Blumenthal Probes No-Bid Contract Awarded to Trump’s Hand-Picked Company to Paint Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as Project Cost Balloons to $13.1 Million

[WASHINGTON, DC] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), is seeking answers about troubling no-bid contracts awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings (Atlantic Industrial) to paint the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue as demanded by President Trump. In a letter sent today to Curtis E. Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Industrial, Blumental raised concerns after recent reporting from

“Reports detail that, like so many of President Trump’s recent vanity projects, costs on this restoration have ballooned, rising from the $1.8 million President Trump promised publicly to $13.1 million as of May 8, 2027. These reports have also highlighted that Atlantic Industrial has never before been awarded a federal contract and has no discernable history of handling projects similar to the Reflecting Pool, instead boasting a website detailing that Atlantic Industrial ‘specializes in waterproofing highway culverts, pipes, roofs and chemical and water storage tanks,’” Blumenthal wrote.

Blumenthal continued, “The ballooning payments to Atlantic Industrial and Atlantic Industrial’s lack of any obvious qualifications for the Reflecting Pool project raise troubling questions about whether excess taxpayer dollars are (yet again) being diverted to President Trump’s manifestly unqualified friends and associates.”

“The American people deserve to know whether excess taxpayer dollars are being used—without the authorization of Congress—to reward the President’s preferred partners and desecrate national landmarks,” Blumenthal concluded.

As Ranking Member of PSI, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into President Trump’s pet projects, including the White House ballroom. As part of this inquiry, Blumenthal has written to the project’s lead architect, construction firm, and engineering firm, and pressed Clark Construction, the firm selected to build the ballroom, for details after it was awarded a no-bid contract to make repairs to the public fountains in Lafayette Square across the street from the White House.

The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Atlantic Industrial is available here and below.

Dear Mr. Wood:

I write regarding troubling new reports concerning a no-bid contract awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, LLC (“Atlantic Industrial”) to paint the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue—a color it has never before been painted while serving as the backdrop to our nation’s 250-year history.[1] Reports detail that, like so many of President Trump’s recent vanity projects, costs on this restoration have ballooned, rising from the $1.8 million President Trump promised publicly to $13.1 million as of May 8, 2027.[2] These reports have also highlighted that Atlantic Industrial has never before been awarded a federal contract and has no discernable history of handling projects similar to the Reflecting Pool, instead boasting a website detailing that Atlantic Industrial “specializes in waterproofing highway culverts, pipes, roofs and chemical and water storage tanks.”[3] The ballooning payments to Atlantic Industrial and Atlantic Industrial’s lack of any obvious qualifications for the Reflecting Pool project raise troubling questions about whether excess taxpayer dollars are (yet again) being diverted to President Trump’s manifestly unqualified friends and associates.

The background details regarding this contract continue to be especially confusing and demand a public inquiry. First, new reports detail that these ballooning costs apparently match the exact amount requested by Atlantic Industrial from the beginning. Specifically, although President Trump told the public that the project would only cost $1.8 million, Atlantic Industrial reportedly submitted a proposal to the government last month that matched the current contract’s value down to the dollar and included a 20 percent profit margin.[4] Second, just days ago President Trump suddenly claimed he had no relationship with Atlantic Industrial after having last month claimed that the firm had been hired for this work because he had a “guy who’s unbelievable at doing swimming pools” who could renovate the Reflecting Pool.[5]

The American people deserve to know whether excess taxpayer dollars are being used—without the authorization of Congress—to reward the President’s preferred partners and desecrate national landmarks. To assist the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in its inquiry, please preserve all documents, records,[6] and communications[7] related to your firm’s participation in the renovation of Lafayette Park, and please provide specific responses to the following questions by May 28, 2026:

Have you entered into any agreement, formal or informal, to receive work from the federal government at above market prices in exchange for a reduced fee for work on the Reflecting Pool?

How did you become aware of the opportunity to participate in renovations to the Reflective Pool?

Did you participate in a competitive or otherwise open bidding process prior to being selected for the renovations to the Reflecting Pool? Please describe the nature of this process.

Did you submit any materials as a part of the bidding process or prior to being selected to participate in the renovations to the Reflecting Pool Please provide all materials that you submitted.

What are the terms of the agreement(s) you entered regarding the renovations to the Reflecting Pool? Please provide a copy of any and all agreements you have entered into with the National Park Service, the White House, or any other federal government entity as part of your work on renovations to the Reflecting Pool.

Please produce all cost estimates for the renovations to the Reflecting Pool Park prepared to date. To the extent that cost projections change over time, please provide updates on a monthly basis through completion of the project.

When were the initial plans for the renovations to the Reflecting Pool submitted and approved?

Have you conducted any formal reviews regarding how changing the bottom color will alter the Reflecting Pool’s appearance?

If so, please provide any records regarding this review.

Has Atlantic Industrial previously completed any projects similar to the renovations to the Reflecting Pool?

If so, please provide a detailed description of each project, your company’s role, and the date or estimated date of completion.

Since 2010, have you and/or any of your subsidiaries or affiliates participated in the construction of any properties owned or licensed by The Trump Organization, Inc., or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries, or do you have plans to bid on or otherwise participate in the construction of any Trump-affiliated properties?

If so, please list each project and include your company’s role, the date or estimated date of completion, and how much your company was or will be compensated in total for its participation.

Please contact the Subcommittee if you have any questions about responding to these requests.

Sincerely,

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[1] David Fahrenthold and Luke Broadwater, The No-Bid Contract That Is Turning Washington’s Reflecting Pool Blue, N.Y. Times (May 8, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/08/us/politics/reflecting-pool-trump-contract.html.

[2] David Fahrenthold and Luke Broadwater, Reflecting Pool Repairs to Cost $13.1 Million. Trump Had Promised $1.8 Million, N.Y. Times (May 11, 2026), https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/us/politics/reflecting-pool-paint-contract-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.h1A.j6hb.THJ3M2QckWZy&smid=url-share.

[3] Fahrenthold and Broadwater, supra note 1.

[4] Fahrenthold and Broadwater, supra note 2.

[5] Mallory Wilson, Trump changes story on Reflecting Pool contractor, The Hill (May 12, 2026), https://thehill.com/homenews/5874959-reflecting-pool-trump-contractor/.

[6] For purposes of this request, “records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (emails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), direct messages, chats, calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).

[7] For purposes of this request, “communications” include any records, as defined above, transmitted in any way between two or more individuals or entities.


Blumenthal to File Budget Amendments Blocking Republicans' Billion-Dollar Ballroom Bailout

[WASHINGTON, DC] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committees, today announced that he intends to file amendments that would enact strict oversight over President Trump’s ballroom project in anticipation of scheduled committee markups of Republicans’ reconciliation package. Republicans’ reconciliation package includes $1 billion in taxpayer funds for President Trump’s pet project to be spent on top of the hundreds of millions of dollars the Trump Administration raised from private donors—many of whom have been kept secret by the White House.

“I’m demanding a stop to Trump squandering taxpayer dollars on his gold-plated boondoggles—adding insult to injury for Americans struggling to pay rising costs,” said Blumenthal. “As Americans confront skyrocketing prices for food and fuel and everything else, Republicans seem ready to write him blank checks for his gilded monstrous ballroom and other pet vanity projects. I’ll force votes to hold them accountable and impose stringent oversight on his spending. I’ll also seek full disclosure on donors to his ballroom— billionaires and corporate special interests engaged in pay-to-play.”

Blumenthal intends to file the following amendments, which would:

Prohibit funds from being spent on the East Wing Modernization project except through competitive contract awards;

Prohibit funds from being spent until all donors, donor amounts, fundraising solicitation records, and donor and construction contracts related to the East Wing Modernization project are made publicly available;

Establish a Congressional Oversight Panel for the East Wing Modernization project;

Require a GAO report on fundraising, contractor selection, contracts, and construction management for the East Wing Modernization project; and

Enact Blumenthal’s No Palaces Act, which puts additional guardrails on the White House’s construction and demolition process, including requiring congressional authorization for the use of private funds for improvements to the White House.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Blumenthal has led an inquiry into the use of private donations to fund President Trump’s and has repeatedly raised concerns about donors that have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Trump Administration.

Blumenthal has written to each of the reported donors to the White House ballroom project as well as donors previously kept secret by the White House to seek information about the terms of their donations and any potential deals made in exchange for contributions.

Blumenthal has also demanded answers from the lead architect, construction firm, and engineering firm selected to work on President Trump’s ballroom and pressed Clark Construction, the firm selected to build the ballroom, for details after it was awarded a no-bid contract to make repairs to the public fountains in Lafayette Square across the street from the White House.

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ICYMI: Ahead of SCOTUS Ruling, Senator Blunt Rochester Joins Entire Senate Democratic Caucus on Resolution Affirming Abortion Pill as Safe, Effective NEWS:

“Law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer- reviewed evidence-based science.”

U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), today joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing a resolution affirming that the abortion medication mifepristone is safe and effective, and underscoring that law and policy related to the medication must be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.

The resolution comes hours before the Supreme Court’s administrative stay in Louisiana v. FDA is set to expire — which, without action, would uphold the Fifth Circuit’s ruling threatening millions of women’s access to mifepristone, even in states where abortion is legal.

The resolution was endorsed by the following organizations: All* Above All, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Reproductive Rights, EMAA Project, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America).

“Abortion opponents nationwide continue to push their politically motivated attacks on mifepristone and medication abortion to make it harder for everyone, everywhere to get care. That’s despite decades of research and millions of people using mifepristone to safely and effectively end a pregnancy,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “In the face of these attacks, we are grateful to Senator Warren, Sen. Baldwin, Senate Minority Leader Schumer, Sen. Wyden, Sen. Murray, and Sen. Smith for reaffirming that science-based policies must govern access to mifepristone.”

“Mifepristone continues to be crucial to our ability to access abortion care— and that is precisely why abortion opponents have been relentless in their efforts to restrict it nationwide, including in states where abortion is legally protected,” said Jessica Arons, director of the Liberty Division for Policy and Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “As this resolution affirms, millions of people have used mifepristone to safely end pregnancies and treat miscarriages for more than 25 years, including by telemedicine. We thank Senator Warren for introducing legislation to set the record straight and push back on anti-abortion propaganda, and we call on Congress to protect the right to abortion and end this political interference with our personal healthcare decisions once and for all.”


NEWS: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester Opposes Market Structure Legislation in Senate Banking Committee

Click here to watch Senator Blunt Rochester’s Remarks

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today released a statement outlining her opposition to the CLARITY Act, legislation to regulate the digital asset market.

“Digital assets and blockchain technology present real questions and real opportunities, and legislation of this magnitude must be done right. I appreciate the substantial work many of my colleagues put into improving this legislation through good-faith bipartisan negotiations. While several provisions improved during negotiations, I do not believe the bill adequately addresses several serious outstanding concerns related to consumer and investor protection, market integrity, illicit finance, conflicts of interest, and the broader stability of our financial system.

“We cannot separate this debate from the broader environment in which it is occurring. This administration and the people connected to it continue to engage with the crypto industry in ways that raise serious questions about corruption, self-dealing, and whether the rules are being written to benefit industry insiders rather than protect consumers and the public. This administration has a track record of unethical policymaking, and the provisions in this bill to crack down on insider trading and self-dealing fall incredibly short.

“Law enforcement groups at every level from across the country have also voiced their concern about their ability to identify bad actors and protect communities from harm if this legislation progresses. Law enforcement relies on existing authorities and regulatory frameworks to trace questionable transactions and recover illicit proceeds, creating gaps in oversight and accountability that sophisticated criminal actors may exploit.

“I remain concerned that parts of the bill could weaken existing investor protections and leave consumers and investors with fewer protections and remedies than they have under current law. This could have an outsized impact on my constituents, as Delaware has more crypto kiosks per capita than any other state. While our Attorney General, the Delaware Department of Justice’s Investor Protection Unit, and national groups like AARP have been sounding the alarm on the potential for cryptocurrency scams for years. Any federal legislation to regulate the digital asset market must adequately protect consumers from fraudulent use of cryptocurrency.

Congress should not advance legislation of this scale and consequence without greater confidence that it will strengthen, rather than weaken, trust in our financial system. The consequences of getting this wrong could extend far beyond the digital asset industry itself. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of financial stability, public trust, or the protections Americans rely on in their financial markets. For those reasons, I voted no.”


Boozman Holds Hearing Examining FY27 Budget Request for Military Construction and Family Housing

WASHINGTON—Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) held a hearing examining the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for military infrastructure and family housing.

The following is Chairman Boozman’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery:

Good morning. The subcommittee will come to order.

We meet today to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for military construction and family housing for the Department of Defense.

I would like to begin by recognizing today’s panel. Today we will hear from representatives of the military services as well as the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Joining us are:

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

• Lieutenant General Michelle Donahue, Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Logistics;

• Rear Admiral Timothy Brown, Director, Logistics Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations;

• Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, who will be retiring shortly after 38 years of service. General, thank you for your many years of service and I wish you well in your retirement;

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

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

This year’s MILCON request totals $28.6 billion, an increase of $8.8 billion above the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. After years of persistent underinvestment in military construction, this request represents a generational investment toward rebuilding and modernizing our military footprint –– from barracks to bomber infrastructure.

Increased investment alone does not solve the underlying challenges in efficiently and effectively executing MILCON.

We see a growing concentration of large projects and expensive increments in the request, which crowd-out smaller but no less critical projects. We also continue to see cost overruns and schedule delays.

I know the department has been taking a hard look at its internal processes to identify opportunities for improvement, and Congress has also done its part by enacting targeted authorities within our jurisdiction to help address these challenges.

The new MILCON authorities enacted last year include Progressive Design Build, Other Transaction Authority, and Alternate Defense Construction Agent approaches. While it is still early to assess their effectiveness, I am encouraged that the department is already taking steps to align policies and procedures with these new authorities.

Separately, I am concerned that several projects were requested within the mandatory portion of the budget, including two projects associated with the President’s Golden Dome for America effort.

I am also aware of several new construction barracks projects requested in FSRM – under the jurisdiction of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee – rather than in MILCON.

Given the uncertainty surrounding reconciliation, and the unpredictable nature of FSRM, I worry about whether these projects will ultimately move forward as planned.

Lastly, while this subcommittee has not received an official damage assessment from Iranian strikes on our bases in the Middle East, we understand that assessments are ongoing. Even as those assessments continue, it is important we receive regular updates from the department and that any supplemental request includes funding for CENTCOM installations and support infrastructure to protect our troops and maintain a strong presence in the region.

Some will argue that we should wait to rebuild until we have a full accounting of the costs and certainty of our future regional posture. However, any costs excluded from a supplemental will become a burden on future defense budgets and harm our near-term readiness in the region.


U.S. Senator Katie Britt Applauds Senate Passage of Resolution to Prevent Senators From Receiving Shutdown Paychecks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today celebrated the Senate passage of Senator John Kennedy’s (R-La.) S.Res.526 which would withhold U.S. Senators’ pay during government shutdowns. Senator Britt is a proud cosponsor of the resolution.

The resolution, which passed by voice vote, requires the Secretary of the Senate to withhold payment to Senators until the government is no longer shut down. A government shutdown is defined as a lapse in appropriations for one or more Federal agencies or departments. The resolution is specific to the Senate and does not affect members of the United States House of Representatives.

“As I have long stated, it’s unconscionable for members of Congress to receive a paycheck while hardworking Americans are robbed of their hard-earned money because of D.C. dysfunction. I’m encouraged that this resolution passed and believe it’s a step in the right direction,” said Senator Britt. “That being said, I still believe this should be applied to ALL members of Congress, which is why I will continue to fight for the passage of legislation that is applicable to both the House and Senate.”

Senator Britt has spoken on the Senate floor in support of such legislation and has been a longtime, vocal supporter of members of Congress not receiving paychecks during government shutdowns. Senator Britt voluntarily did not receive a paycheck during the first historic full government shutdown of the 119th Congress and has continued to forgo her paycheck since March 19, 2026, during the recent partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

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U.S. Senator Katie Britt Celebrates Advancement of TREY’s Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today celebrated the advancement of the Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’s) Law, of which she is a lead sponsor. It was unanimously advanced out of the Judiciary Committee during an executive business meeting. TREY’s Law will now head to Senate floor for a full vote.

Senator Britt with Trey Carlock’s sister, Elizabeth, and Alabama State Representative David Faulkner, who sponsored the state version of TREY’s Law along with Alabama State Senator Matt Woods, during a press conference announcing the introduction of the bill on March 4, 2026.

TREY’s Law voids non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence survivors of child sexual abuse and is named in memory of Trey Carlock, who was silenced by such an NDA after experiencing sexual abuse at a Kanakuk Ministries camp. This led to Trey being retraumatized by a civil ligation process related to the abuse, and ultimately his death by suicide at age 28.

“I’m proud that TREY’s Law is headed to the Senate floor for a full vote,” said Senator Britt. “This is a bipartisan piece of legislation that has seen success in states across the nation, including Alabama, where State Representative David Faulkner and State Senator Matt Woods led this through the Alabama state legislature. I’m particularly thankful to Senator Ted Cruz for his leadership on this legislation at the federal level and look forward to continuing working with him to get this passed in the Senate, eventually the House of Representatives, and to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”

TREY’s Law is supported by the American Association for Justice, Prevent Together – The National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Protect Our Children, National Children’s Alliance, Tim Tebow Foundation, Unsilenced, Joyful Heart Foundation, Children’s Justice Campaign – Enough Abuse, Zero Abuse Project, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, and Rights4Girls.

To learn more about TREY’s Law, click here. The full bill text can be found here.

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VIDEO: Capito Participates in THUD Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on HUD Budget

To watch Senator Capito's line of questioning, click here or the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Appropriations Committee, participated in a Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner. The purpose of the hearing was to consider President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for HUD, as well as the many priorities of the agency.

HIGHLIGHTS:

ON PLANS FOR FHA IMPORVEMENT AND EFFICIENCY

Senator Capito:

“Within your existing authority, without new legislation, Mr. Secretary, are there changes, maybe three changes that you could implement in the next 12 months to make FHA multifamily financing faster, simpler, and less costly?”

Secretary Turner:

“As you know, we are taking inventory of every program at HUD, including FHA. Our number one deal is to secure the market and make sure the FHA is not only solvent, but that it's strong, that we anticipate any delinquencies, any foreclosures that come up to make sure that our staff is up to date. And our Ginnie Mae and FHA for that, for that matter. We have a team that's done a tremendous job. What hat we're doing now too, as I just talked to our team this morning, is really streamlining, this is the number one thing, streamlining the processes. NFHA for our constituency and clients that use FHA to make sure that the process is streamlined, to make sure that we're taking out any regulations and fees that make it harder to get an FHA loan. So, I would say those are the top 3 things that we're working on currently in FHA.”

ON CDBG PROGRAM SHUTDOWN

Sen. Capito:

“You mentioned in your opening statement. Well, it's zeroed out. You mentioned fraud and ineffectiveness. I can tell you from where I sit in West Virginia, it has been a very effective program. We've used it for infrastructure upgrades. It says this program was created to, in your comments, to revitalize urban communities. I don't think I have one urban community. I do have one or two that are above 50,000, but we're barely there. So, I'm talking rural America here and the use of those funds. We've used them to help the community directly and it creates jobs and drives long-term growth. How do you think that you're going to replace this funding? I know we want to be good stewards of the American taxpayer dollar here, but from my viewpoint, this has been an effective program.”

Secretary Turner:

“I do hear you. I've talked to some of your colleagues and some of your colleagues in the house. Some states do better than others. But at large, the CDBG program has not been used for its intended purpose, either urban or rural. So, we do have a lot of complex programs that we work with on a single everyday basis. We want to focus on those programs actually carrying out that mission. What I have encouraged our colleagues to do is to really work with the state and local entities in your state to not just replace CDBG, but to work on infrastructure and building in rural and urban areas. So, we want to focus on those programs that are actually carrying out the results overall.”

Sen. Capito:

“I'd rather see what you're saying, focus on the ones that are working. I do like the initiatives on waste and fraud. You cite some pretty stunning figures in terms of what $30,000,000 or money that went out to people that weren't 30,000 deceased to tenants. That to the taxpayers is tough to see. But, on a program like CDBG, which has been very helpful in our state and in our communities, and maybe it is because we're doing it exactly right. I hope that's the case. Take the good lessons and translate those to the rest of the country where you see things are falling short. Thank you for what you're doing. Thank you for being here with us today.”

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Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Urging Congress to Make Flood Insurance Affordable Again

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor highlighting the growing flood insurance affordability crisis ahead of hurricane season and calling for long-term reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). He urged colleagues to address rising costs driven by the Biden-era Risk Rating 2.0 policy and act before the next storm threatens Louisiana families.

“Every year, more and more people have to drop their National Flood Insurance Program coverage because it is too expensive and too unreliable, so this is about making flood insurance affordable again,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“I tell folks, I wake up every morning and think about how to make life better for the people of my state and my country, and I can tell you that reliable, accountable, affordable flood insurance is part of that,” continued Dr. Cassidy.

Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:

Madam President,

Hurricane Season is less than three weeks away.

Three. Weeks.

We’ve got to act now to make flood insurance affordable again before it’s too late.

Last year, thankfully, no hurricanes hit Louisiana.

Now, no hurricanes hitting my state—that’s good news for everybody in Louisiana!

But especially for homeowners who do not have flood insurance.

Every year, more and more have to drop National Flood Insurance Program coverage because it’s too expensive and unreliable.

Between 2022 and 2024, 70 THOUSAND people in Louisiana dropped coverage.

Last year, another 52 THOUSAND did the same.

Why?

They need it.

They try to be responsible.

They can’t afford it!

They’re being priced out of flood protection by the rising costs of a post-Biden era flood insurance program.

Under Joe Biden, FEMA implemented Risk Rating 2.0 as a new risk assessment program, despite Congress never signing off.

Since 2023, rates have increased, making people’s flood insurance premiums so high they just cannot afford it.

They cannot pay their mortgage if they pay their flood insurance premium.

Mr. President, these are hardworking families just trying to do the right thing, having to choose between paying their mortgage, buying food, taking care of their kids, and having flood insurance.

They would like to have flood insurance.

They would like to go to sleep at night knowing that they are protected if some terrible flooding event occurs.

For example, in 2016, a 46-foot river crest swept the land completely out from underneath a Cypress Point home, even though they elevated it above the base Flood Elevation.

This is a family doing everything right, but a natural disaster still wiped out their home.

It would be great if they had flood insurance. But it’s possible they can’t afford it.

So, if Congress has the power to guarantee reliable flood insurance that people can afford, why don’t we?

Instead, nearly one-fifth of folks in Louisiana on the National Flood Insurance Program—nearly a hundred thousand—can no longer afford their insurance.

By the way, this is a problem nationwide.

Millions of Americans across the nation rely on the National Flood Insurance Program.

They’re all getting pounded by Risk Rating 2.0.

I’m leading a group of Republicans who, last year, tried to end the policy.

I recently followed up with FEMA, asking that they be urgent in addressing the harm Risk Rating 2.0 is doing to the flood insurance program for people in Louisiana and across the nation.

I understand, as does President Trump, that the American people need to be able to afford every day goods.

And right now, they cannot afford flood insurance.

In 2019, President Trump and I worked together to delay Risk Rating 2.0 for a year. Let’s do that again, but let’s make it permanent.

The American people need flood insurance which is affordable and also reliable.

Right now, the NFIP relies on Congress to both fund and authorize the program.

Fund, meaning that if funding is ever withheld by Congress—like the Democrats have done multiple times this Congress—the National Flood Insurance Program cannot operate effectively, leaving millions of Americans hanging in uncertainty.

Now, Congress must vote every year to reinstate the program.

I introduced legislation to automatically extend the program to operate during a lapse in authorization—so it can still issue policies, renew contracts, pay claims, and access funding.

Coverage should be there, whether politicians decide to get their act together or not.

Congress needs to act, and soon.

In the meantime, federal support is critical.

In President Trump’s first administration, he created a program called BRIC—short for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities.

The BRIC program provided cost- and life-saving grants that Louisiana benefited from.

President Trump’s second administration assured me they would release more BRIC funds, and I’m pleased to say, FEMA just announced that a new round of BRIC funding has been released—1 BILLION dollars to help states impacted by natural disasters.

Louisiana will certainly benefit.

I have been fighting consistently to get this done, and I’m pleased that it has.

But as much as we need recovery assistance, we in Louisiana know that the best way to lower the cost of flood insurance is by making sure you don’t flood in the first place.

That’s why, through my work negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, our state has gotten hundreds of millions for flood mitigation and coastal restoration.

This is a bargain for the federal taxpayer, because it’s easier and cheaper to prevent a flood than it is to pick up the pieces afterward.

One example is if you go from Kenner to Baton Rouge, and you pass LaPlace, you’ll see construction on a huge flood control structure, which I toured last August.

That has received over a BILLION dollars, which I’ve obtained to prevent those people from flooding and to prevent the National Flood Insurance Program from having to pay out a benefit.

I’m a doctor. I know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

In this case, 1.2 BILLION dollars for prevention is worth maybe 70 billion in recovery.

Go to Terrebonne or Lafourche Parish, and you’ll go by the Morganza to the Gulf levee project.

This is a project with tremendous local support, for which I’ve been able to get 615 MILLION dollars through the infrastructure bill and other mechanisms, including a funding package recently signed into law by President Trump.

And you know the positive impact of this?

Even before completion, when Hurricane Ida came, they said there were 10 THOUSAND homes that did not flood.

That’s ten THOUSAND claims that did not have to be paid.

10 THOUSAND homes that did not need to be cleaned out.

That saved the taxpayer money, aside from the fact that those families were able to continue working, going to school, living as usual, keeping our society and our economy running.

I find that moms rest easier knowing their families will stay safe and dry when the next storm comes.

The funding I am delivering gives her that peace of mind.

And there is more to come.

I wake up every morning, and I think about how to make life better for the people in my state and in my country.

I can tell you: reliable, accountable, affordable flood insurance makes life better.

That’s what I’m working towards as I continue sending tax dollars back to my state for flood prevention.

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Senator Collins’ Statement on Passage of Legislation to Withhold Pay from Senators During Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate voted unanimously to withhold pay from senators during government shutdowns:

“This is a matter of fairness. It is not right for senators to receive their paychecks while federal employees are forced to go without pay as a result of Congress’s dysfunction. While I hope we do not see another shutdown anytime soon, this has been a longstanding policy of mine and I am glad to see it adopted.”

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Senator Collins has always opposed shutdowns and has had a longstanding policy of having her own paychecks withheld during government shutdowns. Senator Collins championed the deal to reopen the government in November 2025. She is the founder of the Common Sense Coalition, a bipartisan group of senators who wrote the framework of the plan that ended the 16-day government shutdown in October 2013 as well as the shutdown in February 2018.

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Senators Collins, Shaheen Lead Maine and New Hampshire Congressional Delegations in Calling for Federal Labor Relations Authority to Explain Refusal to Process Complaints at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are leading the Maine and New Hampshire Congressional delegations in calling for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to provide an explanation for its refusal to comply with recent court orders and process an Unfair Labor Practice charge (ULP) filed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) Metal Trades Council on behalf of its members. In their bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers note that FLRA cites President Trump’s Executive Order limiting the collective bargaining rights of federal employees as its reason for inaction despite a court order halting implementation of the policy. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02) cosigned the letter.

“We write today regarding the Federal Labor Relations Authority’s (FLRA) refusal to process Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges filed by members of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Metal Trades Council (MTC) on behalf of its members,” the lawmakers wrote. “The MTC has brought forward a ULP charge to the FLRA but has been informed that due to President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251, limiting the right of certain federal employees to engage in collective bargaining, the FLRA would not process the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employee ULP case. However, recent court rulings have nullified portions of that order, and the FLRA should be acting in accordance with the court order.”

“Considering the Court’s injunction and the importance of this issue to our constituents, we respectfully request that the FLRA provide prompt clarification regarding its handling of ULP filings brought forward by unions representing workers under federal agencies impacted by President Trump’s March 27, 2025, Executive Order 14251,” they continued.

The lawmakers asked FLRA for responses to the following questions:

Is the Federal Labor Relations Authority refusing to process Unfair Labor Practice charges brought forward by unions representing federal workers?

Is the FLRA acting in accordance with the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia’s October 1st injunction in AFL-CIO v. Trump? What steps is the FLRA taking to ensure compliance with the injunction?

What is the status of the ULP charge brought forward by the Metal Trades Council at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard?

What is the legal basis for the FLRA’s refusal to process ULP charges in light of the court’s October 1st injunction?

Click here to read the complete letter.

Since 2018, Senator Collins has secured funding that has enabled Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to complete 22 modernization projects totaling $713 million and to install 80 new pieces of industrial equipment totaling $236 million through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). This work includes the $265 million Dry Dock #1 Super Flood Basin, which expanded submarine docking windows from 36 days a year to 360 days a year; the $110 million Paint, Blast, and Rubber Facility; and the $98 million B178 Waterfront Production Facility. The shipyard is also building the $2.46 billion Multi-Mission Dry Dock #1 expansion, modernizing utilities, and adding new dry-dock resiliency improvements to support Virginia-class submarine maintenance and boost long-term capacity and readiness for the Navy’s submarine fleet.

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Senators Coons, Cramer introduce Charity Parity Act to eliminate tax penalties on charitable donations from employer sponsored retirement plans

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced the Charity Parity Act, which would allow taxpayers to make direct qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their employer-sponsored retirement plans. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Congressmen Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).

Currently, retirement savers can exclude up to $110,000 in QCDs from their gross income annually. However, QCDs must be made directly from an individual’s IRA to eligible charitable organizations. Distributions from employer-sponsored plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are not eligible for QCD treatment. Individuals who wish to make charitable contributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans are required to first roll over the funds to an IRA, creating unnecessary costs and additional steps for retirement savers.

The Charity Parity Act would allow direct QCDs from employer-sponsored retirement plans. By doing so, it would ensure retirement savers are treated equitably regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. Eliminating rollover-related fees, financial burdens, and the administrative complexity for savers who would otherwise need to transfer assets from employer plans to IRAs before making a charitable contribution would also make it easier to give to charity and in higher amounts.

“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion to support our neighbors and communities,” said Senator Coons. “Government should encourage that generosity, not tie it down in bureaucratic red tape. This bipartisan bill will make sure every American who wants to give charitably receives the same tax benefits, giving more people the opportunity to help those in need.”

“For millions of seniors, restrictive rules on retirement accounts limit their ability to use their hard-earned money to support charitable giving,” said Senator Cramer. “Three years ago, we passed the Legacy IRA Act, opening new possibilities for seniors to make charitable contributions. Our Charity Parity Act builds on this success by making other retirement funds eligible to make sure every senior can make donations, regardless of how they saved for retirement.”

“Charities provide a critical range of services across the country and have been facing mounting pressures in recent years, both from rising demand and higher prices. While progress has been made in Congress to support the generosity of the American people, further work is needed to put the charitable sector on more stable footing,” said Rep. Beyer. “The Charity Parity Act would reinforce recent bipartisan successes and encourage additional giving by providing equal treatment for savers wishing to donate to charity regardless of the type of retirement plan holding their assets. I want to thank Rep. Kelly, and Sens. Cramer and Coons for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and hope to see it enacted into law as soon as possible.”

“Our laws should encourage charitable giving and seek to make such generosity as easy to carry out as possible. Giving to others in need is a hallmark of the American character and part of what makes our country great,” said Rep. Kelly. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a practical step toward ensuring Americans can contribute and donate to the causes of their choice without issue.”

Original cosponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), both of whom serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Text of the Charity Parity Act is available here.

The legislation is endorsed by a broad coalition of charities and other nonprofits, including: the American Heart Association, the Association of Fundraising Principles,the American Retirement Association, Mental Health America, the Salvation Army, the National Council of Nonprofits, Independent Sector, The Nonprofit Alliance, the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, United Way Worldwide, Infant Crisis Services, Mountain Area Health Education Center, The Church Alliance, Mountain Aging Partners, Inc., and the Association of Art Museum Directors.

“The Charity Parity Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that empowers seniors to support the causes they care about while strengthening the charitable organizations that help people live longer, healthier lives. By building on the Legacy IRA Act and expanding Qualified Charitable Distributions to include 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, this legislation makes charitable giving more accessible and equitable for retirees. We are grateful to Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer for their leadership in helping nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Mark Schoeberl, executive vice president of advocacy for the American Heart Association.

“Nonprofits are America’s backbone, delivering critical services effectively, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. “Despite this vital role, nonprofits today are facing significant, unprecedented financial challenges that have forced many local organizations to cut back on the services they provide, reduce staff, or even close their doors. I applaud Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for introducing bipartisan legislation to make it even easier for Americans to support nonprofits that provide essential services to their neighbors.”

“We thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Cramer and Coons for introducing this important bipartisan bill to expand charitable giving opportunities for retirement-age Americans,” said Michael Kenyon, president and CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “QCDs from IRAs have long been a valuable tool for donors to support causes they believe in, and extending this option to employer-sponsored plans is a commonsense step that will unlock greater philanthropic support. As gift planners, we support policies that reduce friction in giving and empower donors to act on their generosity and leave their legacy. This proposal would do just that.”

“American retirement savers should not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to support charitable causes simply because their savings are held in a 401(k), 403(b), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan instead of an IRA,” said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. “The Charity Parity Act builds on the success of SECURE 2.0 by ensuring retirement savers are treated fairly regardless of where they hold their assets, while making it easier for Americans to give back to the organizations and communities they care about most. By reducing administrative burdens, this legislation can help encourage greater charitable giving while strengthening retirement security.”

“The Nonprofit Alliance welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Charity Parity Act. This legislation will allow seniors to make qualified charitable distributions from 401(k) and 403(b) accounts and is an important step toward increasing participation in charitable giving by expanding options to do so. We sincerely thank Representatives Beyer and Kelly and Senators Coons and Cramer for their introduction of this timely legislation,” said Shannon McCracken, president and CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance.

“Since its creation in 2006, the IRA Charitable Rollover has helped older Americans use their retirement accounts to make a difference and support the causes they care about. Representatives Don Beyer and Mike Kelly and Senators Chris Coons and Kevin Cramer each have a long history of working to advance charitable giving, and Independent Sector applauds them for their continued leadership. By reducing unnecessary paperwork and fees, this commonsense legislation will help more charitable dollars reach their intended target: American communities and our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, president and CEO of Independent Sector.

“Fundraisers work every day to connect generosity with community needs, and the Charity Parity Act removes unnecessary barriers that stand in the way of that generosity. By allowing seniors to give directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, this bipartisan legislation modernizes charitable giving and puts donors—not paperwork—at the center of the process. The Association of Fundraising Professionals strongly supports policies that make it easier for people to give and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities,” said H. Art Taylor, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Principles.


Cornyn, Fetterman Introduce Bill to Give American Energy Producers Certainty, Safeguard Against Anti-LNG Policies

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the LNG Export Security Act, which would amend current law to provide certainty to American energy producers and ensure future administrations cannot take advantage of vague language to enact policies that stifle Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production and exports:

“America’s energy producers shouldn’t work in fear that a future administration could kneecap them with burdensome restrictions at a moment’s notice due to ambiguous laws,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our commonsense legislation would clarify the Natural Gas Act to give LNG producers the certainty they need and deserve to continue powering the world.”

“LNG has played a critical role in promoting America’s energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Fetterman. “I’ve been proud to advocate for solutions that put American jobs first and fully recognize we need guardrails in place to protect this industry and the workers. This bill makes sure decisions are made objectively while protecting the millions of jobs that power communities across Pennsylvania and our great nation.”

Background:

Despite the United States leading the world in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) production and exports, the Biden Department of Energy (DOE) paused the export of any new LNG cargo to countries without a free-trade agreement in 2023. This pause was politically motivated by climate activists and based on DOE’s interpretation of “public interest” in the Natural Gas Act. There is currently no definition of “public interest” in the Natural Gas Act, making it easier for future administrations to pause LNG exports just as the Biden administration did.

The LNG Export Security Act amends the Natural Gas Act by defining “public interest” with the consideration of:

The development of natural gas facilities in the United States and the domestic natural gas supply;

Domestic economic interests;

And national security interests.

Sen. Cornyn has previously called out the Biden administration’s assault on American energy production, specifically LNG, and has since praised the Trump administration for undoing these damaging policies.

The LNG Export Security Act is endorsed by the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) and the Center for LNG.


Cornyn Introduces Bill to Bar Aliens Who Support Sharia Law from Entering or Remaining in the United States

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Ban Outsiders Openly Touting (BOOT) Sharia Law Act, which would bar aliens who support Sharia Law from entering or remaining in the United States. Video of Senator Cornyn discussing this legislation on the Senate floor can be found here.

“Sharia Law is the antithesis of what our country stands for: freedom of conscience, religion, and speech,” said Sen. Cornyn. “My bill would ensure no alien who supports this hateful ideology is welcome in America, and I’m proud to introduce it.”

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) is a cosponsor of this legislation.

Background:

Specifically, the Ban Outsiders Openly Touting (BOOT) Sharia Law Act would:

Bar aliens from receiving immigration benefits, like asylum or a green card, if they endorse or advocate for the imposition of Sharia Law;

Equip the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with additional tools to bar aliens from immigration benefits if they protest the U.S. and its form of government, or support terrorism or terrorist groups in the United States;

And allow DHS a longer period to revoke green cards and add new bases to terminate green cards when aliens advocate for terrorism or terrorist groups, oppose the U.S. and its form of government, and support individuals or terrorist groups who carried out terrorist attacks on U.S. Armed Forces.

Sen. Cornyn called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) last spring to investigate the East Plano Islamic Center’s (EPIC) planned Muslim community, EPIC Ranches City, in Josephine, Texas, in light of potential religious discrimination against Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim minorities. This legislation builds on these efforts as well as the No Sharia Act, which Sen. Cornyn cosponsored. The No Sharia Act would prohibit courts from enforcing judgments, decrees, or contracts relying on foreign laws that violate the Constitution.


Cornyn Introduces Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act, or WATER for Farmers Act, which would impose penalties in the form of tariffs on Mexico if the country continues to violate the 1944 Water Treaty by refusing to send the water they owe to the United States. This legislation would also provide a mechanism to compensate American agricultural producers for economic losses resulting from Mexico’s water delivery shortfalls.

“Water shortages created by Mexico’s failure to follow the 1944 Water Treaty have wreaked havoc on the ability of South Texas farmers and ranchers to plan and to tend their crops and livestock, hurting both them and our state’s economy,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to introduce the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers or WATER for Farmers Act, which will impose tariffs on Mexico if they continue in their delinquency of water deliveries and use the tariff revenue to compensate South Texas farmers. “

Background:

If Mexico falls short of the minimum water delivery required under the 1944 Water Treaty, the Water Assurance and Treaty Enforcement for the Rio Grande Farmers Act would empower the United States to:

Impose tariffs on Mexican agricultural products or other goods that have a significant economic impact on Mexico and/or goods produced in areas utilizing water that should flow to the Rio Grande River;

And provide direct financial compensation to agricultural producers who have suffered economic losses from water shortages.

Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock.

Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost South Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request last year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to force Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays. In January, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging him to bring up the ongoing 1944 Water Treaty issue during the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) joint review to require Mexico to comply with its annual water deliveries to the United States.

Previously, Sen. Cornyn sent a letter to NADBank urging for the restoration of their Water Infrastructure Fund, raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill. The Senator also introduced legislation last year to hold the Mexican government accountable for not meeting its water delivery requirements.

This legislation is endorsed by Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Citrus Mutual, Texas Vegetable Association, and Texas International Produce Association.


Cornyn, Rosen Introduce Bill to Combat Mexican Cartel Fuel Theft

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) today introduced the Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act, which would require reporting from the U.S. Department of War on its activities to combat the smuggling of hydrocarbon products and the corresponding rise in violence by Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Mexico:

“Cartels and other criminal groups in Mexico are developing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal or smuggle hydrocarbon products, sell them on the black market, and use the profits to fund the drug and human trafficking that infiltrates our communities and kills innocent Americans every day,” said Sen. Cornyn.“This legislation would require the Secretary of War to submit a report to Congress on ways to counter these illicit schemes, protect our citizens, and safeguard U.S. national security.”

“Fuel theft in Mexico has become the most significant source of non-drug revenue for cartels, enabling them to sustain their illegal operations on both sides of the border, and we must take action to combat it,” said Sen. Rosen.“I am proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to help clamp down on the cartels’ ability to profit off of stolen fuel and crude oil, and I will continue to work across party lines to protect American families.”

Background:

Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in Mexico steal fuel by illegally tapping pipelines, seizing trucks, and conducting sophisticated cross-border smuggling schemes. These criminal groups profit by selling the stolen or trafficked fuel at lower prices on the black market to evade taxes and get rich, leading to a major rise in violence and terror activities in Mexico that then bleeds into the United States. Communities near pipelines are experiencing cartel-connected shootings, extortion, and intimidation. In recent years, the illicit trade has expanded beyond Mexico with fuel smuggling linked to international money laundering and cross-border criminal operations, making it an economic, energy, and national security issue. The Trump Administration has sanctioned individuals involved in fuel theft networks that generate hundreds of millions of dollars in profits for cartels like the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion.

The Stop Fueling Cartel Violence Act would:

Raise awareness of the growing issue of fuel theft and assess current efforts to address the threat it poses to the United States;

Require the U.S. Department of War to submit a report to Congress on recommendations to counter the smuggling of hydrocarbon products, including capacity building with partner nations and information sharing with U.S. civilian agencies that specialize in countering Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs);

And strengthen U.S. economic, energy, and national security.

This legislation is endorsed by FDD Action.


Cornyn, Welch Bill to Help Solve Cold Cases Passes Senate Judiciary Committee During National Police Week

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Peter Welch (D-VT) released the following statements after their Carla Walker Act, which would dedicate existing federal grant funds to support forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis and help solve previously unsolvable cold cases, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee during National Police Week. The bill is named for Carla Walker, a Fort Worth native whose murderer was finally identified 46 years after her death with the help of this advanced technology.

“Carla Walker’s case was not solved for 46 years, but thanks to forensic genetic genealogy, her murderer was caught, tried, and convicted in 2021,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bill creates a pilot program to fund the use of forensic genetic genealogy, which enables law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cold cases and other hard-to-solve crimes. By making this cutting-edge technology more widely available to investigative agencies, law enforcement will gain a reliable and effective tool to identify unknown offenders.”

“Advancements in forensic DNA technology have revolutionized our ability to combat crime. In Vermont, detectives were able to use forensic genetic genealogy analysis to help provide answers to a family who thought they might never come. We’ve also seen how this technology can be a powerful tool in giving those wrongly accused a chance to clear their names,” said Sen. Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will help investigators across the country harness the incredible power of FGG technology to crack cold cases and deliver justice to countless victims and families, and I’m thankful for Senator Cornyn’s leadership on it.”

U.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Background:

Typically, when a suspect’s identity is unknown, a crime laboratory uploads the genetic material recovered from a crime scene into the FBI’s national database to search for DNA matches between the forensic sample and any known offenders. While this traditional form of forensic DNA profiling only examines 13-20 Short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers, forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) technology examines over half a million Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that span the entirety of the human genome. It does so by cross-referencing shared blocks of SNP markers to identify relatives of the genetic profile by uncovering shared blocks of DNA. This enables criminal investigators to build family trees that ultimately help determine the sample’s identity and solve cases.

Carla Walker was abducted from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 1974, and was subsequently tortured, raped, and then strangled to death. Her body was found three days later in a drainage ditch 30 minutes south of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Police Department was able to collect a few forensic samples and clothing items from the crime scene, but law enforcement could not solve the murder due to limited forensic technology at the time. Carla’s brother, Jim Walker, never stopped searching for answers and nearly 50 years later, FGG DNA analysis was conducted on the last remaining DNA on a piece of Walker’s clothing, which led to a successful DNA match with the McCurley family and ultimately identified Glen McCurley, Jr. as the killer, who confessed in 2021 and died in prison on July 14, 2023.

Sen. Cornyn’s Carla Walker Act would create a pilot program to make this cutting-edge FGG DNA analysis more widely available to investigative agencies to:


Cortez Masto Introduces Bill Package to Support Small Businesses

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced a package of legislation that would support small businesses across the United States and help them access funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Senator is introducing this package of legislation during National Small Business Month.

“Nevada’s small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities – we must do everything we can to support them,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’m introducing this package of bills this National Small Business Month. Passing these bills would enable the Small Business Administration to better fulfill its mission, whether it’s helping a small two-person tax preparation shop or the ice cream stand that was affected by wildfire smoke.”

Senator Cortez Masto, alongside Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), is introducing the Microbusiness Support Act, which would allow the SBA to issue loans of up to $100,000 to microbusinesses. Many traditional lenders do not make such small loans, leaving a gap in financing for microbusinesses. Microbusinesses are small or family-owned businesses focused on operating within their communities, often with just a few or no employees. Nevada has nearly 300,000 microbusinesses operating across the state. Read the bill here.

Cortez Masto is also introducing the Small Business Wildfire Smoke Recovery Act to allow wildfire smoke to count as an eligible disaster for small business disaster loans. Intense wildfire smoke often impacts Nevada during the summer months, and air quality routinely reaches dangerous levels that keep families and tourists inside. Businesses that rely on outdoor activity – like restaurants that rely on foot traffic or outdoor dining, waterparks, and outdoor malls – would now be eligible for federal support until they’ve recovered. Read the bill here.

Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s small businesses. Last year, the Senator introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure America’s small businesses can compete in the 21st Century economy and bipartisan legislation to make it easier for the SEC to collect information on small businesses. Additionally, Cortez Masto introduced a bipartisan bill to require the SBA to provide annual awards to state and local governments that streamline the process of small business formation. In Nevada and in Washington, she has hosted roundtables to speak with small business owners about the squeeze they are feeling from Trump’s economic policies.

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Cortez Masto Statement on CLARITY Act

Washington, D.C. – Senator Cortez Masto released the following statement after voting against moving the current version of the CLARITY Act out of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.

“It’s clear we need to pass market structure legislation, and I’ve worked for months with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to negotiate a bill that provides clear rules of the road for a growing industry. But the current version of the CLARITY Act undermines law enforcement’s ability to trace illicit finance and recover victims’ money, while at the same time creating a more challenging environment to prosecute criminals for knowingly transmitting illicit funds,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s disappointing that my commonsense fixes discussed among stakeholders and supported by police and prosecutors nationwide weren’t adopted today. But I’m committed to finding solutions that allow us to take on bad actors – the criminals not the everyday coders – while giving the millions of U.S. crypto users the certainty they need.”

Senator Cortez Masto is a former Attorney General of Nevada who has a long track record of standing up for law enforcement and combatting illicit activity. Today, she submitted for the record letters from the National Sheriffs’ Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and the Major County Sheriffs of American, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police expressing that the current draft of the CLARITY Act does not adequately address concerns raised by law enforcement and prosecutors.

During today’s markup, Cortez Masto offered numerous amendments to the CLARITY Act that would address law enforcement’s and prosecutors’ concerns by ensuring those who are truly participating in money transmitting or securities trading don’t have a blanket exemption from accountability for illicit money transmitting and anti-money laundering requirements.

Senator Cortez Masto also delivered remarks during today’s committee hearing outlining her concerns, which can be found here.

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Senate Banking Committee Passes Clarity Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After months of negotiations, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (Clarity Act) today. This legislation establishes regulatory parameters for digital assets, eliminating the unclear framework which has long plagued the industry. The bill heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Banking Committee, celebrated the markup.

“Today’s successful bipartisan markup of the Clarity Act in the Banking Committee establishes American regulatory guardrails around this emerging technology. We’ve already watched the majority of the industry leave for unregulated overseas markets, leaving consumers completely vulnerable to fraud or abuse. There’s more to be done to perfect this bill, but we’re working with Democrats on the committee to refine this framework and incubate a promising industry.”


Crapo Announces Finance Committee Staff Updates

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today announced the following staff updates:

Sam Llewellyn, Professional Staff Member

Sam joins the Committee from the office of Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), where he worked on issues facing the Finance and Judiciary Committees as deputy legislative assistant. He previously worked as a legislative correspondent for Congressman Jake LaTurner (R-Kansas). He holds a B.A. in Intelligence and Security Studies from The Citadel.

Sarah Meier, Tax Counsel

Sarah joins the Committee from the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where she served as counsel and parliamentarian under Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Kentucky). She previously worked as counsel to the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and as tax policy staff for Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming). She earned her J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law, subsequently practicing business, tax and government law as an attorney in Lincoln, and a B.A. from the University of Wyoming.

Mike Weiss, Senior Health Policy Advisor

Mike joins the Committee from the office of Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana), where he served as health policy director with an emphasis on issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction. He previously worked as a policy analyst for the Senate Republican Policy Committee under then-Chairwoman Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and as a legislative staffer for Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pennsylvania) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin). He received a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

Click HERE for a full list of Crapo Finance Committee staff.

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Senate Banking Committee Approves Bipartisan Digital Asset Legislation with Crapo Support

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, today voted to advance the bipartisan Digital Asset Market Clarity Act to establish clear rules of the road for digital assets.

“The CLARITY Act would provide investors and consumers the regulatory certainty needed to flourish in a digital economy,” said Crapo. “Clear, consistent rules will protect consumers while fostering innovation and growth. If we fail to act, we risk ceding leadership in financial technology and leaving the United States behind in a rapidly evolving global market.”

The bipartisan bill is a comprehensive market structure bill that would establish America as the crypto capital of the world. It advanced out of the Committee by a vote of 15-9 and now moves to the Senate floor.

Background:

Cryptocurrency is defined as a digital asset that exists virtually and uses an encrypted network to record and verify transactions, independent from a centralized authority. Senator Crapo supported passage of the GENIUS Act, signed into law in July 2025, as the first step in establishing a first-of-its-kind framework for payment stablecoins. As Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Senator Crapo is leading discussions about how the U.S. tax code can provide a clear framework to ensure further American leadership in the industry.

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Daines Introduces Resolution Supporting Law Enforcement During National Police Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in introducing a resolution to honor the service and dedication of America’s law enforcement officers and personnel during National Police Week. The resolution expresses support for police officers across the nation, recognizes their selfless work in the line of duty, and calls for increased resources for law enforcement agencies.

“Law enforcement officers and personnel dedicate their lives every day to selflessly protect their local communities. I’m glad to work with Senator Cassidy on this resolution to celebrate National Police Week and recognize the contributions of our brave men and women in uniform,”said Daines.

Read the resolution HERE.

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Durbin Pays Tribute To Fallen Chicago Police Officer During National Police Week

The tribute occurred at a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where Senators advanced six bipartisan bills in support of law enforcement

WASHINGTON – In a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, paid tribute to Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, who was fatally shot as he and his partner were monitoring a robbery suspect at a hospital in Illinois last month.

“Last week, Mr. Chairman, when we were home, I visited the memorial service to Officer John Bartholomew. It was at the Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. There was an amazing turnout to salute this 38-year-old officer, who died in the line of duty and left [behind] his wife and three young children,” began Durbin.

“On the day when his body was taken to its final rest, they closed down Lake Shore Drive for hours, so that all of the police cars from all of the surrounding jurisdictions could join in the solemn procession. It was a somber week in Chicago because of his loss,” continued Durbin.

“We salute him for his bravery, and thank his family for giving us his example to guide our own lives,” concluded Durbin.

The tribute occurred at a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where Senators advanced six bipartisan bills in support of law enforcement:

S. 736, Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act

S. 825, Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025

S. 4394, Promoting Police Leadership Act

S. 3897, Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026

S. 1890, Carla Walker Act

S. 3041, Tribal Warrant Fairness Act

Video of Durbin’s tribute is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s tribute is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s tribute is available here for TV Stations.

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Durbin Speaks Against Extreme, Unqualified Trump U.S. Attorney Nominees

Durbin: “It is even more of an outrage that during Police Week—when we honor law enforcement’s bravery, service, and sacrifice—Senate Republicans are poised to confirm nominees who spread lies about the police officers who protected us from a violent mob of rioters on January 6.”

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against several U.S. attorney nominees in the en bloc package currently being considered by the Senate who are extreme, unqualified Trump loyalists. During his remarks, Durbin noted that the change Senate Republicans made in the Senate’s rules last year has fundamentally undermined Senators’ ability to fulfill their constitutional duty of advice and consent on nominations. He warned that this new Republican precedent would open the door to jamming through extreme nominees whose only qualification is loyalty to Donald Trump.

“U.S. Attorneys are the top federal prosecutors in 94 districts across the country. We rely on them to be above politics, fair-minded prosecutors who protect victims and hold bad actors accountable. They should not be instruments of political retribution ever,” Durbin said. “But as I feared, several U.S. attorney nominees in this en bloc package are extreme.”

Durbin continued, “It is even more of an outrage that during Police Week—when we honor law enforcement’s bravery, service, and sacrifice—Senate Republicans are poised to confirm nominees who continue to spread fabrications about the officers who protected me, and other members of the Senate, Republican and Democrat, from the violent mob on January 6.”

Durbin then spoke against Darin Smith, nominated to the District of Wyoming. He has stood by his radical and dangerous view that Vice President Pence should not have certified the results of the 2020 election. Additionally, at least seven criminal defendants have filed motions to dismiss charges brought by Smith because he told members of a grand jury that the defendants were “murderers” and that every case before them involved “bad people.” Even the District of Wyoming U.S. Attorney’s Office has admitted Smith’s irresponsible and unprofessional comments were “ill-advised.”

“Smith was on the Capitol grounds on January 6… and made the reprehensible claim… that the hundreds of Capitol Police officers who risked their lives that day were guilty of ‘massive incompetence.’ Smith blames the police for what happened on January 6. Without evidence, he claimed that rioters who breached the Capitol were victims of entrapment,” Durbin said. “Moreover, Smith is not remotely qualified to be a U.S. Attorney. He’s going to be in the package—take it or leave it. Prior to becoming the interim U.S. Attorney, he had no courtroom or litigation experience whatsoever. None. And Smith’s lack of experience has had real world consequences.”

Durbin then spoke against Phil Williams, nominated to the Northern District of Alabama, who had no prosecutorial experience prior to his nomination.

“Williams’s main qualification appears to be that he’s a podcaster and he makes social media posts in which he spouts MAGA orthodoxy… He has whitewashed January 6 and maligned the law enforcement officers—not the mobsters—the policemen who were protecting members of Congress, our staff, and visitors,” Durbin said. “Williams claimed that January 6 rioters were ‘hunted down’ by law enforcement, whom he accused of ‘prosecutorial abuse, many, many times over.’ … Williams called the prosecutions of January 6 rioters ‘the Salem witch trials on a national scale.’ Williams criticized the 87-month sentence imposed on a rioter named Guy Reffitt, claiming he was ‘nonviolent.’ In fact, Reffitt traveled to the Capitol on January 6 wearing body armor, carrying handguns and cuffs, and planning to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell. Prior to his arrest, listen to this, Reffitt said to his own minor children, ‘if you turn me in, you’re a traitor, and traitors get shot.’”

Finally, Durbin spoke against Dan Bishop, nominated to the Middle District of North Carolina. He is yet another nominee who has no previous experience as a prosecutor.

“As a Member of Congress on January 6, 2021, Bishop voted against certifying the 2020 election results. He didn’t accept what is clearly the fact—…President [Trump] lost the 2020 election and President Biden won. Bishop falsely claimed, ‘Democrats’ attack on our elections…was coordinated & widespread.’ Even today, Bishop refuses to disavow debunked crackpot theories about the insurrection,” Durbin said. “He told me, ‘I have heard credible accounts that black-bloc/Antifa agitators were in the crowd and among the first to vandalize the Capitol building, so I think that leftists participated in and perhaps instigated the mayhem in part.’ One of the wild conspiracy theories which he still stands by.”

Durbin continued, “There is a clear throughline here with these extreme, unqualified nominees—their MAGA loyalty all but guarantees that they will use their post in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to go after the President’s political opponents. President Trump has nominated these January 6 apologists for another equally concerning reason. He wants to make the case that the 2020 election was stolen to justify interfering in the 2026 elections. And he wants loyal foot soldiers in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices who will help him carry out this mission.”

Durbin concluded, “Confirming these nominees to top law enforcement positions, particularly given their attacks on police officers simply for doing their jobs on January 6, is disrespectful to law enforcement—even more so during Police Week. I urge my colleagues today when this package comes before us to oppose these nominees. And because this rancid package of nominees is a take it or leave it on nearly 50 nominees, by all means leave it.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

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Durbin, Wicker Reintroduce Legislation To Promote Study Abroad

Lawmakers say study abroad prepares U.S. college graduates to compete globally

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act, which renames a competitive grant program run by the Department of State to the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program. The grant encourages institutions of higher education to sustainably expand study abroad opportunities to nontraditional locations for underserved American undergraduate students. It is named after the late United States Senator Paul Simon (D-IL), who encouraged Congress to prepare the next generation of Americans with the global knowledge and skills needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Durbin has continuously re-introduced the legislation over various Congresses. This year is Durbin’s last introduction before he retires at the end of this term. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

“Senator Paul Simon always knew the value of understanding how the world works and how we are all interconnected,” Durbin said. “This legislation builds on Senator Simon’s vision by creating opportunities for American students of all backgrounds to see and experience the world. By giving the next generation of students the chance to study abroad, they will be better prepared to lead successful lives and expand their worldview.”

“Study abroad is a valuable experience for many American college students who hope to become our country’s future leaders,” Wicker said. “I appreciate this effort to expand access to study abroad for thousands of undergraduates who would not otherwise have the opportunity.”

“Getting out of the classroom and into the world is incredibly valuable for today’s students, whose experiences will help them lead the way in building a more prosperous, peaceful, and stable future,” said Schneider. “Senator Paul Simon championed study abroad for American students of all backgrounds and I am proud to get to carry on his legacy with this bipartisan bill co-led by Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Durbin and Wicker.”

“America’s leadership in the 21st century will be shaped by the leaders we prepare today. Study abroad is an essential part of a well-rounded education—giving our students the opportunity not only to visit and study in nations around the world, but to serve as ambassadors for American values, ideas, and leadership. This bipartisan initiative opens that door wider. By expanding access to international education for one million students over the next decade, we will ensure that young Americans from every walk of life and background are prepared to compete in tomorrow’s economy, lead with purpose, and strengthen our country’s place in the world,” said Fitzpatrick.

“In 2003, my father spent the last year of his life urging his former colleagues in Washington to make study abroad the norm and not the exception in this country” said Martin H. Simon, the son of the late senator. “Just days before his death, Dad asked Senator Durbin to champion this fight going forward, and to Durbin’s credit, he has been trying for the past 20 years. Now, on the eve of his retirement, I hope the Congress will see fit to supporting this legacy vision and pass the Simon Study Abroad Program Act.”

“The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act strengthens one of the nation’s most important investments in globally prepared talent,” said Fanta Aw, PhD, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. “By codifying and expanding the IDEAS program into law, this legislation will open doors for more students across institution types, to access transformative study abroad experiences that build the skills, knowledge adaptability, and intercultural competencies demanded in today’s global economy. Expanding global learning is not a luxury; it is a national imperative. We applaud the bill’s sponsors for their leadership in strengthening U.S. competitiveness, advancing economic and national security interests, and preparing the next generation of globally engaged leaders.”

As China and other global competitors continue to build key relationships with developing countries, it is essential that the United States and a diverse demographic of American students have access to study abroad programs in nontraditional locations so that our nation maintains its competitive edge and students have the cultural and linguistic competency to compete. According to UNESCO, nearly 1.1 million Chinese college students study abroad annually while only 110,000 American college students do. Students of color, first-generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in study abroad participation.

The goals of the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program are to:

Increase the number of undergraduate students studying abroad annually to one million students within 10 years;

Increase the number of minority students, first generation college students, community college students, and students with disabilities studying abroad by prioritizing grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and institutions that qualify for the Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program, so the demographics of study abroad participation better reflect the demographics of the undergraduate population; and

Increase the number of students who study abroad in nontraditional destinations, with an emphasis on economically developing countries, while maintaining health and safety guidelines and procedures informed by Department of State travel advisories and other appropriate Federal agencies and resources.

In 2004, Congress authorized the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program to provide recommendations to Congress and the President on how to expand opportunities for American undergraduate students to study abroad with a special emphasis on study abroad in economically disadvantaged countries. This bipartisan bill seeks to implement those recommendations.

Durbin first introduced this legislation in 2006 as the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Act based on the recommendations of the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program – of which Durbin was a member.

This bill is supported by the following organizations: NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Academic Programs International, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Association of Teachers of French, American Association of Teachers of Italian, American Association of Teachers of Japanese, American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, American Classical League, American Council on Education, American Councils for International Education, California Language Teachers' Association, CETRA Language Solutions, Connecticut Council of Language Teachers, Delaware Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Fluency Consulting LLC, Foreign Language Association of North Dakota, Foreign Language Association of Virginia, Fund for Education Abroad, German American Partnership Program, Global Seal of Biliteracy, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, IES Abroad, Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling, Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, Institute of International Education, Intercultural Student Experiences (DBA Xperitas), International Association for Language Learning Technology, International Educators of Illinois, Joint National Committee for Languages, Kansas World Language Association, Kentucky World Language Association, Language Magazine, Linguistic Society of America, MARACAS / Learning Kaleidoscope, Model Language Association, National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Committee for Latin and Greek, National Council for Languages and International Studies, National Education Association, National Network for Early Language Learning, New Mexico Organization of Language Educators, New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, Pacific Northwest Council for Languages, Pennsylvania Council for International Education, Southern Conference on Language Teaching, TESOL International Association, The Alliance for International Exchange, The Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island, The Forum on Education Abroad, United Negro College Fund, and West Virginia Foreign Language Teachers Association

Bill text is available here.

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During Police Week, Durbin Calls Out The Hypocrisy Of Confirming President Trump’s Anti-Law Enforcement Nominees

Durbin also spoke out against Justin Smith, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting denouncing the Trump Administration’s anti-law enforcement nominees moving through the Senate during National Police Week. Durbin also called out the Trump Administration’s attacks on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects Dreamers from deportation and gives them the chance to contribute more fully to the nation they love. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted DACA recipient police officers who could lose their DACA status.

During his opening, Durbin also spoke against Justin Smith, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Smith is one of several personal attorneys to President Trump who have been rewarded for their loyalty with lifetime nominations to the federal bench.

Key Quotes:

“Later today, the Senate will vote on a group of dozens of executive nominees—almost 50—under the partisan fast-track process that Senate Republicans put in place last year. This package of nominees includes several unqualified January 6th apologists who were reported by this Committee’s majority despite the fact that they have disparaged law enforcement.”

“For example, Wyoming U.S. Attorney nominee Darin Smith was on Capitol grounds on January 6… and made the reprehensible claim that the police officers who risked their lives that day were guilty of ‘massive incompetence.’ Phil Williams, nominated to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, called the prosecutions of January 6 rioters who attacked police officers, ‘the Salem witch trials on a national scale.’ There are videos—there is no question about what was happening here… Supporting nominees like this does not ‘back the blue.’”

“Earlier this week, I convened a meeting to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to arrest and deport Dreamers. These are young immigrants who were brought to this country as children by their parents.”

“They [Dreamers] have grown up here… pledging allegiance to our flag believing they were part of our future. They are an important part of America today and in the future. In 2012, at the request of myself and our late colleague, Republican Senator Richard Lugar, President Obama established Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals—known as DACA.”

“They go through a complete criminal background check and then you’re given a chance to work in this country and not be deported. Who are these people? They are teachers, nurses, doctors, law enforcement, [and] they’re in our military. They are making America a better place. So, what’s happening to them now? Unfortunately, the promise we made to stand behind them is broken.”

“This Administration is slow-walking DACA renewals so that Dreamers face deportation and [their] work authorization is expiring through no fault of their own… The Administration is also applying a so-called ‘processing hold’ on applications from DACA recipients from 39 countries… And, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued a decision that DACA status will no longer necessarily protect Dreamers from deportation.”

“One of the witnesses at the meeting I convened was Robert Rodriguez, the Chief of Police for the Santa Ana Police Department. [Chief Rodriguez] was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and brought to the United States as an undocumented child. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he deployed numerous times and eventually obtained U.S. citizenship. Chief Rodriguez testified about the difficulties he faces in recruiting police officers.”

“He has several DACA recipients on his police force who are serving honorably and helping to protect their community. But he has already had to lay off one of these officers who lost their status because of the Trump Administration [slow walking] issuing a DACA renewal status.”

“This Committee has the authority, jurisdiction, and the responsibility to not just talk about Police Week but to do something about Police Week. Let’s do something about DACA. Let’s have a hearing. Let’s have a commitment on both sides that these young people should be given a chance.”

“I’d like to say a word about one of the first nominees we’re going to consider. His name is Justin Smith. He is one of several personal attorneys to President Trump who have been rewarded for their loyalty with lifetime nominations to the federal court.”

“Even today, Mr. Smith continues to represent the President as lead counsel in his cases against E. Jean Carroll, who has been awarded nearly $90 million in damages after juries found President Trump liable for sexual abuse.”

“Apart from his representations of President Trump, Mr. Smith’s record shows he is too ideologically extreme. While working in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, he joined the baseless effort to challenge the results of the 2020 election.”

“Mr. Smith also has extensive right-wing political affiliations and ties to dark-money entities. His record shows that he will continue to prioritize these issues over the cause of justice.”

Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available herefor TV Stations.

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