Rep. Torres Visits Adelanto ICE Facility Following Reports of Hunger Strike and Unsafe Conditions

Washington D.C. — Today, Representative Norma Torres (CA-35), a longtime advocate for fair and humane conditions at ICE facilities, and for congressional oversight of immigration detention facilities, visited the Adelanto ICE Processing Center following reports that detainees have engaged in a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions, inadequate medical care, and food insecurity.

The visit comes as immigrant rights advocates and family members raise alarm over conditions inside the facility. While the Department of Homeland Security disputes reports of a hunger strike, detainees and their loved ones continue to describe serious concerns regarding medical treatment, access to care, and living conditions.

"Whether DHS wants to acknowledge it or not, the concerns being raised by detainees and their families deserve answers," said Congresswoman Torres. "My office received a call last week from a detained individual who said he was on a hunger strike. When people are willing to risk their health to draw attention to conditions inside a detention facility, Congress has a responsibility to listen, investigate, and ensure basic human rights are being respected. During my visit, ICE made us aware that roughly 27 detainees had skipped at least one meal in recent days but none met the hunger strike criteria. To meet the “official” hunger strike criteria a detainee must self identify that they are on a hunger strike, and miss nine consecutive meals within a 72 hour period. Our constituents, who are often constituents detained at Adelanto or family members of those at Adelanto, deserve to know that the law is being followed and people are being treated with dignity."

During her visit, Torres met with facility officials, toured the facility, and sought information regarding detainee welfare, access to medical care, meal distribution, and protocols for responding to hunger strikes and other health emergencies.

"No one in federal custody should be denied adequate medical care, nutritious food, or humane treatment," Torres continued. "These are not political issues, they are basic standards of human dignity and the rules that ICE and its contractors have agreed to follow. Every person held in government custody deserves to be treated with respect and have their health and safety protected as their immigration cases move forward. I’ll continue my oversight visits to make sure ICE complies with the law."

Torres has repeatedly conducted oversight visits to immigration detention facilities and has been a leading voice in Congress demanding transparency and accountability from ICE and DHS. She is also part of the successful lawsuit to prevent the Trump Administration from denying access to these facilities.

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Trahan: Congress Must Act Now on AI

This weekend, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee penned an op-ed in CommonWealth Beacon making the case that Congress cannot afford to wait for a crisis before establishing guardrails on the most powerful AI systems, drawing a direct line from the manufacturing jobs that vanished from the Merrimack Valley she represents to the disruption AI now threatens to unleash on America’s workers, national security, and cyber infrastructure.

“After decades of offshoring and automation hollowing out American manufacturing, the workers left behind in Haverhill didn’t need a study to tell them what was coming. They needed Congress to act years before they got handed pink slips,” Congresswoman Trahan wrote. “On artificial intelligence, we still have a chance to move before similar damage is done, but that window is closing faster than most people realize.”

Trahan points to Anthropic's Mythos model, which was deemed too dangerous for public release after it proved capable of identifying thousands of vulnerabilities across major operating systems and browsers. Despite warning signs like these, she notes, there is no federal law governing how the most powerful AI systems are built, tested, or deployed, no independent auditing of frontier labs' safety claims, and no federal agency with clear authority to step in to prevent a catastrophic event.

She goes on to describe what a potential bipartisan federal framework can and should include:

Frontier Accountability: Require the largest AI companies to publish and comply with safety frameworks, submit to third-party audits, and ensure whistleblowers are protected.

Independent verification: Accredit private auditing organizations to embed within frontier labs and call in enforcers when companies fall short of safety and transparency requirements.

Protections for American Workers: Update WARN Act requirements so employers must disclose when AI drives a mass layoff, enable real-time tracking of AI impacts on the workforce, and prompt Congress to act proactively to support American workers rather than job training after the damage is done.

Strengthened Cyber Defenses: Include funding for open-source maintainers and reauthorize the threat-sharing framework that lets companies flag risks without antitrust exposure.

Trahan also addresses the federalism question head-on, arguing that serious governance concentrates oversight at the frontier and elevates the strongest state provisions into a federal standard focused on model development, while explicitly preserving states' ability to protect residents from AI systems that discriminate, deceive, or endanger.

“I cannot go back to Haverhill, look a worker, a parent, or a recent graduate in the eyes, and tell them that we saw what was coming and decided to wait for a more opportune moment,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “Congress must act for the workers, the families, and the communities that cannot afford for us to get this wrong. Again.”


Congressman Van Drew Tours Delaney Hall Detention Center

Newark, N.J. - Today, Congressman Van Drew toured the Delaney Hall Detention Facility to see the conditions, operations, and law enforcement response for himself.

"I toured Delaney Hall today because I wanted to see the facts with my own eyes," said Congressman Van Drew. "What I saw was very different from the political story being pushed by some of my Democrat colleagues. The facility has doctors, nurses, and dentists providing medical care. There is a law library for detainees to study their cases along with a regular library, and large spaces for recreation, including a soccer field and a gym. The food service provides menu options for religious needs, kosher meals, allergies, and other dietary restrictions. I saw good conditions, clean facilities, basic care, and a detention center where ICE and DHS are doing a hard job that keeps our communities safe. Quite frankly, the conditions I saw today are better than what you see in some nursing homes. Let's be honest about who is being held here. These are illegal immigrants with criminal histories involving drug trafficking, weapons charges, assault, fraud, money laundering, cocaine distribution, and other serious offenses. They are exactly the kind of people ICE should be taking off our streets.

"Americans have every right to peacefully protest, but when you throw objects at officers, assault law enforcement, block federal agents, and riot outside a detention facility, you are breaking the law. Local police must keep working with ICE, DHS, and federal law enforcement to maintain order. ICE and DHS are doing their job, and I will continue to stand with the men and women who protect the American people."


Wasserman Schultz Shares Broward County Residents’ High-Cost Utility Struggles, Offers Legislative Solutions

Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened Broward County residents to share how utility prices continue to squeeze families across South Florida, as electric, water, gas and other bills continue to climb, and she offered a raft of common-sense legislative solutions to bring these costs down.

“Congress can lower utility bills by passing legislation that caps excessive corporate profits and overcharges, and speeds up the deployment of low-cost clean energy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “We live in Florida, where sun, wind and water sources for clean, cheap energy are abundant. We did this kind of work in the Inflation Reduction Act. And we need to revive that, because Trump and this Republican Congress simply do not care about Americans’ monthly utility bills.”

During the press conference, Wasserman Schultz discussed her co-sponsorship of the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which cracks down on for-profit utility companies that make consumers pay for wasteful spending, huge profits margins, and unnecessary projects that raise residents’ bills. She also demanded stronger investments into clean energy, like wind and solar, and moving away from oil and gas reliance, priorities Democrats championed in the recent Inflation Reduction Act.

In recent months, Wasserman Schultz convened from local officials and Broward County residents who know first-hand about the high cost of housing, gas, and healthcare costs, while also proposing solutions to these issues.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Hollywood Commissioner Idelma Quintana, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, newlywed father of three Philmon Brown, and domestic violence survivor and mother of an adult son with disabilities Joy Seymour.

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Rep. George Whitesides Leads Send-Off Ceremony for 2026 Military Service Academy Appointees

LANCASTER, CA – This weekend, Rep. George Whitesides celebrated the students across California’s 27th District who received appointments to Military Service Academies and Preparatory Schools with a send-off ceremony. The Congressman spoke alongside Colonel Thomas M. Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander at Edwards Air Force Base, and Naval Academy Midshipman Brett Dawson, a current service academy student from California’s 27th District, to highlight the hard work it takes to secure an appointment, and the journey ahead.

“Today, we are thrilled to celebrate some of the best and brightest students who received appointments to our nation’s Service Academies. Getting to this point took hard-work, leadership, and a deep desire to serve our country,” said Rep. Whitesides. “These students have demonstrated not only academic excellence and athletic strength, but courage, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose. We are incredibly proud of the work they have done so far and we will be cheering them on at every step of their journey to come.”

“As you embark on this next chapter to the United States Service Academies, remember that your courage, integrity and commitment will define not only your own path, but also the future of our nation,” said Col. Thomas M. Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander at Edwards Air Force Base. “Embrace every challenge, learn from every experience and carry with you the honor of serving something greater than yourself.”

“Receiving an appointment to a service academy is an incredible achievement, and you should be proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that brought you here,” said Naval Academy Midshipman Brett Dawson. “As you begin this journey, remember that you earned your place here. There will be challenges ahead, but there will also be incredible opportunities, lifelong friendships, and experiences that will shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine.”

The Service Academy nomination process is highly competitive, and each appointee has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving our nation. Upon graduation, they will be commissioned as officers in the U.S. Armed Forces and take on vital roles defending and advancing American interests around the globe.

There are five official U.S. service academies that offer fully funded, four-year undergraduate degrees followed by active-duty military service commitment:

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

U.S. Naval Academy

U.S. Air Force Academy

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

U.S. Coast Guard Academy

The following students from California’s 27th District were honored during the event after receiving appointments to one of the prestigious U.S. Service Academies or prep schools:

Penelope Theule (Libertas Preparatory School) – United States Coast Guard Academy

Christine Chung (John F. Kennedy High School) – United States Military Academy

Jack Millet (Legacy Christian Academy High School) – United States Military Academy

Julie Dupont (Granada Hills Charter High School) – United States Military Academy

Issaiah Mikah McCorvey (Lancaster High School) – United States Military Academy

Audrey Kim (Hart High School) – United States Military Academy

Trenton Challgren-Hopkins (Notre Dame High School) – United States Military Academy

Jordehn Gammage (Canyon High School) – United States Air Force Academy

Tatiana Valdez (Lancaster High School) – United States Air Force Academy

Pedroangel Castaneda (Castaic High School) – United States Air Force Academy

William Gore (Paraclete High School) – United States Naval Academy

Kitira Bravo (Lancaster High School) – United States Naval Academy

Kody Venzon (Highland High School) – Air Force Academy Preparatory School

Kasey Faulk (Quartz Hill High School) – Air Force Academy Preparatory School

Josh Kim (Valencia High School) – Marion Military Institute

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Alsobrooks, Min Introduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the Importance of Reducing Gun Violence as America Celebrates its 250th Anniversary

June 1, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Congressman Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), introduced a Concurrent Resolution recognizing the importance of saving lives, reducing gun violence, and strengthening public safety as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. This concurrent resolution honors victims and survivors of gun violence; commends community leaders, law enforcement, public health professionals, community violence intervention practitioners, and advocates working to prevent violence; and supports expanded investment in evidence-informed strategies, victim services, improved crime data, stronger homicide and shooting clearance rates, law enforcement partnerships, and de-escalation training.

Senate cosponsors include Senators Booker (D-N.J.), Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Padilla (D-Calif.), Schiff (D-Calif.), and Van Hollen (D-Md.).

“Every single person across this nation deserves to live in safe communities and live without the ever-present fear of gun violence. We should be able to go to our churches, grocery stores, malls, and schools without the fear of being shot. That is my dream for the next 250 years of America. It’s what America deserves. I am proud to partner with Congressman Min in that mission and introduce this resolution as a symbol of our resolve and dedication in ending gun violence once and for all,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the kind of country we want to build for future generations. No parent should have to worry about whether their child will come home safely from school, and no community should have to live under the constant threat of gun violence,” said Rep. Min. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Alsobrooks on this resolution to honor victims and survivors, recognize those working to prevent violence, and reaffirm our commitment to make our communities safer. Public safety is not a partisan issue—it’s a fundamental responsibility and we must continue working to save lives.”

“Each year, our nation loses nearly 50,000 Americans to gun violence, and tens of thousands more become gun violence survivors. These tragedies have lasting traumatic and economic impacts on our communities. Fighting this epidemic means passing strong gun laws that save lives,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “As we mark our nation’s 250th year, we cannot forget about the children, parents, and communities across the country who deserve to live safely and free from gun violence. We are thankful to Senator Alsobrooks, Representative Min, and every cosponsor for helping lead the way.”

“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we must renew our commitment to the unfinished work of building a country where every person can live safely and free from the fear of gun violence,” said Senator Booker. “Each year, tens of thousands of lives are taken by this epidemic. Behind every number is a life cut short, a grieving family, and a community forever changed. This resolution honors all those impacted by gun violence and calls on us to continue the urgent work of creating a safer America for every generation.”

“Too many Colorado communities have been devastated by gun violence,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Whether it was passing universal background checks in Colorado or helping pass the first major federal gun safety law in nearly 30 years, we’ve proven that commonsense measures save lives. As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to reducing gun violence and keeping our communities safe.”

“Every day, thousands of Americans go to school, work, or their places of worship with the fear of being shot. As we continue working to enact commonsense gun safety legislation and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic, we must do everything in our power to protect our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we mark our country’s 250th birthday, this resolution reaffirms the importance of fighting for a future where every person in our country can live free from the fear of gun violence.”

“America has a gun problem. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to advancing commonsense gun safety reforms to ensure Americans don’t have to live in fear of being targets of gun violence at school, work, or their places of worship,” said Senator Padilla.

“Too many lives have been lost and families shattered by gun violence – something that’s become too routine despite the horror and senselessness of these acts. As our nation recognizes its 250th anniversary, Congress can and must act to prevent more tragedies. With this resolution, we honor victims and survivors and recommit ourselves to supporting investments to put an end to this violence,” said Senator Schiff.

“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to take stock of the great challenges we face as the Trump Administration works to dismantle the progress we have made in this country over the years. For too long, Republicans have stood in the way of our efforts to take meaningful steps to address gun violence, and this Administration has only made matters worse. The scourge of gun violence continues to plague our communities, taking thousands of American lives every year. That’s why we must continue fighting for common-sense solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Read full bill text here.

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Bennet Leads Colorado Delegation in Welcoming Funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led members of the Colorado delegation – including U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen, Jason Crow, Jeff Hurd, and Diana DeGette – in welcoming the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) release of more than $1.8 million in spending authority for the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

In March 2026, Bennet led a group of Colorado members to urge SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler to take action over the agency’s failure to provide prompt spending authority for the Colorado SBDC. The Colorado SBDC is the only statewide, nationally accredited business assistance program serving all 64 counties, with 14 local service centers across the state. In Colorado alone, over $81 million in 2024 sales growth is attributed to SBDC programming.

“Colorado small businesses fought hard to secure these funds in order to help stay afloat amid President Trump’s tariffs, rising energy costs, and inflation,” said Bennet. “This spending authority will support critical small business development, which is essential to Colorado’s economy and the success of local and rural communities. Although the Colorado SBDC should have received this authority months ago, the state’s Small Business Development Center will work tirelessly to ensure small business owners and their employees have the resources they need.”

“We fought the Trump administration to release this funding because small businesses are Colorado’s economic engine,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado’s Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Tariffs and rising costs are squeezing them. This funding lets the SBDC keep Colorado running at full strength.”

“Colorado’s small businesses are struggling with rising costs and the President’s reckless tariffs,” said Crow. “While I am glad to see these federal funds for Colorado’s small businesses released, they should have never been delayed in the first place. I’m grateful to Senator Bennet for leading Colorado’s bipartisan congressional delegation to get this done.”

“Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but under the Trump administration, business owners across our state have watched their monthly bills skyrocket,” said Neguse. “That’s why I was proud to join Senator Bennet and my congressional colleagues in urging the SBA to quickly authorize 2026 funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center and its vital programs. Our state’s small business owners and families—especially those in our rural and mountain communities—deserve the support they need to not just get by, but to thrive.”

“Colorado’s small businesses are what make our communities strong – creating jobs, supporting families, and driving economic growth,” said Pettersen. “But the Trump administration has continued to withhold critical funding for our entrepreneurs and business owners who have already been struggling under a volatile economic climate because of Trump’s tariff regime. I’m glad this funding is finally being released so the Colorado Small Business Development Center can continue supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and helping businesses grow in every corner of our state.”

“Small businesses drive economic opportunity in communities across Western and Southern Colorado,” said Hurd. “From rural main streets to growing local industries, entrepreneurs rely on organizations like the Colorado Small Business Development Center for practical guidance, technical assistance, and resources to help them succeed. I joined my colleagues in urging for the release of these funds because Colorado businesses deserve timely access to the resources Congress already approved. I’m glad this funding has now been released so the Colorado SBDC can continue supporting small businesses and rural communities.”

“Small businesses in Denver and across Colorado have been uniquely suffering under the crushing weight of Trump’s reckless tariff policy,” said DeGette. “The Colorado Small Business Development Center provides vital support to small businesses across the state, and while this funding was delayed, it will still play a critical role to help small businesses succeed during this time of economic uncertainty.”

The text of the March 2026 letter is available HERE. Learn more about the Colorado SBDC HERE.


Bennet Statement on Tina Peters’ Release from Prison

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was released today:

“Tina Peters remains a convicted felon who knowingly violated Colorado law and compromised election security. A Colorado jury found her guilty of four felonies for breaching secure election systems.

“Tina Peters’ release does not change the facts of her case, nor does it change our obligation to defend our democracy. At a time when President Trump continues to attack vote-by-mail, undermine confidence in our elections, and pressure public officials to bend to his political agenda, we must be even more vigilant in protecting the rule of law and the integrity of our electoral system.

“Colorado’s gold standard elections are among the most secure, accessible, and trusted in the nation in part because election workers, county clerks, and public servants follow the law. A jury convicted Tina Peters. An appeals court upheld those convictions. Coloradans should not be forced to subsidize anyone, especially Peters, who knowingly violated election security laws and betrayed the public trust. I will keep fighting to protect our democracy and stop this taxpayer-funded slush fund before a single dollar is paid out.”

Bennet has led efforts in the Senate to stop the Trump Administration’s proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which would create a taxpayer-funded slush fund with limited transparency and oversight. He has also fought to protect Colorado’s vote-by-mail system and opposed federal actions that would make it harder for eligible Americans to cast a ballot. Among that work, Bennet is:

Preparing an amendment to prohibit the Trump Administration from using the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund to compensate individuals convicted of crimes related to election interference or violations of election security laws;

Demanding a bipartisan investigation into the Trump Administration’s interference with independent tax enforcement and the creation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund;

Condemning the U.S. Postal Service’s proposed rule implementing President Trump’s executive order targeting mail-in voting, warning it could disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine Colorado’s successful vote-by-mail system; and

Continuing the work to protect election security, defend local election officials, and ensure every eligible American can safely and securely cast a ballot.

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Blumenthal & Himes Visit Ukraine

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, have just returned from a weeklong visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and to participate in the Black Sea Security Forum (BSSF) in Odesa.

“This tenth trip to Ukraine felt different than the ones before; again and again, we were hustled down dark stairwells into bunkers as Putin attacked the country with missiles and drones, escalating cruelty that signals his desperation. Ukrainian heroism is turning the tide, with undeniable indelible costs. We saw the bombed and burned-out apartments and malls, still smelling of fire,” Blumenthal said. “We met with rescue workers who rushed into the flames seeking to save helpless civilian victims. We spoke with children kidnapped and held by Russia— among the more than 20,000 taken by force and often compelled to fight for Russia. We met with President Zelenskyy and top members of his team who showed a clear-eyed strategy and unshakable resolve to prevail. We heard soldiers ready to return to the fight despite their injuries. Most impressively, amidst all the pain and grief, we saw a kindness and humanity in Ukrainians reaching out and caring for each other— offering food, shelter, clothing—a moving antithesis to Putin’s bloody aggression.”

“It is impossible to spend time with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people without being overwhelmed by their unwavering resolve. In conversations with government officials, soldiers, and local humanitarian groups, Senator Blumenthal and I heard again and again a unanimous message of resilience, but also an urgent need for additional military and economic assistance,” Himes said. “The Russian military is losing ground on the battlefield and suffering staggering losses along the way. Support from the Russian public is crumbling—they are tired of paying for a dictator’s ambition with the blood of their sons. With Putin on his backheel, now is the time for Congress to renew our support for our Ukrainian allies and to help them finally achieve a just and lasting peace. To do otherwise would put global stability at risk— signaling weakness to our adversaries and betraying the democratic values we hold dear.”

Over two days in Kyiv, Blumenthal and Himes met with military and political leaders, including President Zelenskyy; Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament; and Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov. The members also met with humanitarian groups currently working on the frontlines of the war, and Save Ukraine, an aid group specializing in the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who were kidnapped by Russian soldiers.

Blumenthal and Himes visited Darnytskyi, an urban district of Kyiv, and the site of Russian drone strikes over the last several days that have injured numerous citizens and caused major structural damage. They also met with sanctions experts from the Kyiv School of Economics who stressed the need for additional sanctions on the Russian government and nations who continue to purchase Russian oil and gas products.

While in Odesa, Blumenthal participated in a panel discussion at BSSF entitled, “From Pawn to Queen: What Defines a Great Power?” During the forum, Blumenthal and Himes spoke to national security experts and commentators on the nature of political resolve in wartime. The members also visited the Port of Odesa, a critical trade hub, to discuss the impact of recent Russian arial attacks on grain shipments and the impact of those strikes on the global economy. Blumenthal also met with over 500 leaders from Ukraine’s faith communities and commended them on the support and care they provide to thousands of families affected by the war.

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Mena Native Joins Boozman’s Washington Staff

Senator Boozman welcomes Mena High School graduate Travis Thrailkill to his Capitol Hill team.

WASHINGTON—Mena residents may now hear a familiar name when they contact U.S. Senator John Boozman’s Washington, D.C. office. Polk County native Travis Thrailkill recently joined the senator’s team as a staff assistant.

“It is an honor to join Senator Boozman’s team and serve the people of Arkansas,” said Thrailkill. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my home state and contribute to the work being done to support communities across The Natural State.”

“Travis has a strong appreciation for what makes Arkansas special and a desire to serve others that will make him a great addition to our office,” said Boozman. “I’m pleased to welcome him to the team and look forward to helping guide his professional development as he delivers critical support to Arkansans.”

In the staff assistant role, Thrailkill helps support the office’s longstanding commitment to constituent services. His responsibilities include assisting individuals who contact the senator’s Capitol Hill office with questions related to legislation and Senate activity as well as coordinating tours of Washington, D.C. landmarks and processing requests for flags flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Prior to joining Boozman’s staff, Thrailkill interned for the senator in the nation’s capital during the summer of 2025.

Thrailkill is a 2022 graduate of Mena High School and a 2026 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He is the son of Danny and Krystal Thrailkill and supported by his stepfather Mike Ross and stepmother Christy Thrailkill.


Senator Katie Britt Applauds $6.95 Million Grant Awarded to Port of Chickasaw for Rehabilitation Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) is applauding the award of a $6,954,000 Port Infrastructure Development Program grant for the Port of Chickasaw. This funding will rehabilitate docking structures and construct a new bulkhead along both sides of an existing slip at the port.

“The Port of Chickasaw is integral to the operations of the Alabama State Port Authority and the Port of Mobile, which is why I have continued working with the City of Chickasaw to get this accomplished over the past several years,” said Senator Britt. “I’m thrilled this grant has been awarded under Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and I thank him for his leadership in recognizing the importance of this project. Given the Port of Mobile’s rapid growth and critical importance to U.S. commerce, modernizing the Port of Chickasaw’s infrastructure to support the deepest container port in the Gulf of America will greatly benefit the local, regional, and our national economy.”

Senator Britt has advocated for the Port of Chickasaw to receive this grant funding since 2023.

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U.S. Senators Katie Britt, James, Lankford, Maggie Hassan, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to End Government Shutdowns and Hold Congress Accountable

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and several of their colleagues reintroduced the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026, which would take government shutdowns off the table and force Congress to stay in town until their work is done.

“Alabamians sent me to the Senate to work on their behalf and deliver results— not participate in the business-as-usual practices that have led to an unsustainable national deficit and even more out-of-control spending. Government shutdowns benefit no one and are often used as a political threat to prevent us from reining in spending, ultimately continuing the same irresponsible policies that created this mess in the first place. We must make Washington work again, and this bill is a step in the right direction,” said Senator Britt.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act requires that if appropriations work is not done on time, all members of Congress must stay in Washington, DC, and work until the spending bills are completed. This will prevent a government-wide shutdown, continue critical services and operations for Americans, and hold federal workers harmless while Congress completes appropriations.

“Americans are tired of worthless government shutdown drama and Congress using federal workers and government services as pawns in political standoffs,” said Senator Lankford. “The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act ends government shutdowns forever with a simple idea: if Congress doesn’t do its job, Congress doesn’t get to go home. We shift the pressure off the American people and onto the people they elected. We came within three votes of passing this before, and it is time to finish the job.”

Upon a lapse in government funding, the bill would implement an automatic continuing resolution (CR) on rolling 14-day periods, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year. This would prevent a shutdown and continue critical services and operations.

During the covered period of an automatic CR, the following restrictions are put in place. No taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one flight to return to Washington, DC) for the following individuals; white House OMB staff and leadership, members of the House and Senate, committee and personal staff of the House and Senate. There will be no official funds may be used for CODEL or STAFFDEL travel, no use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expenses, and no motions to recess or adjourn in the House/Senate for a period of more than 23 hours

“Government shutdowns are costly, avoidable, and make people in New Hampshire and across the country pay the price for the failures of Congress,” said Senator Hassan. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill incentivizes Congress to fund the government on time and ensures that there is a plan in place to protect families and our economy if Congress cannot come to an agreement.”

In addition, under the bill, no other votes would be in order in the House and Senate unless they pertain to passage of the appropriations bills or mandatory quorum calls in the Senate. However, after 30 days under the automatic CR, certain expiring authorization bills and executive calendar nominations would be eligible for consideration on the Senate floor, including a nomination for a Justice of the Supreme Court or a Cabinet Secretary, and narrow reauthorization legislation for programs operating under an authorization that has already expired or will expire within the next 30 days. These restrictions can be waived by a two-thirds vote in either chamber, but not for longer than seven days.

Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) also cosponsor this legislation.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Americans for Prosperity (AFP), International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), Partnership for Public Service (PPS), Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) support the bill. You can read the full text of the bill here.

Senator Britt introduced this legislation last fall. She has also supported legislation to withhold congressional pay during government shutdowns and is a strong advocate for passing the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act. During the first historic full government shutdown of the 119th Congress, Senator Britt voluntarily withheld receiving her paycheck, and also did so during the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

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ICYMI: Capito Supports Bill to Cap Monthly Insulin Costs at $35

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced her co-sponsorship of the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act, legislation that would cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for Americans on private and employer-sponsored insurance and create a pilot program to provide insulin at the same cost to Americans without insurance. The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).

“For years, West Virginia has been deeply impacted by diabetes and the rising cost of insulin,” Senator Capito said. “By limiting out-of-pocket insulin costs for individuals with private or employer-sponsored insurance, we can bring immediate financial relief to millions of Americans—including many West Virginians.”

BACKGROUND:

The INSULIN Act would directly address issues in the insulin market causing high list prices, while simultaneously extending vital patient protections, fostering competition and broadening access to needed insulin products. Specifically, the INSULIN Act:

Limits out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans must waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.

Mandates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pass through 100% of insulin rebates and other discounts received from manufacturers to plan sponsors, reducing perverse incentives in the insulin market that encourage high list prices and help patients in the form of reduced premiums.

Promotes generic and biosimilar competition to lower costs for patients.

Creates a pilot grant program for 10 states to implement programs to identify uninsured diabetes patients and provide them with insulin at $35 a month.

Establishes an insulin resource center and hotline for uninsured diabetes patients to connect them with resources about diabetes and programs to help them secure insulin.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Senators Collins, Shaheen Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, led the reintroduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Strengthening Collective Resources for Encouraging Education Needed (SCREEN) for Type 1 Diabetes Act to improve early detection and screening for Type 1 diabetes. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) and John Joyce (R-PA-13).

“Early detection of Type 1 diabetes can prevent life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis and potentially allow for the use of therapeutics to delay the clinical onset of the condition, helping to improve patients' quality of life and reduce their reliance on insulin,” said Senator Collins. “By encouraging early detection and screenings, this bipartisan bill would empower both health care providers and the public with the knowledge to identify and manage T1D effectively.”

“Because the majority of Type 1 diabetics have no family history, many Americans don’t know they have Type 1 until they need emergency care. That creates serious health risks for children and families that could be prevented by earlier detection and treatment,” said Senator Shaheen. “By raising awareness about the signs and symptoms at a young age, we can better detect, diagnose and treat this life-threatening disease. I’m proud to introduce this commonsense bill to double down on our efforts to ensure patients like my granddaughter can live healthy, happy lives.”

Type 1 diabetes can occur in all ages but is the most common type of diabetes in children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rate of new cases of Type 1 diabetes in children younger than 20 years has steadily increased in the United States. Between 2002 and 2018, rates of Type 1 diabetes increased by approximately 2 percent per year among youths. More than 80 percent of Type 1 diabetes diagnoses occur in people with no family history of the disease, making awareness of the signs and symptoms especially important.

Specifically, the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act would:

Conduct a public awareness campaign to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, as well as the importance of early detection and screening;

Require the CDC to consult with the National Academy of Medicine, health care provider associations, community health worker associations, nonprofits, state, local and tribal health departments, schools and universities to solicit advice on evidence-based information to use in the campaign; and

Direct the CDC to award grants to one or more nonprofit entities with histories of carrying out similar public awareness campaigns.

The SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act is endorsed by Breakthrough T1D and the American Diabetes Association.

“Breakthrough T1D applauds Senators Shaheen and Collins and Representatives Schrier and Joyce for introducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Act, a bipartisan bill to promote awareness and early detection for type 1 diabetes (T1D),” said Lynn Starr, Chief Global Advocacy Officer of Breakthrough T1D.“Too many people first learn of a T1D diagnosis in the emergency room during a medical crisis. Screening and early detection can change that by reducing the risk of life-threatening complications, giving individuals and families valuable time to prepare, and connecting them to clinical trials and therapies that may delay disease onset. As we continue advancing toward prevention and cures, we must ensure that families across the country can easily access screening and have the tools and information needed to respond.”

“The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Susan Collins, as well as Congresswoman Kim Schrier and Congressman John Joyce for reintroducing the SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act. Type 1 diabetes affects nearly two million Americans. Lack of awareness and early detection often leads to life threatening complications before diagnosis. This bill would improve public awareness, screening, and could help early detection of type 1 diabetes. Early detection of type 1 diabetes autoantibodies may result in individuals accessing therapies to delay onset of the disease. The ADA is committed to our mission to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes and we urge all members of Congress to support this legislation,” said Lisa Murdock, Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Diabetes Association.

Click here for the complete text of the bill.

As co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senators Collins and Shaheen have led efforts in the Senate to advance priorities that will lower the costs of insulin, invest in treatment and detection and prioritize diabetes research. They recently led the introduction of the bipartisan INSULIN Act to cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 and create a pilot program for uninsured patients. The bipartisan proposal enjoys wide and growing support in Congress, with nine Senators from each party now backing the bill.

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Cortez Masto, Goldman, Padilla, Crow Demand Trump Administration Reimburse Providers for Legal Services for Unaccompanied Minors

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Congressman Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Congressman Jason Crow (D-Colo.) led 70 lawmakers in demanding that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) reimburse providers for work performed under their contract to deliver legal services to unaccompanied children.

ORR has not issued reimbursements for services rendered since December 2025, despite Congress passing funding for this purpose. The agency’s ongoing refusal to pay providers for their work goes against Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act requirements, the Congress’s budget, and the federal government’s contractual obligations.

“ORR’s plain breach of contract threatens the viability of the nationwide network of nonprofit legal service providers that serve vulnerable unaccompanied children. These providers deliver critical legal representation, legal screenings, and Know Your Rights presentations to thousands of children across the country,” wrote the lawmakers. “Their work is essential to ensuring that children are protected from trafficking, exploitation, and other harms, and that they appear for and are able to meaningfully participate in their immigration proceedings. Nonprofit providers do not have the reserves necessary to absorb prolonged nonpayment at this scale. As a result, organizations may be forced to lay off staff, stop accepting new cases, or cease operations altogether. These outcomes would jeopardize thousands of children’s access to legal representation mid-case.”

The lawmakers also expressed concern about reports that ORR is putting conditions on reimbursement, including requiring providers to give the government additional, case-specific information that’s not required under the terms of the contract. These demands end up delaying payment and reportedly include identifying information about child clients that may implicate attorney-client privilege and ethical obligations governing confidentiality.

The lawmakers are demanding that ORR immediately fulfill all pending invoices, provide an explanation for payment delays, and confirm that ORR will not make new conditions on these payments.

Read the full letter here.

The first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both the Biden and Trump administrations to protect DACA recipients, TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system. Last year, the Senator introduced the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act to fix the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program. She introduced the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act to reverse provisions in the Republican tax law (H.R. 1) that harm unaccompanied children who are seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. Cortez Masto has also demanded the Trump Administration take immediate action to ensure Department of Homeland Security stops conducting aggressive, extreme, and dangerous civil enforcement activities within 1,000 feet of school properties.

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Durbin Denounces Trump’s Nearly $2 Billion Slush Fund For January 6 Insurrectionists & Political Allies

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today slammed the Trump Administration for its nearly $2 billion U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) slush fund, which will allow January 6 insurrectionists and the President’s corrupt allies to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars. While DOJ announced it will abide by a district court’s injunction and pause the slush fund for now, Senate Democrats will continue to push back on any new efforts to implement this so-called “anti-weaponization” fund.

Durbin began his remarks by noting that this so-called “anti-weaponization” fund is deeply unpopular, even among the President’s closest allies in the Senate. Rather than greenlight the President’s plan, Senate Republicans fled Washington last month to avoid publicly taking a stance through anticipated votes on the fund. As a result, Senate Republicans have blown past their self-imposed deadline to pass a hyper-partisan reconciliation bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

“Today is June 1, the arbitrary deadline President Trump imposed on congressional Republicans to send their partisan funding bill to his desk for signature. So why aren’t our Republican colleagues heading to the White House today for a flashy bill signing ceremony to fund more abuses by ICE?... Because two weeks ago, Senate Republicans left town after an internal revolt over the President’s so-called ‘anti-weaponization’ fund—a nearly $1.8 billion—that’s more than the ballroom—slush fund for the President’s cronies and allies,” Durbin said.

Durbin denounced the slush fund, underscoring that it would use taxpayer dollars to offer payouts to violent insurrectionists who continue to wreak havoc in their communities. Durbin spoke about Brandon Fellows, an insurrectionist who forcibly broke into the U.S. Capitol and is now seeking $30 million from the Trump slush fund.

“Who would be eligible for any part of the $1.8 billion fund? People like Brandon Fellows… He was pardoned by President Trump, with a full and unconditional presidential pardon, for being one of the January 6 insurrectionists who was convicted and sentenced on felony and misdemeanor charges for climbing an exterior wall of the Capitol, entering the building through a broken window,” Durbin said. “Has he shown any remorse since he was convicted of that crime? No. He still believes President Trump’s Big Lie about the 2020 election and the conspiracy theory that January 6—which he is on video participating in—was a setup.”

“[Brandon] likes to spend his free time dressing up as an ICE agent and encouraging others to do the same to terrorize immigrants. How much is Mr. Fellows seeking from the ‘anti-weaponization’ slush fund? He thinks the ‘inconvenience’ he encountered is worth $30 million,” Durbin continued.

Durbin emphasized that while Americans are struggling to make ends meet, the President’s primary focus is on securing millions for his political allies.

“We can expect droves of other January 6 insurrectionists to also seek these cash rewards, even those who have continued to threaten our communities by committing more crimes…ranging from conspiracy to murder to child sex abuse and exploitation,” Durbin said. “While American families are struggling to afford gas for their cars, put food on their tables, pay their utility bills, thanks to Trump’s tariffs and war of choice in Iran, the President wants to hand lofty payouts to his political buddies and the criminals who attacked our democracy as his request.”

Durbin continued, noting that the President also corruptly leveraged his position in the White House to ensure that the IRS cannot audit his family and their companies.

“I’ll also note that, as part of that settlement, the IRS is permanently barred from auditing past tax returns of President Trump, his family, and related companies,” Durbin said. “President Trump wanted a ‘get out of jail’ card from the federal government [to ensure] that he would never be prosecuted for tax fraud… Is this a Monopoly game? If it is, it’s embarrassing.”

Durbin concluded his speech by reiterating his commitment to fighting back against the President’s corruption and abuses of power.

“Seante Democrats will continue to fight this unprecedented and unacceptable $1.8 billion slush fund for January 6 insurrectionists and Trump loyalists. And we will work to half the flow of taxpayer dollars to Trump’s mass deportation campaign while standing ready to have a serious, bipartisan negotiation about the need for reforms to our immigration system,” Durbin concluded his remarks.

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

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

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

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Durbin Speaks Out Against Least Qualified Judicial Nominee Of Trump’s Second Term

Senate Republicans are pushing forward Katie Lane, who received the American Bar Association’s first ‘Not Qualified’ rating of Trump’s second term

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against the nomination of Katie Lane, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana and the first judicial nominee to receive a “Not Qualified” rating from the American Bar Association (ABA) during Trump’s second term.

“There are more than 3,000 licensed attorneys in the state of Montana. You would believe that the White House, in finding a federal judge for a lifetime appointment, would be able to find one among those with experience. Instead, President Trump has selected Ms. Lane. Ms. Lane is not remotely qualified to serve as a district court judge in the federal system. That is not my opinion—that is the official finding by the American Bar Association,” said Durbin.

The ABA found that Lane had failed to gain “substantial courtroom and trial experience in the less than nine years since she was admitted to the bar,” noting that she “never tried a case as lead counsel, whether civil or criminal” and “never conducted a direct examination, picked a jury, or offered an opening statement or a closing argument.”

“Not only has Ms. Lane’s legal career been extremely brief, but it has also been extremely partisan. Ms. Lane currently works at the Republican National Committee, which President Trump highlighted when he announced her nomination. She may not have courtroom experience, but she has experience at the MAGA think tank… But even before she went to work for the RNC, Ms. Lane repeatedly chose to litigate politically charged issues and worked to limit women’s rights, voting rights, and the rights of LGBTQ Americans,” continued Durbin.

“Ms. Lane is not the person for this job. She’s too ideological and too inexperienced for the role to which she has been nominated. I urge my colleagues oppose her nomination,” concluded Durbin.

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

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

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

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Fetterman Celebrates June 1st as National Mushroom Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the passage of his resolution in the Senate recognizing National Mushroom Day and the contributions of Chester and Berks Counties to the industry and to healthy diets, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) today celebrates National Mushroom Day. As a member of the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, Senator Fetterman introduced the resolution alongside U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA). U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“National Mushroom Day recognizes all our farmers, farmworkers, and an industry that fully deserves national support. As the Mushroom Capital of the World™, Pennsylvania has contributed significantly to our country’s mushroom supply and demand, and continues to be a leader thanks to the men and women on the ground. I’m proud to see our resolution agreed to and urge my colleagues to continue supporting these farmers and the industry––not just today, but every day,” said Senator Fetterman.

In Pennsylvania, mushrooms grow year-round and the industry has become a major source of stable jobs, farm operations, and economic growth in the region. Chester and Berks counties alone produce 60 percent of the mushrooms produced in the United States, making the Commonwealth the largest mushroom producer in the nation. Senator Fetterman has been a steadfast advocate by highlighting the industry in a hearing he led in 2023 and securing their eligibility in USDA specialty crop assistance funding this year.


Gallego, Kelly, Grijalva to Indian Health Service: Don’t Shut Down Tucson’s Tribal Health Office

Arizona lawmakers demand answers – and a pause – before the Trump administration eliminates the only health office serving 28,000 Native patients in Southern Arizona

WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representative Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) sent a letter to the Indian Health Service (IHS) demanding it halt plans to shut down the Tucson Area Office and halt any merger with the Phoenix office until tribal communities have been properly consulted.

The Tucson Area Office is the primary point of contact for health services serving nearly 28,000 patients from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O’odham Nation. The Trump administration’s plan would fold it into the Phoenix Area Office – leaving patients and staff with a drive of up to two hours to reach the nearest office and putting specialized services like dedicated diabetes care at risk of disappearing entirely.

“We write to express our serious concerns regarding the recently announced proposal to eliminate the Tucson Area Office by merging it with the Phoenix Area as part of the Indian Health Service’s broader realignment initiative,” the lawmakers wrote. “We ask that you immediately suspend implementation of the merger until you have clarified any impact this consolidation will have on the tribal nations in Southern Arizona and have completed meaningful, formal tribal consultation.”

The lawmakers noted that the Tucson office is the only one being eliminated through this realignment and questioned whether IHS had fully thought through the consequences. “It remains unclear how the Tucson Area Office, the only office that would be consolidated through this initiative, was selected for consolidation and whether the repercussions of this decision have been fully considered,” they wrote.

The letter echoes concerns raised directly by the Tohono O’odham Nation in a February 2026 tribal consultation response and demands IHS explain by June 15th how it chose Tucson, what consultation it conducted with the affected tribes, and what steps it will take to protect patients’ access to care.

The lawmakers called on IHS to demonstrate “how your agency plans to ensure continued quality of care, support tribal self-determination and self-governance, and uphold its trust obligations to the tribes of Southern Arizona.”


Gallego Travels to Odesa, Calls for U.S. to Stand by Ukraine

Senator Speaks at Black Sea Security Forum, Tours ADM Grain Facility, Superhumans Prosthetics Center, and Novoodeska Energy Substation

ODESA – This weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Odesa, Ukraine to attend the Black Sea Security Forum (BSSF) and conduct site visits to critical infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s wartime economy and recovery.

On Saturday, prior to addressing the forum, Senator Gallego conducted a walking tour of Odesa to view the city’s historic sites and the visible impact of ongoing Russian bombardment.

Senator Gallego delivered the closing remarks at the BSSF reception in the evening. Speaking on the forum’s theme, The End Game, Senator Gallego emphasized the global stakes of the conflict:

“Ukraine is winning this war. Ukraine will win this war, and Ukraine needs to win this war—not just for its people, for its culture, for existence, but for the freedom-loving countries of the world, and for the United States. It’ll be a moral stain upon our country if we are not here at the end of the day when Ukraine can truly say that they’re free and they’re sovereign. Now, more than ever, we know that we are interlinked. We need Ukraine just as much as Ukraine needs us, with everything that they have learned about how to stop brutal countries that violate the rules-based order. We need the fighters of Ukraine to teach the United States how to fight for the next war, and not just try to play catch up.”

On Sunday, Senator Gallego toured the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) export facility at the Odesa Seaport alongside ADM Managing Director Oleksii Kosobokov and Terminal Director Andrii Slusarenko. Russian drone attacks have repeatedly struck ADM’s nearby Chornomorsk terminal, most recently in April and May 2026. The Senator discussed what U.S. policy tools could help protect American commercial operations and sustain Ukraine’s ability to generate its own export revenue.

Senator Gallego then visited the Superhumans Center in Odesa, a cutting-edge prosthetics and trauma rehabilitation facility preparing to open its Odesa location on June 22, 2026, alongside its existing Lviv center. Senator Gallego discussed gaps in Ukraine’s long-term rehabilitation capacity and the role of continued U.S. support for war recovery beyond the battlefield.

The Senator concluded his site visits at the Novoodeska Substation, a high-voltage transmission node serving the Odesa region’s ports, grain export infrastructure, and wartime logistics. Senator Gallego examined the substation’s vulnerabilities and discussed what U.S. assistance could most effectively improve grid resilience ahead of the next wave of Russian attacks.

Read more on the Senator’s work on Ukraine:


Gallego Travels to Spain to Strengthen Transatlantic Relationship

Senator Met with Spanish Government and Business Leaders

SPAIN – This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Spain for an official visit to strengthen the transatlantic relationship. He met with Spanish government and business leaders in Bilbao and Madrid to discuss defense industrial cooperation, clean energy, trade, and the NATO alliance.

Bilbao

Senator Gallego began the trip in Bilbao, where he met with Imanol Pradales Gil, President of the Basque Government, and Aitor Esteban, President of the Basque Nationalist Party.

While in the Basque Country, the Senator also met with Pedro Azagra, CEO of Iberdrola, visited the IBM-Euskadi Quantum Computational Center, and interviewed with Radio Euskadi.

Madrid

In Madrid on Thursday, Senator Gallego participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Spain, which represents more than 270 member companies. The roundtable brought together senior executives from major U.S. and Spanish firms across defense, energy, infrastructure, financial services, and technology.

On Friday, Senator Gallego participated in an event at the Elcano Royal Institute to discuss key priorities in the U.S.-Spanish relationship.

“Spain has been with us since our revolution, and we talked about 250 years of independence, but it’s actually been 250 years also of a great US-Spanish relationship, and we’re certainly not going to let one person destroy that,” said Senator Gallego at the Elcano Royal Institute. “The fact that again we’re causing more anxiety and more antagonism between friends and allies, it’s really unnecessary.”

Senator Gallego also spoke on the following topics:

On President Trump’s threat to withdraw U.S. troops from Spain: “It would be the dumbest thing in the world for us to be able to give up access to these bases, because once we do that, we’re never going to get them back.”

On Spain’s rejection of NATO’s 5% defense spending: “My focus is on true deterrence in terms of being able to deter Russia from moving further into Europe, and Spain being able to contribute to that makes a big difference.”

On the Iran war driving a multi-year missile defense gap: “It shows you how ill-planned this war was, that they thought that they were going to be able to go to this war with Iran, who we all know has had this capability, who we all have seen sending their Shahed drones to Russia to use in Ukraine, and not be prepared for it.”

On the Administration’s removal of Maduro: “The failure was the fact that we’re using the US government to topple foreign governments. Maduro was a horrible man, a very corrupt man, and was causing corruption all around the world…. That does not give us license to go and topple these governments, because what stops China from saying the same thing about Taiwan or other nations?”

On Trump’s potential invasion of Cuba: “Yo creo que los republicanos especialmente de herencia cubana que viven en Florida tienen mucho poder con este presidente. También el secretario de estado, Marco Rubio, tiene una obsesión con esta isla. En mi opinión Cuba no es una amenaza a los Estados Unidos. Es una isla muy pobre.

Read More:

EFE: Senador demócrata defiende derecho de España y de socios de la OTAN a mostrar desacuerdo

Europa Press: El senador estadounidense Rubén Gallego ve “estúpido” renunciar a las bases en España y aboga por “aceptar diferencias”

El País: Rubén Gallego, senador demócrata: “Marco Rubio está obsesionado, pero Cuba no es una amenaza para Estados Unidos”

EFE: ‘Marco Rubio tiene obsesión con Cuba’, denuncia el senador demócrata Rubén Gallego

Europa Press: El senador demócrata Rubén Gallego, sobre Cuba: “EEUU intentará cambiar el Gobierno de una u otra manera”

Senator Gallego later met with Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío.


Following Gillibrand’s Push, Trump Administration Finally Releases Long-Delayed Homelessness Data

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has finally heeded her call to release its long-overdue homelessness data. On Friday, two weeks after Senator Gillibrand grilled HUD Secretary Scott Turner about the missing data, HUD published part 1 of its 2025 Annual Homelessness Assessment report. The report found that homelessness fell by 3% nationwide between January 2024 and January 2025 – the last year of President Joe Biden’s tenure. While both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness fell, there were concerning increases for certain populations, particularly the 6.8% increase among people aged 65 and older.

“The delay of this report is a complete disservice to the American people,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It’s clear HUD was hiding the ball and not doing their job. This report wasn’t finalized just in the last two weeks. Americans deserve transparency and accountability from their government, not excuses. I will keep pushing for answers from HUD leadership on how their supposed plans to tackle the housing crisis square with their deep cuts to housing programs.”

At a THUD Subcommittee hearing on May 14th, Senator Gillibrand questioned Secretary Turner about his withholding of the 2025 homelessness report. When the point-in-time estimates were finally published on May 29th, it marked the latest release of this data in over a decade.

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Grassley Holds Big Tech’s Feet to the Fire, Prompts Improved Reporting on Child Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is forcing eight major technology companies to explain to the American public how they intend to improve reporting of online child sexual exploitation.

Grassley today released responses from Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Snapchat, xAI, Roblox, Grindr and Discord following his oversight of the companies’ alleged failure to sufficiently report online child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

“Keeping kids safe online and protecting parents’ peace of mind are top priorities for me as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In order for families to succeed in the digital era, Big Tech must be held accountable. I appreciate these companies responding to my oversight and I’ll be closely watching to ensure the proper safeguards and reporting requirements are in place to prevent abuse, safeguard children and prosecute suspected predators,” Grassley said.

Read the responses: Meta, TikTok US, TikTok, Amazon, Snapchat, xAI, Roblox and Roblox supplemental, Grindr and Discord. A summary of the responses follows.

Meta

Meta submitted over 2.6 million reports involving suspected child sexual exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline during the last quarter of 2025. Further, Meta identified over 265 million Facebook accounts and over 135 million Instagram accounts that showed potentially suspicious behavior. Meta also removed nearly 135,000 Instagram accounts for leaving sexualized comments or requesting sexual images from minors, as well as an additional 500,000 linked Facebook and Instagram accounts.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, Meta is making the following updates:

Including last-known location coordinates on Instagram reports to assist with victim safety checks and jurisdictional routing.

Including network source port numbers alongside IP addresses to improve law enforcement’s ability to locate reported users.

Adding additional technical metadata to reports, including standardized timestamps, audio content and expanded chat context in WhatsApp reports, among others.

TikTok

TikTok submitted over 2.1 million reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline from January 2025 to June 2025.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, TikTok noted plans to remove “non pertinent” information and include more granular context in its reports, while integrating improved prioritization standards to increase its number of actionable reports. TikTok stated there will be “multiple improvements rolling out over the next 60 days.”

Amazon

Amazon detected and reported over one million instances of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025. After human review, Amazon determined 99.6% of the reports were false positives, and 4,376 were confirmed CSAM.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, Amazon noted enhancements to its detection pipeline, including additional filtering mechanisms to reduce the false positive rate of its reports.

Snapchat

Snapchat submitted approximately 752,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025 and has submitted over 200,000 reports thus far in 2026.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, Snapchat is making the following updates:

Including evidence regarding the reported user’s knowledge of the victim’s age.

Including additional annotations when the report pertains to sextortion, sadistic online exploitation or minor-to-minor interactions.

Expanding the data in reports to include source port information in the majority of cases and information about the reported user’s device, geolocation data and more.

xAI

xAI submitted over 135,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025 and has submitted over 127,000 reports thus far in 2026.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, xAI is making the following updates:

Rebuilding its tooling pipeline to include names, email addresses and phone numbers in reports.

Including IP addresses and session data in reports to enable geolocation.

Roblox

Per NCMEC, Roblox submitted over 65,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, Roblox is making the following updates:

Implementing NCMEC annotations in reports – specifically tagging instances of sadistic online exploitation – to improve triaging efforts.

Including email addresses, verified phone numbers and IP port numbers in reports.

Updating its reporting threshold to reduce non-actionable reports.

Roblox identified additional areas for enhancement, including clearer victim identification and evidence formatting.

Grindr

Per NCMEC, Grindr submitted over 111,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, Grindr is making the following updates:

Revising its process of training and cross-training additional staff to ensure high priority cases are properly prioritized.

Integrating its reporting process with the NCMEC CyberTipline API to allow for a more automated reporting process.

Enhancing its preservation of location information for users who have been flagged.

Grindr is working to implement additional improvements by the summer of 2026, including updating escalation flags to ensure they are used appropriately, adding port numbers to IP address data, and transmitting photos and media to NCMEC in their original file format.

Discord

Per NCMEC, Discord submitted nearly 490,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC’s CyberTipline in 2025.

To address NCMEC’s concerns, Discord is making the following updates:

Updating its reporting process to ensure its reviewers are only identifying and reporting attachments that constitute potential CSAM.

Consolidating reports into 12-hour batches to reduce duplicate reports.

Strengthening and expanding its machine learning-powered systems to enhance reporting capabilities and better identify alternate accounts of users banned for child exploitation.


ICYMI—Hagerty Joins FOX News Sunday on Fox News to Discuss US-Iran Talks, Reconciliation 2.0 and DHS Funding

Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined FOX News Sunday on Fox News to discuss the latest in Iran, Reconciliation 2.0 and funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

*Click the photo above or here to watch*

Partial Transcript

Hagerty on President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “[The Trump Administration has] all the time in the world, because they have absolutely devastated the Iranian Navy, the Iranian Air Force [and] have complete control over the skies. They’ve devastated their defense industrial base. The nuclear program is at the bottom of a mountain… There is a tremendous amount of pressure on the regime right now… That’s why it’s taken so long to negotiate anything. But President Trump has been clear he wants this decision to be made by the Iranian people… I’m looking at this with a sense of optimism, knowing that President Trump is a great deal maker […] Whatever the deal may be, it’s going to be a performance-oriented deal with real checkpoints. This isn’t going to be like the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)] where the Obama administration used billions of dollars, tens of millions of dollars of pallets of cash to bribe the Iranians. What this will be is clear performance. [Iran] is going to have to perform to get any sort of relief, and President Trump will make that very clear.”

Hagerty on DHS Funding: “[The Senate is] coming back to deal with the most fundamental problem that we’ve got: that the Democrats shut down the Department of Homeland Security. They don’t want any sort of border enforcement. They don’t want law enforcement in America—and we have to get that funded. We need to remember the fundamentals. [Republicans] are going to fund [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)] beyond President Trump’s term so that they stop becoming a political football, and are allowed to do their job to make our nation more safe. With respect to the other items, I think we’re going to be able to navigate that.”

Hagerty on Budget Reconciliation 2.0: “There are discussions underway right now between [the Senate Republican Conference] and the White House to get to something that’s going to work. I’m looking forward to seeing the details this coming week. We’re going to get right back onto this reconciliation package. Again, we would not be here were it not for the obstructionism of the Democrat Party. Chuck Schumer and the Democrats seem to want to create chaos at every turn, and it’s our obligation to try to fix that.”

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ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss US-Iran Negotiations, Political Violence and Midterms

Washington—On Sunday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss US-Iran negotiations, political violence and the upcoming midterm elections.

*Click the photo above or here to watch*

Partial Transcript

Hagerty on President Donald Trump’s negotiations with Iran: “I’m certain that whatever deal President Trump puts in place will require performance… President Trump’s been a business person his entire life—a very successful one, I might add… He understands performance is a necessity to get any sort of compensation or recompense. I feel certain that whatever the Iranians do, it’s going to have to be verified. They’re going to have to demonstrate performance before they make any sort of concessions or yields. That’s the type of deal I would expect to see, and I’m looking forward to the details.”

Hagerty on political violence, technology and national security: “We have had a president with multiple death threats. In fact, the [Iranian regime] had a fatwah on him. An assassin [entered] the [White House Correspondents Dinner] here recently in Washington D.C. with multiple weapons, in an attempt to assassinate the president, and the cabinet… We’ve deployed sophisticated technologies in places like Iran and Venezuela with incredible results in terms of decapitating regimes, so I think it is a security environment that we ought to be cognizant of. The security situation has changed dramatically, the technology has changed dramatically, and to ignore that would be a folly. The executive branch, particularly this president, is in a much better position to evaluate the security needs of the White House than the judicial branch.”

Hagerty on the midterm elections: “[The polls] don’t matter until [voters have] had a chance to put competitors into position and actually define them. When [Americans] see the leadership of the Democrat Party in the face of those like [New York City Mayor] Zohran Mamdani, I think the public will begin to wake up and realize they are not happy with the current situation. If you listen to the mainstream media… you wouldn’t find out about the fact the stock market is at an all-time high… Tax returns are north of $3,400 this year, highest on record… The media is quite different from reality. And as we get closer to [the general election], more definition comes into place with respect to the actual candidates, and the policies they maintain. You’re going to see the Republicans back in the position to say, ‘look, we’re delivering for the American people.’ The only position that the Democrats seem to have is anti-Trump chaos, socialism, democratic socialism—and that’s not the direction America wants to go.”

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Hickenlooper, Alsobrooks, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Resolution Denouncing Gun Violence Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper recently joined his Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of reducing gun violence as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

“Too many Colorado communities have been devastated by gun violence,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Whether it was passing universal background checks in Colorado or helping pass the first major federal gun safety law in nearly 30 years, we’ve proven that commonsense protections save lives. As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to reducing gun violence and keeping our communities safe.”

The resolution honors victims and survivors of gun violence and commends the Americans working to prevent it. It voices support for expanded investment in evidence-informed strategies, victim services, improved crime data, stronger homicide and shooting clearance rates, law enforcement partnerships, and de-escalation training.

“Every single person across this nation deserves to live in safe communities and live without the ever-present fear of gun violence. We should be able to go to our churches, grocery stores, malls, and schools without the fear of being shot. That is my dream for the next 250 years of America. It’s what America deserves,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we must renew our commitment to the unfinished work of building a country where every person can live safely and free from the fear of gun violence,” said Senator Booker. “Each year, tens of thousands of lives are taken by this epidemic. Behind every number is a life cut short, a grieving family, and a community forever changed. This resolution honors all those impacted by gun violence and calls on us to continue the urgent work of creating a safer America for every generation.”

“Every day, thousands of Americans go to school, work, or their places of worship with the fear of being shot. As we continue working to enact commonsense gun safety legislation and end our nation’s gun violence epidemic, we must do everything in our power to protect our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “As we mark our country’s 250th birthday, this resolution reaffirms the importance of fighting for a future where every person in our country can live free from the fear of gun violence.”

“America has a gun problem. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit to advancing commonsense gun safety reforms to ensure Americans don’t have to live in fear of being targets of gun violence at school, work, or their places of worship,” said Senator Padilla.

“Too many lives have been lost and families shattered by gun violence – something that’s become too routine despite the horror and senselessness of these acts. As our nation recognizes its 250th anniversary, Congress can and must act to prevent more tragedies. With this resolution, we honor victims and survivors and recommit ourselves to supporting investments to put an end to this violence,” said Senator Schiff.

“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to take stock of the great challenges we face as the Trump Administration works to dismantle the progress we have made in this country over the years. For too long, Republicans have stood in the way of our efforts to take meaningful steps to address gun violence, and this Administration has only made matters worse. The scourge of gun violence continues to plague our communities, taking thousands of American lives every year. That’s why we must continue fighting for common-sense solutions to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the kind of country we want to build for future generations. No parent should have to worry about whether their child will come home safely from school, and no community should have to live under the constant threat of gun violence,” said Rep. Min. “Public safety is not a partisan issue—it’s a fundamental responsibility and we must continue working to save lives.”

“Each year, our nation loses nearly 50,000 Americans to gun violence, and tens of thousands more become gun violence survivors. These tragedies have lasting traumatic and economic impacts on our communities. Fighting this epidemic means passing strong gun laws that save lives,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “As we mark our nation’s 250th year, we cannot forget about the children, parents, and communities across the country who deserve to live safely and free from gun violence.”

Hickenlooper helped form the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus in the Senate where he is committed to ending the nationwide epidemic of gun violence. Hickenlooper supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which expanded red flag laws, closed the boyfriend loophole, expanded background checks for young gun purchasers, and made historic investments in community-based mental health and violence prevention programs.

Hickenlooper is also a co-sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban, the Background Check Expansion Act, the Equal Access to Justice of Gun Violence Act, and Ethan’s Law. As Governor, Hickenlooper enacted universal background checks and a ban on high-capacity magazines after the 2012 Aurora theater shooting in Colorado.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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Hickenlooper Applauds Federal Judge Ruling to Stop NCAR Breakup

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement in support of the federal court ruling halting the Trump administration’s effort to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) by forcing the lab to transfer its supercomputing center to the University of Wyoming.

“On a day when Tina Peters’ release has many Coloradans questioning whether the rule of law still matters, this ruling is a welcome reminder that courts can and should check abuses of power and political retaliation,” Hickenlooper wrote on social media. “We have fought these cuts since day one. We held up the Senate floor. We protested in the streets. We will keep fighting these blatantly retaliatory attacks. NCAR’s scientists and researchers do life-saving work that must endure.”

Hickenlooper, a former geologist and the only peer-reviewed scientist serving in the Senate, has been at the front of the fight to protect climate and atmospheric science at NCAR in Boulder.

In December, Senator Hickenlooper blocked a federal appropriations package in the Senate after President Trump announced his plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder. Hickenlooper demanded Republicans add an amendment to the package guaranteeing that all funding for NCAR be fully spent, which Republicans blocked. In addition to his amendment, Hickenlooper led a bipartisan group of 76 lawmakers to demand full funding for NCAR, held the Senate floor, and joined protests across Colorado to stop the breakup.

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Hickenlooper, Colorado Delegation Welcome Funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen, Jason Crow, and Jeff Hurd, welcomed the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) release of more than $2.25 million in spending authority for the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which the Trump administration previously froze.

“We fought the Trump administration to release this funding because small businesses are Colorado’s economic engine,” said Hickenlooper. “Colorado’s Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Tariffs and rising costs are squeezing them. This funding lets the SBDC keep Colorado running at full strength.”

The Colorado SBDC is the only statewide, nationally accredited business assistance program serving all 64 counties, with 14 local service centers across the state. In Colorado alone, over $81 million in 2024 sales growth is attributed to SBDC programming.

In March 2026, Colorado’s Democratic Congressional delegation urged Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to take action after the agency failed to provide prompt spending authority for the Colorado SBDC.

“Colorado small businesses fought hard to secure these funds in order to help stay afloat amid President Trump’s tariffs, rising energy costs, and inflation,” said Bennet. “This spending authority will support critical small business development, which is essential to Colorado’s economy and the success of local and rural communities. Although the Colorado SBDC should have received this authority months ago, the state’s Small Business Development Center will work tirelessly to ensure small business owners and their employees have the resources they need.”

“Colorado’s small businesses are struggling with rising costs and the President’s reckless tariffs,” said Crow. “While I am glad to see these federal funds for Colorado’s small businesses released, they should have never been delayed in the first place. I’m grateful to Senator Bennet for leading Colorado’s bipartisan congressional delegation to get this done.”

“Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but under the Trump administration, business owners across our state have watched their monthly bills skyrocket,” said Neguse. “That’s why I was proud to join Senator Bennet and my congressional colleagues in urging the SBA to quickly authorize 2026 funding for the Colorado Small Business Development Center and its vital programs. Our state’s small business owners and families—especially those in our rural and mountain communities—deserve the support they need to not just get by, but to thrive.”

“Colorado’s small businesses are what make our communities strong – creating jobs, supporting families, and driving economic growth,” said Pettersen. “But the Trump administration has continued to withhold critical funding for our entrepreneurs and business owners who have already been struggling under a volatile economic climate because of Trump’s tariff regime. I’m glad this funding is finally being released so the Colorado Small Business Development Center can continue supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and helping businesses grow in every corner of our state.”

“Small businesses drive economic opportunity in communities across Western and Southern Colorado,” said Hurd. “From rural main streets to growing local industries, entrepreneurs rely on organizations like the Colorado Small Business Development Center for practical guidance, technical assistance, and resources to help them succeed. I joined my colleagues in urging for the release of these funds because Colorado businesses deserve timely access to the resources Congress already approved. I’m glad this funding has now been released so the Colorado SBDC can continue supporting small businesses and rural communities.”

The text of the March 2026 letter is available HERE. Learn more about the Colorado SBDC HERE.

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Hickenlooper in MS NOW Op-Ed: “Some people believe Peters was sentenced too harshly and deserved clemency. I couldn’t disagree more.”

Hickenlooper: “It should not be controversial to say people who attack American democracy should not receive taxpayer-funded payouts.”

Peters walked out of prison this morning, immediately continuedto spread election lies

Hickenlooper leads an amendment to block Trump from giving Tina Peters, election criminals handouts from Trump’s $1.8B slush fund

In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper penned an op-ed for MS NOW today blasting President Trump’s unprecedented attempt to compensate election criminals like Tina Peters with taxpayer money from the president’s $1.8 billion fund.

“Today, Tina Peters walked out of prison,” wrote Hickenlooper. “Some people believe Peters was sentenced too harshly and deserved clemency. I couldn’t disagree more. But whatever you may think of her commutation, taxpayers should never pay people who subvert our elections.”

Read his op-ed in MS NOW HERE.

Today, Tina Peters walked out of prison in Colorado and joined Steve Bannon to continue spreading her election lies.

Hickenlooper continued: “Of course, Peters is not alone. Potential beneficiaries of this fund include hundreds who stormed the Capitol and assaulted police officers on Jan. 6. The leader of the Proud Boys is hoping for a payout of up to $5 million. Another Jan. 6 defendant is planning to seek $30 million. That is your money — money that could be spent on healthcare, childcare or affordable housing.”

Two weeks ago, Republicans delayed their votes on the $72 billion funding package for Trump’s immigration enforcement to avoid voting on Hickenlooper’s amendment. Specifically, his amendment would block Trump from using his proposed $1.8 billion slush fund for individuals like Tina Peters and January 6th insurrectionists. Hickenlooper will force Republicans to vote on his amendment this week when they try to jam through their reconciliation bill.

Read more in MS NOW or below:

No Taxpayer Dollars for Election Criminals.

By Senator John Hickenlooper

Today, Tina Peters walks out of prison.

The former Colorado county clerk left La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo, Colorado, after serving less than a quarter of a sentence. She was incarcerated for her role in a data-breach scheme that stemmed from false claims about the 2020 election, having used her office to help leak data from Mesa County’s voting system. She left unrepentant, still selling a lie that puts our elections and their law-abiding officials at risk.

And Peters may soon receive another break.

The Department of Justice recently announced an unprecedented $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate people who the administration claims were harmed by the justice system. At a May press conference, Vice President JD Vance defended the idea of compensating Peters with this fund.

“Is it reasonable for her to get some compensation for the fact that she was treated unfairly? I think the answer is yes,” he said.

Some people believe Peters was sentenced too harshly and deserved clemency. I couldn’t disagree more. But whatever you may think of her commutation, taxpayers should never pay people who subvert our elections.

Of course, Peters is not alone. Potential beneficiaries of this fund include hundreds who stormed the Capitol and assaulted police officers on Jan. 6. The leader of the Proud Boys is hoping for a payout of up to $5 million. Another Jan. 6 defendant is planning to seek $30 million. That is your money — money that could be spent on healthcare, childcare or affordable housing.

It should not be controversial to say people who attack American democracy should not receive taxpayer-funded payouts. As hardworking Americans struggle with rising costs, those convicted of undermining elections are the last people the government should subsidize.

On Friday, a Virginia judge temporarily stopped the DOJ from taking further action to create the fund or disburse money. I’m working to stop it permanently and will introduce an amendment to the Republicans’ upcoming reconciliation bill to prohibit the DOJ from distributing these funds to individuals convicted of election-related crimes.

My concerns with this fund go beyond just who could profit from the payouts. The fund’s structure raises serious questions about abuse, accountability and transparency. According to the DOJ, the payouts will be determined by a five-member panel, four of whom would be appointed by the administration. While acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has vowed transparency, the terms of the fund do not clearly require the public disclosure of recipients or payouts.

The administration’s proposal has already drawn some bipartisan ire. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently warned that “your taxpayer dollars and my taxpayer dollars could potentially compensate someone who assaulted a police officer, admitted their guilt, got convicted, got pardoned and now we are going to pay them for that. That’s absurd.”

He’s right. And soon every single Senator will be forced to go on the record.

At Peters’ sentencing, State District Court Judge Matthew Barrett did not mincewords, telling Peters, “You’re a charlatan who used and is still using your prior position in office to peddle snake oil that’s been proven to be junk time and time again.”

If only this were merely about snake oil.

Our nation was founded on the idea that citizens have the right to challenge authority. But the same spirit that created ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ also created a republic built on the rule of law, election integrity, and the peaceful transfer of power. When people who attack those institutional pillars in bad faith are recast as victims and patriots, we dishonor the generations who defended this republic and fail the generations that will inherit it.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, we should remember Benjamin Franklin’s warning when asked whether the founders had created a republic or a monarchy: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

That starts with defending free and fair elections and refusing to reward those who attack them with your taxpayer money.

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