Shaheen Offers Amendments to Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill to Require Transparency on ICE Facilities, Address Bureau of Prisons Staffing Shortages

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, is introducing several amendments to Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill.

“This partisan bill does anything but provide relief to Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. Instead, Republicans are ramming through tens of billions of dollars for ICE and Border Patrol without a single cent to make health care, energy or food more affordable for families,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s clear that Republicans have their priorities backwards so I’m offering amendments to directly address concerns Granite Staters have raised with me, including a provision that would require the Department of Homeland Security to consult with communities before establishing new ICE detention or processing facilities.”

Below is an overview of the amendments Senator Shaheen will offer for consideration:

To increase transparency around plans for new ICE facilities in states across the country,?Shaheen is offering an amendment in line with her legislation—the?Respect for Local Communities Act—that would require DHS to solicit public comments and receive written approval from state and local officials before establishing new ICE detention or processing facilities.

To address persistent staffing shortages at federal prisons across the country, Shaheen is offering an amendment in line with her bipartisan legislation—the Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act—that would increase salaries for Bureau of Prisons law enforcement officers nationwide—boosting recruitment and retention, eliminating costly overtime and burnout, enhancing safety and, ultimately, significantly improving operations.

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Thune: Republicans Invest in Border Security, Democrats Undermine Law Enforcement

Clickhereto watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, I expect there will be a lot of amendments today on a lot of topics.

“So I wanted to take just a minute to focus in on the essence of the bill that we are on, that we will be considering and voting on today.

“It’s a simple bill, Mr. President.

“It will do nothing more than fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next three years.

“And why are we doing this bill, Mr. President?

“Why are we doing appropriations for these Department of Homeland Security agencies separately – and for three years instead of the usual one?

“Because Democrats have refused to fund border security or immigration law enforcement.

“That’s it, Mr. President.

“We are here today only – only – because Democrats refused to appropriate a single dollar for our border and immigration law enforcement.

“They originally agreed to fund them, of course.

“Back in January, Democrats in both houses – House and Senate – signed off on an appropriations bill that included multiple reforms.

“But shortly before passage, after the events in Minneapolis, Democrats reneged.

“They wanted more reforms, they claimed.

“And Republicans agreed to reopen negotiations.

“The White House implemented a number of reforms on its own.

“And then the White House repeatedly – repeatedly – offered Democrats a robust package of legislative reforms.

“But Democrats would not agree to anything.

“And eventually, they walked away altogether.

“Presumably because they thought that it would serve them better to have an issue for November.

“Although I would say it remains to be seen, Mr. President, how well ‘defund law enforcement’ and ‘eliminate border security officers’ play for Democrats this fall.

“Because let’s be very clear, Mr. President, that is what Democrats have opted for.

“No – zero, no – officers at our nation’s borders.

“And no officers to remove dangerous criminal illegal immigrants from our country.

“If it weren’t for Republicans, our nation’s borders might currently be thrown wide open to drug traffickers, cartel members, terrorists, criminals, human smugglers, and other dangerous individuals.

“And dangerous criminal illegal aliens could be living freely in our country.

“That’s, Mr. President, what no funding for border security and immigration enforcement means.

“And I can’t emphasize that enough, Mr. President.

“If Democrats had their way, our nation’s borders would be completely – completely – unprotected.

“And criminal illegal immigrants would be allowed to remain in our country and endanger Americans.

“Democrats’ position is not just breathtakingly irresponsible; it’s a betrayal of their obligation as members of our government.

“This, Mr. President, is a national security issue, and Democrats have completely abdicated their national security responsibility.

“Mr. President, as I said, I expect there will be a lot of amendments today.

“Many will be intended to distract from Democrats’ ‘defund law enforcement’ position.

“Some may even echo the reforms the White House offered to Democrats – that Democrats rejected, but which they will now attempt to use to score political points.

“But when all the political statements have been made, we will pass the underlying bill and be one step closer to funding border security and immigration law enforcement for the next three years.

“For the next three years, Mr. President.

“That’s what Democrats have forced us to do.

“I am grateful for the law enforcement officers who have helped secure our nation’s border over the past 16 months and take criminal illegal immigrants off of our streets.

“And I’m grateful to Secretary Mullin and border czar Tom Homan for their leadership and their work to refocus things at DHS and ensure that both Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are fully focused on their core mission of protecting our country.

“And Republicans are going to continue to ensure that these agencies have the funding that they need to fulfill their national security responsibilities.”


Maryland Delegation Urges Trump Administration to Approve Disaster Designation for Maryland Counties Impacted by Destructive April Freeze

Today, the full Maryland Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Sarah Elfreth, April McClain Delaney, and Johnny Olszewski (all Md.) – urged Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to exercise her authority to approve the State of Maryland’s request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation in response to crop damage from the April 21, 2026 freeze and frost event, and to act quickly to provide emergency assistance to farmers. Preliminary reports indicate major losses at Maryland farms, especially among specialty crops, with orchards and vineyards seeing some of the worst impacts.

Governor Wes Moore’s request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation would unlock U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) emergency loan funding for impacted farmers. With challenging economic conditions already burdening Maryland farmers, it is critical that USDA grant a disaster declaration and make emergency financial assistance programs available to impacted Maryland farmers as quickly as possible.

“We write to you as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to urge you to expeditiously approve the request from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Maryland counties impacted by the April 21, 2026 freeze and frost event that has severely damaged Maryland crops, and to make emergency financial assistance available to impacted farmers as quickly as possible,” Team Maryland wrote.

The lawmakers noted the severe extent of the freeze and frost, writing, “Preliminary reports indicate major losses at Maryland farms, especially among specialty crops, with orchards and vineyards seeing some of the worst impacts. Several Maryland jurisdictions have reported losses as high as 99% for peach crops and 94% for apple crops. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Maryland Farm Bureau indicates that impacted farmers are expecting an average crop loss of 67.5%, with some farmers reporting near total losses of their 2026 crops, which far exceeds the 30% threshold required for a Secretarial disaster declaration. This is a devastating loss for Maryland farmers, many of whom will not be able to recover their sunk costs from this growing season.”

They went on to note the economic importance of agriculture in Maryland, stating, “Agriculture is a major economic driver in Maryland and the backbone of Maryland’s rural communities, representing the single largest commercial industry in the state with 12,600 farms that support 350,000 jobs and generate $8 billion in annual economic value.”

“We stand ready to work with you to support Maryland farmers faced with recovering from major financial losses due to this extreme weather event. It is critical that aid be delivered in time to allow farmers to recover and prepare for the next growing season,” they concluded.

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Rollins,

We write to you as the Maryland Congressional Delegation to urge you to expeditiously approve the request from Maryland Governor Wes Moore to issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Maryland counties impacted by the April 21, 2026 freeze and frost event that has severely damaged Maryland crops, and to make emergency financial assistance available to impacted farmers as quickly as possible, pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 301, 7 U.S.C. 1961 and 1989, and implemented by 7 CFR §759.

Preliminary reports indicate major losses at Maryland farms, especially among specialty crops, with orchards and vineyards seeing some of the worst impacts. Several Maryland jurisdictions have reported losses as high as 99% for peach crops and 94% for apple crops. Additionally, a survey conducted by the Maryland Farm Bureau indicates that impacted farmers are expecting an average crop loss of 67.5%, with some farmers reporting near total losses of their 2026 crops, which far exceeds the 30% threshold required for a Secretarial disaster declaration. This is a devastating loss for Maryland farmers, many of whom will not be able to recover their sunk costs from this growing season. These same farmers will still need to continue to invest in maintaining their farms and planning for next season; doing so without the expected revenue from this season’s sales to offset those costs could threaten these farms’ financial viability.

Agriculture is a major economic driver in Maryland and the backbone of Maryland’s rural communities, representing the single largest commercial industry in the state with 12,600 farms that support 350,000 jobs and generate $8 billion in annual economic value. Maryland is also a hub for small farming, with the majority of Maryland farms consisting of less than 50 acres of land. Small farms are more vulnerable to major shocks like this severe cold event, and farms across the state have already been struggling due to rising input costs and challenging economic conditions, underscoring the urgent need for USDA to grant a disaster declaration and to make funding available for Maryland farmers who have suffered major crop losses.

We stand ready to work with you to support Maryland farmers faced with recovering from major financial losses due to this extreme weather event. It is critical that aid be delivered in time to allow farmers to recover and prepare for the next growing season. Thank you for your urgent attention to this important manner.


Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Warner, Kaine Raise Concerns Over Blanket Pause On Immigration Decisions Based On National Origin

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) and Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-Va.) raised concerns over the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) blanket pause on the adjudication of immigration applications for foreign nationals from 39 countries and a re-review of cases since January 20, 2021.

In a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow, the senators wrote, “We write to express serious concern regarding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) overbroad and indefinite pauses on completions of immigration and citizenship cases, particularly when they are based solely on national origin. Such stops in legal immigration based on arbitrary factors do not make America safer and leave immigrants, their American families, and employers in limbo due to no fault of their own.”

The senators noted that USCIS issued two policy memoranda, one on December 2, 2025, and the other on January 1, 2026, directing personnel to place a hold on all pending and future immigration benefit requests for foreign nationals from 39 countries, which has led to the indefinite pause of permanent residence petitions and applications, naturalization interviews, citizenship ceremonies, and applications for employment authorization documents, based solely on the person’s country of birth or nationality. The memoranda also ordered a “comprehensive re-review” of approved applications and petitions for individuals from these countries, if they “entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.”

There is also increased confusion surrounding these decisions, as USCIS did not inform Congress, affected parties, or the general public about how it is conducting this pause.

The senators continued, “USCIS cannot stop adjudicating or re-adjudicate previously approved applications and petitions based solely on arbitrary factors such as the subject’s national origin, date of entry, or the type of application they filed. This approach is overbroad, imposes significant harm on immigrants and their American families and employers, and raises questions about USCIS’s discretion and operational capacity.”

The senators are especially concerned about the far-reaching impacts of the pause.

“Our offices are hearing from constituents whose naturalization interviews have been canceled, whose green card applications have stalled, and whose employment authorization documents have lapsed while awaiting renewal. These lapses in work authorization are forcing individuals out of jobs, threatening their families’ financial stability, and creating losses for employers who depend on their contributions. Additionally, individuals seeking travel documents, including advance parole, face disruptions to future travel plans,” the senators wrote. “The pause is also compounding an already significant immigration processing backlog at USCIS, which will only grow more severe the longer it continues.”

The senators also address USCIS’ May 22, 2026 press release that forces immigrants who are applying for permanent residence to “return to their home countries to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.” This is a stark change in decades of well-established immigration law and practice on lawful permanent residence without the appropriate changes in the statute or regulations.

The letter asks a series of questions on the details of the pause, including the expected duration and number of applications and petitions subjected to it, and what USCIS’ plan is to mitigate economic harm and provide guidelines and transparency to the public. The senators are requesting a response within two weeks of receipt.

The senators concluded, “As a country, we have long pledged that individuals who follow the law and navigate our legal immigration system in good faith deserve timely and fair adjudication of their applications. Additionally, the legal requirement set forth by the Homeland Security Act requires timely adjudications by USCIS. An indefinite, nationality-based freeze on processing - without clear operational guidance, a defined timeline, or adequate transparency - undermines that commitment and imposes real consequences on families and communities across the nation. We urge USCIS to provide the requested information promptly and to take immediate steps to resume the orderly processing of immigration and naturalization applications.”

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Mullin and Director Edlow:

We write to express serious concern regarding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) overbroad and indefinite pauses on completions of immigration and citizenship cases, particularly when they are based solely on national origin. Such stops in legal immigration based on arbitrary factors do not make America safer and leave immigrants, their American families, and employers in limbo due to no fault of their own.

On December 2, 2025, then on January 1, 2026, USCIS issued policy memoranda directing its personnel to place a hold on all pending and future immigration benefit requests. These memoranda impose an indefinite, sweeping hold on the issuance of final decisions on immigration and naturalization applications for foreign nationals from 39 countries, impacting permanent residence (i.e., green card) petitions and applications, naturalization interviews, citizenship ceremonies, and applications for employment authorization documents, based solely on the person’s country of birth or nationality if listed in Presidential Proclamation 10949 and 10998. In addition, the memoranda ordered a “comprehensive re-review” of approved applications and petitions for individuals from these countries, if they “entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.” The December 2nd memorandum initially placed an indefinite hold on all asylum applications, regardless of national origin, but this pause is now being applied only to asylum seekers whose national origin is reflected in the presidential proclamations. The January 1st memorandum also included a section entitled Exceptions to the Adjudication Hold, but did not include clear guidance on how applicants or legal representatives should file for such exceptions, even after requests for clarification have been made.

Furthermore, USCIS has not informed Congress, affected parties, or the general public about how it is conducting these stoppages. On April 29, press reported that USCIS has stopped approvals of pending asylum, immigration, and naturalization applications and petitions regardless of the subjects’ country of origin and ordered USCIS personnel to re-submit fingerprints if the cases began prior to April 27, 2026. It is unclear how many applications are impacted by this latest hold on approvals and how long impacted cases will be delayed. On the other hand, USCIS is now apparently adjudicating applications and petitions for foreign doctors from the 39 countries but did not announce this important update other than by a change on its website, which was done without any notice.

USCIS cannot stop adjudicating or re-adjudicate previously approved applications and petitions based solely on arbitrary factors such as the subject’s national origin, date of entry, or the type of application they filed. This approach is overbroad, imposes significant harm on immigrants and their American families and employers, and raises questions about USCIS’s discretion and operational capacity.

These memoranda provide that they were issued in the wake of the tragic shootings of National Guard members in November 2025, which resulted in the death of a servicemember and seriously injured an additional servicemember. The Administration has inappropriately and unreasonably used this isolated attack, involving a single foreign national, as justification for suspending immigration benefit processing for millions of applicants across nearly 40 countries. Imposing a blanket ban on legal immigration processing based on the actions of a single individual is neither proportionate nor consistent with due process principles that undergird our immigration system.

The impacts of this pause are far-reaching and growing. Individuals who are lawfully present in the U.S., many of whom have already undergone extensive, multi-step background checks, interviews, and security screenings, now face indefinite uncertainty through no fault of their own. Our offices are hearing from constituents whose naturalization interviews have been canceled, whose green card applications have stalled, and whose employment authorization documents have lapsed while awaiting renewal. These lapses in work authorization are forcing individuals out of jobs, threatening their families’ financial stability, and creating losses for employers who depend on their contributions. Additionally, individuals seeking travel documents, including advance parole, face disruptions to future travel plans. The pause is also compounding an already significant immigration processing backlog at USCIS, which will only grow more severe the longer it continues.

Of particular concern, both memoranda direct USCIS to “conduct a comprehensive re review of all approved benefit requests” for nationals of the designated countries in Presidential Proclamation 10949 and 10998 and that were approved on or after January 20, 2021, the start of the prior Administration’s term. This retroactive re-review effectively calls into question every immigration benefit granted to individuals from these countries over the past five years, completely ignoring that these approvals followed well-established, lawful procedures and thorough vetting at the time. Reopening previously adjudicated cases on the sole basis of national origin undermines the finality of agency action, destabilizes the lives of individuals who reasonably relied on those decisions, and raises serious questions about whether this review is motivated by legitimate security concerns or by a blanket presumption that prior approvals were deficient.

With respect to immigrant visa applicants, USCIS has provided no legal analysis as to how these policies comply with the prohibition in section 202(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on discrimination “in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of the person's race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence.” According to reports, USCIS has also issued guidance that national origin is “a significant negative factor” for consideration of applications and petitions for immigration benefits from within the United States, including green card applications. It must be noted that while many applicants may have been born in one of the currently listed “high-risk” countries, these same applicants also hold passports from second countries where they have lived and held ties to for several years, but are being castigated for where their birth is registered.

We also note that both memoranda committed USCIS to issuing operational guidance within 90 days of issuance. The deadlines for both memoranda have passed, yet to our knowledge no such guidance has been published. The agency provided a March 30, 2026 update, yet it read vague and did not issue real guidance for impacted individuals. The absence of clear operational procedures raises serious questions about the agency’s capacity to administer this policy and the timeline for resuming normal adjudications.

Finally, USCIS issued yet another policy memorandum on May 21, 2026, that attempts to change decades of well-established immigration law and practice on lawful permanent residence without the requisite changes in the statute or regulations. While the memorandum itself does not explicitly state what it is trying to do, the May 22 press release announcing the memorandum makes it clear that the goal of this memorandum is to force immigrants who are applying for permanent residence to “return to their home countries to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”

However, for decades, the Immigration and Nationality Act has allowed immigrants who have been “inspected, admitted, and paroled” into the United States to “adjust” their status to lawful permanent residence. Under both Democratic and Republican administrations since the 1950s, millions of immigrants who met the statutory criteria for adjustment of status have become lawful permanent residents without having to leave the U.S. for an indefinite period of time to apply from abroad. For example, in Fiscal Years 2018 to 2020, during President Trump’s first administration, 1,579,606 immigrants became lawful permanent residents through the adjustment status process.

The May 21 policy memorandum caused a firestorm of concern from those eligible for adjustment of status, as well as their U.S. families and employers who are at risk of lengthy separation from their loved ones or valued employees. A USCIS spokesperson later suggested that green card applicants in the U.S. who will provide an "economic benefit" or serve the "national interest" would be allowed to complete their lawful permanent residence process without having to leave the U.S. It is unclear whether USCIS leadership reviewed this subsequent clarification, since immigration law does not require “economic benefit” or “national interest” for adjustment of status.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request that you provide written responses to the following questions within two weeks of receiving this letter:

What is the anticipated duration of the adjudication stops? What has been the impact of the fingerprint resubmission requirement on the duration? What specific conditions or benchmarks must be met before USCIS resumes normal processing of applications and petitions?

How many applications and petitions are currently subject to the adjudication stops? Please break out this number by form numbers (e.g. N-400, I-130, I-589, etc.) and country of nationality and birth.

How many employment authorization document renewal requests have been impacted? How long have these requests been pending? Please break this number down by the employment authorization category (i.e., whether the application is associated with a pending asylum application, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, etc.). What steps is USCIS taking to mitigate economic harm to these individuals and their employers?

What is the status of the operational guidance that USCIS committed to issuing within 90 days of each memorandum? When does USCIS expect to publish this guidance?

Given that the Presidential Proclamation itself does not apply to dual nationals, what is the legal justification for applying the pause to individuals who are dual nationals applying with a passport from a non-travel ban country?

Please provide a copy of any guidance, memoranda, or written policy reflecting that the previous hold on all asylum applications now only applies to individuals whose national origin is reflected in the presidential proclamations. What steps has USCIS taken to effectuate this policy change? Please provide the number of asylum applications processed, broken down by nationality and country of origin since the pause was lifted.

What is USCIS’s projected impact on the agency’s processing backlog as a result of the travel ban pause and the fingerprint resubmission process, and what resources have been allocated to address the anticipated surge in adjudications once the hold is lifted?

Both memoranda direct a comprehensive re-review of all immigration benefits approved on or after January 20, 2021. How many previously approved cases are subject to this retroactive review? What specific deficiencies in the original adjudications, if any, has USCIS identified to warrant reopening these cases, and what criteria will USCIS use to determine whether a previously approved benefit should be revoked? What is the expected timeframe for completing this re-review? What type of notice will individuals receive if their case is subject to re-review? Would an individual's status at present be affected when flagged for re-review?

How many naturalization interviews, citizenship oath ceremonies, and interviews for lawful permanent residence have been canceled or postponed since December 2, 2025, as a result of these memoranda? Please break down this data by country of nationality and states in which these applicants reside.

Please provide the number of individuals who have been sent a Request for Evidence, Notice of Intent to Deny, or denial based on the new policy considering national origin “a significant negative factor,” broken down by country of nationality, country of origin, and associated form type.

The President rolled out an expedited pathway to lawful permanent resident status via the “gold card”. Without any clear legal authority, DHS announced this new path to citizenship for “qualified individuals and corporations, who contribute $1 million and $2 million respectively . . .” Will the adjudication hold apply to gold card applicants?

Will USCIS apply the May 21, 2026 memorandum to individuals who already filed I-485 applications for adjustment of status and are currently present in the United States?

The May 21, 2026 memorandum provides that USCIS “may” provide specific guidance as to whether applications “may or may not warrant [an] act of grace and exception to the regular consular process.” When does USCIS plan to issue this guidance and will it be made public?

As a country, we have long pledged that individuals who follow the law and navigate our legal immigration system in good faith deserve timely and fair adjudication of their applications. Additionally, the legal requirement set forth by the Homeland Security Act requires timely adjudications by USCIS. An indefinite, nationality-based freeze on processing - without clear operational guidance, a defined timeline, or adequate transparency - undermines that commitment and imposes real consequences on families and communities across the nation. We urge USCIS to provide the requested information promptly and to take immediate steps to resume the orderly processing of immigration and naturalization applications.


Van Hollen, Gallego, Coons, Call On Secretary Rubio to Ban Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir from the U.S.

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the Department of State to bar Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the United States after he publicly taunted and humiliated detained human rights activists.

On May 20th, Minister Ben-Gvir released videos of himself at a detention site where activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla were being held after Israel intercepted the vessel. In the footage, detainees are shown kneeling in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their backs while Ben-Gvir personally confronted and taunted them. His conduct drew public rebukes from both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

"Foreign officials who publicly degrade, intimidate, or encourage the mistreatment of detained civilians should not be welcomed on American soil," the senators wrote. "Upholding the humane treatment of detainees, protecting civilians and humanitarian actors, and opposing the public humiliation of people in custody are core American principles."

The senators argued that the United States cannot credibly defend human rights abroad while extending the privilege of entry to officials who publicly abuse detainees. "The U.S.-Israel relationship does not require silence in the face of humiliation of detainees or conduct that undermines basic human dignity," the senators wrote. "Denying Minister Ben-Gvir a U.S. visa would send a clear and necessary message: individuals who abuse public office to degrade detained civilians should not be granted the privilege of entry into the United States."

The letter asks the State Department to respond by June 12th with answers on whether it has reviewed Ben-Gvir's conduct for potential visa ineligibility, whether any U.S. citizens or green card holders detained in connection with the flotilla interception have been reviewed, and what steps the Department is taking to ensure Americans engaged in humanitarian activity abroad are treated safely and with dignity.

The full text of the letter is availble here and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio:

We write to urge the Department of State to immediately determine Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ineligible for a visa to enter the United States following his public mistreatment of human rights activists detained after Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Foreign officials who publicly degrade, intimidate, or encourage the mistreatment of detained civilians should not be welcomed on American soil.

On May 20, Minister Ben-Gvir released videos from the detention site showing the detained activists kneeling in rows with their hands zip-tied behind their backs, while he taunted them and called for their imprisonment. The footage showed Minister Ben-Gvir personally confronting detainees in custody. His conduct drew public rebukes from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and has prompted condemnation from U.S. allies.

The United States cannot credibly defend human rights abroad while allowing foreign officials who publicly degrade detained civilians to enjoy the privilege of entry into this country. Upholding the humane treatment of detainees, protecting civilians and humanitarian actors, and opposing the public humiliation of people in custody are core American principles. Minister Ben-Gvir’s reported conduct is inconsistent with those principles, and risks further inflaming tensions, undermining U.S. diplomacy, and damaging the credibility of our human rights policy worldwide.

We urge the Department to use all available authorities, including Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which permits visa denial where entry would have potentially serious adverse foreign-policy consequences for the United States, and any other applicable visa restriction authorities, to deny Minister Ben-Gvir entry to the United States. We further request that the Department review whether any other officials involved in the mistreatment, public humiliation, or unlawful detention of detained human rights activists from the flotilla should be subject to visa restrictions or other accountability measures.

Specifically, we request answers to the following questions no later than June 17, 2026:

1. Has the Department reviewed Minister Ben-Gvir’s conduct toward detained human rights activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla for potential visa ineligibility?

2. Has the Department reviewed the treatment of any U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who were detained in connection with the interception of the flotilla?

3. Has the Department sought information from allied governments whose nationals were detained or allegedly mistreated?

4. Has the Department reviewed whether any individuals involved in this incident may be subject to visa restrictions or other accountability measures?

5. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals engaged in humanitarian activity are treated safely, lawfully, and with dignity while detained abroad?

The U.S.-Israel relationship does not require silence in the face of humiliation of detainees or conduct that undermines basic human dignity. Denying Minister Ben-Gvir a U.S. visa would send a clear and necessary message: individuals who abuse public office to degrade detained civilians should not be granted the privilege of entry into the United States. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,


Van Hollen Joins Budd, Warnock, Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Regulatory Risks for Companies to Sell Public Shares & Strengthen U.S. Financial Markets

Today, U.S. Senator Chirs Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and several of their colleagues in introducing the Encouraging Public Offerings Act to limit regulatory risk that holds companies back from engaging with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) process. The bipartisan legislation would codify existing SEC rules and make the initial IPO registration process more confidential and less burdensome, thereby reducing the regulatory risk of going public and encouraging companies to do so sooner. In addition to Senators Van Hollen, Budd, and Warnock, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). U.S. Representative Ann Wagner (R-Mo.-02) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Taking a company public can be complex and costly – especially for our small businesses. This bipartisan legislation provides companies the flexibility they need to grow and thrive. We must support new pathways for businesses – and the workers they employ – to grow, and this bill does exactly that,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Limiting regulatory risks for companies interested in going public is essential to keeping U.S. financial markets the best in the world. Far too many companies are unwilling to go public because regulatory barriers are too costly, complex, and time-consuming, making the IPO process less attractive. My bipartisan legislation with Senator Warnock will help restore the U.S. IPO market by codifying confidential registration rules and allowing companies to ‘test the waters.’ The aim here is to encourage more businesses to enter public markets and expand investment opportunities for Americans,” said Senator Budd.

“This bipartisan legislation helps more businesses—especially small and growing businesses—access the public markets and capital they need to expand. That means more investment in Georgia, more Georgia jobs, and a stronger economy for our country. I’m proud to work with Senator Budd on this commonsense bill,” said Senator Warnock.

“IPOs give companies crucial access to capital markets and drive economic growth. When private companies consider going public, we should be doing everything possible to make this process easy and to encourage it without jeopardizing investor protections. This bipartisan legislation will reduce unnecessary red-tape and encourage these companies to continue to grow,” said Senator Tillis.

“Taking a company public can be complex and costly – especially for our small businesses. This bipartisan legislation provides companies the flexibility they need to grow and thrive. We must support new pathways for businesses – and the workers they employ – to grow, and this bill does exactly that,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“It is in our country’s best interest to make it easier for newer, smaller companies to access public markets – this spurs economic opportunity and unlocks the capital needed for companies to grow and thrive, providing more wealth-building opportunities for every day investors. Our Encouraging Public Offerings Act makes it simpler and safer for companies to register to go public by decreasing the regulatory risk burden. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Budd to get this across the finish line,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Main Street investors and their families need us to be focused on making life easier and more affordable for them. This is critical legislation that advances that goal by eliminating onerous requirements on growing businesses and supporting expanded growth in our local economies around the nation. The bipartisan Encouraging Public Offerings Act will help give the public more investment opportunities so they can buy into entrepreneurial businesses and better save for their family’s future. I appreciated working with my friend Senator Budd on this vital issue and look forward to getting it signed into law,” said Representative Wagner.

Background on the Encouraging Public Offerings Act:

The increased regulatory burden on companies looking to IPO has caused a severe decline in the U.S. IPO market since the early 2000s. Despite this downward trend, the public policy upsides of companies selling shares to the public are significant: the investing public gains access to savings and a wealth-creation opportunity, and the company gains access to capital to continue growing.

The Encouraging Public Offerings Act codifies the SEC administrative changes around confidential registrations into law. It further allows all issuers to “test the waters” prior to an IPO. “Testing the waters” refers to communications between a would-be issuer, accredited institutional buyers, and investors prior to an IPO to gauge interest in a potential security offering.


What $70B Could Do for the American People Instead of More Money for ICE and CBP

As Washington Republicans push a $70 billion funding package for ICE and CBP through Congress, Senator Reverend Warnock is unveiling a new suite of ideas showing how $70 billion could be spent to lower costs and improve lives for Americans

In July 2025, Washington Republicans delivered ICE and CBP $75 billion; nearly $20 billion more than the entire budget for the U.S. Marine Corps

The $145 billion total for ICE and CBP is more money than most countries spend on their entire governments in a single year

Senator Reverend Warnock: “The $70 billion that Senate Republicans will force through this week could fund universal pre-K for all 3-and 4-year-olds in this country for two years. Our government doesn’t suffer from a lack of resources. We suffer from a lack of imagination”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released a suite of new ideas highlighting the different ways $70 billion could be spent to lower costs and improve lives for ordinary Americans. Senator Warnock has been adamantly opposed to any funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under this administration due to President Trump’s use of ICE and CBP as paramilitary forces. In January, ICE agents shot and killed Alex Pretti and Renee Good during the surge of ICE officers in Minneapolis.

“The $70 billion that Senate Republicans will force through this week could fund universal pre-K for all 3-and 4-year-olds in this country for two years,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “It represents the annual cost of groceries for nearly 11 million American households. Our government doesn’t suffer from a lack of resources. We suffer from a lack of imagination.”

Below is a “By The Numbers” breakdown of what $70 billion could fund to improve the lives of everyday Americans:

Childcare and Education:

Instead of giving ICE and CBP another $70 billion dollars, Washington Republicans could use that money to:

Fund universal pre-K for all 3-and 4-year-olds in the U.S. for two years.

Provide free childcare for 1.3 million children through September 2028.

Cover two years of community college tuition for 2.2 million students through September 2029.

Double the Pell Grant for undergraduate students entering college.

Food:

Cover the annual cost of groceries for approximately 10.7 million American households.

Provide free school lunch to 22.7 million more children under the National School Lunch Program through Fiscal Year 2029.

Provide one year of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to 31 million Americans.

Provide over two years’ worth of direct payments to U.S. farm producers.

Health Care

Cover 2.2 million more Americans under Medicaid through September 2029.

Expand the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for at least one year.

Cover all U.S. annual expenditures on insulin three times over.

Cover approximately 31.5% of Americans’ medical debt.

Housing

Cover 4.25 million Americans’ rent for a year.

Provide $40,000 in downpayment assistance for every first-time homebuyer this year.

House 2.4 million more Americans under Section 8 through September 2029.

End homelessness for nearly 8 years.


After Foreign Governments Dump Billions into Paramount-Warner Bros. Bid, Warren, Blumenthal, Schiff, Liccardo Seek CFIUS Review of National Security Threats

Foreign-backed deal could give Gulf sovereign wealth funds significant influence over one of America’s largest media and entertainment conglomerates

Deal could provide foreign entities with access to the sensitive personal data of millions of Americans; influence over key programming and editorial decisions

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, led Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Representative Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) in pressing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in his role as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), to conduct a full review of any national security risks posed by foreign ownership of Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

The lawmakers sounded the alarm over national security concerns stemming from the deal’s $24 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar sovereign wealth funds, which would result in foreign investors holding between 49.5 to 100 percent of Paramount’s equity interests.

“If this deal goes through, this funding structure could provide foreign entities with access to the sensitive personal data of millions of Americans and significant influence over what would be one of the nation’s largest media and entertainment conglomerates,” wrote the lawmakers.

Recent reports reveal what appear to be attempts by Paramount to evade CFIUS review; executives claimed they eliminated potential CFIUS jurisdiction over the deal because the sovereign wealth funds have agreed to forgo governance rights.

“The recently released details of this deal — and [Paramount’s attempts to evade review] — instead reveal its urgency,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers argue that Paramount’s assertion that the sovereign wealth funds are merely passive investors does not exempt the transaction from review. Under the 2018 Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA), Congress has an obligation to scrutinize certain non-controlling foreign investments involving companies that maintain sensitive personal data on Americans. The lawmakers also note that federal law explicitly covers transactions designed to evade or circumvent review.

“This entire series of events raises questions about bribery and inappropriate political influence over merger review processes — making it all the more important that CFIUS conducts a thorough, non-political, fact-based national security review,” the lawmakers concluded.

Last month, Trump administration FCC Chair Brendan Carr acknowledged that there “is a role for CFIUS” in the Paramount merger review process, stating it will “ultimately make an up-or-down decision on that foreign investment.”

Senator Warren first led colleagues in calling for a CFIUS review of the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal in December 2025, after news reports indicated foreign entities would fund the deal. In March, Senator Warren released the Treasury Department’s response, in which it dodged its responsibility to conduct a serious national security review.

Senator Warren has led Congressional efforts to closely scrutinize Paramount’s mergers and beat back against corporate media consolidation:

In May 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined colleagues in pressing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to rigorously review Paramount’s request to allow the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar ownership of Paramount’s equity to finance the $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.

In April 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, in introducing legislation to restore integrity and independence to federal antitrust enforcement.

In April 2026, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led her colleagues in requesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Inspector General (IG) William M. Blier open a new, independent investigation into potential corruption involving the DOJ's antitrust-related activity.

In March 2026, in response to pressure from the Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, the Treasury Department dodged its responsibility to conduct a serious national security review of Paramount’s winning bid for Warner Bros.

In March 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on their role in Netflix abandoning its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (Warner Bros.) and whether political influence with the Trump administration helped Paramount Skydance (Paramount) win instead.

In December 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, pressed Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary and Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), following reports that, if Warner Bros. were sold to Paramount-Skydance, the deal could be funded by foreign government investors, raising potential national security risks.

In December 2025, Senator Warren pushed FCC, DOJ to closely scrutinize Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna and to block this deal if they determine that it violates federal telecommunications or antitrust laws.

In December 2025, Senator Warren responded to news of Paramount-Skydance’s hostile bid for Warner Bros., calling it a “five-alarm antitrust fire.”

In December 2025, Senator Warren responded to news of Netflix’s winning bid for Warner Bros., calling it an “anti-monopoly nightmare.”

In November 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in writing to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater, warning that a potential Warner Bros. deal could be tainted by political favoritism and corruption. Warner Bros., in an upcoming formal auction process, is expected to receive bids from major media companies potentially including Paramount Skydance, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, and Comcast, raising the specter of a new, massive media giant that drives up costs and reduces choices for American families.

In October 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) questioned Skydance’s refusal to address President Donald Trump’s reported secret side deal.

In August 2025, Senator Warren released a statement in response to Paramount’s and Skydance’s responses to her letters to each of the companies, describing the responses as “dodgy” and calling for “a full, independent investigation” into whether the companies or their executives engaged in any criminal behavior connected to the approval of the companies’ multi-billion-dollar merger.

In July 2025, Senator Warren responded to the Trump administration’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance megamerger, saying “bribery is illegal no matter who is president.”

In July 2025, Senator Warren published an op-ed in Variety: “Elizabeth Warren on Colbert 'Late Show' Cancellation: Is the Paramount Trump Payoff a Bribe?”

In July 2025, Senators Warren, Sanders (I-Vt.), and Wyden (D-Ore.) pressed David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, about reports of a secret deal between Skydance and President Trump—and how it may be related to Paramount’s recent multi-million-dollar settlement agreement with Trump.

In July 2025, Senators Warren and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and lawmakers in Congress, unveiled the Presidential Library Anti-Corruption Act to close loopholes that allow presidential libraries to be used as tools for corruption and bribery.

In July 2025, Senator Warren released a new report exposing how companies, special interests, and foreign governments may be pledging donations to President Trump’s future Presidential Library as a corrupt tool to secure favorable outcomes from his administration.

In July 2025, Senator Warren called for an investigation into Paramount’s settlement with Trump.

In May 2025, Senators Warren, Sanders, and Wyden wrote to Shari Redstone, Chair of Paramount, with concerns regarding whether Paramount may be engaging in potentially illegal conduct involving the Trump Administration in exchange for approval of its megamerger with Skydance.

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Ranking Member Welch Condemns Republicans Support of Trump's Mass Deportation, Anti-Immigrant Agenda

Welch: “This is all part of a radical crusade against immigration.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, emphasized how the Trump Administration’s efforts to alter the rights of naturalized citizens is part of a broader anti-immigrant agenda that has violently clamped down on Americans exercising their constitutional rights. Ranking Member Welch also highlighted how the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda is causing fear and harm in communities across the country.

“The administration has—it is absolutely clear—a very radical goal, and that is mass deportation of immigrants from our country. This includes Dreamers, DACA recipients, folks here legally. And I oppose that. It’s doing real damage to our country. And as part of that effort, we’ve seen the abusive lengths that this administration is willing to go: the violence in Minnesota—that’s receded. But the cruelty of these policies to create fear and anxiety include targeting of legal immigrants,” said Senator Welch. “The Trump Administration has violently clamped down on Americans exercising their constitutional rights. In Minnesota, of course, we saw the killing of two people: a 37-year-old nurse; 37-year-old mother. Immigration agents have detained U.S. citizens, including a Vermonter—a respected principal, Wilmer Chavarria—a school superintendent who was pulled out of a Houston airport and told: ‘You have no rights here.’”

Senator Welch continued: “The White House has turned to pulling every bureaucratic lever that the White House has, within its considerable power—cutting off immigrants from jobs, financial services, medical care, tax credits, and daycare. There was a woman, an immigrant from El Salvador, legally in this country, providing janitorial services at the Boston airport—a job she revered. It gave her life dignity and she did it well. Last year the administration had her fired, declaring that because of her legal immigration status, she could not carry out the work she had done for almost three decades.

“This is all part of a radical crusade against immigration. It’s not about securing the border—we’re for that. It’s not about deporting criminals—we’re for that. It’s about going after people, including folks here legally, and I absolutely oppose that.”

Read Senator Welch’s opening statement here and watch his full remarks below:

Read a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks:

“This is all part of a radical crusade against immigration. It’s not about securing the border—we’re for that. It’s not about deporting criminals—we’re for that. It’s about going after people, including folks here legally, and I absolutely oppose that,” said Senator Welch. “We should be tough on fraud. But expanding denaturalization is not in furtherance of that goal in this administration. It’s intended to create fear in our communities, to prevent people who are legally here from showing up to school, working, or seeing doctors.”

Senator Welch continued: “In April, I attended a naturalization ceremony back in Vermont. And I think a lot of my colleagues have done that in their states. It’s one of the most ennobling and inspiring experiences that we can have: to see a person who, by choice, has undertaken the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. They see it as a responsibility, and they put in years of hard work in order to achieve that status. So yes, where there’s fraud, where there’s lying, and that is the basis upon which a person received a citizenship certificate, take it away. But [do] not use this process to add to the attack on people, so many of whom are here legally.”

Peter Spiro, Professor of Law at Temple University Beasley School of Law, testified on behalf of the Democratic minority. Witnesses for the Republican majority included Kenneth Cuccinelli II, Senior Fellow for Immigration and Homeland Security at the Center for Renewing America, and George Fishman, Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies.

Read and watch an excerpt from Ranking Member Welch’s exchange with Professor Spiro:

Sen. Welch: The number of cases that have been prosecuted for denaturalization historically, under Republican and Democratic administrations, has been really quite small, correct?

Professor Spiro: Exceedingly small.

Sen. Welch: Alright. That’s my concern, Mr. Chairman, because I do think there’s a lot of other activities that are going on in this whole immigration debate that we’ve had in this country where we need more attention…But where I have this confidence, and under existing law, a person who commits fraud—and that includes by omission, not affirmatively acknowledging their terrorist sympathies—they can be denaturalized. And then, once that person becomes a citizen, they’re subject to the full force of the law, and that includes going to jail forever. Is that right?

Professor Spiro: Yes, Senator.

•••

In April, Senator Welch celebrated with new United States citizens, their families and loved ones, and Vermont leaders at a Naturalization Ceremony held in Barre.

Senator Welch has been at the forefront of efforts pushing back on the Trump Administration’s mass deportation campaign and anti-immigrant agenda. The Senator has pushed back on the false narrative that “sanctuary city” policies impede on local law enforcement and jeopardize public safety, and refuted the president’s executive order aiming to terminate birthright citizenship, a constitutional right granted under the Fourteenth Amendment. Senator Welch has also condemned the escalating chaos and violence from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers under President Trump.

Additionally, Senator Welch is a cosponsor of the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments, and the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, legislation to ensure DHS allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. Senator Welch has also repeatedly called on President Trump to halt its continued targeting of lawful permanent residents and citizens who express views opposing the administration, including Vermonters Mahmoud Khalil and Steven Tendo.

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Whitehouse Blasts Trump’s Nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump nominated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve as Attorney General:

“Todd Blanche was behind the Epstein Files cover-up, the rotten cop-beaters slush fund, and a sleazy tax fraud amnesty for the Trump family and businesses; all while causing an unprecedented ‘fraud on the court’ investigation of the Department, pursuing illegal U.S. Attorney appointments, having courts regularly throw out indictments and grand juries return ‘no bills,’ and costing the Department its customary ‘presumption of regularity.’ He is a walking disgrace.


Whitehouse Cheers Landmark Pancreatic Cancer Drug

Whitehouse’s Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act supported foundational research behind the breakthrough

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) cheered the results of Revolution Medicines’ clinical trial for its new pancreatic cancer drug daraxonrasib – the first of its kind to substantially extend the lives of patients with the cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and remains the only common cancer with a five-year survival rate below 20 percent. Whitehouse’s Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act laid the scientific groundwork for discoveries like daraxonrasib.

“On behalf of every Rhode Island family touched by pancreatic cancer, I am thrilled by Revolution Medicines’ breakthrough,” said Whitehouse. “My Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act years ago laid a foundation for this breakthrough. As a result, patients today have new hope.”

In 2012, Whitehouse led passage of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, which mandated that the National Cancer Institute develop a scientific framework and national research priorities for deadly cancers like pancreatic cancer. As part of that process, the National Cancer Institute the following year created the RAS Initiative, which granted awards to scientists in pursuit of better understanding the RAS gene that, along with its mutations, is found in over 90 percent of pancreatic cancers. Daraxonrasib targets RAS mutations, which were previously thought of as undruggable.

“The promising results from the daraxonrasib study are a powerful example of why cancer research matters,” said Dr. Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer, Association for Clinical Oncology. “This clinical trial represents a watershed moment for patients with pancreatic cancer, as well as other patients with cancers being driven by the RAS gene. When the National Cancer Institute launched the RAS Initiative in 2013, some scientists believed these mutations were ‘undruggable.’ Now, researchers have found a way to target cancers, as first demonstrated in pancreatic cancer, driven by the activity of this gene and its protein. Progress against cancer does not happen overnight. It takes years of discovery, sustained investment, and a strong bipartisan commitment from Congress to help turn promising science into real hope for patients.”

“Sunday was a historic moment for pancreatic cancer. For a disease that has long been marked by limited treatment options and often devastating outcomes, seeing a therapy double overall survival in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer is both extraordinary and encouraging,” said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of PanCAN. “These advances are the result of decades of scientific research made possible by sustained bi-partisan federal investment. We are very grateful to Senator Whitehouse who has been a steadfast partner to PanCAN as he continues to honor his mother. We are entering a new era of treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients, but still more work to be done to improve outcomes, and it will take continued federal funding to make survival the expectation and not the exception.”

Whitehouse has led the fight in Congress to end pancreatic cancer. Whitehouse spearheaded the creation of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) at the Department of Defense in 2020. Congress most recently appropriated $20 million to the program in 2025, and the program has already produced promising research.


Wyden, Merkley Laud Stewardship Agreement for Malheur National Forest

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

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

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


Wyden: The Only Reason to Nominate Todd Blanche for Attorney General is to Abuse the Law, Illegally Protect Trump And Persecute Trump’s Critics

Without Reforms, FISA Section 702 Warrantless Spy Powers Will Be Abused By Pulte and Blanche to Target, Blackmail and Smear Trump’s Enemies

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s announcement that he will nominate Todd Blanche as Attorney General of the United States.

Blanche served as Trump’s personal attorney before joining the Department of Justice, ordered investigations of Trump’s perceived enemies, greenlit the $1.8 billion slush fund for Trump’s allies, handed Trump and his family immunity from future investigations for tax crimes, and played a key role in DOJ’s ongoing violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

“The only reason Trump nominated Todd Blanche for Attorney General is to install another corrupt flunky who is willing to abuse federal law enforcement and intelligence powers for Trump’s benefit,” Wyden said. “Bill Pulte and Todd Blanche will have nearly unchecked power to spy on political opponents without a warrant under FISA Section 702, and use what they find for blackmail, political smears or trumped-up prosecutions. These abuses are not abstract or hypothetical: In Minneapolis and in communities across the country, this administration's lawlessness has turned into real harm that ruins Americans' lives. Any senator who doesn't insist on real surveillance reform now is rolling out the red carpet for unprecedented abuses.”

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Rep. Young Kim Chairs Subcommittee Hearing on Beijing’s Hand in Fentanyl Crisis, Reauthorizing Fentanyl Sanctions

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) chaired a subcommittee hearing titled “Beijing’s Poison Pipeline: The CCP’s Role in the Fentanyl Crisis.”

As Chair of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, she highlighted China’s role as the primary supplier of precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl and other deadly synthetic opioids driving America’s fentanyl crisis. She also elevated the urgent need to reauthorize fentanyl sanctions, which are set to expire this year.

Read opening remarks below and watch full hearing HERE.

Good afternoon and welcome to the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee’s hearing titled “Beijing’s Poison Pipeline: The CCP’s Role in the Fentanyl Crisis.”

Today, we mark the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, when the Chinese Communist Party brutally murdered thousands of innocent civilians who dared to demand freedom. Few events more clearly expose the CCP’s ruthless disregard for human life when it stands in the way of the Party’s interests.

Today’s hearing will examine how that same regime has shown a similar indifference to American lives. The People’s Republic of China is the primary enabler of the fentanyl epidemic that kills tens of thousands of Americans each year. While Mexican cartels manufacture and traffic the final product, the deadly supply chain starts, and is engineered, in China.

Chinese companies produce the precursors that are required to make fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Those chemicals are then shipped to Mexico, where cartels turn them into deadly narcotics and flood American streets with poison, leaving devastation, addiction, and death in their wake.

This is not happening without Beijing’s knowledge. The Chinese government subsidizes the export of at least 17 deadly chemicals that have no legal use. Shanghai provided export credits to one opioid producer, and at least two fentanyl producers are owned by the PRC government.

Chinese criminals have become the de-facto bankers and money launderers of choice for Mexican cartels, to which Beijing has turned a blind eye. And despite U.S. indictments [IN-DITE-MENTS] of six fentanyl traffickers in March, the PRC authorities have not arrested those involved.

Whenever Beijing announces restrictions on one precursor chemical, manufacturers simply pivot to another. This is not a shadowy operation hidden in underground laboratories. In China, much of this activity is carried out by legitimate companies in broad daylight.

Why does Beijing allow these factories of death to remain open? Because the Chinese Communist Party sees strategic value in America’s suffering. It has repeatedly chosen geopolitical leverage over human life.

I applaud President Trump and his Administration for forcing Beijing to the table and refusing to accept empty promises while Americans continue to die. The President has demonstrated a willingness to impose real consequences when the CCP refuses to negotiate in good faith, and Congress must ensure he continues to have the tools necessary to confront this crisis.

That is why I’m leading an effort to reauthorize fentanyl sanctions, which are set to expire this year. If we let these sanctions expire, China would have no reason to negotiate with the United States over this critical issue. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to end this state-sponsored trafficking network and ensure Beijing can never profit from the loss of American lives again. Under President Trump, I am confident we can cut off this poison pipeline.


Rep. Kim Secures House Passage of BARK Act to Feed Shelter Animals, Reduce Waste

WASHINGTON D.C.—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act, legislation introduced by Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), as part of the FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations Act.

The BARK Act aims to end food shortages facing animal shelters and reduce the millions of pounds of wasted pet food and supplies sitting in landfills by providing donor liability protections to businesses that provide charitable donations of food and pet supplies to shelters.

“Many animal shelters face food and supply shortages while over a million pounds of useable pet supplies are wasted each year. The BARK Act will help reduce this waste, supply shelters in need, and feed animals,” said Rep. Kim. “I am happy to see this commonsense legislation pass the House of Representatives.”

The Pet Food Institute, representing U.S. pet food manufacturers, expressed strong support for the measure.

Organizations supporting the BARK Act include: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Humane World Action Fund, Humane World for Animals, Human Society, Inc., Best Friends Animal Society

Inspired by a constituent’s concern over waste in local pet stores, the bill could help redirect millions of pounds of usable pet food to nonprofit shelters and rescue organizations.


Rep. Austin Scott on HASC Passage of FY27 NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of committee last night by a vote of 44-12. The NDAA sets Department of Defense (DoD) policies and authorizes funding levels for defense programs.

"The National Defense Authorization Act is the most bi-partisan legislation passed on an annual basis by Congress. It strengthens our commitment to ensuring that the United States maintains the most capable and advanced military in the world. My package of amendments strengthens U.S. military readiness, preserves critical combat capabilities, modernizes key munitions and logistics systems, enhances combat casualty care, incorporates lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, and expands cooperation with allies and partners. I am pleased with the work that has gone into crafting this legislation and I thank Chairman Rogers for his leadership," said Rep. Scott.

"Congressman Austin Scott continues to be a champion for the people of Georgia's Eighth District. Because of his hard work, I am pleased to report that 50 of his amendments were adopted today during the House Armed Services Committee's markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA. His leadership and commitment to our nation’s defense were evident in every provision he advanced," said Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03)

In addition to the 50 amendments adopted at the HASC markup of the FY27 NDAA, Rep. Scott had another 15 provisions that were included last month in the base text of the bill and accompanying report. Some of the amendments adopted at markup include:

MQ-9 Reaper Retirement Prohibition

Prohibits the retirement, divestment, transfer, storage, or preparation for retirement of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft.

F-22 Raptor Retirement Prohibition Extension

Extends the prohibition on retirement of F-22 aircraft through September 30, 2032.

Fighter Force Structure Preservation

Extends minimum fighter aircraft inventory requirements through October 1, 2035, and authorizes the Air Force to purchase F-15EX aircraft beyond the current program of record.

EA-18G Growler Preservation

Extends statutory protections against retirement, divestment, or sustainment reductions for EA-18G aircraft through September 30, 2032.

C-17 Production Restart Assessment

Directs the United States Air Force to assess the feasibility, cost, schedule, and alternatives associated with restarting C-17 production.

Joint Trauma System Codification

Permanently codifies the Joint Trauma System and requires Combatant Commands to maintain Combatant Command Trauma Systems.

National Intelligence College

Adds the National Intelligence College to the statutory list of institutions comprising the National Defense University.

Career Intermission Program Expansion

Allows servicemembers with existing service obligations to participate in the Career Intermission Program and reduces the minimum participation period to one month.

Aviation Retention Authorities

Encourages maximum aviation incentive pay after eight years of service and expands retention authorities through shorter commitments, higher bonuses, and greater assignment flexibility.

National Guard Counterdrug Equipment Threshold

Raises the procurement threshold for National Guard counterdrug equipment purchases from $15,000 to $25,000.

Advanced Military Prosthetics Industrial Base Strategy

Requires the development of a strategy to strengthen domestic production of advanced military prosthetic technologies critical to wounded servicemember recovery.

Therapeutic Nutrition and Humanitarian Logistics

Requires an assessment of how existing military humanitarian logistics authorities can support delivery of therapeutic nutrition commodities, food assistance, and medical supplies during humanitarian crises.

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Unfunded Priorities

Authorizes the Director of DPAA to submit an annual unfunded priorities list to Congress.

Fort Shughart-Gordon

Designates Fort Gordon, in Georgia, to Fort Shughart-Gordon to honor Medal of Honor recipients Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart.

Military Working Dog Recognition Program

Establishes a Department of Defense recognition program for military working dogs demonstrating exceptional service.


Bacon, Valadao, Bonamici, Lead Effort to Provide Greater Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services

WASHINGTON – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) joined Reps. David Valadao (CA-22), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to reintroduce the Connections to Health Infrastructure and Emergency Recovery Services (CHIERS) Act. This bipartisan bill would create a grant program to provide transportation for people in need of overdose prevention services, substance use disorder treatment, detoxification, and other related supportive services.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” said Rep. Bacon. “The CHIERS Act will improve access to developing services that provide individuals with transportation to and from substance use disorder treatments or support services. This program will help thousands of citizens get the help they need, and I’m grateful to work with Rep. Bonamici on this important effort.”

“In the Central Valley, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic,” said Rep. Valadao. “Too often, people seeking treatment in our communities face long travel times, high transportation costs, and difficulty receiving timely care. We should be doing everything we can to make it easier for people suffering from substance use disorder to get the help they need and break the cycle of addiction. I’m proud to help introduce the bipartisan CHIERS Act to remove barriers to treatment and expand access to timely, life-saving care.”

“People shouldn’t be held back from getting the care they need because they do not have a way to get there,” said Rep. Bonamici. “For years people in Portland benefitted from the CHIERS van, which helped transport people in need to sobering centers. I’m working with my bipartisan colleagues to expand on this model and make rides to treatment available to more people across the country who are intoxicated or at risk.”

The CHIERS Act would:

Create a grant program with funding that could be used to train staff, purchase vehicles, and contract with ridesharing services to cover transportation.

Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to eligible entities, including community health centers; Continuum of Care Program participants; opioid recovery centers; state, Tribal, and local governments; and nonprofit organizations.

Background:

Individuals seeking Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) often must travel long distances to reach care, relying on friends or family members for transportation or forgoing treatment altogether due to cost and accessibility challenges. With only eight substance treatment centers serving the three-county region, many residents struggle to receive timely, life-saving services. Expanding grant support for affordable transportation options can help connect residents to critical treatment services—reducing barriers to recovery and improving public health outcomes.

Read the full bill here.

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Barr Applauds Trump’s Investment in Kentucky Coal to Create Jobs, Lower Costs

U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) joins President Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday, June 4, for the coal investment announcement by the White House.

Lexington, KY— This week, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) attended President Trump’s Oval Office event announcing a historic investment in Clean, Beautiful Coal. President Trump infused nearly $1 billion in federal funds into coal projects across the nation, including $124 million right here in Kentucky.

The two recipients in Kentucky are Eastern Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) and Duke Energy Kentucky. These funds will go to upgrade and modernize coal-fired power plants in Boone, Lawrence, and Pulaski Counties. These plants have kept the lights on in hundreds of thousands of Kentucky homes for years, and this funding will help ensure they can continue doing so for many years to come. The announcement delivers on the commitment President Trump and Congressman Barr have made to restore American energy dominance, defend Kentucky coal jobs, and keep reliable coal-fired power powering homes across the Commonwealth.

“Coal is not just part of Kentucky’s past, it is a key to our future,” said Congressman Barr. “Clean, beautiful, Kentucky coal can be a centerpiece of America’s energy dominance, create good paying jobs, and help us win the race for AI against China. President Trump understands all of this, and I commend him for taking another step to end the Obama-Biden war on coal.”

“President Trump is a champion for coal and that is a huge win for Kentucky’s coal country,” said Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY-05). “Coal keeps the lights on, keeps food on the table and will drive down our energy rates. This investment in EKPC and the Cooper Station in Pulaski County, is a game changer, and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership.”

“EKPC wants to thank President Trump and his Administration for this investment. This will support creation of good-paying jobs while maintaining reliable, low-cost electric service here in Kentucky. We also want to thank Congressman Andy Barr for his support of Kentucky’s coal industry and EKPC’s mission,” said EKPC President and CEO, Don Mosier.

“President Trump’s announcement today highlights the critical role coal continues to play in strengthening America’s energy security, supporting high-paying domestic jobs, and maintaining grid reliability,” said The Kentucky Coal Association. “We appreciate the continued advocacy of Congressman Barr and many of Kentucky’s other federal delegation members on these important issues and their support for policies that help ensure a dependable and affordable energy future.”

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Buchanan Initiative to Strengthen Enforcement of Animal Welfare Laws Passes House

Amendment Provides $2 Million to Investigate and Enforce Animal Welfare Statutes

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, released the following statement after his initiative with Congressman Troy Carter (D-La.) providing $2 million to enforce animal welfare statutes passed the House as an amendment to the annual agriculture appropriations bill, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8646):

“Animal fighting is a brutal and inhumane practice that has no place in America. These illegal operations subject animals to horrific abuse and are frequently linked to other serious criminal activity, including illegal gambling, drug trafficking and organized crime. That is why I am proud to work with Congressman Troy Carter on this bipartisan amendment to strengthen enforcement of animal welfare laws to protect animals from cruelty.”

Buchanan’s amendment provides an additional $2 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) to strengthen enforcement of federal animal welfare laws. The funding will support investigations and enforcement actions under key statutes including the Animal Welfare Act, the Animal Fighting Venture Prohibition Act, the Horse Protection Act, the Twenty-Eight Hour Law and the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. USDA OIG works closely with the Department of Justice and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat animal cruelty, dismantle illegal animal fighting operations and hold offenders accountable.

USDA OIG investigations have demonstrated that organized animal fighting operations are frequently linked to other serious criminal activity, including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, firearms offenses and child endangerment. From 2015 through 2023, USDA OIG and its law enforcement partners helped rescue more than 2,400 dogs from suspected dogfighting operations nationwide.

“Congressmen Buchanan and Troy Carter have teamed up to step up enforcement of anti-cruelty laws to stop the scourges of dogfighting and cockfighting in our nation. Animal fighting is not just a crime of violence against animals, but it’s bound up with illegal gambling, narcotics trafficking, disease spread, and other activities that degrade the well-being of our society. I’m immensely grateful for their leadership,” said Wayne Pacelle, President, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy.

Buchanan, who co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus in Congress, is a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty. He has been a leading supporter of legislation to combat animal fighting, including serving as an original cosponsor of the FIGHT Act (H.R. 3946), and recently helped introduce the Animal Violence Exposes Real Threat of (AVERT) Future Violence Act (H.R. 8911) to examine the connection between animal cruelty and violence against people.

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Budzinski, LaHood Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Battling Parkinson’s

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act to expand access to evidence-based boxing programs for veterans and individuals living with Parkinson’s. Specifically, the bill will reduce financial barriers and ensure greater access to these programs for our nation’s veterans living with Parkinson’s and movement disorders.

“Our veterans sacrificed so much for our country and we owe it to them to make sure they get the care and support they need following their service,” said Rep. Budzinski. “For some with Parkinson’s and movement disorders that looks like access to boxing-based exercise classes that can be critical for improving mobility, as well as supporting mental health. I’m proud to help lead this bill with Congressman LaHood that will help more veterans access these services freely without having to worry about the financial burden.”

“I was fortunate to recently visit a Rock Steady Boxing class at K-Fit Minooka to listen to members’ personal stories and see firsthand how this program helps individuals manage Parkinson’s symptoms,” said Rep. LaHood. “Boxing therapy significantly improves mobility and helps those with Parkinson’s remain more independent in their daily lives. I am grateful to Congresswoman Budzinski for joining me to introduce the Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act to ensure that all veterans have access to this therapy to slow the progress of Parkinson’s and reclaim their lives from this disease. We owe veterans that and much more.”

“Access to an innovative wellness program like Rock Steady Boxing improves mobility, mental health, and overall quality of life for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or similar movement disorders. Reimbursing veterans for participation in this program would remove financial barriers to a proven, community-based program that complements traditional medical care and supports long-term wellness. Supporting this legislation demonstrates a commitment to providing veterans with effective resources that promote mobility, independence, and connection.” said Senior Services Plus CEO, Theresa Collins.

“The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) stands behind veterans living with Parkinson’s disease in its support for expanding access to exercise and movement-based programs, like boxing,” said Leslie A. Chambers, President & CEO, APDA. “Exercise is a critical component of Parkinson’s care and evidence shows it can help people maintain mobility, balance, strength, function, and quality of life. For the more than 110,000 veterans living with Parkinson’s disease, The Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act is an important step toward increasing access and choice for veterans seeking programs that support function, independence, and overall well-being.”

“Research consistently links exercise to reduced Parkinson’s risk and slower disease progression,” said Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “That’s why the Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act will be an important step to ensure that military veterans living with Parkinson’s have access to the exercise they need to live well. We’re grateful to Representatives LaHood and Budzinski for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to supporting more than 110,000 veterans living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States.”

“The Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act is an important step in expanding access to exercise programs for veterans living with Parkinson’s disease. Boxing classes and other exercise opportunities are a vital part of Parkinson’s disease management, helping maintain mobility, coordination, and overall quality of life. Research from the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Outcomes Project shows that consistent exercise can slow symptom progression and improve physical and emotional wellbeing,” said Andi Fristedt, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Policy Officer for the Parkinson’s Foundation.

“Rock Steady Boxing for me has not only been important for my physical strength, it is just as important for my mental health. The staff and participants have one goal in mind, to make life a little easier with Parkinsons. As a veteran I can appreciate the comradery formed with people who understand what I’m going through,” said Tom Zielinski, USMC Veteran and member of Rock Steady Boxing Minooka, IL.

Non-contact boxing fitness programs, like Rock Steady Boxing, have been shown to improve balance, coordination, mobility, and overall quality of life by helping patients manage symptoms and maintain independence.


Carbajal Launches Oversight into Foreign Vessel Operators that Benefited from Jones Act Waiver

As we observe the Jones Act’s 106th anniversary, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Top Democrat on the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, sent letters to vessel owners and operators that benefited from the Trump administration’s Jones Act waiver, seeking information about their use of the waiver, compliance with U.S. law, and the impacts on American maritime jobs and domestic shipping capacity. The letters are part of Carbajal’s ongoing oversight of the Administration’s April 23 extension of the waiver.

Since the waiver was issued, Maritime Administration (MARAD) records show that several foreign operators provided either vague justifications for the waiver or, in some cases, identified the national security rationale as 'not applicable.' In his letters, Carbajal outlines how this is not how Congress intended the waiver to be used.

“While this Administration may play fast and loose with the law, your requirements under the law are clear. Even when operating under a Jones Act waiver, every vessel that operates in the domestic trades must comply with all other federal and state statutes,” wrote Rep. Carbajal. “As Ranking Member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee, I have always been an outspoken supporter of the Jones Act, and this waiver has shown that now is the time to engage in rigorous oversight to protect the American maritime industry.”

In addition, Carbajal requests detailed information from each company to ensure the organizations are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

“I intend to work with relevant federal and state agencies to ensure that all operators utilizing the waiver have complied with applicable U.S. laws and regulations,” concluded Rep. Carbajal. “Accordingly, I request that you provide detailed information regarding your compliance with all applicable federal and state laws for any vessel that has operated, is operating, or intends to operate in domestic commerce pursuant to the current Jones Act waiver. This information will assist Congress in evaluating both compliance with existing law and the broader impacts of the waiver on U.S. maritime interests.”

For illustrative purposes, a sample letter is provided here.

Carbajal serves as Ranking Member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.

Last month, Carbajal was recognized by the International Propeller Club and received the Frank Courtenay “Salute to Congress” Award for championing legislation to support the American maritime industry.

In addition, as Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Carbajal helped lead congressional efforts to address supply chain disruptions and strengthen oversight of the shipping industry to reduce everyday costs for all Americans. In 2022, Carbajal joined President Joe Biden at the White House for the signing of the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act into law.