced separation detrimental to military morale and mission readiness. Last year, as Donald Trump continued to target our brave immigrant Veterans and servicemembers in his mass deportation campaign, Duckworth reintroduced a package of bills—the Veterans Visa and Protection Act, HOPE Act and I-VETS Act—that would prohibit the deportation of immigrant Veterans who are not violent offenders, provide these Veterans with a pathway to citizenship through their military service and help ensure those who have already been deported can access the VA healthcare services they are entitled to.

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Duckworth and Baldwin Urge FAA to Review How Reduced Crew Size Impacts Emergency Evacuation Standards and Passenger Safety

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After a series of high-profile emergency evacuations over the last year, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)—authors of the EVAC Act in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024—today called on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford to provide a status update on the implementation of the Senators’ legislation. As our nation continues to see more emergency evacuations failing to meet federal safety standards, the Senators also requested a study examining how the FAA’s decision to allow several major airlines to reduce the size of their crew on certain dual-aisle aircraft could impact passenger safety in the event of an evacuation. Reduction in crew size could create dangerous gaps in safety, considering how carriers rarely—if ever—complete evacuations within FAA’s required 90-second window even when the aircraft is fully staffed.

The Senators wrote: “Passengers and crewmembers trust the FAA to ensure that the minimum crew requirements adequately address their safety during emergency evacuation, as well as in other emergencies, such as onboard fires, medical emergencies, or security threats. Past evacuation incidents reinforce what we have learned from real-world experience: The presence of Flight Attendants, stationed in the right locations, help passengers survive when their lives depend on it. Appropriate crew staffing is not a luxury; it is a life-saving necessity.”

Duckworth and Baldwin passed into law their EVAC Act in the historic FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that requires the FAA to update its emergency evacuation standards for aircraft to reflect real-world conditions, including the presence of carry-on bags and passengers who may be senior citizens, children or persons with disabilities. The law required the study on improvements to evacuation standards be completed by May 16, 2025—but almost two years after its enactment, the report is still not complete.

The Senators also highlight how, even though the FAA’s approvals to reduce minimum crew requirements for certain American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines aircraft technically comply with the agency’s regulations, it shirks the longstanding industry standard that all dual-aisle aircraft have an equal number of flight attendants and floor-level emergency exits. By neglecting this standard for dual-aisle aircraft, the FAA could potentially put the flying public’s safety at needless risk by weakening flight crews’ ability to meet evacuation safety standards.

The Senators continued: “Without a certified Flight Attendant positioned at every dual-aisle floor-level exit, passengers could be left vulnerable at precisely the moment they must rely on skilled, decisive guidance and rapid action from highly trained and certified Flight Attendants. Furthermore, reduced staffing poses additional risk in the unfortunate event that a Flight Attendant is left incapacitated during a serious incident.”

A copy of the letter can be found on the Senator’s website and below:

We are concerned about the critical safety standards that help passengers survive when an emergency evacuation of an aircraft becomes necessary. As we eagerly await the implementation of Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-63), commonly referred to as the EVAC Act, it has been brought to our attention that several major U.S. carriers are now operating dual-aisle aircraft without a certified Flight Attendant at every floor-level exit.

We are requesting that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide a status update on the implementation of Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Separately, we urge the FAA to examine the impact of revised minimum crew requirements on the efficiency of emergency evacuations. Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 requires the FAA to examine the changing attributes of the modern-day flying public, including age, height, weight, ability level, language skills, carry-on luggage, seat size, passenger space, aircraft configuration, pets and service animals, among other factors. Past emergency evacuations show that factors such as these have affected efficiency. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 required the study on improvements to evacuation standards be completed by May 16, 2025. Almost two years after enactment, the report is still not complete.

Separately, 14 CFR Part 121.391 mandates safety standards for evacuating an aircraft within 90 seconds. This standard is not arbitrary—it is based on the harsh reality that seconds can be the difference between life and death. Despite the importance of efficient evacuations, a September 2020 Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General investigation concluded that the FAA, “has not conducted sufficient research on passenger behaviors—such as evacuations with carry-on bags and the presence of emotional support animals—and seat dimensions to show how they affect evacuation standards.”

Dynamics impacting emergency evacuations continue to evolve, including the decision by major U.S. carriers to operate dual-aisle aircraft without a certified Flight Attendant at every floor-level exit. In a dual-aisle aircraft, the fuselage is wide enough to accommodate two aisles with passenger seats arranged in multiple columns, ranging from six to ten seats across in the economy section. These aircraft frequently carry more than 200 passengers. While reducing the number of crewmembers may technically satisfy 14 CFR Part 121.391, which requires one Flight Attendant per 50 passenger seats, it violates the purpose of evacuation certification and creates a dangerous gap in safety.

Reducing the minimum crew requirement means that a single Flight Attendant is solely responsible for operating two doors, up to 19 feet apart. This means one Flight Attendant could be responsible for evacuating hundreds of passengers across two aisles and middle column seats. Without a certified Flight Attendant positioned at every dual-aisle floor-level exit, passengers could be left vulnerable at precisely the moment they must rely on skilled, decisive guidance and rapid action from highly trained and certified Flight Attendants. Furthermore, reduced staffing poses additional risk in the unfortunate event that a Flight Attendant is left incapacitated during a serious incident. The minimum crew reduction on dual-aisle aircraft has been adopted by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and, most recently, American Airlines.

The certification of the Boeing 787 was done using an analysis of earlier dual-aisle aircraft models, meaning it never underwent full, in-person evacuation testing to prove it could be safely evacuated in 90 seconds. The previous analysis also does not account for the realities of today’s flying public, which increasingly includes older adults, people with disabilities, families traveling with young children, and record passenger load factors. Therefore, it seems risky to assume the aircraft could be evacuated without adequate staffing.

We urge the FAA to complete the study mandated by Section 365 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to examine the attributes of today’s traveling public. Given recent concerns, we ask that the FAA separately study the impact of minimum crew requirements and crew placement in relation to floor-level exits on evacuation efficiency, particularly on dual-aisle aircraft, including examination of following:

The impact of not having a certified Flight Attendant stationed at every floor-level exit

The potential impact of passengers operating floor-level exits on dual-aisle aircraft

The impact of incapacitated Flight Attendant(s) on the efficiency of an evacuation

The impact of current aircraft configuration and design on evacuation efficiency

The impact of requiring a Flight Attendant to establish evacuation flow on a dual aisle aircraft at the primary door, cross a crowded galley or aisle to an additional door and continue the evacuation

The current Flight Attendant hands-on training and procedures for evacuating multiple floor-level exits on dual-aisle aircraft.

Passengers and crewmembers trust the FAA to ensure that the minimum crew requirements adequately address their safety during emergency evacuation, as well as in other emergencies, such as onboard fires, medical emergencies, or security threats. Past evacuation incidents reinforce what we have learned from real-world experience: The presence of Flight Attendants, stationed in the right locations, help passengers survive when their lives depend on it. Appropriate crew staffing is not a luxury; it is a life-saving necessity.

We encourage the FAA to complete the study required by Section 365 and build on the findings by examining additional evacuation factors to ensure the highest integrity of our aviation safety standards.

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Fischer Addresses Offutt Infrastructure Projects, POW/MIA Lab

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Department of Defense officials on the status of flood recovery projects and the failure to request funding for a new laboratory for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) at Offutt Air Force Base.

Download video of Fischer’s questioning here

Download audio of Fischer’s questioning here

Fischer’s questioning on Offutt infrastructure:

FISCHER: General Bell, I appreciated our conversation yesterday on the importance of completing that flood recovery project that we have at Offutt. We have airmen and civilians that are working out of a building originally built as a bomber factory in World War II. As new facilities are being constructed and are being outfitted, do you have an estimate for when these new facilities are going to be completed?

BELL: Senator Fischer, thank you for that question. Yes, of course, the floods that took place there were disastrous. The national disaster recovery plan for Offutt had seven different MILCON projects that were part of them. Four of them are complete. Three more are still in work with an estimated completion of September of [20]28 and I can certainly give you more details on those.

Fischer’s questioning on POW/MIA lab:

FISCHER: Mr. Marks, I'm very disappointed that the department has chosen not to include a MILCON request for a new laboratory for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. The DPAA’s current laboratory at Offutt is housed in a World War II bomber factory that needs to be demolished.

This agency has a sacred mission, and that's to account for missing service members in part of a solemn commitment to this country, and that it makes to service members willing to give their lives for the defense of our country. And failing to prioritize the construction of the agency's new lab is really at odds with that commitment.

Mr. Marks, since the DPAA is a defense wide agency, it has a unique military construction prioritization. Will you commit to working with my office to ensure that the department understands this mission and the new laboratory is properly prioritized in future fiscal years?

MARKS: Senator, absolutely. So, I've been to the one, not only in Hawaii, but also at Offutt. I'm very, very familiar. It is one of our most sacred, if not the most sacred, mission that we do have. And the director happens to be a personal friend of mine. We've spoken frequently about this. I will absolutely commit to look not only into this, but I'll follow back up with you to ensure that we're putting a proper priority on it to the best of our ability.

Today’s hearing was convened by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs to examine the fiscal year 2027 military construction and family housing budget.

The following Department of Defense officials testified at the hearing:

The Honorable Dale Marks, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Department of Defense

Lieutenant General Michelle Donahue, Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Logistics, United States Army

Rear Admiral Timothy Brown, Director, Logistics Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy

Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, United States Marine Corps

Lieutenant General Kenyon Bell, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection, United States Air Force

Ms. Kathryn Kolbe, Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Installations and Logistics, United States Space Force

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In Buffalo: Amid Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Gillibrand Demands End To Trump’s Reckless War With Iran To Provide Relief To Western New York Families

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gaggled with reporters at an ARCO gas station in Buffalo, slamming President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years. With the average cost of gas in New York State today at $4.60 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago—Gillibrand called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking New Yorkers.

“From driving down the 90 to dropping your child off at school or traveling to a doctor’s appointment, Western New Yorkers are now paying 50 percent more just to get where they need to go,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This is the direct result of President Trump’s reckless war with Iran. The people of Buffalo do not want a forever war; they want to be able to afford their lives. The president must end this conflict and deliver immediate relief to families and small businesses across New York.”

“Rising gas prices are making everyday life more expensive for working families, children, and seniors across Erie County,” said Erie County Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera. “Every extra trip adds up, from getting to work and school to doctor’s appointments, sports practices, and after-school programs. Erie County has resources available to assist residents impacted by rising costs, but real relief must begin with federal action. I join Senator Gillibrand in calling on the federal government to end this war and focus on lowering costs for hardworking Americans, and I thank her for her leadership on this important issue.”

“Buffalo families and local businesses are already dealing with enough economic uncertainty without higher gas prices caused by President Trump’s war and worsening instability in the Middle East,” said Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan.“When fuel costs spike, it drives up the price of goods and services for families and takes money out of local economies. I thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for continuing to fight for policies that lower costs and support working families.”

Senator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than reckless foreign wars abroad.

Today’s stop in Buffalo is part of Senator Gillibrand’s statewide tour to address New Yorkers’ anxieties about the rising cost of gas, which is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran.

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In Mattydale: Amid Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Gillibrand Demands End To Reckless War With Iran To Provide Relief To Central New York Families

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gaggled with reporters at Byrne Dairy in Mattydale, calling out President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years with direct impacts on Central New York families and farmers. With the average cost of gas in New York State today at $4.60 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago—Gillibrand called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking New Yorkers.

“Because of this reckless war with Iran, Central New Yorkers are now paying 50 percent more just to get where they need to go,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This isn’t just hitting families at the pump; it is also crushing our New York farmers, who are seeing their profits destroyed by the rising cost of diesel needed to run their equipment and get their goods to market. Central New Yorkers do not want a forever war—they want to be able to afford their lives. The president must end this conflict and deliver immediate relief to families and farmers across New York.”

Senator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than foreign wars abroad.

Today’s stop in Mattydale is part of Senator Gillibrand’s statewide tour to address New Yorkers’ anxieties about the rising cost of gas, which is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran.

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On Long Island: Amid Skyrocketing Gas Prices, Gillibrand Demands End To Reckless War With Iran To Provide Relief To Long Island Families

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gaggled with reporters at the Mobil gas station in Massapequa, slamming President Trump for causing the highest gas prices in years. With the average cost of gas in New York State today at $4.60 per gallon—nearly 50 percent more than it was a year ago—Gillibrand called for an immediate and permanent end to the president’s war in Iran, which is directly responsible for raising costs for hardworking New Yorkers.

“Long Islanders are being forced to pay 50 percent more just to get where they need to go,”said Senator Gillibrand. “This is the direct result of President Trump’s reckless war with Iran. Long Islanders do not want a forever war; they want to be able to afford their lives. It is time for the president to end this conflict and provide immediate relief to Long Island families.”

Senator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. She has voted yes multiple times on war powers resolutions to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than reckless foreign wars abroad.

Today’s stop on Long Island is part of Senator Gillibrand’s statewide tour to address New Yorkers’ anxieties about the rising cost of gas, which is a direct result of President Trump’s war with Iran.

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Sen. Gillibrand, Reps. Kennedy And Meng Introduce New Legislation To Ban Enhanced Body Armor Use By Civilians

Legislation would ban armor like that worn by the assailant in the 2022 Tops supermarket shooting in Buffalo, NY, which killed 10 people

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced legislation to prohibit the sale, transfer, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. Reps. Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26) and Grace Meng (D-NY-06) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act is named for Aaron Salter, Jr., a retired Buffalo police officer who was the security guard on duty during the deadly shooting at Tops. Mr. Salter took immediate action to combat the shooter, but his weapon was no match for the enhanced body armor that the shooter wore.

“This is commonsense legislation that could help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am introducing this legislation in honor of the lives that were lost four years ago at Tops in Buffalo. We must get it passed to combat the scourge of gun violence that is terrorizing communities across our country.”

“Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr. died a hero, buying patrons and workers precious seconds to hide or escape as a result of his unwavering courage and his willingness to protect those in harm’s way,” said Congressman Kennedy. “No civilian should have access to the military-grade body armor the assailant used on 5/14 – equipment that is designed for war, not our streets. Through this critical legislation, we can ensure that enhanced body armor never falls in the wrong hands again.”

“Four years ago, a white supremacist, armed with a weapon of war and enhanced body armor, targeted a predominantly Black neighborhood in the City of Buffalo. He took the lives of ten innocent people and wounded three others. Aaron Salter Jr., a 30–year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department, was the security guard on duty that day. He did everything he could to protect his community, but his weapon was no match for the enhanced body armor the shooter wore,” said Congresswoman Meng. “It should never be possible for anyone with internet access to purchase equipment designed to withstand military-grade ammunition. This is commonsense legislation, which I am proud to lead with Rep. Kennedy and Senator Gillibrand for the Buffalo community and the far too many others throughout the United States that have experienced the terror and tragedy of gun violence. It not only honors Officer Salter, who was a hero on May 14, 2022, but it also takes concrete action to protect law.”

This week marked the four-year anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets grocery store shooting in Buffalo, New York, during which a racist gunman opened fire at the Tops supermarket in East Buffalo. The shooter killed 10 people and injured three more.

This legislation aims to reduce the amount of enhanced body armor—which is designed to withstand rifle ammunition—available for purchase. Enhanced body armor is defined as body armor that meets or exceeds Level III ballistic resistance level, which is tested to stop 7.62 mm rifle ammunition, as determined by the National Institute of Justice at the U.S. Department of Justice. Currently, this kind of body armor is legal for civilians in most states to purchase online without federal restrictions. This legislation seeks to change this by prohibiting its sale, transfer, or possession by civilians, while exempting law enforcement and military personnel.

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Brady, GIFFORDS, Everytown, and Newtown Action Alliance.

The text of the bill can be found here.

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Iowa Airports to Receive $15.75 Million from Grassley-Backed Infrastructure Law

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed news from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that four Iowa airports will receive a total of $15.75 million to modernize and expand terminal areas and infrastructure. The funding comes from the USDOT’s Airport Terminal Program, which was established by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This latest announcement will benefit Iowans in the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, Burlington and Fort Dodge areas by funding much-needed airport improvement projects.

“Iowa’s airports are a gateway to our state, connecting people and moving our world-class products to market. Keeping our infrastructure up to date strengthens Iowa’s economy, supports travelers’ safety and promotes more efficient travel. From roads to bridges to airport terminals, I’m proud Iowa continues to benefit substantially as a result of my support for the bipartisan infrastructure law,” Grassley said.

Details on the federal awards follow:


Iowa to Receive Over $5.6 Million from FEMA to Support Local Communities

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA– U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that 13 projects in Iowa will receive a combined $5.6 million in funding. The funding will benefit Iowans in the following counties: Adair, Cherokee, Clay, Jasper, Lyon, Marshall, Osceola and Sioux.

"As Iowa communities continue to repair and rebuild in the wake of floods and severe storms, this announcement is welcome news,” Grassley said. “I'm glad to see these funds move out the door and into the communities where they belong.”

The 13 FEMA awards are:

City of Newton: $127,162.86 to fund embankment, guard rail, other repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Adair County Memorial Hospital: $830,418.01 to fund building exterior, building interior, contents, exterior site repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Marshall County Secondary Roads: $756,799.28 to fund embankment repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Lyon County: $652,608.29 to fund building interior repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

City of Cherokee: $331,200.00 to fund pipe repair or replacement and $210,739.07 to fund the repair or replacement of docks, equipment, park buildings and tables as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Sioux County Conservation Board: $800,214.15 to fund beach, furniture, piers, tables repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Trinity Lutheran Church: $632,768.46 to fund building exterior, building interior repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Clay County Secondary Roads: $101,562.59 to fund costs related to the management of Public Assistance (PA) Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

City of Spencer: $573,691.05 to fund emergency measures to lessen immediate threats to public health and safety and property due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Osceola County Secondary Roads: $178,272.03 to fund costs related to the management of PA Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Spencer Municipal Utilities: $163,109.38 to fund costs related to the management of PA Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

Rock Valley Residential Housing: $252,505.24 to fund costs related to the management of PA Grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.

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Law Enforcement Groups Cheer Senate Judiciary Committee Advancement of Police Week Legislation

WASHINGTON – Major law enforcement organizations are applauding the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), for its successful advancement of six law enforcement bills during National Police Week, including legislation to improve officers’ access to mental health resources, speed up critical benefits determinations for first responders and stem the flow of contraband in federal prisons, among others.

Here’s what they are saying:

TheNationalAssociationofPoliceOrganizations(NAPO):

“On behalf of the nearly 250,000 sworn law enforcement officers we represent, NAPO thanks the committee for considering this bipartisan pro-law enforcement agenda in honor of National Police Week, particularly the Fighting PTSD Act and the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act. These important bills support officers and their families who have sacrificed so much in service to their communities. We look forward to seeing these bills advance swiftly to the full Senate.”

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA):

“America’s law enforcement officers serve with courage, professionalism and sacrifice each day to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law. We thank Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin for advancing this strong bipartisan slate of legislation in recognition of National Police Week. These measures reinforce support for the men and women on the front lines and help ensure law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources needed to address evolving threats. FLEOA appreciates their leadership and stands ready to support these efforts as the legislation advances through Congress.”

Acoalitionofeightmajorlawenforcementorganizations,representinghundredsofthousandsofofficers,criminalinvestigatorsandprosecutorsnationwide:

“On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing state, local and federal law enforcement nationwide, we thank the Senate Judiciary Committee for putting forward a strong bipartisan public safety agenda during National Police Week and urge the Committee to advance these important measures… Collectively, these measures reflect a strong bipartisan commitment to supporting the men and women serving on the front lines, strengthening public safety operations and ensuring agencies have the tools, training and resources needed to meet evolving threats. Thank you again for your leadership and continued commitment to public safety.”


Q&A: Police Week Matters

Q: Why do Americans observe National Police Week?

A: When moms and dads wait for a teenage driver to return home safely or a small business owner locks up their doors for the night, Americans across the country appreciate that law enforcement officers stand on the thin blue line every day to uphold law and order. Around the clock, 365 days a year, our men and women in blue patrol the streets and keep the peace. When they put on the badge and head out the door, they shield their neighbors from crime and violence, working on the front lines of danger and putting public safety above their own. Tragically, some peace officers don’t return home safely from duty.

In 1962, Congress adopted a joint resolution authorizing President John F. Kennedy to designate May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and to observe the entire week as Police Week. For more than six decades, Americans are called upon in May to pay special tribute to law enforcement officers who serve and protect public safety. On May 15, flags on government buildings are flown at half-staff to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country attend the annual Candlelight Vigil and National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. to honor fallen officers. These ceremonies bridge the enduring loss and bereavement of families left behind with the solemn appreciation of a nation grateful for their public service. In 2026, the names of 363 officers were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Notably, the memory and sacrifice of 10 Iowans from the annals of history were included in the annual roll call, some of whom were Civil War veterans: Charles Lodine, Albert City (1901); Augustus C. Becker, Des Moines (1904); Reuben Fenstermaker, Farmington (1867); Robert W. Coulter, Farmington (1902); Samuel S. Cronk, Jackson County (1867); Samuel H. Hamilton, Le Mars (1888); James W. Busby, Paton (1911); Elmer J. Lennon, Postville (1939); John Kerr Myers, Stuart (1921); Charles Loucks, Stuart (1954).

Fallen peace officers leave behind a legacy of public service that continues today across our state. I join my fellow Iowans in gratitude for the men and women in blue who have followed in their footsteps and answered the call to work in law enforcement. Thank you for keeping the peace, protecting life and property and making our communities a safe place to raise a family, run a business and call Iowa home.

Q: What law enforcement policies did you advance during Police Week?

A: As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I steered a half-dozen bipartisan bills through the committee that provide much-needed support for our brave members of law enforcement. These bills provide resources to invest in training, technology and mental health resources and benefits for the men and women in blue who keep our communities safe.

Working in law enforcement is a highly stressful job that tests mental health day after day. Officers are called upon to stay calm in the face of danger when responding to criminal violence, such as hostage situations, drug trafficking and gang activity. First responders and emergency dispatchers are on the front lines of crisis in their local communities; the emotional toll cuts deep when responding to mass casualties, domestic violence and traffic fatalities, especially when it involves young children. My bipartisan Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act recognizes these burdens and directs the Department of Justice to develop treatment programs for police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel who suffer from PTSD or acute stress disorders.

I also advanced my bipartisan bill to combat contraband cell phones from getting into federal prisons to improve prison security for inmates, staff and the public. This measure builds on my bill President Obama signed into law to prevent inmates from using cell phones to commit crimes while serving time in prison. Named after a corrections officer killed in the line of duty in 2013, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act would strengthen accountability and beef up the penalty for smuggling or possessing a contraband cellphone in federal prison from a misdemeanor to a felony. The Department of Justice Inspector General recently said a “cell phone in a prison is a deadly weapon.”

I’m working to get these measures supporting the men and women who stand on the thin blue line every day across the finish line in Congress.