King Cosponsors Bill to Protect Veterans From Scams, Exploitation

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is cosponsoring legislation to crack down on fraudulent activity that attempts to exploit veterans’ hard-earned benefits. The Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims, reinstating criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims—a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law prohibits this activity, predatory actors have used loopholes to avoid prosecution, and federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law without criminal penalties.

“Veterans earned their benefits through service and sacrifice, and no one should be allowed to profit by scamming them out of what they've earned,” said Senator King. “These so-called ‘claims sharks’ prey on veterans at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Our SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and better protect veterans so they can access the benefits they deserve without being exploited by bad actors.”

More specifically, the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act would:

Reestablish criminal penalties for unaccredited claims representatives scamming veterans;

Prohibit VA accreditation of any person found guilty of unauthorized solicitation, charging, or receiving compensation for assisting with VA benefit claims;

Close loopholes exploited by unaccredited actors to skirt federal prohibitions on unaccredited agents assisting veterans with VA benefit claims;

Prohibit the use of robocall technology to obtain VA claims information—targeting claim sharks who spam VA call centers to gain unauthorized access to veterans’ claims information;

Require VA to establish a system to track accredited agents and where veterans can report scammers; and

Increase warnings to veterans about claim sharks and other predatory practices of unaccredited agents.

Joining King on the legislation are U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In March, Senator King was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.”

On the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs. Last year, he introduced the VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act that wouldprotect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. Earlier this year, he introduced the TAP Promotion Act which would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other organizations, to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes to help transitioning servicemembers file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims. Additionally, he introduced the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which would address an unfair rule in federal law that creates unnecessary delays when veterans with service-connected disabilities attempt to access earned education and employment benefits.

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ICYMI: Ahead of Vote-a-Rama, Chairman Graham Calls on Senate Colleagues to Pass the Secure America Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today delivered floor remarks to commence the Senate’s vote-a-rama on the Secure America Act. This legislation fully funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through the Trump presidency.

Graham has consistently fought back against Democrats’ efforts to defund ICE and Border Patrol and has warned that such policies would trigger a return to the days of open borders. During his speech, Chairman Graham contrasted the Biden and Trump administrations’ records on border security.

GRAHAM: “The wake of open borders and irrational and irresponsible Biden immigration policy is wide and is deep. What have we been able to achieve in less than two years? During the Biden years, we had 5,110 people [apprehended on average] every day. … Where are we at today? Zero [illegal immigrants released into the country in 12 months]. Pretty good. So what do you get for your money? You go from 5,110 [average daily border apprehensions] to zero [illegal immigrants released into the country].”

https://youtu.be/FHanOFdFssU?si=FkVjRD0xXELHuFmP&t=31

In his remarks, Chairman Graham also described several violent crimes in South Carolina perpetrated by illegal immigrants over the past two years.

GRAHAM: “Just in my state alone, in April 2026, a 12-year-old boy and a 9-year-old boy in Spartanburg were killed by an illegal immigrant in a drunk driving car crash. One hundred fifty-six pounds of fentanyl that originated in Mexico, smuggled across the Southern border, the largest seizure of fentanyl in South Carolina history – enough to kill 36 million people. Hopefully that will be harder to do in the future. June ’25, 72 illegal aliens at [a] Charleston night club, run by a member of a cartel, were arrested. University of South Carolina student, 21-year-old Nathaniel Baker, was killed in a hit-and-run crash by an illegal alien. A mother of two was murdered in Rock Hill by a group of six illegal immigrants. February 2025, DEA arrests four suspects in Sumter involved in money laundering for two Mexican cartels. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

https://youtu.be/FHanOFdFssU?si=Up6wyBhhi2HfUtxD&t=88

Click here to watch Chairman Graham’s full remarks.

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Graham Applauds President Trump's Intent to Nominate Todd Blanche for Attorney General

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following President Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Todd Blanche to be the next U.S. Attorney General.

“I applaud President Trump for his decision to nominate Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General of the United States. I have known Todd for years. He is highly qualified and has the temperament, judgement and experience that one would want for the Attorney General of our great nation.

“He has served in the Attorney General’s office at the highest levels and will be able to hit the ground running on day one. I will enthusiastically support his nomination in the Judiciary Committee and on the floor, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same.”


Lummis, Sullivan Lead Colleagues in Urging Bank Regulators to Establish Fair Capital Standards for Digital Assets

Washington D.C. — Senate Banking Subcommittee on Digital Assets Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) led their colleagues Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Jon Husted (R-OH) in sending a letter to Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Miki Bowman, FDIC Chairman Travis Hill, and Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould urging the agencies to build on recent progress clarifying the capital treatment of tokenized securities and move toward a clear and fair capital standard for banks engaged in digital asset activities.

“The Basel Committee on Bank Supervision published prudential capital standards for the on-balance sheet treatment of digital assets like bitcoin in 2022 and assigned a 1,250% risk weight— the most punitive classification in the capital framework,” the senators wrote. “This classification was not derived from a calibrated assessment of the actual risk profile of digital assets, however. This framework appears to be a blanket penalty assigned by asset category as a de facto ban on banks holding this asset class, in direct tension with a technology-neutral approach. The practical consequences of this framework are stark.”


Lummis Supports Trump Coal Announcement

Washington D.C. — Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) today released the following statement applauding President Trump’s pro-coal announcement:

“Today, President Trump made clear he is 150 percent committed to fighting for America’s energy workers, and Wyoming couldn’t be prouder to stand with him,” said Lummis.“Directing over $700 million toward coal-fired electricity and export infrastructure is exactly the leadership our nation needs. The growing demands of AI and modern industry require more affordable, reliable electricity which coal delivers. The West Gateway export terminal alone will open critical new pathways for Wyoming coal to reach global markets. Americans cannot afford an energy policy that leaves them in the dark, and with this investment, President Trump is making sure they never will.”


Senator Markey, Representatives Bonamici and Scott Reintroduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Compensation for Workers Who Face Discrimination

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (June 4, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), alongside Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), today reintroduced the Equal Remedies Act to secure full financial relief for victims of workplace discrimination.

For more than 30 years, a civil rights law has capped how much money workers can win in discrimination or harassment lawsuits under Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These limits, tied to the size of an employer’s workforce, range from $50,000 for smaller businesses to a ceiling of $300,000 for larger corporations. Federal judges are often forced to reduce jury awards due to these outdated caps, regardless of the severity of the employer’s misconduct. The Equal Remedies Act corrects this injustice by eliminating these arbitrary caps, ensuring that victims of discrimination based on sex, religion, race, national origin, and disability can receive the full compensation awarded by a jury.

The legislation also modernizes the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) by expanding relief for older workers. Under the current law, victims of age discrimination lack access to the legal relief available to workers who experience discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. The Equal Remedies Act rectifies this disparity, ensuring equal access to justice for all workers.

“It’s outrageous that many workers are still denied financial justice when they experience discrimination on the job while corporations reap record-high profits,” said Senator Markey. “Arbitrary and outdated caps routinely force judges to slash jury awards, leaving victims with only a fraction of the payment they deserve despite suffering significant economic and emotional harm. The Equal Remedies Act eliminates these unfair limits, holds abusive employers accountable, and gives seniors and other workers a shot at full compensation and real justice.”

“It’s unacceptable that many workers are not receiving full compensation after experiencing discrimination,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “Arbitrary caps on awards for discrimination allow irresponsible employers to avoid being held accountable for their wrongdoing and add to the harm experienced by workers in discrimination cases. I’m grateful to partner with Ranking Member Scott and Senator Markey to finally end this outdated and harmful practice.”

“Too often, when employers are found liable for discriminating against an employee based on age, for example, the employee is not awarded the full amount that the jury determines they should receive. This is because of a decades-old law that arbitrarily caps damages for employment discrimination. Moreover, the caps have not been adjusted over time to keep pace with inflation. Weak and ineffective penalties do not deter unscrupulous employers from violating workers’ rights and protections,” said Ranking Member Scott. “The Equal Remedies Act eliminates unfair damage caps and amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act so employees who experience age discrimination can access the same remedies available to those who experience other forms of discrimination. I am grateful for Rep. Bonamici and Sen. Markey’s leadership on this important issue and look forward to fighting alongside them to ensure workers receive the full amount of damages they are awarded by a jury of their peers.”

The Equal Remedies Act is endorsed by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) Action Fund, National Employment Law Project (NELP), Lift Our Voices, Equal Rights Advocates, WorkLife Law, People’s Parity Project, National Institute for Workers’ Rights, National Employment Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice (AAJ).

“For far too long, arbitrary, one-size-fits-all limits on damages in workplace discrimination cases have allowed employers to discriminate at a discount,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education and Workplace Justice at the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund. “These caps on jury awards are outdated and unpopular, and it’s time to eliminate them once and for all. The Equal Remedies Act would do just that, ensuring that employers who discriminate are held fully accountable and that workers who experience discrimination can be fully compensated for the harm they have suffered.”


Senator Markey Statement on FCC Plan to Review E-Rate Program

Washington (June 4, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission announced that it will vote to open a proceeding to review the E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries connect to the internet.

“E-Rate is a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to closing the digital divide. I am worried that this FCC review of the program will result in new obstacles to connecting kids to the internet in schools and libraries across the country. Although I share concerns about social media’s impact on our young people, it is important to remember that all screen time is not the same, and E-Rate already includes strong safeguards to protect students online. I plan to engage closely to ensure the FCC protects E-Rate, follows the law, and keeps students connected.”

In April 2026, the FCC approved a new rule creating additional administrative burdens for schools and libraries to access funds from the E-Rate program. In September 2025, the FCC repealed its rule allowing schools and libraries to use their E-Rate funds to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators, setting back years of success in ensuring students and educators have access to the internet at home.

Senator Markey is the House author of the original E-Rate program, which has invested more than $69 billion to connect schools and libraries to the internet across the country. Massachusetts schools and libraries have received more than $950 million from the E-Rate program and another $97 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a $7 billion program that Senator Markey created within the American Rescue Plan to provide devices and connectivity for students and educators at home.

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Senator Marshall: Active Management is Key to Wildfire Prevention

Senator Marshall Questions Witnesses at Senate Ag Committee Hearing

Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz during a Senate Agriculture Committee oversight hearing focused on the agency’s management of national forests and grasslands.

Senator Marshall highlighted the importance of active land management — including grazing, prescribed burns, and vegetation reduction — to reduce fuel loads and mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires, particularly at the Cimarron National Grassland in Kansas.

Click here to download the full video.

Highlights from the hearing include:

Senator Marshall: “Well, thank you, Chairman. Welcome, Chief Schultz, to the hearing. Glad you’re here. I just want to remind everybody that the terms Kansasand forestare oxymorons. We get to examine the beauty of nature one tree at a time. You know, do you know what we call three trees on a quarter section of land in Kansas? A forest. Now, all that being said, the Cimarron National Grassland is something near and dear to my heart and is under your purview. I was out there not too long ago, and, by the way, longtime District Ranger Nancy Brewer gave me an incredible tour. What a wonderful, committed ranger we have there. But that same day, the wind was literally blowing 40 miles an hour — not gusts of 40, I mean, that was the baseline: 40 miles an hour. And as we were leaving, she said, “My gosh, I sure hope we don’t have any fires today. It’s a bad day.” And sure enough, we weren’t 30 minutes out of the grasslands before there was a huge fire. It turned out to be 280,000 acres, but fortunately, it was east of those grasslands. So, look, just speak specifically to that grassland and forest management — or grassland management, in this particular case — and what can be done to decrease the chances of losing all of that, if you could.”

Chief Schultz: “In my opening statement, I talked about active management, and active management is not just forest management — it’s also range management and managing grasslands. We have 20 national grasslands, and the Cimarron National Grassland is one of those. So, active management is key to reducing fuels and fine fuels on the landscape. That means making sure that we have active permittees out there because, as you know, the Forest Service doesn’t have staff all over the place. So, in many cases, it’s the permittees who are going to see issues first — whether there’s a wildfire issue, an insect or disease issue, or an invasive species issue. The permittees are going to see those things, let us know, and they are the front line of defense in most cases when it comes to making sure management occurs. So, we work with our permittees a lot.”

Senator Marshall: “What that means to me is their active grazing is a good thing.”

Chief Schultz: “It’s absolutely a good thing.”

Senator Marshall: “And some prescribed burns are a good thing as well. I would still encourage you to think about what types of buffers you could put in there — around, between, or wherever appropriate — to break it up somehow. Certainly, when you took this job on, I thought one of the biggest challenges was the lack of management of our forests over the past decade or two, and that’s a big reason these fires get out of control. Can you tell me what type of progress you’re making on actively managing our forests to help prevent some of these huge, huge fires?”

Chief Schultz: “Yes, so active management is a broad thing. So, it’s – we’ve highlighted the importance of grazing. We’ve actually worked with permittees to increase grazing on the landscape and do it in a way that’s consistent with our forest plans. We’ve also looked at our timber sale program. We’ve increased our timber sale sales that we’re selling. We’re going to increase that I mentioned in my statement up to about 4 billion board feet over the next three years, we’re seeing about a 10 to 15% increase every year, and that’s going to continue to increase terms of the fuels program. We actually treated more acres prescribed fire this past season than we have over the last year as well by about an additional 500,000 acres.”

Senator Marshall: “Is that a 5% increase or a 2%?”

Chief Schultz: “In terms of year over year, we’re probably at about a 40 percent increase over last year.”

Senator Marshall: “What has that allowed you to do?”

Chief Schultz: “So, it varies. When you use prescribed fire, it depends on where you’re doing it and how much work you’re able to accomplish. Region Eight, which is the Southern Region of the Forest Service — basically from Texas across to Georgia and South Carolina, including Kentucky and Tennessee — is a good example. If we can get out there early in the season and get fire on the landscape, it allows us to treat a lot of acres, so we can get more work done. This year, we were able to accomplish more work early in the season given the fire conditions. Right now, using prescribed fire in the West doesn’t make much sense. The conditions are so dry and hot. So, we’ve actually gotten ahead of our fuels program this year compared to where we were the prior year, based on getting folks out on the ground and making that work a priority. Those are some of the things we’ve done. But in terms of overall management, we’ve increased our forest management, increased our grazing management, and increased our fuels treatments. Those are the key focus areas we have. And then, on the fire side, in terms of aggressive initial attack, I mentioned that last season we had 12 percent more starts than we typically see based on a 10-year average, yet we burned half as many acres of Forest Service land. So, it’s about being safe, being aggressive in our initial attack, and also being aggressive in how we treat the landscape through fuels treatments and timber sales.”

Senator Marshall: “Yeah, I want to point out that certainly we’re all concerned about the cost of housing, and we’re hopeful that by allowing our forests to be harvested appropriately — and, of course, replenished — we can help bring down the cost of lumber as well. Just briefly, what is keeping you from doing more forest management, or what do you need from us to enable you to do even more?”

Chief Schultz: “The question was asked previously about FOFA. We believe that is a strong provision you could support through passage of FOFA, the Fix Our Forests Act, which would provide us with additional tools to get more work done on the ground. So, in the short term, that’s probably the biggest impact you could have, sir.”

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SENATORS MCCORMICK, HICKENLOOPER, YOUNG, AND HEINRICH INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ROBOTICS

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Todd Young (R-IN), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) today introduced the bipartisan National Commission on Robotics Act. The bill would create an independent commission to evaluate America’s competitiveness in robotics and recommend policies to strengthen U.S. leadership in that field. The legislation comes as America’s dependence on foreign-manufactured robotics technology raises urgent questions about supply chain security, economic competitiveness, national defense, and workforce development.

“Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh especially, is an incredible hub of robotics talent and demonstrates that American leadership in robotics creates high-paying jobs, strengthens domestic supply chains, and drives long-term growth,” said Senator McCormick. “The Commission on American Leadership in Robotics will bring together leading experts to help ensure the United States maintains its technological edge over our adversaries and builds the workforce needed to succeed in a technology-driven future.”

“Advancements in robotics are rapidly changing how we live and work. If America is going to lead the future, we need a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead—from supply chains and national security to workforce development,” saidSenatorHickenlooper. “Colorado is a growing robotics and innovation hub, and this legislation will help ensure we harness these technologies in ways that build opportunity, strengthen our economy, and minimize the unintended consequences.”

Specifically, the commission is directed to examine and make recommendations on:

The competitiveness of the United States in robotics and the strength of the domestic marketplace.

Whether the U.S. has the appropriate means and methods to assert and maintain a technological advantage across industrial, retail, and commercial sectors.

Foreign actions and policies to advance robotics.

Whether certain strategic partnerships in robotics with industry, the public, and academic institutions could enhance economic competitiveness and manufacturing.

Workforce incentives and programs to attract and recruit leading talent in robotics and associated STEM fields.

Supply chain risks and policies to increase domestic manufacturing of robotics.

The commission will deliver an interim report to Congress and the President within one year of establishment and a final report with concrete recommendations within two years of establishment.

TheNational Commission on Robotics Acthas received support from the following stakeholders: Gecko Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, Agility Robotics, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Association for Advancing Automation (A3), FANUC America, Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), the Colorado Technology Association, Advanced Construction Robotics, Carnegie Robotics, Near Earth Autonomy, HEBI Robotics, Robots for America, the New American Industrial Alliance, and the Mass Technology Leadership Council.

“Robotics is poised to be one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, with profound implications for economic growth, national security and societal well-being. At a time of increasing global competition, the United States must take an ambitious and deliberate approach to maintaining its leadership in this critical field,” said Farnam Jahanian, PresidentofCarnegie Mellon University. “Carnegie Mellon University applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators McCormick and Hickenlooper in advancing a National Robotics Commission. By bringing together leaders from industry, academia, government and the workforce, this effort can help develop a shared national strategy that accelerates innovation, strengthens American competitiveness and ensures the benefits of robotics are broadly shared across society.”

“Global competition around robotics and AI is accelerating quickly, and the U.S. must move decisively to remain the global leader. A national robotics strategy is essential to strengthening American industry, infrastructure, energy, and national security, while accelerating innovation and high-skilled jobs. Gecko, from our Pittsburgh headquarters to facilities around the world, is at the forefront of companies transforming critical industries using robotics and stands firmly behind Senator McCormick and Senator Hickenlooper’s initiative,” said Jake Loosararian, Co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics.

“America’s robotics leadership will be built on strong research institutions, a skilled workforce, resilient supply chains, and bold entrepreneurs going after big problems. This commission is exactly the kind of federal commitment our industry needs. We strongly support this legislation and urge that workforce development, technology transfer, supply chain resilience, and academic-industry partnerships be central in its considerations.” said Audrey Russo, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council.

“Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of robotics innovation for decades, which is why Agility has made a meaningful investment in its footprint there,” said Peggy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Agility Robotics. “Sen. McCormick and Sen. Hickenlooper’s introduction of the National Commission on Robotics Act reflects a clear understanding of the strategic importance of U.S. leadership not only in developing, but in deploying robotics, including humanoids, at scale. We hope the Senate will move swiftly on a bipartisan basis to advance this critical legislation.”

“AUVSI commends Senators McCormick and Hickenlooper for their leadership in introducing the National Commission on Robotics Act. Robotics will be central to the future of U.S. manufacturing, productivity, and national security. With the People’s Republic of China moving strategically and aggressively to shape and win this market, the United States needs a clear national strategy to align policy, strengthen trusted industrial capacity, and compete to win. This bill is an important step toward that goal and AUVSI strongly endorses the National Commission on Robotics Act,” saidMichael Robbins, President & CEO ofAssociation for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

“The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) applauds the leadership of US Senators David McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and welcomes their introduction of legislation in the United States Senate to establish a national robotics strategy,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of A3. “The accelerated adoption of robotics, along with enabling technologies like artificial intelligence, machine vision, and motion control, will strengthen every US industry in the future. Robotics and automation are essential to bringing more manufacturing back to the US while creating better, safer and higher paying jobs for American workers.”

“Staying on the cutting edge of robotics development and deployment is critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. So much of the innovation in this space is being driven by entrepreneurs and small/medium-sized businesses across the country—thousands of which are served by TECNA’s member councils. We applaud Senator McCormick’s effort to create a Robotics Commission and ensure we continue to foster and leverage American ingenuity,” said Jennifer G. Young, CEO, TECNA

“FANUC America applauds Senators David McCormick (R-PA) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) for their leadership in advancing robotics,” said Mike Cicco, CEO of FANUC America. “The National Commission on Robotics Act is an important step to strengthen U.S. leadership in robotics and industrial automation. As a global leader in industrial robotics, FANUC America strongly supports federal efforts to develop a skilled workforce and accelerate the adoption of robotics across U.S. manufacturing. FANUC America is proud of its continued investments and expansion in the United States and looks forward to working with Congress to create high-quality jobs including robotics designers, technicians, and operators, while advancing initiatives that strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.”

“Robotics has the potential to power America’s manufacturing renaissance, which is why it’s critical to enact smart policy that leads the way on adoption. The National Commission on Robotics Act would do just that, by creating a bipartisan commission to assess the state of American robotics and establishing a strategy to ensure continued American robotics dominance. We thank Sen. McCormick, Sen. Hickenlooper, Congressman Obernolte, and Congresswoman McClellan for acting urgently to address this critical need.” –New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA)

“Despite inventing the modern robotics industry, the United States currently operates less than 10% of the world’s industrial robots, which significantly threatens America’s position as the global economic leader. There’s no time to waste, which is why the creation of an independent, bipartisan commission on American leadership in robotics must be an urgent priority for US policymakers. We thank Senator McCormick, Senator Hickenlooper, Congressman Obernolte, and Congresswoman McClellan for their leadership on this effort.”- Robots for America

This bill has bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House. Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) are sponsoring companion legislation, H.R. 7334, in the House of Representatives.

The full bill text may be read here.

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AFTER FDA GRANTS FREE PASS TO FLAVORED E-CIGARETTES, DURBIN LEADS SENATE DEMOCRATS IN LETTER TO TOBACCO COMPANIES ABOUT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION INFLUENCE

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jack Reed (D-RI) sent letters to Reynolds American and Altria Group to inquire about these Big Tobacco companies’ engagement with the Trump Administration, following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent misguided decisions to unleash kid-friendly flavored e-cigarettes.

Reynolds American’s recent $5 million donation and Altria Group’s millions of dollars in contributions towards President Trump’s political operation appears to have enabled tobacco manufacturers to circumvent federal law and unlawfully sell unauthorized e-cigarettes. In the letters, the Senators raise serious concerns about the suspicious timeline of political donations to President Trump and the timing of FDA’s announcement.

The Senators wrote, “After political contributions by the companies—which followed which followed donations to President Trump’s gold-plated ballroom and campaign—and lunch at the President’s golf resort, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alarming new industry guidance. This May 8, 2026, FDA guidance grants enforcement discretion to permit kid-friendly, flavored e-cigarettes to be sold on the market without obtaining the law’s required pre-market regulatory authorization.”

The Senators continued, “FDA’s abrupt reversal and decision to grant a free pass to addictive and harmful vapes will cause irreparable harm to children across the country and the agency’s independence from political influence. But for you and your shareholders, this was a lucrative payday after years of unsuccessful legislative and regulatory efforts to weaken federal tobacco oversight.”

The Senators posed a series of questions to understand how many new and unauthorized e-cigarettes manufactured by Reynolds and Altria may be on the market following FDA’s recent guidance to grant enforcement discretion to addictive, flavored e-cigarettes that lack the FDA’s lawfully required authorization. The Senators request a response to various questions by July 2, 2026.

The Senators’ letter to Reynolds American can be found here.

The Senators’ letter to Altria Group can be found here.

The recent actions by FDA include authorizing the first-ever non-tobacco or menthol-flavored vaping products (mango and blueberry); FDA issuing final guidance permitting e-cigarettes that lack FDA authorization to remain on the market in violation of the law; and former FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigning, at least partially, in protest of these actions. By authorizing fruit flavors that are primarily used by children, FDA is once again enabling youth tobacco use and exacerbating the risk of serious chronic disease and death for a new generation. Durbin recently sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him to push back on these actions.

Durbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14 years old. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to bans on smoking in restaurants, office buildings, trains, and other locations. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools.

In May, Durbin pressed the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Jay Bhattacharya about the Trump Administration’s failure to protect children from nicotine addiction and exposure to toxic chemicals as Big Tobacco continues to push kid-friendly flavored e-cigarettes during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. During last month’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products, especially those targeting children.

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Bonamici, Merkley, Mannion, Underwood, Alsobrooks Introduce Resolution to Overturn Student Loan Rule

Washington, DC – Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. John Mannion (D-NY), Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval in the House and Senate to repeal the Department of Education’s finalized rule that caps federal student loans and overhauls the student loan system.

The final rule unnecessarily limits the definition of a professional degree for the purpose of establishing federal loan caps, which will force future nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and many others to turn to often predatory, high-interest private lenders to complete their degrees. It also officially eliminates the Grad PLUS program and creates new, more expensive loan repayment options for all borrowers.

“We should be making it easier, not harder for people to enter essential professions like nursing, education, and social work,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “The Trump administration does not have the best interest of the people who want to go into these professions in mind. The shortsighted changes to the student loan program will make higher education more expensive and drive people away from the jobs our communities need. I’ll keep working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to stop these unacceptable changes to the student loan program.”

“Nurses, teachers, counselors, and social workers are dedicated public servants, and Congress must do everything it can to help recruit the next generation of these heroes,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “We’re already facing a shortage of these critical workers, and new limits on federal student loans for these professions and others threaten to further jeopardize the future of our workforce. Financial freedom and flexibility are essential to aspiring students, and I’m leading the charge with my colleagues to oppose these dangerous changes and stand up for affordable student loans so folks can continue to achieve their dreams and serve the public.”

“The Trump Administration is making it harder for people to become nurses, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals at the exact moment our communities need them most,” said Representative John W. Mannion. “This rule is arbitrary, short-sighted, and harmful to low- and middle-income students who do not have the luxury of paying out of pocket for an advanced degree, which is why I’m working with my colleagues on this legislation to repeal this shortsighted rule. We should be expanding access to educational opportunity, not creating new barriers to the workforce.”

“While working families struggle to buy groceries and put gas in their cars, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message to aspiring nurses, health care providers, social workers, teachers, and firefighters: If you can’t afford a high interest loan, then you can’t serve your community,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “This rule will undermine public health, and it’s a slap in the face to the millions of professionals who are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. It should be thrown out, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this Congressional Review Act resolution to get it overturned.”

“The Trump Administration is once again actively targeting the public servants who make up the bedrock of our communities – nurses, teachers, and social workers – by taking away their opportunities to access affordable student loans and forcing them into the clutches of private lenders,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “This new rule creates a deep inequity that will exacerbate nursing and educator shortages and is an insult to the hard working professionals that sacrifice every day to serve others.”

The final rule establishes an arbitrary list of 11 fields that are eligible for an aggregate borrowing limit of $200,000. Borrowers in programs excluded from the definition of “professional” – including nurses, social workers, teachers, firefighters, physical and occupational therapists, and more – will have a $20,500 annual borrowing limit and a $100,000 aggregate borrowing limit. This will exacerbate healthcare workforce shortages and disincentivize students from entering high-need fields.

Millions of borrowers with outstanding student loans will also see their required monthly payment amounts increase by hundreds of dollars, dramatically adding to the affordability crisis. Changes to student loan repayment include significantly higher monthly loan payments and a mandated $50 minimum monthly payment under the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, rather than allowing for lower amounts when the lender and borrower agree. Together, these changes will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income students and families.

The text of the CRA can be read here. It is supported by nearly 200 organizations including: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; Advanced Professionals Workforce Alliance, American Academy of Audiology; American Academy of Physician Associates; American Association for Marriage and Therapy (AAMFT); American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); American Counseling Association; American Institute of Architects; American Library Association; American Nurses Association (ANA); Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, National Art Education Association; National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); National Career Development Association; National Education Association (NEA); the National League for Nursing (NLN); National Nurses United; National Rural Health Association; the PA Education Association; and National Rural Health Association.

“Students do better when educators have the training, support, and opportunities they need to grow in their professions,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “This administration rule is making it harder for teachers, school counselors, nurses, social workers, and other public service professionals to pursue advanced degrees by pushing many of them towards predatory high-interest loans and deeper debt. At a time when schools across the country are struggling with staffing shortages, we should be removing barriers to the profession, not creating new ones. Repealing this rule is essential to restoring fairness and ensuring aspiring educators are not priced out of serving their communities.”

“On behalf of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), we thank Representatives Bonamici, Mannion and Underwood and Senators Merkley and Alsobrooks for their efforts to introduce legislation that will overturn the recent final rule for the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Federal Student Loan Program,” said AANP President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP. “The final rule written by the Department of Education will have a devasting impact on our nation’s health care workforce. It is critical that we work together to ensure that nursing students have access to the necessary federal student loans to pursue their education and ultimately deliver care in their communities. It’s time we invest in our next generation of health care providers.”

Additional statements of support can be found here.

In the House, the CRA is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Angie Craig (D-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Madeline Dean (D-PA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Llyod Doggett (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), John Larson (D-CT), Summer Lee (D-PA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Scott Peters (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

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Merkley, Wicker Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Protect U.S. Fishers by Cracking Down on Illegal Fishing and Abusive Vessel Flagging Practices

Washington, D.C. – Ahead of the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing on June 5, 2026, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced a new bipartisan bill to target a loophole that illegal fishers exploit to gain an unfair advantage over folks adhering to responsible fisheries management in the United States and worldwide.

The Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act would hold bad actors accountable for swapping out their vessel’s flag—known as a flag of convenience—when a vessel is registered in a country different from the owner’s home country. Flags of convenience, which are often issued by countries with weak oversight practices, can allow foreign vessels to avoid environmental and labor standards in international waters, while enabling illegal fishers to flood the market with low-cost, difficult-to-trace seafood.

“The United States is the world’s largest seafood-importing country, and we have both the purchasing power and the responsibility to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” said Merkley. “Flags of convenience enable IUU fishing by allowing vessels to dodge oversight, further exposing American consumers to illegally caught seafood and driving down prices for sustainable domestic products. Our bipartisan bill is a win-win—protecting U.S. fishers that play by the rules while also promoting sustainable fisheries management across the globe.”

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing puts the United States seafood industry at a competitive disadvantage. Our maritime laws are built to protect fishermen and improve environmental and labor standards, but many bad actors use the flag of convenience to exploit gaps in those laws. Closing this loophole benefits fishermen, consumers, and the fishing industry,” said Wicker.

The bipartisan Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act is endorsed by the Oregon Trawl Commission, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Southern Shrimp Alliance.

“The United States has some of the most responsibly managed fisheries in the world, and Oregon’s commercial seafood industry is proud to help supply healthy, sustainable seafood to American consumers,” said Yelena Nowak, Executive Director of the Oregon Trawl Commission. “This bill is an important step toward ensuring that seafood tied to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing does not benefit from access to the U.S. market, while helping level the playing field for U.S. fishermen and processors. The Oregon Trawl Commission commends Senator Merkley and Senator Wicker for their leadership in advancing bipartisan legislation to strengthen accountability for IUU fishing and the countries that enable it.”

“Oceana applauds this bipartisan bill that addresses flags of convenience that create cover for some of the worst abuses on our oceans, allowing vessels engaged in illegal fishing and labor exploitation to evade scrutiny and accountability,” said Maisie Pigeon, Oceana’s Senior Director of Global Transparency. “If we want to promote sustainable fisheries, protect habitat and wildlife, and keep illegally caught seafood out of the U.S. market, we need to hold flag states accountable and this bill would do just that. Congress should pass this commonsense bill to hold foreign countries accountable for actions at sea and help level the playing field for U.S. fishers and seafood producers that follow the rules.”

“Illegal fishing and labor abuses at sea persist when bad actors can hide behind lax foreign flags to evade basic oversight,” said Molly Masterton, Senior Attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act updates NOAA’s enforcement tools to shed a light on flags of convenience, helping to level the playing field for US fishermen who play by the rules and helping to secure a healthier future for our shared ocean.”

“Because IUU fishing continues to play a significant role in the production of feed for foreign aquaculture, American shrimpers are among the hundreds of thousands of law-abiding commercial fishermen harmed by vessels operating under flags of convenience,” said Blake Price, Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. “Senator Merkley’s and Senator Wicker’s Protecting U.S. Fishers from Illegal Foreign Flags Act of 2026 provides the federal government with an important tool to meaningfully counter the negligence of some of our foreign trading partners and is strongly supported by the Southern Shrimp Alliance and the U.S. shrimp industry.”

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

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Wyden, Merkley Laud Stewardship Agreement for Malheur National Forest

New 20-year agreement with Iron Triangle in John Day is for 20 years

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today praised the announcement of a 20-year stewardship agreement between the Malheur National Forest and Iron Triangle LLC in John Day that covers forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, timber harvesting, watershed improvement, and habitat restoration for that federal forest in Eastern Oregon.

“As a long-time champion of stewardship agreements that provide fresh and balanced solutions for rural Oregon communities, I am gratified that the Malheur National Forest and Iron Triangle have reached this 20-year accord,” Wyden said. “Jobs plus long-term predictability and wildfire reduction in these agreements all add up to a prescription for an even better future for residents and small businesses in Eastern Oregon.”

“This stewardship agreement is a huge win for our timber communities and our forests,” Merkley said. “It will create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and generate healthier forests and streams. I love the stewardship model that has so many positive outcomes and I will continue to champion this approach in my role leading the Democrats on the Interior spending committee.”


VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Honors Heroic Florida Law Enforcement Officer Who Was Shot Twice in the Face and is Working Towards Full Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody honored a Florida law enforcement hero who is working towards full recovery after being shot in the face twice while protecting Floridians. From the Senator Floor Senator Moody recognized Port St. Lucie Police Sergeant Erik Levasseur with the Florida’s Finest Award. Sgt. Levasseur is a 27-year veteran of law enforcement.

“Sergeant Levasseur answered a routine call and got shot twice in the face. He received a law enforcement Purple Heart award and is working towards full recovery and returning to the force to serve the community he loves. Sergeant Levasseur is a true Florida hero and we are a safer state because of his courage and those brave enough to answer the call to put others’ safety ahead of their own,” said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

In December 2025, Port St. Lucie Police Sgt. Levasseur was shot twice in the face when responding to a residence call. When Sgt. Levasseur and other officers responded to the scene, a suspect emerged from the home’s garage brandishing a rifle and immediately began firing at officers. The suspect also attempted to run at and flank Sgt. Levasseur and the officers. Sgt. Levasseur was struck twice in the face—one bullet near the nose and another beneath. Other officers subdued the suspect. Learn more here.

Sgt. Levasseur underwent five surgeries—two on the eyes to remove shrapnel and another three on the face. From the beginning of the sergeant’s recovery, Sgt. Levasseur has been looking forward to returning to work.

In March, Sgt. Levasseur received a law enforcement Purple Heart from the Port St. Lucie Police Department for his service.

A local veteran, Staff Sergeant Thomas Matteo, presented Sgt. Levasseur with one of his own military Purple Hearts for the sergeant’s service. Matteo earned six Purple Hearts over two deployments to Vietnam in the 1960s, and is also a former law enforcement officer. Learn more here.

Sgt. Levasseur also received the First Responders Appreciation Foundation’s Valor Award at the group’s annual Law Enforcement Officers Awards luncheon last month.

Senator Moody honored Sgt. Levasseur with a Florida’s Finest Award. Senator Moody’s Florida’s Finest Awards are presented to citizens or law enforcement officers who go above and beyond to protect others.

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VIDEO: Sen. Moran Questions Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Food for Peace Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs – this week questioned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Food for Peace program and the administration’s decision to waive Russian oil sanctions.

“In Senator Boozman’s and Senator Klobuchar’s Farm Bill, we hope to make the transfer of Food for Peace to USDA permanent,” said Sen. Moran. “We appreciate the transfer that has been made administratively. Let me ask you if there’s just things that I should know, the committee should know, in regard to that transition – anything that is being left behind, are there problems in delivering the food aid, what role does the State Department still play?”

“I think the role the State Department will always play is because our embassies – and in some cases, we do have Department of Agriculture people embedded in our embassies – I think ultimately our embassies will always serve as a key liaison point with host countries that are recipients or maybe in need of recipients,” responded Secretary Rubio. “There may be some issues in terms of bringing in the aid or bringing in the Food for Peace assistance into those countries that we would have to navigate with the host country.”

“But by and large, we felt that the transfer made sense,” continued Secretary Rubio. “It had long been advocated for by many representing agricultural states because truly at the end of the day, the Food for Peace program is an American agricultural program to benefit the world – to use what we’ve been blessed with as part of a tool of our foreign policy. We just felt it would be better executed – we agreed it would be better executed through the Department of Agriculture. So, we commit to doing everything we can on our end to facilitate the transition and then facilitate implementation.”

Sen. Moran also questioned Secretary Rubio on the administration’s decision to waive U.S. sanctions on Russian oil sales.

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Questioning


GAO Investigation Requested by Murray, Kaptur Confirms Energy Department Illegally Steered Funding Away from Clean Energy

ICYMI: Murray, Kaptur Asked GAO to Look Into Energy Department’s Decision to Steer Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Away from Wind, Solar in Defiance of Spending Law

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded that the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision last year to steer hundreds of millions of dollars provided by Congress in fiscal year 2025 for the research and development of clean energy sources toward energy sources favored by Secretary Chris Wright violated the law.

GAO’s investigation into the matter was requested last July by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.

In a statement responding to the decision, Senator Murray and Congresswoman Kaptur said:

“Today, GAO confirmed what’s been clear from the start: the Trump administration broke the law when it gutted investments in affordable, clean energy. Secretary Wright unilaterally rewrote a spending bill signed into law by President Trump, all so he could benefit handpicked industries at the expense of clean energy research Americans are counting on to lower their energy bills. GAO has made clear that this was not merely a policy choice—it was a clear violation of appropriations law.

“The Department of Energy cannot simply ignore the law because the Secretary has a vendetta against the most affordable energy sources. American families have paid the price for this lawbreaking—in higher energy costs, in canceled university and industry research awards, and in national lab scientists who lost their jobs. The administration must take steps to immediately comply with the law, and we must work on a bipartisan basis to insist the Department follows the law.”

In fiscal year 2024, Congress provided $137 million for DOE to support wind energy and $318 million to support solar energy. The fiscal year 2025 full-year continuing resolution—written by House Republicans and signed into law by President Trump in March 2025—continued those funding levels. However, in a spend plan made public on July 2, 2025, the Trump administration revealed it was steering hundreds of millions of dollars away from congressionally directed clean energy technologies to other, favored industries. Rather than fund wind at the enacted level of $137 million, the administration allocated just $29.8 million – a 78% cut. Rather than fund solar at the enacted level of $318 million, it allocated just $41.9 million – an 87% cut.

On July 28, 2025, Kaptur and Murray formally asked GAO to issue a legal decision on whether DOE’s FY2025 spend plan violated the Purpose Statute—which requires that appropriations be used only for the purposes for which they were provided—and the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from obligating funds in excess of available appropriations.

On February 25, 2026, as DOE began obligating funds in defiance of the law—including issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity making $146.5 million in FY2025 funds available for geothermal energy despite Congress providing only $118 million—Kaptur and Murray renewed their GAO referral and called on the Department to immediately reverse course. Today’s GAO legal decision responds to that request.

In its decision today, GAO stated: “DOE is required to obligate and expend its FY 2025 appropriations in accordance with the referenced congressional control point amounts in the FY 2024 explanatory statement. …. To the extent that DOE obligated or expended FY 2025 funds in excess of appropriated amounts—that is the FY 2024 levels described above—DOE should report an Antideficiency Act violation.”

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VIDEO: Republicans Block Sen. Ossoff’s Amendment to Prevent Insrance Companies from Denying or Delaying Needed Health Care

Sen. Ossoff continues working to ban insurance companies from denying needed health care

Sen. Ossoff: “Instead of slush funds for criminals and corrupt ballrooms, let’s do something useful. Let’s ban insurance companies from denying or delaying medically necessary health care to Americans.”

Washington, D.C. — Senate Republicans blocked U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed care.

During the Senate’s vote series today, Sen. Ossoff offered an amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care, but Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment.

On the floor, Sen. Ossoff told the story of a Georgian who had to delay cancer treatments waiting for her insurance company to approve them first.

“Mr. President, instead of slush funds for criminals and corrupt ballrooms, let’s do something useful. Let’s ban insurance companies from denying or delaying medically necessary health care to Americans,” Sen. Ossoff said on the Senate floor.

“My constituent, Ellen, lives in Atlanta, and a few years ago she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. But not only did Ellen have to battle cancer, she had to battle her insurance company too. And as Ellen told me, ‘For a corporation to have a finger on the button of your life is ridiculous. They have their minds on profit margins. I just want to be healthy and alive,’” Sen. Ossoff continued.

“Thankfully, Ellen’s cancer is now in remission, but across America, insurance companies continue to deny and delay medically necessary health care. A vote against this motion is a vote to allow insurance companies to continue denying needed health care to the American people. I urge my colleagues to vote yes,” Sen. Ossoff said.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) spoke on the Senate Floor and urged Senators to vote against Sen. Ossoff’s amendment.

Sen. Ossoff’s amendment failed, 47-50.

Click here to watch Sen. Ossoff’s remarks and Sen. Grassley’s objection on the Senate floor for your use on air.

During the Senate’s last budget debate, Sen. Ossoff offered another amendment to prevent insurance companies from denying or delaying needed care, but Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Ossoff’s amendment.

A Johns Hopkins study found that the practice of prior authorization, where patients must seek approval from their insurance company before receiving care, was “associated with disease exacerbation, preventable hospitalization, prolonged hospital stay, and lower rates of disease-free survival.”

According to KFF, virtually all seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage must obtain prior authorization for some services, and in 2024 over four million of these requests were denied.

KFF also found that of the approximately 85 million Affordable Care Act (ACA) in-network denied claims in 2024, less than 1% were appealed, forcing patients either to pay for services out-of-pocket, despite having “coverage,” or forgoing care – solely because of decisions made by insurance companies.

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Padilla Statement on Trump’s Nomination of Todd Blanche for United States Attorney General

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump announced his plan to nominate Todd Blanche to be U.S. Attorney General:

“As Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche has shown he is more loyal to Donald Trump than to federal law – from supporting his ‘anti-weaponization’ slush fund, to shielding the President and his family from tax audits, to perpetuating the cover-up of the Epstein files.

“We deserve an Attorney General who will put the Constitution above political retribution. Trump’s former personal lawyer will never be fit to be the American people’s lawyer.”

Senator Padilla has fought to hold Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) accountable. Last month, Padilla slammed Acting Attorney General Blanche for establishing the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund and highlighted that the slush fund could be used to compensate or financially reward convicted January 6 insurrectionists. Last year, Padilla voted against advancing Blanche for U.S. Deputy Attorney General and warned against nominating Trump’s allies who refuse to commit to upholding key constitutional provisions.

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Reed Announces USS Wichita Plans to Visit RI for Fourth of July Celebration

WASHINGTON, DC -- On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is bringing a special guest to the Ocean State to help celebrate America’s independence and salute the men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy.

Today, Reed announced that Rhode Island is scheduled to receive a port visit from the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) to coincide with the state’s 2026 Fourth of July celebrations. The U.S. Navy has committed to sending the 378-foot Wichita to support patriotic festivities in Bristol and is scheduled to anchor in Narragansett Bay.

“Nobody celebrates the Fourth of July like Rhode Island and I am thrilled the U.S. Navy is once again honoring the Ocean State with a special port visit during our Fourth of July festivities,” said Senator Reed. “These port calls showcase the talented men and women of the U.S. Navy and the incredible work they do. It gives Rhode Islanders a chance to learn more about the Navy and gives our sailors an opportunity to join in one of the greatest, most patriotic 4th of July celebrations in the country. I hope Rhode Islanders will get a chance to do public tours of the ship and the crew will get to spend some time ashore enjoying all Rhode Island has to offer.”

With a top speed of 45 knots, the USS Wichita was designed for combat near shorelines and is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, and sea control operations. With a core crew of roughly 50 sailors and weapons that can fire up to 9 miles, the USS Wichita is designed to operate within 25 miles of a shoreline anywhere in the world and is capable of open-ocean operations. The ship regularly deploys with two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

The ship was built in Marinette, Wisconsin, by the Lockheed Martin-led LCS team that is comprised of shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, naval architect Gibbs & Cox, and more than 500 suppliers across 37 states. It was commissioned in 2019.

Wichita is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 and homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. It is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

Rhode Island is home to America’s #1 Fourth of July parade: the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration – a multi-day event that culminates in the longest-running, continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States. This year, Senator Reed will march in the 241st annual Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, and also take part in other local Independence Day parades and celebrations around the state.

The U.S. Navy will provide further details at a later date on how and where Rhode Islanders can get an up-close view of the USS Wichita as well as information about ship tours and opportunities to learn about the ship’s crew and capabilities.


Reed Offers Affordable Housing Amendment to Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a leading member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, introduced an affordable housing amendment to Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill.

Despite the fact that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol operations are already funded well above historic levels through the end of the fiscal year, Senate Republicans voted along party lines to advance a $69.5 billion reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies, including more money for detention facilities, through the rest of President Donald Trump’s term.

“America needs more housing that families can afford, not more unwanted ICE detention mega-warehouses that benefit private special interests. This partisan bill does nothing to address affordability issues, lower costs, or help Americans who are struggling to make ends meet due to President Trump’s mishandling of the U.S. economy. Republicans are ramming through tens of billions of additional dollars for ICE and Border Patrol while ignoring the needs of working Americans,” said Senator Reed.

Reed’s amendment would take $62 billion from the already massively over-funded ICE and DHS put it toward the production and rehabilitation of 2.1 million units of affordable housing nationwide.

Under President Trump’s watch, home prices have hit record highs, the average age of first-time homebuyers is the highest it’s ever been, and more households are paying unsustainable amounts of rent than ever before.

The White House’s own economists identified the main cause: the lack of housing supply.

“Instead of doing something that helps Americans, Senate Republicans want to give ICE another big, blank check. There have been no reforms after the shootings of two Americans and no accountability for frittering away taxpayer money on luxury jets and an ad campaign to promote the former Secretary. Republicans are just throwing more money at ICE and making things like gas, groceries, housing, and health care more expensive for average Americans,” said Senator Reed.

Congressional Republicans used the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill to appropriate up to $45 billion “for single adult alien detention capacity and family residential center capacity.” President Trump signed the bill into law last July.


With Summer Approaching, Reed Delivers $210K to Monitor RI Beach Water Quality, Protect Swimmers

PROVIDENCE, RI – As more swimmers get ready to hit the beach this summer, experts and volunteers from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are fanning out to collect and study water samples at some of the Ocean State’s most popular beaches.

They’re on the lookout for hidden dangers beneath the waves of recreational waters: high levels of enterococcus, a type of bacteria found in the guts of all warm-blooded animals, or other pollutants, and testing the water frequently is the best way to ensure it is safe for swimmers.

This year, U.S. Senator Jack Reed led efforts to deliver $210,000 in federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act grant funding for Rhode Island. Federal BEACH grants help coastal states, including those located along the shores of the Great Lakes, monitor beach water quality nationwide.

“Safe, clean beaches are important to Rhode Islanders and our communities. A day at the beach to be safe, fun, and healthy. These BEACH grants help protect public health, economic health, and the health of our waterways. It keeps people updated when temporary beach closures are warranted and provides policymakers with the data needed to ensure sound management,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, which oversees federal BEACH Act funding.

Earlier this year, Senator Reed rescued BEACH grants from the Trump Administration’s budget chopping block. Instead of allowing the Trump Administration to eliminate the program, Reed led the successful effort to deliver $9.75 million in BEACH grant funds nationwide in 2026.

“Forget sharks. The greatest risk to swimmers’ health is tiny, microscopic bacteria. That is why it is so important to be proactive and ensure people have the most up to date information about beach water quality. The Trump Administration’s short-sighted effort to eliminate funding for beach water testing would only put children, families, and vulnerable Americans at risk. I am pleased to have worked on a bipartisan basis to secure this funding for Rhode Island and other states,” said Senator Reed.

The federal funds are administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which distributes the funds to states and territories.

In Rhode Island, federal BEACH grants support beach water-quality collection, testing, and monitoring and public notification efforts if bacteria levels become unsafe.

Swimming in contaminated waters can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses, skin rashes, sore throat, ear or eye infection, or fever.

Beyond the public health warning, closed beaches can offer an economic warnings to policy makers: address the environmental issues or deal with the outflow of tourism and recreational dollars.

Rhode Island experienced multiple beach closures last summer, with more than 20 facilities temporarily shutting down at various points from June to August due to bacteria concerns, with some facilities experiencing multiple closure periods.

The number of beach advisories/closures in a given year varies, in part due to weather conditions. Last year, Rhode Island beaches experienced a total of 123 closure days, according to RIDOH data. Heavy rains can increase the chance for bacteria due to sewage overflows that drain into the storm water system and eventually end up in recreational waters.


Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Andy Ogles Introduce Bill to Honor the 37th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles introduced the Tiananmen Square Memorial Act in honor of the 37th anniversary of the 1989 atrocity. The bill would rename the street directly in front of the Chinese Embassy Compound in Washington, D.C. to “Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard” and changes the embassy address to “1 Tiananmen Square Memorial Boulevard.”

The Epoch Times first broke the story HERE.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Thirty-seven years ago, the world witnessed the true brutality of the Chinese Communist Party when countless peaceful demonstrators were murdered in cold blood for opposing the communist regime. The regime has shown no remorse for this horrific event, has never taken accountability, and continues to commit severe human rights violations to this day. In memory of the courageous victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre, I am honored to lead this legislation to condemn the heinous human rights abuses committed by the Chinese Communist Party and pay tribute to the lives lost on that horrific day.”

Rep. Andy Ogles said, “China is ruled by the immoral, genocidal Communist regime. Tomorrow marks 37 years since the Tiananmen Square Massacre, when the Chinese government attacked its own people, mowing them down in the streets and murdering thousands of innocent demonstrators. As the CCP continues its reign of terror, America must unequivocally condemn its human rights abuses and honor the victims who were slaughtered in 1989. I am proud to partner with Senator Rick Scott to rename the street outside the Chinese Embassy. The CCP may try to erase history, but we will not forget.”

BACKGROUND:

The renaming commemorates the Tiananmen Square Massacre that took place in Beijing on June 4, 1989. The Chinese government declared martial law and used military forces to suppress student-led protests calling for democratic political reforms. Some estimates indicate up to 10,000 civilian fatalities.

Senator Scott has led the charge on holding the CCP and its actors accountable for the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

September 30, 2021: Sen. Rick Scott to Microsoft: Why Are You Censoring American Journalists on Behalf of Communist China?

December 30, 2020:Sen. Rick Scott Urges FTC Investigation into Zoom’s Relationship with Communist China

For a full account of Sen. Scott’s work to combat Communist China, click HERE.

Read the full bill text HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Sends Letter to Tampa Leaders Demanding Taxpayer Dollars Are Not Spent Platforming Antisemite Kanye West

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority Board of Directors regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to support Kanye West’s upcoming concert at Raymond James Stadium. In the letter, Senator Scott argues that a publicly funded stadium should not be used to give platforms to West, given his history as a raging antisemite, and demands that taxpayer-funded resources not be used to aid his performance.

As a longtime advocate for Florida’s Jewish community, Senator Scott has opposed using taxpayer dollars to give any support to those who spread hate in any way, especially those who push antisemitism.

Read the full letter HERE or below.

Dear Directors:

The Raymond James Stadium is a publicly owned venue made to be safe and serve the interests of the Hillsborough County and Tampa residents. What happens there and who performs is accountable to the taxpayers that fund it, which is why I am writing regarding the upcoming concerts headlined by Kanye West from June 26th to June 29th.

Kanye West’s consistent antisemitic attacks are an affront to the values of the people of the Hillsborough community. He has openly praised Nazis, called himself one, and slandered Jews across the world. Kanye West also funded a Superbowl ad in 2025 that directed viewers to purchase merchandise featuring swastikas. West’s remarks are vile and a slap in the face to our state’s Jewish community. It is troubling that a stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would openly subsidize an event led by an artist known for pushing this dangerous, hateful rhetoric, especially with Florida having one of the largest Jewish populations in our country.

West has been condemned by political figures across the political aisle. His outbursts and hate have helped to mainstream antisemitism. He was recently barred from performing in the United Kingdom due to offensive antisemitic remarks. I urge you to carefully review this decision, given the fact that taxpayer dollars are helping the show go on.

I am confident that the Tampa Sports Authority will continue fostering a safe and inclusive community, especially for Jewish Floridians. No taxpayer dollars should be used to give a vocal antisemite a stage in Florida, and I am sure that you will take appropriate action to make sure that doesn’t happen. What we spend public money on reflects our values, and using dollars from hardworking families to platform a hateful person pushing evil ideologies is not a Florida value.

My team stands ready to assist with accessing any resources needed in addressing this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your dedication to the well-being of the Hillsborough community.

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Risch Celebrates Historic Milestone at INL, Idaho Leadership in Nuclear Energy

First Nuclear Reactor Achieves Criticality at the Idaho National Laboratory in Nearly 50 Years

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today celebrated the first new nuclear reactor to achieve criticality, or demonstrate a fission chain reaction, at the Idaho National Laboratory in nearly 50 years.

The Antares R1 Mark-0 Reactor Project is the first of three advanced microreactors expected to go critical ahead of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding on July 4th. The project supports efforts by Senator Risch to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation nuclear technologies.

“Today’s achievement at the INL adds another chapter to Idaho’s proud leadership in nuclear innovation,” said Risch. “The Antares Reactor Project is only the beginning. In the coming months, multiple microreactors will go critical at the INL in a move that will be central to fortifying America’s place as a global leader in nuclear energy, strengthen our security, and power the future. Congratulations to the INL and the Antares team on this remarkable accomplishment.”

Senator Risch is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, which amplifies the essential role nuclear energy plays in the U.S. and explores emerging nuclear technologies. He has spearheaded legislation to increase domestic energy production, enhance national security, and keep the United States at the forefront of nuclear advancement. Earlier this year, Risch introduced the ARC Act to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by mitigating the risk of project cost overruns.


Rosen, Ernst, Lankford, Booker Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Develop Middle East Air and Missile Defense Acquisition Strategy to Deter and Defend Against Iranian Attacks

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and James Lankford (R-OK) – co-chairs of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus – introduced a bill to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop an air and missile defense acquisition strategy with partners and allies in the Middle East, including Israel and Abraham Accords partners. The bipartisan Optimizing Acquisition Strategies for Integrated Security (OASIS) in the Middle East Act would ensure that the U.S. and our allies and partners in the region have the resources needed to defend against Iranian missile, drone, and rocket attacks.

“For years, and particularly since Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Iran and its proxies have used their missile, drone, and rocket arsenals to attack U.S. servicemembers, our partners and allies in the region, and civilian infrastructure. Iran’s reckless and destabilizing behavior underscores why we must work together to ensure we have sufficient air and missile defense resources to respond to Iranian aggression and keep our allies, like Israel, safe,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan bill will provide a clear framework to support DOD’s efforts to develop an integrated air and missile defense acquisition strategy for the region. I will continue working across the aisle as we create a path towards security and prosperity in the Middle East.”

“Since the horrific October 7th attacks, Iran and its terrorist proxies have continued to target and threaten our servicemembers, partners, and allies across the Middle East. The OASIS in the Middle East Act will help ensure the United States and our partners can replenish interceptor stockpiles and better defend against Iran-backed attacks,” said Senator Ernst. “Building on the success of the Abraham Accords, and the bipartisan legislation we have already ushered into law to strengthen regional air and missile defense, this bill represents the next step in ensuring our allies have the tools they need to deter Iranian aggression, defend themselves, and move towards a more secure and peaceful Middle East.”

“Iran has destabilized the Middle East through missiles, drones, and proxy forces, threatening Americans and our allies and undermining every effort toward peace in the region,” said Senator Lankford. “That aggression cannot go unanswered. The OASIS in the Middle East Act makes sure the Department of War has a coordinated strategy so Israel and our partners have what they need before the next attack comes, not after. Standing with our allies is not optional; it is a core American commitment, and this bill ensures we back that commitment up with real resources and real strategy.”

“Security and diplomacy go hand in hand, and as threats evolve, our defense cooperation must evolve as well,” said Senator Booker. “The OASIS in the Middle East Act strengthens coordination between the United States and our regional allies and partners to defend against missile, drone, and rocket attacks, bolstering collective defense, deterring aggression, and protecting innocent lives across the region. Building on the spirit of cooperation established by the Abraham Accords, this bipartisan legislation advances a safer, more secure future for all.”

As the founding members and co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, Senators Rosen, Ernst, Booker, and Lankford have led efforts to deepen security cooperation between the U.S. and our partners and allies in the Middle East to defend against Iran’s aggression. Their bipartisan MARITIME Act to require the Department of Defense to work with partners in the Middle East to counter maritime threats posed by Iran and other violent organizations was signed into law. Their bipartisan DEFEND Act was signed into law to establish an air and missile defense architecture with Israel and other Middle East allies.


WATCH: Sen. Schiff Calls Out Trump’s Unqualified Pick for Director of Intelligence, Slams Blanche’s Politicization of Justice Department

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined MS NOW’s The Briefing with Jen Psaki to react to President’s Trump’s decision to nominate corrupt and unqualified Bill Pulte for Director of National Intelligence. Schiff noted that Pulte only has no qualifications for the role – except for his willingness to weaponize the government to help Trump.

Schiff also spoke about the president’s possible nomination of Todd Blanche as Attorney General; he highlighted that Blanche has continued to politicize the Justice Department and put the president’s interests above the American people.

Additionally, the Senator emphasized the urgency for the Senate to pass the War Powers Resolution, after it passed in the House, and hold the administration responsible for the Iran war.

View the full interview here.

Key excerpts:

On Trump’s nomination of Bill Pulte for Director of National Intelligence:

What went through my head is this is such an in-your-face move by the president, because, of course, the president knows this guy has no qualifications to lead the intelligence agencies. But one, and that is that he is willing to weaponize any access to government data to be used against the president’s enemies. That’s his only qualification.

[…] The other result, though, is we saw Gabbard politicizing elections in Georgia, the DNI has no role in domestic elections. It has a role in trying to prevent foreign interference, but nothing that we saw in Georgia indicates that was her purpose. We’ve also seen her pushing out false conspiracy theories about people within the intelligence community and getting people fired or taking aim at the president’s political opponents. That is exactly what Pulte did at the housing agencies, so we can expect a lot more of that.

On Todd Blanche’s possible nomination for Attorney General:

The Attorney General, acting Attorney General, Blanche was his criminal defense lawyer and has never been able to shed that role. He is still Trump’s criminal defense lawyer. He is still looking out for his personal client. That is, how do I make sure that Donald Trump doesn’t face any criminal or civil liability for his tax returns? That is priority number one, priority number two, or three, or somewhere down the line, the American people. That is just not where Blanche is coming from. He just wants the job too badly.

On the passage of the War Powers Resolution in the House:

[…] The longer this dragged on, when it exceeded the limit under the War Powers Act, and blew through that, when the president said, we have a cease fire, it doesn’t apply, and then we’re still bombing, and they’re still bombing our allies. Well, as long as this continues, we’re going to gain more Republican support. And these resolutions are pretty simple. They basically say that this war has to come to an end, unless you come to Congress and you seek congressional authorization.

On the California Elections:

As is the case often in California elections, we’re going to have to wait a while to see the final results, and there’s nothing nefarious about that. The president, and I’ve even heard Speaker Johnson so mislead the country and say there’s something inherently suspicious if the results after Election Day, as more ballots come in, are different than on election day. There’s nothing suspicious about that. It’s just that different types of people vote at different times.

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Senator Schmitt Chairs Hearing on Denaturalization: “American Citizenship is Sacred”

Schmitt Calls for Passage of His SCAM Act to Denaturalize Fraudsters, Terrorists, Gangsters

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, held a hearing titled Protecting American Citizenship III: Denaturalization and its Constitutional Limits. Schmitt highlighted our nation’s legal immigration problems and argued why denaturalization is a critical safeguard to protect the sanctity of American citizenship. Schmitt previously introduced the Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation (SCAM) Act to restore integrity to the naturalization process by expanding and clarifying grounds to revoke the citizenship of certain individuals who demonstrate through their involvement with fraud, espionage, or terrorist organizations that they never met the statutory requirements for citizenship.

Watch the Senator’s opening remarks HERE.

“American Citizenship is sacred. It is the highest civic honor this country can give. It carries rights, duties, allegiance, memory, inheritance, and obligation. It means joining the American people and accepting responsibility for the future of the nation. But for too long, Washington treated naturalization like paperwork. Check the boxes. Say the words. Get the passport. Collect the welfare check or federal tax credit. Move on. That approach desecrates American citizenship. It insults every immigrant who came here honestly, followed the law, learned our history, embraced our Constitution, and took the oath in good faith. The Constitution gives Congress the power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization. Congress used that power to require more than residency and forms. Instead, applicants must show good moral character. They must be attached to the principles of the Constitution. They must be well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States. When someone lies during that process, conceals material facts, hides criminal conduct, masks allegiance to a foreign enemy, or swears loyalty with mental reservation, he commits fraud against the United States and the American people. Fraud has desecrated American citizenship. But that desecration did not happen overnight. It built up over decades of lax enforcement, cheapened standards, and political cowardice. Re-consecrating citizenship requires a remedy strong enough to remove those who abused it: Denaturalization. Denaturalization cancels citizenship that should never have been granted. It enforces the conditions Congress placed on naturalization. It protects the American people from those who abused our generosity and turned the oath into a scam. The Supreme Court has made the rule clear: no alien has the slightest right to naturalization unless every statutory requirement is met. Citizenship obtained by fraud is stolen status. Stolen status should be revoked…”

In Senator Schmitt’s line of questioning, he highlighted the cases of Mirsad Ramic and Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, two naturalized citizens who were convicted of terrorism offenses related to ISIS. After being released from his ISIS-related sentence in federal prison, Jalloh went on to kill Lt. Col. Brandon Shah in a terrorist attack on an ROTC classroom. Schmitt asked the witnesses about the federal government’s ability under to current law to denaturalize people who have proven through actions like these horrific crimes that they never met the requirements for naturalization and American citizenship in the first place. Schmitt’s SCAM Act would give the Trump Administration the ability to denaturalize and deport individuals who are involved with terrorist organizations.

Watch the Senator’s line of questioning HERE.

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FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, SCHUMER AND RYAN ANNOUNCE TRUMP ADMIN IS ONCE AGAIN MOVING FORWARD WITH $28 MILLION IN FED FUNDING FOR RHINECLIFF TRAIN STATION UPGRADES & REPAIRS

Schumer And Ryan Forced End To Federal Delays After Trump Admin Derailed $28M Grant For Rhinecliff Station Upgrades Without Explanation

Schumer, In 2020, Personally Visited Rhinecliff Station – One Of NY’s Busiest – To Push For Fed Funding For Much-Needed Repairs To Give Dutchess County And The Hudson Valley The Modern Train Station It Deserves

Schumer, Ryan: Rhinecliff Train Station Upgrades Are Getting Back On Track!

After demanding an end to inexplicable delays for $28 million in much-needed federal funding to upgrade the Rhinecliff train station, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Congressman Pat Ryan today announced the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has heeded their calls and will again be moving forward with the project. The lawmakers explained that the Rhinecliff train station is one of New York’s busiest train stations, and delaying this funding could deny Hudson Valley commuters the modern, accessible station they need and deserve. FRA’s assurance that the project is moving forward means that the temporarily stalled project can now get back on track.

“The Rhinecliff train station is one of New York’s busiest transportation hubs, but it is in desperate need of critical infrastructure and accessibility improvements. When Congressman Ryan and I heard the Trump administration was senselessly delaying federal support we’ve fought hard to secure, we immediately called on the Federal Railroad Administration to cut the red tape and stop derailing this vital project,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to learn FRA has heeded our calls and will be moving forward with plans to bring Dutchess County the modern and accessible train station it deserves. We will continue watching like hawks to ensure this project stays on track for the local commuters and hundreds of thousands of travelers that come through every year.”

“Rhinecliff Station is central to our Hudson Valley community and one of the busiest in New York. We’ve been fighting for years, not just for more transit options for passengers but to improve our existing infrastructure. The Rhinecliff Station project is the product of years of community advocacy and bipartisan partnership at the local, state, and federal level,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The Hudson Valley was rightly outraged when DOT suddenly paused the construction, jeopardizing our progress and leaving our community in the dark. I made it clear when I spoke to Secretary Duffy that this project is essential, and that our neighbors would rally with everything we have to save it. That’s exactly what we did. Because of our advocacy, we’re making sure Rhinecliff Station gets the resources it needs to serve our community.”

New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The Rhinecliff Train Station is long overdue for full-scale renovations and upgrades, and Washington should not stand in the way of modernizing this critical transportation hub for Dutchess County and the thousands of Hudson Valley commuters and visitors who rely on it. Between my office and our partners at all levels of government, I’m glad the FRA has heard our calls and is moving construction forward so that we can provide the safe and accessible railway connection that Hudson Valley residents deserve. We will continue to closely monitor progress and work to ensure the project reaches the finish line without further unnecessary delays.”

New York State Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha said, “It’s a relief the FRA has resumed the essential upgrades at the Rhinecliff station, but this pause should never have happened in the first place, and we have yet to receive an explanation for it. Infrastructure projects like this should be completed as swiftly as possible, instead of stalling them with multiple unnecessary delays. I will continue to work with partners at all levels of government to ensure the Trump administration gets this done.”

The lawmakers explained that the Rhinecliff Station is one of the busiest in New York, but for over 15 years, it has been in utter disrepair with desperately needed accessibility upgrades. The station is 90 miles from New York City and serves 26 Amtrak trains daily. In 2019, the station serviced over 200,000 passengers according to Amtrak. The existing low-level platform requires passengers to use a step stool to transition from the platform, which has created severe accessibility issues and caused many operational delays, which is on top of many other routine maintenance issues that have gotten worse over the years due to a lack of funding.

In early 2020, Schumer fought to secure the federal dollars needed for Amtrak and New York State to finally undertake federally mandated ADA-compliant infrastructure upgrades and modernizations the station required. Schumer personally visited the Rhinecliff Station in 2020 to push for this funding to finance the construction to replace the existing 520-foot-long low-level platform at the Rhinecliff Station with a new, longer high-level platform. In addition, it will also help complete related track and signal work, including a new interlocking south of the station, and will build new access to the platform, including stairs, elevators, and a pedestrian bridge.

In April, the Trump administration told local officials that it was putting Rhinecliff Train Station’s more than $28 million federal grant under review without an explanation and canceled meetings on the project. Local leaders worried the review would risk years of progress on the project, right as they enter the final phases. Schumer and Ryan called on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator David Armstrong Fink to immediately provide the public and local leaders with an explanation of what this review means, to stop federal delays, and release this much-needed funding for the Hudson Valley. Schumer and Ryan’s letter to FRA Administrator David Armstrong Fink can be found HERE.

The FRA earlier this week informed the New York State Department of Transportation that it can continue moving forward with the project.

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