Heinrich, Stansbury Announce House Passage & Senate Committee Advancement of Legislation to Transfer Federal Land to Pueblos for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) announced that their Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025, which is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), passed the U.S. House of Representatives and received a hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The legislation places three tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding land into trust for the benefit of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) speaks in support of the Albuquerque Indian School Act at a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing to consider pending legislation, June 3, 2026.

At a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing today to consider the Albuquerque Indian School Act, Heinrich testified in support of the bill and urged his colleagues to advance the legislation out of committee. Watch the full video of Heinrich’s testimony here.

“My Albuquerque Indian School Act is more than just a land transfer. It is about putting a small but important piece of land back where it belongs – with New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos,” said Heinrich. “The development of these under-utilized parcels of land will create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and expand business services for Pueblo communities and the broader public. After the House passed my legislation this week, today’s Senate hearing marks another important step in our effort to get this bill across the finish line and signed into law.”

“Yesterday's passage of the Albuquerque Indian School Act in the House of Representatives is a major step forward in a decades-long effort to return land to the stewardship of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos in Albuquerque,” said Stansbury. "This legislation will place nearly 10 acres into trust for the Pueblos, continuing the transformation of this historic site into a center for Pueblo culture and economic opportunity. For generations, Tribal leaders, advocates, and members of New Mexico’s Congressional delegation have worked across party lines to advance this vision, and we are one step closer to making it a reality. This legislation is about more than land — it is about tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and investing in the future of Pueblo communities. I am proud to have led this effort in the House and grateful for the broad bipartisan support that helped move it forward.”

“Expanding economic development and cultural education opportunities for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is critical for the 19 New Mexico Pueblos it serves. That is why I partnered with Senator Heinrich to introduce the Albuquerque Indian School Act, legislation that will help the center grow, support job creation, and generate new revenue for New Mexico’s Pueblos and our communities,”said Luján, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I am proud to see this legislation pass the House and advance in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. I will continue working to ensure it passes the Senate and is signed into law.”

“The Albuquerque Indian School Act is about justice, healing, and Tribal sovereignty,” said Leger Fernández. “For generations, this land carried the painful legacy of the federal Indian boarding school system. Today, the House took an important step to return it to the 19 Pueblos—where it belongs—and turn a painful history into a future built on cultural sovereignty, opportunity, and respect.”

The Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025 builds upon a longstanding, bipartisan effort to transfer the former Albuquerque Indian School campus and surrounding tracts to the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico for the development and growth of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a nationally recognized museum and cultural institution owned and operated by the Pueblos, dedicated to both preserving and perpetuating pueblo history, culture, and art, while facilitating their future economic growth and long-term economic sustainability.

The text of the bill is here.

In 2015, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Delegation successfully passed into law the Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act, legislation to place four tracts of land from the former Albuquerque Indian School into trust for the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, consolidating the last parcels of the old school property into the Albuquerque Indian School campus. This followed several prior bipartisan efforts, from 1969 to 2008, led by former U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), and former U.S. Representative Manuel Luján Jr. (R-N.M.).

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WATCH: Hickenlooper Shreds Trump over Slush Fund for Tina Peters, Cost-of-living Emergency

Hickenlooper: “The president calls it the art of the deal… taxpayers pay in. His allies get payouts.”

Hickenlooper plans to force a vote on his amendment to permanently stop Trump’s slush fund payments

On Monday, he penned an op-ed for MS NOW about Tina Peters walking free

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor to tear into President Trump’s unprecedented effort to give taxpayer handouts to election criminals like Tina Peters from the president’s $1.8 billion fund. Hickenlooper plans to force a vote on his amendment to permanently kill the president’s slush fund during the upcoming votes on the Republicans’ ICE funding bill, which he will vote against.

“President Trump plans to hand out nearly two billion of YOUR taxpayer dollars to January 6 rioters, to his wealthy business partners, and to people who have attacked democracy,” said Hickenlooper. “The acting Attorney General says they’ll no longer pursue this slush fund. I don’t believe that for one second. The only promises this administration has seemed to keep are to billionaires and President Trump’s cronies.”

Watch his speech HERE.

“This administration isn’t just trying to give your tax dollars to criminals. They’re spending trillions on bombs and tax breaks for billionaires,” he continued. “And what do Americans get in return? Higher bills, benefits that have been gutted, and a tab they never agreed to pick up.”

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

Two weeks ago, Republicans delayed their votes on their $70 billion funding package for Trump’s immigration enforcement to avoid voting on Hickenlooper’s amendment. Now, the Trump administration is walking back their slush fund plans but Hickenlooper will still move forward with his amendment to force Republicans to vote on the record and stop the slush fund permanently.

During his speech, Hickenlooper also highlighted stories from Coloradans he has met who are getting crushed by the cost-of-living emergency Trump manufactured.

“Just talk to Leah, a young woman, who I met recently at a health care roundtable in Colorado Springs. She’s the full-time medical caregiver for her daughter Victoria, who was diagnosed as a baby with spina bifida. Victoria is paraplegic, fed through a tube, and requires a ventilator. Leah works around the clock to keep her child alive,” said Hickenlooper. “This year, Leah’s income will be cut by 40% as a direct result of this administration’s Medicaid cuts. That cut puts her daughter’s life at risk.”

He also shared the story of a woman he met at a nonprofit in Denver, “Brittany’s daughter recently had a severe asthma attack. Brittany watched her daughter gasp for breath and then begin turning blue. In that split second, she faced a second fear: should she rush her daughter to the hospital herself and risk the drive, with no one to care for her daughter, or call an ambulance, which she knew she couldn’t afford. It’s a fear that no parent should have to live with. The Trump administration made it a reality because they chose these tax breaks for these billionaires over health care for working people.”

For a full video of Hickenlooper’s remarks, click HERE. A full transcript of his remarks as prepared for delivery is available below:

“On Monday, Tina Peters walked out of prison.

The convicted felon and former county clerk is free after serving less than a quarter of her sentence. A sentence she earned when she violated her oath and undermined Colorado’s free and fair elections.

That doesn’t just make her a conspiracy theorist. It makes her a criminal.

Tina Peters had her day in court – she was prosecuted by a Republican district attorney and convicted by a jury of her peers in a Republican stronghold.

The verdict was unanimous. Tina Peters was and is guilty as sin.

But if you ask the Trump administration, they believe she deserves a pay day.

Last month, the Department of Justice announced the creation of a $1.8 billion fund – a slush fund – for criminals just like Tina Peters.

President Trump plans to hand out nearly two billion of YOUR taxpayer dollars to January 6 rioters, his wealthy business partners, and people who attack our democracy.

We are not going to let that happen.

The acting Attorney General says they’ll no longer pursue this slush fund. I don’t believe it for one second. The only promises this administration keeps are to billionaires and President Trump’s cronies.

The president calls it the art of the deal: Americans pay in. His allies get payouts.

This administration isn’t just trying to give your tax dollars to criminals. They’re spending trillions on ballrooms, bombs, and tax breaks for billionaires.

And what do Americans get in return?

Higher bills, gutted benefits, and a tab they never agreed to pick up.

While the Trump administration is busy cashing in – working people are facing a cost-of-living emergency.

The president’s war in Iran is sending costs through the roof.

The costs are already adding up. On energy alone, Americans have spent an average of $450 more since the start of the war. Gas in Colorado is nearly $4.50 a gallon. And before the year is out, American families will spend hundreds more on groceries.

Here’s how bad it’s gotten. Americans now carry a record $1.25 trillion in credit card debt – the highest level since the stock market crash in 2008. That’s the equivalent of every single American owing $3,600.

That’s not a working class that’s thriving. It’s one that’s barely surviving.

And here’s the cruel reality – people are working harder than ever!

Coloradans are doing everything they can to hold up their end of the bargain – long days, multiple jobs, paying taxes.

But the more they contribute, the less they get in return. And there’s a clear explanation for this.

The president doled out $4 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and the largest corporations – so rich guys like him can skip their taxes. And to pay for it, they slashed $1 trillion from Americans’ health care – that’s over ten years.

Trump’s tariffs generated $133 billion. Nearly every dollar came straight out of American consumers’ pockets – an average $1,000 per person.

The Supreme Court ruled those tariffs illegal, and a federal court ordered the administration to repay American businesses. Have they complied? Of course not. They’re using every excuse in the book to resist. They have failed to pay back the $166 billion they owe. Even worse, just yesterday, President Trump announced new tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union.

When they’re not busy taxing Americans, the Trump administration is pouring hundreds of millions into a new ballroom. Meanwhile, 9,000 families in Colorado just lost their SNAP benefits.

Our economy is leaving too many Americans behind.

Just talk to Leah, who I met recently at a health care event in Colorado Springs. She’s the full-time medical caregiver for her daughter Victoria, who was diagnosed as a baby with spina bifida. Victoria is paraplegic, fed through a tube, and requires a ventilator. Leah works around the clock to keep her child alive.

That hard work is about to get even harder. This year, Leah’s income will be cut by 40% as a direct result of this administration’s Medicaid cuts. That cut puts her daughter’s life at risk.

The Trump administration claims these Medicaid cuts were about preventing graft and fraud. But there’s clearly no fraud in a mother trying to keep her child alive.

Leah doesn’t even know if they’ll be able to keep their house – that’s specifically fitted to take care of Victoria’s needs. Without Leah’s round the clock care, Victoria would have to be institutionalized in an acute care facility at a much higher cost.

Leah is living every parent’s worst nightmare. She works as hard as possible every day to keep her child alive. And now, it’s still not enough.

So many Americans are living with that kind of fear.

At a local nonprofit in Denver, I met a woman named Brittany, who told me health care is one of her biggest stressors.

Brittany’s daughter recently had a severe asthma attack. Brittany watched her daughter gasp for breath and then begin turning blue. In that split second, she faced a second fear: should she rush her daughter to the hospital herself and risk the drive, or call an ambulance she knew she couldn’t afford.

It’s a fear no parent should have to live with. The Trump administration made it a reality because they chose tax breaks for billionaires over health care for working people.

At another event in Denver, I met Luisa, who spends $90 a week on gas so she can drive 28 miles to work every day. She moved further from Denver because the housing was more affordable. Now she wonders if she made the right choice.

Luisa is watching costs increase while she takes home less every week. She does everything she can to insulate her kids from her fear. On weekends, she takes her kids to the park. She hopes they are too busy playing to remember how hungry they are. ‘It’s one less meal to buy,’ she said.

Our country is measured in these moments. The way we care for the most vulnerable. The life-or-death journey between the house and the hospital. The cost to fill an empty fridge.

By every measure, President Trump has failed.

He’s run up costs, paid himself and his friends –and stuck Americans with the bill.

This is the moment we decide whether that’s acceptable. Whether the people who work the hardest, pay the most, and ask for the least finally get a country that works for them.

It’s a question that echoes through our entire history. One that built the civil rights movement, women’s suffrage, and the long fight for workers to have a seat at the table.

At its core, it’s an American question. Who does this country actually work for?

This administration has given their answer to Coloradans.

Leah from Colorado Springs loses $80,000. Brittany calculates the cost of an ambulance while her daughter can’t breathe. Luisa hopes her kids forget they’re hungry.

Americans fund the system. Trump takes billions for himself. Coloradans get the shaft.

We know there’s a better way.

Americans have held up their end of the bargain long enough — the long days, the multiple jobs, the taxes paid on time.

They’ve earned more than a slush fund for felons. More than a government that builds ballrooms while 9,000 Colorado families lose their groceries. More than an administration that takes everything and returns nothing.

We introduced an amendment to stop election criminals like Tina Peters from getting a dime of your taxpayer money. Soon, Republicans will be forced to vote on it.

While hardworking Americans struggle with rising costs, those who undermine our elections are the last people the government should subsidize.

We need to put an end to the slush fund. And we need to put it in writing so the Trump administration can’t change their mind later. Working Americans have paid in too long to keep getting played. And we will fight tooth and nail to make sure they get what they’re owed.

Thank you, Mr./Madam President. I yield the floor.”

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Hoeven: Vorbeck Product Will Have Huge Benefit for Navy

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Vorbeck Materials has finalized a $6.6 million contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to support the company’s development and adoption of PFAS-free firefighting foam technology, including developing flame-retardant that can be mixed with salt water, which will have a huge benefit for the Navy in fighting ship-based fires, but also in extreme cold environments as salt water lowers the freezing point. Hoeven secured the funding for the contract through his role on the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, supporting the growth of the company’s operations in North Dakota.

The senator recently marked the grand opening of Vorbeck’s 47,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Grand Forks, which serves as the company’s hub to produce advanced fire suppressants using graphene-based materials and will initially produce 1 million gallons of firefighting foam. This comes as part of the company’s broader mission to develop advanced materials for extreme environments, focusing on defense, aerospace and industrial applications. To this end, Vorbeck is also working to develop lightweight and flexible graphene-based antennas, which would have applications in special operations, military ground vehicles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and space.

“We worked to fund this $6.6 million contract, which secures the future of Vorbeck’s operations in North Dakota and contributes to the growth of our high-tech ecosystem,” said Senator Hoeven. “The company’s graphene-based technologies have a wide range of applications. In addition to meeting the demand for PFAS-free firefighting foam, Vorbeck’s work will have huge benefit to the Navy, because mixing their fire-retardant product with sea water will enable them to address ship-based fires, and it will also have real benefit with extreme cold weather.”

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Husted discusses burden of federal benefits cliff on workers, small businesses

“So that’s why I introduced the Upward Mobility Act, to try to solve that problem, to give people a shot at the American dream by not being trapped in this generational cycle of poverty.”

View Husted’s remarks here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today delivered remarks at the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s hearing on how the federal benefits cliff traps Americans in a generational cycle of poverty and stifles job creation and productivity for our small businesses.

A benefits cliff occurs when a person receiving public assistance earns more money through a raise, promotion or additional work hours that results in the partial or complete loss of federal benefits that normally totals significantly more than the increased wages.

A single parent with two children in Dayton, Ohio could be offered a salary increase from $33,000 to $34,000. That $1,000 raise would make the family ineligible for $4,600 in food, housing, and child care costs. The $1,000 raise thus results in a nearly $4,000 negative, financial impact.

Husted’s landmark legislation, the Upward Mobility Act, seeks to reform federal welfare programs to help ensure Americans are not penalized for pursuing higher wages, additional work and greater economic opportunity. The bill would create a pathway out of poverty for lower income earners.

The Upward Mobility Act would establish a five-state pilot project. The participating states would receive their federal contribution in a single funding stream so states can design programs to smooth out their benefits cliff. It would also allow states to keep any savings generated and reinvest it in helping others out of poverty. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has already volunteered Ohio as one of the pilot states.

Fact sheets on how the federal benefits cliff hurts Americans in every state in the nation can be downloaded at www.Husted.Senate.gov/Upward.

Key excerpts include:

“I’m very passionate about this particular topic in Ohio.

“This is probably the most bipartisan issue I know because over my time in public service, I have heard social services agencies tell me, ‘Please do something to eliminate the benefits cliff.’ I’ve heard businesses say to me, ‘Please do something to eliminate the benefits cliff.’”

. . .

“When we were trying to do something on this at the local level, we kept running into the fact, well, if somebody wants to get ahead and work more hours or get a raise, they lose more benefits than they gain in earnings.”

. . .

“Many employers say, ‘Hey, I wanted to hire somebody full time, or I wanted to give them a raise, but they wouldn’t take it because of the benefits cliff.’

“That’s what inspired me to take the appointment to the U.S. Senate so that I could work on this issue, because at the state level and the local level across this country, people who want to solve the problem can’t, because the federal government for 50 years has created a trap for people who would like to have upward mobility.

. . .

“Americans are the most generous people on Earth, but our public assistance programs are failing them, though, by trapping them in this generational cycle of poverty. The benefits cliff is the decades-old problem that I’ve seen firsthand that would give people a path to financial stability and a chance to join the middle class.”

. . .

“They would receive essentially a, you know, a $4,000 pay cut by earning $1,000 more, and a single parent who is living at the edge can’t afford to take that risk because they don’t have the stability that they need to take the risk of trying to move forward. So, they make a logical choice. They make a logical economic choice by forgoing that opportunity.”

. . .

“So that’s why I introduced the Upward Mobility Act, to try to solve that problem, to give people a shot at the American dream by not being trapped in this generational cycle of poverty. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have this conversation today.”


Kaine & Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Cut Red Tape for Farm Credit Institutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Farm Credit Adjustment Act, legislation to extend the Farm Credit Administration’s (FCA) audit schedule for low-risk institutions from every 18 months to up to every 24 months. This extension would reduce regulatory burdens and costs for farm credit institutions, helping ensure they have the ability to deliver for the hundreds of thousands of farmers, agribusinesses, and rural operations they serve.

“Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry—making farms and our farmers an indispensable pillar of our economy,” said Kaine. “I’m glad to be introducing this bipartisan legislation to cut red tape that can hold farm credit institutions back from providing the support farms across the country need to thrive. I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan bill.”

The Farm Credit Act of 1971 currently requires the FCA to examine all Farm Credit System institutions on a mandatory 18-month cycle. The regulatory burdens and costs associated with these audits negatively impact the ability of low-risk farm credit institutions to provide timely service. These audits often fall at the end of the calendar year when producers rely on their local farm credit institutions to help support their spring planting operations.

This bill would amend that requirement by giving the FCA the discretionary authority to extend the examination cycle to up to 24 months for institutions it deems low risk. Rather than mandating this extended timeline, the change is entirely at the FCA's discretion, meaning the agency retains full flexibility to examine any institution more frequently if circumstances warrant

The Farm Credit Adjustment Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07) and Pat Fallon (R-TX-04).

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Kaine Statement on House Passage of Iran War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a War Powers Resolution to force an end to President Donald Trump’s war with Iran:

“It shouldn’t be surprising to the President and his national security team that this war is deeply unpopular—especially when the Trump-Vance Administration has offered no explanation to the American people about what our objectives are, whether we can achieve them through military force alone, what the legal rationale is, or what the financial and human costs and risks are for our country. Today’s House vote is more evidence that this Administration is focused on the wrong things. Americans have zero interest in being dragged into another prolonged war in the Middle East, and I’ll continue pushing my colleagues to end this unnecessary and costly war when my War Powers Resolution comes up for its next vote soon.”

The Senate recently voted to advance Kaine’s War Powers Resolution on Iran. Polls continue to show widespread disapproval of the war.

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Virginia Delegation Invites Virginians to Submit Photos for a Congressional Time Capsule Celebrating America 250

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Virginia congressional delegation invites individuals across the Commonwealth to submit photographs to be considered for the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule. The delegation is collecting photographs that represent the many treasures Virginia has to offer in 2026 – whether they capture everyday life, natural landscapes, historic places, community events, local traditions, work, or recreation. Selected photographs will be included in Virginia’s submission to the time capsule.

“From foundational ideas of freedom and opportunity born in our cities to the sacrifices made on our battlefields, Virginia has played a central role in America’s history,” said the delegation. “This time capsule is a wonderful opportunity for Virginians to show off the Commonwealth 250 years into our nation’s journey, and to offer those in the year 2276 a glimpse of Virginia and America during the nation’s semiquincentennial.”

Photographs can be digitally submitted here.

Photographs must be submitted by Friday, June 12, 2026, to be considered.

As part of Congress’s efforts to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th birthday, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act directs the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to create and prepare a congressional time capsule to be sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center. The capsule will serve as a snapshot in time and will be buried after preparations are complete. Each state and territory delegation is allowed one jointly decided submission. The capsule will be opened on the nation's 500th anniversary, July 4, 2276.

The photographs representing Virginia in 2026 will be jointly selected and submitted to the time capsule by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA-02), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), John McGuire (R-VA-05), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11).

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Under King Questioning, Intelligence Nominee Undercuts “Independence” Claims

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), questioned an administration nominee on his independence and integrity – stressing that the nation’s most significant national security mistakes occur when “biased” information is given to leaders. In a SSCI open hearing on the nomination of Mr. Michael Vance to be Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (I&R), Vance first stated that he would act follow the long tradition of independence –void of political motivations – within the Intelligence and Research branch. However, when Senator King pushed him on credible facts, like if President Biden won the 2020 election, the nominee deflected thus undercutting his independent claims.

Senator King began, “Mr. Vance, in your opening statement, you use the word independence 4 or 5 times, which I really appreciate. You use the phrase candid, timely, and free of political influence, integrity and independence. This isn't an academic concern. If you look back over the past 60 years, I think many of our foreign policy disasters that have cost American lives were based upon not faulty intelligence, but intelligence that was that was biased in favor of the views of the policymakers in charge at the time. Vietnam. Bay of Pigs. Iraq. Talk to me about the importance of the integrity of the analytic process and the willingness to tell the president of the United States, or that national director of national intelligence or this committee, something that we don't want to hear that is inconsistent with our, policy preference.”

“Senator, thank you very much. For that very important question. Analytic integrity, a willingness to speak candidly about the content of the intelligence record is absolutely at the core of intelligence work,” Vance responded. “We do policymakers no favors by telling them the things that they want to hear. We do them, I think a much greater service when we're able to speak authoritatively about the content of the intelligence record and to share that with them in a respectful and helpful way. I think one thing I can tell you about my own career is that in the course of our nearly 24 years of working in the federal government, one thing I've never been accused of is bending the intelligence record to suit a particular policy narrative. And it's certainly a part of the I&R is long standing organizational tradition, which is speaking candidly about the content of the record.”

“A quick follow up: who won the presidential election in 2020?” Senator King questioned.

Vance replied, “Senator, thank you for the question. Joe Biden was certified as president of the United States in January 2021.”

“Did he win the election?” Senator King replied.

Vance followed up, “Senator again, Joe Biden was certified as president of the United States in January 2021.”

“I'm uncomfortable with your discussion about independence if you won't answer that question directly,” Senator King concluded firmly.

As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues. He has repeatedly questioned Obama, Biden, and Trump Administration officials on their willingness to speak truth to power – even when the truth is politically inconvenient.

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Lankford Raises Concerns with Treasury on Marijuana Tax Relief Following Federal Rescheduling

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raising questions about the tax implications of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decision to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, and seeking clarity on how the US Department of the Treasury intends to handle potential retroactive tax relief for marijuana businesses.

Under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, businesses trafficking in Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances are prohibited from claiming ordinary business deductions or credits. This reflects Congress’s determination that operations engaged with federally prohibited substances should not claim the same tax advantages as lawful businesses. Movement to Schedule III could allow marijuana businesses to claim federal tax benefits previously unavailable under federal law.

Read the full letter text HERE or below:

Dear Secretary Bessent,

The Department of Justice’s April 23, 2026, final rule rescheduling certain marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III carries significant implications for the federal tax treatment of marijuana businesses.

Under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, businesses trafficking in Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances are prohibited from claiming ordinary business deductions or credits. This reflects Congress’s determination that operations engaged with federally prohibited substances should not claim the same tax advantages as lawful businesses. Movement to Schedule III could allow marijuana businesses to claim federal tax benefits previously unavailable under federal law.

We have long been concerned about the potential fiscal and societal consequences of rescheduling, which is why we introduced the No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act to prohibit marijuana businesses from receiving federal tax deductions or credits regardless of the drug’s classification.

In addition, we were particularly troubled that the final rule encouraged the Secretary of the Treasury to consider providing retrospective tax relief to marijuana businesses. The rule states that such relief would only apply to businesses that provide FDA-approved drug products or hold state-issued licenses. However, many state-licensed marijuana operators participate in both medical and recreational markets, making it unclear how Treasury would distinguish business activities that qualify or do not qualify for federal tax treatment.

The shortcomings of relying on inconsistent state licensure are already evident. For example, having a state license to grow or sell marijuana in Oklahoma does not mean that the business acts lawfully. At the height of its medical marijuana program, Oklahoma had 9,178 licensed marijuana growing operations. While law enforcement has worked diligently to close down many of these operations that violated the law, they were all at one point state licensed marijuana businesses. There are documented instances where licensed operations funneled marijuana to the black market and engaged in other crimes, like money laundering and human trafficking. Many of these operations have also been owned and operated by Chinese nationals who have exploited state marijuana laws to commit crimes.

Similar concerns have been observed in states like California and Maine, highlighting systemic issues with state-level licensing and regulation of marijuana markets. Across the country, businesses follow a patchwork of laws to become a licensed marijuana business. Some may be more stringent than others, but it remains the case that state licensure alone does not guarantee legal compliance or justify eligibility for federal tax benefits.

Accordingly, we request answers to the following questions by June 29th:

Can you further clarify the definition of “retrospective tax relief” in this context? How many prior tax years is the Treasury Department planning to consider for tax relief for marijuana businesses?

How will the Treasury Department ensure that marijuana businesses that are potential candidates for tax relief have not violated any law, including the diversion of marijuana to the black market, human trafficking, and money laundering?

What is the estimated reduction in federal revenue associated with providing marijuana businesses access to ordinary business deductions and credits?

How would providing retrospective tax relief to marijuana businesses help American families?

What would be the impact on annual federal deficits and the national debt to give certain marijuana business owners a newly created retroactive tax benefit?

What statutory authority permits the federal government to give business owners who sold or manufactured a product against federal law a tax benefit?

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to our continued engagement with you on this important issue.

Sincerely,

[X]

Background

Lankford has long held that marijuana businesses selling a federally illegal product should not receive federal tax breaks. He introduced the No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act to ensure rescheduling does not trigger a federal tax windfall for the industry. Under the Biden Administration, he led Senate opposition to the rescheduling push itself, arguing the proposal was driven by politics rather than science. Oklahoma’s experience with its medical marijuana program, marked by thousands of licensed operations later tied to black market activity, money laundering, and human trafficking, has been central to his concerns.

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Lee Cosponsors Bipartisan Email Privacy Act to Protect Americans from Warrantless Searches

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) cosponsored the bipartisan Email Privacy Act with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to protect Americans from warrantless searches of their emails and other personalized digital records. The House version of this legislation was introduced by Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01).

“Americans should not lose their Fourth Amendment protections simply because their private communications are stored with a third-party provider,” said Senator Mike Lee. “By eliminating the outdated 180-day rule and requiring the government to obtain a warrant for the contents of emails and other electronic communications, this legislation brings ECPA into line with the realities of the 21st century.”

“Right now, the only thing standing between the government and warrantless access to all of the old emails in your inbox is a federal appeals court decision,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “That's not good enough when it comes to Fourth Amendment protections for one of the fundamental forms of communication right now. I’m proud to partner with a bipartisan coalition to put clear protections for Americans' rights into black-letter law.”

“The Fourth Amendment is clear: the government must get a warrant before searching an individual’s private property, including written communications. As today’s world has grown increasingly digital, that principle should apply just as strongly to an email inbox as it does to a desk drawer or file cabinet,” said Congressman Warren Davidson. “That’s exactly why I’m proud to cosponsor the Email Privacy Act—to ensure our freedoms carry into the digital world and that all communications are protected as the Founders intended. Congress must pass this commonsense legislation so Americans’ rights are fully respected in the 21st century.”

“The current law governing online privacy standards is egregiously out of date, leaving millions of Americans’ private communications and data vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “Our laws must reflect the capabilities of modern technology rather than being stuck in the past. Personal email communications and physical documents should be protected with the same level of security. This bill makes critical changes that will update email privacy standards and modernize Americans’ civil liberties.”

Background

Currently, law enforcement can obtain private email communications older than 180 days without a warrant because the law is based on outdated storage capabilities. Congress passed the Electronic Communications Privacy Act in the 1980s to establish email privacy standards. In the four decades since, email usage and storage have evolved significantly while protections have not.

The Email Privacy Act would protect Americans’ digital communications by requiring warrants to access emails regardless of their origin date. The bill also allows email providers (Gmail, Yahoo!, Hotmail, iCloud, etc.) to notify users when their data has been accessed, and updates voluntary disclosure language.

The bill is endorsed by Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Association for Competitive Technology, the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Democracy & Technology, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Consumer Choice Center, Consumer Technology Association, Demand Progress, Due Process Institute, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Engine, Fight for the Future, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Institute for Policy Innovation, Internet Infrastructure Coalition – I2Coalition, NetChoice, Project On Government Oversight, R Street Institute, Restore the Fourth, Software & Information Industry Association, TechFreedom, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Read the full bill text here.


Graham Reintroduces Legislation to Combat 'Smash-And-Grab' Crimes

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today reintroduced the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2026 to address the dangerously high number of “smash-and-grab” thefts targeting gun dealers by enhancing penalties for criminals who steal firearms from federally licensed firearms and ammunition dealers.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that from 2021 to 2025, 4,046 FFL theft incidents were reported. During these incidents, a total of 23,319 firearms were stolen from FFLs.

South Carolinians have been directly impacted by these burglaries as thieves have stolen 618 firearms from FFLs across the state between 2021 and 2025. Just last week, two men drove a car through a pawn shop in Spartanburg and stole multiple weapons before fleeing the scene of the crime.

“I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation to make ‘smash-and-grabs’ more costly for criminals. Americans have a right to lawfully buy, own and sell firearms – criminals who steal them must pay the price,” said Senator Graham.

In addition to Graham, this legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina).

The legislation is supported by NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association.

“This legislation is what true gun safety looks like. Congress is sending a clear message that the safety of our communities is nonnegotiable and targeting firearm retailers to steal guns in order to commit further crimes is intolerable,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF. “The firearm industry is grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham for providing those firearm retailers who follow the law the protection they deserve. This legislation assigns the responsibility for crime where it belongs – with the criminal. These are real solutions that make our communities safer.”

The FFL Protection Act of 2026:

Increases the statutory maximum penalty for knowingly stealing any firearm in an FFL’s business inventory from 10 to 20 years.

Imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years for burglary from an FFL and 5 years for robbery from an FFL.

Criminalizes the attempted theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector.

The full text of the bill is available HERE.

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Markey, Bonamici, Davids, Pocan Introduce Legislation to Care for Rural LGBTQI+ Seniors

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington, (June 3, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) along with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Sharice Davids (KS-03) today introduced legislation to offer LGBTQI+ specific services for older LGBTQI+ Americans and individuals living with HIV in rural communities.

LGBTQI+ older adults in rural communities often face greater barriers to receiving the support and resources they need because of geography, costs, insufficient broadband infrastructure, and lack of specialized providers. Stigma can also deter members of the LGBTQI+ community and people living with HIV from seeking help. The Elder Pride Act would update the Older Americans Act (OAA) and provide funding to help rural Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve LGBTQI+ individuals and those living with HIV.

“LGBTQ+ older Americans deserve the protections their neighbors are afforded. After decades of exclusion from and discrimination in health care settings, workplaces, and local communities, queer and trans elders should be able to age with dignity, grace, and surrounded by community. The Elder Pride Act will help ensure that all older adults are able to have access to the care and services they need,” said Senator Markey.

“It’s unacceptable that many elder Americans are unable to access the care they need simply because of who they love and where they live,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “I’m grateful to lead the Elder Pride Act with Representatives Pocan and Davids to help provide LGBTQI+ seniors and those who live with HIV in rural areas with the care they need to age with dignity.”

“Many of our LGBTQI+ elders fought tirelessly for equality in a world that refused to accept their identity,” said Congresswoman Davids, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “While they overcame tremendous odds to give future generations the rights they deserve, our elders, particularly those in rural communities, continue to face discrimination when accessing long-term care and healthcare. I am proud to support the Elder Pride Act because who you are and who you love should never increase your risk for isolation, poverty, and poor health outcomes as you age.”

“Congress has a responsibility to ensure LGBTQI+ older adults and older people living with HIV in rural communities have the support they need to age with dignity,” said Congressman Pocan, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “I’m honored to join Rep. Bonamici and Rep. Davids in introducing the Elder Pride Act to ensure meaningful investments in support services for these rural community members.”

The legislation is endorsed by SAGE, Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), InterACT, MAZON: a Jewish Response to Hunger, Justice in Aging, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), The Institute for Health Research & Policy at Whitman-Walker, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Grantmakers In Aging, Home Care Aide Council, Gerontological Society of America, Fenway Health, LGBTQIA+ Aging Project, Oregon LGBTQ+ Aging Coalition, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, MassEquality, New England Association for HIV Over Fifty, LGBTQ+ Elders of Color, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging, and National Women's Law Center Action Fund.

“Every LGBTQ+ person in every community across the country deserves to thrive. The Elder Pride Act will ensure that LGBTQ+ people who live in more rural areas, which represent 29% of LGBTQ+ older Americans, and those living with HIV have access to the support and services they need to age with dignity,” said SAGE CEO Lynn Faria. “We’d like to thank Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) for reintroducing this important legislation.”

The Elder Pride Act would establish an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to advocate, coordinate activities, recommend policies for, and collect data on LGBTQI+ older adults. It would also create a rural grant program designed to fund programs that provide:

cultural competency training for service providers;

connections between LGBTQI+ older adults and local service providers and community organizations;

expanded use of nondiscrimination policies and community spaces for older adults who are members of the LGBTQI+ community or another protected class;

resources on sexual health and aging, including for individuals with HIV, for senior service providers; and

care or services to LGBTQI+ and seniors of other protected classes.

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). The legislation is cosponsored in the House of Representatives by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Sean Casten (IL-06), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07).

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Markey Leads 15 Senate Democrats Calling for Affordability, Safety, Worker Priorities in Surface Transportation Bill

Calls for protections against Trump’s politically motivated attacks on infrastructure projects

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (June 3, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today led 15 of his Democratic colleagues in writing to the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Committees on Environment and Public Works; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and Appropriations, urging the committees to continue the progress made in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. In the letter, Senator Markey and his colleagues urge the Senate committee leaders to prioritize several key areas, including:

Protect infrastructure grants from political interference — All infrastructure grant authorizations must include guardrails that prevent current and future administrations from cancelling or delaying already awarded grants.

Make transportation safer — Infrastructure investments must prioritize safety through investment in safe road design, accountability requirements, and rigorous safety standards.

Address the affordability crisis — Infrastructure investments must make transportation more affordable for Americans by providing a historic investment in transit, walking, biking, EV charging, and passenger rail, maximizing consumer choice and lowering costs.

Create good, union jobs — Infrastructure and transportation policy must include purposeful, pro-union policies such as project labor agreements, rail safety protections, and apprenticeships that create middle-class jobs.

Address the climate crisis and protect public health — The next surface transportation bill must protect expand existing programs aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality and reject punitive EV fees.

The letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We look forward to working with you to ensure the next surface transportation bill delivers real benefits to the American traveler by protecting against politicization, supporting safety improvements, cutting costs, creating good jobs, and protecting the climate and our health. With these priorities in mind, this bill can establish a world-class infrastructure system for decades to come.”

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Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues in WSJ Letter Highlighting Benefits of Year-Round E15

Washington –U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) in a Wall Street Journal Letter to the Editor outlining the benefits of E15, including lower gas prices for consumers, and reaffirming their commitment to providing affordable options for families by securing permanent, year-round, nationwide E15.

In their letter, the Senators wrote:

Regarding your editorial “An Ethanol Extortion Play” (May 11): When we talk with our constituents, we hear about high gas and diesel prices. We have a solution that will bring down fuel prices for Americans: E15 fuel, 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline. Legislation allowing year-round, nationwide sales of E15 has bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Opponents, the most vocal of which are a handful of oil refineries, are trying to stop it. Your editorial mirrors their misguided talking points.

Expanding E15 availability lowers gas prices by 20 to 40 cents per gallon on average. That could mean around $400 per year in savings for a U.S. household—precious dollars that could be spent on other needs.

E15 has been in the marketplace by presidential waiver for eight years. In that time, not one refinery has closed because of E15 availability. And, for all the talk of smog worries, data from Growth Energy shows E15 reduces smog-forming pollutants. Likewise, despite concerns voiced in some quarters, existing fuel infrastructure can be used for E15, just as it can for the E10 fuel Americans usually buy.

The market has spoken: E15 is a net positive. We know E15 will lower prices at the pump, and we’re committed to providing affordable options for families. Securing year-round, nationwide E15 is at the forefront of our agenda.

Click here to read the full letter.

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Senator Marshall: Our Children Deserve Compassionate Care, Not Irreversible Medical Interventions

Senator Marshall Questions Witnesses at Senate HELP Committee Hearing

Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned witnesses Dr. Kurt Miceli, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Do No Harm,and Chloe Cole, De-transitioner and advocate, at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee hearing focused on exposing the dangers and irreversible gender transition procedures in minors.

As a practicing OB-GYN for more than 25 years, Senator Marshall sounded the alarm on the devastating long-term physical and psychological consequences of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and irreversible surgeries performed on minors who are far too young to grasp the permanence of those decisions. He made clear throughout the hearing that children battling anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles deserve genuine, compassionate care — not experimental interventions that rob them of a healthy future.

Click here to download the full video.

Highlights from the hearing include:

Senator Marshall: “Well, thank you, Chairman, and I appreciate our guest today, Dr. Marcella. Like you, I practiced medicine for 25 years. I saw hundreds, maybe thousands, of adolescent girls. As you can imagine, when a mom or an aunt is bringing in their 13-, 15-, or 17-year-old daughter, there’s usually something going on. A lot of it was related to STDs, pregnancy, family planning, and those types of issues. Many of those young ladies also had underlying challenges. I wouldn’t necessarily classify them as mental illnesses, but there was anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other similar concerns. But transgender issues — whether it was transition surgery or hormones — were never something anyone approached me about. What’s different today? I was practicing up until about 10 years ago, and this seems like something relatively new. It seems like a fad. Do you have any insight into that?”

Dr. Miceli: “Thank you for the question, Senator. I think there’s a lot we can look at in terms of the Dutch Protocol and the studies that came out in 2011 and 2014. Those studies were really developed in response to efforts to find ways of helping individuals who were seeking to transition. But I think the reality is that the evidence base today is quite different. As you’ve noted, there have been considerable changes over the past 10 years, particularly when you look at the influence of social media, the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions, and the other challenges that many people face. One of the things we can’t forget is the need to focus on those underlying conditions. If we look at a recent study out of Finland, for example, we see that during the period from 1996 to 2010, about 24 percent of the individuals who presented to a gender clinic had a comorbid psychiatric illness and were seeking psychiatric care. From 2010 to 2019, that number doubled to 48 percent. By comparison, among the control population, the rate was about 15 percent.”

Senator Marshall: “Thanks. Certainly, we have a mental health epidemic among our youth. Ms. Cole, first of all, you’re the bravest person I’m going to meet this week, and I want you to know that your willingness to testify is one of the most courageous things I’ve ever seen. Your testimony is very compelling. In fact, I think it’s one of the most compelling testimonies I’ve heard in a long, long time. So, thank you for sharing your story. Can you help me understand something? Where did you first get the idea that being transgender was an option or a path for you? Go ahead.”

Ms. Cole: “Thank you, Senator. I learned about transgenderism and the definition of the word transgenderthrough social media. It was primarily through groups of young people who were talking about different topics in the culture, from pop culture to politics. From there, I just kept learning about these ideas — that sex and gender are two separate things, that both exist on a spectrum, and that there are some people, even children, who are born in the wrong body because they feel uncomfortable with the changes that come with puberty. As a girl who was at a very uncomfortable point in her life — moving to a new school, being one of the first in my class to really start physically developing, and receiving attention that was focused on my body rather than on me as a human being — I thought maybe this was something that applied to me. Maybe I was a boy because I didn’t like that discomfort. Maybe I wasn’t just a tomboy; maybe I was actually transgender.”

Senator Marshall: “Okay. Certainly, I want to express empathy as well, much like Senator Kaine did. We’re not here to persecute anybody; we’re here to help. But the studies would suggest that these irreversible surgeries and medical treatments do not necessarily address the underlying mental health challenges, and I think that is becoming increasingly well established. You know, my big concern as a grandfather, a father, and an OB-GYN is the irreversibility of these procedures, the potential side effects, and the issue of infertility. I took care of hundreds of women who had mastectomies as a result of breast cancer. Many of them suffered from lymphedema. They experienced swelling under their arms and chronic pain. I can only imagine the chronic pain and other complications that may result from some of the bottom surgeries. But infertility alone would be enough for me to pause and question allowing these procedures for minors. Ms. Cole, could you speak a little more about the informed consent process that you did or did not go through? Did anyone discuss the potential complications, the irreversibility, infertility, or those types of long-term consequences with you?”

Ms. Cole: “I do not believe that either I or my parents were properly informed of the consequences of these procedures. From the puberty-blocking drugs to the cross-sex hormones — of which I received increasingly large doses over the years — and the surgery itself, every one of those treatments has had lasting effects on my life. To this day, I am still suffering the consequences. It has been five or six years since I stopped these interventions, and I continue to experience chronic pain in my joints, my back, and my pelvis. I don’t know whether I am at an increased risk of reproductive cancers, which is a known potential side effect of these treatments. I don’t know if I will be able to have children of my own, which is part of the reason I detransitioned in the first place. When I was about 16 years old, I realized that one day I wanted to become a mother. I wanted to be able to have children of my own naturally, to get married, to become pregnant, to breastfeed my children, and to experience that beautiful bond. But all of that may have been taken away from me before I could even call myself a woman — before I was even an adult. Hearings like this are not part of some coordinated attack on people who experience discomfort around their gender. It is not hateful to question bad science or bad medical practices. We are simply looking out for the well-being of children who are not equipped to make permanent decisions and whose parents are often being told that they have no other choice.”

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VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Moody Introduces LEO K9 Protection Act to Protect Animals in Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody recently introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, a bill to hold accountable those who harm law enforcement animals. This legislation strengthens penalties for intentionally harming law enforcement animals and expands federal protections to cover state and local police animals assisting federal law enforcement.

“These highly trained animals help law enforcement apprehend dangerous criminals, detect narcotics and explosives, assist with searches, find missing persons, and save lives. Anyone who intentionally harms police animals in the line of duty should face serious consequences. Law enforcement animals that serve with brave men and women protect our communities, and they in return deserve to be protected,” said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

Senator Moody introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm a federal police dog or horse in the line of duty.

The bill expands federal protections to include state, county, and local law enforcement animals assisting a federal agency.

This legislation provides a good-faith exception for individuals providing emergency veterinary care to injured law enforcement animals.

The bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue regulations allowing emergency medical service providers to transport injured police animals at their discretion.

This legislation was named in honor of K9 Leo, a fallen Marion County, Florida, canine deputy.

This bill was originally introduced in the House by Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL-4).

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Moreno Blasts Protect College Sports Act for Failing to Protect Female Athletes

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement on the Protect College Sports Act, which fails to protect female athletes.


Pressed By Murray on Whether He Advised Trump to Go to War with Iran, Rubio Affirms Unwavering Support for Iran War

***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning***

Washington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Appropriations State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee hearing on the FY27 budget request for the Department of State—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed Secretary Marco Rubio on whether he advised Trump to go to war with Iran, and she slammed Trump’s proposal to blow $1.5 trillion on his war budget instead of helping families afford groceries, gas, housing, health care, and child care.

[IRAN WAR]

Senator Murray questioned Secretary Rubio on his role in advising the president on matters of national security and what his opinion was on engaging in war with Iran.

MURRAY: Mr. Secretary, you are not only the Secretary of State—you are also the president’s National Security Advisor. Those are both full-time jobs when we’re at peace, let alone as we have troops deployed in multiple conflicts around the world and the president is threatening to invade Cuba.

So, I want to just ask you specifically about Iran. You were one of just a handful of top aides with a seat at the table when the president ultimately did decide to launch the Iran war.

Did you advise the president against the war?

RUBIO: I’ll never tell anybody what I advised the president privately, but I will tell you that the president had before him all the information that he needed. I agree with the decision that he made, if that’s what you’re asking, because the President of the United States saw a threat of Iran developing a nuclear weapon behind a conventional shield that, in about a year, would have been impenetrable, and we could not allow them to develop that immunity, and then they could break out to a weapon.

MURRAY: So, you won’t tell us. you know, this is a question that millions of Americans are asking, how on earth did we get here? So, I wanted to know what did you advise the president? Were you for or against this war, or did you—the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor—have no opinion?

RUBIO: No, I just told you I support the president’s decision. I think he made the right decision, but I cannot tell you, and will never do. And you have to understand, nobody in my role has ever done is to go to you and say, “oh, I was in a meeting and I told the president this,” I just can’t do that, I won’t do that, it’s unwise to do that, and it’s unfair. But I am telling you, the president made the right decision, that’s my view, I believe in it strongly.

MURRAY: You do now, okay. Let me just—

RUBIO: I always have, I mean, in terms of my view of the challenge that it poses.

MURRAY: Okay, well back in March, you said this war would end in: “weeks, not months.” And here we are four months, hundreds of troops injured or killed, and billions of dollars later.

Trump promised everybody he was going to lower prices and no new wars. Now we have higher prices and a new war. Trump promised the American people this war would be fast and decisive. It has been slow, and secret, and endless.

And the majority of Americans do oppose this conflict. What my constituents are telling me is they want child care, they want health care to be more affordable, they don’t want Trump to have 1.5 trillion dollars for a defense budget to start wars around the globe. I hear that constantly from so many people.

[VALUE OF INVESTING IN DIPLOMACY & ASSISTANCE]

MURRAY: You know Secretary Rubio, let me just say this: diplomacy and development tools help keep us safe here at home by mitigating conflict, by mitigating disease, other global threats. But the budget that you are here to defend—which would slash this work to the bone, while sending war spending through the roof—makes clear that diplomacy is Trump’s last priority.

And by the way it’s not just the budget, or the unhinged rants attacking allies like Greenland and Canada, or threatening to “end civilizations,” or Trump treating war like a game—the White House posting literal video game edits as if he weren’t getting American soldiers injured.

It’s also the actions that you have taken over the past year to gut the State Department—deeply concerning, dismantle foreign aid, abdicate American leadership. Under your leadership, it is deeply concerning that State left 500 tons of food aid to rot in ports, and it had to be incinerated. Or pushing out thousands upon thousands of dedicated public servants—including families who put country first here, and left their home to serve around the world only to be sacked with no rhyme, no reason. I’ve heard from them.

Meanwhile, you are planning to put Trump’s face on U.S. passports. As if that is going to help our image when all that’s happening. And the hack-and-slash job that you have done to foreign assistance, and you’re asking for in this budget, has not only shattered America’s global leadership, it has led to millions of preventable deaths. Programs have been frozen, grants have been cancelled, lifesaving work utterly turned upside down.

I want to talk about global health—the stakes of life and death are here under global health. PEPFAR-supported testing reach[ed] nearly five million fewer people than the year before. In Zambia, babies born to HIV-positive moms used to be tested within hours of birth, and treatment started immediately for positive cases. Now babies are not being even tested until they’re six weeks old.

So you are not just cutting resources that I just reference—you are actually cutting the United States out of the conversation on global health threats and leaving all of us less prepared. We are in the middle of a deadly Ebola epidemic, we are seeing a worrisome hantavirus outbreak, this administration has halted funding to the World Health Organization. And you are currently withholding nearly two billion dollars in FY 25 Global Health funding that was appropriated with bipartisan support here, signed into law by President Trump, and expires in less than four months.

Now, I know that Ebola funding somehow miraculously started moving when we were seeing bad headlines—but what is moving right now Mr. Secretary is less than two percent of what is available. So my point is that the delay in mobilizing those resources has cost us valuable time and let this disease kill more people. And the fact is, we already had these support systems in place, they were in place, until this Administration destroyed them.

And even as we stare down a crisis caused by this administration’s incompetence in my opinion, you are here today to defend a budget that doubles down on that—that is what is really disturbing to me—with a 40% cut to Global Health Programs in this budget. So to my point of view, this budget doesn’t make America great again, it makes the world sicker and less safe.

And that I’m just talking about the cuts that you’re proposing with this budget, because we cannot ignore the biggest line item in the president’s overall budget that’s in front of us—which is war. 1.5 trillion dollars for war.

Not a cent [more] for child care. Not a cent to make health care more affordable. That is the budget that you are here today to defend, and it spends $1.5 trillion on war and slashes your Department to ribbons.

So that is what is concerning to me, as you come before our committee today to back this request up. It just seems to me we are cutting diplomacy and paying defense contractors, and I just believe from my point of view, and I know you disagree with me, but I just think this is the wrong way for our country to go. A budget is a statement of values. I’ve said it many, many times, and I think it is in big question where the values are in this budget. So that’s where I am.

RUBIO: Mr. Chair, Senator Boozman, can I respond? Because she touched a lot of topics. I don’t know if I can get all of them, you know, but, but I’m going to get to most of them.

CHAIR: Sure.

RUBIO: Because I strongly disagree with almost everything you’ve said,

MURRAY: I figured you would.

RUBIO: A couple points. First, let’s talk about the State Department. The State Department was actually one of the least impacted of all the agencies in government.

MURRAY: I’m not talking about least impacted. You heard—

RUBIO: No, no, no, no. But let’s be frank, we didn’t—not a single, for example, overseas employee was RIF’d from the State Department. The vast majority of the reduction in forces came from the career civil service, not the foreign service, and that’s because we got rid of the functional bureaus and put all the power under the regional bureaus. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done, and I think it’s going to prove to be very wise. And we already see the impacts of it.

Let’s walk through some of the programs you’ve pointed to. So, for example, our disaster response today around the world, because we combine those accounts, is faster than it’s ever been, and more effective than it’s ever been. These are not theories, it is the reality. We responded to hurricanes in the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Cuba, by the way, $3 million in aid to Cuba, faster at a record pace than ever before. We’ve responded to two typhoons in the Indo-Pacific faster than we’ve ever responded, because we combined and consolidated those accounts, and we’re able to move very, very quickly in that regard.

Beyond that, you mentioned the PEPFAR. The reality of it is, first of all, you have to combine it with all these other programs that we’re involved in, but if you look at the numbers for the last, well in the third quarter of 2026, 2025, the exact number of people that were receiving medications were receiving medications during that period of time. The exact number, and it’s going to even improve, because we’re adding innovation to it. There have been recent innovations in AIDS treatment, HIV treatments that are even more effective than some of the legacy programs that are available.

MURRAY: Mr. Secretary it is very clear why you are the secretary, because you’re very good at words.

RUBIO: No, but I’m giving you, I don’t know how else can I answer you other than words?

MURRAY: I will stand by my statement against yours. I just will.

RUBIO: What was that?

MURRAY: I will stand by all of the facts that I gave.

RUBIO: Okay, but I get a chance to respond, right?

MURRAY: Well, my times out, it’s up to the chair.

CHAIR: You can respond.

RUBIO: Okay. So, on the other things you’re not talking about, those I think are very valuable to this, are these global health compacts that we’re entering with 32 countries, 27 of them in Africa. In which we’re basically going to the country to say, “okay, we used to give money for clinics, we used to give money for health care, we used to give money for maternal care,” and we used to have it in a bucket, and it was maternal care globally, and then we went out and dished out contracts for people to go into individual countries.

Now we’re entering into contracts, compacts, agreements with the country, and we’re saying to them, “okay, what are your needs?” And we’re doing this through the embassies. “What are your specific needs in this country?” And entering into a compact, not just to provide them aid for these things that they need, but to help them strengthen their national health care systems, so that long term they will be self-sustaining. Now, in some countries, it may take 10 years to get to that point, some it may take less. But for the first time, we are not just having these buckets that then are distributed broadly around the world. It is targeted at the highest needs of those countries based on their own domestic strategies and allowing us to become a value added to their strategy and to build their capacity. That’s something that hasn’t been talked about.

You look at what we’ve done with OCHA [United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs], we’ve signed the first humanitarian reset agreement in Geneva, and along with our anchor pledge of 2 billion in support for the 18 country-based crisis level pool funds. This is going to allow us to respond in a more effective way. With the Global Fund, we’ve entered into agreement with the Global Fund. They’ve put out repeated statements thanking the United States for the role that we are playing with the Global Fund, and we’re prepared to do more if donors match what we are providing, we’re prepared to do even more in that regard.

The list goes on and on. The point is, this is not about, first of all, this is not about denying and being punitive towards the world. This is about delivering aid, but delivering it in a more effective and concise and consolidated way that actually gets more aid to more people faster, that is the goal. And I think we’re well on our way to achieving it.

Now, as far as the budget is concerned, you know we operate under an OMB guidance that tells us, “this is how much you have, tell us what you would do if this is what you get.” We present this to you, having served here for a long period of time, I said this before you walked in, so perhaps you missed this point, is we always understand that there’s going to be a congressional process in which you’re going to look at our request and generally ignore it, but in many cases add to it or reframe it, and we’re prepared to work with you as we did last year in the passage of an appropriations bill, which we would like to see passed, because when you pass appropriations bills, it gives us the structure that we need in order to carry out these reforms.

MURRAY: Mr. Secretary, I just will tell you, I appreciate that you have words to explain everything from your point of view. I’m talking from reality on the ground, and from what I am seeing and hearing, and I fear deeply that we are losing our place and our value globally. So, you and I have a disagreement. Thank you.

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Sen. Ossoff Delivering Funding to 100 Black Men of Atlanta

Atlanta, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering resources to strengthen the 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Fatherhood Initiative.

Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, Sen. Ossoff is delivering funding to strengthen and expand 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Fatherhood Initiative.

According to the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the initiative provides bi-weekly programs with life coaches to help individuals reach personal and professional goals and connect them to housing, mental health, and job placement resources, monthly workshops focused on co-parenting, legal rights, financial literacy, and employment readiness, and community spaces to connect with peers.

Sen. Ossoff is delivering $320,000 for the project through bipartisan government funding legislation that became law on February 3.

“100 Black Men of Atlanta provides vital resources to the community, and I’ve been proud to work alongside their leadership and members. I elevated this project as a top priority and secured bipartisan support to deliver this funding,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I will continue working closely with 100 Black Men of Atlanta in their work to strengthen educational and economic opportunities.”

“On behalf of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, we are deeply grateful to Senator Jon Ossoff for his leadership and commitment to strengthening families across our community. This investment in our Fatherhood Initiative affirms what we have always believed: when fathers are equipped, supported, and empowered, entire communities thrive. These resources will allow us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue providing the coaching, life skills, and critical support systems that help fathers lead with purpose, stability, and vision. We look forward to building on this partnership to create lasting change for the families we serve,” said Aaron N. Swain, Chairman, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.

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As Trump & Republicans Wage Assault On Free and Fair Elections, Padilla, Schiff, Senate Democrats, & Elections Experts Prepare to Protect the 2026 Midterms

Building on their newly announced Election Protection Task Force, Senate Democrats met with election experts to safeguard voting rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senators Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee which oversees federal elections, and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), members of the Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Task Force, met with key election experts to stress-test responses to several threats to the 2026 midterms, including foreign interference and misinformation, the deployment of federal agents to polling places, and law enforcement agents seizing ballots from local election officials. The meeting was the second convening of the Election Protection Task Force since its April launch. Participants included former Attorney General Eric Holder, Marc Elias of the Elias Law Group, Ian Bassin of Protect Democracy, Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward, and election law expert Norm Eisen.

“As millions of Americans exercised their right to vote yesterday, Donald Trump and his MAGA allies were working overtime — not to make life better for families who are struggling to make ends meet, but scheming to silence the voices of countless voters across the country. They have already moved to seize ballots, purge eligible voters from the rolls, dismantle the core protections of the Voting Rights Act, and now handed control of America’s most sensitive national security apparatus to a Trump loyalist whose only qualification is his willingness to do Trump’s bidding, including election interference. Between now and the November midterms, we expect these attacks will only intensify. That is exactly why this task force exists. We will fight back in the Senate, in the courts, and in the states, and we will ensure that Donald Trump can’t ‘takeover’ our elections. Our democracy is not his to take,” said Senator Padilla.

“Donald Trump and his enablers are not hiding their intention to interfere in the upcoming midterm elections — indeed they are already working to suppress the vote — and our Task Force is preparing for all the contingencies. In the specific scenario that I proposed for today, we confronted how this administration’s weaponization of federal law enforcement — including ICE or CBP — could be used to intimidate voters and depress turnout. This and the other scenarios we workshopped today will help ensure readiness across the country to confront these threats, combat attacks on our elections, and identify any gaps in our democracy’s defenses,” said Senator Schiff.

“Trump and Republicans are hellbent on rigging our elections and undermining our democracy. Democrats won’t let that happen,” said Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.“ Our Election Protection Task Force, the most expansive effort to date to protect the 2026 midterms, is readying for the threats we know are coming – and today we gamed out how we can thwart them before Republicans can undermine our free and fair elections. Democrats will be ready with lawyers and response teams to respond the moment Trump or his allies try to interfere with our elections. Democracy is on the line. Democrats are going to fight like hell to make sure our elections belong to the voters – not Donald Trump.”

As their agenda grows more unpopular due to a worsening affordability crisis and mounting corruption scandals, the Trump Administration has worked to disrupt free and fair elections and tip the scales toward Republicans ahead of the midterms. Trump has said he’ll deploy an “election integrity army” to polling places across the country and is making it harder to vote-by-mail. His Justice Department sought to seize state voter rolls. FBI agents and the Director of National Intelligence raided election offices in Georgia. Republicans pressed election officials in Arizona to turn over documents. Poll workers are being threatened nationwide.

Over the coming weeks and months, the Senators’ Task Force will continue to announce additional steps in the fight to safeguard the right to vote and ensure that every American has fair access to the ballot box this November.

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Bipartisan Padilla Bills Supporting 2,000+ Acres of Tribal Land Management Considered in Senate Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on two of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) bipartisan bills to promote Tribal management of over 2,000 acres of land in California. The Committee considered his legislation to transfer federal land to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Pit River Tribe. Padilla introduced these bills with Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) last year to protect tribal communities and local environment in surrounding regions.

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act

This bill would transfer 1,475 acres of land from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation in exchange for 1,460 acres of land the Tribe already owns. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Indians, is a federally recognized Native American Tribe of Serrano people. Their reservation is located in San Bernardino County, California, and their people have lived in the San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding areas for thousands of years.

For years, the Tribe has been working toward a land exchange with the Forest Service, which would enable them to acquire lands that were once home to a Tribal village known today as Arrowhead Springs. The Tribe has gone through the administrative process to transfer this land, but it has been time consuming and expensive, costing over $5 million, including for purchasing multiple parcels of land in the San Bernardino National Forest and for other expenses associated with the land exchange. This legislation would facilitate this land transfer to allow the Tribe to manage their ancestral lands.

Full text of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act is available here.

Pit River Land Transfer Act

This bill would transfer 584 acres of federal land administered by USFS to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust for the Pit River Tribe. The late Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.-01) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The Pit River Tribe consist of 11 autonomous bands traditionally inhabiting the area surrounding the Pit River and its tributaries. They are known for their deep spiritual connection to the land, with a rich cultural heritage centered around fishing, hunting, and seasonal gatherings.

The proposed land to be transferred is known as the Four Corners Property, located in Shasta County. The Tribe has strong cultural and historical connections to the Four Corners, and they view it as a central landmark of their ancestral lands. In October 1970, members of the Tribe erected a Quonset hut on the Four Corners, staking a peaceful, yet firm claim. That month, over 100 sheriff’s deputies, federal marshals, and forest rangers ordered the occupants to evacuate the property, which eventually resulted in violence and the hospitalization of several of the Tribal members.

The Tribe has been actively trying to acquire this land through various governmental processes for over a decade. However, they have experienced a series of delays that have added years to the process.

Full text of the Pit River Land Transfer Act is available here.

Padilla is a strong advocate for restoring Tribal ownership of ancestral lands. In 2024, the Senate passed Padilla’s Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act, which established over 170 acres as trust lands for the benefit of the Jamul Tribe. Under the Biden Administration, a series of Padilla’s bills to restore tribal stewardship of sacred lands and ensure federal land management laws respected Tribal sovereignty were signed into law. The package included laws to take more than 2,500 acres of land in the San Jacinto Mountains into trust for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and to place roughly 1,000 acres of federal land located in Humboldt and Siskiyou counties into trust for the Karuk Tribe.

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WATCH: Padilla Questions Federal Highway Administrator on California Highway Projects and Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, questioned Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Sean McMaster about the Trump Administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Padilla pushed for the release of stalled funding for California transportation projects across the state and discussed rising costs families are facing as a result of the Administration’s policies.

In the hearing, Padilla pressed McMaster about unexplained pauses in grants awarded to California, including more than $160 million to support highway infrastructure in the Bay Area, $105 million for safety improvements near the Port of Redwood City, and nearly $100 million for interchange improvements in the Central Valley. Padilla secured a commitment from McMaster to provide an update on the status of funding for these and dozens of other previously awarded grants being held up by the Trump Administration. In addition to discussing blocked projects, Padilla reminded McMaster about the importance of securing transportation funding for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. He noted that the Administration has directed LA Metro to seek funding within existing DOT programs for transportation infrastructure to ensure the games run smoothly. He highlighted LA Metro’s attempts to work with FHWA to secure a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan for the I-105 Express Lanes Project, which is central to LA Metro’s Games mobility plan. Padilla secured a commitment from McMaster to review the loan and follow-up in the coming days.

“California has several projects that were awarded funding in previous fiscal years that have not been able to move forward, either because obligations have stalled or because other final actions remain pending,” said Senator Padilla. “California is a big state with a big economy, so these projects are not small or narrow investments. Several carry significant regional economic impact, and they represent federal dollars that have already been approved and committed.”

Padilla also expressed concern about rising gas prices, noting that electric vehicles (EVs) have become more affordable and an increasingly popular option for consumers nationwide. As many federal EV and alternative fueling charging infrastructure programs fall under FHWA’s jurisdiction, Padilla questioned whether EV charging projects are being funded equitably and being taken seriously as a potential cost-saving measure for Americans who are getting squeezed at the gas pump due to President Trump’s war with Iran.

“More than a billion dollars in charging projects are also shovel-ready, with funding awarded and waiting to be put to work,” said Senator Padilla. “Now, while the funding is not moving, it’s not just contractors that aren’t being hired or chargers that aren’t being built, but families are locked into high prices that Americans are experiencing right now and not being able to exercise options for what types of vehicles they want.”

Padilla has been a strong advocate for critical funding for California’s transportation and infrastructure projects. This year, Padilla announced that the Los Angeles metro area will receive nearly $90 million for transit costs associated with hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. Last year, Padilla announced over $258 million for California transportation infrastructure projects across the state.

Video of Padilla’s remarks is available here.

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